Print system

Abstract

To decrease steps of a user necessary for executing a print job while notifying the user of the fact that it becomes possible to execute the print job.SOLUTION: A print system includes an image forming apparatus management server and a job management server both forming a print server, and an image forming apparatus. The print server stores approval waiting data indicating that a print job is waiting for approval, notifies a terminal used by an administrator of an approval waiting state of the print job in order to allow him / her to decide whether or not to approve the print job, receives approved data of the print job from the terminal, notifies the image forming apparatus of completion of approval, and when a print job execution instruction is requested from the image forming apparatus, outputs the print job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus. When the approval of the print job is notified from the print server, the image forming apparatus notifies the user of feasibility of the execution of the print job and requests the print server to issue the print job execution instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] Remote work, telecommuting, etc., where employees can connect to the company's intranet environment from home without coming to the office and perform work by handling company materials on a PC (Personal Computer) used at home, have been rapidly spreading. For example, there is a technology such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that enables work to be performed by connecting from a PC existing outside the company to a PC used within the company. In recent years, with the improvement of technologies such as network speed and security, it has become possible to perform company work without any inferiority even while at home.

[0003] As the demand for remote work, telecommuting, etc. increases, the demand for printing company files at home is also increasing. In response to this demand, there is a printing system (hereinafter referred to as a job management service) that uses VDI to connect to the company's intranet and can output files from a home image forming apparatus via the Internet, enabling the printing of company files at home. Also, the opportunity to use hold printing, where a print job, which is a process of printing by an image forming apparatus, is held on a job management service and the user can print by operating the image forming apparatus, has also increased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when a print job is held by a job management service, the user may not notice that the print job can be used. For example, consider a system where an administrator checks a file related to a print job held by the job management service and the user cannot execute printing by operating the image forming apparatus unless the administrator approves the execution of the print job. In this system, the timing when the user inquires about the approval of a print job held on the job management server to the administrator is different from the timing when the administrator checks the content of the print job and approves the print job. Also, the administrator approves the print job at a timing determined by himself / herself. Therefore, the user cannot know the timing when the print job for which the approval has been inquired is approved and the print job can be executed.

[0006] Regarding such a problem, as described in Patent Document 1, a method of notifying the user by email that the print job has been approved can also be considered. However, in this method, after the user who inquired about the approval of the print job confirms that the print job has been approved using a terminal such as a PC, it is necessary to operate the image forming apparatus to execute the print job held by the job management service. Therefore, the user's turn becomes long.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to notify the user that the print job can be executed while shortening the user's turn required for executing the print job.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a printing system according to the present invention is a printing system including a printing server and an image forming apparatus, wherein the printing server includes: a storage unit that stores approval pending data indicating that a printing job, which is a process to be printed by the image forming apparatus, is in an approval pending state; a first notification unit that notifies a terminal used by an administrator that the printing job is in an approval pending state in order to determine whether to approve the printing job; a reception unit that receives approved data indicating that the printing job has been approved from the terminal; a second notification unit that notifies the image forming apparatus that the printing job has been approved; and an instruction unit that outputs an instruction to execute the printing job to the image forming apparatus when an instruction to execute the printing job is requested from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a notification unit that notifies a user that it has become possible to execute the printing job when it is notified from the printing server that the printing job has been approved; and a request unit that requests the printing server to issue an instruction to execute the printing job.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the user operation steps required for executing a printing job while notifying the user that it has become possible to execute the printing job.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0012] (First Embodiment) <Configuration of Printing System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system according to the first embodiment includes an information terminal 100, an image forming apparatus 101, an image forming apparatus management server 102, and a job management server 103.

[0013] The information terminal 100, the image forming apparatus 101, the image forming apparatus management server 102, and the job management server 103 are each connected to the Internet 104 and thus can communicate with each other, and can transmit and receive information via the Internet 104. Further, this communication is controlled by HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), etc. Note that this communication may be controlled by other protocols. Also, the image forming apparatus management server 102 and the job management server 103 constitute a printing server together. However, the printing server may be realized by three or more or one server.

[0014] The information terminal 100 is, for example, a PC or a smartphone owned by a user, and is hardware that can be connected to the Internet 104. The information terminal 100 is installed with a request unit 105 that can make requests through the Internet 104, such as a web browser, and is available for use. The image forming apparatus 101 is installed with a request unit 106 that can make requests through the Internet 104, such as a web browser, and is available for use.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the case where the web application communicates with the Internet 104 in the information terminal 100 and the image forming apparatus 101 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, communication with the Internet 104 may be realized by an application or driver installed in the information terminal 100 or by firmware installed in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0016] <Hardware Configuration of Information Terminal> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information terminal according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 100 includes a bus 200, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 100 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 204, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 205, a wireless communication unit 206, and a display 207.

[0017] The bus 200 connects the CPU 201, the GPU 202, the RAM 203, the ROM 204, the HDD 205, the wireless communication unit 206, and the display 207 in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other. The CPU 201 controls the entire information terminal 100. The CPU 201 executes application programs, an OS (Operating System), etc. stored in the HDD 205, and temporarily stores information, files, etc. necessary for the execution of the programs, etc. in the RAM 203. The GPU 202 executes arithmetic processing necessary for rendering video in real time.

[0018] The RAM 203 is a temporary storage means and functions as the main memory and work area of the CPU 201 and GPU 202. The ROM 204 is a storage means and stores various data such as the basic I / O program. The HDD 205 is one of the external storage means, functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores application programs such as web browsers, programs of service server groups, the OS, related programs, etc. The wireless communication unit 206 is connected to a network such as the Internet 104 and executes various communications. The display 207 is a display means and displays information necessary for operations, etc.

[0019] <Software Configuration of Information Terminal> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information terminal according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information terminal 100 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, a display unit 303, an operation unit 304, an application unit 305, and a short-range wireless communication control unit 306. The communication unit 301, the storage unit 302, the display unit 303, the operation unit 304, the application unit 305, and the short-range wireless communication control unit 306 are stored as programs in the ROM 204, are expanded in the RAM 203 when executed, and are executed by the CPU 201.

[0020] The communication unit 301 executes data transmission and reception with an external server via a network. The storage unit 302 stores the OS, web browser, data of installed applications, etc. that are activated in the information terminal 100 into the ROM 204. The display unit 303 displays the results of the OS, web browser, application, etc. on the display 207. The operation unit 304 accepts operations of the information terminal 100 itself, operations on a controller performed by the user, etc.

[0021] The application unit 305 controls the applications installed on the OS of the information terminal 100. Further, the application unit 305 stores, in cooperation with the storage unit 302, user information handled by the application, code information for data identification, etc. in the ROM 204. The short-range wireless communication control unit 306 controls the wireless communication unit 206 to execute acquisition of peripheral device information by local communication, transmission and reception of data with peripheral devices, etc. Further, when short-range wireless communication is executed by an application, the short-range wireless communication control unit 306 executes transmission and reception of data with a peripheral device in cooperation with the application unit 305.

[0022] <Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an HDD 404, a communication device 405, an input device 406, a display device 407, a scanner device 408, a printer device 409, and a notification device 410.

[0023] The CPU 401 comprehensively controls the entire hardware constituting the image forming apparatus 101. Thereby, the CPU 401 executes each function such as printing and scanning. The ROM 402 is a read-only memory for data, and stores, for example, a basic control program of the image forming apparatus 101. The RAM 403 is a memory capable of reading and writing data, and is used, for example, as a working memory of the CPU 401. The HDD 404 is used as a storage area for storing temporary data, permanent data, etc. generated when each program is being executed. The communication device 405 connects the image forming apparatus 101 to a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, etc., and enables data communication with other devices. The input device 406 is an operation unit for receiving input operations of characters, data, etc. by the user. The input device 406 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a hard key, or a touch panel.

[0024] The display device 407 is a device for displaying various screens, and is an example of a notification means for notifying the user that the printing job can be executed when it is notified from the print server that the printing job has been approved. The display device 407 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a touch panel. The user interface displayed by the display device 407 enables the user to input an instruction such as execution of a printing job to the image forming apparatus 101 using the input device 406 and operate the image forming apparatus 101.

[0025] The scanner device 408 is a device for scanning a document or the like installed in the image forming apparatus 101 by the user and converting it into electronic data. The printer device 409 is a device for printing electronic data. The notification device 410 is an example of a notification means for notifying the user that the printing job can be executed when it is notified from the print server that the printing job has been approved. When the notification device 410 receives a notification, an instruction, etc., it generates light, sound, etc. to notify the user. Note that the notification device 410 may notify the user by a method other than light and sound.

[0026] <Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a setting management unit 501, a job control unit 502, a communication unit 503, and a screen control unit 504. The setting management unit 501, the job control unit 502, the communication unit 503, and the screen control unit 504 are stored as programs in the ROM 404, are expanded in the RAM 403 when executed, and are executed by the CPU 401.

[0027] The setting management unit 501 stores settings related to the execution of various functions of the image forming apparatus 101 in each storage device such as the RAM 402 and the HDD 404, and reads them out from each storage device. The settings mentioned here are, for example, copy settings for executing the copy function, print settings for executing the print function, and network settings, and may include individual identification information. The job control unit 502 controls the scanner device 408 and the printer device 409 based on a job execution request input by the input device 406 or a job execution request received by the communication unit 403, and executes various jobs.

[0028] The communication unit 503 receives a print job and a job execution request from the job management server 103. Further, the communication unit 503 transmits and receives device information and the like by communicating with the client terminal 100. The screen control unit 504 displays a screen on the display device 407 and receives an instruction from the user via the input device 406. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a requesting means for requesting a print server to execute a print job.

[0029] <Hardware Configuration of Server> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus management server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus management server 102 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, an HDD 604, an operation unit 605, a display unit 606, and a network communication unit 607.

[0030] The CPU 601 is a central processing unit for controlling each part of the image forming apparatus management server 102. The ROM 602 is a read-only memory for storing a boot program necessary for starting up the system of the image forming apparatus management server 102. The RAM 603 is a working memory required when the CPU 601 executes a program. The HDD 604 stores programs, various information, etc. executed by the CPU 601. The operation unit 605 is a device for a user to perform various input operations. The operation unit 605 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 606 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The network communication unit 607 is connected to a network such as the Internet and executes various communications.

[0031] Note that the job management server 103 is assumed to have the same hardware configuration as the image forming apparatus management server 102, and the description thereof is omitted. However, the job management server 103 may have a hardware configuration different from that of the image forming apparatus management server 102.

[0032] <Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Management Server> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus management server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus management server 102 includes a job management unit 701, a communication unit 702, an authentication control unit 703, and a data storage unit 704. The job management unit 701, the communication unit 702, the authentication control unit 703, and the data storage unit 704 are stored as programs in the ROM 604, are expanded in the RAM 603 when executed, and are executed by the CPU 601.

[0033] The job management unit 701 stores the print job received by the job management server 103 in the data storage unit 704. The communication unit 702 performs communication with the image forming apparatus 101, the job management server 103, etc., and performs transmission and reception of each processing request. Further, when requested by the image forming apparatus 101 to execute an instruction to execute a print job, the communication unit 702 functions as an instruction means for outputting an instruction to execute the print job to the image forming apparatus 101. The authentication control unit 703 performs user management. For example, the authentication control unit 703 stores user information in the data storage unit 704 or a user management dedicated DB (not shown). Further, the authentication control unit 703 may cooperate with an external authentication service. The data storage unit 704 stores data in response to a request from the job management unit 701 or the authentication control unit 703.

[0034] <Software Configuration of Job Management Server> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the job management server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the job management server 103 includes a communication unit 801, an authentication control unit 802, and a data storage unit 803. The communication unit 801, the authentication control unit 802, and the data storage unit 803 are stored as programs in the ROM 602, expanded in the RAM 603 when executed, and executed by the CPU 601.

[0035] The communication unit 801 performs communication with the information terminal 100, the image forming apparatus management server 102, etc., and performs transmission and reception of each processing request. The authentication control unit 802 performs user management. For example, the authentication control unit 802 stores user information in the data storage unit 803 or a user management dedicated DB (not shown). Further, the authentication control unit 802 may cooperate with an external authentication service. The data storage unit 803 stores data in response to a request from the authentication control unit 702.

[0036] In addition, the data storage unit 803 functions as a storage means for storing approval pending data indicating that a print job, which is a process to be printed by the image forming apparatus 101, is in a state of waiting for approval. Further, the communication unit 801 functions as a first notification means, a reception means, and a second notification means. The first notification means notifies an information terminal 100 used by an administrator that a print job is in a state of waiting for approval in order to determine whether to approve the print job. The reception means receives approved data indicating that the print job has been approved from the administrator's information terminal 100. The second notification means notifies the image forming apparatus 101 that the print job has been approved.

[0037] <Conceptual diagram of the system> FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining information handled by the job management server according to the first embodiment. The job management server 103 accesses the information terminal 100 through the request unit 105 based on an operation by a user, authenticates based on the user information DB 902, and then acquires the authentication information 901. The user information DB 902 is information for managing user information, and is a collection of information in which user authentication information, image forming apparatus identification information (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus ID"), and user identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") are associated.

[0038] The image forming apparatus DB 903 is information indicating the association between the image forming apparatus 101 and the user, and is a collection of information in which the image forming apparatus ID and the user ID are associated. The job management DB is a collection of information in which job identification information (hereinafter referred to as "job ID"), job information, and the user are associated. That is, the job management DB is a collection of information in which job setting information, a print code, a user ID, and an image forming apparatus ID are associated.

[0039] <Sequence diagram of image forming apparatus registration> Next, to enable a user to use the printing system according to the first embodiment, a registration process for associating the user with the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of the registration process of the image forming apparatus executed between the information terminal, the image forming apparatus, the job management server, and the image forming apparatus management server according to the first embodiment.

[0040] In step S1001, the image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the network. In step S1002, the device information of the image forming apparatus 101 is registered in the image forming apparatus management server 102. This device information includes the image forming apparatus ID. In step S1003, the image forming apparatus 101 requests the registration code of the image forming apparatus 101 from the image forming apparatus management server 102. In step S1004, the image forming apparatus management server 102 issues a registration code for identifying the image forming apparatus 101, and registers the image forming apparatus ID and the registration code of the image forming apparatus 101 as a set as registration code information. In step S1005, the image forming apparatus management server 102 notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the registration code.

[0041] In step S1006, the information terminal 100 is displayed on the image forming apparatus 101, and the registration code input by the user is transmitted to the job management server 103. In step S1007, the job management server 103 requests the image forming apparatus management server 102 to obtain the image forming apparatus ID corresponding to the registration code. In step S1008, the image forming apparatus management server 102 obtains the image forming apparatus ID based on the registration code and returns it to the job management server 103. In step S1009, the job management server 103 registers the image forming apparatus information DB903 based on the returned image forming apparatus ID. In step S1011, the job management server 103 returns the image forming apparatus ID to the information terminal 100.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a registration code displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a screen for registering the image forming apparatus from an information terminal. Specifically, FIG. 11(A) shows an example of a screen for displaying a registration code displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 11(B) shows an example of a screen for registering the image forming apparatus from an information terminal.

[0043] The registration code activation screen 1010 shown in FIG. 11(A) is displayed on the image forming apparatus 101 at the time of the registration code issuance request in steps S1003, S1004, and S1005 described above. The registration code activation screen 1010 shows the framework of the graphical user interface (GUI) in the image forming apparatus 101. An area 1011 is where the registration code is displayed on the image forming apparatus 101.

[0044] The image forming apparatus registration screen 1020 shown in FIG. 11(B) is displayed on the information terminal 100 at the time of inputting the registration code in step S1006 described above. The image forming apparatus registration screen 1020 shows the framework of the graphical user interface on the information terminal 100. An area 1021 is where the registration code is input. An area 1022 is a transmission button, and when pressed, a request to register the image forming apparatus 101 is sent to the job management server 103.

[0045] <Sequence diagram of notification> Next, the processing from file upload to notification of the existence of a print job will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow from file upload to notification of the existence of a print job executed among the information terminal, the image forming apparatus, the job management server, and the image forming apparatus management server according to the first embodiment.

[0046] In step S1101, the information terminal 100 receives a selection of a file that the user wants to print. In step S1102, the information terminal 100 uploads the file to the job management server 103. In step S1103, the job management server 103 saves the file uploaded from the information terminal 100. In step S1104, the information terminal 100 receives a selection to execute printing by the image forming apparatus 101. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 selected in step S1104 may be that of another user.

[0047] In step S1105, the information terminal 100 executes print settings. In step S1106, the information terminal 100 sends the print settings, file information, user ID, and image forming apparatus ID to the job management server 103 to execute a hold print request. In step S1107, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus ID. In step S1108, the job management server 103 registers job information associating the image forming apparatus ID, user ID, and job setting information in the job management server 103.

[0048] In step S1109, the job management server 103 requests the image forming apparatus management server 102 to execute a notification instruction request for the existence of a job. In step S1110, when the image forming apparatus management server 102 receives the notification instruction request for the existence of a job, it executes a notification instruction for the image forming apparatus 101. In step S1111, the image forming apparatus 101 executes a notification instruction for the notification device 410 to perform a notification by light, sound, or the like. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 may display that a job exists on the display device 407.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a file to be printed displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the first embodiment, a screen for selecting an image forming apparatus from the information terminal, a screen for selecting print settings from the information terminal, and an example in which the image forming apparatus is performing a notification. FIG. 13(A) shows an example of a screen for selecting a file to be printed displayed on the display unit of the information terminal. FIG. 13(B) shows an example of a screen for selecting an image forming apparatus from the information terminal. FIG. 13(C) shows an example of a screen for selecting print settings from the information terminal. FIG. 13(D) shows an example in which the image forming apparatus is performing a notification.

[0050] The file selection screen 1120 shown in FIG. 13(A) is displayed in step S1101 described above and shows the framework of the graphical user interface in the information terminal 100. Area 1121 is an area where files to be printed are displayed. When a file is uploaded, the file selection screen 1120 transitions to the image forming apparatus selection screen 1130 shown in FIG. 13(B).

[0051] The image forming apparatus selection screen 1130 shown in FIG. 13(B) is displayed in step S1104 described above and shows the framework of the graphical user interface in the information terminal 100. Area 1131 displays a list of image forming apparatuses that can be used by the user and accepts selection of an image forming apparatus by the user. When the image forming apparatus selection screen 1130 accepts selection of an image forming apparatus by the user, it transitions to the print settings screen shown in FIG. 13(C).

[0052] The print settings screen 1140 shown in FIG. 13(C) is displayed in step S1104 described above, enabling the user to select and edit the print settings they wish to use. The print settings 1141 allow the user to determine the number of copies, paper size, layout, selection of single-sided or double-sided printing, print color, print range, etc. Note that the print settings 1141 may also allow selection and editing regarding other elements. Also, the print settings 1141 may accept input in an input box or a selection box. When the print settings are selected or edited according to the print settings 1141 and the print button 1142 is pressed, the job management server 103 can issue a registration code and a print job and execute a notification.

[0053] As described above, FIG. 13(D) shows an example where the image forming apparatus is performing a notification. Area 1151 indicates the display device 407 mounted on the image forming apparatus 101. The display device 407 may notify the user by displaying a specific message or the like. Area 1152 indicates the light output by the notification device 410 to notify the user. The notification by area 1151 and the notification by area 1152 can make the user recognize the existence of a print job.

[0054] By the above-described operations, the job management server 103 can generate a print job based on a request from the user, and the image forming apparatus 101 can notify the existence of the print job.

[0055] <Flowchart diagram until notification> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing from when the job management server according to the first embodiment saves an uploaded file until it notifies the image forming apparatus management server of the existence of a print job. Also, in the description regarding FIG. 14, the processing corresponding to FIG. 12 is shown in parentheses.

[0056] The process shown in FIG. 14 is started when the information terminal 100 uploads a file based on an operation by the user (step S1102). In step S1201, the job management server 103 saves the uploaded file. When a hold print request is executed (step S1106), in step S1202, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus ID (step S1107). In step S1203, the job management server 103 saves the user ID, the image forming apparatus ID, and the location where the file is stored in the job information DB 904 (step S1108). In step S1204, the job management server 103 requests the image forming apparatus management server 102 to send a notification based on the image forming apparatus ID (step S1109), and ends the process.

[0057] <DB diagram of job information> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a job information DB stored in the job management server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the job information DB 904 manages and stores the image forming apparatus ID, the user ID, and the job setting information for each job ID.

[0058] <DB diagram of user information> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a user information DB stored in the job management server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the user information DB 902 manages and stores the image forming apparatus ID, the user authentication information, and the administrator ID for each job ID.

[0059] <Summary of the first embodiment> As described above, in the first embodiment, when a print job becomes available, the job management server 103 executes a notification request to the image forming apparatus management server 102. When the image forming apparatus management server 102 receives the notification request, it executes a job presence notification instruction to the image forming apparatus 101. When the image forming apparatus 101 receives the job presence notification instruction, it executes a notification using the notification device 410 or the display device 407. As a result, the print system can cause the image forming apparatus 101 to recognize that there is a printable job available in the job management server 103.

[0060] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment corresponds to the case where printing is executed after a print job is approved by an administrator. In the second embodiment, after a file is uploaded, printing is executed, and job information is registered, an approval request to the administrator is executed. Then, in the second embodiment, when the administrator approves the print job, a notification is requested to the image forming apparatus management server 102. When the image forming apparatus 101 receives the notification request, it notifies the user by an operation such as the emission of light of a light to indicate that the print job has been approved. As a result, the image forming apparatus 101 enables the user to recognize that the print job has been approved, and enables the user to execute printing by an operation such as pressing a button of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0061] <Sequence Diagram at the Time of Print Job Creation and Administrator Email Sending> Next, a process in which the information terminal 100 makes a print request and the job management server 103 notifies, by sending an email, that there is a print request to the terminal being used by the administrator will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow from the upload of a file to the notification by sending an email that there is a print request, which is executed among the information terminal, the image forming apparatus, the job management server, and the image forming apparatus management server according to the second embodiment.

[0062] In step S1501, the information terminal 100 selects a file to be printed based on the user's operation. In step S1502, the information terminal 100 uploads the file to the job monitoring server 103. In step S1503, the information terminal 100 saves the file. In step S1504, the information terminal 100 selects a registered image forming apparatus 101 based on the operation by the user. Note that in step S1504, the information terminal 100 may select the image forming apparatus 101 of another user. In step S1505, the information terminal 100 executes print settings. In step S1506, the information terminal 100 transmits a print request together with file information, print setting information, user ID, and image forming apparatus information ID.

[0063] In step S1507, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus ID. In step S1508, the job management server 103 acquires the user information of the user and the administrator information of the administrator from the user ID, and registers job information based on these. In step S1509, the job management server 103 registers job information based on the user information, file information, job setting information, and image forming apparatus information. In step S1510, the job management server 103 transmits an approval request email to the administrator based on the administrator information of the administrator.

[0064] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing examples of a screen for selecting a file to be printed displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the second embodiment, a screen for selecting an image forming apparatus from the information terminal, and a screen for performing print settings from the information terminal.

[0065] FIG. 18(A) shows a screen for selecting a file to be printed that is displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 100. The file selection screen 1520 shown in FIG. 18(A) is displayed in the above-described step S1501 and shows the framework of the graphical user interface of the information terminal 100. Area 1521 displays the file to be printed. The file selection screen 1520 transitions to the image forming apparatus selection screen 1530 shown in FIG. 18(B) when a file is uploaded.

[0066] FIG. 18(B) shows a screen for selecting an image forming apparatus from the information terminal 100. The image forming apparatus selection screen 1530 shown in FIG. 18(B) is displayed in the above-described step S1504 and is used by the user to select an image forming apparatus to be used from a list of registered image forming apparatuses. The image forming selection screen 1530 shows the framework of the graphical user interface of the information terminal 100. Area 1531 displays a list of image forming apparatuses that the user can use. The image forming selection screen 1530 transitions to the print settings screen 1540 shown in FIG. 18(C) when an image forming apparatus is selected from area 1531.

[0067] FIG. 18(C) shows a screen for setting print settings from the information terminal 100. The print settings screen 1540 shown in FIG. 18(C) is displayed in the above-described step S1505. The print settings 1541 enable the user to determine the number of copies, paper size, layout, selection of single-sided printing and double-sided printing, print color, print range, etc. Note that the print settings 1541 may enable selection and editing regarding other elements. Also, the print settings 1541 may accept input in an input box or a selection box. The print button 1542 is pressed by the user after a file is uploaded and the number of copies, etc. are determined by the print settings 1541. Thereby, the job management server 103 can issue a registration code and a print job and send an email to the administrator.

[0068] <Sequence Diagram at the Time of Notification and Printing after Manager Approval> FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow from when the approval process of a print job executed between an information terminal, an image forming apparatus, a job management server, and an image forming apparatus management server according to the second embodiment is executed until the print job is executed.

[0069] In step S1601, the information terminal 100 used by the administrator, which is a terminal different from the information terminal 100 used by the user, confirms that it has received an approval request email. In step S1602, the administrator's information terminal 100 acquires detailed information of the approval request from the job management server 103. In step S1603, the job management server 103 searches for unapproved print jobs from the job information DB904 and transmits them to the administrator's information terminal 100. Note that the job management server 103 manages the approval status of unapproved print jobs as "FALSE".

[0070] In step S1605, the administrator's information terminal 100 selects a print job to be approved from the print jobs transmitted from the job management server 103 based on an operation by the administrator. In step S1606, the administrator's information terminal 100 requests approval of the print job together with the job ID. In step S1607, the job management server 103 acquires job information from the job information DB904 based on the job ID. In step S1608, the job management server 103 updates the approval status of the approved print job from unapproved to approved. Note that the job management server 103 manages the approval status of approved print jobs as "TRUE". In step S1609, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus information DB903 based on the image forming apparatus ID of the job information acquired in step S1607.

[0071] In step S1610, the job management server 103 sends a notification request to the image forming apparatus management server 102 together with a job ID. In step S1611, the image forming apparatus management server 102 sends a notification instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 together with the job ID. In step S1612, the image forming apparatus 101 sends a notification instruction to the notification device 410, and causes the notification device 410 to perform notification to the user by light, sound, or the like. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 may display, using the display device 407, that there is an approved print job, and may notify the user in any method that the print job can be executed. Thereby, the printing system can cause the user to recognize that the print job can be executed.

[0072] In step S1613, when a button mounted on the image forming apparatus 101 is pressed while the image forming apparatus 101 is performing notification to the user, the image forming apparatus 101 requests execution of an approved print job corresponding to the notification. Note that in step S1613, when the display device 407 is operated while the image forming apparatus 101 is performing notification to the user, the image forming apparatus 101 may request execution of an approved print job corresponding to the notification. That is, in step S1613, the image forming apparatus 101 may request execution of an approved print job corresponding to the notification by receiving any operation. In step S1614, the image forming apparatus 101 sends an image forming apparatus ID and a job ID to the job management server 103 by a request means and instructs printing.

[0073] In step S1615, the job management server 103 acquires job information from the job information DB904 based on the job ID. In step S1616, the job management server 103 confirms that the imaging device ID included in the job information acquired in step S1615 matches the imaging device ID included in the job information acquired in step S1606. Then, in step S1616, after the job management server 103 confirms that the two match, it acquires imaging device information from the imaging device information DB903 based on the imaging device ID. In step S1617, the job management server 103 requests the imaging device management server 102 to perform printing. In step S1618, the imaging device management server 102 outputs an instruction to execute the print job to the imaging device 101. Thereby, the imaging device 101 can execute the print job.

[0074] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the body of an approval request email to the administrator displayed on the display unit of the information terminal according to the second embodiment, a screen for displaying a list of unapproved jobs from the information terminal, a screen for performing an approval process from the information terminal, and a notification and a print instruction executed by the imaging device.

[0075] FIG. 20(A) shows an example of the body of an approval request email to the administrator displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 100. The approval request screen 1630 shown in FIG. 20(A) shows the framework of the graphical user interface in the information terminal 100. Area 1631 shows an example of the body of the approval request email. Further, the body of the approval request email includes a URL that, when selected, causes the approval request screen 1630 to transition to the unapproved job list screen 1640.

[0076] Figure 20(B) shows an Unapproved Job List Screen 1640 that displays a list of unapproved jobs from the information terminal 100. The Unapproved Job List Screen 1640 shows the framework of the graphical user interface on the information terminal 100. Area 1641 displays unapproved print jobs. When an unapproved print job is selected in Area 1641 on the Unapproved Job List Screen 1640, the screen transitions to an Approval Screen 1650.

[0077] Figure 20(C) shows an Approval Screen 1650 for performing an approval process from the information terminal 100. The Approval Screen 1650 is displayed in step S1606 described above and is used for an administrator to approve a print job using their own information terminal 100. The Approval Screen 1650 shows the framework of the graphical user interface on the information terminal 100. Area 1651 displays detailed information about the unapproved print job. An Approval Button 1652 is pressed when the administrator approves the execution of the print job displayed in Area 1651. When the Approval Button 1652 is pressed, an approval instruction is requested from the Job Management Server 103.

[0078] Figure 20(D) shows an example of a notification and a print instruction executed by the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus operation unit 1660 shown in Figure 20(D) is the surface of the image forming apparatus 101 on which an interface related to display and operation is mounted. Area 1661 notifies the user that there is an approved and available print job by displaying a message. Area 1662 notifies the user that there is an approved and available print job by emitting light. Area 1663 is a button that is pressed to request the Job Management Server 103 to execute a print job.

[0079] <Flowchart up to approval request> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing from when a job management server according to a second embodiment saves an uploaded file to when it sends an email to an administrator. Also, in the description regarding FIG. 21, the processing corresponding to FIG. 17 is also shown in parentheses.

[0080] The processing shown in FIG. 21 starts when the information terminal 100 executes processing (step S1502) to upload a file based on an operation by the user. In step S1701, the job management server 103 saves the uploaded file. When a print request is sent (step S1506), in step S1702, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information (S1507).

[0081] In step S1703, the job management server 103 acquires the user information of the user who requested approval of the print job and the administrator information of the administrator to whom approval of the print job was requested. In step S1704, the job management server 103 saves the user ID, the image forming apparatus ID, and the storage location of the file in the job information DB 904 (step S1509). In step S1705, the job management server 103 sends an email (step S1510) based on the administrator information of the administrator and ends the processing.

[0082] <Flowchart from approval request notification to approval completion> FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of processing from when a job management server according to a second embodiment acquires a list of job information to when it requests execution of a notification. Also, in the description regarding FIG. 22, the processing corresponding to FIG. 19 is also shown in parentheses.

[0083] The process shown in FIG. 22 starts when the administrator's information terminal 100 checks information regarding the approval request based on an operation by the administrator. In step S1801, the job management server 103 acquires a list of jobs whose approval status is "FALSE". When a request for approval of a print job is executed (step S1606), in step S1802, the job management server 103 acquires details of the job information from the job information DB904 based on the requested job ID (step S1607). In step S1803, the job management server 103 confirms that the approval status of the job information acquired in step S1802 is "FALSE". In step S1804, the job management server 103 updates the job information DB904 by changing the approval status of the job information acquired in step S1802 to "TRUE" (step S1608).

[0084] In step S1805, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus information DB903 based on the image forming apparatus ID of the job information (step S1609). In step S1806, the job management server 103 sends a request to notify the image forming apparatus management server 102 that the approval has been completed (step S1610) and ends the process. Note that in step S1807, the job management server 103 generates an error status code according to the cause of each error and sends it to the administrator's information terminal 100. In this case, the administrator's information terminal 100 displays an error message based on the error status code.

[0085] <Flowchart from approval completion notification to printing> FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the process from when the job management server according to the second embodiment acquires job information until it requests execution of a print job. Also, in the description regarding FIG. 23, the processes corresponding to those in FIG. 19 are also shown in parentheses.

[0086] The process shown in FIG. 23 starts when the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the user that it has become possible to execute a print job (step S1612). After that, the image forming apparatus 101 requests printing based on an operation by the user (step S1613). In step S1901, the job management server 103 acquires job information from the job information DB 904 based on the job ID transmitted at the time of the request (step S1615). In step S1902, the job management server 103 confirms that the image forming apparatus ID of the job information acquired in step S1901 matches the image forming apparatus ID transmitted at the time of the request.

[0087] In step S1903, the job management server 103 acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus information DB 903 based on the image forming apparatus ID (step S1616). In step S1904, the job management server 103 executes a print request to the image forming apparatus management server 102 (step S1617) and ends the process. Note that in step S1905, the job management server 103 generates an error status code according to the cause of each error and transmits it to the user's image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the user's image forming apparatus 101 displays an error message based on the error status code.

[0088] <Job Information DB> FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the job information DB stored by the job management server according to the second embodiment. In the job information DB 904 shown in FIG. 24, job information is managed for each job ID. As shown in FIG. 24, the job information DB 904 stores user ID, image forming apparatus ID, approval status flag, and job setting information for each job ID.

[0089] <Summary of the Second Embodiment> As described above, in the second embodiment, the printing system requests the administrator to approve the print job through the job management server 103. Then, when the content of the print job is confirmed by the administrator and the print job becomes executable, the job management server 103 executes a notification request to the image forming apparatus management server 102. When the image forming apparatus management server 102 receives the notification request, it executes a job existence notification instruction to the image forming apparatus 101. When the image forming apparatus 101 receives the job existence notification instruction, it executes a notification using the notification device 410 or the display device 407. Thereby, the printing system can enable the user notified by the image forming apparatus 101 to execute printing by operating such as pressing a button.

[0090] Note that the first notification means may notify the administrator's information terminal 100 to determine whether to approve the print job when a predetermined period has elapsed since the time when the administrator's information terminal 100 is notified that the print job is pending approval. For example, when the administrator does not perform an operation such as pressing a button for a predetermined period, the first notification means notifies the administrator's information terminal 100 by mail or Short Message Service (SMS).

[0091] Further, the storage means may store approval pending data for a plurality of print jobs. In this case, the notification means may vary the notification mode depending on whether all the print jobs for which the approval pending data is stored have been approved and whether some of the print jobs for which the approval pending data is stored have been approved. For example, the notification means may vary the blinking pattern of a lamp or the color of the light output by the lamp.

[0092] Further, when an operation to execute a print job is performed on the image forming apparatus 101 while the reception means has not received the approved data from the administrator's information terminal 100, the notification means may notify the user that it is impossible to execute the print job. In this case, the notification means notifies the user that it is impossible to execute the print job, for example, by lighting a red lamp.

[0093] Further, when an instruction to execute a print job is requested from the image forming apparatus 101 without a security code being input, the instruction means may not output an instruction to execute the print job to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0094] Further, the image forming apparatus 101 may be capable of setting the operation of the request means to be valid or invalid. Then, when the operation of the request means is set to be invalid, the instruction means does not request the print server to execute the print job.

[0095] Further, the image forming apparatus 101 may be a multifunction device. Then, the second notification means may notify the multifunction device by email that the print job has been approved.

[0096] Further, the printing system may include a multifunction device as the image forming apparatus 101 and may include a printing device associated with a user as the image forming apparatus 101. This printing device is installed, for example, at the user's home. Also, this printing device should be considered to use a network such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Zero Trust rather than a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to execute a print job. In this case, the second notification means determines whether the print job is executed by the multifunction device or the printing device. When the second notification means determines that the print job is executed by the multifunction device, it instructs the notification means to notify the user by lighting that the print job can be executed. On the other hand, when the second notification means determines that the print job is executed by the printing device, it instructs the notification means to hold the print job.

[0097] The image forming apparatus 101 may include third notification means for notifying other image forming apparatuses that the print job has been approved when it is notified from the print server that the print job has been approved and a predetermined operation is performed on the image forming apparatus 101. The predetermined operation mentioned here is, for example, an operation of long-pressing a button installed on the image forming apparatus 101. Thereby, the printing system can enable other users to execute print jobs approved by the administrator.

[0098] The request means may request the print server to instruct to execute the print job when a pre-arbitrarily settable operation is performed on the image forming apparatus 101. Also, as a pre-arbitrarily settable operation, for example, it is an operation of pressing a button installed on the image forming apparatus 101 three times in a row after the print job has been approved.

[0099] The receiving means may receive, from the terminal, approved data indicating that a plurality of image forming apparatuses 101 are approved to execute a print job during a predetermined period. Thereby, the print system can avoid a situation in which the labor of the administrator increases due to a plurality of users requesting approval from the administrator for the same file. Here, the plurality of users are, for example, employees belonging to the same department or managerial positions with the same level of duties.

[0100] Note that the present invention includes the following inventions obtained by appropriately combining the above-described contents.

[0101] (Configuration 1) A print system including a print server and an image forming apparatus, wherein the print server includes: a storage means for storing approval pending data indicating that a print job, which is a process to be printed by the image forming apparatus, is in an approval pending state; a first notification means for notifying a terminal used by an administrator that the print job is in an approval pending state in order to determine whether to approve the print job; a receiving means for receiving, from the terminal, approved data indicating that the print job has been approved; a second notification means for notifying the image forming apparatus that the print job has been approved; and an instruction means for outputting an instruction to execute the print job to the image forming apparatus when an instruction to execute the print job is requested from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a notification means for notifying a user that it has become possible to execute the print job when it is notified from the print server that the print job has been approved; and a request means for requesting the print server to issue an instruction to execute the print job.

[0102] (Configuration 2) The print system according to Configuration 1, wherein the first notification means notifies the terminal that it is to determine whether to approve the print job at a time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the time when the terminal was notified that the print job is in an approval pending state.

[0103] (Configuration 3) The storage means stores the approval-pending data for a plurality of the print jobs, and the notification means has different notification modes when all the print jobs for which the approval-pending data is stored have been approved and when some of the print jobs for which the approval-pending data is stored have been approved. The printing system according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, characterized in that.

[0104] (Configuration 4) When an operation to execute the print job is performed on the image forming apparatus in a state where the reception means has not received the approved data from the terminal, the notification means notifies the user that it is impossible to execute the print job. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that.

[0105] (Configuration 5) When an instruction to execute the print job is requested from the image forming apparatus without a security code being input, the instruction means does not output an instruction to execute the print job to the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that.

[0106] (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus can set the operation of the request means to be valid or invalid, and when the operation of the request means is set to be invalid, the instruction means does not request the print server to execute the print job. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that.

[0107] (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus is a multifunction machine, and the second notification means notifies the multifunction machine by email that the print job has been approved. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that.

[0108] (Configuration 8) The printing system includes a multifunction device as the image forming apparatus, and includes a printing device associated with the user as the image forming apparatus. The second notification means determines which of the multifunction device and the printing device will execute the printing job. When it is determined that the printing job will be executed by the multifunction device, the notification means is instructed to notify the user by light emission that the printing job can be executed. When it is determined that the printing job will be executed by the printing device, the notification means is instructed to hold the printing job. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that.

[0109] (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus further includes third notification means for notifying other image forming apparatuses that the printing job has been approved when the image forming apparatus is notified by the printing server that the printing job has been approved and a predetermined operation is performed on the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that.

[0110] (Configuration 10) When a pre-arbitrarily settable operation is performed on the image forming apparatus, the request means requests the printing server to instruct the execution of the printing job. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that.

[0111] (Configuration 11) The receiving means receives, from the terminal, the approved data indicating that the execution of the printing job has been approved for a plurality of the image forming apparatuses during a predetermined period. The printing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that.

[0112] <Other Embodiments> Some of the elements constituting the present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or a recording medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Further, some of the elements constituting the present invention can also be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more functions, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0113] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, the present invention includes embodiments in which various modifications are made based on the gist of the present invention, and these embodiments are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 100 ··· Information terminal 101 ··· Image forming apparatus 102 ··· Image forming apparatus management server 103 ··· Job management server

Claims

1. A printing system including a printing server and an image forming apparatus, wherein the printing server has a storage means for storing approval pending data indicating that a printing job, which is a process to be printed by the image forming apparatus, is in a state of waiting for approval; a first notification means for notifying a terminal used by an administrator that the printing job is in a state of waiting for approval in order to determine whether to approve the printing job; a reception means for receiving approved data indicating that the printing job has been approved from the terminal; a second notification means for notifying the image forming apparatus that the printing job has been approved; and an instruction means for outputting an instruction to execute the printing job to the image forming apparatus when an instruction to execute the printing job is requested from the image forming apparatus; and the image forming apparatus has a notification means for notifying a user that the printing job can be executed when it is notified from the printing server that the printing job has been approved; and a request means for requesting the printing server for an instruction to execute the printing job. A printing system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The first notification means notifies the terminal to determine whether to approve the printing job at the time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the terminal was notified that the printing job is in a state of waiting for approval. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The storage means stores the approval pending data for a plurality of the printing jobs, and the notification means varies the notification mode depending on whether all the printing jobs for which the approval pending data is stored have been approved and whether some of the printing jobs for which the approval pending data is stored have been approved. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. When an operation to execute the printing job is performed on the image forming apparatus in a state where the reception means has not received the approved data from the terminal, the notification means notifies the user that it is impossible to execute the printing job. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. When an instruction to execute the printing job is requested from the image forming apparatus without a security code being input, the instruction means does not output an instruction to execute the printing job to the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

6. The image forming apparatus can set the operation of the request means to be valid or invalid, and when the operation of the request means is set to be invalid, the instruction means does not request the printing server to execute the print job. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

7. The image forming apparatus is a multifunction peripheral, and the second notification means notifies the multifunction peripheral by email that the print job has been approved. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

8. The printing system includes a multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus and a printing apparatus associated with the user as the image forming apparatus, and the second notification means determines which of the multifunction peripheral and the printing apparatus will execute the print job. When it is determined that the print job will be executed by the multifunction peripheral, the second notification means instructs the notification means to notify the user by light emission that the print job can be executed. When it is determined that the print job will be executed by the printing apparatus, the second notification means instructs the notification means to hold the print job. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

9. The image forming apparatus further includes a third notification means that notifies other image forming apparatuses that the print job has been approved when the image forming apparatus is notified by the printing server that the print job has been approved and a predetermined operation is performed on the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

10. When an operation that can be arbitrarily set in advance is performed on the image forming apparatus, the request means requests the printing server to execute the print job. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

11. The receiving means receives the approved data indicating that the execution of the print job has been approved for a plurality of the image forming apparatuses from the terminal during a predetermined period. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that...

Images