Pull-print system, print server, pull-print method, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when executing pull-print from a smartphone, a user has a number of steps, such as start-up of an application in the smartphone, selection of a print service to be used, selection of a function, and selection of a print job, which reduces usability.SOLUTION: The present invention is a pull-print system that comprises a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, and the printing device executes a print job submitted to the print server on the basis of an instruction from the mobile terminal. The print server receives the print job submitted by a user, stores the print job, specifies the user who has submitted the print job, and transmits, by push notification, information on the print job to a mobile terminal at a notification destination associated with the user. The mobile terminal that receives the push notification instructs execution of the print job according to an operation for a message displayed on a display unit. The print server receives the instruction to execute the print job, transmits the print job to a printing device associated with the user, and executes printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pull printing system, a print server, a pull printing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) that combine the functions of printing electronic data onto paper and reading (scanning) paper documents to generate electronic data have become available at low prices. These MFPs have become widely used not only in businesses but also in ordinary homes. Some MFPs also have the ability to connect to a network.

[0003] Meanwhile, a pull print system has been proposed in which print jobs are managed on a server based on user authentication information, and printing is performed by an image forming apparatus via the server (see Patent Document 1). In pull printing, the user selects a printer and issues a print command, but the print job (print data) is stored on the server. When the user issues a command to output a print job from the printer selected by the user, the printer requests the print job from the print service, and the actual print output is performed by downloading the print job.

[0004] Pull printing, which prints only the print job selected on the printer's operation panel when printing a job submitted to a server, is superior in terms of security. However, since pull printing is less convenient than push printing, which immediately prints the submitted job, there are systems that allow you to switch between pull printing and push printing depending on the purpose.

[0005] In addition, some low-cost home printers (image forming devices) are not equipped with an operation panel, and even if they are equipped with an operation panel, the operation panel itself is small. For this reason, the use of smartphones as an alternative to the printer's operation panel is being considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6237576 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, when performing pull printing using a smartphone, the user must perform many operations such as starting an app on the smartphone, selecting a print service to be used, selecting a function, selecting a print job, etc., resulting in low user convenience. The present invention aims to improve the user convenience when performing pull printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a pull printing system of the present invention includes a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, and executes printing of a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, wherein the print server includes a first receiving means for receiving the print job submitted by a user, a storage means for storing the print job, a first sending means for identifying a user who submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and sending information about the print job by push notification to a mobile terminal of a notification destination associated with the user, and a second sending means for sending the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the identified user, and the mobile terminal includes a second receiving means for receiving the push notification from the print server, a display means for displaying a message on a display unit when the push notification is received, and a third sending means for sending an instruction to the print server to execute the print job based on a user's operation on the message, and the second sending means of the print server receives the instruction and sends the print job to the printing device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the convenience for a user when performing pull printing is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a pull printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client device, a relay server, a print server, and a mobile terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a scanning process and a printing process. [Figure 6]11 is a flowchart showing a process of switching a screen display after an application is started. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for performing user authentication and authorization to acquire data from a print server. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print management service screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for acquiring a list of print jobs in a print server. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a print job list. [Figure 12] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a print dialogue display screen and a print job submission method selection screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for executing push print. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a push notification setting screen. [Figure 15] Sequence diagram for registering push notification settings. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram from when a pull print job is submitted until a push notification is issued in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the mobile terminal when a push notification is received. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a pull print process according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of pull printing according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a print code issuing screen and an input screen according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> The configuration of a pull printing system including a relay server according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The pull printing system in Fig. 1 includes a client device 101, an MFP (Multi Function Printer) 102, a relay server 104, a print server 107, and a mobile terminal 109. The relay server 104 and the print server 107 are connected to the client device 101, the MFP 102, and the mobile terminal 109 via a network 103, respectively.

[0013] The network 103 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone line, or a dedicated digital line. The network 103 may also be, for example, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), a frame relay line, a cable television line, or a wireless line for data broadcasting. Alternatively, the network 103 may be a so-called communication network such as the Internet realized by a combination of these.

[0014] The client device 101 and the MFP 102 are connected to the network 103 via an access point. The client device 101 and the MFP 102 are equipped with a Web browser, and each of them displays a Web service provided by the relay server 104 on the browser screen, thereby enabling the user to use the pull printing system.

[0015] Relay server 104 is a relay server that relays transmission and reception of data in order to utilize a service provided by a service application 108 (described later) in response to access from client device 101, MFP 102, and mobile terminal 109. A browsing application (browsing application 105) for managing browsing of Web pages by client device 101, MFP 102, and mobile terminal 109 is implemented in relay server 104.

[0016] Hereinafter, the client device 101, the MFP 102, and the mobile terminal 109 are collectively referred to as client terminals. As will be described later, a web browser installed in the client terminal displays a web page so that the user can view it, but in this specification, it may be simply described that the web page is displayed by the client terminal.

[0017] The relay server 104 has the functions of a browsing application 105 and a push notification service 106. The browsing application 105 realizes a function of managing browsing of a web page by a user on a web browser. The browsing application 105 responds with a predetermined web page in response to an access from a client terminal. The predetermined web page includes a web page related to various services provided by the print server 107. In this embodiment, the client terminal does not directly acquire and display a web page related to various information provided by the print server 107 from the print server 107, but acquires and displays the web page through the browsing application 105. That is, the client terminal displays a web page provided by the browsing application 105, thereby indirectly allowing the user to browse various information provided by the print server 107.

[0018] For example, the client terminal allows a user to view information on a list of print jobs managed by the print server 107 by including the information in a Web page provided by the viewing application 105. Note that the predetermined Web page includes a service login page for logging in to the print server 107 from the client terminal. The service login page is a Web page provided by the print server 107.

[0019] The push notification service 106 cooperates with a push notification server provided by a company that develops the operating system (OS) of the mobile terminal 109, and launches an application on the mobile terminal 109 by means of a push notification to display a message. For example, Apple Push Notification service (APNs) is a service that supports iOS (registered trademark) provided by Apple Inc. If the OS of the mobile terminal 109 is iOS, a server for APNs is used as the push notification server. Also, Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is a service that supports Android (registered trademark) provided by Google Inc. If the OS of the mobile terminal 109 is Android, a server for FCM is used as the push notification server.

[0020] The print server 107 provides a predetermined service to the client terminal via the relay server 104. An application 108 for providing the predetermined service to the client terminal is implemented in the print server 107. Hereinafter, the "application for providing the predetermined service" is referred to as a "service application." The client terminal uses the service provided by the service application 108 via the relay server 104.

[0021] In this embodiment, the service application 108 manages data such as image data and document files owned by the user on the print server 107. The service application 108 provides a service that enables the files to be viewed on a Web browser or other GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces). The service application 108 also provides a service that uploads image data and document files designated from a client terminal via the relay server 104 or directly to the print server 107. The service application 108 also provides a service that enables the provision and updating of file information via an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0022] Note that the services provided by the service application 108 are not limited to the above, and various known services may be provided. In order to use the service application 108, it is necessary to log in using pre-registered account information. In this embodiment, logging in means input of general account information, authentication, and acquisition of authentication information. The login may be performed using the commonly known OAuth authentication. Alternatively, the login may be performed by inputting a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code issued by the service application 108 on the client terminal. Alternatively, the login may be performed by any other method as long as it is a method capable of identifying a pre-registered account.

[0023] In this embodiment, the browsing application 105 implemented in the relay server 104 transmits a web page to the client terminal, thereby causing the client terminal to display the web page. This allows the user to browse the web page displayed on the client terminal. Furthermore, the browsing application 105 can perform a login process to the service application 108 in response to a user operation on the client terminal on the displayed web page.

[0024] Furthermore, the browsing application 105 uses the authentication information after the login process to obtain information about the service provided by the service application 108, generates a Web page that allows the service to be used, and transmits the Web page to the client terminal. In this manner, in the pull print system of FIG. 1, the relay server 104 that implements the browsing application 105 and the print server 107 that implements the service application 108 communicate with each other, and transmits the results of the communication to the client terminal.

[0025] The client device 101 may be any terminal capable of mounting a web browser, such as a smartphone, tablet, or general-purpose personal computer. The mobile terminal 109 is exemplified by a smartphone. A smartphone is a multi-function mobile phone equipped with a camera, web browser, e-mail function, and the like in addition to the functions of a mobile phone. Note that mobile terminals to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to smartphones, and may be easily portable terminals such as tablets, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and notebook computers.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the MFP 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Note that, although in this specification, the peripheral device will be described mainly as an MFP, the type of device is not important as long as it is equipped with a printing device and can print on paper media, such as an image forming device, an image processing device, a copying machine, or a facsimile.

[0027] In the MFP 102, the printing function is realized by a printer unit 201, the scanner function is realized by a scanner unit 202, and the storage function is realized by a memory card mounting unit 203 and a memory card 204. The printer unit 201 prints image data received from the outside or image data stored in the memory card 204 on printing paper by a recording method such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. It also manages ink information including the remaining amount of ink and paper information including the number of loaded sheets of paper.

[0028] The scanner unit 202 optically reads an original placed on a platen (not shown) and converts it into electronic data. The image data converted into a specified file format is then sent to an external device via the network 103, or stored in a storage area (not shown) such as a HDD. The copy service is realized by transferring image data generated by reading an original placed on a platen with the scanner unit 202 to the printer unit 201, which then prints the image data on printing paper.

[0029] Various file data are stored in memory card 204 inserted in memory card insertion section 203. This file data may be read by an external device via a network, and the external device may be able to edit this file data. Also, file data can be stored in memory card 204 from an external device.

[0030] Furthermore, the MFP 102 includes a CPU 205 , a program memory 206 , a work memory 207 , a display unit 208 , an operation unit 209 , a network communication unit 210 , a network connection unit 211 , and a flash memory 212 . The CPU 205 is a central processing unit for controlling each unit in the MFP 102. The program memory 206 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores various program codes and an application 214 for communicating with a server device. The application 214 accesses the printer unit 201 to obtain information on consumables such as ink and paper. The work memory 207 is configured with a RAM or the like, and temporarily stores and buffers image data and the like when each service is executed. The CPU 205 reads out a program stored in the program memory 206 into the work memory 207 and executes it. The display unit 208 is, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 209 is made up of switches and the like that allow the user to perform various input operations.

[0031] A network communication unit 210 connects the MFP 102 to a network to perform various types of communication. The network communication unit 210 can be connected to a network 103 such as the Internet via a network connection unit 211. The network communication unit 210 supports wired LAN and wireless LAN. When the network connection unit 211 is compatible with a wired LAN, it is a connector for connecting a cable for the wired LAN, and when the network connection unit 211 is compatible with a wireless LAN, it is an antenna. The flash memory 212 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data and the like received by the network communication unit 210. The above-mentioned units are connected to each other via a bus 213.

[0032] Next, the schematic configuration of the client device 101, the relay server 104, the print server 107, and the mobile terminal 109 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 301 is a central processing unit for controlling the following components. The disk device 302 stores various files as well as an application program 312, a database 313, and an OS that are read by the CPU 301. The external storage medium reader 303 is a device for reading information such as files stored in an external storage medium such as an SD card. The memory 304 is composed of a RAM or the like, and the CPU 301 temporarily stores and buffers data as necessary. The display unit 305 is composed of an LCD, for example, and displays various information. The operation unit 306 is composed of a keyboard, mouse, etc., which allow the user to perform various input operations.

[0033] The network communication unit 307 is connected to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 308 and performs various types of communication. The network communication unit 307 supports wired LAN and wireless LAN. When the network connection unit 308 is compatible with wired LAN, it is a connector for connecting a cable for the wired LAN, and when it is compatible with wireless LAN, it is an antenna. The USB communication unit 310 is connected to various peripheral devices via a USB connection unit 311 and performs various communications. The above-mentioned units are connected to each other via a bus 309. Note that the client device 101, the relay server 104, and the print server 107 may be virtual computers realized on other computers.

[0034] Next, a process for printing or scanning by a client terminal will be described. When the web browser of the client device 101 or MFP 102 accesses the browsing application 105 of the relay server 104, an application list 400 is displayed on the display unit 305 or 208. An example screen of the application list 400 is shown in Fig. 4(a). In the application list 400, four types of service names 401, 402, 403, and 404 are displayed as options.

[0035] These service names refer to services realized by the print server 107. A single print server may realize multiple services (e.g., 401 and 403), or the same server may have the functions of both the relay server 104 and the print server 107 for some or all of the services. The symbol placed to the left of each service name represents an icon that allows the service name to be identified as an image. In addition, the relay server 104 itself may have a function as a push notification server. Furthermore, the same server may have all the functions of the print server 107, the relay server 104, and the push notification server. In this specification, a server that has all these functions may be simply referred to as a print server.

[0036] The relay server 104 cooperates with these services to realize application functions of printing documents and images acquired from the services on the MFP 102, or transmitting documents and images scanned by the MFP 102 to the services. Here, the print application may be an application that prints documents and images stored in the print server 107 that provides a storage service and an image sharing service. Also, a print job execution application that can display print jobs managed in the print server 107 and execute printing may be considered. Here, the term "print job" refers to a combination of print data acquired from a print application and print settings set by a user.

[0037] A possible scan application is a storage application that saves scan results in print server 107 that provides a storage service. Another possible scan application is a profile execution application that processes scan results according to a processing method registered in print server 107. Each application may have both printing and scanning functions, or may be configured to perform only one of the functions.

[0038] It is desirable that the user can select only applications that can be used on the MFP 102 from the application list 400. For example, if the user is prohibited from using the scan function of the MFP 102 or if the MFP 102 does not have a scan function, the client device 101 makes the scan service 1 (403) unselectable or does not display it.

[0039] Here, when an application that supports both print and scan functions is selected by the user, the client device 101 may display a screen for selecting one of the functions shown in Fig. 4(b) after starting the application, so that the user can use the function selected by the user. In this case, only available functions may be selectable, as in the above-mentioned application list 400.

[0040] For example, if the user is prohibited from using the scan function of MFP 102 or if MFP 102 does not have a scan function, client device 101 makes scan menu 502 unselectable or does not display it. Furthermore, if scan menu 502 is not displayed, the only selectable menu is print menu 501, so client device 101 may skip displaying function selection screen 500 and display a screen in the state after print menu 501 is selected.

[0041] A flow to be executed by the browsing application 105 of the relay server 104 after displaying the application list 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the following, the step numbers of the processes included in the flowchart of Fig. 6 are indicated by numbers beginning with "S". The same applies to the subsequent flowcharts.

[0042] When the browsing application 105 receives a selection of an application by a user operation on the application list 400 via the operation unit 306 or 209 (S601), the browsing application 105 receives information indicating the selected application from the client terminal.

[0043] The viewing application 105 determines whether the selected application supports printing and scanning, and transitions to S607 if the application supports both printing and scanning, or to S603 if the application supports only one of them (S602). If the selected application is an application that supports either printing or scanning, the viewing application 105 determines in S603 whether the selected application is a printing application. If the selected application is a printing application, the viewing application 105 advances the process to S610, and if the selected application is a scanning application, the viewing application 105 advances the process to S604.

[0044] S604 to S606 are the scan flow for executing the scan. In S604, a folder selection screen is displayed to select a folder, in S605, a scan setting screen is displayed, scan settings are made, and then the scan is executed in S606. This completes the scan flow. Here, an example of selecting a folder in S604 has been described, but in the case of a service in which scan data is executed according to a profile, S604 becomes a step in which a scan profile is selected.

[0045] S610 to S612 are the print flow for executing printing. In S610, a file selection screen is displayed to select a print file, in S611, a print setting screen is displayed, print settings are made, and then printing is executed in S612. This completes the print flow.

[0046] In S602, if the selected application has both print and scan functions, it is further determined whether the user can use both the print and scan functions (S607). If only one of the functions is available, the process proceeds to S613, and if both functions are available, the process proceeds to S608. This determination is made using information such as whether the MFP 102 being used supports both print and scan functions and whether the user is permitted to use both print and scan functions as an account for the print server 107. Note that whether the user is permitted to use both print and scan functions may be set in advance by the account administrator.

[0047] In S613, it is determined whether the printing or scanning function can be used. If the printing function can be used, the printing flow from S610 onwards is executed, and if the scanning function can be used, the scanning flow from S604 onwards is executed. In S608, the print and scan function selection screen shown in Fig. 4B is displayed. After that, if the print function is selected in S609, the print flow from S610 onwards is executed, and if the scan function is selected, the scan flow from S604 onwards is executed.

[0048] The process of acquiring data from the print server by authenticating and authorizing the user will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The print server 107 and the relay server 104 cooperate with each other through their Web services to realize the process of the user acquiring and uploading files. Then, the print server 107 authenticates and authorizes the user, and displays a screen for selecting a list of folders, print jobs, etc. held by the user.

[0049] Here, the authorization process will be described by taking the commonly known OAuth authentication as an example. In the OAuth authentication, the relay server 104 plays the role of a client, and the print server 107 plays the role of a resource server. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that a user uses the viewing application 105 of the relay server 104 using the display unit 305 and the operation unit 306 of the client device 101. Note that a mobile terminal 109 may be used instead of the client device 101.

[0050] When an application is selected from the application list 400 by the operation unit 306 of the client device 101, the client device 101 requests the relay server 104 to start the selected application (S701). Then, the relay server 104 checks the authentication status held by the print server 107 (S702).

[0051] If the print server 107 determines in S702 that the authentication status is invalid, the relay server 104 transmits a redirect request to the client device 101 to a URL for authenticating the print server 107 (S703). This is the case when the authentication information used in the previous authentication has expired or when the print server 107 is accessed for the first time. In response to the received redirect request, the client device 101 accesses the authentication URL of the print server 107 (S704) and displays an authentication screen on the display unit 305 of the client device 101 (S705).

[0052] The client device 101 acquires information (such as an account ID and a password) for performing authentication with the print server 107 from the user on the authentication screen, and transmits the information to the print server 107 (S706). As a result, the print server 107 transmits a callback request after the authentication is completed to the client device 101 (S707). In response, the client device 101 transmits callback information to the relay server 104 (S708).

[0053] If the authenticated user has not completed the authorization process for using the functions provided by the print server 107, the flow of S705 and S706 is performed again. Then, the flow is redirected to an authorization screen to display an authorization screen for obtaining authorization for required items from the user, and the user's authorization information is transmitted to the print server 107.

[0054] The relay server 104 normally completes the authentication and authorization operations when it receives the callback information from the client device 101. The relay server 104 acquires an access token required to acquire information of the authenticated account from the print server 107 based on the callback information received from the client device 101 (S709).

[0055] Then, the relay server 104 uses the access token acquired from the print server 107 to acquire, from the relay server 104, folder information of the print server 107 linked to the authenticated account, a list of print jobs, and the like (S710). After that, the relay server 104 returns the list acquired from the print server 107 to the client device 101 (S711). The client device 101 generates a display screen for the folder / file list and the print jobs on the display unit 305.

[0056] Fig. 4(c) is an example of a display screen of a folder / file list. In Fig. 4(c), folder 1 (801) and folder 2 (802) indicate folders owned by the user on the print server 107. Also, file 1 (803), file 2 (804), and file 3 (805) indicate files arranged at the same hierarchical level as folder 1 (801) and folder 2 (802).

[0057] When a scan application is executed, or when a scan function in a print / scan-enabled application is executed, the user is prompted to select a destination folder for uploading the scan results by operating the operation unit 306. In this case, file 1 (803), file 2 (804), and file 3 (805) cannot be selected. Files that cannot be selected may be hidden.

[0058] When any folder is selected, the client device 101 transmits the selected folder information to the relay server 104. In response to the selection, the processes of S710 and S711 are performed again, and the folder / file list display screen 800 is updated to display the subfolders and files in the selected folder.

[0059] Then, when the user operates the decision button 806, the folder currently displayed is selected as the upload destination folder. In the state shown in Fig. 4(c), folder 1 (801), folder 2 (802), and the folder containing files 1 to 3 are selected as the upload destination folders.

[0060] When a print application is executed, or when a print function in a print / scan-enabled application is executed, the user is prompted to select a file to be printed by operating the operation unit 306. If a folder (801 or 802) is selected at this time, the subfolders and files in that folder are displayed, as in the case of execution of the scan function. In addition, since it is necessary to specify the file to be printed when executing the print function, the confirm button 806 is only enabled when a file is selected.

[0061] When the user selects the confirm button 806 in Fig. 4(c) during execution of the scan function, the screen transitions to a screen for making scan settings in Fig. 4(d) . Fig. 4(d) shows examples of items that can be set for scanning, such as document type (901), paper size (902), document orientation (903), and resolution (904). The scan setting items may be any items that can be set on the MFP 102, and may be configured to not be set when scanning is performed with the values ​​of all items fixed.

[0062] When the user operates the scan execution button 905, the client device 101 notifies the relay server 104 of information that the scan execution button 905 has been operated. In response to this, the scan data upload process shown in FIG. 5A is started.

[0063] The scan data upload process will be described with reference to FIG. In S1001, relay server 104 transmits a scan instruction to MFP 102 based on the scan setting parameters set by the user on scan setting screen 900. MFP 102, which receives the scan instruction from relay server 104, executes a scan in accordance with the specified scan setting parameters (S1002), and transmits scan result data to relay server 104 (S1003).

[0064] The relay server 104 uploads the binary data of the scan result received from the MFP 102 to the print server 107, which is a storage server linked to the account, using the access token acquired in S709 of Fig. 7 (S1004). The relay server 104 also transmits folder information selected by the user on the folder / file list display screen 800 of Fig. 4(c) to the print server 107, and issues an instruction to save the uploaded scan data in the folder selected by the user.

[0065] When the confirm button 806 in Fig. 4(c) is operated while the print function is being executed, the screen transitions to a screen for making print settings in Fig. 8(a). Fig. 8(a) shows examples of print configurable items including paper size (1101), print layout (1102), double-sided setting (1103), and color mode (1104). The print setting items may be any items that can be set on the MFP 102, and may be configured to not be set when printing is executed with the values ​​of all items fixed.

[0066] 8A, when the print execution button 1105 is operated, the client device 101 notifies the relay server 104 of information that the print execution button has been operated. In response to this, the print processing shown in FIG. 5B is started.

[0067] The print process will be described with reference to Fig. 5(b). In S1201, the relay server 104 requests the print server 107 to download print data for executing printing. When the download of the print data is completed, the relay server 104 issues a print instruction to the MFP 102 using the print settings set on the print setting screen 1100 and the print data downloaded in S1201 (S1202).

[0068] Upon receiving the print instruction from relay server 104, MFP 102 executes printing according to the specified print setting parameters (S1203). Upon completing printing, MFP 102 transmits the print result, such as whether printing was successful, whether an error occurred, or whether printing was canceled by the user during printing, to relay server 104 (S1204). This print result notification may include information that allows an estimate of how much consumables were used, such as the number of pages printed, whether color or monochrome printing was performed, and whether double-sided printing was performed. If the user cancels printing during printing, information on the amount of printing that was executed is transmitted to relay server 104.

[0069] Next, a management function of the print management service in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The print management service is a service provided by the print server 107, which manages print jobs input to the print server 107, receives the results printed by the MFP 102 via the relay server 104, and can manage the print results.

[0070] 9A is an example of a menu screen of the management function of the print management service. The management function is provided by a user directly accessing the service application 108 of the print server 107 from a web browser of the client device 101. The user uses this management function using the display unit 305 and operation unit 306 of the client device 101. It is assumed that the user has registered an account for the print server 107 in advance and can use this management function by performing an authentication operation. It is also possible to use a mobile terminal 109 instead of the client device 101.

[0071] The menu screen 1300 has buttons for installing a print execution application (1301), issuing a registration key (1302), and managing jobs (1303). When information is acquired that any of these buttons has been selected by the user, the corresponding function screen is displayed.

[0072] When the user selects an install button (1301) for the print execution application, an installer file for installing an application for transmitting a print job to the print management service can be downloaded to the client device 101.

[0073] Fig. 9(b) is an example of a registration key display screen in the print management service. When a user selects a registration key issue button 1302 on the menu screen 1300 in Fig. 9(a), the screen is displayed on the Web browser of the client device 101. This screen is for displaying a registration key 1401 for linking the MFP 102 with a user account of the print management service.

[0074] The registration key in this embodiment is a random 16-digit number that can uniquely identify the user account of the print management service. The user links the MFP 102 with the user account by inputting the registration key on a registration key input screen shown in FIG. 8B, which will be described later. On the registration key display screen, the numbers are displayed in groups of four digits separated by hyphens for user readability. The registration key may be set to have an expiration date, such as 30 minutes, and may be invalidated after the expiration date. This screen is closed by operating the OK button 1402, and the screen returns to the management function menu screen shown in FIG. 9A.

[0075] Next, with reference to Fig. 10, a process will be described when a user uses the print management service using the MFP 102. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a screen for selecting a list of print jobs held by the user in the print management service, displayed on the display unit 305 of the MFP 102. The CPU 205 of the MFP 102 reads out an application 214 recorded in the program memory 206 into the work memory 207 and runs it to control each unit and perform processing.

[0076] First, when an instruction to start an application for using the print management service is received from the operation unit 306 of the MFP 102, the MFP 102 displays a registration key input screen 1600 shown in FIG. 8B on the display unit 305 (S1501).

[0077] In registration key input screen 1600 shown in FIG. 8(b), registration key input field 1601 is for inputting the registration key displayed on the registration key display screen in FIG. 9(b). The operation unit 306 acquires the registration key input from the user, and determines that OK button 1602 has been operated. Thereafter, the entered registration key is transmitted to relay server 104 (S1502). Relay server 104 transmits the registration key information and the MFP 102 information to print server 107, and acquires an access token required to acquire the print job list (S1503). Here, the MFP 102 information includes information such as the product name of MFP 102 and a serial number for uniquely identifying MFP 102.

[0078] In S1504, the print server 107 verifies the registration key received from the relay server 104 to identify the user account, and manages the user account in association with the received information of the MFP 102. The relay server 104 uses the acquired access token to acquire a print job list associated with the authenticated account from the print server 107 (S1505), and returns the print job list to the MFP 102 (S1506). The MFP 102 generates a print job display screen on the display unit 305, and displays a print job list screen 1700 shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0079] Reference numerals 1701, 1702, and 1703 in Fig. 11(a) indicate print jobs that have been submitted to and managed by the print server 107. For each item, an icon, the job name of the print job, and information on the date and time when the print job was submitted are displayed. The icon may be an icon that identifies the file type of the print job. Here, a method of submitting a print job to the print server 107 in the print management service of this embodiment will be described.

[0080] As described above, by selecting the print execution application installation button (1301) in FIG. 9(a), an application for sending a print job to the print management service can be installed in the client device 101. At this time, a printer driver is also installed in the client device 101 at the same time as the application. The user performs a print operation of the file to be printed from an application that is normally used on the client device 101. Then, by selecting the printer driver installed by the above-mentioned operation and executing printing, a print job for using the print management service is submitted. Note that the application for submitting a print job to the print management service may be installed not only in the client device 101 but also in the mobile terminal 109.

[0081] FIG. 12(a) is an example of a print dialog when a user performs a print operation from an arbitrary application on the client device 101. Reference numeral 1801 denotes a print preview, which displays a preview of the contents of the file that the user is about to print. The preview contents may be dynamically updated according to print setting values ​​described below. A printer item 1802 is an item for setting a printer driver for executing print processing. A possible format is a combo box format as shown in 1803, which displays a list of printer drivers currently installed in the client device 101 and allows any one to be selected. Here, it is assumed that a printer driver named "linkage driver" is a driver for linking with the print management service in this embodiment. Note that a mobile terminal 109 may be used instead of the client device 101.

[0082] In the item of number of copies to print 1804, the number of copies to be printed is input as an integer value. 1805 is in the form of a text box in which the user inputs a numerical value, but it may also be in the form of, for example, selecting a numerical value in a combo box or changing a numerical value in a spin box. In FIG. 12, as other print setting items, paper size 1806, layout 1808, double-sided setting 1810, and color mode 1812 are illustrated. In combo box 1807, paper size such as A4, Letter, or B5 is set. In combo box 1809, layout such as 1in1, 2in1, or 4in1 is set. In combo box 1811, single-sided printing or double-sided printing is set. In combo box 1813, monochrome or color is set. The print setting items and setting values ​​displayed here are merely examples, and any setting items and selection formats may be used. Then, when the user operates print button 1814 after setting the print settings as desired by the user, the print job is confirmed.

[0083] When the user operates the print button 1814, the printer driver performs a process of generating print data. After that, an "application for sending a print job" installed in the client device 101 is started, and a screen for selecting a method for submitting a print job, as shown in FIG. 12(b), is displayed. On the print job submission method selection screen 1900, the user can select how to submit a job to be printed. When option 1901 is selected, the print job is submitted in the form of "push print," in which the print job is immediately sent to the printer for printing. In other words, the print job is sent to the MFP 102 registered in the sequence of FIG. 10, and is immediately printed.

[0084] The push print process will be described with reference to Fig. 13. When the user selects option 1901 on the screen for selecting the print job submission method in Fig. 12(b), a push print execution request is transmitted from the client device 101 to the print server 107 (S2001). At this time, uploading of a print file associated with the print job and transmission of print setting values ​​are also performed at the same time. Then, based on the push print execution request received from the client device 101, the print server 107 acquires information regarding which account the request is being processed by, information on the MFP 102 registered in that account, and the like (S2002). Note that a mobile terminal 109 may be used instead of the client device 101.

[0085] As a method of identifying the account here, the print server 107 may acquire account information from the client device 101. When the client device 101 installs the "application for sending print jobs", it accesses the service application 108 provided by the print server 107 and performs login processing. Information such as an access token acquired at this time is stored in the application. Then, the client device 101 may transmit the access token in a request header when requesting execution of push print to the print server 107.

[0086] Next, print server 107 transmits a print job notification to relay server 104 together with the searched account information, information about MFP 102 registered in the account, and information linked to the print job at the time of the push print request (S2003). Based on the information linked to the print job received from print server 107, relay server 104 acquires an access token for transmitting a request to print server 107 (S2004), and acquires the print data (S2005).

[0087] Here, if the access token is determined to be invalid because it has expired, or if the access token itself does not exist, the relay server 104 may be configured to return an error to the print server 107. Note that, although the embodiment in which the print data is acquired from the relay server 104 to the print server 107 in S2005 has been described in Fig. 13, any method may be used as long as the print server 107 can acquire the print data. For example, the binary data of the print data may be added to the print job notification request in S2003.

[0088] Then, print server 107, which has acquired the print data, issues a print execution instruction to MFP 102 (S2006). Here, the print execution instruction to MFP 102 includes information on the print file associated with the print job and the print setting values ​​set on print screen 1800 in Fig. 12(a). After that, when MFP 102 completes the print execution, it notifies relay server 104 of the print result (S2007). Furthermore, relay server 104 notifies print server 107 of the print result (S2008).

[0089] Next, the pull print of this embodiment will be described. When the user selects option 1902 on the print job submission method selection screen 1900 in FIG. 12(b), the print job is not immediately printed, but is submitted in the form of "pull print" in which the print job is added to a print job list managed by the print server 107. The submitted print job is stored in the disk device 302 of the print server 107 until an instruction to execute printing is given. In the pull print of this embodiment, when a print job is submitted to the print server 107, the push notification service 106 of the relay server 104 pushes a message indicating that the print job has been submitted to the mobile terminal 109. This makes it possible to select a print job and instruct execution of printing at the mobile terminal 109. Note that the print job may be submitted from the mobile terminal 109 instead of the client device 101.

[0090] In order for the relay server 104 to send a push notification to the mobile terminal 109, a registration process for the push notification must be executed in advance. In the registration process, first, the "pull print application" of the mobile terminal 109 is started to display a push notification setting screen 2100 shown in FIG. 14(a). This push notification setting screen 2100 displays "Not registered" because a printer 2101 that performs pull printing and a notification destination terminal 2102 for push notification are not registered by default. Here, by operating a registration button 2103, a process can be performed to register the printer that performs pull printing and the notification destination terminal for push notification in the relay server 104. By operating a cancel button 2104, the screen is closed without performing the registration process.

[0091] With reference to Fig. 15, the process when the registration button 2103 is operated in Fig. 14(a) will be described. The pull print application of the mobile terminal 109 communicates with the MFP 102 via the network 103 and acquires printer information (S2201). The printer information includes information such as the product name of the MFP 102 and a serial number for uniquely identifying the MFP. The mobile terminal 109 transmits the acquired printer information to the relay server 104 and makes a printer registration request (S2202). The relay server 104, which has received the printer registration request from the mobile terminal 109, acquires an access token from the print server 107 (S2203).

[0092] If the access token itself does not exist or is invalid, a login screen 2300 for the service shown in Fig. 8(c) is displayed on the mobile terminal 109. The user enters a user ID 2301 and a password 2302 required for logging in to the service, and performs a login operation by selecting a login button 2303. If the login is successful, the relay server 104 associates the access token with the MFP 102 as client information and stores it in the database 313 (S2204).

[0093] When the mobile terminal 109 receives the response to the printer registration request, it makes a notification destination terminal registration request for the push notification service 106 to the relay server 104 (S2205). The address and server name of the relay server 104 used as the address of the destination of the registration information is stored in advance in the pull print application of the mobile terminal 109. The notification destination terminal information is identification information of the mobile terminal 109, and includes, for example, a device token required for receiving push notifications and OS information (OS type, OS version, etc.) installed on the mobile terminal 109.

[0094] The device token is information provided by the OS when the OS installed on the mobile terminal 109 is iOS, and uniquely identifies the terminal to which the push notification is to be sent. The device token includes identification information of the application of the mobile terminal 109, etc. When the OS of the mobile terminal 109 is Android, it is called a registration token, but in this embodiment, an example of a device token will be described. When the push notification service 106 of the relay server 104 receives the notification destination terminal information from the mobile terminal 109, it associates the above-mentioned client information with the device token and stores them in the database 313 (S2206).

[0095] As a result, the user account, the printer that performs the pull print, and the communication destination terminal of the push notification are associated and registered in the relay server 104. The relay server 104 can recognize to which mobile terminal 109 the pull print execution information received from the "application for sending a print job" of the client device 101 should be sent. This completes the registration process for the push notification. When the setting screen is displayed again after registration is complete, a push notification setting screen 2400 shown in Fig. 14(b) is displayed, and the user can check setting information 2401 of the printer that will perform pull printing and setting information 2402 of the notification destination terminal for push notification. For example, the user may be able to change the content of the printer setting information 2401 on the screen and operate an OK button 2403 to re-register the printer.

[0096] The method of transmitting the registration information in the registration process is not particularly limited. For example, the HTTP method may be used to convert the registration information into HTML format and transmit it, or the FTP method may be used to create the registration information in a file format and transmit the file. The registration information may be data encrypted with a security key shared between the push notification service 106 and the application of the mobile terminal 109. The registration information may be binary data, text data such as UTF-8, or data encoded in a format such as Base64.

[0097] 16, the process of selecting option 1902 on the print job submission method selection screen 1900 of the client device 101 in FIG. 12(b), submitting a print job in the “pull print” format, and sending a push notification to the mobile terminal 109 will be described. When the user selects option 1902 on the selection screen 1900 in Fig. 12(b), the client device 101 transmits a pull print execution request to the print server 107 (S2501). At this time, the print file associated with the print job is uploaded and print setting values ​​are transmitted at the same time. Then, based on the received pull print execution request, the print server 107 obtains information on which account the request is being processed by (S2502).

[0098] In this case, the method of identifying the account is that the print server 107 acquires account information from the client device 101. When installing the "application for sending a print job" in the client device 101, an access token acquired by accessing the service application 108 provided by the print server 107 and performing a login process may be used. Information such as the acquired access token may be stored in the application of the client device 101, and the access token may be written in a request header when making a pull print execution request and transmitted to the print server 107. The information is not limited to an access token, and may be any information as long as it allows the print server 107 to identify the account information. Next, the print server 107 stores information associated with the print job at the time of the pull print request, in association with the searched account information (S2503).

[0099] The list of print jobs for pull printing stored in this manner can be confirmed by operating a job management button 1303 on the menu screen 1300 of the client device 101 shown in FIG. 9(a). FIG. 9(c) shows an example of a screen that is displayed when the user operates the job management button 1303. The screen in FIG. 9(c) displays a list of print jobs stored by the user, and displays a list of the job names 2601 of the print jobs and the dates 2602 when the print jobs were submitted. The items displayed here are not limited to these, and other information associated with the print jobs may be displayed. For example, print setting values ​​associated with the print jobs, the number of pages of the print file, etc. may be displayed.

[0100] Each print job in the print job list is provided with a check box, and it is possible to delete a checked print job by operating the Delete button 2606 with the print job checked. In the list screen shown in Fig. 9(c), print job 2603 with the job name "sample.pdf" is checked. If the Delete button 2606 is operated in this state, only print job 2603 is deleted, and the print job list is displayed again with print jobs 2604 and 2605 remaining.

[0101] Note that a configuration may be adopted in which an expiration date is set for a print job, and the print job is automatically deleted when the expiration date has passed, even if the user does not intentionally delete the print job. The expiration date may be set so that only the administrator of the account can set the expiration date.

[0102] 16, after storing the print job, the print server 107 notifies the relay server 104 that the print job has been submitted (S2504). The push notification service 106 of the relay server 104 pushes a message indicating that the print job has been submitted to the mobile terminal 109 (S2505). When the mobile terminal 109 receives the notification information from the relay server 104, it displays a notification area (push notification area) for notifying the user of a message corresponding to the notification information on the screen displayed by the display unit 305 using the push notification function.

[0103] 17(a) is an example of a screen in a state where a message is displayed in the notification area by the push notification function. The OS top screen 2700 shows the maximum area that the display unit 305 can display, and the notification area 2701 shows an area for notifying a message corresponding to notification information. Note that in this embodiment, the push notification function that displays the notification area 2701 on the display unit by push notification is realized by the OS installed in the mobile terminal 109.

[0104] The push notification function is a function that can send a notification to an application even when the application on the mobile terminal 109 is not running. In other words, the push notification function of the mobile terminal 109 can display the notification area 2701 even when the application of the mobile terminal 109 is running in the background, is not running, or the home screen is displayed.

[0105] Note that the message corresponding to the notification information may include print job information, account information, and a URL in addition to the character string of the display message. The notification area 2701 includes the application name or icon, notification time, and display message, which are items related to the notification information. The notification time indicates information related to the date and time when the notification information was received. This allows the user to easily understand when and what kind of push notification was made.

[0106] Fig. 18(a) is a sequence diagram when a user selects notification information of a push notification on the mobile terminal 109 and executes a pull print print job. In Fig. 17(a), when the notification area 2701 is selected by the user, the OS of the mobile terminal 109 analyzes the notification information and starts an application registered in the push notification service. Since the notification information includes information on the application corresponding to the notification information, the OS can identify which application the notification information corresponds to. Furthermore, the notification information includes print job information and account information, and the started application can obtain the information.

[0107] The application of the mobile terminal 109 transmits a print execution request to the relay server 104 (S2801). The print execution request includes print job information, account information, and printer information for executing the printing set in the application. After verifying the account information, the relay server 104 acquires print data and print setting information linked to the print job information from the print server 107 (S2802). The printer information does not necessarily have to be included in the print execution request, and information registered in the relay server 104 may be used.

[0108] In this way, the account information and print job information are included in the print execution request from the mobile terminal 109 to the relay server 104. This makes it possible to skip the login screen for the service in Fig. 8(c), the print job list selection screen in Fig. 11(a), and the print setting screen in Fig. 8(a) on the mobile terminal 109. Note that the print setting screen in Fig. 8(a) may be displayed on the mobile terminal 109, and a request to start printing may be accepted after the print settings are changed.

[0109] The relay server 104 instructs the MFP 102 to execute printing based on the print data and print setting information acquired in response to the print execution request from the mobile terminal 109 (S2803). Upon completing the print execution, the MFP 102 notifies the relay server 104 of the print result (S2804), and the relay server 104 further notifies the print server 107 of the print result (S2805). With this configuration, the user can execute a pull print job with the simple operation of tapping the push notification displayed on the mobile terminal 109.

[0110] 17B is an example of a screen in which messages related to multiple print jobs are displayed in the notification area of ​​the mobile terminal 109 by the push notification function. The OS of the mobile terminal 109 has a function of displaying push notifications on a notification center screen 2900. The OS notification center screen 2900 shows the maximum area that the display unit 305 can display, and notification areas 2901 to 2903 show areas for notifying the user of messages corresponding to notification information. The notification areas 2901 to 2903 include the name or icon of an application, which are each items related to the notification information, a notification time, and a display message. The notification time shows information related to the date and time when the notification information was received, and the most recently received notification message is displayed in descending order from the top of the OS notification center screen 2900.

[0111] The display of the notification center screen 2900 is controlled by the OS of the mobile terminal 109. The OS of the mobile terminal 109 can display multiple notification messages in a list in ascending order, or can display similar notification messages together. Even if the screen of the mobile terminal 109 is locked, the OS can display a push notification message in the notification area and request unlocking when the user performs a selection operation.

[0112] Fig. 18(b) shows a sequence when a user selects a message in the notification area 2901 of the mobile terminal 109 from the multiple push notification messages in Fig. 17(b) and executes a pull print print job. When the user performs a selection operation in the notification area 2901 of the mobile terminal 109, the OS analyzes the notification information and launches an application registered in the push notification service. The notification information includes account information, and the launched application can obtain that information.

[0113] The application of the mobile terminal 109 transmits a print job confirmation request to the relay server 104 (S3001). The print job confirmation request includes account information and printer information of the printing target set by the application. After verifying the account information, the relay server 104 acquires a print job list linked to the account information (S3002), and causes the mobile terminal 109 to display a print job list screen shown in FIG. 11(b) (S3003). On the mobile terminal 109, the user selects a job to be printed, thereby transitioning to a print setting screen shown in FIG. 8(a). On the print setting screen, the user operates a print execution button 1105 to transmit a print execution request to the relay server 104 (S3004). Note that the printer information does not necessarily have to be included in the print job confirmation request, and information registered in the relay server 104 may be used.

[0114] The print execution request includes the print job information selected by the user. The relay server 104 acquires the print data and print setting information associated with the print job information from the print server 107 (S3005). By including the account information in the print job confirmation request in this way, the login screen for the service in FIG. 8(c) can be skipped on the mobile terminal 109.

[0115] The relay server 104 instructs the MFP 102 to execute printing based on the print data and print setting information acquired by the print execution request from the mobile terminal 109 (S3006). When the MFP 102 completes the print execution, it notifies the relay server 104 of the print result (S3007), and the relay server 104 further notifies the print server 107 of the print result (S3008).

[0116] Note that the print jobs of the multiple notification messages of the push notification correspond to each job on the print job list screen of the mobile terminal 109 shown in FIG. 11(b). Therefore, if you want to print all the jobs in one operation, you can operate the print execution button 3104 and the relay server 104 will repeatedly instruct the MFP 102 to execute printing for each job, so that all the jobs can be printed. Of course, check boxes for selecting each job may be provided on the print job list screen shown in FIG. 11(b) so that the user can select any multiple jobs. With this configuration, the user can display the pull print job selection screen with a simple operation of tapping the push notification displayed on the mobile terminal 109.

[0117] Some OSs installed in the mobile terminal 109 have a custom action function for the notification center. For example, Fig. 17(c) shows a notification center screen 3200 of the OS. A notification area 3201 for push notifications is provided with a settings button 3202 and a print now button 3203. By selecting the settings button 3202, the user can display the print settings screen shown in Fig. 8(a) and configure print settings, and by selecting the print now button 3203, it may be possible to instruct printing to be performed without transitioning to the print settings screen.

[0118] <Embodiment 2> In the above-described first embodiment, pull printing is realized by adding a print job to a print job list managed by the print server 107, rather than immediately printing the print job. In the pull printing of the above-described first embodiment, the push notification service 106 of the relay server 104 pushes a message indicating that a print job has been submitted to the mobile terminal 109, thereby instructing the mobile terminal 109 to select a print job and execute printing.

[0119] In the pull print of the second embodiment, after a print job is added to a print job list managed by the print server 107, a "print code" that identifies print job information is issued. When starting printing from the mobile terminal 109, the user enters the print code to execute printing. Note that the configuration of the pull print system including the relay server 104 according to this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0120] The sequence of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19(a). Fig. 19(a) shows a processing sequence from selecting option 1902 on the selection screen 1900 for selecting a print job submission method in Fig. 12(b) to submitting a print job in the "pull print" format and sending a push notification to the mobile terminal 109. The same step numbers are given to processes similar to those in Fig. 16 of the first embodiment.

[0121] When the user selects option 1902 on the selection screen 1900 for the print job submission method of the client device 101 in FIG. 12(b), a pull print execution request is sent from the client device 101 to the print server 107 (S2501). At this time, the print file associated with the print job is uploaded and print setting values ​​are sent at the same time. Then, based on the pull print execution request received from the client device 101, the print server 107 obtains information regarding which account is processing the request (S2502). Next, the print server 107 associates the information with the searched account information and stores the information associated with the print job at the time of the pull print request (S2503).

[0122] Thereafter, the print server 107 issues a "print code" that uniquely identifies the job information after storing the print job (S3304). The issued "print code" is transmitted to the client device 101 via the relay server 104, and the client device 101 displays a print code issuance screen 3400 shown in FIG. 20(a) on the display unit 305 (S3305). For example, the print code is a six-digit alphanumeric character, and is displayed in a print code display area 3401 of the client device 101. An expiration date may be set for the print code, and the print job may be automatically deleted when the expiration date has passed. In FIG. 20(a), operating the OK button 3402 closes this screen.

[0123] Next, the push notification service 106 of the relay server 104 pushes a message indicating that the print job has been submitted to the mobile terminal 109 (S3306). Upon receiving the notification information from the relay server 104, the mobile terminal 109 displays the notification message in a notification area.

[0124] Next, a sequence in which a user selects notification information of a push notification and executes a print job of pull print is shown in Fig. 19(b). The same steps as those in Fig. 18(a) of the first embodiment are given the same step numbers.

[0125] When the notification area 2701 in Fig. 17(a) is selected by the user on the mobile terminal 109, the OS analyzes the notification information and launches an application registered in the push notification service. In this case, the "pull print application" is launched on the mobile terminal 109, and after the application launch, a print code input screen 3500 shown in Fig. 20(b) is displayed, prompting the user to input a print code. When the user inputs the print code, the print setting screen in Fig. 8(a) is displayed, and after the user has made the print settings, when the print execution button 1105 is operated, a print execution request is sent to the relay server 104 (S3601).

[0126] The notification information notified from the relay server 104 to the mobile terminal 109 may include a print code and account information. In this case, the "pull print application" of the mobile terminal 109 acquires print job information, print code, and account information at startup. The "pull print application" of the mobile terminal 109 transmits a print execution request to the relay server 104 (S3601). The print execution request includes the acquired print code and account information. Note that the print execution request may also include printer information of the printing target set in the pull print application. The printer information does not necessarily have to be included in the print execution request, and information registered in the relay server 104 may be used.

[0127] After verifying the account information, the relay server 104 acquires print data linked to the print code from the print server 107 (S2802). By including the account information and the print code in the print execution request in this way, the login screen for the service in Fig. 8(c), the print code input screen in Fig. 20(b), and the print setting screen in Fig. 8(a) can be skipped on the mobile terminal 109. Note that the print setting screen in Fig. 8(a) may be displayed, and the print execution request may be accepted when the user operates the print execution button 1105 after changing the print settings.

[0128] In response to the print execution request from the mobile terminal 109, the relay server 104 instructs the MFP 102 to execute printing based on the acquired print data and print setting information (S2803). Upon completing the print execution, the MFP 102 notifies the relay server 104 of the print result (S2804), and the relay server 104 further notifies the print server 107 of the print result (S2805).

[0129] With this configuration, the user can execute a pull print job with a simple operation of tapping the push notification displayed on the mobile terminal 109. Furthermore, by issuing a print code and including the print code and account information as notification information to the mobile terminal 109, it is not necessary to select a job or make print settings on the mobile terminal 109.

[0130] <Embodiment 3> In the third embodiment, when a print job is instructed to be executed from the mobile terminal 109, the instruction can be given only when the mobile terminal 109 is in the vicinity of the MFP 102. This embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 109 and the MFP 102 each include a Bluetooth control module and are capable of communicating via Bluetooth.

[0131] When the mobile terminal 109, which has received a push notification regarding a print job, approaches the MFP 102, the CPU 301 of the mobile terminal 109 receives an advertising packet for Bluetooth communication from the MFP 102. The advertising packet received by the Bluetooth control module of the mobile terminal 109 includes device information indicating the name and functions of the MFP 102 that transmitted the advertising packet, a radio wave intensity value indicating the output intensity of the advertising packet, and the like. CPU 301 of mobile terminal 109 acquires the radio wave intensity value included in the advertising packet received from MFP 102. Next, CPU 301 of mobile terminal 109 determines whether the acquired radio wave intensity value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value that has been set in advance. As the predetermined threshold value of radio wave intensity, for example, a radio wave intensity value of about -70 dBm is set.

[0132] If the obtained radio wave intensity value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the mobile terminal 109 determines that it is in the vicinity of the MFP 102 and enables a user to select the notification information of the push notification and issue an instruction to execute printing. On the other hand, if the acquired radio wave intensity value is smaller than the predetermined threshold, the mobile terminal 109 determines that it is not in the vicinity of the MFP 102, and displays an error message when the user selects notification information of the push notification. The predetermined threshold value of the radio wave intensity can be set arbitrarily, and it may be determined that the mobile terminal 109 and the MFP 102 are in close proximity when an advertising packet is received.

[0133] In addition to the radio wave intensity value, it may be determined whether or not the MFP 102 is registered as a printer to be used for pull printing. According to this embodiment, if the mobile terminal 109 is not in the vicinity of the MFP 102, the mobile terminal 109 cannot instruct the execution of a print job, thereby improving the security of pull printing.

[0134] <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. 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.

[0135] The disclosure of this specification includes the following pull printing system, print server, pull printing method, and program. (Item 1) A pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the system executing printing of a print job input to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The print server includes: a first receiving means for receiving a print job submitted by a user; a storage means for storing the print job; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and sending information about the print job to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; a second transmission means for transmitting the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user, The mobile terminal includes: A second receiving means for receiving the push notification from the print server; a display unit that displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; a third sending means for sending an instruction to execute the print job to the print server based on a user's operation on the message; the second transmission means of the print server receives the instruction and transmits the print job to the printing device; Pull print system. (Item 2) The display of the message on the mobile terminal is displayed by a notification function provided by an OS of the mobile terminal. Item 1. The pull printing system according to item 1. (Item 3) a pull print application of the mobile terminal displays an operation screen for operating the print job in response to a user operation on the mobile terminal in response to the message; 3. The pull printing system according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) the message in the mobile terminal includes information for identifying a print job, and a pull print application of the mobile terminal displays an operation screen for operating the print job on the mobile terminal in accordance with a user's operation on the message. 3. The pull printing system according to item 1 or 2. (Item 5) the mobile terminal requests the print server to acquire a list of print jobs in response to a user's operation on the message; The print server that receives the request transmits a list of print jobs corresponding to the user to the mobile terminal; The mobile terminal that has received the print job list displays the print job list on a display unit, receiving a user selection of a part or all of the list of print jobs, and instructing execution of the selected print jobs; 4. The pull printing system according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 6) The message in the mobile terminal includes information for identifying a print job, a setting button and a print button are displayed on the mobile terminal, and when the setting button is operated by a user, a setting screen for printing the print job is displayed, and when the print button is operated by the user, an instruction to execute the print job is transmitted to the print server without displaying the setting screen. 6. A pull printing system according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) when the mobile terminal is in the vicinity of the printing device, a pull print application of the mobile terminal displays a screen for operating a print job in response to a user operation on the mobile terminal in response to the message; When the mobile terminal is not in the vicinity of the printing device, the pull print application displays an error in response to a user operation on the mobile terminal in response to the message. 7. The pull printing system according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) When the print server receives the print job, it issues a print code; the storage means stores the print job and the print code in association with each other; the push notification transmitted by the first transmission means includes information about the print job and the print code; the second transmission means identifies and transmits a print job based on the print code; 8. The pull printing system according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) A print server in a pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the print server executing printing of a print job input to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The print server includes: a first receiving means for receiving a print job submitted by a user; a storage means for storing the print job; a first transmission means for identifying a user who has submitted a print job received by the first reception means, and transmitting information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal by push notification to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user; a second transmission means for transmitting the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user, the second transmission means of the print server transmits the print job to the printing device in response to an instruction by the pull print application based on the push notification from the mobile terminal. Print server. (Item 10) A pull printing system includes a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, and a print job input to the print server is printed by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising: The mobile terminal includes: a second receiving means for receiving information related to the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal from the print server by push notification; a display unit that displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; the pull print application displaying an operation screen for operating the print job based on a user's operation on the message; and a third transmission means for transmitting an instruction to execute the print job to the print server in response to a user's operation on the operation screen. Mobile devices. (Item 11) A pull printing method in a pull printing system, comprising a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, in which a print job input to the print server is printed by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The print server includes: A first receiving means receives a print job input by a user; storing the print job by a storage means; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and sending information about the print job to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; The mobile terminal includes: receiving the push notification from the print server by a second receiving means; A display means displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; a third sending means for sending an instruction to execute the print job to the print server based on a user's operation on the message; The print server includes: A second transmission means, upon receiving the instruction, transmits the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user. Pull print method. (Item 12) A pull printing method for a print server in a pull printing system, comprising a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the method including: printing a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, the method comprising: The print server includes: A first receiving means receives a print job input by a user; storing the print job by a storage means; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and for transmitting information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; A second transmission means transmits the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user upon receiving an instruction by the pull print application based on the push notification from the mobile terminal. Pull print method. (Item 13) A pull printing method for a mobile terminal in a pull printing system, the pull printing method comprising: a printing device; a print server; and a mobile terminal, the pull printing method including: printing a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal; The mobile terminal includes: receiving information about the print job and information identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal from the print server by a push notification using a second receiving means; A display means displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; the pull print application displays an operation screen for operating the print job based on a user's operation on the message; a third transmission means for transmitting an instruction to execute the print job to the print server in response to a user's operation on the operation screen; Pull print method. (Item 14) A program for causing a print server in a pull printing system to execute a pull printing method, the program comprising: a printing device; a print server; and a mobile terminal, the print server executing printing of a print job input to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, the program comprising: The program is installed in the print server computer. A first receiving means receives a print job input by a user; storing the print job by a storage means; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and for transmitting information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; A second transmission means transmits the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user upon receiving an instruction by the pull print application based on the push notification from the mobile terminal. A program that makes it work. (Item 15) A program for causing a mobile terminal to execute a pull printing method in a pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the program causing the mobile terminal to execute a pull printing method in a pull printing system, the pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the print server printing a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The program is installed in a mobile terminal computer. receiving information about the print job and information identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal from the print server by a push notification using a second receiving means; A display means displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; the pull print application displays an operation screen for operating the print job based on a user's operation on the message; a third transmission means for transmitting an instruction to execute the print job to the print server in response to a user's operation on the operation screen; A program that makes it work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 101: client device, 102: MFP, 103: network, 104: relay server, 105: browsing application, 106: push notification service, 107: print server, 108: service application, 109: mobile terminal

Claims

1. A pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the system executing printing of a print job input to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The print server includes: a first receiving means for receiving a print job submitted by a user; a storage means for storing the print job; a first transmission means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first reception means, and transmitting information about the print job to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; a second transmission unit that transmits the print job stored in the storage unit to the printing device associated with the specified user, The mobile terminal includes: A second receiving means for receiving the push notification from the print server; a display unit that displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; a third sending means for sending an instruction to execute the print job to the print server based on a user's operation on the message, the second transmission means of the print server receives the instruction and transmits the print job to the printing device; Pull print system.

2. The display of the message on the mobile terminal is displayed by a notification function provided by an OS of the mobile terminal.

2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

3. a pull print application of the mobile terminal displays an operation screen for operating the print job in response to a user operation on the mobile terminal in response to the message; 2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

4. The message in the mobile terminal includes information for identifying a print job, and a pull print application of the mobile terminal displays an operation screen for operating the print job on the mobile terminal in accordance with a user's operation on the message.

2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

5. the mobile terminal requests the print server to acquire a list of print jobs in response to a user's operation on the message; The print server that receives the request transmits a list of print jobs corresponding to the user to the mobile terminal; The mobile terminal that has received the print job list displays the print job list on a display unit, receiving a user selection of a part or all of the list of print jobs, and instructing execution of the selected print jobs; 2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

6. The message in the mobile terminal includes information for identifying a print job, a setting button and a print button are displayed on the mobile terminal, and when the setting button is operated by a user, a setting screen for printing the print job is displayed, and when the print button is operated by the user, an instruction to execute the print job is transmitted to the print server without displaying the setting screen.

2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

7. when the mobile terminal is in the vicinity of the printing device, a pull print application of the mobile terminal displays a screen for operating a print job in response to a user operation on the mobile terminal in response to the message; When the mobile terminal is not in the vicinity of the printing device, the pull print application displays an error in response to a user operation on the mobile terminal in response to the message.

2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

8. When the print server receives the print job, it issues a print code; the storage means stores the print job and the print code in association with each other; the push notification transmitted by the first transmission means includes information about the print job and the print code; the second transmission means identifies and transmits a print job based on the print code; 2. The pull printing system according to claim 1.

9. A print server in a pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the print server executing printing of a print job input to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The print server includes: a first receiving means for receiving a print job submitted by a user; a storage means for storing the print job; a first transmission means for identifying a user who has submitted a print job received by the first reception means, and transmitting information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal by push notification to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user; a second transmission unit that transmits the print job stored in the storage unit to the printing device associated with the specified user, the second transmission means of the print server transmits the print job to the printing device in response to an instruction by the pull print application based on the push notification from the mobile terminal. Print server.

10. A pull printing system includes a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, and a print job input to the print server is printed by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising: The mobile terminal includes: a second receiving means for receiving information related to the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal from the print server by push notification; a display unit that displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; the pull print application displaying an operation screen for operating the print job based on a user's operation on the message; a third transmission means for transmitting an instruction to execute the print job to the print server in response to a user's operation on the operation screen; Mobile devices.

11. A pull printing method in a pull printing system, comprising a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, in which a print job input to the print server is printed by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The print server includes: A first receiving means receives a print job input by a user; storing the print job by a storage means; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and sending information about the print job to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by push notification; The mobile terminal includes: receiving the push notification from the print server by a second receiving means; A display means displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; a third sending means for sending an instruction to execute the print job to the print server based on a user's operation on the message; The print server includes: A second transmission means, upon receiving the instruction, transmits the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user. Pull print method.

12. A pull printing method for a print server in a pull printing system, comprising a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the method including: printing a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, the method comprising: The print server includes: A first receiving means receives a print job input by a user; storing the print job by a storage means; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and for transmitting information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; A second transmission means transmits the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user upon receiving an instruction by the pull print application based on the push notification from the mobile terminal. Pull print method.

13. A pull printing method for a mobile terminal in a pull printing system, the pull printing method comprising: a printing device; a print server; and a mobile terminal, the pull printing method including: printing a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal; The mobile terminal includes: A second receiving means receives information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal from the print server by a push notification; A display means displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; the pull print application displays an operation screen for operating the print job based on a user's operation on the message; a third transmission means for transmitting an instruction to execute the print job to the print server in response to a user's operation on the operation screen; Pull print method.

14. A program for causing a print server in a pull printing system to execute a pull printing method, the program comprising: a printing device; a print server; and a mobile terminal, the print server executing printing of a print job input to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, the program comprising: The program is installed in the print server computer. A first receiving means receives a print job input by a user; storing the print job by a storage means; a first sending means for identifying a user who has submitted the print job received by the first receiving means, and for transmitting information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal to a notification destination mobile terminal associated with the identified user by a push notification; A second transmission means transmits the print job stored in the storage means to the printing device associated with the specified user upon receiving an instruction by the pull print application based on the push notification from the mobile terminal. A program that makes it work.

15. A program for causing a mobile terminal to execute a pull printing method in a pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the program causing the mobile terminal to execute a pull printing method in a pull printing system, the pull printing system including a printing device, a print server, and a mobile terminal, the print server printing a print job submitted to the print server by the printing device based on an instruction from the mobile terminal, The program is installed in a mobile terminal computer. A second receiving means receives information about the print job and information for identifying a pull print application of the mobile terminal from the print server by a push notification; A display means displays a message on a display unit when the push notification is received; the pull print application displays an operation screen for operating the print job based on a user's operation on the message; a third transmission means for transmitting an instruction to execute the print job to the print server in response to a user's operation on the operation screen; A program that makes it work.

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