Image processing device, terminal device, and response method

Abstract

To provide an image processing device or the like capable of performing print processing based on a print function provided by a PSA even if the image processing device does not support a specific data format.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: an image processing unit configured to process document data described in a predetermined document format; and a control unit configured to control a response to a capability information acquisition request from a terminal device according to compatibility status of the image processing unit with the predetermined document format. The control unit accepts a setting of enabling or disabling the print function for the document data and responds to the capability information acquisition request even if the image processing unit does not support a first document format as a capability thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Printer drivers provided by vendors of image processing devices are designed to maximize the capabilities of the image processing devices. However, printer drivers provided by vendors must be installed individually for each model of image processing device by users of the image processing device. This is troublesome for users.

[0003] On the other hand, standard printer drivers that are pre-installed in operating systems (OS) do not need to be installed individually by users of image processing devices, but in order to be compatible with a wide variety of image processing devices, the functions available are limited to standard functions.

[0004] In light of this situation, efforts have been made in recent years to fully utilize the capabilities of image processing devices by introducing print support applications (PSAs) that support printing using standard printer drivers (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-4159 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image processing device or the like that is capable of performing print processing based on the print function provided by a PSA even if the image processing device does not support a specific document format. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the image processing device disclosed herein comprises an image processing unit that processes document data written in a specified document format, and a control unit that controls the response to a request to obtain capability information from a terminal device depending on the compatibility of the image processing unit with the specified document format, and the control unit is characterized in that even if the image processing unit is not capable of supporting a first document format, it accepts a setting to enable or disable a printing function for the document data and responds to the request to obtain capability information.

[0008] In addition, the terminal device disclosed herein is equipped with a memory unit that works in cooperation with a printer driver to store an application program capable of supporting print settings according to an image processing device, and a control unit that functions as a print support application by reading out the application program stored in the memory unit, and is characterized in that the control unit outputs a print instruction to the image processing device in a document format that the image processing device can support based on capability information obtained from the image processing device.

[0009] In addition, the response method of the present disclosure is characterized in that it controls the response to a request to obtain capability information from a terminal device depending on the compatibility with a specified document format, and even if the processing capability of document data described in the specified document format is not compatible with a first document format, it accepts a setting to enable or disable the printing function for the document data and responds to the request to obtain capability information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image processing device or the like that is capable of performing print processing based on the print function provided by the PSA even if the image processing device does not support a specific document format. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration between a multifunction peripheral, a client PC, and an application distribution server according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a client PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an addition process of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a startup process of a PSA according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical content of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0013] When controlling an image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral to process a print job, the terminal device generates the print job via a dedicated printer driver installed in an OS (Operating System) or a standard printer driver provided as a standard function of the OS. In general, the dedicated printer driver installed in the OS is provided by the vendor of the image processing device and is configured to fully utilize the capabilities of the image processing device.

[0014] On the other hand, standard printer drivers often only support functions common to each image processing device in order to provide versatility that enables printing on many (various) image processing devices. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for print results similar to those obtained when a dedicated printer driver is used, even when processing print jobs using a standard printer driver. In addition, OS vendors are also working to expand the functions of standard printer drivers in order to improve the stability and security of their OS.

[0015] As one aspect of the above-mentioned efforts, a PSA that supports print job processing by a standard printer driver is known. Generally, a PSA is supplied as an application by a vendor that provides an OS or an image processing device. The PSA cooperates with the standard printer driver and is configured to fully utilize the functions of the image processing device based on the acquired capability information of the image processing device. For example, the PSA transmits a job to the image processing device as a print job in a standard PDL (Page Description Language) such as XPS (XML Paper Specification), PDF (Portable Document Format), or PostScript, or an extension of PDL by adding additional data such as PJL (Print Job Language) commands.

[0016] Incidentally, IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is known as a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving print jobs and necessary information between an image processing device and a terminal device. In IPP, a print job is expressed by document data in a predetermined PDL format and IPP attribute information. Here, the IPP attribute information is attribute information related to the image processing device and the job corresponding to printer operations such as "Print-Job (print execution)" and "Get-Printer-Attributes (printer attribute acquisition)" and job operations such as "Get-Job-Attribues (job status acquisition)" and "Cancel-Job (job cancellation)". For example, in a printer operation related to "Get-Printer-Attributes (printer attribute acquisition)", the image processing device transmits capability information related to its own output capability (processing capability; for example, supported (compatible) document formats, number of copies that can be made, finisher type, print quality, etc.) as definition information to the inquiry source (terminal device).

[0017] However, some image processing devices do not support PostScript as the first document format for PDF printing, or support it as an option that requires activation using a product key, for example.

[0018] In order for an image processing device that does not support PostScript to be compatible with PSA, which transmits document data written in PCL (Printer Control Language) as a second document format that allows vendor-specific expression, firstly, it is necessary to set PSA to be enabled or disabled regardless of whether it supports PostScript or not, and secondly, the terminal device on which PSA is installed needs to identify whether the image processing device supports either PCL or PostScript, or both, and send jobs in a document format suitable for the image processing device.

[0019] The following embodiment realizes an image processing apparatus that is capable of performing print processing based on the print function provided by the PSA even if the image processing apparatus does not support a specific document format.

[0020] [1 First embodiment] [1.1 Overall structure] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration between a multifunction device 10 as an image processing device in the first embodiment, a client PC (Personal Computer) 30 as a terminal device, and an application distribution server 50 that distributes applications such as PSA.

[0021] The multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the client PC 30, and the application distribution server 50 are communicatively connected via communication lines such as networks NW1 and NW2. The multifunction device 10 is an image processing device capable of performing various jobs such as printing, copying, faxing, and image transmission in a single housing. The multifunction device 10 can print document data based on a print job received from the client PC 30 onto a paper medium or send the document data as an attachment to an e-mail.

[0022] The client PC 30 can be configured as a computer capable of operating based on a specific OS (Operating System). The client PC 30 can generate a print job based on a standard printer driver pre-installed in the OS and transmit it to the multifunction device 10 via the network NW1. Furthermore, the client PC 30 can obtain applications such as PSA from the application distribution server 50 by downloading them or the like.

[0023] Incidentally, FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which one multifunction device 10 and one client PC 30 are connected to the networks NW1 and NW2, but multiple multifunction devices 10 and multiple client PCs 30 may be connected to the networks NW1 and NW2.

[0024] [1.2 Functional configuration] [1.2.1 About the multifunction device 10] The following describes the functional configuration of the multifunction device 10. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, an image processing unit 17, an image input unit 19, a communication unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0026] The display unit 13 is a display device that displays various information to a user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, or the like.

[0027] The operation input unit 15 is an input device that accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with various input devices such as operation keys such as hard keys and software keys, and buttons. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel display that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be a general method such as a resistive film method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0028] The image processing unit 17 includes an image forming unit (print engine) that interprets document data described in a predetermined document format and forms an image based on the interpreted document data on a paper medium such as paper. The image forming unit feeds paper from a paper feed tray (not shown), forms an image on the paper based on document data included in a print job, and then discharges the paper to a paper discharge unit (not shown). The image forming unit can be configured, for example, by a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to a toner color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.). The image processing unit 17 may also include a form in which, for example, shading correction, density correction, etc. are applied to document data input from the image input unit 19 to generate output data for image transmission.

[0029] The image processing unit 17 according to the first embodiment performs image processing (image formation) by interpreting document data described in various document formats such as PCL, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PWG (Printer Working Group), Plain (ASCII) text, etc., which are second document formats that allow vendor-specific expression. Also, the image processing unit 17 according to the first embodiment is described as being incompatible with PostScript, which is the first document format, and is configured not to be able to process images of document data described in PDL related to PostScript, including PDF.

[0030] The image input unit 19 generates document data by scanning an original. The image input unit 19 can be configured as a scanner device having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) and an automatic document feeder (ADF) or a flatbed for placing and reading an original. There is no particular limitation on the configuration of the image input unit 19 as long as it is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from an original image with an image sensor. The image input unit 19 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring document data stored in a portable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a print job sent from the client PC 30.

[0031] The communication unit 21 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices (such as the client PC 30) via networks NW1 and NW2, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, etc. Note that the communication unit 21 may include an interface relating to (short-distance) wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Irda, wireless USB, etc.

[0032] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured with a storage device (memory) such as, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a read only memory (ROM).

[0033] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a control program 231, a job execution program 232, an IPP program 233, a support application compatible program 234, and a server program 235, and reserves a capability information storage area 236 and a screen content storage area 237.

[0034] The control program 231 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when performing overall control of the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 that has read the control program 231 controls the driving of the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the image processing unit 17, the image input unit 19, the communication unit 21, etc., thereby fulfilling the function of an image processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0035] The job execution program 232 analyzes a job received from the client PC 30, and executes a print job based on the document data if the received job is a print job and the document data included in the print job is written in a document format that can be interpreted by the image processing unit 17. If the received job is a transmission job related to faxing or image transmission, etc., it controls the communication unit 21 etc. to execute the job related to faxing or image transmission.

[0036] The IPP program 233 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when communicating with the client PC 30 via IPP. After reading the IPP program 233, the control unit 11 transmits, as definition information to the client PC 30, identification information of the multifunction device 10 such as a device name and a device ID, and capability information such as supported (compatible) document formats, number of copies that can be made, finisher type, and print quality, for example, in response to an operation (capability information acquisition request) related to "Get-Printer-Attributes" from the client PC 30. In addition, the IPP program 233 can provide a multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) service by being read by the control unit 11.

[0037] The support application compatible program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when the multifunction device 10 is put into a device state in which the function provided by the PSA can be realized (for example, a response to a capability information acquisition request, or execution of a print job based on the print function of the PSA). In this disclosure, the device state of the multifunction device 10 in which the function provided by the PSA can be realized is sometimes referred to as "PSA function is enabled". The control unit 11 that reads out the support application compatible program 234 can realize the function provided by the PSA by cooperating with the job execution program 232, the IPP program 233, etc. As will be described later, the support application compatible program 234 may be appropriately read out in response to the setting of enable / disable of the PSA function via a system setting screen, or may be implemented as firmware and read out in conjunction with the startup process of the multifunction device 10.

[0038] The server program 235 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when displaying on the browser a setting screen for accepting device settings of the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 that reads out the server program 235 functions as a server that provides the browser with screen information in response to a display request from the browser, either directly or by specifying a file path for the screen content stored in the screen content storage area 237.

[0039] The capability information storage area 236 is an area for storing capability information of the multifunction device 10 that is transmitted in response to a capability information acquisition request from the client PC 30.

[0040] The screen content storage area 237 is an area for storing screen content for displaying a setting screen, etc. The screen content stored in the screen content storage area 237 is read out as appropriate by the control unit 11 functioning as a server, and is used for displaying a screen such as a setting screen.

[0041] [1.2.2 About Client PC30] Next, a description will be given of the client PC 30. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the client PC 30. The client PC 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 33, an operation input unit 35, a communication unit 37, and a storage unit 39.

[0042] The control unit 31 controls the entire client PC 30. The control unit 31 is configured with, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.). The control unit 31 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 39.

[0043] The display unit 33 is a display device that displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 33 can be configured, for example, by an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0044] The operation input unit 35 is an input device that accepts information input by a user, etc. The operation input unit 35 may use, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0045] The communication unit 37 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices (such as the multifunction device 10) via, for example, a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, etc. Note that the communication unit 37 may include an interface related to (short-distance) wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Irda, wireless USB, etc.

[0046] The storage unit 39 is a storage device that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the client PC 30. The storage unit 39 can be configured by a storage device (memory) such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 39 includes a control program 391, an application program 392, and a browser program 393.

[0048] The control program 391 is a program that is read by the control unit 31 when performing overall control of the client PC 30. The control unit 31 that reads the control program 391 functions as an OS, and controls the operation of hardware such as the display unit 33, the operation input unit 35, and the communication unit 37, starts and ends applications that run on the OS, manages files, and so on.

[0049] The control program 391 also includes an IPP driver program 3911 as a standard printer driver. The control unit 31 that reads out the IPP driver program 3911 performs IPP-compliant communication with the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 that reads out the IPP driver program 3911 executes, based on the IPP, a search for the multifunction device 10, etc., a request to obtain capability information, or transmission of a generated print job to the multifunction device 10, etc.

[0050] Application program 392 is a program that is read by control unit 31 upon receiving a start instruction from the user. After reading application program 392, control unit 31 provides a specific function according to the user's purpose, such as document creation, graphic drawing, Internet browsing, etc. Application program 392 can be acquired by installation using a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or by downloading from a service providing server (not shown).

[0051] The application program 392 includes a support application program 3921. The support application program 3921 is an extension program that functions as a PSA that operates on the OS when read by the control unit 31, and works with a standard printer driver to improve and enhance print results. When started as a PSA, the control unit 31 generates a print setting screen (UI) that accepts print settings appropriate for the multifunction device 10, etc., and displays it on the display unit 33. The control unit 31 stores the print settings accepted via the print setting screen in the storage unit 39. Then, when input of a print execution instruction is accepted, the control unit 31 generates a print job that reflects the stored print settings, and transmits it to the target multifunction device 10, etc.

[0052] The browser program 393 is a program that is read by the control unit 31 when rendering screen information for screen display and displaying a screen for viewing on the display unit 33. The control unit 31 that reads the browser program 393 can generate a screen for viewing by rendering screen information acquired via a server function provided by the multifunction device 10, and can display the screen on the display unit 33 as a Web-UI.

[0053] [1.2.3 About Application Distribution Server 50] The application distribution server 50 is not particularly limited in configuration and may use a known configuration as long as it is capable of providing applications such as a PSA in response to an acquisition request from the client PC 30. Therefore, a description of the functional configuration of the application distribution server 50 will be omitted.

[0054] [1.3 Processing flow] Next, a process flow according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of adding the multifunction device 10 to the client PC 30. In Fig. 4, the mode in which the control unit 31 of the client PC 30 functions as an OS by reading out the control program 391 including the IPP driver program 3911 will be simply referred to as the OS, and the PSA operating on the OS will be simply referred to as the PSA.

[0055] First, the user starts the multifunction device 10 (S10). The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 starts the mDNS service by reading the IPP program 233 and the support application compatible program 234. The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 notifies the mDNS service by sending an mDNS packet (S12).

[0056] The OS of the client PC 30 starts a search for image processing devices, including the multifunction device 10. When the search for image processing devices is executed, the multifunction device 10 that notifies the mDNS service is found in the search. At this time, the image processing device that does not notify the mDNS service is not found in the search.

[0057] The OS of the client PC 30 displays the search results in a list on the display unit 33 and accepts the selection of the MFP 10 that the user wishes to add (S14). Upon accepting the selection (addition request) of the MFP 10 by the user, the OS of the client PC 30 makes a request to the MFP 10 for capability information related to "Get-Printer-Attributes" (S16).

[0058] The multifunction device 10 responds to the capability information acquisition request by transmitting identification information of the multifunction device 10 and capability information such as print quality as definition information to the OS of the client PC 30 (S18).

[0059] In S18, one of the pieces of definition information returned to the OS of the client PC 30 is "Printer-device-id." "Printer-device-id" includes "Compatible ID." Here, "Compatible ID" represents the compatibility identifier of the multifunction device 10. "Compatible ID" is an identifier used when the OS of the client PC 30 determines an extended INF (Setup Information File) (not shown) to be installed.

[0060] The OS of the client PC 30 installs an extended INF (not shown) that corresponds to the "Compatible ID." The extended INF describes an identifier of the corresponding support application program 3921. The OS of the client PC 30 requests the corresponding support application program 3921 from the application distribution server 50 based on the identifier of the support application program 3921 described in the extended INF (S20).

[0061] The application distribution server 50 responds to the corresponding PSA request by transmitting the corresponding support application program 3921 to the client PC 30 (S22).

[0062] The OS of the client PC 30 that has acquired the corresponding support application program 3921 installs the support application program 3921. When the installation of the support application program 3921 is complete (S24), the OS of the client PC 30 reads out the support application program 3921 to start up the PSA.

[0063] The started PSA checks the capability information (definition information) acquired in S18 (S26). Then, based on the result of checking the capability information in S26, the PSA adds the MFP 10 selected in S14, and ends the process (S28).

[0064] Next, the process executed by the multifunction device 10 at startup will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0065] The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 that has started to boot up determines whether or not the mDNS-related service is enabled (step S100). If the control unit 11 determines that the mDNS-related service is enabled, it determines whether or not the IPP / IPPS port is enabled (step S100; Yes→step S110). If the control unit 11 determines that the IPP / IPPS port is enabled, it determines whether or not the PSA function is enabled (step S110; Yes→step S120).

[0066] If it is determined that the PSA function is enabled, the control unit 11 responds to the OS of the client PC 30 by notifying the service type of “_print._sub._ipp._tcp” / “_print._sub._ipps._tcp” via mDNS, and ends the process (Step S120; Yes→Step S130).

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that the service related to mDNS is not valid (step S100; No), if it is determined that the IPP / IPPS port is not valid (step S110; No), or if it is determined that the PSA function is not valid (step S120; No), the control unit 11 terminates the processing without notifying the service type of "_print._sub._ipp._tcp" / "_print._sub._ipps._tcp" via mDNS (step S140).

[0068] In step S140, if the control unit 11 does not respond with the service type of “_print._sub._ipp._tcp” / “_print._sub._ipps._tcp” by mDNS, the OS of the client PC 30 cannot detect the multifunction device 10.

[0069] That is, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 responds with the mDNS service type when mDNS is enabled (step S100; Yes), the IPP / IPPS port is enabled (step S110; Yes), and the PSA function is enabled (step S120; Yes). Under other conditions (for example, the IPP / IPPS port is not enabled (step S110; No)), the OS of the client PC 30 cannot detect the multifunction device 10.

[0070] Next, the flow of processing when the multifunction device 10 is added to the client PC 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0071] The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 determines whether or not a "document-format-supported" response is requested in response to the "Get-Printer-Attributes" operation by the OS of the client PC 30 (step S200). If it is determined that a "document-format-supported" response is not requested, the control unit 11 waits until the "document-format-supported" request is received (step S200; No).

[0072] When it is determined that a response of "document-format-supported" is requested, the control unit 11 determines whether the capability of the image processing unit 17 supports PCL (step S200; Yes→step S210). When it is determined that the capability of the image processing unit 17 supports PCL and that the document data described in PCL can be interpreted, the control unit 11 adds "application / vnd.hp-PCLXL" to the response of "document-format-supported" (step S210; Yes→step S220). Then, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S230.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that the image processing unit 17 does not support PCL and is unable to interpret document data written in PCL, the control unit 11 determines whether the image processing unit 17 supports PostScript (step S210; No→step S230). If it is determined that the image processing unit 17 supports PostScript and is able to interpret document data written in PostScript, the control unit 11 adds "application / pdf" to the response "document-format-supported" (step S230; Yes→step S240). Then, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S250.

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined that the image processing unit 17 does not have the capabilities to support PostScript and is unable to interpret document data written in PostScript, the control unit 11 adds other printable formats to the response "document-format-supported" (step S230; No -> step S250).

[0075] Then, the control unit 11 responds with "document-format-supported" and ends the process (step S260).

[0076] Next, the flow of processing in the client PC 30 when the multifunction device 10 is added will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. The processing described in Fig. 7 is executed by the PSA that runs on the OS when the control unit 31 of the client PC 30 reads out the support application program 3921.

[0077] The PSA of the client PC 30 requests the MFP 10 to respond with "document-format-supported" to the "Get-Printer-Attributes" operation (step S300).

[0078] If it is determined that a "document-format-supported" response has been received from the multifunction device 10, the PSA of the client PC 30 determines whether "application / vnd.hp-PCLXL" has been added to the "document-format-supported" response (step S310; Yes→step S320).

[0079] If it is determined that “application / vnd.hp-PCLXL” has been added to the response to “document-format-supported”, the PSA of client PC 30 determines that the PSA is available for sending document data written in the document format PCL to multifunction device 10 as a print job (step S320; Yes→step S330).

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that "application / vnd.hp-PCLXL" has not been added to the response to "document-format-supported", the OS of client PC 30 determines whether "application / pdf" has been added to the response to "document-format-supported" (step S320; No -> step S340).

[0081] If it is determined that "application / pdf" has been added to the response to "document-format-supported", the PSA of the client PC 30 determines that the PSA is available for sending document data written in the document format PostScript (PDF) to the multifunction device 10 as a print job (step S340; Yes -> step S350).

[0082] However, if it is determined that there has been no "document-format-supported" response from the multifunction device 10 (step S310; No), or if it is determined that "application / pdf" has not been added to the "document-format-supported" response (step S340; No), the PSA of the client PC 30 determines that the PSA is unavailable (step S360).

[0083] [1.4 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display configuration of a system setting screen W10 that accepts mDNS settings. The system setting screen W10 is a screen that is displayed by the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 upon accepting an instruction from a user to display the system setting screen W10. The system setting screen W10 includes a setting item selection area R10 and a service setting area R20.

[0084] The system setting screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 8 is a setting screen that accepts settings related to the network. The service setting area R20 is a setting area that is displayed by the control unit 11 when a service setting (shown in a highlighted color in the figure) is selected in the setting item selection area R10. The service setting area R20 includes an mDNS setting area R22 that accepts mDNS settings, a register (U) button B10, and an update (R) button B12.

[0085] The mDNS setting region R22 includes a pull-down menu PM10 that accepts a setting for enabling / disabling mDNS, and a service name input box Bx10.

[0086] A user can enable / disable mDNS by selecting either enable / disable in the pull-down menu PM10. The service name input box Bx10 is an input box for receiving input of the name of the service to be provided, and Fig. 8 shows an example in which the name of the multifunction device 10, "AABBCC DD-01E02", is input as the name of the service.

[0087] The register (U) button B10 is a button for receiving a registration instruction related to mDNS settings. The update (R) button B12 is a button for receiving an update instruction for existing mDNS settings.

[0088] The system setting screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 9 is a setting screen that accepts settings related to security. The port setting area R30 is a setting area that is displayed by the control unit 11 when a port setting (displayed in a highlighted color in the figure) is selected in the setting item selection area R10. The port setting area R30 includes an IPP etc. setting area R32 that accepts port settings for IPP and IPP-SSL / TLS, a register (U) button B14, and an update (R) button B16.

[0089] The IPP etc. setting area R32 includes a pull-down menu PM12 that accepts a setting for enabling / disabling IPP or IPP-SSL / TLS, and a port number input box Bx12.

[0090] A user can switch between enable / disable of IPP or IPP-SSL / TLS by selecting either enable / disable of pull-down menu PM12. Port number input box Bx12 is an input box for accepting input of a port number used in IPP or IPP-SSL / TLS, and Fig. 9 shows an example in which 631 is input as the port number related to IPP and 443 is input as the port number related to IPP-SSL / TLS.

[0091] The register (U) button B14 is a button for receiving a registration instruction related to port settings. The update (R) button B12 is a button for receiving an update instruction for an existing port setting.

[0092] The system setting screen W10 shown in Fig. 10 is a setting screen that accepts settings related to the printer. The print setting area R40 from PC / mobile terminal is a setting area that is displayed by the control unit 11 when print setting from PC / mobile terminal (shown in highlighted color in the figure) is selected in the setting item selection area R10. The print setting area R40 from PC / mobile terminal includes a PSA setting area R42 that accepts a setting for enabling / disabling the PSA setting, a register (U) button B18, and an update (R) button B20.

[0093] The PSA setting region R42 includes a pull-down menu PM14 that accepts a setting of whether the PSA is enabled or disabled.

[0094] The user can switch between enabling and disabling the PSA by selecting either enable or disable in the pull-down menu PM14.

[0095] The register (U) button B18 is a button for receiving a registration instruction related to the PSA setting. The update (R) button B20 is a button for receiving an update instruction for the existing PSA setting.

[0096] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of a reception screen W20 that receives a request to add a multifunction device 10 (AABBCCC DD-01 E02) to a client PC 30. The reception screen W20 is configured as a setting screen provided by the OS of the client PC 30, and includes a list display area R50 that displays a list of printers (multifunction devices) that can be added. An Add Device button B22 is provided in the list display area R50. After selecting the multifunction device 10 (AABBCCC DD-01 E02) that the user wishes to add, which is indicated by a dotted line frame in the figure, the user can add it as a printer (multifunction device) that can print from the client PC 30 by selecting the Add Device button B22.

[0097] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display configuration of the print setting screen W30 of the multifunction device 10 added to the client PC 30. The print setting screen W30 shown in Fig. 12 is an example of a print setting screen when the print function is extended by PSA and the multifunction device 10 supports PostScript as a document format.

[0098] The print setting screen W30 has a print setting area R52 that accepts the selection and input of print settings such as the number of copies to be printed (Copies:), original size (Original Size:), etc., an OK button B24, and a Cancel button B26. The user can execute printing based on the setting values ​​selected and input for each print setting item displayed in the print setting area R52. By providing a document format display area R54 that clearly shows the document format supported by the multifunction device 10 in the print setting screen W30, the user can understand the document format of the document data to be output as a print job.

[0099] The OK button B24 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the settings (setting values) that have been set / input in the print setting area R52, and the Cancel button B26 is a button that accepts an instruction to cancel the settings (setting values) that have been set / input in the print setting area R52.

[0100] Similarly, Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of the display configuration of the print setting screen W40 of the multifunction device 10 added to the client PC 30. The print setting screen W40 shown in Fig. 13 is an example of a print setting screen when the print function is extended by the PSA and the multifunction device 10 supports PCL as a document format. The document format display area R54 of the print setting screen W40 indicates that the document format supported by the multifunction device 10 is PCL. Other configurations of the print setting screen W40 can be the same as those of the print setting screen W30, so description thereof will be omitted here.

[0101] As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to set PSA to be enabled or disabled regardless of whether PostScript is supported or not. According to the first embodiment, even if the output destination of the print job does not support PostScript, if the user desires (extended) printing using PSA, the user can perform printing using the printing function provided by PSA.

[0102] [2 Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, when the PSA is introduced (installed), a response of "document-format-supported" is requested in response to an operation related to "Get-Printer-Attributes." In the second embodiment, a response of "document-format-supported" is requested when the introduced PSA is started.

[0103] The functional configurations of the multifunction device, client PC, and application distribution server in the second embodiment can be similar to those of the multifunction device 10, client PC 30, and application distribution server 50 in the first embodiment, so they will not be described here.

[0104] Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining the startup process of the PSA according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the additional process of the multifunction device 10 explained in Fig. 4 of the first embodiment is completed, and the multifunction device 10 is assumed to be in the startup state. Note that processes that can be the same as the processes indicated by the symbols in Fig. 4 are explained using the same symbols.

[0105] For example, upon receiving a start-up instruction from a user, the OS of the client PC 30 starts the PSA (S30). As the PSA starts up, the OS of the client PC 30 makes a request to the multifunction device 10 to obtain capability information by IPP (S16).

[0106] The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 responds to the acquisition request by transmitting the capability information as definition information to the client PC 30 (S18).

[0107] The PSA of the started client PC 30 checks the capability information (definition information) of the multifunction device 10 acquired in S18 (S26). If the capability information of the multifunction device 10 confirmed in S26 differs from the capability information acquired when the PSA was introduced (installed), the PSA of the client PC 30 updates the capability information.

[0108] If the capability information of the multifunction device 10 confirmed in S26 differs from the capability information at the time of the PSA installation, the PSA of the client PC 30 outputs a print job based on the updated capability information. On the other hand, if the capability information of the multifunction device 10 confirmed in S26 is the same as the capability information at the time of the PSA installation, the PSA outputs a print job based on the capability information acquired at the time of the PSA installation (S32).

[0109] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the capability information of the multifunction device is obtained when the PSA is started. Therefore, even if the capabilities of the multifunction device are updated after the PSA is installed on a client PC, for example, by updating firmware or installing an optional device, appropriate printing processing can be performed by the PSA.

[0110] [3 Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0111] Although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined and executed within a technically feasible range.

[0112] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0113] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0114] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present disclosure.

[0115] Also, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented and executed by an electric circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. The electric circuit designed to realize the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or trongistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electric circuit described above may be composed of a digital circuit or an analog circuit. Also, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces the current integrated circuit appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can use a new integrated circuit according to the technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Image processing section 19 Image input section 21 Communications Department 23 Memory section 231 Control Program 232 Job Execution Program 233 IPP Program 234 Support Application Compatible Programs 235 Server Program 236 Ability information storage area 237 Screen Content Storage 30 Client PCs 31 Control Unit 33 Display section 35 Operation input section 37 Communications Department 39 Memory section 391 Control Program 3911 IPP driver program 392 Application Program 3921 Support Application Program 393 Browser Programs 50 Application Distribution Servers

Claims

1. an image processing unit that processes document data described in a predetermined document format; a control unit that controls a response to a request for capability information from a terminal device according to a compatibility status of the image processing unit with respect to the predetermined document format; The control unit is 2. An image processing apparatus comprising: a printing function for printing document data; a print unit for printing the document data including a first document format; a print function for printing the document data including a first document format;

2. A display unit is provided, The control unit is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting of whether the printing function is enabled or disabled is received via a setting screen displayed on the display unit.

3. The control unit is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in response to the capability information acquisition request, output of definition information indicating that the first document format is supported is restricted.

4. The control unit is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a response to the capability information acquisition request, the response including outputting definition information indicating that the image processing apparatus is compatible with a second document format.

5. The image processing device of claim 4 , wherein the second document format comprises a vendor-specific document format.

6. The printing function is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing function is provided by a print support application installed in the terminal device.

7. a storage unit that stores an application program that cooperates with the printer driver and is capable of supporting print settings according to the image processing device; a control unit that functions as a print support application by reading the application program stored in the storage unit, The control unit is A terminal device which outputs, to the image processing device, a print instruction in a document format which the image processing device can handle, based on capability information acquired from the image processing device.

8. The control unit is 8. The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein when the image processing device does not have a compatible document format, output of the print instruction is restricted.

9. Controlling a response to a request for capability information from a terminal device according to the state of support for a predetermined document format; A response method for accepting a setting of enabling or disabling a printing function for the document data and responding to a request to obtain the capability information even if the processing capability of the document data described in the specified document format does not support a first document format.

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