Information processing apparatus, its control method, program, and printing system

Abstract

To support a user to identify a printer which can be registered in an information processing apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus has: an acquisition part which searches for a printer registered in a printing server and a printer connected to the same local network as the information processing apparatus to acquire information on a printer which can be registered in the information processing apparatus; a presentation part which presents that the printer corresponding to the information can perform an identifying operation supporting a user to identify the printer when the information shows that the identifying operation can be performed; a request part which allows the printer to perform the identifying operation when the user instructs the printer selected among presented printers to perform the identifying operation; and a registration part which registers the printer in the information processing apparatus when the user instructs the printer to be registered in the information processing apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, a program, and a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cloud print services, which allow an information processing device to send a print job to a printing device via a cloud service, have become popular. Furthermore, an information processing device can also send a print job to a printing device connected to the same local area network as the information processing device. Patent Document 1 describes a method in which an information processing device searches for a printing device via a cloud service or within a local area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-133489 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A printing device becomes usable with an information processing device by being registered with the information processing device. Some aspects of the present invention provide a technique for assisting a user in identifying a printing device that can be registered with an information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to some embodiments, an information processing device is provided, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with a print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation means for, when the information indicates that an identification operation can be performed to assist the user in identifying the printing device, presenting to the user that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of performing the identification operation; a request means for, when the user instructs a printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation, causing the printing device to perform the identification operation; and a registration means for, when the user instructs the printing device to be registered with the information processing device, registering the printing device with the information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The above embodiment can assist the user in identifying printing devices that can be registered in the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a registration operation of a printing device according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet of some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet of some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet of some embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet of some embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to some embodiments. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to some embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to some embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a registration screen according to some embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a request operation for an identification operation according to some embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a request operation for an identification operation according to some embodiments. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet of some embodiments. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a printing device according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] First Embodiment [Printing system configuration example] An example configuration of a printing system 100 according to some embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The printing system 100 includes, for example, printing devices 101A and 101B, a print server 102, printing devices 103A and 103B, and an information processing device 104. The number of components of the printing system 100 is not limited to the example of Fig. 1. Furthermore, the printing system 100 may include components not shown in Fig. 1. It may be considered that the printing system is configured by only some of the components of the printing system 100.

[0010] The information processing device 104, printing device 103A, and printing device 103B are connected to the same local area network (LAN) 107. Hereinafter, printing device 103A and printing device 103B, which are connected to the same LAN 107 as the information processing device 104, are collectively referred to as printing device 103. The following description of printing device 103 applies to both printing device 103A and printing device 103B. The printing device 103 may also be referred to as a local printing device. The LAN 107 may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination of both. The printing device 103 may have a multicast domain name system (mDNS) function that announces its own information to all communication devices (e.g., the information processing device 104) connected to the LAN 107. The information processing device 104 may search for the printing device 103 using DNS records, including SRV (Service) records, TXT records, PTR records, etc., in the mDNS function.

[0011] The LAN 107 is connected to the Internet 106 via a repeater 105. The repeater 105 may be, for example, a router device. The repeater 105 may also function as a firewall. The information processing device 104 and the printing device 103 can communicate with each other within the LAN 107 (i.e., without going through the Internet 106). The information processing device 104 can communicate with the printing server 102 via the LAN 107, the repeater 105, and the Internet 106. Alternatively or in addition to this, the information processing device 104 may be connected to the Internet 106 via a cellular network (e.g., a network conforming to the fourth generation communication standard (4G) or the fifth generation communication standard (5G)).

[0012] The Internet 106 may be configured by combining, for example, a LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network (e.g., a 4G network or a 5G network), a wireless network conforming to IEEE802.11, etc. In other words, as long as data can be transmitted and received via the Internet 106, any method may be adopted as a communication method for the physical layer.

[0013] Printing devices 101A and 101B are each connected to the Internet 106. Printing server 102 can communicate with printing devices 101A and 101B via the Internet 106. Hereinafter, printing devices 101A and 101B, which can communicate with print server 102, will be collectively referred to as printing device 101. The following description of printing device 101 applies to both printing device 101A and printing device 101B. Printing device 103 may be referred to as a remote printing device.

[0014] Printing devices 101 and 103 have a printing function that prints based on a print job. In addition to the printing function, printing devices 101 and 103 may also include at least one of a scanner function and a fax function. A printing device having multiple functions like this may be called a multifunction peripheral (MFP). Alternatively, printing devices 101 and 103 may be a dedicated machine (SFP: Single Function Peripheral) that has only the printing function. Printing may be performed on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper, or may be performed to form a three-dimensional object (so-called three-dimensional printing).

[0015] The printing device 101 may have a user management function. When the user management function of the printing device 101 is enabled, the printing device 101 requests the user to log in to the printing device 101 in order to use each function of the printing device 101. The printing device 101 may also have a reservation printing function to prevent a third party from taking away printed materials or misprinting. The reservation printing function is a function in which the printing device 101 does not immediately start printing when it receives a print job, but temporarily stores the print job in storage and starts printing according to a subsequent print instruction from the user. When the reservation printing function of the printing device 101 is enabled, the printing device 101 prints the user's print job after the user has successfully logged in.

[0016] The print server 102 provides a print service that transmits a print job to one of the printing devices 101 (e.g., printing device 101A) in accordance with a print job generated by an information processing device 104. For example, the print server 102 provides a logical printer to the information processing device 104 and accepts print jobs for the logical printer. A logical printer is a virtual printing device (e.g., a printer object) provided by the print server 102. A logical printer may also be called a cloud printer. In contrast to a logical printer, a physical printing device such as the printing devices 101 and 103 may also be called a physical printer. In the following description, logical printers and physical printers are collectively referred to simply as printers. A physical printer may also be called a local printer when it is connected to the same LAN as the information processing device that submits the print job.

[0017] The print server 102 may be a server in an on-premise environment connected to the Internet 106, or may be a server in a cloud computing environment (hereinafter simply referred to as the cloud). A print service provided by the print server 102 in the cloud may be called a cloud print service. One example of a cloud print service is Universal Print (registered trademark) provided by Microsoft Corporation. In the following explanation, we will explain the case where the print server 102 is in the cloud. However, the following explanation also applies to the case where the print server 102 is in an on-premise environment.

[0018] The print server 102 receives a print job from the information processing device 104 and stores the print job. Thereafter, the print server 102 notifies the printing device 101 registered on the print server 102 that the print job has been submitted. Upon receiving the notification, the printing device 101 acquires the print job from the print server 102 and temporarily stores it. After a user logs in to the printing device 101, the printing device 101 starts printing according to the print job stored in the printing device 101 in accordance with instructions from the user.

[0019] The information processing device 104 provides a printing function to a user of the information processing device 104. The information processing device 104 may be a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or another device. The information processing device 104 may specify a physical printer (e.g., printing device 103A) connected to the same LAN 107 as the output destination, or may specify a logical printer provided by the print server 102 as the output destination. When a logical printer is specified as the output destination, a physical printer (e.g., printing device 101A) associated with the logical printer performs printing. The information processing device 104 using the cloud print service may also be called a client or a client terminal. Printing performed by submitting a print job to a logical printer may also be called cloud printing, remote printing, or remote printing. Printing performed by submitting a print job directly to a physical printer (i.e., within a LAN) may also be called local printing.

[0020] [Example of hardware configuration for printing device] With reference to FIG. 2, an example hardware configuration of a printing device 200 according to some embodiments will be described. The printing device 200 may be used as either the printing device 101 or 103. That is, the printing device 200 may function as either a local printer or a cloud printer. One printing device 200 may function as both a local printer and a cloud printer for the information processing device 104. The printing device 200 may have the components shown in FIG. 2, may not include some of these components, or may include other components. Since the printing device 200 is a physical printing device, it may also be referred to as a physical printer.

[0021] The central processing unit (CPU) 201 is a general-purpose processing circuit that controls the overall operation of the printing device 200. The random access memory (RAM) 202 is a volatile memory circuit used as a temporary storage area such as a work area for processing by the CPU 201. The read-only memory (ROM) 203 is a non-volatile memory circuit that stores programs and data used in the processing by the CPU 201. The storage device 204 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data (e.g., print jobs, image data, and setting information) used in the processing by the CPU 201. The storage device 204 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage device 204 may also be referred to as a secondary storage device. The operations of the printing device 200 may be realized by the CPU 201 executing a program read from the storage device 204 to the RAM 202. Alternatively, some or all of the operations of the printing device 200 may be realized by a dedicated processing circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0022] Printer interface (I / F) 205 is an I / F for exchanging signals with printer engine 220. Printer engine 220 performs printing based on signals (e.g., image signals and print commands) supplied from control unit 210 via printer I / F 205. Printing may be electrophotographic printing in which toner is transferred and fixed on paper, inkjet printing in which ink is ejected onto paper to print, or three-dimensional printing.

[0023] Scanner I / F 206 is an I / F for exchanging signals with scanner engine 230. Scanner engine 230 supplies a signal (e.g., an image signal) obtained by reading an original to control unit 210 via scanner I / F 206. CPU 201 may process the image signal supplied from scanner engine 230 and supply the resulting recording image signal to printer engine 220. CPU 201 may also generate image data based on the image signal supplied from scanner engine 230 and transmit this to an external device.

[0024] The operation unit I / F 207 is an I / F for exchanging signals with the operation unit 240. The operation unit 240 is a device that acquires input from a user of the printing device 200 and provides information to the user of the printing device 200. The operation unit 240 may be configured, for example, with a display panel (e.g., a liquid crystal display), a speaker, a touch panel, a keyboard, buttons, a touch screen, a light, a lamp, a buzzer, or any combination of these. The operation unit 240 may output in response to a request from the print server 102 or the information processing device 104, for example, displaying information on a display panel, turning on or blinking a light or lamp, sounding a buzzer or the like, or providing audio notification.

[0025] The network I / F 208 is an I / F for communicating with devices external to the printing device 200. The CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, storage device 204, printer I / F 205, scanner I / F 206, operation unit I / F 207, and network I / F 208 configure a control unit 210. Each component included in the control unit 210 is connected to a system bus 209.

[0026] [Example of computer hardware configuration] An example of the hardware configuration of a computer 300 according to some embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The computer 300 may be used as the information processing device 104 or as the print server 102. The computer 300 may have the components shown in Fig. 3, may not include some of these components, or may include other components.

[0027] The CPU 301 is a general-purpose processing circuit that controls the overall operation of the computer 300. The RAM 302 is a volatile memory circuit and is used as a temporary storage area such as a work area for processing by the CPU 301. The ROM 303 is a non-volatile memory circuit and stores programs and data used in the processing by the CPU 301. The storage device 304 is a non-volatile storage device and stores programs and data used in the processing by the CPU 301. The storage device 304 may be, for example, an HDD or SSD. The storage device 304 may also be called a secondary storage device. The operations of the computer 300 may be realized by the CPU 301 executing a program read from the storage device 304 to the RAM 302. Alternatively, some or all of the operations of the computer 300 may be realized by a dedicated processing circuit such as an ASIC.

[0028] The input I / F 305 is an I / F for exchanging signals with the input device 310. The input device 310 is a device that obtains input from a user of the computer 300. The input device 310 may be, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a microphone, a mouse, or any combination thereof. The output I / F 306 is an I / F for exchanging signals with the output device 320. The output device 320 is a device that provides information to a user of the computer 300. The output device 320 may be, for example, a display, a speaker, or any combination thereof. The network I / F 307 is an I / F for communicating with devices external to the computer 300. The CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, storage device 304, input I / F 305, output I / F 306, and network I / F 307 are each connected to a system bus 308. In the example of FIG. 3, the input device 310 and the output device 320 are shown as devices separate from the computer 300. Alternatively, computer 300 may include input device(s) 310 and output device(s) 320 .

[0029] <Setting the recognition operation on the printing device> A method for configuring settings related to the identification operation of the printing device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . The printing device 200 may be the printing device 101 or the printing device 103. The identification operation of the printing device 200 may be an operation that assists the user of the printing device 200 in identifying the printing device 200. For example, the identification operation may be the printing device 200 outputting visual information, the printing device 200 outputting auditory information, or both. The output of visual information may be displaying a message on the operation unit 240 of the printing device 200. Such an identification operation is defined as a "display" in the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). The output of visual information may be blinking or lighting a light or lamp on the printing device 200. Such an identification operation is defined as a "flash" in the IPP. The output of auditory information may be sounding a sound (e.g., a beep) from a speaker or buzzer of the printing device 200. Such an identification operation is defined as "sound" in the IPP. The output of auditory information may be a predetermined message played from a speaker of the printing device 200. Such an identification operation is defined as "speak" in the IPP. The printing device 200 may be capable of performing multiple types of identification operations. For example, the printing device 200 may be capable of performing a flash and a sound. As will be described later, the printing device 200 may perform an identification operation in response to a request from the information processing device 104 or the print server 102.

[0030] 4 is a screen for acquiring instructions from a user regarding settings for the identification operation of the printing device 200. The printing device 200 displays the setting screen 400 on the operation unit 240 and acquires user operations on the setting screen 400. In the example of the setting screen 400, it is assumed that the printing device 200 is capable of executing flash and sound. Alternatively, the printing device 200 may be capable of executing other types of identification operation, or may be capable of executing only one type of identification operation.

[0031] The setting screen 400 includes an area 401 and an area 402. The area 401 is an area for acquiring user instructions regarding the setting of the identification operation when the printing device 200 functions as a local printer. The area 402 is an area for acquiring user instructions regarding the setting of the identification operation when the printing device 200 functions as a cloud printer. The printing device 200 can use the setting screen 400 to acquire user instructions separately for when it functions as a local printer and when it functions as a cloud printer. Alternatively, the printing device 200 may acquire a common user instruction collectively for when it functions as a local printer and when it functions as a cloud printer.

[0032] Area 401 includes area 403 for acquiring a user instruction regarding flash settings and area 404 for acquiring a user instruction regarding sound settings. Area 402 includes area 405 for acquiring a user instruction regarding flash settings and area 406 for acquiring a user instruction regarding sound settings. Area 403 may include a label indicating the type of identification operation, a button for acquiring a user instruction to enable the identification operation, and a button for acquiring a user instruction to disable the identification operation. The two buttons included in area 403 may be alternatively selectable. A graphic object other than a button (e.g., a check box or a pull-down list) may be used to acquire a user instruction. Areas 404 to 406 may each have a configuration similar to area 403. When the user presses button 407 with enable or disable selected in areas 403 to 406, the printing device 200 stores the settings of areas 403 to 406 (i.e., whether each identification operation is enabled or disabled) in the storage device 204 and uses them for subsequent operations. The printing device 200 can acquire a user instruction for each of the plurality of executable identification operations individually using the setting screen 400. Alternatively, the printing device 200 may acquire a common user instruction for each of the plurality of executable identification operations collectively.

[0033] If a specific type of identification operation (e.g., flash) is enabled, the printing device 200 may perform this identification operation in response to a request from an external device (e.g., the print server 102 or the information processing device 104; the same applies below). Furthermore, if a specific type of identification operation is enabled, the printing device 200 may notify the external device that it can perform this identification operation. If a specific type of identification operation is disabled, the printing device 200 may refuse to perform this identification operation requested by an external device. Furthermore, if a specific type of identification operation is disabled, the printing device 200 may not notify the external device that it can perform this identification operation. For example, the printing device 200 may notify the external device that it cannot perform this identification operation, or it may not notify the external device at all about this identification operation.

[0034] When it is specified that a specific type of identification operation is not to be performed as an initial state, the printing device 200 may make a button for enabling this identification operation unselectable. For example, the printing device 200 may not display the button for enabling this identification operation or may gray out the button to make it unselectable.

[0035] [Printing device registration operation] The operation for registering the printing device 101 with the print server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The operation of FIG. 5 may be started, for example, in response to a user of the printing device 101 using the operation unit 240 of the printing device 101 issuing an instruction to start registering the printing device 101. The printing device 101 registered with the print server 102 can be used as a cloud printer by the information processing device 104. The operation of the printing device 101 may be performed, for example, by the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded into the RAM 202 of the printing device 101. The operation of the print server 102 may be performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the print server 102 executing a program loaded into the RAM 302 of the print server 102. When registering the printing device 101 with the print server 102, operations not shown in FIG. 5 may be performed.

[0036] In S501, the printing device 101 transmits a device registration request to the print server 102. The device registration request may be a request to the print server 102 to register the print server 102. The print server 102 that is the destination of the device registration request may be designated by the user. In S502, the print server 102 processes the device registration request and transmits a device registration response to the printing device 101. The device registration response may be a response to the device registration request.

[0037] The device registration request and device registration response may be transmitted in packets conforming to IPP. An example of such a packet will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Packet 600 is an example of a packet transmitted as a device registration request. Packet 600 includes operation information and attribute information. Operation information is information that indicates the content of the operation to be performed. Attribute information is information that indicates attributes related to the operation to be performed. The same applies to the operation information and attribute information of other packets described below. In packet 600, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 600 has a value indicating that the operation to be performed is a device registration request. In packet 600, the attribute information is represented by "Requested-attributes." The attribute information in packet 600 includes manufacturer information and model information. The attribute information may differ depending on the printing device 101 that transmits packet 600.

[0038] Packet 601 is an example of a packet sent as a device registration response to packet 600. Packet 601 includes operation information, status information, and attribute information. Status information is information that indicates the status of an operation being executed. The same applies to the status information of other packets described below. In packet 601, operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 601 has a value indicating that the operation being executed is a device registration response. In packet 601, status information is represented by "Status Code." The status information in packet 601 has a value indicating that registration of the printing device 101 that sent the device registration request has been successful. If registration of the printing device 101 in response to the device registration request is successful, the print server 102 sends a device registration response having such a value to the printing device 101. In packet 601, attribute information is represented by "Attribute." The attribute information in packet 601 includes identification information issued to the printing device 101 by the print server 102. The identification information may differ for each printing device 101 registered with the print server 102.

[0039] In S503, the printing device 101 sends a capability acquisition request to the print server 102. The capability acquisition request may be a request to acquire, from the print server 102, capability information registered in the print server 102 for the printing device 101. The print server 102 that is the destination of the capability acquisition request may be the print server 102 with which the printing device 101 is registered. In S504, the print server 102 processes the capability acquisition request and sends a capability acquisition response to the printing device 101. The capability acquisition response may be a response to the capability acquisition request. The capability acquisition response may indicate capability information registered in the print server 102 for the printing device 101.

[0040] The capability acquisition request and capability acquisition response may be transmitted in packets conforming to IPP. An example of such a packet will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Packet 700 is an example of a packet transmitted as a capability acquisition request. Packet 700 includes operation information and attribute information. In packet 700, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 700 has a value indicating that the operation to be performed is a capability acquisition request. In packet 700, the attribute information is represented by "Requested-attributes." The attribute information in packet 700 has a value indicating that URI information indicating the storage location of the capability information of printing device 101 is requested.

[0041] Packet 701 is an example of a packet sent as a capabilities acquisition response to packet 700. Packet 701 includes operation information, status information, and attribute information. In packet 701, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 701 has a value indicating that the operation being executed is a capabilities acquisition response. In packet 701, the status information is represented by "Status Code." The status information in packet 701 has a value indicating that the capability information of the printing device 101 that sent the capabilities acquisition request has been successfully acquired. If the print server 102 has successfully acquired the capability information of the printing device 101 in response to the capabilities acquisition request, it sends a capabilities acquisition response having such a value to the printing device 101. In packet 701, the attribute information is represented by "Attribute." The attribute information in packet 701 includes URI information indicating the storage location of the capability information of the printing device 101. If the capability information registered for the printing device 101 does not include URI information, the print server 102 does not need to include URI information in the attribute information of the capabilities acquisition response.

[0042] Packet 702 is another example of a packet sent as a capabilities acquisition response to packet 700. Packet 702 includes operation information and status information. The status information of packet 702 differs from that of packet 701. The status information of packet 702 includes a value indicating that acquisition of the capabilities information of the printing device 101 that sent the capabilities acquisition request failed, and the reason for this. If the print server 102 fails to acquire the capabilities information of the printing device 101 in response to the capabilities acquisition request, it sends a capabilities acquisition response including this value to the printing device 101.

[0043] Packet 800 is another example of a packet sent as a capability acquisition request. Packet 800 includes operation information and attribute information. The attribute information of packet 800 differs from that of packet 700. The attribute information of packet 800 has a value indicating that information is requested that indicates the types of identification operations that printing device 101 can perform and the default identification operation.

[0044] Packet 801 is an example of a packet sent as a capability acquisition response to packet 800. Packet 801 includes operation information, status information, and attribute information. The attribute information of packet 801 differs from that of packet 701. The attribute information of packet 801 has values ​​that indicate the types of identification operations that the printing device 101 can perform and the default identification operation. The attribute information of packet 801 indicates that the printing device 101 can perform flash and sound, and that the default identification operation is sound.

[0045] Packet 802 is another example of a packet sent as a capabilities acquisition response to packet 800. Packet 802 includes operation information and status information. Packet 802 differs from packet 701 in that it does not include attribute information. If print server 102 successfully acquires the capabilities information of printing device 101 in response to the capabilities acquisition request but this capabilities information does not include information related to the identification operation, print server 102 sends a capabilities acquisition response to printing device 101 that does not include attribute information.

[0046] Through the above-described steps S503 and S504, the printing device 101 can check whether it is registered with the print server 102 and the information about itself that is registered with the print server 102. The printing device 101 may perform this check using other methods.

[0047] In S505, the printing device 101 sends a capability registration request to the print server 102. The capability registration request may be a request to register the capabilities of the printing device 101 with the print server 102. The print server 102 that is the destination of the capability registration request may be the print server 102 on which the printing device 101 is registered. In S506, the print server 102 processes the capability registration request and sends a capability registration response to the printing device 101. The capability registration response may be a response to the capability registration request.

[0048] The capability registration request and capability registration response may be transmitted in packets conforming to IPP. An example of such a packet will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Packet 900 is an example of a packet transmitted as a capability registration request. Packet 900 includes operation information and attribute information. In packet 900, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 900 has a value indicating that the operation to be performed is a capability registration request. In packet 900, the attribute information is represented by "Requested-attributes." The attribute information in packet 900 includes the capability information that the printing device 101 registers with the print server 102.

[0049] The attribute information of the packet 900 includes an attribute value "identify-actions-supported." This attribute value indicates the types of identification actions that can be performed by the printing device 101. For example, the printing device 101 includes in this attribute value the types of identification actions that are valid among the identification actions that it supports. For example, the packet 900 indicates that the printing device 101 can perform display, flash, sound, and speak. If the printing device 101 can only perform flash and sound, this attribute value is "flash,sound." The attribute information of the packet 900 includes an attribute value "identify-actions-default." This attribute value indicates default (e.g., recommended) identification actions. The printing device 101 determines the identification actions to include in the attribute values ​​"identify-actions-supported" and "identify-actions-default" according to settings specified by the user using, for example, the setting screen 400 and stored in the storage device 304. If the printing device 101 does not receive a designation from the user regarding whether an identification operation is enabled or disabled, the printing device 101 may include all identification operations supported by the printing device 101 in the attribute information of the capability registration request.

[0050] Packet 901 is another example of a packet sent as a capability registration request. Packet 901 includes operation information and attribute information. The attribute information of packet 901 differs from that of packet 900. The attribute information of packet 901 does not include the attribute values ​​"identify-actions-supported" and "identify-actions-default." If there are no valid identify actions or if the print server 102 does not support an identify action, it sends a capability registration response including these values ​​to the printing device 101.

[0051] In response to receiving the capability registration request, the print server 102 associates the capability information included in the capability registration request with the printing device 101 that sent the capability registration request and stores it in the storage device 304. As will be described later, this capability information may be transmitted to the information processing device 104 in response to a request from the information processing device 104.

[0052] Packet 902 is an example of a packet sent as a capability registration response to packets 900 and 901. Packet 902 includes operation information and status information. In packet 902, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 902 has a value indicating that the operation being executed is a capability registration response. In packet 902, the status information is represented by "Status Code." The status information in packet 902 has a value indicating that the capability information of the printing device 101 that sent the capability registration request has been successfully registered. If the print server 102 successfully registers the capability information of the printing device 101 in response to the capability registration request, it transmits a capability registration response having such a value to the printing device 101. On the other hand, if the print server 102 fails to register the capability information of the printing device 101 in response to the capability registration request, it may transmit a capability registration response having a value indicating failure to the printing device 101.

[0053] In response to a change in the capability information of the printing device 101, for example, when the setting of the identification operation is changed on the setting screen 400, the printing device 101 may execute S505 again. This updates the capability information of the printing device 101 stored in the print server 102.

[0054] [Printing device registration operation] 10, an operation of the information processing device 104 to search for printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104 and to register a printer specified by a user in the information processing device 104 will be described. The operation of FIG. 10 may be started, for example, in response to a command issued by the user of the information processing device 104 using the input device 310 of the information processing device 104 to start a printer search. A printer registered in the information processing device 104 becomes usable by the information processing device 104. The operation of the information processing device 104 may be performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the information processing device 104 executing a program loaded into the RAM 302 of the information processing device 104. When registering a printer in the information processing device 104, an operation not shown in FIG. 10 may be performed.

[0055] In S1001, the information processing device 104 searches for printers that can be registered on the information processing device 104 and generates a list including information on the discovered printers. The information processing device 104 may search for only local printers, only cloud printers, or both local printers and cloud printers. The type of printer to be searched for may be specified by the user or may be set in advance in the information processing device 104. When searching for both local printers and cloud printers, the information processing device 104 may search for either first, or may search for them in parallel.

[0056] 11, a method in which the information processing device 104 searches for cloud printers that can be registered on the information processing device 104 and generates a list including information on the discovered cloud printers will be described. As described above, a cloud printer may be a printing device 101 that is registered on the print server 102. The method in FIG. 11 may be executed as part of S1001.

[0057] In S1101, the information processing device 104 requests information about cloud printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104 from the print server 102. In response to this request, the print server 102 replies with information about cloud printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104. The cloud printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104 may be all printers registered in the print server 102. Alternatively, the cloud printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104 may be printers that are registered in the print server 102 and that the information processing device 104 has permission to use.

[0058] In S1102, the information processing device 104 determines whether the cloud printer information has been acquired. If the information processing device 104 determines that the cloud printer information has been acquired (YES in S1102), the process proceeds to S1103, and otherwise (NO in S1102), the process ends.

[0059] In S1103, the information processing device 104 generates a list including information about the cloud printers acquired from the print server 102. If the cloud printer about which information was acquired from the print server 102 is already registered in the information processing device 104, the information processing device 104 does not need to include this cloud printer in the list.

[0060] In S1104, the information processing device 104 selects one cloud printer from the list generated in S1103 for which the subsequent processes of S1105 to S1107 have not been performed. In S1105, the information processing device 104 acquires attribute information of the selected cloud printer. The attribute information may be acquired by sending and receiving packets that comply with IPP. The cloud printer attribute information may include capability information of the cloud printer. If the cloud printer is capable of performing an identification operation, the capability information of the cloud printer may include the type of identification operation that the cloud printer can perform.

[0061] In S1106, the information processing device 104 determines whether the selected cloud printer is capable of performing the identification operation. If the information processing device 104 determines that the selected cloud printer is capable of performing the identification operation (YES in S1106), the process proceeds to S1107, and otherwise (NO in S1106), the process proceeds to S1108.

[0062] The information processing device 104 may determine that the cloud printer is capable of performing an identification operation if attribute information representing the cloud printer's supported operation information (operations-supported) includes information on identification operations (identify-actions-supported). The information processing device 104 may determine that the cloud printer is not capable of performing an identification operation if attribute information representing the cloud printer's supported operation information (operations-supported) does not include information on identification operations (identify-actions-supported). If the printing device 101 supports an identification operation and the identification operation is enabled, it is determined that the cloud printer associated with the printing device 101 is capable of performing an identification operation. If the printing device 101 does not support an identification operation, or if the printing device 101 supports an identification operation but the identification operation is disabled, it is determined that the cloud printer associated with the printing device 101 is not capable of performing an identification operation.

[0063] In step S1107, the information processing apparatus 104 adds information indicating the type of identification operation that can be performed by the selected cloud printer to the list.

[0064] In S1108, the information processing device 104 determines whether the processes of S1105 to S1107 have been executed for all cloud printers included in the list generated in S1103. If it is determined that the processes have been executed for all cloud printers ("YES" in S1108), the information processing device 104 ends the process, and otherwise ("NO" in S1108), the process returns to S1104.

[0065] 12, a method in which the information processing device 104 searches for local printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104 and generates a list including information on the discovered local printers will be described. The method in FIG. 12 may be executed as part of S1001.

[0066] In S1201, the information processing device 104 searches for a local printer connected to the same LAN 107 as the information processing device 104 using mDNS. In S1202, the information processing device 104 determines whether a local printer has been discovered. If the information processing device 104 determines that a local printer has been discovered ("YES" in S1202), it transitions the process to S1203, and otherwise ends the process ("NO" in S1202).

[0067] In step S1203, the information processing device 104 generates a list including information about the discovered local printers. If the discovered local printer has already been registered in the information processing device 104, the information processing device 104 does not need to include the discovered local printer in the list.

[0068] The processing in steps S1204 to S1208 may be the same as the processing in steps S1104 to S1108 except that the processing target is a local printer, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0069] 10, in S1002, the information processing device 104 presents the user with a screen including a list of printers that can be registered. The list of printers that can be registered may be a combination of a list of cloud printers generated based on the search results of the operations in Fig. 11 and a list of local printers generated based on the search results of the operations in Fig. 12. This list does not have to include printers that are already registered in the information processing device 104.

[0070] 13, an example of a registration screen 1300 including a list of printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104 will be described. The information processing device 104 displays the registration screen 1300 on the output device 320 (e.g., a display) of the information processing device 104, and acquires a user operation on the registration screen 1300 using the input device 310. The registration screen 1300 may also be used to acquire from the user an instruction to register a printer in the information processing device 104. The registration screen 1300 may also be used to acquire from the user an instruction to cause the printer to perform an identification operation.

[0071] The registration screen 1300 includes areas 1301 to 1304. The areas 1301 to 1304 are areas for displaying information about printers that can be registered in the information processing device 104, and for obtaining user instructions for these printers.

[0072] The information processing device 104 may display, for example, information about a cloud printer associated with the printing device 101A in an area 1301. The area 1301 includes an icon representing the printer, manufacturer information and model information of the printer, a label indicating that it is a cloud printer ("Cloud Printer"), and buttons 1305 and 1306 for obtaining an instruction to perform an identification operation. The information processing device 104 may register the cloud printer associated with the printing device 101A in response to a user pressing an icon in the area 1301.

[0073] In the following description, it is assumed that the information about the printing device 101A indicates that the printing device 101A can perform sound and flash as identification operations. In this case, the information processing device 104 notifies the user that the printing device 101A can perform the identification operations. Furthermore, the information processing device 104 notifies the user of the types of identification operations that the printing device 101A can perform.

[0074] Specifically, if the printing device 101A is capable of executing sound, the information processing device 104 may include a button 1305 in the area 1301. The button 1305 is a graphic object for acquiring a user instruction to cause the cloud printer to execute a sound as an identification operation. The button 1305 is labeled "sound." If the printing device 101A is capable of executing a flash, the information processing device 104 may include a button 1306 in the area 1301. The button 1306 is a graphic object for acquiring a user instruction to cause the cloud printer to execute a flash as an identification operation. The button 1305 is labeled "flash."

[0075] In this way, the information processing device 104 indicates to the user that the printing device 101A can perform an identification operation by including buttons 1305 and 1306 in area 1301. Furthermore, the information processing device 104 indicates to the user that the printing device 101A can perform a specific type of identification operation (sound in this example) by labeling button 1305 as "Sound." The same is true for button 1306.

[0076] Area 1302 may represent, for example, information about a cloud printer associated with printing device 101B. Area 1302 may be similar to area 1301, except that the only identification operation that printing device 101B is capable of performing is flash.

[0077] Area 1303 may represent information about printing device 103A, for example, discovered as a local printer. Area 1301 may include a label ("Printer") indicating that it is a local printer. Other aspects of area 1303 may be similar to area 1301.

[0078] Area 1304 may represent information about printing device 103B, which has been discovered as a local printer, for example. Area 1304 may include a label ("Printer") indicating that it is a local printer. Other aspects of area 1304 may be similar to area 1302.

[0079] Returning to the description of FIG. 10 , in S1003, the information processing apparatus 104 determines whether an instruction to cause a printer to perform an identification operation has been received from the user. An instruction to cause a printer to perform an identification operation is referred to as an identification operation instruction. If it is determined that an identification operation instruction has been received ("YES" in S1003), the information processing apparatus 104 transitions the process to S1004; otherwise ("NO" in S1003), the information processing apparatus 104 transitions the process to S1005. As described above, the identification operation instruction can be received using, for example, buttons 1305, 1306, etc. on the registration screen 1300. The identification operation instruction may include a designation of a printer that should perform the identification operation and a designation of the type of identification operation that the printer should perform. Alternatively, the identification operation instruction may include a designation of a printer that should perform the identification operation, but may not include a designation of the type of identification operation that the printer should perform. In this case, the information processing apparatus 104 may request the designated printer to perform a default identification operation. For example, instead of or in addition to buttons 1305 and 1306, registration screen 1300 may include a button for obtaining instructions to perform a default identification operation.

[0080] In S1004, the information processing device 104 causes the printer designated by the user to perform an identification operation. If the printer designated by the user is a cloud printer, the information processing device 104 requests the print server 102 to cause the printer to perform an identification operation. If the printer designated by the user is a local printer, the information processing device 104 requests the printing device 103 functioning as a local printer to perform an identification operation.

[0081] In S1005, the information processing device 104 determines whether an instruction to register a printer in the information processing device 104 has been received from the user. An instruction to register a printer in the information processing device 104 is referred to as a printer registration instruction. If it is determined that a printer registration instruction has been received ("YES" in S1005), the information processing device 104 transitions the process to S1006, and otherwise ("NO" in S1005), the process transitions to S1007. As described above, the printer registration instruction can be received using, for example, a printer icon on the registration screen 1300. The printer registration instruction may include a designation of the printer to be registered.

[0082] In S1006, the information processing apparatus 104 registers the printer designated by the user in the information processing apparatus 104. After that, the information processing apparatus 104 becomes capable of submitting a print job to the registered printer.

[0083] In S1007, the information processing device 104 determines whether an instruction to end the registration process has been received from the user. An instruction to end the registration process is referred to as a registration end instruction. If it is determined that the registration end instruction has been received ("YES" in S1007), the information processing device 104 ends the process, and otherwise ("NO" in S1007), the process transitions to S1003.

[0084] In the above-described method, the information processing device 104 registers one or more printers in the information processing device 104 in response to a printer registration instruction until it receives a registration end instruction. Alternatively, the information processing device 104 may receive a printer registration instruction for one printer and end the method of FIG. 10 in response to registering this printer.

[0085] [Cloud printer identification] A method in which the information processing device 104 causes the cloud printer to perform the identification operation in S1004 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The information processing device 104 executes the method in Fig. 14 when the printer specified in the identification operation instruction is a cloud printer.

[0086] In S1401, the information processing apparatus 104 sends a request to the print server 102 to request that the cloud printer perform an identification operation. A request to request that the cloud printer perform an identification operation is referred to as an identification operation request. The identification operation request may include a designation of the printer that should perform the identification operation and a designation of the type of identification operation that the printer should perform. The printer that should perform the identification operation may be a printer designated by the user using the registration screen 1300. The type of identification operation that the printer should perform may be the type of identification operation designated by the user using the registration screen 1300. For example, when the user presses button 1305, it is designated that the printer represented by area 1301 should perform a sound. If the type of identification operation is not designated by the user, the information processing apparatus 104 does not need to include a designation of the type of identification operation to be performed in the identification operation request.

[0087] In step S1402, in response to receiving the identification operation request, the print server 102 transmits a request to perform an identification operation to the printing device 101 associated with the cloud printer specified in the identification operation request. A request to perform an identification operation is referred to as an identification operation execution request. The identification operation execution request may include a specification of the type of identification operation to be performed. If the type of identification operation to be performed is not specified in the identification operation request, the print server 102 does not need to include a specification of the type of identification operation to be performed in the identification operation execution request.

[0088] In S1403, the printing device 101 executes the identification operation in response to receiving the identification operation execution request. If the type of identification operation is specified in the identification operation request, the printing device 101 executes the specified identification operation. For example, if a sound is specified in the identification operation request, the printing device 101 produces a sound (e.g., a beep) using a speaker. If the type of identification operation is not specified in the identification operation request, the printing device 101 executes a default identification operation. In this way, the information processing device 104 may cause the printing device 101 to execute a specific type of identification operation.

[0089] In S1404, after performing the identification operation or after failing to perform the identification operation, the printing device 101 transmits an identification operation execution response to the identification operation execution request to the printing server 102. The identification operation execution response may include the execution status of the identification operation (whether it was successful or failed).

[0090] In S1405, after receiving the identification operation execution response, the print server 102 transmits the identification operation response to the information processing device 104 as a response to the identification operation request. The identification operation response may include the execution status (whether the identification operation was successful or failed) of the identification operation included in the identification operation execution response.

[0091] In S1406, if the execution status of the identification operation included in the identification operation response indicates that the printing device 101 has executed the identification operation, the information processing device 104 may notify the user of this. For example, the information processing device 104 may notify the user that the printing device 101 has executed the identification operation by changing the display mode of a graphic object for acquiring an instruction to have the printing device 101 execute the identification operation. For example, after the information processing device 104 causes the printing device 101A to execute a sound in response to the user pressing the button 1305, if the information processing device 104 receives an identification operation response including a notification that the execution of the sound was successful, the information processing device 104 may change the display mode of the button 1305. The change in the display mode of the button 1305 may be made by blinking the button 1305. This allows the user to recognize that the identification operation is being executed on the specified printer. The notification that the printer specified by the user is executing the identification operation may be performed in other ways. On the other hand, if the information processing device 104 receives an identification operation response including a notification that the execution of the identification operation failed, the information processing device 104 may notify the user of this.

[0092] After the user has performed the identification operation on the designated printer, the user confirms that printers around the user are also performing the identification operation. After the user confirms that the printer performing the identification operation is the printer they wish to register, they may register this printer. This allows the user to register the intended printer in the information processing device 104. The printing device 101 may automatically end the identification operation after performing the identification operation for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the printing device 101 may end the identification operation in response to a user instruction. The user instruction may be given through the information processing device 104 or using the operation unit 240 of the printing device 101.

[0093] [Local printer identification] A method in which the information processing device 104 causes the local printer to perform the identification operation in S1004 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The information processing device 104 executes the method in Fig. 15 when the printer specified in the identification operation instruction is a local printer.

[0094] In S1501, the information processing device 104 transmits an identification operation execution request to the printing device 103 operating as a printer specified by the user using the registration screen 1300. As described above, the identification operation execution request is a request to execute an identification operation. The identification operation execution request may include a designation of the type of identification operation to be executed. The designation of the type of identification operation to be executed by the printer may be the type of identification operation designated by the user using the registration screen 1300. If the type of identification operation is not designated by the user, the information processing device 104 does not need to include a designation of the type of identification operation to be executed in the identification operation request.

[0095] In S1502, the printing device 103 executes the identification operation in the same manner as in S1403. In S1503, after executing the identification operation, or after failing to execute the identification operation, the printing device 103 transmits an identification operation execution response to the print server 102 as a response to the identification operation execution request. The identification operation execution response may include the execution status of the identification operation (whether it was successful or failed). In S1504, the information processing device 104 may notify the user that the printing device 103 has executed the identification operation in the same manner as in S1406.

[0096] After the user has performed the identification operation on the designated printer, the user checks whether printers around the user are also performing the identification operation. After the user checks whether the printer performing the identification operation is the printer the user wants to register, the user may register this printer. This allows the user to register the intended printer in the information processing device 104.

[0097] The identification operation execution request and the identification operation execution response may be transmitted in a packet conforming to IPP. An example of such a packet will be described with reference to FIG. 16. Packet 1600 is an example of a packet transmitted as an identification operation execution request. Packet 1600 includes operation information and attribute information. In packet 1600, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 1600 has a value indicating that the operation to be performed is an identification operation execution request. In packet 1600, the attribute information is represented by "Requested-attributes." The attribute information in packet 1600 includes a designation of the type of identification operation. In packet 1600, sound is designated.

[0098] Packet 1601 is an example of a packet sent as an identification operation execution response to packet 1600. Packet 1601 includes operation information, status information, and attribute information. In packet 1601, the operation information is represented by "Operation." The operation information in packet 1601 has a value indicating that the operation being executed is an identification operation execution response. In packet 1601, the status information is represented by "Status Code." The status information in packet 1601 has a value indicating that the identification operation was successfully executed. If the identification operation is successfully executed, the printing device 200 transmits an identification operation execution response having such a value to the information processing device 104 or the print server 102. In packet 1601, the attribute information is represented by "Attribute." The attribute information in packet 1601 includes the type of identification operation that was executed.

[0099] Packet 1602 is another example of a packet sent as an identification operation execution response to packet 1600. Packet 1602 includes operation information and status information. The status information of packet 1602 differs from that of packet 1601. The status information of packet 1602 includes a value indicating that the identification operation has failed and the reason for this. If the identification operation has failed, the printing device 200 sends an identification operation execution response including such a value to the information processing device 104 or the print server 102.

[0100] As described above, the identification operation execution request and the identification operation execution response may be transmitted in packets conforming to IPP. Alternatively or additionally, the identification operation request and the identification operation response may also be transmitted in packets conforming to IPP. The packet transmitted as the identification operation request may be similar to packet 1600. The packet transmitted as the identification operation response may be similar to packet 1601 or 1602.

[0101] [Modification of Printer Registration Operation] The printing device 200 may execute the same type of identification operation (e.g., sound) in the same manner regardless of whether the identification operation execution request is received from the print server 102 or from the information processing device 104. Alternatively, the printing device 200 may execute the same type of identification operation (e.g., sound) in different manners based on whether the identification operation execution request is received from the print server 102 or from the information processing device 104. Such a method will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0102] In S1701, the printing device 200 determines whether an identification operation execution request has been received. If it is determined that an identification operation execution request has been received ("YES" in S1701), the printing device 200 transitions the process to S1702, and otherwise ("NO" in S1701), the printing device 200 repeats S1701. In other words, the printing device 200 waits to receive an identification operation execution request.

[0103] In S1702, the printing device 200 determines whether an identification operation execution request has been received from the print server 102. If it is determined that an identification operation execution request has been received from the print server 102 ("YES" in S1702), the printing device 200 transitions the process to S1703, and otherwise ("NO" in S1702), the printing device 200 transitions the process to S1704. If it is not determined that an identification operation execution request has been received from the print server 102, the identification operation execution request has been received from the information processing device 104.

[0104] In S1703, the printing device 200 executes the identification operation in response to the identification operation execution request from the print server 102. In S1704, the printing device 200 executes the identification operation in response to the identification operation execution request from the information processing device 104. The identification operations in S1703 and S1704 may be the same type of identification operation but may be performed in different modes. For example, if a sound is specified, the printing device 200 may output sound in S1703 at a louder volume, for a longer duration, or both, than in S1704. For example, if a flash is specified, the printing device 200 may output light in S1703 with a stronger light output, a longer lighting time, a shorter blinking interval, or any combination thereof, than in S1704. By differentiating the modes in this way, the user can easily recognize whether the printing device 200 executing the identification operation is operating as a cloud print or a local printer.

[0105] <Summary of the embodiment> [Item 1] An information processing device, an acquisition means for acquiring information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with a print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation means for presenting to a user, when the information indicates that the printing device is capable of performing an identification operation that assists the user in identifying the printing device, that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of performing the identification operation; a requesting means for causing a printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation when the user instructs the printing device to perform the identification operation; a registration unit that registers the printing device with the information processing device when the user instructs that the printing device be registered with the information processing device; An information processing device comprising: [Item 2] The presentation means generating a list of printing devices that can be registered in the information processing device based on the search results obtained by the acquisition means; presenting the list to the user; An information processing device as described in item 1, which, for each printing device included in the list, if the information of the printing device indicates that the printing device is capable of performing the identification operation, presents to the user that the printing device is capable of performing the identification operation. [Item 3] The information processing device described in item 1 or 2, wherein the presentation means presents to the user the types of identification operations that the printing device can perform when the information of the printing device includes the types of identification operations that the printing device can perform. [Item 4] The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the request means causes the printing device to perform the identification operation of a specific type when the user instructs the printing device to perform the identification operation of the specific type. [Item 5] 5. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the identification operation includes at least one of the printing device outputting auditory information and the printing device outputting visual information. [Item 6] The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the presentation means, when receiving information indicating that the printing device has performed the identification operation, presents to the user that the printing device has performed the identification operation. [Item 7] The presentation means displaying a graphic object for receiving an instruction to cause the printing device to perform the identification operation; 7. The information processing device according to item 6, wherein the display mode of the graphic object is changed to notify the user that the printing device has performed the identification operation. [Item 8] The request means requesting the print server to cause the printing device to perform the identification operation if the printing device is registered with the print server; Requesting the printing device to perform the identification operation when the printing device is connected to the same local area network as the information processing device. 8. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the information processing device causes the printing device to perform the identification operation by performing the above-mentioned operation. [Item 9] 9. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the requesting means causes the printing device to perform the identification operation using an Internet Printing Protocol. [Item 10] the information about the printing device registered in the print server is information registered by the printing device using an Internet Printing Protocol; The information processing device described in item 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires information about the printing device registered in the print server using an Internet Printing Protocol, and acquires information about printing devices connected to a local area network using a protocol other than the Internet Printing Protocol. [Item 11] Item 11. The information processing device according to item 10, wherein the protocol other than the Internet Printing Protocol is a Multicast Domain Name System. [Item 12] A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11. [Item 13] A control method for an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition means acquires information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with the print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation step in which, when the information indicates that the printing device is capable of performing an identification operation to assist the user in identifying the printing device, the presentation means presents to the user that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of performing the identification operation; a request step in which, when the user instructs the printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation, the request step causes the printing device to perform the identification operation; a registration step in which a registration unit registers the printing device with the information processing device when the user instructs the registration of the printing device with the information processing device; A control method comprising: [Item 14] A printing system including an information processing device and a printing device, The printing device an execution means for executing an identification operation to assist a user in identifying the printing device; The information processing device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with a print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation means for presenting to the user, when the information indicates that the identification operation is executable, that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of executing the identification operation; a requesting means for causing a printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation when the user instructs the printing device to perform the identification operation; a registration unit that registers the printing device with the information processing device when the user instructs that the printing device be registered with the information processing device. [Item 15] Item 15. The printing system according to item 14, wherein the execution means executes the identification operation in different manners when the execution of the identification operation is requested by the print server and when the execution of the identification operation is requested by the information processing device.

[0106] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100 Printing system, 101 Printing device, 102 Printing server, 103 Printing device, 104 Information processing device

Claims

1. An information processing device, an acquisition means for acquiring information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with a print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation means for presenting to a user, when the information indicates that the printing device is capable of performing an identification operation that assists the user in identifying the printing device, that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of performing the identification operation; a requesting means for causing a printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation when the user instructs the printing device to perform the identification operation; a registration unit that registers the printing device with the information processing device when the user instructs that the printing device be registered with the information processing device; An information processing device comprising:

2. The presentation means generating a list of printing devices that can be registered in the information processing device based on the search results obtained by the acquisition means; presenting the list to the user; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, for each printing device included in the list, if the information of the printing device indicates that the printing device is capable of performing the identification operation, the information processing device presents to the user that the printing device is capable of performing the identification operation.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the presenting unit presents to the user the types of identification operations that the printing device can perform when the information about the printing device includes the types of identification operations that the printing device can perform.

4. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the requesting unit causes the printing device to perform the identification operation of a specific type when the user instructs the printing device to perform the identification operation of the specific type.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying operation includes at least one of the following: outputting auditory information from the printing device; and outputting visual information from the printing device.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the presenting unit, when receiving information indicating that the printing device has performed the identification operation, presents to the user that the printing device has performed the identification operation.

7. The presentation means displaying a graphic object for receiving an instruction to cause the printing device to perform the identification operation; The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the information processing apparatus changes a display mode of the graphic object to notify the user that the printing apparatus has performed the identification operation.

8. The request means requesting the print server to cause the printing device to perform the identification operation if the printing device is registered with the print server; Requesting the printing device to perform the identification operation when the printing device is connected to the same local area network as the information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus causes the printing apparatus to perform the identification operation by performing a process of identifying the printing apparatus.

9. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said requesting means causes said printing device to perform said identification operation using an Internet Printing Protocol.

10. the information about the printing device registered in the print server is information registered by the printing device using an Internet Printing Protocol; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring means acquires information about the printing device registered in the print server using an Internet Printing Protocol, and acquires information about printing devices connected to a local area network using a protocol other than the Internet Printing Protocol.

11. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the protocol different from the Internet Printing Protocol is a Multicast Domain Name System.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A control method for an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition means acquires information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with the print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation step in which, when the information indicates that the printing device is capable of performing an identification operation to assist the user in identifying the printing device, the presentation means presents to the user that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of performing the identification operation; a request step in which, when the user instructs the printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation, the request step causes the printing device to perform the identification operation; a registration step in which a registration unit registers the printing device with the information processing device when the user instructs the registration of the printing device with the information processing device; A control method comprising:

14. A printing system including an information processing device and a printing device, The printing device an execution means for executing an identification operation to assist a user in identifying the printing device; The information processing device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring information about printing devices that can be registered with the information processing device by searching for printing devices registered with a print server and printing devices connected to the same local network as the information processing device; a presentation means for presenting to the user, when the information indicates that the identification operation is executable, that the printing device corresponding to the information is capable of executing the identification operation; a requesting means for causing a printing device selected from the presented printing devices to perform the identification operation when the user instructs the printing device to perform the identification operation; a registration unit that registers the printing device with the information processing device when the user instructs that the printing device be registered with the information processing device.

15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit executes the identification operation in a different manner when the execution of the identification operation is requested by a print server and when the execution of the identification operation is requested by the information processing device.

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