System, image forming apparatus, server, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that printing is performed in an unintended area if a two-dimensional barcode or the like is spread to the unintended area in the case of printing using the two-dimensional barcode or the like.SOLUTION: A portable terminal 101 designates the range of position information for permitting execution of printing processing and embeds the information in a two-dimensional barcode when the two-dimensional barcode is generated. An image forming apparatus 102 acquires position information in reading the two-dimensional barcode (S702 to S704), and requests a print management server 103 for a printing job including a printing job identifier and the position information (S705). The print management server 103 confirms whether the position information included in the request is included in the range of printing permission position information associated with the requested printing job in response to the request for the printing job (S706), transmits the printing job to the image forming apparatus 101 in the case when the position information is included (S707), and does not transmit the printing job in the case when the position information is not included (S709).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In conventional document printing processes using two-dimensional barcodes, there is a technique in which an image forming device reads the two-dimensional barcode and acquires the document data to be printed from a cloud service based on the information embedded in the barcode (Patent Document 1). Such two-dimensional barcodes store URL information where the document data is stored.

[0003] To start printing with an image forming device, no specific operation is required, and printing can be completed simply by having the image forming device read the two-dimensional barcode held by the user. In addition, there are currently a variety of means for having the image forming device read the two-dimensional barcode, such as paper on which the two-dimensional barcode is printed or a display such as a mobile terminal that displays the two-dimensional barcode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-111365 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Two-dimensional barcodes have an excellent error correction function, and it is possible to read copies of the two-dimensional barcode itself, or images or videos that show a display with a two-dimensional barcode reflected in it. With conventional printing methods using such two-dimensional barcodes, even if there was an intention to limit distribution to a specific region depending on the content, there was a possibility that the content would be used and printed outside the intended region due to the portability and high error correction function of the two-dimensional barcode.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a mechanism for preventing the occurrence of a situation in which a two-dimensional barcode or the like is printed in an unintended area even if the two-dimensional barcode or the like is spread to an unintended area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a system including an image forming device and a server, wherein the image forming device has a reading means for reading a code of a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from the server and obtaining the information stored in the code, a first request means for requesting a print job from the server using the information obtained from the code and location information of the image forming device, and a printing means for executing the print job received from the server based on the request, and the server has a management means for associating and managing a print job with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted, and a control means for, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within the range of location information associated with the requested print job and managed, and if so, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and if not, controlling not to transmit the requested print job. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when printing using a two-dimensional barcode or the like, even if the two-dimensional barcode or the like is spread to an unintended area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the code is printed in an unintended area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a print control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal, a print management server, and an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the present embodiment. [Figure 4A] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a mobile terminal operated when transmitting a two-dimensional barcode issuance request to a print management server. [Figure 4B] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a mobile terminal operated when transmitting a two-dimensional barcode issuance request to a print management server. [Figure 4C] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a mobile terminal operated when transmitting a two-dimensional barcode issuance request to a print management server. [Diagram 5] 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of a series of processes when a two-dimensional barcode issuance request is transmitted from a mobile terminal to a print management server in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information that can be acquired by decoding a two-dimensional barcode. [Figure 7] 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of a series of processes when a two-dimensional barcode is read by an image forming apparatus and a printing process is performed in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of a series of processes when a two-dimensional barcode is read by an image forming apparatus and a printing process is performed in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for transmitting a two-dimensional barcode issuance request in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process flow when a two-dimensional barcode issuance request is transmitted in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of a series of processes when a two-dimensional barcode is read by an image forming apparatus and a printing process is performed in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a print control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network 100 is a network that connects the components of the present system. The network 100 is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, and is realized by a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, or the like. The type of the network 100 is not important as long as data can be transmitted and received between the components. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, the network 100 will be described on the assumption that it is the Internet.

[0011] The mobile terminal 101 is a client terminal that uses the print management server 103, and will be described assuming that it is a general smartphone. The mobile terminal 101 uses a web browser application or a dedicated print management application to transmit document data to be printed that exists within the terminal to the print management server 103, and has the print management server 103 issue a two-dimensional barcode as a response.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 102 is an image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) having a function of connecting to the network 100, and in this embodiment, the description is based on the premise that the image forming apparatus 102 is an MFP. However, the image forming apparatus 102 is not limited to an MFP as long as it satisfies the following two conditions: it can be connected to the mobile terminal 101 and the print management server 103 via the network 100, and it is connected to a device capable of reading a two-dimensional barcode issued by the print management server 103 (this may be provided in the image forming apparatus 102 itself).

[0013] The print management server 103 converts the print instruction received from the mobile terminal 101 into a two-dimensional barcode. The print management server 103 also distributes print data in response to a request from a device such as the image forming apparatus 102 that reads the two-dimensional barcode. The print management server 103 may be realized by one computer or multiple computers. The print management server 103 may be configured to be realized using cloud computing technology.

[0014] In Fig. 1, in order to simplify the explanation of this embodiment, each component is illustrated as being composed of one unit. However, there is no intention to restrict or limit the number of units of each component in the configuration. Each component may be composed of one or more multiple elements. In this embodiment, a two-dimensional barcode (a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark)) is used for explanation, but a one-dimensional code or a code of another form may be used. Any code may be used as long as it is a code of a predetermined format.

[0015] 2(a) is a diagram showing a general hardware configuration of an information processing device constituting the mobile terminal 101 and the print management server 103. Note that each component may be realized as virtual hardware having similar characteristics by using virtualization technology, in addition to physical hardware.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2( a ), the information processing device is roughly configured to include a controller unit 200 , an operation unit 209 , and a display unit 210 .

[0017] The controller unit 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201. The CPU 201 starts an operating system (OS) by a boot program stored in a read only memory (ROM) 202. The CPU 201 also executes various processes on the OS by executing application programs stored in a hard disk drive (HDD) 204. In this embodiment, the application programs described in FIG. 3 are also stored in the HDD.

[0018] A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is used as a working area for the CPU 201 . The HDD 204 stores the above-mentioned application programs and various data such as settings and history information of the information processing device. Note that the configuration may include other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) instead of or in combination with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0019] To the CPU 201 , a ROM 202 , a RAM 203 , an operation unit I / F (interface) 205 , a display unit I / F 206 , and a network 207 are connected via a system bus 208 .

[0020] The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface with an operation unit 209 consisting of a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and sends information input by a user via the operation unit 209 to the CPU 201. The display unit I / F 206 outputs image data to be displayed on a display unit 210 consisting of a display, etc., to the display unit 210. Note that in many cases, in a smartphone, which is the premise of the mobile terminal 101 in this embodiment, the display unit 210 such as a touch panel and the operation unit 209 are integrated together, but in the following description, they will be described separately.

[0021] A network 207 is connected to the network 100, and inputs and outputs information to and from each device on the network 100 via the network 100. The mobile terminal 101 includes a GPS 211. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The GPS 211 acquires location information of the mobile terminal 101.

[0022] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a general hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. The controller unit 220 includes a CPU 221. The CPU 221 starts up the OS by a boot program stored in a ROM 222. The CPU 221 also executes application programs stored in a HDD 224 on this OS to perform various processes.

[0023] The RAM 223 is used as a working area for the CPU 221 . The HDD 224 stores the above-mentioned application programs and various data such as settings of the information processing device, history information, etc. Note that the configuration may include other storage devices such as SSDs and eMMCs instead of or in combination with the HDD.

[0024] To the CPU 221 , a ROM 222 , a RAM 223 , an operation unit I / F 226 , an image processing unit 227 , a device controller I / F 228 , a power management unit 229 , a network 225 , a GPS 235 , and the like are connected via a system bus 230 .

[0025] The operation unit I / F 226 is an interface with an operation unit 231 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 231. The operation unit I / F 226 also sends information input by a user via the operation unit 231 to the CPU 221. The operation unit I / F 226 is also an interface with a reader 234. The reader 234 executes reading and decoding of two-dimensional barcodes. The operation unit I / F 226 sends the information input from the reader 234 to the CPU 221.

[0026] A scanner controller unit 233 and a printer controller unit 232 are connected to the device controller I / F 228, and the device controller I / F 228 performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

[0027] The image processing unit 227 performs processes such as output image processing to a printer, input image processing from a scanner, image rotation, image compression, resolution conversion, color space conversion, and gradation conversion. A power management unit 229 controls the power supply of the entire device, and in addition to controlling power on / off, controls transition to a power saving state other than the normal power supply state and return to the normal state. A network 225 is connected to the network 100 and inputs and outputs information to and from each device on the network 100 . The GPS 235 acquires the location information of the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the present embodiment. The software configuration of the mobile terminal 101 shown in Fig. 3 is realized by the CPU 201 of the mobile terminal 101 executing a program stored in any one of the RAM 203, ROM 202, and HDD 204 of the mobile terminal 101. The software configuration of the print management server 103 is realized by the CPU 201 of the print management server 103 executing a program stored in any one of the RAM 203, ROM 202, and HDD 204 of the print management server 103. The software configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 is realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing a program stored in any one of the RAM 223, ROM 222, and HDD 224 of the image forming apparatus 102. 3 is an excerpt of only the software elements related to the present embodiment, and other software elements are omitted. For example, the image forming device 102 has software elements for implementing a scan function and a print function, but these are omitted.

[0029] <Software Configuration of Mobile Terminal 101> The print management application 310 is an application that provides a function for transmitting a series of two-dimensional barcode issuance requests in the mobile terminal 101 .

[0030] In the print management application 310, a communication unit 311 controls communication with other devices (eg, the print management server 103 and the image forming device 102) via the network 100.

[0031] The connection application 312 connects to the connection application 322 of the image forming apparatus 102 via the network 100. The connection application 312 is connectable only when the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are connectable to the same network. When a connection is established between the connection application 312 and the connection application 322, the mobile terminal 101 can obtain device information from the image forming apparatus 102 and can directly send a print request to the print application 324 of the image forming apparatus 102. Note that the connection between the connection application 312 of the mobile terminal 101 and the connection application 322 of the image forming apparatus 102 may be made by other connection methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (near field communication).

[0032] The print application 313 transmits a two-dimensional barcode issuance request to the print management server 103 via the network 100. This two-dimensional barcode issuance request includes printable data, such as document data and image data, managed by the data management unit 314, and the print settings and device control settings. When the print management server 103 receives the two-dimensional barcode issuance request from the print application 313, the print management server 103 converts the data to be printed, which is included in the request, into print data in a format printable by the image forming device 102, generates a two-dimensional barcode with embedded URL information for acquiring the print data, and responds to the print application 313. The print application 313 can also acquire current location information of the mobile terminal 101 from the GPS 211. Note that the behavior of the print application 313 and the two-dimensional barcode in this embodiment will be described later.

[0033] The data management unit 314 manages printable data stored in the HDD 204 of the mobile terminal 101. Specifically, the data management unit 314 manages image data such as document data and photographs, and makes them accessible from the print application 313. The data management unit 314 can also store two-dimensional barcodes issued by the print management server 103.

[0034] <Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 102> The print module 320 is a software module that has the functionality for sending a series of print requests in the image forming device 102 .

[0035] In the print module 320, a communication unit 321 controls communication with other devices (eg, the print management server 103 and the mobile terminal 101) via the network 100. The connection application 322 connects to the connection application 312 of the mobile terminal 101 via the network 100. The connection application 322 is connectable only when the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are connectable to the same network. When the connection between the connection application 312 and the connection application 322 is established, the mobile terminal 101 becomes able to obtain information about the image forming apparatus 102 and to directly send a print request to the print application 324 of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0036] The reading application 323 is an application that decodes the two-dimensional barcode read by the reader 234 . The print application 324 transmits a print request to the print management server 103 and performs print control and device control for print data received as a response, in accordance with the information decoded by the read application 323. This process will be described in detail later. The setting management unit 325 manages various setting values, remaining amount values ​​of consumables, etc. of the image forming apparatus 102. The print application 324 refers to the setting management unit 325 to perform print control processing.

[0037] <Software configuration of print management server 103> The print management module 330 is a software module having a function for executing a series of two-dimensional barcode issuing processes and a series of printing processes in the print management server 103 .

[0038] In the print management module 330, the communication unit 331 controls communication with other devices (such as the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming device 102) via the network 100. The print management module 330 receives a two-dimensional barcode issuance request from the mobile terminal 101 via the network 100 via the communication unit 331. The print management module 330 also receives a print request from the image forming device 102 that has read the two-dimensional barcode via the communication unit 331.

[0039] The print job generation unit 332 converts the data to be printed, which is included in the two-dimensional barcode issuance request received from the print application 313, into print data in a format printable by the image forming apparatus 102. The data management unit 333 stores and manages the print job data converted by the print job generation unit 332 in a print job table managed by the data management unit 333. The data management unit 333 also stores the print settings and device control settings included in the two-dimensional barcode issuance request in association with the print job data stored in the print job table.

[0040] The code issuing unit 334 issues a two-dimensional barcode based on data including an identifier that can uniquely refer to the print job data managed by the data management unit 333 . When the print management server 103 receives a request for a print job, the print data determination unit 335 determines whether or not the print process can be executed based on the location information included in the request and the print permission location information associated with the requested print job. Details of this determination process will be described later.

[0041] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing examples of screens of the mobile terminal 101 operated when sending a two-dimensional barcode issuance request to the print management server 103. Hereinafter, FIGS. 4A to 4C are collectively referred to as "FIG. 4." The series of screens shown in FIG. 4 are displayed on the display unit 210 of the mobile terminal 101.

[0042] An initial screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a) is the screen that is displayed first when the print management application 310 is started on the mobile terminal 101. When the document selection button 401 is pressed to select document data to be printed, the screen transitions to a document selection screen 410 in FIG. 4(b). When the image selection button 402 is pressed, the screen transitions to an image selection screen 420 for selecting image data to be printed.

[0043] In FIG. 4( b ), a screen 410 has a document list 411 and a selection button 412 . Document list 411 is a list that displays a list of document names of document data stored in HDD 204 of mobile terminal 101. After selecting at least one document name to be printed from among the document names displayed in document list 411, pressing button 412 transitions to print setting screen 430 in FIG. The screen 420 also has an image list 421 and a selection button 422 . Image list 421 is a list that displays a list of thumbnail images of image data stored in HDD 204 of mobile terminal 101. After selecting at least one thumbnail image to be printed from among the thumbnail images displayed in image list 421, pressing button 422 transitions to print setting screen 430 in FIG.

[0044] In FIG. 4C, a screen 430 has a print setting section 431, a print preview section 432, a position information setting button 433, and a print button 434. The setting section 431 is for selecting or inputting print settings for the document data and image data selected on the screens 410 and 420. Items for the print settings that can be set include, for example, the number of copies to be printed, color / monochrome setting, double-sided / single-sided setting, paper orientation, etc. Note that the number and types of items that can be set as print settings are not limited to these, and various other settings are possible.

[0045] The preview section 432 is for displaying a preview image of what will happen when the data selected on the screens 410 and 420 are printed with the settings selected in the setting section 431 . Pressing the button 433 causes a transition to a location information setting screen 440 shown in Fig. 4(d). The button 434 will be described later.

[0046] In FIG. 4D, a screen 440 has a map 441 , a print permission range selection area 442 , print permission coordinates 443 , a setting button 444 , and an IP location information permission checkbox 445 .

[0047] Map 441 is an area that displays map information of the area around where mobile terminal 101 is being used. The map information to be displayed and the means for displaying it are not limited to those in this embodiment. Map information obtained from a map application installed in HDD 204 of mobile terminal 101 or from the Internet via network 100 may be displayed. In this embodiment, the description will be given on the premise that a map application installed in HDD 204 of mobile terminal 101 is called and displayed.

[0048] Area 442 indicates location information for which printing processing is permitted using a two-dimensional barcode for data selected on screen 410 and screen 420. When a rectangular area is drawn on map 441 via operation unit 209, for example by using a touch operation of a finger, GPS location information for the four corners of the area is obtained. The acquired GPS position information of the four corners is displayed on the coordinates 443. The coordinates 443 can also be entered directly via the operation unit 209. An IP location information acceptance checkbox 445 is a checkbox for deciding whether or not location information is accepted as information for judgment even with the accuracy when calculated from an IP address in the location judgment process during printing described later. When the button 444 is pressed, the setting of the print permitted coordinates is completed and the screen transitions to the screen 430 in FIG.

[0049] Although the explanation is given using screen 440, there is no intention to limit the method for setting the coordinates at which the print process can be executed. For example, the coordinates may be selected in a completely different manner, such as in position information setting screen 450. For example, screen 450 shows a method for setting the coordinates at which the print process can be executed, such as a certain number of meters radius from a specific building. The screen 450 has a map 451 , a print permission location selection pin 452 , selection value information 453 , a radius setting 454 , a setting button 455 , and an IP location information permission check box 456 .

[0050] The map 451 is similar to the map 441, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The pin 452 is a pin for selecting a base where execution of print processing is permitted, and is a mark that is displayed when a base such as a place or building where execution of print processing is permitted is selected via the operation unit 209. Information about the position selected by the pin 452 is displayed in information 453 . The setting 454 is for specifying the area information within which printing is permitted, with the location selected by the pin 452 as the center, as a radius. An IP location information acceptance checkbox 456 is a checkbox for deciding whether or not location information is accepted as information for judgment even with the accuracy when calculated from an IP address in the location judgment process during printing described later. When the button 455 is pressed, the setting of the print permitted coordinates is completed and the screen transitions to the screen 430 in FIG. 4(c).

[0051] When the screen transitions to screen 430 in FIG. 4(c) and button 434 is pressed, the print management application 310 acquires the various print settings and print permission coordinates set on the mobile terminal 101, and stores them in the data management section 333 together with the selected data.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a series of processing steps performed when a two-dimensional barcode issuance request is sent from the mobile terminal 101 to the print management server 103 in the first embodiment. Each processing step in this sequence is executed based on an operation performed via the operation unit 209 on each screen of the print management application 310 shown in Fig. 4. When the print management application 310 detects that the two-dimensional barcode issuance button 434 has been pressed, it starts the processing shown in Fig. 5.

[0053] In S501 , the print application 313 acquires the document data selected on the screen 410 or the image data selected on the screen 420 from the data management unit 314 . In step S502, the print application 313 acquires the printable location information and the value of the IP location information permission check box input on the screen 440 or 450. Furthermore, in S503, the print application 313 creates a two-dimensional barcode issuance request from the data acquired in S501 and S502, and transmits the request to the print management server 103 via the communication unit 311.

[0054] Table 1 shows an example of the data structure of a two-dimensional barcode issuance request created by the print application 313. [Table 1]

[0055] The data structure of the two-dimensional barcode issuance request will be described in detail below with reference to Table 1. The two-dimensional barcode issuance request has a mobile terminal identifier column, a data column, a print setting column, and a behavior setting column. The mobile terminal identifier column is a column that stores a value that uniquely identifies the mobile terminal that sent the two-dimensional barcode issuance request. Note that in this embodiment, the description will be given on the assumption that the serial number value of the mobile terminal is stored as an example, but there is no intention to limit the specific value. Any value that can uniquely identify the terminal from the print management server 103 is acceptable.

[0056] The data column is a column that stores binary data of the document or image to be printed. The print setting column is a column that stores values ​​set in the setting section 431 of the screen 430 . The print permission position information column stores coordinate information that defines the area where printing is permitted using a two-dimensional barcode specified by operating screen 440 or screen 450. The format of the coordinate information stored in the print permission position information column may differ depending on the screen that defines the area where printing is permitted. For example, the example shown in Table 1 is an example in which coordinate information of the four corners that represent the area specified by operating screen 440 is stored.

[0057] The IP permission column stores a value of "TRUE" when the checkbox 445 or 456 is enabled, and a value of "FALSE" when the checkbox is disabled. In the print process described below, if the image forming apparatus 102 that executes printing is not equipped with a GPS 235, location information calculated based on the IP address is used if the value of the IP permission column is "TRUE."

[0058] Returning now to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. When the print management server 103 receives a two-dimensional barcode issuance request from the print application 313, it executes the process of S504. In S504, the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 passes the values ​​of the data column and print setting column of the received two-dimensional barcode issuance request to the print job generation unit 332 and requests the generation of a print job. The print job generation unit 332 generates a print job, and upon completing the generation of the print job, passes the generated print job to the data management unit 333. The data management unit 333 associates the generated print job with the value of the print permission position information column of the two-dimensional barcode issuance request and saves them in the print job management table.

[0059] Table 2 shows an example of the data structure of print job information managed by data management unit 333 in the print job management table. [Table 2]

[0060] The print job management table will be described in detail below with reference to Table 2. The print job management table has a print job identifier column, a print job data column, a print permission location information column, a mobile terminal identifier column, and an IP permission column.

[0061] The print job identifier column is a column for storing an identifier that is issued when the print job generation unit 332 accepts the generation of a print job in order to uniquely identify the print job. The print job data column is a column that stores the binary data of the print job generated by the print job generating unit 332. The print permission location information column is a column that stores location information where print job data can be printed.

[0062] The mobile terminal identifier column is a column that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the mobile terminal that transmitted the two-dimensional barcode issuance request in step S503. The IP tolerance column is a column in which the value "TRUE" is stored when checkbox 445 or checkbox 456 is enabled, and the value "FALSE" is stored when checkbox 445 or checkbox 456 is disabled. In the print process described below, if the image forming apparatus 102 that executes printing is not equipped with a GPS 235, location information calculated based on the IP address is used if the value of the IP tolerance column is "TRUE." On the other hand, if the value of the IP tolerance column is "FALSE," location information based on the IP address is not calculated, and an error occurs.

[0063] Returning now to the explanation of Figure 5. Next, in S505, the data management unit 333 instructs the code issuing unit 334 to issue a two-dimensional barcode. The code issuing unit 334 issues a two-dimensional barcode from the value in the print job identifier column of the print job management table. The data management unit 333 then associates the two-dimensional barcode issued by the code issuing unit 334 with the print job identifier of the corresponding print job and stores them in the two-dimensional barcode management table.

[0064] Table 3 shows an example of two-dimensional barcode information managed by the data management unit 333 in the two-dimensional barcode management table. [Table 3]

[0065] The two-dimensional barcode management table will be described in detail below with reference to Table 3. The two-dimensional barcode management table has a print job identifier column and a code column. The print job identifier column is a column that stores the value of an identifier associated with print job data managed in the print job management table. The code column is a column in which the two-dimensional barcode issued by the issuing unit 334 is stored.

[0066] Returning now to the explanation of Figure 5. The data management unit 333 returns the issued two-dimensional barcode to the print application 313 as a response to the two-dimensional barcode issuance request received in S503. When the print application receives the two-dimensional barcode, it displays the two-dimensional barcode on the display unit 210 (not shown) and prompts the user to use it.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information that can be acquired by decoding the two-dimensional barcode issued by the code issuing unit 334. As shown in FIG. The decrypted data 600 includes various information (e.g., a print job identifier key 601, an IP permission key 602) required for executing the print process described below. Note that in this embodiment, the format of the decrypted data is assumed to be JSON, but there is no intention to limit the format. Any format may be used as long as the information required for the print process is described.

[0068] The print job identifier key 601 is information for uniquely identifying the print job data managed by the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 . The IP permission key 602 is information that defines the behavior when the image forming apparatus 102 is not equipped with the GPS 235 during print processing. If this value is "TRUE", the image forming apparatus 102 uses location information calculated based on the IP address. On the other hand, if this value is "FALSE", the image forming apparatus 102 does not calculate location information.

[0069] In the above configuration, the mobile terminal 101 receives a two-dimensional barcode from the print management server 103. However, the configuration may be such that the mobile terminal 101 receives a print job identifier key from the print management server 103, and generates a two-dimensional barcode using the print job identifier key and the value of the IP location information allowance checkbox entered in FIG.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a series of processing steps when the two-dimensional barcode issued through the two-dimensional barcode issuing sequence shown in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment is read by the image forming apparatus 102 and printed. Note that in this embodiment, there is no intention to limit the form of the two-dimensional barcode to be read by the image forming apparatus 102. For example, the two-dimensional barcode may be stored in image format in the HDD 204 of the mobile terminal 101, displayed on the display unit 210, and read by the image forming apparatus 102. Alternatively, the two-dimensional barcode may be printed on a print medium such as paper, and the printout may be read by the image forming apparatus 102. For example, when a user issues an instruction to read a two-dimensional barcode from the operation unit 231 of the image forming apparatus 102, the processing in FIG. 7 starts.

[0071] In S701, the reading application 323 of the image forming apparatus 102 reads the two-dimensional barcode via the reader 234. At this time, it is assumed that the user holds the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display unit 210 or the like of the mobile terminal 101 over the reader 234 of the image forming apparatus 102. In S702, the reading application 323 decodes the two-dimensional barcode read in S701.

[0072] Next, if the image forming apparatus 102 is equipped with a GPS 235 , the reading application 323 advances the process to step S 703 and acquires location information from the GPS 235 . On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 102 is not equipped with a GPS 235, the reading application 323 advances the process to S704. In S704, if the value of the key 602 of the two-dimensional barcode information decoded in S702 is "TRUE", the reading application 323 calculates location information based on the value of the IP address assigned to the network 207. Although not shown, if the value of the key 602 of the two-dimensional barcode information decoded in S702 is "FALSE", an error occurs and printing based on the two-dimensional barcode is interrupted.

[0073] Next, in S705, the reading application 323 passes the value of the print job identifier key 601 of the two-dimensional barcode information composited in S702 and the location information acquired in S703 or S704 to the printing application 324. The printing application 324 transmits a print job acquisition request to the print management server 103 using the value of the print job identifier key 601 and the location information.

[0074] Table 4 shows an example of the data structure of a print job acquisition request. [Table 4]

[0075] The data structure of the print job acquisition request will be described in detail below with reference to Table 4. The print job acquisition request has a print job identifier column and a location information column.

[0076] The print job identifier column is a column that stores the value of an identifier associated with print job data managed in the print job management table. The location information column is a column that stores the value of the location information acquired in S703 or S704 above. Note that if the reading application 323 cannot acquire the location information, no value is stored in the location information column.

[0077] When the print management server 103 receives the print job acquisition request from the reading application 323, the print management server 103 executes the process of S706. In S706, the data management unit 333 acquires a record whose print job identifier column value matches the print job identifier column value of the received print job acquisition request from among the print job records managed in the print job management table. Furthermore, the print data determination unit 335 checks whether the position information column value of the print job acquisition request falls within the range of the print permission position information column value of the acquired record.

[0078] If the print data determination unit 335 determines that the value of the position information column falls within the range of values ​​of the print permission position information column, the data management unit 333 executes the process of S707. In S707, the data management unit 333 transmits the print job binary data stored in the print job data column of the print job record to the print application 324 of the image forming apparatus 102 as a response to the print job acquisition request. When the print application 324 receives the print job binary data, it executes the print process using the print job binary data (S708).

[0079] On the other hand, if the value of the position information column does not fall within the range of values ​​of the print permission position information column, the data management unit 333 executes the process of S709. In S709, the data management unit 333 transmits an error notification to the print application 324 of the image forming apparatus 102. When the print application 324 receives the error notification, it notifies via the operation unit 231 that printing was not performed due to the occurrence of an error (S710).

[0080] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute the print process based on the location information of the image forming device 102 that executes the print process using the two-dimensional barcode, and to control the execution of the print process. That is, in the print process that is started by the image forming device reading the two-dimensional barcode, whether or not to print can be controlled based on the location information of the image forming device that sent the print request. Therefore, even if the issuer of the two-dimensional barcode spreads the two-dimensional barcode to an unintended area, the occurrence of a situation in which the two-dimensional barcode is printed in an unintended area can be prevented.

[0081] Second Embodiment In the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was shown in which, if the image forming apparatus 102 that read the two-dimensional barcode does not have a GPS 235, rough location information calculated from an IP address is used to determine whether or not printing can be performed. This makes it unnecessary for the image forming apparatus 102 to have a GPS 235, but printing is not possible if the two-dimensional barcode settings do not allow the use of location information calculated from an IP address. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when a two-dimensional barcode is read by the image forming apparatus 102, if accurate location information based on GPS can be obtained from a device other than the image forming apparatus 102, this location information is used to determine whether or not printing can be performed.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a series of processing steps performed when a printing process is performed in an image forming apparatus 102 using a two-dimensional barcode displayed on a mobile terminal 101 and location information acquired from a GPS 211 of the mobile terminal 101 in the second embodiment.

[0083] In S801, the print application 313 of the mobile terminal 101 displays a two-dimensional barcode on the display unit 210. In step S802 , the print application 313 also acquires location information from the GPS 211 .

[0084] For example, the print application 313 establishes a connection with the image forming apparatus 102 using the connection application 312, and instructs the reading application 323 of the image forming apparatus 102 to read the two-dimensional barcode. At this time, for example, the print application 313 displays a message on the display unit 210 instructing the user to set the two-dimensional barcode in the reader 234 of the image forming apparatus 102. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the user sets the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display unit 210 of the mobile terminal in the reader 234 of the image forming apparatus 102, and instructs the user to read the two-dimensional barcode from the operation unit 231 of the image forming apparatus 102. In S803, the reading application 323 of the image forming apparatus 102 reads the two-dimensional barcode via the reader 234, and notifies the print application 313 of the completion of reading.

[0085] Next, in S804, the print application 313 transmits the location information acquired in S802 to the read application 323. Note that the print application 313 may notify the read application 323 of the location information when the print application 313 instructs the read application 323 to read a two-dimensional barcode. In other words, the image forming apparatus 102 can acquire the location information of the mobile terminal 101 at a timing corresponding to the reading of the two-dimensional barcode.

[0086] Next, in S805, the reading application 323 decodes the two-dimensional barcode read in S803. Next, in S806, the reading application 323 passes the value of the print job identifier key 601 of the two-dimensional barcode information composited in S805 above and the location information of the mobile terminal 101 received in S804 above to the print application 324. The print application 324 transmits a print job acquisition request to the print management server 103 using the value of the print job identifier key 601 and the location information.

[0087] The following processes in S807 to S811 are similar to those in S706 to S710 in FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described. As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not printing can be performed based on the location information of the mobile terminal 101 that displays the two-dimensional barcode.

[0088] Note that this embodiment does not intend to limit the form of the two-dimensional barcode to be read by image forming apparatus 102. For example, a two-dimensional barcode may be printed on a print medium such as paper, and the printout may be read by image forming apparatus 102, and location information of mobile terminal 101 may be transmitted from mobile terminal 101 to image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, the device that displays the two-dimensional barcode and the device that provides the location information may be different devices. For example, the two-dimensional barcode may be displayed on the mobile terminal 101, and the location information may be notified to the image forming apparatus 102 from a smart watch (not shown) carried by the user. In this case, the connection between the smart watch and the image forming apparatus 102 may be made by a connection method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC.

[0089] Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, when the image forming apparatus 102 reads the two-dimensional barcode, the permission to execute the print process is controlled based on the acquired position information, thereby making it possible for the creator of the two-dimensional barcode to prevent the unintended spread of the print data. As a means of print control using position information, there are cases where it is desired to print appropriate print data according to the position. For example, there are cases where it is desired to prepare and print print data created in a language corresponding to the region corresponding to the position information. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a two-dimensional barcode is associated with multiple print job data and multiple pieces of position information that enable the data to be printed, thereby making it possible to print the print data according to the above-mentioned position.

[0090] 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for selecting multiple combinations of data to be printed and corresponding position information when a two-dimensional barcode issuance request is sent from the print application 313 to the data management unit 333 in the third embodiment. The process of this flowchart is executed by the print management application 310 of the mobile terminal 101 shown in FIG.

[0091] In S901 , the print application 313 of the mobile terminal 101 acquires from the data management unit 314 the document data selected on the screen 410 or the image data selected on the screen 420 . Next, in step S902, the print application 313 acquires the printable location information input on the screen 440 or 450 and the value of the IP location information permission check box.

[0092] Next, in S903, the print application 313 determines whether there is a combination of print data and position information to be associated with an additional two-dimensional barcode. For example, when the Add Print Data / Position Information button 1101 on the screen 430 shown in Fig. 11 is pressed, it is determined that there is a combination of print data and position information to be associated with an additional two-dimensional barcode. On the other hand, when the Issue 2D Barcode button 434 is pressed, it is determined that there is no combination of print data and position information to be associated with an additional two-dimensional barcode, and data acquisition is complete. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen 430 in the third embodiment, where the same elements as those in FIG. 4(c) are given the same reference numerals.

[0093] If it is determined that there is an additional combination of print data and position information to be associated with the two-dimensional barcode (Yes in S903), the print application 313 returns the process to S901 and accepts additional input. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no combination of print data and position information to be associated with an additional two-dimensional barcode (No in S903), the print application 313 determines that data acquisition is complete and proceeds to S904. In S904, the print application 313 generates a two-dimensional barcode issuance request using the data acquired in S901 to S903, and transmits the request to the data management unit 333.

[0094] Table 5 shows an example of the data structure of a two-dimensional barcode issuance request. [Table 5]

[0095] The two-dimensional barcode issuance request of this embodiment is different from that described in the first embodiment in that it contains a combination of multiple data and print permission position information. Each column is the same as in Table 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0096] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a series of processing steps performed when a two-dimensional barcode issue request including multiple combinations of data and position information is sent from the mobile terminal 101 to the print management server 103 in the third embodiment. Each process in this sequence is executed based on an operation performed via the operation unit 209 on each screen of the print management application 310 shown in Fig. 4(a), Fig. 4(b), Fig. 4(d), and Fig. 11. When the print management application 310 detects that the two-dimensional barcode issue button 434 has been pressed, it starts the processing in Fig. 10.

[0097] In S1001, the print application 313 acquires a combination (one or more) of the document data selected on screen 410 or the image data selected on screen 420, the printable location information entered on screen 440 or screen 450, and the value of the IP location information allowance checkbox. Next, in S1002, the print application 313 generates a two-dimensional barcode issuance request based on the information acquired in S1001 above, and transmits it to the data management unit 333. Note that the processes in S1001 and S1002 above correspond to the processes shown in the flowchart in FIG.

[0098] When the print management server 103 receives a two-dimensional barcode issuance request from the print application 313, it executes the process of S1003. In S1003, the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 passes the pair (one or more) of values ​​of the data column and print setting column of the received two-dimensional barcode issuance request to the print job generation unit 332 and requests the generation of a print job. The print job generation unit 332 generates one or more print job data, and upon completing the generation of the print job data, passes the generated print job data to the data management unit 333. The data management unit 333 saves data in a print job management table that associates the generated one or more print job data with one or more print permission position information column values ​​of the two-dimensional barcode issuance request.

[0099] Table 6 shows an example of the data structure of the print job information managed by the data management unit 333. [Table 6]

[0100] The structure of the print job information in the third embodiment differs from that described in the first embodiment, and a combination of multiple print job data columns, print permission location information columns, mobile terminal identification columns, and OIP permission columns can be associated with one print job identifier column. Explanations of each column are omitted because they are the same as those in Table 2. Next, in S1004, the data management unit 333 instructs the code issuing unit 334 to issue a two-dimensional barcode. The code issuing unit 334 issues a two-dimensional barcode from the value in the print job identifier column of the print job management table. Then, the data management unit 333 associates the two-dimensional barcode issued by the code issuing unit 334 with the print job identifier of the corresponding print job and stores them in the two-dimensional barcode management table. Details are omitted as they are the same as in S505.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating a series of processing steps performed when the two-dimensional barcode issued through the two-dimensional barcode issuing sequence shown in FIG. 10 in the third embodiment is read by the image forming apparatus 102 and printed.

[0102] First, steps S1201 to S1205 are similar to steps S701 to S705 in FIG. 7, so the description thereof will be omitted. In S1206, the data management unit 333 acquires a record whose print job identifier column value matches the print job identifier column value of the received print job acquisition request from among the print job records managed in the print job management table. Furthermore, the print data determination unit 335 checks whether the position information column value of the print job acquisition request falls within the range of the print permission position information column value of any of the acquired records.

[0103] If the print data determination unit 335 determines that the value of the position information column falls within the range of values ​​of any of the print permission position information columns, the data management unit 333 executes the process of S1207. In S1207, the data management unit 333 sends the print job binary data stored in the print job data column corresponding to the print permission location information column whose range includes the value of the location information column of the above print job record to the print application 324 of the image forming device 102 as a response to the above print job acquisition request. Upon receiving the print job binary data, the print application 324 executes the print process using the print job binary data (S1208).

[0104] On the other hand, if the value of the position information column does not fall within the range of values ​​of any of the print permission position information columns, the data management unit 333 executes the process of S1209. In S1209, the data management unit 333 transmits an error notification to the print application 324 of the image forming apparatus 102. When the print application 324 receives the error notification, it notifies via the operation unit 231 that printing was not performed due to the occurrence of the error (S1210).

[0105] As described above, according to the third embodiment, by associating a combination of multiple print job data and location information with a print job identifier embedded in a two-dimensional barcode, it is possible to print appropriate print job data according to the location information.

[0106] According to each embodiment described above, by issuing a two-dimensional barcode after associating it with the range of location information in which printing of document data is permitted, it becomes possible to determine whether printing can be performed and control the execution of printing using location information of the image forming device that reads the two-dimensional barcode or the mobile terminal that has read the two-dimensional barcode. Therefore, even if the issuer of the two-dimensional barcode spreads the two-dimensional barcode to an unintended area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the two-dimensional barcode is printed in an unintended area.

[0107] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and the data may have various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0108] 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. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications.

[0109] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A system including an image forming apparatus and a server, The image forming apparatus includes: a reading means for reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from the server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a first request means for requesting a print job from the server using information acquired from the code and location information of the image forming device; a printing means for executing a print job received from the server based on the request, The server, a management means for managing a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted; and a control means for, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and, if included, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and, if not included, controlling not to transmit the requested print job. A system characterized by: (Configuration 2) a second request means for transmitting to the server data to be printed and information indicating a range of positional information within which printing of the data to be printed is permitted, and requesting generation of the code in the predetermined format; a display means for displaying the code received from the server in response to the request on a display unit, The reading means reads the code displayed on the display unit of the terminal, The system according to configuration 1, wherein the server has a generating means for generating the code and transmitting the code to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal. (Configuration 3) a third request means for transmitting to the server data to be printed and information indicating a range of position information within which printing of the data to be printed is permitted, to request information for obtaining a print job based on the data to be printed; a terminal having a display means for displaying the code in the predetermined format on a display unit based on information for acquiring the print job received from the server in response to the request and information indicating the range of the location information, The reading means reads the code displayed on the display unit of the terminal, the server has a transmitting means for transmitting information for acquiring the print job to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal; 2. The system according to configuration 1, (Configuration 4) the code in the predetermined format includes first information for acquiring a print job from the server, and second information indicating whether to permit use of location information based on the IP address; The system described in configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the first request means uses location information acquired by GPS as the location information when the second information indicates that use of location information based on the IP address is not permitted, and when the second information indicates that use of location information based on the IP address is permitted, requests the print job using location information based on the IP address of the image forming device in response to being unable to acquire location information by GPS. (Configuration 5) the terminal has a second acquisition means for acquiring location information of the terminal; the image forming apparatus includes a third acquisition unit for acquiring location information of the terminal; The system described in configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the first request means makes a request for the print job using the location information acquired from the terminal by the third acquisition means at a timing corresponding to the reading of the code as the location information of the image forming device. (Configuration 6) the management means manages one or more print jobs, information indicating a range of location information in which printing is permitted for each print job, and an identifier that identifies the one or more print jobs in association with each other; The system described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, the control means checks whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with any print job identified by an identifier indicated by the information included in the request, and if it is included, controls to send a print job corresponding to the included range to the image forming device, and if it is not included, controls not to send the print job. (Configuration 7) An image forming apparatus that obtains a print job from a server and prints the job, a reading means for reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from a server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a requesting means for requesting a print job from the server using information acquired from the code and location information of the image forming device; a receiving means for receiving from the server, in response to the request, a print job for which printing is permitted within a range including the location information; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 8) the code in the predetermined format includes first information for acquiring a print job from the server, and second information indicating whether to permit use of location information based on an IP address; the request means uses location information acquired by a GPS as the location information when the second information indicates that use of the location information based on the IP address is not permitted, and when the second information indicates that use of the location information based on the IP address is permitted, requests the print job using location information based on the IP address of the image forming apparatus in response to the inability to acquire location information by GPS. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, (Configuration 9) The reading means reads the code displayed on the display unit of the terminal, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the request means requests the print job using location information acquired from the terminal at a timing corresponding to reading of the code as location information of the image forming apparatus. (Configuration 10) a management means for managing a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted; a control means for, in response to a request for a print job from an image forming device using information read from a code of a predetermined format storing information for acquiring a print job and location information of the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device if it is included, and controlling not to transmit the requested print job if it is not included; A server comprising: (Configuration 11) The server according to configuration 10, further comprising a generating means for generating a code of the predetermined format including data to be printed and information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the data to be printed is permitted from a terminal in response to a request from the terminal, and transmitting the code to the terminal. (Configuration 12) the management means manages one or more print jobs, information indicating a range of location information in which printing is permitted for each print job, and an identifier that identifies the one or more print jobs in association with each other; The server according to configuration 10 or 11, characterized in that, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, the control means checks whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with any of the print jobs identified by an identifier indicated by the information included in the request, and if it is included, controls to send a print job corresponding to the included range to the image forming device, and if it is not included, controls not to send the print job. (Method 1) A method for controlling a system including an image forming apparatus and a server that manages a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted, comprising the steps of: Executed by the image forming apparatus, a reading step of reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from the server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a request step of requesting a print job from the server using information obtained from the code and location information of the image forming device; a printing step of executing a print job received from the server based on the request; Executed by the server, a control step of, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, confirming whether location information included in the request is included in a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and if included, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and if not, controlling not to transmit the requested print job; 13. A method for controlling a system comprising: (Method 2) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that obtains a print job from a server and prints the job, comprising the steps of: a reading step of reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from a server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a request step of requesting a print job from the server using information obtained from the code and location information of the image forming device; a receiving step of receiving from the server, in response to the request, a print job for which printing is permitted within a range including the location information; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (Method 3) A method for controlling a server that manages a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information in which printing of the print job is permitted, comprising the steps of: A server control method characterized by comprising a control step of, in response to a request for a print job from an image forming device using information read from a code of a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job and location information of the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and if it is included, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and if it is not included, controlling so as not to transmit the requested print job. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to the second method. (Program 2) A program for causing a computer to execute the server control method according to method 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 101 Mobile Devices 102 Image forming device 103 Print Management Server

Claims

1. A system including an image forming apparatus and a server, The image forming apparatus includes: a reading means for reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from the server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a first request means for requesting a print job from the server using information acquired from the code and location information of the image forming device; a printing means for executing a print job received from the server based on the request, The server, a management means for managing a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted; and a control means for, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and, if included, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and, if not included, controlling not to transmit the requested print job. A system characterized by:

2. a second request means for transmitting to the server data to be printed and information indicating a range of positional information within which printing of the data to be printed is permitted, and requesting generation of the code in the predetermined format; a display means for displaying the code received from the server in response to the request on a display unit, The reading means reads the code displayed on the display unit of the terminal, 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server has a generating means for generating the code in response to a request from the terminal and transmitting the code to the terminal.

3. a third requesting means for transmitting to the server data to be printed and information indicating a range of position information within which printing of the data to be printed is permitted, to request information for obtaining a print job based on the data to be printed; a terminal having a display means for displaying the code in the predetermined format on a display unit based on information for acquiring the print job received from the server in response to the request and information indicating the range of the location information, The reading means reads the code displayed on the display unit of the terminal, the server has a transmitting means for transmitting information for acquiring the print job to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal; 2. The system of claim 1 .

4. the code in the predetermined format includes first information for acquiring a print job from the server, and second information indicating whether to permit use of location information based on the IP address; The system described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first request means uses location information acquired by GPS as the location information when the second information indicates that use of location information based on the IP address is not permitted, and when the second information indicates that use of location information based on the IP address is permitted, requests the print job using location information based on the IP address of the image forming device in response to the inability to acquire location information by GPS.

5. The terminal has a second acquisition means for acquiring location information of the terminal, the image forming apparatus includes a third acquisition unit for acquiring location information of the terminal; The system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first request means makes a request for the print job using the location information acquired from the terminal by the third acquisition means at a timing corresponding to the reading of the code as the location information of the image forming device.

6. The management unit manages one or more print jobs, information indicating a range of location information in which printing is permitted for each print job, and an identifier that identifies the one or more print jobs in association with each other; The system described in claim 1, characterized in that, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, the control means checks whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with any print job identified by an identifier indicated by the information included in the request, and if it is included, controls to send a print job corresponding to the included range to the image forming device, and if it is not included, controls not to send the print job.

7. An image forming apparatus that obtains a print job from a server and prints the job, a reading means for reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from a server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a requesting means for requesting a print job from the server using information acquired from the code and location information of the image forming device; a receiving means for receiving from the server, in response to the request, a print job for which printing is permitted within a range including the location information; An image forming apparatus comprising:

8. the code in the predetermined format includes first information for acquiring a print job from the server, and second information indicating whether to permit use of location information based on an IP address; the request means, when the second information indicates that use of the location information based on the IP address is not permitted, uses location information acquired by a GPS as the location information, and when the second information indicates that use of the location information based on the IP address is permitted, requests the print job using location information based on the IP address of the image forming apparatus in response to the inability to acquire location information by GPS.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The reading means reads the code displayed on the display unit of the terminal, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the request unit issues the print job request using the location information acquired from the terminal at a timing corresponding to the reading of the code as the location information of the image forming apparatus.

10. a management means for managing a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted; a control means for, in response to a request for a print job from an image forming device using information read from a code of a predetermined format storing information for acquiring a print job and location information of the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device if it is included, and controlling not to transmit the requested print job if it is not included; A server comprising:

11. The server according to claim 10, further comprising a generating means for generating a code of a predetermined format, including data to be printed and information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the data to be printed is permitted, in response to a request from the terminal, and transmitting the code to the terminal.

12. The management unit manages one or more print jobs, information indicating a range of location information in which printing is permitted for each print job, and an identifier that identifies the one or more print jobs in association with each other; The server according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, the control means checks whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with any of the print jobs identified by an identifier indicated by the information included in the request, and if it is included, controls to send a print job corresponding to the included range to the image forming device, and if it is not included, controls not to send the print job.

13. A method for controlling a system including an image forming apparatus and a server that manages a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information within which printing of the print job is permitted, the method comprising: Executed by the image forming apparatus, a reading step of reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from the server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a request step of requesting a print job from the server using information obtained from the code and location information of the image forming device; a printing step of executing a print job received from the server based on the request; Executed by the server, a control step of, in response to a request for the print job from the image forming device, confirming whether location information included in the request is included in a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and if included, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and if not, controlling not to transmit the requested print job; 13. A method for controlling a system comprising:

14. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that obtains a print job from a server and prints the job, comprising the steps of: a reading step of reading a code in a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job from a server, and obtaining the information stored in the code; a request step of requesting a print job from the server using information obtained from the code and location information of the image forming device; a receiving step of receiving from the server, in response to the request, a print job for which printing is permitted within a range including the location information; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

15. A method for controlling a server that manages a print job in association with information indicating a range of location information in which printing of the print job is permitted, comprising the steps of: A server control method characterized by comprising a control step of, in response to a request for a print job from an image forming device using information read from a code of a predetermined format that stores information for obtaining a print job and location information of the image forming device, confirming whether the location information included in the request is within a range of location information managed in association with the requested print job, and if it is included, transmitting the requested print job to the image forming device, and if it is not included, controlling so as not to transmit the requested print job.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

17. A program for causing a computer to execute the server control method according to claim 15.

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