Server device, image forming apparatus, control method thereof, program, and system

Abstract

To provide a mechanism of an image forming apparatus which sequentially executes printing while receiving print data, for example, when executing printing via a server.SOLUTION: A server device accepts a print job from an information processing terminal, and receives print data in the print job. The server device converts the print data into a format printable with an image forming apparatus, and stores the converted print data separately in a plurality of files. The server device provides a list of the plurality of stored files to the image forming apparatus, and sequentially transmits the plurality of files, in accordance with a request from the image forming apparatus according to the list, to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus accepts the print job from the server device, acquires the list of the plurality of files corresponding to the accepted print job, and makes a request for the plurality of files according to the list and sequentially receives the files. The image forming apparatus executes printing every time data for predetermined pages is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, an image forming device, a control method thereof, a program, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increase in services using cloud environments, known as SNS (Social Network Services) on the Internet. In services using cloud environments, information processing terminals such as personal computers and smartphones store text and images on a server, and information is shared between users. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that links an image forming device with a cloud environment, operates print data stored in the cloud environment from an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, and issues a print instruction to the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-192190 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. In the above-mentioned conventional technology, an image instructed to be printed is uploaded to a print server and converted into a state that can be printed by an image forming device. In this case, the image forming device cannot print until all the print data is converted, that is, until the entire print data size is determined, so there is a problem that the start of a print job is delayed. In addition, the image forming device also downloads the converted print data into the image forming device, and starts printing after downloading of all the print data is completed, so there is a problem that the start of a job is delayed. In this way, when uploading an image to a cloud server and printing the corresponding data, the first print out time becomes long depending on the data size.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a mechanism for sequentially executing printing while print data is being received in an image forming device when printing is performed via a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is, for example, a server device comprising a receiving means for accepting a print job from an information processing terminal and receiving print data for the print job, a conversion means for converting the print data into a format printable by an image forming device, a storage means for dividing the converted print data into multiple files and storing them, a providing means for providing the image forming device with a list of the multiple files stored in the storage means, and a transmitting means for sequentially transmitting the multiple files to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device according to the list, and the image forming device is characterized in that while the multiple files are being received sequentially, printing is performed each time a predetermined page's worth of data is received.

[0007] The present invention is also characterized in that it comprises, for example, an image forming device comprising: a receiving means for receiving a print job from a server device; an acquiring means for acquiring a list of multiple files into which print data corresponding to the print job accepted by the server device has been converted and divided into a format printable by the image forming device; a requesting means for requesting and sequentially receiving the multiple files according to the list; and a printing means for executing printing each time a predetermined number of pages of data is received. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when printing is performed via a server, printing can be performed sequentially while the image forming apparatus is receiving print data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an MFP 200 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing terminal 300 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an application server 400 and a storage server 500 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a print process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sample of a print data list according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for dividing print data according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a printing procedure of the MFP 200 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print execution screen of the information processing terminal 200 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments 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.

[0011] <System configuration> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, an example of a system configuration according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system configuration according to this embodiment is an example of a cloud print system, and includes an application server 400, a storage server 500, an MFP 200, and an information processing terminal 300 via a network 100. The network 100 may be realized by an Internet line or a LAN (Local Area Network) line. Moreover, the network 100 may be wired or wireless.

[0012] The MFP 200 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with multiple functions such as copying, scanning, printing, faxing, and sending. The MFP 200 may also be a device equipped with a single function such as a printer or scanner. The information processing terminal 300 is connected to an application server 400 through the network 100, and in response to an input to a UI screen by a user's operation, selects an image stored in the application server 400 and starts printing.

[0013] In response to an instruction from information processing terminal 300, application server 400 creates a print job and notifies MFP 200 of the print job. In addition, a selected image is stored in storage server 500 via network 100. Application server 400 may cooperate with a server (not shown), select an image stored in the server, and transmit a print request to MFP 200.

[0014] The storage server 500 stores print data that the MFP 200 prints through the network 100. The print data is an image notified from the application server 400, and the image is converted so that the MFP 200 can print it and stored as print data. The storage server 500 also has a function of receiving a print data reception request from the MFP 200 and transmitting the specified print data to the MFP 200. Note that in this embodiment, an example in which the application server 400 and the storage server 500 are provided as separate devices will be described, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and they may be provided as one integrated server device. In this case, the process by the application server 400 and the process by the storage server 500 described below are performed by the integrated server device.

[0015] <Hardware configuration of image forming device> An example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The MFP 200 includes an operation unit 201, a reading unit 202, a printing unit 203, a wireless communication unit 204, a FAX communication unit 205, a communication unit 206, and a control unit 210. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a storage 224, an operation unit I / F 211, a reading unit I / F 212, a printing unit I / F 213, and a wireless communication unit I / F 214. The control unit 210 also includes a FAX unit I / F 215, a FAX communication unit 205, a communication unit I / F 216, a communication unit 206, a print job reception unit 231, a print data list acquisition unit 232, a print data acquisition unit 233, and a received data analysis unit 234.

[0016] The control unit 210 including the CPU 221 controls the overall operation of the MFP 200. The CPU 221 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 222 or the storage 224 to the RAM 223, and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. The ROM 222 stores a control program executable by the CPU 221. The ROM 222 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM 223 is a main memory, and is used as a work area, and a temporary storage area for developing various control programs stored in the ROM 222 and the storage 224. The storage 224 stores image data, print data, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 224, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) may be used. Alternatively, an eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card) may be used.

[0017] In the MFP 200 according to the present embodiment, one CPU 221 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described later using one memory (RAM 223), but this is not limited to this. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described later can be executed by using multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages in cooperation with each other. Also, some of the processes can be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0018] The operation unit I / F 211 connects the operation unit 201, which includes a display unit such as a touch panel and hard keys, to the control unit 210. The operation unit 201 displays information to a user and detects input from the user. The reading unit I / F 212 connects the reading unit 202, which is, for example, a scanner, to the control unit 210. The reading unit 202 reads an image from a document and outputs a read signal. Then, the CPU 221 converts the read signal into image data such as binary data. Image data generated based on the image read by the reading unit 202 is transmitted to an external device or printed on a recording paper. The reading unit also has an ADF, and can transport a document placed on a document tray provided in the MFP 200, read the image of the transported document, and generate image data.

[0019] The printing unit I / F 212 connects the printing unit 203, such as a printer, to the control unit 210. The CPU 221 transfers print data stored in the RAM 223 to the printing unit 203 via the printing unit I / F 213. The printing unit 203 prints an image based on the transferred image data on recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette.

[0020] The wireless communication unit I / F 214 is an interface for controlling the wireless communication unit 204, and can connect to the control unit 210 and external wireless devices via wireless communication. The control unit 210 is connected to the public line network 207 by controlling the FAX communication unit 205, such as a facsimile, via the FAX unit I / F 215. The FAX unit I / F 215 is an interface for controlling the FAX communication unit 205, and can control a modem and NCU for facsimile communication to connect to the public line network, control a facsimile communication protocol, and the like.

[0021] The communication unit I / F 216 connects the control unit 210 to the network 100. The communication unit I / F 216 allows the communication unit 206 to transmit image data and various information inside the device to an external device on the network 100, and to receive print data and information on the network 100 from an information processing device on the network 100. Methods of transmission and reception via the network 100 include transmission and reception using e-mail, and file transmission using other protocols (e.g., FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.).

[0022] Furthermore, the communication unit I / F 216 can also transmit and receive print jobs, various setting data, and print data over the network 100 via access by HTTP communication from the application server 400. The CPU 221 receives print jobs from the application server 400 connected via the network 100 using a print job receiving unit 231, and analyzes the print jobs through a received data analysis unit 234. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a print data list included in the analysis result is stored in the RAM 223 or storage 224.

[0023] The CPU 221 receives the print data list from the storage server 500 connected via the network 100 using the URL of the stored print data list. Furthermore, the CPU 221 accepts the print data list using the print data list acquisition unit 232, and analyzes the print job through the received data analysis unit 234. The print job data list included in the analysis result and the URL of the print data included in the list are stored in the RAM 223 or the storage 224. Furthermore, the CPU 221 acquires print data from the storage server 500 connected via the network 100 using the print data acquisition unit 233, using the URL of the print data included in the stored print job data list. The received data analysis unit 234 analyzes the acquired print data. The print data included in the analysis result is stored in the RAM 223 or the storage 224. The CPU 221 transfers the print data (print data) stored in the RAM 223 to the printing unit 203 via the printing unit I / F 213, and the printing unit 203 prints an image based on the transferred print data on a recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette.

[0024] <Hardware configuration of information processing terminal> An example of a hardware configuration of an information processing terminal 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the information processing terminal 300 of this embodiment is assumed to be a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, but may be any other device as long as it is an information processing device capable of communicating with the MFP 200. The information processing terminal 300 includes an operation panel 301, a camera 302, an NFC communication unit 303, a Bluetooth communication unit 304, and a wireless LAN communication unit 305. The information processing terminal 300 further includes a CPU 306, a ROM 307, a RAM 308, and a HDD 309.

[0025] The CPU 306 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 307 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the information processing terminal 300. The ROM 307 stores the control program. The RAM 308 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 306. The HDD 309 stores various data such as photos and electronic documents. The operation panel 301 has a touch panel function capable of detecting a touch operation by a user, and displays various screens provided by the OS and an e-mail sending application. The operation panel 301 is also used to execute a setup tool that is an initial setting application of the MFP 200. The user can input a desired operation instruction to the information processing terminal 300 by inputting a touch operation to the operation panel 301. The information processing terminal 300 may be provided with a hardware key (not shown), and the user may be able to input an operation instruction to the information processing terminal 300 using the hardware key.

[0026] The camera 302 captures an image in response to an image capture instruction from a user. A photo captured by the camera 302 is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 309. It is also possible to acquire information from a QR code read by the camera 302 using a program capable of QR code analysis. The information processing terminal 300 can exchange data with various peripheral devices via an NFC communication unit 303, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 304, and a wireless LAN communication unit 305. The Bluetooth communication unit 304 of the information processing terminal 300 may be compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy. A setup tool for the MFP 200 is installed (saved) in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 309, and is executed by being expanded in the RAM 308.

[0027] <Server hardware configuration> An example of a hardware configuration of the application server 400 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The application server 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a storage 404, an operation unit 405, and a communication unit 406.

[0028] The CPU 401 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 402 or the storage 404 into the RAM 403, and performs various controls such as communication control with other connected servers. The ROM 402 stores a control program executable by the CPU 401. The ROM 402 also stores a boot program and the like. The RAM 403 is a main memory, and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for expanding the various control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the storage 404. The storage 404 stores image data, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 404, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD or HDD may also be used. Also, an eMMC may be used.

[0029] The operation unit 405 includes a keyboard and mouse for input by an administrator or the like who operates the application server 400, and a display unit that displays various screens. The communication unit 406 is connected to the network 100 and controlled by the CPU 401, and communicates with the information processing terminal 300 and other connected servers. The storage server 500 also has the same hardware configuration as the application server 400 in Fig. 4, so a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, each server may be configured as a virtual server that operates within a single hardware configuration.

[0030] <Print execution sequence> A sequence for executing printing from information processing terminal 300 in this system will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the following, step numbers indicating the order of processing will be represented by numbers following S. The same applies to subsequent sequences and flowcharts.

[0031] First, in S501, information processing terminal 300 connects to application server 400 through network 100 and instructs MFP 200 to execute a print job for printing. To execute a print job, for example, it is possible to instruct execution of printing by selecting an image on application server 400. Of course, printing can also be executed using data held in information processing terminal 300. Next, in S502, application server 400 connects to storage server 500 through network 100 and saves print data specified by information processing terminal 300. The specified print data may be stored by linking with a server (not shown) and acquiring an image stored in the server.

[0032] In S503, the storage server 500 converts the print data specified by the application server 400 into data in a format that can be printed by the MFP 200 and stores it. In this embodiment, the print data is converted into a data format in which print instruction data and print data are combined, and then divided into multiple files and stored, but the data may be stored in other data states. Next, in S504, the storage server 500 lists the print data including the multiple files created in S503 and creates a print data list. In this embodiment, the print data list is created as a list of URLs, but the print data may be stored in other states as long as it can be uniquely identified when acquiring the print data. In S505, the storage server 500 notifies the application server 400 of print job information including information on the print data list created in S504.

[0033] In S506, the application server 400 creates print job information from the information of the print data list notified in S505 and the designation information (number of copies and printing method) related to printing designated by the information processing terminal 300. Next, in S507, the application server 400 notifies the MFP 200 of the job. In S508, the MFP 200 obtains the print job information from the application server 400. In response to the job notification in S507, the MFP 200 transitions to a cloud print state and obtains the print job information from the application server 400. In S509, the application server 400 notifies the MFP 200 of the print job information. The print job information was created in S506.

[0034] Next, in S510, the MFP 200 obtains a print data list from the storage server 500. The print data list was created in S504, and the print job information notified in S509 is analyzed by the received data analysis unit 234, and the print data list is obtained using the URL included therein. In S511, the storage server 500 notifies the MFP 200 of the print data list in accordance with the print data list acquisition instruction from the MFP 200. In S512, the MFP 200 obtains print data from the storage server 500. The print data was created in S503, and is included in the print data list notified in S511. Thereafter, the received data analysis unit 234 analyzes the print data obtained, and the print data is obtained using the URL of the print data. In S513, the storage server 500 notifies the MFP 200 of the print data in accordance with the print data acquisition instruction from the MFP 200.

[0035] 5, the processes of S503, S504, S510, S511, S512, and S513 are performed only once. However, this is merely for the sake of simplicity, and in an actual embodiment, these processes are performed until all print data is converted and a data list is created, and until all listed print data is sequentially sent to MFP 200 and printing is completed.

[0036] <Print data list sample> An example of the print data list acquired by the MFP 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Table 600 shows a plurality of files divided from the print data by converting the print data in S503. Each file has information of file name 601, URL 602, and data size 603. Table 600 shows a group of files when two pages of page data are divided as an example, and the file is divided into four files, data-1 to data-4, as shown in file name 601, "data-1.pm" 604. For the divided files, a URL as shown in 605 is specified and saved. With regard to the division of the file, an upper limit may be set as in data size 603, and the file may be divided according to the upper limit. Here, the upper limit is set to, for example, 256 KB, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] Moreover, the four files with file names 601 data-1 to data-4 indicate data into which print data in one print job has been divided. The print data is saved as vector data such as PDL, not as bitmap data. In 600, the file name 601, URL 602, and data size 603 are saved in a table as parameters, but other information may also be linked and saved.

[0038] Reference numerals 610 and 620 show examples of data lists acquired by the MFP 200. The information stored in table 600 is notified in S511 above in the format shown in data lists 610 and 620 by acquiring the print data list in S510 above. For the divided files, URLs indicating the data acquisition destinations are defined in the acquisition order as shown in 611. The MFP 200 can sequentially receive each file by specifying a URL. Also, as shown in 612, if there is a file not included in the list in 611, the next print data list can be specified, and the MFP 200 can acquire the print data list of 620 by specifying that URL.

[0039] The data list 620 is shown in the form of a list of URLs as in 621, similarly to the data list 610, and the MFP 200 can acquire a file as in 604 by specifying a URL in the same manner. If there are no other divided files, information indicating the end can be added as in 622, and the MFP 200 can end printing based on that information. Here, 610 shows the first page of two pages on the list, and 620 shows the second page. In this way, in a plurality of lists, each list may be created corresponding to a predetermined number of pages, for example, one page. Of course, each list may be created corresponding to two or more pages, and in that case, the MFP 200 may start printing at the stage where downloading of each list is completed.

[0040] <Dividing print data> The processing procedure when the storage server 500 according to the present embodiment creates a print data list will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU of the storage server 500 reading a program stored in the ROM or HDD into the RAM and executing it.

[0041] In S701, the CPU of the storage server 500 saves the print data transmitted from the application server 400. Then, in S702, the CPU converts the print data saved in S701 into a data format printable by the MFP 200. In this embodiment, the conversion is performed into a data format that combines print instruction data and print data, but the data may be saved in another data format. In S703, the CPU determines whether the print data converted in S702 exceeds a predetermined file size (e.g., 256 KB). If it does not exceed the size, the process returns to S702 and the CPU converts the print data. On the other hand, if the file size is exceeded, the process transitions to S704.

[0042] In S704, the CPU creates a file of the print data converted in S702. In this embodiment, the print data file is created with a prn extension as shown in 604 in Fig. 6, but it may be created with another extension. Next, in S705, the CPU saves the file created in S704 in a list. When saving in the list, the URL indicating the location of the saved file is saved in the list as shown in 605 in Fig. 6.

[0043] Next, in S706, the CPU judges whether the number of lists saved in S705 is the maximum. If the number of lists is not the maximum, the process returns to S702, and the CPU converts the print data. On the other hand, if the number of lists is the maximum, the process transitions to S707. In S707, the CPU creates a print data list that the MFP 200 can acquire. That is, according to this embodiment, an upper limit is set for the number of files included in the list, and when the upper limit is exceeded, the next list is created. For example, as described in this embodiment, the list may be adjusted so that one page of print data of a print job is included in each list. This allows the MFP 200 to easily judge that one page of data has been received, and allows printing to be performed accurately. In S708, the CPU judges whether all the print data saved in S701 has been converted. If not all the print data has been converted, the process returns to S702, and the CPU converts the print data. If all the print data has been converted, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0044] <MFPのプリントフロー> 8, a process procedure in which the MFP 200 according to this embodiment obtains a print data list from the storage server 500 and performs printing will be described. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 221 of the MFP 200 reading a program stored in the ROM 222 or storage 224 into the RAM 223 and executing the program.

[0045] In S801, the CPU 221 acquires a print data list from the storage server 500. The print data list is notified to the MFP 200, for example, in the format shown in the data list 610 shown in FIG. 6. Although the data list 610 shows a json extension, the list may be notified in other extensions or formats. Next, in S802, the CPU 221 analyzes the print data list acquired in S801. For example, when the data list 610 is acquired, the URLs of the print data are written in a list form as shown in 611 of the data list 610, and the URLs are acquired by the received data analysis unit 234 or the like.

[0046] In S803, the CPU 221 sequentially receives the print data according to the URL of the print data analyzed in S802. When the data list 610 is acquired in S802, the URL of the first of the three print data shown in 611 is accessed here to acquire that data. The file with the file name 604 is acquired as the print data, and other data for one page is also received sequentially, and printing is performed by analyzing the data by the print data acquisition unit 233 and the received data analysis unit 234. Note that the CPU 221 accesses the URLs in the order set in the list to acquire the corresponding files, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the acquisition order can be changed.

[0047] Next, in S804, the CPU 221 executes printing according to the print data acquired in S803. When the print data acquired in S803, for example, is filled with one page, the CPU 221 executes printing using the print unit I / F 213 and the print unit 203, and causes an image based on the received print data to be printed on a recording sheet fed from a paper feed cassette. In this embodiment, an example in which printing is started every time one page of print data is received will be described, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and it is sufficient that printing is started every time a predetermined number of pages of print data is received. In addition, the predetermined number of pages may be arbitrarily set based on a user operation. In addition, if the print data acquired in S803 is less than one page, rendering is performed until one page is filled, and printing is not performed. For example, since the data list 610 acquired in S802 is for one page, printing is not performed until acquisition of three pieces of print data is completed. Thus, according to this embodiment, while the MFP 200 is receiving a plurality of divided files in sequence, printing is performed every time one page of data is received. This allows printing to begin without waiting for all data to be downloaded, thereby reducing the first print time.

[0048] In S805, the CPU 221 determines whether the URL of the print data analyzed in S802 still exists. If it still exists, the process proceeds to S803 to obtain the next print data, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to S806. Since the URLs of three print data are set in the data list 610 as shown in 611, the print data will be obtained three times.

[0049] In S806, the CPU 221 determines whether or not a next print data list exists in the print data list analyzed in S802. If there is a next print data list, the process transitions to S801, where the CPU 221 acquires the print data list. On the other hand, if there is no next print data list, the process transitions to S807. In the data list 610, as shown in 612, the data list for the next page is set, so the process transitions to S807 to acquire the data list 620. The determination of whether or not the next print data list exists may be made based on whether or not there is an acquisition destination for the next print data list shown in 612, or based on whether or not there is an identifier indicating the end of the print data list shown in 622. Finally, in S807, the CPU 221 ends printing and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0050] <Print screen> Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 301 of the information processing terminal 300 according to this embodiment when executing printing will be described.

[0051] Home screen 901 is an example of a screen in which the home screen of the cloud scan system is displayed in a browser. Icon 902 is an example of a storage service icon, and a user can select a storage service by operating icon 902. Storage service name 903 is an example of a storage service name, and a storage service can be selected by operating in the same manner as icon 902. Home screen 901 is an example of a screen on which four types of storage icons and storage names are displayed.

[0052] A storage service function selection screen 910 is an example of a screen when a storage service is selected by operating the icon 902 or the storage service name 903. A selection button 911 is an example of a function selection button, and operating this button selects the scan function and allows transition to a scan function screen. Also, a selection button 912 is an example of a function selection button, and operating this button selects the print function and allows transition to a print data selection screen.

[0053] A print data selection screen 920 is displayed by operating the print function selection button 912. This is a screen for selecting print data to be printed by the MFP 200, where folder 921 indicates a folder, and the folder structure can be displayed by operating the folder button. File 922 is a file indicating print data, and print data can be selected by operating the file button, allowing transition to the print function screen.

[0054] The function screen 930 is an example of a print function screen, and is displayed by operating the button of the file 922. The number of copies designation button 931 is an example of a button for designating the number of copies, and by operating the button, it is possible to transition to a screen for selecting the number of copies to be printed. The paper size designation button 932 is an example of a button for designating the paper size, and by operating the button, it is possible to transition to a screen for selecting the print size, such as A4 or A5. The magnification designation button 933 is an example of a button for designating the magnification, and by operating the button, it is possible to transition to a screen for selecting the magnification to be printed. The double-sided designation button 934 is an example of a button for designating the number of copies, and by operating the button, it is possible to transition to a screen for selecting the side to be printed, such as one-sided or two-sided. The print button 935 is an example of a print start button, and by operating the button, it is possible to instruct the application server 400 to execute the print job, as shown in S502 above. The processing screen 940 is an example of a screen that is displayed when a print processing request is made by operating the print button 935.

[0055] As described above, the server device according to the present embodiment accepts a print job from an information processing terminal and receives print data in the print job. The server device also converts the print data into a format printable by the image forming device, and divides the converted print data into multiple files and stores them. The server device also provides a list of the multiple files stored to the image forming device, and sequentially transmits the multiple files to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device according to the list. Meanwhile, the present image forming device accepts a print job from the server device, obtains a list of multiple files corresponding to the accepted print job, and requests and sequentially receives the multiple files according to the list. The present image forming device also executes printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data are received. Thus, according to the present embodiment, when printing is executed via a server, a mechanism can be provided for executing printing sequentially while the image forming device is receiving print data. This makes it possible to reduce the first print time, which is the time from starting a print job to starting printing.

[0056] The disclosure of this specification includes the following server device, image forming device, control method thereof, program, and system. (Item 1) A server device, a receiving means for receiving a print job from an information processing terminal and receiving print data in the print job; A conversion means for converting the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; A storage means for dividing the converted print data into a plurality of files and storing the divided files; providing means for providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus; a transmitting means for sequentially transmitting the plurality of files to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus according to the list; Equipped with In the image forming apparatus, while the plurality of files are being sequentially received, printing is executed every time a predetermined page of data is received. (Item 2) 2. The server device according to item 1, wherein the list defines the acquisition destination and acquisition order of each of the plurality of files. (Item 3) The location of each file is defined by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). 3. The server device according to item 2, wherein the image forming device obtains a corresponding file by accessing the URL. (Item 4) 4. The server device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit divides the print data into the plurality of files and stores the divided files so that each file does not exceed a predetermined size. (Item 5) the list comprises a plurality of lists; 5. The server device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of lists includes a list of files corresponding to a predetermined page of data. (Item 6) 6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined number of pages of data is one page of data. (Item 7) 7. The server device according to item 6, wherein each list included in the plurality of lists includes information indicating whether or not a next list exists. (Item 8) 8. The server device according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the last list included in the plurality of lists includes information indicating that it is the last list. (Item 9) 9. The server device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the server device includes an application server and a storage server. (Item 10) An image forming apparatus, A reception unit for receiving a print job from a server device; an acquisition unit for acquiring a list of a plurality of files obtained by converting the print data corresponding to the accepted print job in the server device into a format printable by an image forming device and dividing the print data; a requesting means for requesting and sequentially receiving the plurality of files according to the list; a printing means for executing printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Item 11) A method for controlling a server device, comprising: a receiving step in which a receiving means receives a print job from an information processing terminal and receives print data in the print job; a conversion step in which a conversion means converts the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; a storing step in which a storing unit divides the converted print data into a plurality of files and stores the divided files; a providing step of providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus by a providing means; a transmitting step in which a transmitting means sequentially transmits the plurality of files to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device according to the list; Including, a control method for a server device, wherein in the image forming device, while the plurality of files are being sequentially received, printing is executed every time a predetermined page of data is received. (Item 12) A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job from a server device by a receiving means; an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires a list of a plurality of files obtained by converting print data corresponding to the print job accepted by the server device into a format printable by an image forming device and dividing the print data; a request step in which a request means requests and sequentially receives the plurality of files according to the list; a printing step in which a printing means executes printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: (Item 13) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for a server device, the control method comprising: a receiving step in which a receiving means receives a print job from an information processing terminal and receives print data in the print job; a conversion step in which a conversion means converts the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; a storing step in which a storing unit divides the converted print data into a plurality of files and stores the divided files; a providing step of providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus by a providing means; a transmitting step in which a transmitting means sequentially transmits the plurality of files to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device according to the list; Including, a program for executing printing each time a predetermined page of data is received in the image forming apparatus while the plurality of files are being sequentially received; (Item 14) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job from a server device by a receiving means; an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires a list of a plurality of files obtained by converting print data corresponding to the print job accepted by the server device into a format printable by an image forming device and dividing the print data; a request step in which a request means requests and sequentially receives the plurality of files according to the list; a printing step in which a printing means executes printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; A program comprising: (Item 15) A system including an information processing terminal, a server device, and an image forming device, The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving a print job from the information processing terminal and for receiving print data in the print job; A conversion means for converting the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; A storage means for dividing the converted print data into a plurality of files and storing the divided files; providing means for providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus; a transmitting means for sequentially transmitting the plurality of files to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus according to the list; Equipped with The image forming apparatus includes: a reception unit for receiving the print job from the server device; an acquisition means for acquiring the list of the plurality of files corresponding to the accepted print job; a requesting means for requesting and sequentially receiving the plurality of files according to the list; a printing means for executing printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; A system comprising:

[0057] <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.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 200: MFP, 300: information processing terminal, 400: application server, 500: storage server, 100: network, 600: print data list

Claims

1. A server device, a receiving means for receiving a print job from an information processing terminal and receiving print data in the print job; A conversion means for converting the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; A storage means for dividing the converted print data into a plurality of files and storing the divided files; providing means for providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus; a transmitting means for sequentially transmitting the plurality of files to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus according to the list; Equipped with The server device is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus, while the plurality of files are being sequentially received, printing is executed every time a predetermined page of data is received.

2. 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the list defines a source and an order of acquisition of each of the plurality of files.

3. The location where each file is obtained is defined by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the image forming device accesses the URL to obtain a corresponding file.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit divides the print data into the plurality of files and stores the divided files so that each file does not exceed a predetermined size.

5. the list comprises a plurality of lists; 5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of lists includes a list of files corresponding to a predetermined number of pages of data.

6. 6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined number of pages of data is one page of data.

7. 7. The server device according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of lists includes information indicating whether or not a next list exists.

8. 8. The server device according to claim 7, wherein a last list among the plurality of lists includes information indicating that it is the last list.

9. 9. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the server device includes an application server and a storage server.

10. An image forming apparatus, A reception unit for receiving a print job from a server device; an acquisition unit for acquiring a list of a plurality of files obtained by converting the print data corresponding to the accepted print job in the server device into a format printable by an image forming device and dividing the print data; a requesting means for requesting and sequentially receiving the plurality of files according to the list; a printing means for executing printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; An image forming apparatus comprising:

11. A method for controlling a server device, comprising: a receiving step in which a receiving means receives a print job from an information processing terminal and receives print data in the print job; a conversion step in which a conversion means converts the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; a storing step in which a storing unit divides the converted print data into a plurality of files and stores the divided files; a providing step of providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus by a providing means; a transmitting step in which a transmitting means sequentially transmits the plurality of files to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device according to the list; Including, a control method for a server device, wherein in the image forming device, while the plurality of files are being sequentially received, printing is executed every time a predetermined page of data is received.

12. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job from a server device by a receiving means; an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires a list of a plurality of files obtained by converting print data corresponding to the print job accepted by the server device into a format printable by an image forming device and dividing the print data; a request step in which a request means requests and sequentially receives the plurality of files according to the list; a printing step in which a printing means executes printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for a server device, the control method comprising: a receiving step in which a receiving means receives a print job from an information processing terminal and receives print data in the print job; a conversion step in which a conversion means converts the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; a storing step in which a storing unit divides the converted print data into a plurality of files and stores the divided files; a providing step of providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus by a providing means; a transmitting step in which a transmitting means sequentially transmits the plurality of files to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device according to the list; Including, a program for executing printing each time a predetermined page of data is received in the image forming apparatus while the plurality of files are being sequentially received;

14. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job from a server device by a receiving means; an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires a list of a plurality of files obtained by converting print data corresponding to the print job accepted by the server device into a format printable by an image forming device and dividing the print data; a request step in which a request means requests and sequentially receives the plurality of files according to the list; a printing step in which a printing means executes printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; A program comprising:

15. A system including an information processing terminal, a server device, and an image forming device, The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving a print job from the information processing terminal and for receiving print data in the print job; A conversion means for converting the print data into a format printable by an image forming device; A storage means for dividing the converted print data into a plurality of files and storing the divided files; providing means for providing a list of the plurality of files stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus; a transmitting means for sequentially transmitting the plurality of files to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus according to the list; Equipped with The image forming apparatus includes: a reception unit for receiving the print job from the server device; an acquisition means for acquiring the list of the plurality of files corresponding to the accepted print job; a requesting means for requesting and sequentially receiving the plurality of files according to the list; a printing means for executing printing every time a predetermined number of pages of data is received; A system comprising:

Images