Electronic device, and control method of electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic device and a control method of the electronic device. The problem is that an image forming apparatus not corresponding to IPP cannot correspond to IPP. The electronic device can relay information between a terminal apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and has a control section that performs processing of acquiring specification information from the image forming apparatus according to a specification request instruction, in the case where it is determined based on the acquired specification information that the image forming apparatus is not corresponding to a predetermined communication protocol, when predetermined format image data is received from the terminal apparatus together with a print request based on the predetermined communication protocol that is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, converting the image data to be compatible with the instruction system of the image forming apparatus, and transmitting to the image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as shown in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus having a communication unit that communicates using the Internet Protocol (IPP) (Internet Printing Protocol) is known.

[0003] However, in image forming apparatuses that do not correspond to IPP, it is impossible to handle printing and other processes based on IPP.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-34482. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An electronic device is capable of relaying information between a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, and includes a control unit that performs the following processing: obtaining specification information from the image forming apparatus according to a specification request instruction; if, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not compatible with a predetermined communication protocol; and when image data of a predetermined format is received from the terminal device along with a printing request based on the predetermined communication protocol that is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, converting the image data into image data compatible with the instruction set of the image forming apparatus, and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus.

[0006] An electronic device is capable of relaying information between a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, and includes a control unit that performs the following processing: obtaining specification information from the image forming apparatus according to a specification request instruction; if, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not compatible with a predetermined communication protocol; and when receiving an image acquisition request from the terminal device that is based on the predetermined communication protocol and is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, converting it into an image acquisition instruction compatible with the instruction set of the image forming apparatus, and sending it to the image forming apparatus.

[0007] A control method for an electronic device, the electronic device being capable of relaying information between a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, wherein the control method obtains specification information from the image forming apparatus according to a specification request instruction; if, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not compatible with a predetermined communication protocol, when image data of a predetermined format is received from the terminal device along with a printing request based on the predetermined communication protocol that is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, the image data is converted into image data compatible with the instruction set of the image forming apparatus and sent to the image forming apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an image forming system that includes electronic devices.

[0009] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the processing of an electronic device. Detailed Implementation

[0010] 1. Structure of an image forming system like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 1 is configured to include a terminal device 10, an electronic device 20, and an image forming apparatus 30.

[0011] Terminal device 10 and electronic device 20 can communicate with each other, for example, via a WAN (Wide Area Network) 40, which is the Internet. Alternatively, WAN 40 can also be a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0012] Terminal device 10 and electronic device 20 are each assigned a unique IP address (Internet Protocol Address). These devices specify the IP address assigned to the communication destination, thereby enabling them to communicate with the communication destination.

[0013] Electronic devices 20 and image forming apparatus 30, for example, can communicate with each other via USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0014] The electronic device 20 can be configured as a hub device capable of communicating with multiple devices. Alternatively, the hub device can also be simply referred to as a hub. The electronic device 20 can be a device with communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC (personal computer), or other electronic devices. Furthermore, the electronic device 20 is not limited to portable devices and can also be a fixed device. The electronic device 20 is configured to include a second control unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a second storage unit 23.

[0015] The second control unit 21 provides comprehensive control over all components of the electronic device 20. The second control unit 21 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) for input / output management, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as logic circuitry, and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The second control unit 21 is also referred to as a processor. Sometimes, the CPU of the second control unit 21 is specifically referred to as a processor. In the following text, the second control unit 21 will also be simply referred to as the control unit.

[0016] The second storage unit 23 is configured to include memory such as flash memory (Read-Only Memory) as rewritable non-volatile memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and RAM (Random Access Memory) as volatile memory. Alternatively, the non-volatile memory of the second storage unit 23 may also include SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0017] The CPU of the second control unit 21 reads the program stored in the non-volatile memory of the second storage unit 23 and uses the RAM of the second storage unit 23 as the working area to execute it.

[0018] The second communication unit 22 is configured to include circuitry capable of communication via wireless or wired means. Furthermore, the second communication unit 22 has an antenna in the wireless configuration and a connector in the wired configuration. The second communication unit 22 can communicate with the terminal device 10 via the Internet as a first communication method. Additionally, the second communication unit 22 can also communicate with multiple image forming apparatuses 30 via USB as a second communication method.

[0019] Furthermore, although the second communication unit 22 performs the sending and receiving operations with the communication destination in the electronic device 20, the situation where the second communication unit 22 performs the sending and receiving operations will be omitted in the following description for the sake of simplicity. The same applies to the first communication unit 12 of the terminal device 10 and the third communication unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 30, which will be described later.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 30 is configured to include a third control unit 31, a third communication unit 32, and a third storage unit 33. Since these structures of the image forming apparatus 30 are substantially the same as those of the electronic device 20 described above, their description is omitted.

[0021] Furthermore, the third communication unit 32 can communicate with the electronic device 20 via USB. In the image forming system 1, multiple image forming apparatuses 30 can also be connected to the electronic device 20.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 30 includes a printing unit 34. The printing unit 34 is configured to include a printing mechanism such as a head and a transport roller (both not shown). As an example, the medium printed by the printing unit 34 is ordinary paper, synthetic paper, photographic paper, film, etc.

[0023] For example, the print head can be an inkjet type, spraying multiple colors of ink such as CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) for printing. Alternatively, the print head can also be thermal, electrophotographic, or other types.

[0024] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 30 includes an image acquisition unit 35. The image acquisition unit 35 has a scanner (not shown) and is capable of acquiring images of original documents as media.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 30 can perform media processing such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing through the printing unit 34, image acquisition unit 35, etc. Such an image forming apparatus 30 is also called a multifunction printer.

[0026] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a computer. The terminal device 10 is configured to include a first control unit 11, a first communication unit 12, and a first storage unit 13. Since these structures of the terminal device 10 are substantially the same as those of the electronic device 20 described above, further explanation is omitted.

[0027] In addition, the first communication unit 12 can communicate with the electronic device 20 via the WAN40.

[0028] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 includes an input / output unit 14. The input / output unit 14 is a user interface for the user.

[0029] The input / output unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel display. The input / output unit 14 includes a display panel as an output unit for displaying various types of information and a detection panel as an input unit.

[0030] The detection panel is constructed to overlap with the display panel. The detection panel can detect the user's finger movements, etc., using methods such as electrostatic capacitance, resistive film, and optical methods.

[0031] In addition, in the input / output unit 14, the input unit can be a keyboard, mouse, button, etc., and the output unit can be a vertical LCD monitor, etc.

[0032] 2. Regarding IPP For ease of explanation, although... Figure 1 Although different, the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 communicate in a manner corresponding to the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), a predetermined communication protocol, without relying on the electronic device 20. As an example, the processing in the case of both parties sending and receiving image data will be described. The image data is, for example, data composed of predetermined formats such as PWG-Raster, JPEG, and PDF.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following description, the first control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 and the third control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 actually perform their respective processes. For the sake of simplicity, the description of the processes performed by each control unit will be omitted below.

[0034] Before explaining IPP, let's first explain what a vendor driver is. In the following text, vendor drivers will be referred to simply as drivers.

[0035] The manufacturer or distributor of the image forming apparatus 30 prepares a driver for each model of the image forming apparatus 30 and provides it to the user of the image forming apparatus 30. The user can install the driver in the first storage unit 13 of the terminal device 10 and give printing instructions, etc., from the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 30 has a built-in instruction set in the third storage unit 33. The various instructions included in this instruction set are optimized for each model in a way that adapts to the specifications of the printing unit 34, image acquisition unit 35, etc., of the image forming apparatus 30. Therefore, the driver program also differs for each model. Furthermore, the driver program also includes image processing functions such as color conversion and halftone processing for image data acquired from the application program.

[0037] The driver of the terminal device 10 generates and sends instructions adapted to the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30 based on instructions from the application or inputs to the input / output unit 14 implemented by the user.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 30 reads the firmware stored in the third storage unit 33 and controls the printing unit 34, image acquisition unit 35, etc., in accordance with the received instructions, thereby performing printing and image acquisition.

[0039] On the other hand, OS (Operating System) providers sometimes include functions such as printing and image acquisition within the OS. These functions included in the OS are implemented using IPP as a standard common to various image forming apparatuses 30, independent of the specific model of the image forming apparatus 30. The OS is installed in the terminal device 10. The OS of the terminal device 10 can use IPP to send and receive information in a manner common to all models of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0040] IPP is a communication protocol that enables control of the image forming apparatus 30 from the terminal device 10 via the Internet. IPP is a standard that extends HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and also supports access control, authentication, and encryption.

[0041] Alternatively, the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 may be connected via USB, and as described later, correspond to the "IPPoverUSB" standard corresponding to IPP.

[0042] The terminal device 10 operates as a web client making HTTP requests, and the image forming apparatus 30 operates as a web server providing HTTP responses. Both the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 are capable of sending and receiving web data.

[0043] In particular, when both parties correspond to IPP, the terminal device 10 is referred to as the IPP client making the IPP request, and the image forming apparatus 30 is referred to as the IPP server responding to the IPP request. The IPP request is a request based on a predetermined communication protocol, namely IPP, which is independent of the model of the image forming apparatus 30, and the IPP response is a response based on a predetermined communication protocol, namely IPP, which is independent of the model of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0044] When the image forming apparatus 30 corresponds to an IPP (Image Processing Program), a program called an IPP object is stored in the third storage unit 33. The image forming apparatus 30 reads the IPP object from the third storage unit 33 and executes it. In addition, the IPP object also includes image processing functions such as color conversion and halftone processing for image data.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 30 is capable of receiving an IPP request from the terminal device 10, executing the IPP object, and sending the result to the terminal device 10 as an IPP response.

[0046] In this case, the terminal device 10 may not use the various instructions included in the inherent instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30. That is, the terminal device 10 may not use the instructions that are different for each model of the image forming apparatus 30, but only needs to send an IPP request conforming to the IPP standard. Therefore, the terminal device 10 may not need to use a driver.

[0047] However, there are also cases where the image forming apparatus 30 does not store an IPP object and therefore does not correspond to an IPP. In this case, even if an IPP request is made from the terminal device 10, the image forming apparatus 30 cannot perform printing or the like accordingly. Furthermore, sometimes the terminal device 10 wants to use both the image forming apparatus 30 corresponding to the IPP and the image forming apparatus 30 not corresponding to the IPP. Therefore, as described below, the electronic device 20 acts as a relay while simultaneously corresponding to each IPP.

[0048] 3. Regarding relays implemented by electronic devices like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 20 is also a relay device capable of intervening between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 to relay the transmitted and received information. That is, the electronic device 20 transmits information received from the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30. Furthermore, the electronic device 20 transmits information received from the image forming apparatus 30 to the terminal device 10. The electronic device 20 can correspond to either the image forming apparatus 30 that corresponds to or does not correspond to IPP.

[0049] Furthermore, in the following description, the second control unit 21 of the electronic device 20 actually performs its own processing. For the sake of simplicity, the description of the processing performed by the second control unit 21 will be omitted below. The control units of other devices are also configured in the same way.

[0050] 3-1. Case where the image forming apparatus 30 corresponds to IPP First, the case where the image forming apparatus 30 corresponds to IPP as described above will be explained. In this case, the electronic device 20 relays between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 corresponding to IPP in a transparent manner without performing conversion of the transmitted and received information. In the following text, "relay without conversion" and "relay without conversion" will also be referred to as "transparent transmission".

[0051] That is, the electronic device 20 transmits the information received from the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30 without performing any conversion or other operations.

[0052] Furthermore, although in this case the electronic device 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 are connected via USB, it corresponds to a standard called "IPPoverUSB". "IPPoverUSB" is a standard that enables IPP-compliant communication via USB. Communication between the electronic device 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 is possible via USB and through IPP. Additionally, the electronic device 20 may change its communication method to USB for the image forming apparatus 30.

[0053] As an example, the processing of sending and receiving image data in a predetermined format as described above via electronic device 20 will be described below.

[0054] In terminal device 10, the OS obtains image data in a predetermined format as described above from the application. The OS then transmits the image data in the predetermined format, along with an IPP request for printing, to image forming apparatus 30 via electronic device 20. Electronic device 20 does not convert the IPP request, the image data in the predetermined format, etc., but relays them in a transparent manner.

[0055] In this case, the image forming apparatus 30 does not receive instructions that include image data generated by the driver, but instead directly receives image data in a predetermined format along with the IPP request.

[0056] The IPP object has the function of interpreting the received IPP request and converting it into instructions of the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30. This function can be stored in the third storage unit 33 as part of the program constituting the IPP object, and can be read and executed by the image forming apparatus 30.

[0057] The image forming apparatus 30 can correspond to the IPP and internally convert information by having such a conversion function included in the IPP object. Furthermore, the aforementioned image processing function is also included in the IPP object.

[0058] The image forming apparatus 30 executes the IPP object and converts the received IPP request and image data in a predetermined format into printing instructions that are related to printing and contain image data adapted to its own instruction set. Next, the image forming apparatus 30 executes the aforementioned firmware and controls the printing unit 34 in accordance with the converted printing instructions, thereby printing the image data contained in the printing instructions.

[0059] The image forming apparatus 30 transmits the printing result, which is the processing result, as an IPP response to the terminal device 10 via the electronic device 20. The electronic device 20 does not convert the printing result but relays it via transparent transmission. The terminal device 10 is able to receive the printing result as an IPP response. The printing result may be, for example, information indicating whether printing was successful or failed.

[0060] Furthermore, as another example, in the terminal device 10, the OS can send an IPP request for image acquisition to the image forming apparatus 30 via the electronic device 20 based on instructions from the user to scan the input / output unit 14. This IPP request can also specify the format of the image data to be acquired. The electronic device 20 does not convert the IPP request but relays it in a transparent manner.

[0061] The image forming apparatus 30 executes an IPP object based on the received IPP request. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 30 interprets the received IPP request through the IPP object and internally converts it into image acquisition instructions adapted to its own instruction set. The image forming apparatus 30 can control the image acquisition unit 35 in accordance with the converted image acquisition instructions through the aforementioned firmware, thereby acquiring image data.

[0062] Next, the image forming apparatus 30 generates image data in a format compatible with its own instruction set using firmware. The image forming apparatus 30 executes the IPP object and converts the image data generated by the firmware into the format specified in the IPP request as an IPP response. The image forming apparatus 30 transmits this IPP response to the terminal device 10 via the electronic device 20. The electronic device 20 does not convert the IPP response but relays it in a transparent manner. That is, the electronic device 20 transmits the data to the terminal device 10 without performing any conversion of the information received from the image forming apparatus 30. The terminal device 10 can receive the image data in the specified format as an IPP response.

[0063] The image forming apparatus 30 can correspond to the IPP for the terminal device 10 via the electronic device 20 through the IPP object as described above. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 30 can correspond to the IPP related to printing and image acquisition for the terminal device 10 via the electronic device 20 by having a conversion function included in the IPP object.

[0064] 3-2. Case where the image forming apparatus 30 is not corresponding to IPP Next, the case where the image forming apparatus 30 is not IPP-compatible will be explained. In this case, the image forming apparatus 30, even without IPP compatibility, corresponds to its own instruction set via firmware. The electronic device 20 is IPP-compatible and performs information conversion between the terminal device 10 and the IPP-incompatible image forming apparatus 30, as described above for the IPP-compatible image forming apparatus 30.

[0065] Similar to the image forming apparatus 30 corresponding to the IPP described above, the electronic device 20 stores the IPP object in the second storage unit 23 and reads and executes it. In this case, the electronic device 20 operates as the aforementioned IPP server.

[0066] In the following description, the electronic device 20 will be explained with a focus on the differences from the image forming apparatus 30 corresponding to the aforementioned IPP, and some details of the same content will be omitted.

[0067] In terminal device 10, OS sends image data in a predetermined format along with an IPP request for printing to electronic device 20.

[0068] The electronic device 20 executes an IPP object on the received IPP request and image data of a predetermined format. Specifically, the electronic device 20 interprets the received IPP request through the IPP object and converts the image data of the predetermined format into printing instructions that are related to printing and contain image data adapted to the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30. The electronic device 20 sends the converted printing instructions, and the image forming apparatus 30 receives them. Through the aforementioned firmware, the image forming apparatus 30 can control the printing unit 34 in accordance with the printing instructions to execute the printing of image data.

[0069] The electronic device 20 receives the printing result as the processing result from the image forming apparatus 30 through a processing result request instruction that is adapted to the instruction system of the image forming apparatus 30 and requests the processing result, converts it as an IPP response, and sends it to the terminal device 10.

[0070] Additionally, as another example, in terminal device 10, the OS sends an IPP request to electronic device 20 to request image acquisition. The format of the requested image data can also be specified in this IPP request.

[0071] Electronic device 20 executes an IPP object in response to a received IPP request. Specifically, electronic device 20 interprets the received IPP request through the IPP object and converts it into image acquisition instructions related to image acquisition.

[0072] The electronic device 20 sends an image acquisition command after conversion, and the image forming apparatus 30 receives it. The image forming apparatus 30 executes firmware and controls the image acquisition unit 35 in accordance with the image acquisition command to acquire image data. Then, the image forming apparatus 30 generates image data in a format compatible with its own instruction set and sends it to the electronic device 20.

[0073] Electronic device 20 receives image data generated by image forming apparatus 30, converts it into the format specified in the IPP request via an IPP object, and sends it to terminal device 10 as an IPP response. Terminal device 10 is capable of receiving image data in the specified format.

[0074] The electronic device 20 can correspond to the IPP for the terminal device 10 via the IPP object as described above. Specifically, the electronic device 20 can correspond to the IPP related to printing and image acquisition for the terminal device 10 by having a conversion function included in the IPP object. Furthermore, the electronic device 20 can convert the IPP request from the terminal device 10 into instructions adapted to the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30, which is not compatible with the IPP, so as to perform printing and image acquisition.

[0075] 4. Control methods for electronic devices In reference Figure 2 Simultaneously, the control method of the electronic device 20 will be described. The electronic device 20 communicates with the terminal device 10 via IPP. Furthermore, the electronic device 20 transmits and receives information either transparently or in a converted manner, adapted to each of the image forming apparatus 30 corresponding to and not corresponding to the IPP. In the following text, the same content as described above regarding "relay implemented by the electronic device" will be omitted.

[0076] The electronic device 20 begins processing and obtains specification information from the image forming apparatus 30 (S101).

[0077] The image forming apparatus 30 stores specification information related to the image forming apparatus 30 in the third storage unit 33. The specification information includes, for example, the specifications of the printing unit 34 and the image acquisition unit 35, the instruction set they possess, and whether they are IPP compatible or IPP non-compatible.

[0078] Electronic device 20 sends a specification request instruction to image forming apparatus 30, requesting specification information. Image forming apparatus 30 reads specification information from third storage unit 33 in accordance with the specification request instruction and sends it to electronic device 20. Furthermore, the specification request instruction is assumed to be a common instruction across different models of image forming apparatus 30, independent of the instruction set of each model.

[0079] In addition, the electronic device 20 can also send the acquired image forming apparatus 30 specifications as an IPP response to an IPP request from the terminal device 10.

[0080] The electronic device 20 determines whether it is an IPP non-correspondence based on the specification information obtained from the image forming apparatus 30 (S102).

[0081] If the acquired specification information indicates that the IPP is not compatible, the electronic device 20 determines that the image forming apparatus 30 is not compatible with the IPP (S102: Yes). Thereafter, the electronic device 20 executes the IPP object and, instead of the image forming apparatus 30, performs processing corresponding to the IPP related to printing and image acquisition.

[0082] For example, the electronic device 20 receives image data in a predetermined format from the terminal device 10 along with an IPP request for printing (S103). The IPP request for printing is a printing request based on a predetermined communication protocol, i.e., IPP, which is independent of the model of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0083] The electronic device 20 executes the IPP object in response to the received IPP request and image data in a predetermined format, and converts it into printing instructions that are related to printing and contain image data adapted to the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30 (S104).

[0084] The electronic device 20 sends the converted printing instructions to the image forming apparatus 30 (S105). The image forming apparatus 30 can control the printing unit 34 in accordance with the converted printing instructions via firmware, thereby executing the printing of the image data contained in the printing instructions.

[0085] Electronic device 20 can send a processing result request instruction to image forming apparatus 30 that is compatible with the instruction system of image forming apparatus 30 and requests a printing result as a processing result, and receive the printing result from image forming apparatus 30 and send it to terminal device 10 as an IPP response (S106). Electronic device 20 ends processing.

[0086] Thus, even if the image forming apparatus 30 is not IPP-compatible, the electronic device 20 can still be compatible with the terminal device 10 and related IPPs such as printing by executing the IPP object, and the image forming apparatus 30 can be compatible with the IPP-compatible instruction set by using instructions that are compatible with the instruction set.

[0087] In addition, when the electronic device 20 obtains specification information from the image forming apparatus 30, it can obtain it in a manner that also includes paper information such as paper width, blank space, and length, as well as detailed information related to the printing unit 34 and the image acquisition unit 35, such as the resolution of the printing head and the resolution of the scanner.

[0088] The electronic device 20 can more appropriately convert the detailed information contained in the acquired specification information into instructions that are compatible with the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30. For example, the electronic device 20 can convert image data into printing instructions for enlarging, reducing, imposition, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, the electronic device 20 can also respond with detailed information contained in the obtained specification information as an IPP request based on the IPP request related to the specification information from the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 can make detailed IPP requests related to printing and image acquisition based on the detailed information contained in the received specification information.

[0090] On the other hand, if the electronic device 20 determines that the image forming apparatus 30 is not an IPP non-corresponding device (S102: No), it performs transparent transmission of the transmitted and received information (S107). That is, if the electronic device 20 determines that the image forming apparatus 30 is an IPP corresponding device, it does not convert the IPP request, etc., but relays it in a transparent manner. The electronic device 20 does not convert the image data of the predetermined format together with the IPP request for printing.

[0091] In this case, the image forming apparatus 30 can execute an IPP object, thereby being able to respond to an IPP request related to printing and image acquisition received from the terminal device 10 via the electronic device 20.

[0092] An example of image acquisition will be described separately. In addition, the electronic device 20 obtains specification information from the image forming apparatus 30 in the same manner as described above (S101), and is set to determine that it is an IPP non-corresponding case (S102: Yes).

[0093] Electronic device 20 receives an IPP request for image acquisition from terminal device 10 (S103). The IPP request for image acquisition is an image acquisition request based on a predetermined communication protocol, namely IPP, which is independent of the model of image forming apparatus 30.

[0094] The electronic device 20 executes the IPP object in response to the received IPP request and converts it into an image acquisition command adapted to the instruction set of the image forming apparatus 30 and used as an instruction related to image acquisition (S104). The format of the image data can also be specified in the IPP request. The electronic device 20 sends the converted image acquisition command to the image forming apparatus 30 (S105). The image forming apparatus 30 can control the image acquisition unit 35 in accordance with the image acquisition command via firmware, thereby acquiring image data.

[0095] The image forming apparatus 30 generates the acquired image data as image data in a format compatible with its own instruction system and sends it to the electronic device 20.

[0096] Electronic device 20 executes the IPP request and converts the image data received from image forming apparatus 30 into the format specified in the IPP request, and sends it to terminal device 10 as an IPP response (S106). Terminal device 10 is able to receive image data in the specified format. Electronic device 20 ends processing.

[0097] In this way, even if the image forming apparatus 30 is not IPP-compatible, the electronic device 20 can still be compatible with the IPP related to image acquisition for the terminal device 10 by executing the IPP object, and the image forming apparatus 30 can be compatible with the IPP by using image acquisition instructions that are adapted to the instruction set.

[0098] Furthermore, the electronic device 20 can connect to multiple image forming apparatuses 30. The electronic device 20 can obtain specification information for each image forming apparatus 30 and determine whether it is IPP-compatible or not. While performing IPP compatibility with the terminal device 10, the electronic device 20 can, based on the determination result, relay information to each image forming apparatus 30 either by converting the information or by transparently transmitting the information without conversion, as described above.

[0099] Furthermore, the electronic device 20 obtains the status information from the image forming apparatus 30 using a status request command that is compatible with the instruction set and requests status information related to the status of the image forming apparatus 30. The electronic device 20 can then transmit the obtained status information to the terminal device 10 via an IPP object.

[0100] The status information of the image forming apparatus 30 refers to, for example, the printing unit 34 including states such as printing in progress, standby state, and printing completed, and the image acquisition unit 35 including states such as image acquisition in progress, standby state, and image acquisition completed. Furthermore, the status information includes information indicating the remaining amount of consumables such as ink and media. Additionally, the status information includes information related to errors occurring in the printing unit 34 and the image acquisition unit 35, warnings such as no consumables, and the cover being open.

[0101] The terminal device 10 can use IPP to obtain the status information of the image forming apparatus 30 from the electronic device 20, display it by the input / output unit 14, and make an IPP request based on the status information.

[0102] As described above, the electronic device 20 is capable of relaying information between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30, and has a second control unit 21 as a control unit.

[0103] The second control unit 21 obtains specification information from the image forming apparatus 30 according to the specification request instruction. If it determines that the image forming apparatus 30 is not compatible with the predetermined communication protocol, i.e., IPP, when it receives image data of a predetermined format from the terminal device 10 along with a printing request based on IPP that does not depend on the image forming apparatus 30, it converts the image data into image data that is compatible with the instruction system of the image forming apparatus 30 and sends it to the image forming apparatus 30.

[0104] As a result, even if it is an image forming apparatus 30 that is not compatible with IPP, such an electronic device 20 can relay information between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30, thereby enabling it to correspond to printing and other processes implemented based on IPP.

[0105] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific structure is not limited to the embodiments. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the invention, changes, substitutions, deletions, etc., can be made.

[0106] Symbol Explanation 1…Image forming system; 10…Terminal device; 11…First control unit; 12…First communication unit; 13…First storage unit; 14…Input / output unit; 20…Electronic device; 21…Second control unit; 22…Second communication unit; 23…Second storage unit; 30…Image forming apparatus; 31…Third control unit; 32…Third communication unit; 33…Third storage unit; 34…Printing unit; 35…Image acquisition unit; 40…WAN.

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of relaying information between a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, and comprising a control unit, The control unit performs the following processing: According to the specification request instruction, specification information is obtained from the image forming apparatus. If, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus does not correspond to the predetermined communication protocol, When image data of a predetermined format is received from the terminal device along with a printing request based on the predetermined communication protocol that is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, the image data is converted into image data that is compatible with the instruction set of the image forming apparatus and sent to the image forming apparatus.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit performs the following processing: If, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus corresponds to the predetermined communication protocol, When the image data in the predetermined format is received from the terminal device along with the printing request, it is transmitted to the image forming apparatus without conversion.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The electronic device can be connected to multiple of the image forming apparatuses. The control unit performs the following processing: Based on the obtained specification information, it is determined whether each of the image forming apparatuses corresponds to or does not correspond to the predetermined communication protocol. When the image data in the predetermined format is received from the terminal device along with the printing request, the image is sent to each image forming apparatus, either by conversion or without conversion, based on the determined result.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit obtains status information from the image forming apparatus according to the status request command, and sends it to the terminal device through the predetermined communication protocol.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit sends the acquired specification information to the terminal device according to the predetermined communication protocol.

6. An electronic device capable of relaying information between a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, and comprising a control unit, The control unit performs the following processing: Specification information is obtained from the image forming apparatus according to a specification request instruction. If, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus does not correspond to the predetermined communication protocol, When receiving an image acquisition request based on the predetermined communication protocol from the terminal device that is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, the request is converted into an image acquisition instruction adapted to the instruction system of the image forming apparatus and sent to the image forming apparatus.

7. A control method for an electronic device, the electronic device being capable of relaying information between a terminal device and an image forming apparatus, wherein specification information is obtained from the image forming apparatus according to a specification request instruction. If, based on the obtained specification information, it is determined that the image forming apparatus does not correspond to the predetermined communication protocol, When image data of a predetermined format is received from the terminal device along with a printing request based on the predetermined communication protocol that is not dependent on the model of the image forming apparatus, the image data is converted into image data that is compatible with the instruction set of the image forming apparatus and then sent to the image forming apparatus.

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