Computer program product including an application program, control method of an information processing apparatus, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer program product including an application program, a control method of an information processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus. The computer program product includes an application program installed on an information processing apparatus communicably connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function and a management server that manages information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A printer driver that controls execution of the print function in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is installed on the information processing apparatus. The application program causes a computer of the information processing apparatus to execute a step of determining whether at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses belongs to a location of the information processing apparatus, and a step of selecting one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses as a print execution apparatus that executes the print function and reflecting the print function provided in the print execution apparatus in functions controllable by the printer driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to computer program products including application programs, control methods for information processing devices, and information processing devices. Background Technology

[0002] An image forming system is known, comprising multiple information processing devices such as personal computers and multiple image forming devices such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs). In this image forming system, one information processing device can instruct any one of the multiple image forming devices to print. Hereinafter, this type of printing will be referred to as "arbitrary device printing." Arbitrary device printing is made possible by managing information about print jobs through a management server included in the image forming system. Furthermore, to improve security and printing capacity in the image forming system, arbitrary device printing has the function of restricting image forming devices to specific groups. For example, in the case of an image forming system comprising multiple information processing devices and multiple image forming devices located within the same business premises, there exists a "location function" capable of performing arbitrary device printing. The location function enables arbitrary device printing by grouping multiple information processing devices and multiple image forming devices into the same location using, for example, a specific range of IP addresses or hostnames.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-18675 discloses a structure in which a management server manages network information and information about the printing function of the image forming apparatus at each location. In the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-18675, the location of the information processing device is identified upon receiving a notification from the information processing device that the network settings have been changed. Furthermore, by sending device settings of the printer driver based on information about the printing function of the image forming apparatus to the information processing device, it becomes possible to print according to the function (capabilities) of the image forming apparatus included in the new location, even if the location of the information processing device has been moved.

[0004] However, in the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-18675, although printing with any device is possible, the following phenomenon occurs when an image forming apparatus with a binding function and one without a binding function exist in the same location (belonging to the same affiliation) within the image forming system. That is, if a user wants to output bound printouts (bound printouts), the user sets the binding function through the printer driver and should select an image forming apparatus with a binding function, but the user ultimately selects an image forming apparatus without a binding function, and as a result, no bound printout will be output. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a computer program product including an application capable of executing printing functions provided in various image forming apparatuses without causing overload or underload, regardless of whether the location of the information processing device is the same as that of the various image forming apparatuses. Additionally, this disclosure provides a control method for an information processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of executing printing functions provided in various image forming apparatuses without causing overload or underload, regardless of whether the location of the information processing device is the same as that of the various image forming apparatuses.

[0006] Therefore, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program product including an application program installed on an information processing device communicatively connected to a plurality of image forming devices having printing functions and a management server for managing information about each of the plurality of image forming devices, wherein a printer driver has been installed on the information processing device, the printer driver controlling the execution of the printing function in each of the plurality of image forming devices, and the application program causes the computer of the information processing device to perform: a determining step, determining whether at least one of the plurality of image forming devices belongs to the location of the information processing device; and a reflecting step, selecting one of the plurality of image forming devices as a printing execution device for performing the printing function, and reflecting the printing function provided in the printing execution device in a function controllable by the printer driver.

[0007] Accordingly, a second aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus communicatively connected to a plurality of image forming devices having printing functions and a management server for managing information about each of the plurality of image forming devices, wherein a printer driver and an application have been installed on the information processing apparatus, the printer driver controlling the execution of the printing function in each of the plurality of image forming devices, and the application causing the computer of the information processing apparatus to perform: a determining step, determining whether at least one of the plurality of image forming devices belongs to the location of the information processing apparatus; and a reflecting step, selecting one of the plurality of image forming devices as a printing execution device for performing the printing function, and reflecting the printing function provided in the printing execution device in a function controllable by the printer driver.

[0008] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of an image forming system.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware architecture of an MFP.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware construction of a PC.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a management server.

[0013] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes performed between the MFP, management server, and PC.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by a resident application.

[0015] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The flowchart shown is a detailed flowchart of the processing performed in step S213.

[0016] Figure 8A This is an example of a screen displayed by a persistent application.

[0017] Figure 8B This is an example of a screen displayed by a persistent application.

[0018] Figure 8C It is shown Figure 8B The image shown is a variation of the original image.

[0019] Figure 8D This is an example of a screen displayed by a persistent application.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the resident application (notification screen display process for informing the MFP of the operational status).

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an example diagram showing the screen before and after the printing function reflects the processing. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

[0023] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the constructions described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the constructions described in the embodiments. For example, the various units (components) constituting the present disclosure can be replaced by units (components) having any construction capable of performing the same function. In addition, any components may be added.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall construction of an image forming system. (e.g.) Figure 1As shown, the image forming system 10 includes a management server 100, multifunction peripheral devices (MFPs) 103, MFPs 104, a personal computer (PC) 105, MFPs 106, and MFPs 107. These devices (management server 100, MFPs 103, MFPs 104, PCs 105, MFPs 106, and MFPs 107) included in the image forming system 10 are communicatively connected to each other via a network 135. It should be noted that in this embodiment, MFPs 103, MFPs 104, and PCs 105 belong to location 120, and MFPs 106 and MFPs 107 belong to location 121. Here, "location" refers to the placement of the device or the affiliation to which the device belongs, and this location is, for example, a company's business premises. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of devices included in the image forming system 10 is four MFPs and one PC, but it is not limited to this. An MFP is an image forming device with printing capabilities. It should be noted that the image forming apparatus is not limited to an MFP, but can also be, for example, a single-function printer (SFP). The PC is an information processing device. It should be noted that the information processing device is not limited to a PC, but can also be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of locations assigned to the plurality of devices included in the image forming system 10 is two, but it is not limited to this.

[0025] Management server 100 includes a printer database 101 and a user database 102 for managing information related to MFPs 103, 104, 106, and 107. Printer database 101 stores MFP information related to MFPs such as MFP 103, including device IDs, location information, printing functions, and operating status. User database 102 stores information such as user IDs, location information, and MFP designation history information. A user ID is a unique login ID used by each user account of the resident application 111 (described below) that connects to management server 100. Location information is information about location. In this embodiment, an IP address is used as location information, but location information is not limited to IP addresses and can be, for example, a hostname, a business name, or information obtained from a Global Positioning System (GPS). MFP designation history information is the device ID of the MFP designated by the resident application 111. It should be noted that management server 100 can reference the device ID stored in printer database 101 by using the device ID as MFP designation history information. For example, management server 100 can respond to a registration request from MFP 103 and begin managing the MFP 103 to be managed. In addition, management server 100 can also manage jobs.

[0026] MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP 107 each manage information related to, for example, the location, printing functions, and operational status of the MFP. This information is provided to the management server 100.

[0027] Printer driver 110, resident application 111, and rendering application 112 are installed on PC 105. Printer driver 110 is general-purpose software (general program) that controls the execution of printing functions in MFP 103, etc. As a result, PC 105 can designate any one of MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP 107 as the destination of print commands. Additionally, printer driver 110 is used when making print settings in rendering application 112. Resident application 111 is software that automatically starts when the operating system (OS) of PC 105 is started and connects to PC 105 and management server 100 via network 135. Furthermore, resident application 111 enables the CPU 150 (computer) of PC 105 to execute the various steps (control methods of information processing devices) described below. Rendering application 112 is software used for, for example, creating documents and executing spreadsheets. The installation timing of printer driver 110, resident application 111, and rendering application 112 can be the same or different.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware construction of an MFP. Since the MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP107 have the same hardware construction, the hardware construction of the MFP 103 will be described as a representative example. Figure 2As shown, the MFP 103 includes a CPU 140, a read-only memory (ROM) 141, a random access memory (RAM) 142, an operation unit 143, a scanner 144, a printer 145, an image processing circuit 146, a hard disk (HDD) 147, and a network I / F 148. The CPU 140 is a computer that controls the operation of various devices (ROM 141, etc.) based on control programs already stored in the ROM 141 or HDD 147. The ROM 141 is a non-volatile memory area that stores control programs, etc., that can be executed by the CPU 140. The RAM 142 is mainly used as the main memory and working area of ​​the CPU 140. Furthermore, the RAM 142 can be configured such that its storage capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown) of the MFP 103. The image processing circuit 146 performs various image processing operations on arbitrary image data. Image processing is not particularly limited and can be, for example, conversion processing for printing in the MFP 103. HDD 147 is a non-volatile storage area that stores, for example, boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, etc. Scanner 144 is a reading unit (scanning unit) that reads (scans) the original document and generates a read image (scanned image) of the original document. Printer 145 is a printing unit that performs printing operations based on predetermined image data. Operation unit 143 displays a user interface (UI) and accepts input from the user via the UI. Network I / F 148 is an interface for data communication via network 135. It should be noted that MFP 103 can be connected to external storage devices, such as SD memory cards, flash memory, etc.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a PC. (e.g.) Figure 3As shown, PC 105 includes: CPU 150, ROM 151, RAM 152, HDD 153, network I / F 154, keyboard I / F 155, and display I / F 156, which are connected via system bus 157 to enable communication with each other. CPU 150 is a computer that controls the operation of various devices (ROM 151, etc.) based on control programs stored in ROM 151 or HDD 153. ROM 151 stores control programs, etc., that can be executed by CPU 150. RAM 152 mainly serves as the main memory and working area of ​​CPU 150. Additionally, RAM 152 can be configured such that its storage capacity can be expanded via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown) of PC 105. HDD 153 stores, for example, boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, etc. Network I / F 154 is an interface for data communication via network 135. Keyboard 158 is connected to keyboard I / F 155. As a result, input commands from keyboard 158 can be accepted. Display 159 is connected to display I / F 156. As a result, information such as images can be displayed on display 159. It should be noted that PC 105 can be connected to external storage devices, such as SD memory cards, flash memory, etc.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a management server. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the management server 100 includes a CPU 160, ROM 161, RAM 162, HDD 163, and network I / F 164, which are connected via a system bus 165 to enable communication with each other. The CPU 160 is a computer that controls the operation of various devices (ROM 161, etc.) based on control programs stored in the ROM 161 or HDD 163. The ROM 161 stores control programs, etc., that can be executed by the CPU 160. The RAM 162 primarily serves as the main memory and working area of ​​the CPU 160. Furthermore, the RAM 162 can be configured such that its storage capacity can be expanded via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown) of the management server 100. The HDD 163 stores, for example, boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, etc. Additionally, the HDD 163 stores, for example, a printer database 101 and a user database 102. The network I / F 164 is an interface for data communication via network 135. It should be noted that the management server 100 can be connected to external storage devices, such as SD memory cards, flash memory, etc.

[0031] Figure 5A and Figure 5BThis is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes performed between the MFP, management server, and PC. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In this diagram, MFP 103 is shown as a representative example among MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP 107. Furthermore, information is sent to and received from the CPU 160 of the management server 100 via network 135 and network I / F 164. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, in step S100, MFP 103 sends its device ID, location information, and printing function information to management server 100. The processing in step S100 can be performed at regular time intervals or when a predetermined event occurs. Predetermined events are not particularly limited, and examples include new registrations in printer database 101, changes in location information, and changes in printing function information.

[0032] In step S101, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 stores the device ID, location information, and printing function information of the MFP 103, which were sent in step S100, in the printer database 101. It should be noted that if the device ID, location information, and printing function information of the MFP 103, which were sent in step S100, are already stored in the printer database 101, the processing in steps S100 and S11 can be omitted.

[0033] In step S110, if the print settings have been executed, the printer driver 110 of PC 105 sends a notification (print settings execution notification) to the resident application 111 indicating that the print settings have been executed.

[0034] In step S111, the resident application 111 of PC 105 obtains location information about the location 120 to which PC 105 belongs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "location information of PC 105") from, for example, HDD 153. For example, the location information is obtained by the resident application 111 requesting information about the IP address.

[0035] In step S112, prior to the determination step described below, the resident application 111 sends the location information already obtained in step S111 to the management server 100 (sending step).

[0036] In step S113, the resident application 111 requests the MFP list information (MFP information) already stored in the printer database 101 of the management server 100 from the CPU 160 of the management server 100. It should be noted that the execution order of the processing in S112 and the processing in S113 can be reversed.

[0037] In step S114, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 determines whether at least one of MFPs 103, 104, 106, and 107 belongs to position 120 of PC 105. This determination is made based on whether the MFP information belonging to position 120 exists in the printer database 101, based on position information about position 120, and based on position information about the position to which each MFP belongs. Furthermore, depending on the construction of the image forming system 10, this determination result is classified into, for example, three cases. The first case is a determination result of "no MFP belonging to position 120" (hereinafter referred to as "Case A"). The second case is a determination result of "two or more MFPs belonging to position 120" (hereinafter referred to as "Case B"). The third case is a determination result of "only one MFP belonging to position 120" (hereinafter referred to as "Case C"). In Case A, the processing of steps S115 to S118 is performed as subsequent processing. In case B, the processing steps S119 to S124 are performed as subsequent processing. In case C, the processing step S125 is performed as subsequent processing.

[0038] In step S115 under scenario A, the CPU 160 of management server 100 obtains all MFP list information from printer database 101. The all MFP list information is, for example, a list of all MFPs that the user of PC 105 has access to, among those already registered on management server 100. In this embodiment, all MFPs are MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP 107. The all MFP list information includes the device IDs of all MFPs.

[0039] In step S116, CPU 160 sends all MFP list information obtained in step S115 to resident application 111 of PC 105.

[0040] In step S117, prior to the reaction step described below, the resident application 111 displays the MFP-specified UI screen 1000B (see... Figure 8B (Display steps: First display step).

[0041] In step S118, the resident application 111 sends information (MFP designation information) to the management server 100 regarding the MFP specified on the MFP designation UI screen 1000B displayed in step S117. Then, based on this MFP designation information, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 sets the MFP specified on the MFP designation UI screen 1000B as the designated MFP. The designated MFP is one of MFPs 103, 104, 106, and 107, selected as the printing execution device to perform the printing function.

[0042] In step S119 under scenario B, as in step S115, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 obtains all MFP list information from the printer database 101.

[0043] In step S120, CPU 160 also obtains a list of MFPs belonging to position 120 from printer database 101. In this embodiment, the MFPs belonging to position 120 are MFP 103 and MFP 104. The list of MFPs belonging to position 120 includes the device IDs of MFP 103 and MFP 104. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the list of all MFPs and the list of MFPs belonging to position 120 have been obtained separately, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the MFPs in all the MFP list information can be sorted in ascending order according to their proximity in position, and the sorted data can be obtained. In addition, the execution order of the processing in S119 and the processing in S120 can be reversed.

[0044] In step S121, CPU 160 sends all MFP list information obtained in step S119 to resident application 111 of PC 105.

[0045] In step S122, CPU 160 sends the list information of MFPs belonging to location 120, which was obtained in step S120, to the resident application 111 of PC 105. It should be noted that the execution order of the processes in S121 and S122 can be reversed.

[0046] In step S123, prior to the reaction step described below, the resident application 111 displays the MFP-specified UI screen 1000A (see... Figure 8A (Display steps: First display step). On the MFP specified UI screen 1000A, MFP103 and MFP104, belonging to position 120, are preferentially displayed at the top of the list.

[0047] In step S124, the resident application 111 sends information (MFP specification information) to the management server 100 regarding the MFP specified on the MFP specification UI screen 1000A displayed in step S123. Then, based on the MFP specification information, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 sets the MFP specified on the MFP specification UI screen 1000A as the specified MFP.

[0048] In step S125 of case C, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 sets only one MFP belonging to position 120 as the designated MFP. It should be noted that in case C, the display of the MFP designation UI has been omitted, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. And as in case B, after obtaining all MFP list information, the MFP designation UI screen can be displayed, on which only one MFP belonging to position 120 is preferentially displayed at the top of the list.

[0049] In step S126, CPU 160 obtains from printer database 101 the printing function information of the MFP that has been set as the specified MFP in any of steps S118, S124 and S125.

[0050] In step S127, CPU 160 stores MFP designation information and location information related to the designated MFP in user database 102. The MFP designation information is stored in the MFP designation history of user database 102 for each location and is used in the reflection step using the MFP designation history, as will be described below.

[0051] In step S128, CPU 160 sends the printing function information of the specified MFP (Print Execution Device) obtained in step S126 to resident application 111.

[0052] In step S129, the resident application 111 of PC 105 obtains the printing function information that was sent in step S128 from the management server 100 (obtaining step). Then, based on the printing function information, the resident application 111 reflects the printing functions provided in the specified MFP into the functions that can be controlled by the printer driver 110 (reflecting step).

[0053] Steps S140 to S145 are processes performed to reflect functionality in the printer driver 110 based on MFP-specified historical information already stored in the printer database 101. In step S140, the resident application 111 of PC 105 obtains the location information of PC 105 from, for example, HDD 153.

[0054] In step S141, the resident application 111 sends the location information obtained in step S140 to the management server 100.

[0055] In step S142, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 determines whether the specified MFP belongs to location 120 of the PC 105. This determination is made based on whether the MFP designation history of the specified MFP belonging to location 120 and already specified on the MFP designation UI screen exists in the printer database 101.

[0056] In step S143, CPU 160 obtains the printing function information of the specified MFP from printer database 101.

[0057] In step S144, CPU 160 sends the printing function information of the specified MFP, which has been obtained in step S143, to resident application 111.

[0058] In step S145, the resident application 111 of PC 105 obtains the printing function information sent in step S144 from the management server 100 (obtaining step). Thus, in the obtaining step, as in step S145, it obtains the printing function information of the specified MFP included in the history selected on the MFP's specified UI screen, or as in step S129, it obtains the printing function information of the specified MFP currently selected on the MFP's specified UI screen. Then, based on the printing function information, the resident application 111 reflects the printing functions provided in the specified MFP in the functions that can be controlled by the printer driver 110 (reflecting step).

[0059] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, for example, when the MFP is specified for the first time, the processing steps S110 to S129 are applied. Additionally, when the MFP is specified a second time or thereafter, the processing steps S143 to S145 are applied. Moreover, by reflecting the printing function based on the MFP specification history information, the user can enable the printer driver 110 to reflect the printing function without specifying an MFP, and can also re-specify the MFP from the MFP specification UI screen of the resident application 111.

[0060] Steps S150 to S157 are processes used to display the operating status of the MFP. In step S150, the printer driver 110 of PC 105 sends a print execution notification to the resident application 111.

[0061] In step S151, the resident application 111 sends a request to the management server 100 for information indicating whether the MFP is in operation or idle (request for operation status information).

[0062] In step S152, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 obtains from the printer database 101 a list of MFPs belonging to the same location as PC 105, specifically the list of MFPs belonging to location 120. It should be noted that if the list of MFPs belonging to location 120 has already been obtained from the printer database 101 in step S120, the processing in step S152 can be omitted.

[0063] In step S153, the CPU 160, based on the MFP list information (the list information of MFPs belonging to position 120) obtained in step S152, sends a request (operation status information request) to the MFP 103 for the operation status information of the MFP belonging to position 120. It should be noted that, as described above, when step S152 has been omitted, in step S153, the CPU 160, based on the MFP list information (the list information of MFPs belonging to position 120) obtained in step S120, sends a request (operation status information request) to the MFP 103 for the operation status information of the MFP belonging to position 120.

[0064] In step S154, MFP 103 stores the operation status information of MFP 103 at the time when it receives the operation status information request sent in step S153 in the printer database 101. It should be noted that MFP 103 can proactively store its own operation status information in the printer database 101 at timed intervals when the operation status of MFP 103 has changed.

[0065] In step S155, the CPU 160 of the management server 100 obtains the operation status information that has been stored in step S154 from the printer database 101.

[0066] In step S156, CPU 160 sends the operation status information obtained in step S155 to resident application 111.

[0067] In step S157, the resident application 111 of PC 105 receives the operation status information already sent in step S156. Then, the resident application 111 displays the MFP operation status UI 3000 (see...). Figure 8DThe MFP operation status UI 3000 notifies the MFP 103 of its operation status based on the received operation status information (display step: second display step). The MFP operation status UI 3000 allows the user to confirm (check) the operation status of the MFP 103 and then instructs the execution of printing. For example, if the MFP 103 is in operation, the user can cause the print settings to be re-reflected for another MFP that is not in operation (i.e., idle) other than the MFP 103. It should be noted that although the MFP operation status UI 3000 is displayed on the monitor 159 of the PC 105, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the MFP operation status UI 3000 may be displayed, for example, on the operation unit 143 of the MFP 103, or on both the monitor 159 and the operation unit 143.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the resident application. After the resident application 111 has received a print settings execution notification from the printer driver 110 (step S110), it begins processing based on... Figure 6 The flowchart shown is a program. Figure 6 As shown, in step S201, as in step S111, the resident application 111 obtains the location information of PC 105.

[0069] In step S202, as in step S112, the resident application 111 sends the location information obtained in step S201 to the management server 100.

[0070] In step S203, as in step S113, the resident application 111 requests the MFP list information that has been stored in the printer database 101 of the management server 100.

[0071] In step S204, the resident application 111 determines whether at least one of MFPs 103, 104, 106, and 107 belongs to position 120 of PC 105 (determination step). In step S204, the determination result in step S114 is used as is in the determination result of the determination step. It should be noted that the resident application 111 can make this determination directly without using the determination result in step S114. As the determination result in step S204, if at least one of MFPs 103, 104, 106, and 107 is determined to belong to position 120 ("yes" in step S204), Figure 6 The process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S204, if it is determined that there is no MFP belonging to position 120 ("No" in step S204), Figure 6 The processing proceeds to step S209.

[0072] In step S205, the resident application 111 determines whether there are two or more MFPs belonging to location 120. As a result of the determination in step S205, if it is determined that there are two or more MFPs belonging to location 120 (marked as "yes" in step S205), Figure 6 The process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S205, if it is determined that there are no two or more MFPs belonging to position 120 ("No" in step S205), that is, if it is determined that there is one MFP belonging to position 120, Figure 6 The process proceeds to step S211. If it is determined that an MFP belonging to location 120 exists, the resident application 111 can determine that the specified MFP has been set.

[0073] In step S206, the resident application 111 obtains all MFP list information from the management server 100 (step S121).

[0074] In step S207, the resident application 111 obtains the list information of the MFPs belonging to location 120 from the management server 100 (step S122).

[0075] In step S208, as in step S123, the resident application 111 displays the MFP-specified UI screen 1000A (see...). Figure 8A On the MFP designated UI screen 1000A, all MFPs (MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP 107) registered in the printer database 101 are displayed in a list. Additionally, on the MFP designated UI screen 1000A, among all the MFPs (MFP 103, MFP 104, MFP 106, and MFP 107) registered in the printer database 101, MFP 103 and MFP 104, belonging to position 120, are prominently displayed at the top of the list.

[0076] In step S209, the resident application 111 obtains all MFP list information from the management server 100 (step S116).

[0077] In step S210, as in step S117, the resident application 111 displays the MFP-specified UI screen 1000B (see...). Figure 8B Unlike MFP designated UI screen 1000A, there is no MFP that is displayed first on MFP designated UI screen 1000B.

[0078] In step S211, the resident application 111 obtains the printing function information of the specified MFP from the management server 100 (step S128).

[0079] In step S212, the resident application 111 sends the MFP specified history and the location information of PC 105 to the management server 100.

[0080] In step S213, as in step S129, the resident application 111 reflects the printing functions provided in the specified MFP in functions that can be controlled by the printer driver 110.

[0081] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed processing performed in step S213. Figure 7 As shown, in step S301, the resident application 111 obtains the location information of PC 105.

[0082] In step S302, the resident application 111 determines whether there exists MFP designation history information in the user database 102 of the management server 100 that matches the location information obtained in step S301. As a result of the determination in step S302, if it is determined that there is MFP designation history information in the user database 102 that matches the location information obtained in step S301 (in step S302, "yes"), Figure 7 The processing proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S302, if it is determined that there is no MFP-specified historical information in the user database 102 that matches the location information already obtained in step S301 (in step S302, it is "No"), Figure 7 The processing is now complete.

[0083] In step S303, the resident application 111 obtains information about the printing function of the MFP from the printer database 101 of the management server 100. The device ID of the MFP matches the device ID of the MFP that has been registered in the user's MFP specified history information.

[0084] In step S304, based on the information about the MFP's printing functions obtained in step S303, the resident application 111 reflects the MFP's printing functions in functions that can be controlled by the printer driver 110.

[0085] Figure 8AThis is an example diagram showing a screen displayed by a resident application. It should be noted that in the following description, the device ID of MFP103 is "P00-AAA", the device ID of MFP104 is "P00-BBB", the device ID of MFP106 is "P00-CCC", and the device ID of MFP107 is "P00-DDD". Figure 8A The MFP designation UI screen 1000A shown is displayed in step S123, and is a device selection screen on which the designated MFP can be selected. The MFP designation UI screen 1000A includes MFPs with device IDs from “P00-AAA” to “P00-DDD”. Furthermore, as a result of the determination step, the MFPs (MFP 103 and MFP 104) that have been determined to belong to position 120 are displayed as designated MFPs, allowing them to be preferentially selected, i.e., placed at the top. On the other hand, the MFPs (MFP 106 and MFP 107) that have been determined not to belong to position 120 are displayed as designated MFPs, allowing them to be selected, but placed below MFP 103 and MFP 104 (placed at the bottom). As a result, the user can quickly designate an MFP belonging to the same position 120 as the PC 105 used by the user as the designated MFP from among multiple MFPs. Additionally, the MFP designation UI screen 1000A includes the name of the location of each MFP, checkboxes 1001 corresponding to each MFP, and buttons 1002. When designating a specific MFP from multiple MFPs, the user presses button 1002 while the checkbox 1001 of the MFP to be designated is already selected. As a result, the designated MFP is selected.

[0086] Figure 8B This is an example of a screen displayed by a persistent application. Figure 8B The MFP designated UI screen 1000B shown is displayed in step S117 or step S210, and is a device selection screen on which the designated MFP can be selected. Unlike the MFP designated UI screen 1000A, there is no MFP that is displayed first on the MFP designated UI screen 1000B. Therefore, for example, MFP103, MFP104, MFP106, and MFP107 are arranged from top to bottom in ascending order of device ID (i.e., alphabetical order of device ID).

[0087] Figure 8C It is shown Figure 8B The image shown is a variation of the original image. Figure 8CThe MFP-specified UI screen 1000C shown includes buttons 1003 to 1006. Pressing button 1003 changes the device ID order to ascending, and pressing button 1004 changes the device ID order to descending. Additionally, pressing button 1005 changes the position order to ascending, and pressing button 1006 changes the position order to descending.

[0088] Figure 8D This is an example of a screen displayed by a persistent application. Figure 8D The MFP operation status UI 3000 shown is displayed in step S157 and is a notification screen that informs the user of the MFP's operation status. The MFP operation status UI 3000 includes information about the operation status of the MFPs identified as belonging to position 120. For example, MFP 103 with device ID "P00-AAA" is displayed as "Operating (During Printing)", and MFP 104 with device ID "P00-BBB" is displayed as "Idle (Stopped)". As a result, the user can select MFP 104 from MFP 103 and MFP 104 to quickly obtain printouts (print output). Additionally, the MFP operation status UI 3000 includes printing function information for the MFPs identified as belonging to position 120. For example, MFP 103 with device ID "P00-AAA" is displayed as "Color / Binding / Framed", and MFP 104 with device ID "P00-BBB" is displayed as "Color / Binding". As a result, inconsistencies between the print settings on the PC 105 and the print functions of the MFP, which serves as the output destination, can be prevented.

[0089] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the resident application (notification screen display process for informing the MFP of its operational status). Once the resident application 111 has received a print execution notification from the printer driver 110, which has been invoked from the rendering application 112, it begins processing based on... Figure 9 The flowchart shown is a program. Figure 9 As shown, in step S401, the resident application 111 requests the operational status of the MFP belonging to location 120 from the management server 100. In response to the request, the management server 100 sends the operational status of the MFP belonging to location 120 to the resident application 111.

[0090] In step S402, the resident application 111 obtains the operation status of the MFP belonging to location 120 from the management server 100.

[0091] In step S403, the resident application 111 displays the operation status and printing function of the MFP belonging to position 120 on the MFP operation status UI 3000.

[0092] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an example diagram showing the screen before and after the printing function reflects the processing. Figure 10A This is the print settings UI screen of the printer driver 110 before the print function response steps. Figure 10B This is the print settings UI screen of the printer driver 110 after the reflection step of the printing function, that is, the screen on which the reflection result obtained in the reflection step is reflected. Figure 10A The Print Setup UI screen 2000 shown is based on the printing functions of an MFP that does not include color and binding functions. On the Print Setup UI screen 2000, the color mode selection combo box is not displayed, and the binding function cannot be selected in the binding selection combo box 2001. Furthermore, since the feedback results obtained in the feedback step have already been reflected, the Print Setup UI screen 2000 is changed to... Figure 10B The print settings UI screen 2100 is shown. Unlike the print settings UI screen 2000, the print settings UI screen 2100 allows the user to select the print functions provided in a specific MFP from the color mode selection combo box 2101 and the binding selection combo box 2102. Through the print settings UI screens 2000 and 2100, the print functions provided in each MFP can be executed without over- or under-printing, regardless of whether the position of PC 105 is the same as the position of each MFP.

[0093] According to this disclosure, printing functions provided in each image forming apparatus can be executed without causing over- or under-printing, regardless of whether the location of the information processing apparatus is the same as that of each image forming apparatus.

[0094] Other embodiments

[0095] The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments, and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a method performed by a computer of a system or device, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments, and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. Storage media may include, for example, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, optical discs (such as optical discs (CD), digital versatile optical discs (DVD), or Blu-ray discs (BD)). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0096] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0097] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

[0098] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-001664, filed on January 6, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A computer program product including an application program, said application program being installed on an information processing device, said information processing device being communicatively connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having printing capabilities and a management server for managing information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein, A printer driver has been installed on the information processing device. This printer driver controls the execution of the printing function in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The application program causes the computer of the information processing device to execute: The determination step involves determining whether at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses belongs to the location of the information processing apparatus; as well as In the reflection step, one of the multiple image forming apparatuses is selected as the printing execution device for performing the printing function, and the printing function provided by the printing execution device is reflected in a function that can be controlled by the printer driver.

2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein, The application also causes the computer to perform a display step before the reaction step, the display step displaying a device selection screen, on which the printing execution device is selected.

3. The computer program product according to claim 2, wherein, The application also causes the computer to perform a obtaining step, which obtains from the management server printing function information regarding the printing function provided in the printing execution device selected on the device selection screen or included in the history of selections already made on the device selection screen.

4. The computer program product according to claim 3, wherein, In the reflection step, based on the printing function information already obtained in the obtaining step, the printing function provided in the printing execution device is reflected in the function that can be controlled by the printer driver.

5. The computer program product according to claim 2, wherein, In the display step, as a result of the determination step, if it is determined that the at least one image forming device belongs to the location, the image forming device that has been determined to belong to the location is displayed on the device selection screen, so that the image forming device can be preferentially selected as the printing execution device. If it is determined that the at least one image forming device does not belong to the location, each of the plurality of image forming devices is displayed on the device selection screen, so that each of the image forming devices can be selected as the printing execution device.

6. The computer program product according to claim 5, wherein, In the case where it is determined that the at least one image forming apparatus belongs to the location, on the apparatus selection screen, the image forming apparatus that has been determined to belong to the location is arranged at the top, and the image forming apparatus that has not been determined to belong to the location is arranged at the bottom.

7. The computer program product according to claim 2, wherein, In cases where the aforementioned display step is considered the first display step, the application further causes the computer to perform a second display step: displaying a notification screen indicating that the operation status of the image forming apparatus at the location has been determined to belong to that location.

8. The computer program product according to claim 7, wherein, The notification screen includes printing function information regarding the printing function of the image forming apparatus that has been identified as belonging to the location.

9. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein, In the reaction step, the reaction result obtained in the reaction step is displayed as a screen, and the screen is configured to allow selection of the execution of the printing function provided in the printing execution device, the printing function being reflected in the function that can be controlled by the printer driver.

10. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein, The application also causes the computer to perform a sending step prior to the determining step, the sending step sending location information about the location to which the information processing device belongs to the management server.

11. The computer program product according to claim 10, wherein, The management server determines whether at least one of the multiple image forming devices belongs to the location to which the information processing device belongs, based on the location information regarding the location to which the information processing device belongs and the location information regarding the location to which each of the multiple image forming devices belongs. The determination result made by the management server is used as is the determination result in the determination step.

12. A control method for controlling an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus being communicatively connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having printing capabilities and a management server for managing information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein, A printer driver has been installed on the information processing device. This printer driver controls the execution of the printing function in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The control method of the information processing device includes: The determination step involves determining whether at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses belongs to the location of the information processing apparatus; and In the reflection step, one of the multiple image forming apparatuses is selected as the printing execution device for performing the printing function, and the printing function provided by the printing execution device is reflected in a function that can be controlled by the printer driver.

13. An information processing apparatus communicatively connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having printing capabilities and a management server for managing information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein, A printer driver and application have been installed on the information processing device. The printer driver controls the execution of the printing function in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The application program causes the computer of the information processing device to execute: The determination step involves determining whether at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses belongs to the location of the information processing apparatus; as well as In the reflection step, one of the multiple image forming apparatuses is selected as the printing execution device for performing the printing function, and the printing function provided by the printing execution device is reflected in a function that can be controlled by the printer driver.

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