Method for controlling image forming device and information processing device, printing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a printing system, method, and program for avoiding printing by a third party when displaying a code for printing instruction on an information processing device, making an image forming device read the code, and instructing the image forming device to print it.SOLUTION: Relative to printing service that is disclosed on the Internet as cloud service that is made redundant by a plurality of servers, a client terminal requests information for acquiring print data to be printed, displays a screen containing a print code based on information acquired in response to the request, requests a verification identification number of the print data to be printed to print service, and displays the acquired verification identification number on a display unit. An image forming device reads the print code displayed on the client terminal, displays a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the display unit of the client terminal based on the print code, and transmits information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the displayed screen to the print service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method for an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and a printing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in various commodity transactions and handling processes of various goods, identification codes are added to documents, labels, cards, etc., such as order forms, delivery notes, invoices, commodity labels, actual product labels, shipping tags, medical records, prescriptions, etc., for goods and goods in order to facilitate management, storage, etc. These identification codes include one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes such as barcodes, and by reading these codes, it is possible to easily handle, manage, store, etc., documents, goods or goods, etc. Also, in systems for ordering food or reserving concerts and the like by mobile phone, reservation confirmation can be simplified by coding and displaying the order contents and reservation confirmation data.

[0003] Also, for multifunction machines in office environments, homes, and public places, there is a technology that encodes information including the storage destination of print data, and allows the multifunction machine to acquire and print the print data by reading this code. Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a multifunction machine reads print information through a two-dimensional code presented by a smartphone, acquires print data from the storage destination included in the print information, and prints it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-1253 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A system in which a code for instructing printing is displayed on a client terminal and the image forming device reads the code to print has the advantage of being easier to print than a system in which a client terminal issues a print instruction to an image forming device. However, a system in which a displayed code is read and printed has the risk that a third party could copy (photograph or duplicate) the displayed code and have the copy read to print. In this way, when a code for instructing printing is read and a print instruction is issued, there is a problem that if the code is copied and used, printing can be performed by an unexpected party.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can deal with third parties copying the code when displaying a code for a print instruction on an information processing device and having an image forming device read the code to instruct the image forming device to print. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: A printing system including an information processing device, an image forming device, and a server that provides a printing service, The information processing device includes: a requesting means for requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; a means for displaying a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to a request from the request means; a means for requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on a display unit; The image forming apparatus includes: a reading means for reading the print code displayed on the information processing device; a display means for displaying a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the display unit based on the print code read by the reading means; a transmission means for transmitting to the server the information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed by the display means; a print control means for acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; The server, a means for transmitting information for acquiring the print data to be printed to the information processing device in response to a request from the request means; a means for generating a verification identification number for the print data to be printed in response to a request from the information processing device and responding to the information processing device; a verification unit for verifying the verification identification number transmitted from the image forming apparatus; and a control means for controlling the printing of the print data to be printed to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus when the verification by the verification means is successful. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, when a code for instructing printing is displayed on an information processing device and the code is read by an image forming device to instruct the image forming device to print, it is possible to prevent a third party from printing.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal and a server that provides a print service according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1A is a functional configuration diagram of a print service according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a functional configuration diagram of a client terminal; and FIG. 1C is a program and functional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed by a UI unit of a print application of a client terminal. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram for explaining a sequence from when a user instructs printing of data on a client terminal according to the first embodiment until an image forming apparatus acquires the data from a print service and prints it. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a verification process for verifying a verification identification number by the print service according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment reads a print code, acquires print data from a print service, and prints the print data. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a printing process by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a server of a print service according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1A shows an example of print data management information managed by a print service relating to embodiment 1, FIG. 1B shows an example of client management information stored in RAM in embodiment 2, and FIG. 1C shows an example of print data management information stored in a database relating to embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The networks 100 and 101 are so-called communication networks realized by, for example, a LAN such as the Internet, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, etc. In the first embodiment, the networks are the Internet 100 and the local network 101, and it is sufficient if data can be transmitted and received.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 can access the Internet 100 via the local network 101 and access the print service 104. The image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 can also directly access the Internet 100 and access the print service 104, which is a cloud service. The print service 104 holds files uploaded from the client terminal 103 and the like, and provides a service of creating print data for the files in response to a request and transmitting the data to the image forming apparatus 102 for printing.

[0016] The client terminal 103 is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal for using the above-mentioned service. The client terminal 103 is a computer device used by a user to send an instruction to generate print data to the print service 104, and to create and display a code including print request information. Here, the code is, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode. Two-dimensional codes include matrix type and stack type codes. In the first embodiment, the code including print request information is called a print code.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 102 has a printing function, as well as a copying function, a scanning function, a fax transmission function, etc. Furthermore, it has a reader that reads a print code that includes print request information created by the client terminal 103.

[0018] The print service 104 performs conversion processing into print data printable by the image forming apparatus 102 in response to an instruction from the client terminal 103, and provides the print data to the image forming apparatus 102. Here, the print service 104 is published on the Internet as a cloud service with multiple servers for redundancy. The functions of the print service 104 may be realized by a single server or a single virtual server, or may be realized by multiple servers or multiple virtual servers. Alternatively, the functions may be realized by multiple virtual servers running on a single server.

[0019] 2A is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the embodiment 1. Each of the hardware components is connected to a system bus 200.

[0020] The CPU 201 controls the entire apparatus and centrally controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 200. This control is based on a control program stored in a ROM 202 or a control program and resource data (resource information) stored in an external memory 206 connected via a disk controller (DKC) 205. The RAM 203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201, and the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The storage device 210 is an external storage device that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores programs and the like that cause the CPU 201 to function as each functional unit shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later.

[0021] An operation panel (operation unit) 209 displays a screen and accepts user operation instructions via the screen. It also has buttons and a display unit for setting the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 102, displaying the operation status of the image forming apparatus 102, and performing operations such as specifying copying. The operation panel 209 also displays a button for inputting a verification identification number for verifying a user who has made a print request, which will be described later, and the input information, and displays a code including the print request. Here, the verification identification number for verifying a user who has made a print request is a number such as a PIN or personal identification number (PIN). This verification identification number is a secret number password shared between the system and the user, and is used for user authentication in the system.

[0022] The network I / F 204 has a network interface card (NIC) and exchanges data with an external device via this interface 204. The print engine 208 uses a known printing technology, and suitable implementations include, for example, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, and a dye sublimation (thermal transfer) method. The raster controller 207 converts print data in a PDL (Page Description Language) or PDF (Portable Document Format) format into image data. The device I / F 211 is a connection interface with an external device that can be connected via a USB or the like. The reading unit 212 is used to read a document and a print code including print request information.

[0023] 2(B) is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal 103 and the server that provides the print service 104 according to the first embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the client terminal 103 and the server may be a single device or a system consisting of multiple devices, so long as the functions according to the embodiment can be realized. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, they may be a system in which processing is performed by being connected via a network such as a LAN or WAN, so long as the functions according to the embodiment can be realized. In the embodiment, the components are described as being connected via a system bus 219.

[0024] The CPU 220 functions as a control unit of the information processing device, and executes each program, such as the application program, operating system, print service 104, and print application 310 (FIG. 3(B)), stored in the storage device 225. The CPU 220 also controls temporary storage of information, files, etc. required for program execution in the RAM 222. The ROM 221 stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data. The RAM 222 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 220. The input control unit 224 exchanges data with external devices. The storage device 225 is one of the external storage means, functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores application programs, the OS, etc.

[0025] Fig. 3(A) is a functional configuration diagram of the print service 104 according to the embodiment 1. Note that each software module that realizes these functions is stored in the storage device 225 shown in Fig. 2(B), and as described above, these functions are realized by being deployed in the RAM 222 and executed by the CPU 220.

[0026] The print service 104 receives a print data generation request or a verification identification number generation request from the print application 310 (FIG. 3B) of the client terminal 103 at the request receiving unit 300. The request receiving unit 300 provides various interfaces of the print service 104 using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTP or HTTPS establishes communication with a request sent by a client using TCP / IP and a response from a server. This request includes a header field and various message parts, and the operation to be performed is specified by the request method. The response includes a status line, a header field, and various message parts, and the processing result is indicated by a status code. The request receiving unit 300 then verifies the validity of the authorization token added to the received request information. The received request information also includes an identification ID (identification information) that identifies the data to be printed. If the authorization token is verified as valid, the request receiving unit 300 sends the request information to the print data generating unit 303 or the verification identification number generating unit 302 .

[0027] The print data generating unit 303 registers the identification ID included in the received request information in the print data management information held in the database 304. Then, the print data generating unit 303 acquires print target data associated with the identification ID from the storage 305. The print target data is uploaded in advance from the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 or an undescribed linked service and stored in the storage 305. An example of the linked service is a point of sale information management service (POS service). The print data generating unit 303 generates a PDL (Page Description Language) which is print data from the acquired print target data. Then, the print data generating unit 303 stores the generated print data in the storage 305. Furthermore, the print data generating unit 303 creates a temporary signed print data acquisition URL for the stored print data, and registers it in the print data management information of the database 304. The print data acquisition URL is a temporary signed URL with an expiration date. The URL path hierarchy also includes the identification ID of the print data.

[0028] When the verification identification number generating unit 302 receives a request to generate a verification identification number from the request receiving unit 300, it generates a verification identification number and registers it in the print data management information of the specified identification ID in the database 304. The verification identification number generating unit 302 also registers the expiration date of the verification identification number in the print data management information. The verification identification number is a number used to verify that the print code read by holding it over the reading unit 212 of the image forming device 102 as a print request is valid. The expiration date of the verification identification number is the date by which the verification identification number is valid, and a verification identification number that has expired is determined to be fraudulent.

[0029] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of print data management information managed by the print service 104 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] This print data management information includes an identification ID 1000 for identifying the data to be printed, a print data acquisition URL 1001 which is the URL from which the data to be printed is acquired, a verification identification number 1002, and an expiration date 1003 for the verification identification number.

[0031] The print service 104 returns a print data acquisition URL and a verification identification number to the print application 310 as a response to a print data generation request received from the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 .

[0032] In the print execution instruction assumed in the first embodiment, a user holds a print code generated by a print application 310 (described later) over the reading unit 212 of the image forming device 102, which reads the print code. The image forming device 102 then decodes the read print code. The print code includes an identification ID and a print data acquisition URL, and the image forming device 102 obtains the print data from the print data acquisition URL obtained by decoded from the print code and performs printing.

[0033] When the print data transmission unit 301 receives a print data acquisition request based on the print data acquisition URL from the print client 322 (FIG. 3C) of the image forming apparatus 102, it verifies the temporary signature attached to the print data acquisition URL. If there are no problems with the expiration date or the signature, it transmits the print data stored in the print data storage path of the storage 305 included in the print data acquisition URL to the print client 322.

[0034] FIG. 3B is a functional configuration diagram of the client terminal 103.

[0035] The software modules that realize these functions are stored in the storage device 225 shown in FIG. 2B, and as described above, the CPU 220 deploys them in the RAM 222 and executes them to realize these functions.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the UI unit 311 of the print application 310 of the client terminal 103. Here, the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 will be described with reference to Fig. 3(B) and Fig. 4. Here, the client terminal 103 is shown as an example of a mobile device such as a portable terminal.

[0037] The print application 310 of the client terminal 103 is an application that requests the print service 104 to generate print data, creates and displays a print code, and displays a verification identification number acquired from the print service 104.

[0038] FIG. 4A shows an example of a preview display 401 that displays an image of the print result of the data to be printed, and a print button 40 that instructs printing of the data to be printed. The preview display 401 displays a preview image of the first page of the data to be printed. When the user presses the print button 402, the UI unit 311 of the print application 310 sends a print instruction to the print control unit 312 of the print application 310. The print control unit 312 sends a print data generation request to the print service 104 together with the identification ID of the data to be printed. Furthermore, when the print control unit 312 acquires a print data acquisition URL from the print service 104, it sends the identification ID and the print data acquisition URL to the print code generation unit 313 of the print application 310. The print code generation unit 313 generates a print code including the print data acquisition URL and the identification ID. Then, the print control unit 312 sends the print code created by the print code generation unit 313 to the UI unit 311.

[0039] 4(B) shows an example in which a print code display section 411 that displays a print code and a verification identification number button 412 that instructs acquisition of a verification identification number are displayed. At this time, the UI section 311 displays the print code sent from the print control section 312 in the print code display section 411. When the user presses the verification identification number button 412, the UI section 311 sends a request to acquire the verification identification number to the print control section 312. As a result, the print control section 312 sends a request to acquire the verification identification number to the print service 104 together with the identification ID of the data to be printed. Then, when the print control section 312 acquires the verification identification number from the print service 104, it sends it to the UI section 311.

[0040] FIG. 4C shows an example in which a verification identification number display section 421 that displays the verification identification number acquired from the print service 104 and a close button 422 are displayed.

[0041] At this time, the UI unit 311 displays the acquired verification identification number in the verification identification number display portion 421. When the user presses the close button 422, the UI unit 311 closes the screen of FIG.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the screen including the print code display section 411 in FIG. 4(B) and the screen including the verification identification number display section 421 in FIG. 4(C) are displayed as separate screens.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the purpose is to prevent a screen including the print code display section 411 shown in Fig. 4(B) from being printed out and passed on to a third party for unauthorized use. If the print code display section 411 and the verification identification number display section 421 are displayed on the same screen, there is a risk that the verification identification number will be passed on to a third party together with the print code when that screen is printed, so they are displayed on separate screens.

[0044] 3C is a diagram showing the program and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the embodiment 1. The CPU 201 loads the OS and programs stored in the ROM 202 or the external memory 206 into the RAM 203 and executes them, thereby realizing these functions.

[0045] The OS 320 is the OS of the image forming apparatus 102, and generally a real-time OS is used, but recently a general-purpose OS such as Linux (registered trademark) may also be used. A well-known example of the virtual machine 321 is Java (registered trademark) VM. This virtual machine 321 is a virtual application execution environment that runs as an application controlled by the OS. The application management framework 322 has a function of managing the life cycle of managed applications that run on the application execution environment provided by the virtual machine 321. It also has an interface that controls the life cycle of the application, and an interface publishing function for mediating processing requests between each application. The life cycle refers to the state of an application, including the installation, start, stop, and uninstallation of the application.

[0046] The application management framework 322 will be described as OSGi (registered trademark) defined by the OSGi (Open Services Gateway initiative) Alliance. The print client 332 is an application that runs in an application execution environment provided by the virtual machine 321. These applications are identified by ApplicationIDs, and their life cycles are managed by the application management framework 322. Here, the applications that run on the application management framework 322 may be included in the image forming apparatus 102 by default. Also, they may be installed later via the application management framework 322.

[0047] The controller 330 is a control program that performs functional processing of the image forming apparatus 102, such as printing, copying, and faxing, and manages the status of the image forming apparatus 102. When a user holds a print code display unit 411 (FIG. 4B) of the client terminal 103 over the reading unit 212, the controller 330 reads the print code displayed there. Then, the controller 330 sends the print code to a print code receiving unit 336 of the print client 332.

[0048] A job execution unit 331 of the controller 330 receives print data sent from a print control unit 337 of a print client 332 and executes print processing.

[0049] The print client 332 is a client application of the print service 104. When the print code receiving unit 336 of the print client 332 receives a print code from the controller 330, it decodes the print code. Then, it sends the identification ID included in the print code to the verification identification number input receiving unit 335, and issues an instruction to input the verification identification number. Upon receiving this instruction, the verification identification number input receiving unit 335 displays an input screen for the verification identification number on the operation panel (operation unit) 209. When the user inputs the verification identification number from this input screen, the verification identification number input receiving unit 335 transmits the input verification identification number and the identification ID to the print service 104 via the inquiry unit 333.

[0050] As a result, the verification identification number generation unit 302 of the print service 104 acquires the verification identification number and the expiration date of the verification identification number from the print data management information stored in the database 304, using the identification ID received from the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102 as a key. The verification identification number generation unit 302 also determines whether the verification identification number received from the print client 332 is within the expiration date, based on the expiration date of the verification identification number acquired from the print data management information. If it is within the expiration date, it verifies whether the verification identification number received from the print client 332 matches the verification identification number acquired from the print data management information. If they match, it responds to that effect to the inquiry unit 333 of the print client 332.

[0051] Furthermore, if the verification identification number generating unit 302 determines that the verification identification number is not within the validity period, it clears the validity period and the verification identification number in the print data management information. Then, it responds to the inquiry unit 333 of the print client 332 that the verification identification numbers do not match. This causes the inquiry unit 333 to notify the print control unit 337 of the verification result of the verification identification number in the print service 104. Then, if the print control unit 337 is notified that the verification of the verification identification number is OK (OK), it acquires print data from the print data URL via the print data acquisition unit 334. Then, it sends the acquired print data to the job execution unit 331 of the controller 330. In this way, the job execution unit 331 executes the print process of the print data.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a sequence from when a user instructs printing of data at the client terminal 103 according to the first embodiment to when the image forming apparatus 102 acquires the data from the print service 104 and prints it. After the print application 310 receives a print instruction, print data is generated by the print service 104. Then, the print code from the print client 332 is held over the image forming device 102, a verification identification number is entered, and printing is executed by the image forming device.

[0053] 4A, the user presses the print button 402 while the data to be printed is displayed on the client terminal 103. As a result, in S501, the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 sends to the print service 104 a request to acquire a print data acquisition URL together with an identification ID that identifies the data to be printed. As a result, in S502, the print service 104 registers print data management information in the database 304, generates print data from the data to be printed that is indicated by the identification ID stored in the storage 305, and stores the print data in the storage 305. The print service 104 then responds to the print application 310 with the print data acquisition URL to which the temporary signature has been added. The data format of the print data to be stored in the storage 305 is a PDL (Page Description Language) format that can be understood by the image forming apparatus 102.

[0054] Next, in S503, the print application 310 generates a print code including the print data acquisition URL received from the print service 10 and an identification ID that identifies the data to be printed. Then, in S504, the UI unit 311 of the print application 310 displays the generated print code on the print code display unit 411, as shown in FIG.

[0055] Next, the user presses the verification identification number display button 412 displayed in Fig. 4(B). As a result, in S505, the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 sends a verification identification number acquisition request to the print service 104 together with an identification ID indicating the data to be printed. As a result, in S506, the print service 104 creates a verification identification number in response to the request and responds to the print application 310. As a result, in S507, the UI unit 311 of the print application 310 displays the verification identification number received from the print service 104 in the verification identification number display unit 421, as shown in Fig. 4(C).

[0056] Next, the user causes the reading unit 212 of the image forming apparatus 102 to read the print code displayed in the print code display unit 411. As a result, in S508, the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102 decodes the print code. Then, if the print client 332 succeeds in decoding the print code, in S509, the print client 332 displays a screen (not shown) for inputting a verification identification number on the operation panel 209. In this way, the user inputs the verification identification number displayed in the verification identification number display unit 421 from the operation panel 209. As a result, in S510, the print client 332 transmits the identification ID of the data to be printed obtained by decoded the print code and the input verification identification number to the print service 104, and requests verification of the verification identification number.

[0057] In S511, the print service 104 verifies the validity of the verification identification number based on the identification ID of the data to be printed received in S510, and responds with the verification result to the print client 332. If the print client 332 verifies that the verification identification number is valid, in S512, the print client 332 accesses the print service 104 using the temporary signature-attached print data acquisition URL acquired from the print code to acquire the print data to be printed. In S513, the print client 332 passes the print data to the job execution unit 331 of the controller 330, and the job execution unit 331 executes printing processing of the received print data. In S514, when the print client 332 receives a print completion notification from the controller 330, it sends a print completion notification indicating that printing has been completed to the print service 104.

[0058] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a verification process for verifying a verification identification number by the print service 104 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 220 of the server providing the print service 104 executing a program loaded in the RAM 222.

[0059] First, in S601, the CPU 220 receives the identification ID and verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102. Then, proceeding to S602, the CPU 220 obtains the verification identification number that matches the received identification ID and the expiration date of the verification identification number from the print data management information in the database 304. If the identification ID that matches the received identification ID and the corresponding verification identification number and the expiration date of the verification identification number can be obtained from the print data management information, the process proceeds to S603, and if not, the process proceeds to S604. In S604, the CPU 220 ends this process as a verification error.

[0060] In S603, the CPU 220 determines whether the verification identification number transmitted from the print client 332 is within its validity period. If it is determined that the verification identification number is within its validity period, the process proceeds to S605, and if it is determined that the verification identification number is not within its validity period, the process proceeds to S604, where a verification error occurs and the process ends.

[0061] In S605, the CPU 220 determines whether the verification identification number received from the print client 332 matches the verification identification number corresponding to the identification ID obtained in S602 from the print data management information in the database 304. If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to S606, in which the CPU 220 responds to the print client 332 that the verification is OK, and ends this process. If the verification identification numbers do not match in S605, the process proceeds to S604, in which the CPU 220 responds to the print client 332 that the verification is NG, and ends this process.

[0062] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the client terminal that instructs printing acquires a print data acquisition URL for acquiring data to be printed from a cloud service, and generates and displays a print code including the URL. Furthermore, the client terminal acquires a verification identification number corresponding to the print code from the cloud service and displays it. Then, the user of the client terminal has the image forming device read the displayed print code and input the displayed verification identification number into the image forming device. As a result, the image forming device transmits the input verification identification number to the cloud service for verification, and if the verification is successful, acquires and prints the print data from the print data acquisition URL included in the print code. This makes it possible to avoid a security risk that a third party may copy (take a photo or make a copy) the print code and have the image forming device read the copy to print.

[0063] [Embodiment 2] When the same client terminal 103 repeatedly issues a print instruction, it is troublesome for the user to hold the displayed print code over the image forming device and input the verification identification number each time, which results in poor usability. Therefore, when the same client terminal 103 issues a print instruction repeatedly within a specified period, the verification of the verification identification number can be skipped for printing within a specific period or up to a specific number of prints. This allows the user to avoid the trouble of holding the displayed print code over the image forming device and inputting the verification identification number each time a print instruction is issued. An example of improving usability in this way will be described as embodiment 2. Note that the system configuration and device configuration of embodiment 2 are the same as those of embodiment 1 described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0064] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which, when printing is instructed repeatedly from the same client terminal 103 within a predetermined period, the image forming apparatus 102 executes a process of skipping verification of the verification identification number within a specific period or up to a specific number of times. However, this process may also be executed by the print service 104. Also, in the second embodiment, the print code created by the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 includes an identification ID of the data to be printed, a print data acquisition URL, and a client identification ID that identifies the client terminal 103.

[0065] 7 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the image forming apparatus 102 according to the second embodiment reads a print code, acquires print data from the print service 104, and prints the data. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing a program of the print client 332 loaded in the RAM 203.

[0066] In S701, CPU 201 reads the print code held over reading unit 212. CPU 201 then decodes the read print code and acquires the client identification ID, the identification ID of the data to be printed, and the print data acquisition URL contained in the print code. The process then proceeds to S702, where CPU 201 acquires client management information held in RAM 203.

[0067] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of client management information stored in the RAM 203 in the second embodiment.

[0068] The client identification ID 1010 is an identification ID (identification information) that uniquely identifies the client terminal 103. The verified expiration date 1011 is the date and time obtained by adding a specific period from the date and time when the printer was previously verified. The number of print instructions 1012 indicates how many times a print instruction has been issued since the printer was previously verified. The print instruction limit 1013 indicates the number of print instructions (the specific number mentioned above) for which verification of the verified identification number can be skipped since the printer was first verified. Here, if the verified identification number corresponding to the print code created by the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 is within the verified expiration date and the number of print instructions using that print code has not exceeded the print instruction limit, verification of the verified identification number is skipped.

[0069] Next, the process proceeds to S703, where the CPU 201 checks whether the client identification ID acquired from the print code exists in the client management information. If the acquired client identification ID does not exist in the client management information, the process proceeds to S704, where the CPU 201 registers the client identification ID in the client management information, and proceeds to the verification identification number input screen display process in S707.

[0070] On the other hand, if in S703 CPU 201 determines that a client identification ID exists in the client management information, the process proceeds to S705 where CPU 201 determines whether the verification expiration date has passed based on the current date and time and verified expiration date 1011. If it determines that the expiration date has passed, the process proceeds to display processing of the verification identification number input screen in S707. On the other hand, if it determines that the expiration date has not passed, the process proceeds to S706 where CPU 201 determines whether the number of print instructions has exceeded the limit on the number of print instructions. If it determines that the number has not exceeded the limit, the process proceeds to S714 where CPU 201 skips verification of the verification identification number and proceeds to print processing in S712.

[0071] On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S706 that the number of print instructions exceeds the print instruction limit, the process proceeds to a verification identification number input screen display process in S707. The processes from S707 onwards are almost the same as those in the first embodiment, except for S710 and S713. In S707, the CPU 201 displays an input screen (not shown) for inputting the verification identification number. When the user inputs the verification identification number via this input screen, the process proceeds to S708, where the CPU 201 transmits the input verification identification number and the client identification ID acquired from the print code to the print service 104. Then, in S709, the CPU 201 receives a verification result of the validity of the verification identification number from the print service 104, and if the verification is successful (verification OK), the process proceeds to S710. In S710, the CPU 201 updates the verified expiration date with a date and time obtained by adding a specific period to the current date and time, and proceeds to print processing in S712. On the other hand, if the verification fails (verification NG), the process proceeds to step S711, in which the CPU 201 determines that the print process is an error and ends the process.

[0072] 5, in S712, the CPU 201 acquires print data of the data to be printed from the print service 104, and sends the print data to the job execution unit 331 to execute the print process. When the print process ends in this manner, the process proceeds to S713, where the CPU 201 counts up the number of print instructions, registers this in the print instruction count 1012 of the client management information, and ends this process.

[0073] In this way, the image forming apparatus 102 updates the verified expiration date corresponding to the client identification ID when the validity of the print code and the verification identification number is confirmed (S710). Then, when printing is completed, the image forming apparatus 102 updates the number of print instructions corresponding to the client identification ID (S713).

[0074] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the same client terminal 103 prints the same print data repeatedly within a specific period, if the verified period of the verification identification number is within the specific period and the number of prints is within a specific number, verification of the verification identification number can be skipped. This eliminates the need for the user to input the verification identification number every time when printing is performed repeatedly, allowing the user to print efficiently with less effort.

[0075] [Embodiment 3] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, when the same print target is repeatedly printed from the same client terminal 103 within a predetermined period, the verification of the verification identification number can be skipped for printing within a specific period or up to a specific number of times. The difference from the second embodiment is that, whereas in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 determines whether it is within a specific period or up to a specific number of times, in the third embodiment, the print service 104 makes the determination. Note that the system configuration and device configuration of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] 8 is a flowchart for explaining print processing by the image forming apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing a program of the print client 332 loaded in the RAM 203.

[0077] First, in S801, the CPU 201 reads the print code displayed on the client terminal 103 held over the reading unit 212. Then, the CPU 201 decodes the print code and obtains the identification ID of the print data to be printed and the client identification ID contained in the print code. Next, the process proceeds to S802, where the CPU 201 inquires about the verification status of the previous verification identification number of the client along with the identification IDs. Then, the process proceeds to S803, where the CPU 201 determines whether the verification status result from the print service 104 is to skip verification, and if it is in the verification skip state, the process proceeds to print processing in S807.

[0078] On the other hand, in S803, if the verification status result from the print service 104 is not verification skip, the CPU 201 proceeds to S804. In S804, the CPU 201 displays an input screen (not shown) for inputting a verification identification number, as in S707 of FIG. 7, and accepts input of the verification identification number from the user. Then, the process proceeds to S805, where the CPU 201 transmits the input verification identification number, the identification ID of the print data to be printed, and the client identification ID to the print service 104 to request verification of the verification identification number. Then, in S806, if the CPU 201 receives verification OK from the print service 104 as the verification result of the verification identification number, the process proceeds to S807, where the print data is obtained from the print service 104, executes printing processing, and proceeds to S808. In S808, the CPU 201 transmits a print completion notification to the print service 104, and ends this process. On the other hand, in S806, if the CPU 201 receives verification NG from the print service 104 as the verification result of the verification identification number, the process ends as it is.

[0079] 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the server of the print service 104 according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 220 of the server of the print service 104 executing a program loaded in the RAM 222.

[0080] First, in S901, the CPU 220 receives communication from the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102. Then, the process proceeds to S902, where the CPU 220 determines whether the received content is an inquiry about the verification status sent in S802 of Fig. 8, and if so, the process proceeds to S903. In S903, the CPU 220 acquires print data management information held in the database 304 based on the identification ID received from the print client 332, and proceeds to S904. Here, the print data management information according to the third embodiment is shown in Fig. 10(C).

[0081] Fig. 10(C) is a diagram showing an example of print data management information stored in the database 304 of the print service 104 according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 10(C), items common to Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(B) described above are indicated by the same reference numerals. In Fig. 10(C), attribute values ​​such as verified expiration date 1011, number of print instructions 1012, and print instruction limit 1013 are stored in association with an identification ID 1000 that identifies the data to be printed.

[0082] In S904, the CPU 220 determines whether the verification identification number has expired based on the current date and time and the verified expiration date. If it determines that the verified expiration date has not expired, the process proceeds to S905, where the CPU 220 determines whether the number of print instructions for the data to be printed has exceeded the print instruction limit. If it determines that the number has not exceeded the print instruction limit, the process proceeds to S906, where the CPU 220 determines to skip verification of the verification identification number, and proceeds to S908.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in S904 that the verified expiration date has passed, or if it is determined in S905 that the number of print instructions has exceeded the print instruction limit, the process proceeds to S907, where it is determined that verification of the verification identification number is necessary, and the process proceeds to S908. In S908, the CPU 220 responds to the print client 332 as to whether or not verification of the verification identification number is necessary based on the result of the determination in S906 or S907, and ends this process. This response is received by the image forming apparatus 102 in S803 of FIG. 8.

[0084] On the other hand, if the CPU 220 determines in S902 that the request is not an inquiry about the verification status, the process proceeds to S909, where it determines whether the content received from the print client 332 is a request to verify the verification identification number. If it is a verification request, the process proceeds to S910, where the CPU 220 executes the verification process described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6, and responds with the verification result to the print client 332. The process then proceeds to S911, where the CPU 220 determines whether the verification result is OK, and if the verification is OK, the process proceeds to S912, where the CPU 220 updates the verified expiration date in the print data management information to the date and time obtained by adding a specific period to the current date and time, and ends this process.

[0085] If the CPU 220 determines in S909 that the request is not a verification request for the verification identification number, the process proceeds to S913, where the CPU 220 determines whether the content received from the print client 332 is a print completion notification. If so, the process proceeds to S914, where the CPU 220 increments (+1) the number of print instructions in the print data management information, and ends this process. If the content received from the print client 332 is not a print completion notification in S913, the CPU 220 ends this process.

[0086] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the same print target data is printed repeatedly, if the verified period of the verification identification number is within a specific period and the number of print instructions is within a specific number, input of the verification identification number by the user is skipped. As a result, when the same print target data is printed repeatedly, the user is not required to input the verification identification number each time, which allows the user to print efficiently and saves time.

[0087] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0088] This specification and drawings disclose the following image forming apparatus, control method for an information processing apparatus, and printing system and program.

[0089] [Item 1] A printing system including an information processing device, an image forming device, and a server that provides a printing service, The information processing device includes: a requesting means for requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; a means for displaying a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to a request from the request means; a means for requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on a display unit; The image forming apparatus includes: a reading means for reading the print code displayed on the information processing device; a display means for displaying a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the display unit based on the print code read by the reading means; a transmission means for transmitting to the server the information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed by the display means; a print control means for acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; The server, a means for transmitting information for acquiring the print data to be printed to the information processing device in response to a request from the request means; a means for generating a verification identification number for the print data to be printed in response to a request from the information processing device and responding to the information processing device; a verification unit for verifying the verification identification number transmitted from the image forming apparatus; a control unit that controls the printing data to be printed to be transmitted to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device when the verification by the verification unit is successful; A printing system comprising:

[0090] [Item 2] The printing system described in item 1, characterized in that the display means displays a button on the screen instructing the user to request the verification identification number from the server, and the information processing device requests the verification identification number from the server in response to pressing of the button.

[0091] [Item 3] 3. The printing system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the information for acquiring the print data to be printed includes information on a storage destination of the print data.

[0092] [Item 4] 4. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the print code includes identification information of the print data and information on a storage destination of the print data.

[0093] [Item 5] 5. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the verification identification number has an expiration date, and if the verification identification number has exceeded the expiration date, verification by the verification unit fails.

[0094] [Item 6] The printing system described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the server further has a storage means for storing information of the storage destination of the printing data, the verification identification number, and the expiration date of the verification identification number in correspondence with the identification information of the printing data.

[0095] [Item 7] The print code further includes identification information of the information processing device, The image forming apparatus further comprises: a means for determining whether or not a verified expiration date corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code read by the reading means has passed; means for determining whether or not a limit on the number of times the print data to be printed is acquired from the server and printed has been exceeded; A printing system described in any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that if the verified expiration date has not passed and the limited number of times has not been exceeded, the sending means skips the process of sending the verified identification number to the server.

[0096] [Item 8] The print code further includes identification information of the information processing device, The server further comprises: a means for determining whether a verified expiration date corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code has passed in response to an inquiry from the image forming device regarding a verification status corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code; means for determining whether a limit on the number of times the print data to be printed has been printed has been exceeded; means for instructing the image forming apparatus to skip a process of transmitting the verification identification number to the server if the verified expiration date has not passed and the limited number of times has not been exceeded; 8. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the image forming apparatus skips the processing by the display unit and the transmission unit in response to the instruction to skip.

[0097] [Item 9] 9. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the printing code is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode.

[0098] [Item 10] An image forming apparatus that acquires print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service and prints the data, A reading means for reading a print code displayed on an information processing device; a display means for displaying a screen for inputting a verification identification number based on the print code read by the reading means; a transmission means for transmitting to the server the information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed by the display means; a print control means for acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0099] [Item 11] 11. The image forming apparatus according to item 10, wherein the print code includes identification information of the print data to be printed and information of a storage destination of the print data.

[0100] [Item 12] 12. The image forming apparatus according to item 10 or 11, wherein the verification identification number is displayed on the information processing apparatus by the information processing apparatus acquiring the verification identification number from the server.

[0101] [Item 13] 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 10 to 12, wherein the verification identification number has an expiration date, and if the verification identification number has exceeded the expiration date, verification by the server fails.

[0102] [Item 14] The print code further includes identification information of the information processing device, The image forming apparatus further comprises: a means for determining whether or not a verified expiration date corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code read by the reading means has passed; means for determining whether or not a limit on the number of times the print data to be printed is acquired from the server and printed has been exceeded; The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 10 to 13, characterized in that if the verified expiration date has not passed and the limited number of times has not been exceeded, the transmission means skips the process of transmitting the verified identification number to the server.

[0103] [Item 15] An information processing apparatus that causes an image forming apparatus to obtain print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service, and prints the print data, Display and a requesting means for requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying on the display unit a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to a request made by the request means; a means for requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on the display unit; An information processing device characterized in that the image forming device is caused to read the printing code displayed on the display unit, and the verification identification number is input into the image forming device, thereby causing the image forming device to obtain and print the printing data.

[0104] [Item 16] Item 16. The information processing device according to item 15, wherein the request for the verification identification number is made in response to pressing a button displayed on the screen.

[0105] [Item 17] 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the information for acquiring the print data to be printed includes information on a storage destination of the print data.

[0106] [Item 18] A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus that acquires print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service and prints the data, comprising: a reading step of reading the displayed print code by an information processing device; a step of displaying a screen on a display unit for inputting a verification identification number based on the printed code read in the reading step; a transmission step of transmitting, to the server, information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed on the display unit; a print control step of acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; The control method comprises the steps of:

[0107] [Item 19] A control method for controlling an information processing apparatus to cause an image forming apparatus to obtain print data to be printed from a server providing a print service, the method comprising the steps of: a request step of requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; displaying, on a display unit, a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to the request made by the requesting step; requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; and displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on the display unit. A control method characterized by having the image forming device read the printing code displayed on the display unit and inputting the verification identification number into the image forming device, thereby causing the image forming device to obtain and print the printing data.

[0108] [Item 20] A program for controlling an image forming apparatus that acquires print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service and prints the print data, the program comprising: a reading step of reading the displayed print code by an information processing device; a step of displaying a screen on a display unit for inputting a verification identification number based on the printed code read in the reading step; a transmission step of transmitting, to the server, information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed on the display unit; a print control step of acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; A program characterized by executing the above.

[0109] [Item 21] A program for controlling an information processing apparatus to cause an image forming apparatus to obtain print data to be printed from a server providing a print service, the program comprising: a request step of requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; displaying, on a display unit, a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to the request made by the requesting step; requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; and displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on the display unit. A program that causes the image forming device to read the printing code displayed on the display unit, and inputs the verification identification number into the image forming device, thereby causing the image forming device to obtain and print the printing data.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 102: image forming apparatus, 103: client terminal, 104: print service, 209: operation panel, 212: reading unit, 304: database, 310: print application, 332: print client, 330: controller, 331: job execution unit

Claims

1. A printing system including an information processing device, an image forming device, and a server that provides a printing service, The information processing device includes: a requesting means for requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; a means for displaying a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to a request from the request means; a means for requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on a display unit; The image forming apparatus includes: a reading means for reading the print code displayed on the information processing device; a display means for displaying a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the display unit based on the print code read by the reading means; a transmission means for transmitting to the server the information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed by the display means; a print control means for acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; The server, a means for transmitting information for acquiring the print data to be printed to the information processing device in response to a request from the request means; a means for generating a verification identification number for the print data to be printed in response to a request from the information processing device and responding to the information processing device; a verification unit for verifying the verification identification number transmitted from the image forming apparatus; a control unit that controls the printing data to be printed to be transmitted to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device when the verification by the verification unit is successful; A printing system comprising:

2. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means displays a button on the screen instructing the user to request the verification identification number from the server, and the information processing device requests the verification identification number from the server in response to pressing the button.

3. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information for acquiring the print data to be printed includes information on a storage destination of the print data.

4. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print code includes identification information of the print data and information on a storage destination of the print data.

5. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the verification identification number has an expiration date, and if the verification identification number has exceeded the expiration date, verification by the verification unit fails.

6. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the server further comprises a storage unit that stores, in association with the identification information of the print data, information on a storage destination of the print data, the verification identification number, and a validity period of the verification identification number.

7. The print code further includes identification information of the information processing device, The image forming apparatus further comprises: a means for determining whether or not a verified expiration date corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code read by the reading means has passed; means for determining whether or not a limit on the number of times the print data to be printed is acquired from the server and printed has been exceeded; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, if the verified expiration date has not passed and the limited number of times has not been exceeded, the transmitting means skips the process of transmitting the verified identification number to the server.

8. The print code further includes identification information of the information processing device, The server further comprises: a means for determining whether a verified expiration date corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code has passed in response to an inquiry from the image forming device regarding a verification status corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code; means for determining whether a limit on the number of times the print data to be printed has been printed has been exceeded; means for instructing the image forming apparatus to skip a process of transmitting the verification identification number to the server if the verified expiration date has not passed and the limited number of times has not been exceeded; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus skips the processes by the display unit and the transmission unit in response to the instruction to skip.

9. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print code is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code.

10. An image forming apparatus that acquires print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service and prints the data, A reading means for reading a print code displayed on an information processing device; a display means for displaying a screen for inputting a verification identification number based on the print code read by the reading means; a transmission means for transmitting to the server the information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed by the display means; a print control means for acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; An image forming apparatus comprising:

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the print code includes identification information of the print data to be printed and information on a storage destination of the print data.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the verification identification number is displayed on the information processing apparatus by the information processing apparatus acquiring the verification identification number from the server.

13. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the verification identification number has an expiration date, and if the verification identification number has exceeded the expiration date, verification by the server fails.

14. The print code further includes identification information of the information processing device, The image forming apparatus further comprises: a means for determining whether or not a verified expiration date corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code read by the reading means has passed; means for determining whether or not a limit on the number of times the print data to be printed is acquired from the server and printed has been exceeded; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, if the verified expiration date has not passed and the limited number of times has not been exceeded, the transmitting means skips the process of transmitting the verified identification number to the server.

15. An information processing apparatus that causes an image forming apparatus to obtain print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service, and prints the print data, Display and a requesting means for requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying on the display unit a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to a request made by the request means; a means for requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; means for displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on the display unit; An information processing device characterized in that the image forming device is caused to read the printing code displayed on the display unit, and the verification identification number is input into the image forming device, thereby causing the image forming device to obtain and print the printing data.

16. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the request for the verification identification number is made in response to pressing a button displayed on the screen.

17. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the information for acquiring the print data to be printed includes information on a storage destination of the print data.

18. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus that acquires print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service and prints the data, comprising: a reading step of reading the displayed print code by an information processing device; a step of displaying a screen on a display unit for inputting a verification identification number based on the printed code read in the reading step; a transmission step of transmitting, to the server, information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed on the display unit; a print control step of acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; The control method comprises the steps of:

19. A control method for controlling an information processing apparatus to cause an image forming apparatus to obtain print data to be printed from a server providing a print service, the method comprising the steps of: a request step of requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; displaying, on a display unit, a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to the request made by the requesting step; requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; and displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on the display unit. A control method characterized by having the image forming device read the printing code displayed on the display unit and inputting the verification identification number into the image forming device, thereby causing the image forming device to obtain and print the printing data.

20. A program for controlling an image forming apparatus that acquires print data to be printed from a server that provides a print service and prints the print data, the program comprising: a reading step of reading the displayed print code by an information processing device; a step of displaying a screen on a display unit for inputting a verification identification number based on the printed code read in the reading step; a transmission step of transmitting, to the server, information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen displayed on the display unit; a print control step of acquiring the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data when the server has successfully verified the verification identification number; A program characterized by executing the above.

21. A program for controlling an information processing apparatus to cause an image forming apparatus to obtain print data to be printed from a server providing a print service, the program comprising: a request step of requesting information for acquiring print data to be printed from the server; displaying, on a display unit, a screen including a print code based on the information acquired from the server in response to the request made by the requesting step; requesting a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; and displaying the verification identification number acquired from the server on the display unit. A program that causes the image forming device to read the printing code displayed on the display unit, and inputs the verification identification number into the image forming device, thereby causing the image forming device to obtain and print the printing data.

Images