Printing device, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which when a client terminal corresponding to local printing performs printing by using a printing device in cloud printing, even through the printing device actually corresponds to printing in cloud printing, the printing device cannot be presented to a user as a printer for printing.SOLUTION: A printing device functions as a local printer that receives a print job from a client terminal and performs printing and functions as a cloud printer that receives a print job from a cloud server and performs printing. The printing device can set a predetermined printing function in local printing means to be effective or ineffective, and when setting the predetermined printing function to be effective, adds an attribute to notify the presence of the printing device to attribute information of the printing device, and notifies the cloud server of the attribute information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In conventional printing services, users can print by directly sending a print job from a client terminal such as a PC to a printing device that can use the printing service. In recent years, however, cloud printing services that utilize cloud services provided on the Internet have been proposed.

[0003] When using a cloud print service, a user registers a printing device with the cloud print service from a client terminal. At this time, the printing device registers with the cloud print service, including the printer attributes of the printing device. When printing is performed from the client terminal, the client terminal searches for printers on the network and obtains the capability information of the discovered printing device from the printer. Then, if the capability information indicates that the printing device supports printing from the client terminal, the user of the client terminal sends a print job to the printing device to print.

[0004] Patent document 1 describes that in a printing system including an information processing device operated by a user, a printing device, and a server, when the functions available on the printing device are restricted, the capability information is changed and the changed capability information is notified to the information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-35233 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Consider a case where a printing device in the above-mentioned cloud print service supports both local printing and cloud printing, and a client terminal that supports local printing attempts to print using that printing device with cloud printing. Conventionally, when a client terminal that supports local printing attempts to print using a printing device with cloud printing, it has not been possible to determine that the printing device actually supports cloud printing. As a result, the discovered printing device cannot be presented to the user as a printer to print from.

[0007] Furthermore, AirPrint (registered trademark) uses IPP operation, such as IdentifyPrinter, to let users know where the selected printer is actually located when they select it using a mobile device. When a user operates a mobile device to select a printer and issues a request such as IdentifyPrinter, the requested printer notifies the user of the printer's location by performing an identification action, such as sounding a sound or turning on a light. However, even with such a function, client terminals that support local printing were unable to identify the function and were therefore unable to present it to the user.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can present to a user attributes that result from enabling a specific print function in local printing in a printing device that supports both local printing and cloud printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a printing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: 1. A printing device, comprising: a local print means that functions as a local printer that receives a print job from a client terminal and prints it; a cloud print means that functions as a cloud printer that receives a print job from a cloud server and performs printing; a first setting means for setting whether a predetermined printing function in the local printing means is enabled or disabled; an adding unit that adds an attribute that notifies the presence of the printing device to the attribute information of the printing device when the predetermined printing function is enabled by the first setting unit; and notifying means for notifying the cloud server of the attribute information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, in a printing device that supports both local printing and cloud printing, it is possible to present to a user attributes that result from enabling a predetermined printing function in local printing.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow in cloud printing using the printing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a processing sequence in local printing in which a print job is sent directly from a client terminal to a printing device and printed. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system that realizes cloud printing according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the software configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an external view of an operation panel of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer attributes of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when an AirPrint-compatible client terminal searches for an AirPrint-compatible printing device via the cloud. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a list of printing devices and attributes indicating AirPrint compatibility in the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing search results when an AirPrint-compatible client terminal searches for AirPrint-compatible printing devices via the cloud. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a UI setting menu of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 5 is a diagram showing the timing at which a printing device according to the first embodiment transmits printer attributes to a cloud print service. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing when a printing device according to the first embodiment transmits printer attributes to a cloud print service. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when the printing device transmits printer attributes to a cloud print service when the AirPrint settings are changed in the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when a printing device according to the first embodiment transmits printer attributes to a client terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an identification action setting menu screen of a printing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when a printing device according to a second embodiment transmits printer attributes to a cloud print service. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when a printing device transmits printer attributes to a cloud print service when the AirPrint settings of the printing device according to the second embodiment are changed. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when a printing device according to a second embodiment transmits printer attributes to a client terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of the identification action setting menu screen of the printing device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention 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.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a printing system that realizes cloud printing according to the embodiment.

[0016] The printing device 101 is connected to the Internet 302 via a LAN 301 and a firewall 303. The client terminal 100 is also connected to the Internet 302 via the LAN 301 and a firewall 304.

[0017] The cloud print service 102 exists on the Internet 302 and can communicate with the printing device 101 via a LAN 301 and a firewall 303. The cloud print service 102 can also communicate with the client terminal 100 via the LAN 301 and a firewall 304.

[0018] Furthermore, by connecting the printing device 101 to the client terminal 100 via the LAN 301, the printing device 101 and the client terminal 100 can also communicate directly via the LAN 301. In this way, the printing device 101 can support both cloud printing and local printing. Note that in Figure 3, the firewalls 303 and 304 may not be included in the network.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in cloud printing using a printing system according to an embodiment.

[0020] The printing device 101 is assumed to support a cloud print function and a WebUI function for operating the printing device 101. The client terminal 100 is assumed to support a cloud print client function and a WebUI client for operating the WebUI.

[0021] First, the user uses the WebUI client of the client terminal 100 to send a registration request 111 to the printing device 101 via the WebUI to the cloud print service 102. Upon receiving this registration request 111, the printing device 101 sends a registration request 112 to the cloud print service 102. Upon receiving this registration request 112, the cloud print service 102 sends a registration request response 113 including a registration URL 130 for cloud print registration to the printing device 101. Upon receiving this registration request response 113, the printing device 101 sends registration URL screen information 114 including the registration URL 130 to the client terminal 100 via the WebUI.

[0022] When the client terminal 100 receives this screen information 114, it displays the registration URL 130 on the WebUI client. Next, the user operates the WebUI client of the client terminal 100 to access the displayed registration URL 130. This causes the client terminal 100 to send a registration approval request 115 including a cloud account 131 to the cloud print service 102. When the cloud print service 102 receives this registration approval request 115, it sends a registration approval response 116 to the client terminal 100. Here, the cloud account 131 indicates a user who has authority to use the cloud print service 102, and it is assumed that the user of the client terminal 100 has previously registered a user account with the cloud print service 102. In this way, the printing device 101 is ready to be registered with the cloud print service 102.

[0023] Next, the printing device 101 transmits a registration confirmation request 117 to the cloud print service 102. Upon receiving this registration confirmation request 117, the cloud print service 102 transmits a registration confirmation response 118 including a cloud printer ID 132 to the printing device 101. At this stage, the printing device 101 is registered with the cloud print service 102 for the first time, and becomes available to use the cloud print service 102.

[0024] Once the printing device 101 has completed registration with the cloud print service 102 in this way, it then transmits a printer information update request 140 to the cloud print service 102. This printer information update request 140 includes the printer attributes 135 (attribute information) of the printing device 101. Upon receiving this printer information update request 140, the cloud print service 102 transmits a printer information update response 141 to the printing device 101. In this way, the capability information of the printing device 101 is registered with the cloud print service 102.

[0025] Next, the printing device 101 transmits an event request 123 to the cloud print service 102. In this event request 123, a job reception event is specified as the type of event being requested. When the cloud print service 102 receives this event request 123 and receives a print job that uses the printing device 101, it notifies the printing device 101 that an event has occurred.

[0026] Next, the client terminal 100 sends a cloud printer information request 141 to the cloud print service 102. This cloud printer information request 141 includes the user's cloud account 131. When the cloud print service 102 receives the cloud printer information request 141, it acquires printer information that can be used by the cloud account 131 included therein. Then, it sends a cloud printer information response 142 to the client terminal 100, which includes a cloud printer ID 132 and printer attributes 135 that indicate this printer information. Here, the printer attributes 135 were sent by the printing device 101 to the cloud print service 102 in response to the printer information update request 140.

[0027] Next, to start printing, the client terminal 100 sends a print request 119 including a cloud printer ID 132, print data 134, and a cloud account 131 to the cloud print service 102. Upon receiving this print request 119, the cloud print service 102 sends an event response 124 to the printing device 101. This event response 124 is sent as a response to the event request 123, and a job reception event is specified as the event type.

[0028] When the printing device 101 receives this event response 124, it sends a print job request 120 to the cloud print service 102. In response to the print job request 120, the cloud print service 102 sends a print job response 121 including print data 134 and a cloud account 131 to the printing device 101. In this way, the printing device 101 performs printing based on the print data included in the received print job response 121.

[0029] The above is an explanation of the procedure for registering the printing device 101 in the cloud print service 102 from the client terminal 100, and for the client terminal 100 to use the cloud print service 102 to cause the printing device 101 to execute printing.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence for local printing in which a print job is sent directly from the client terminal 100 to the printing device 101 for printing when the client terminal 100 and the printing device 101 are connected to a LAN 301.

[0031] The client terminal 100 transmits a printer search request 201 to search for a printer on the network (LAN 301). When the printing device 101 receives this printer search request 201, it transmits a printer search response 202 to the client terminal 100. By receiving this printer search response 202, the client terminal 100 discovers the printing device 101.

[0032] Next, the client terminal 100 sends a printer information request to the discovered printing device 101. When the printing device 101 receives this printer information request 203, it sends a printer information response 204 to the client terminal 100. This printer information response 204 includes printer attributes 212, which allows the client terminal 100 to obtain capability information of the printing device 101. This capability information also includes information indicating whether the printing device supports printing from the client terminal 100 or 101.

[0033] If the client terminal 100 determines from the received information that the printing device 101 supports printing from the client terminal 100, it performs control such as displaying the printing device 101 in a printer selection list. In this way, the user of the client terminal 100 can perform an operation to send a print job to the printing device 101.

[0034] Then, when the user performs an operation to send a print job to the printing device 101, the client terminal 100 sends a print request 205 to the printing device 101. This print request 205 also includes print data 134. When the printing device 101 receives this print request 205, it sends a print response 206 to the client terminal 100. Then, the printing device 101 prints the print data received in the print request 205.

[0035] In this way, the printing device 101 can receive print data directly from the client terminal 100 and print it using local printing.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the printing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] A control unit 401 including a CPU 402 controls the overall operation of the printing device 101. The CPU 402 loads a control program stored in a ROM 404 into a RAM 403 to perform various controls such as printing and communication control. The RAM 403 is used as a temporary storage area such as the CPU 402's main memory and work area. The HDD 414 stores data, various programs, and various information tables. The printer I / F 406 serves as an interface that outputs a print image signal to a printer unit (printer engine) 407. The scanner I / F 408 serves as an interface that inputs a read image signal from a scanner (scanner engine) 409. The CPU 402 processes the image signal input from the scanner I / F 408 and outputs it to the printer I / F 406 as a print image signal. An operation panel I / F 410 connects an operation panel 411 to the control unit 401. The operation panel 411 is equipped with a display unit with a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like. The network I / F 412 transmits information to external devices such as the client terminal 100 and the cloud print service 102, or receives various types of information from these external devices. The above-described components within the control unit 401 are connected via a system bus 405.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining the software configuration of the printing device 101 according to the embodiment. Each functional unit shown in Fig. 5 is realized by the CPU 302 of the printing device 101 loading the control program stored in the ROM 404 into the RAM 403 and executing it.

[0039] The operation control unit 500 controls the operation panel 411. It displays an operation menu on the operation panel 411 and waits for instruction input from the user, notifies other functional units of the received instruction content, and displays the result on the operation panel 411. The cloud print service registration control unit 501 analyzes a registration request 111 to the cloud print service 102 received from the client terminal 100, and transmits a registration request 112 to the cloud print service 102. In this way, it controls the registration process for registering the printing device 101 with the cloud print service 102.

[0040] The cloud print control unit 502 transfers the print data 134 received from the cloud print service 102 to the image processing unit 507. The image processing unit 507 performs processing to render the print job into image data for printing. The print processing unit 508 controls the printer unit 407 based on the image data rendered by the image processing unit 507 to perform processing to print.

[0041] A cloud print job information management unit 503 manages job information of the printing device 101 and notifies the cloud print service 102. A cloud print event control unit 504 controls the sending and receiving processes of events between the printing device 101 and the cloud print service 102. A cloud print device information management unit 505 manages device information of the printing device 101 and notifies the cloud print service 102.

[0042] In response to instructions from other functional units, the storage unit 506 stores designated data in the RAM 403, HDD 405, etc., and also reads out data stored in the ROM 404, RAM 403, HDD 405, etc. Examples of data managed by the storage unit 506 include ID information that identifies a device and two-dimensional barcode image information.

[0043] When a local print search control unit 509 receives a printer search request 201 from the client terminal 100, it controls the process of sending a printer search response 202. A local print printing control unit 510 transfers print data 134 sent in a print request 205 from the client terminal 100 to an image processing unit 507. A local print job information management unit 511 manages job information received by the printing device 101 via local printing and notifies the client terminal 100 of the same. A local print device information management unit 512 manages device information of the printing device 101 and notifies the client terminal 100 of the same. An identification process execution unit 513 performs processing such as sounding a sound or turning on a light to notify the presence of the printing device 101.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an external view of the operation panel 411 of the printing apparatus 101 according to the embodiment.

[0045] The display panel 605 is a display panel that uses, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The copy button 601 is pressed when making a copy using the printing device 101, and pressing this button 601 displays a copy screen on the display panel 605. The fax button 602 is pressed when making a facsimile communication using the printing device 101, and pressing this button 602 displays a fax screen on the display panel 605. The scan button 603 is pressed when making a scan using the printing device 101, and pressing this button 603 displays a scan operation screen on the display panel 605. The display panel 605 also displays two-dimensional barcode images and the like.

[0046] The numeric keypad 608 is used to input numbers and the like. The OK key 607 is used when deciding the display content of the display panel 605, etc. The up, down, left, and right direction keys 606 are used when selecting a menu or the like displayed on the display panel 605. The black and white copy button 609 and the color copy button 610 are used when executing a black and white copy and a color copy, respectively. The stop key 611 is used to stop processing. The menu key 612 is used to display a menu screen for setting the printing device 101. The button 613 is pressed when checking the status of the printing device 101, such as a list of print jobs received by the printing device 101.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer attributes of the printing device 101 according to the embodiment.

[0048] The attribute color-supported indicates whether the printing device 101 is capable of color printing. If this attribute value is true, color printing is possible, and if it is false, color printing is not possible. In this embodiment, setting true indicates that color printing is possible.

[0049] The attribute media-supported indicates paper size information supported by the printing device 101. In this embodiment, this indicates that A4 paper, represented by iso_a4_210x297mm, and A3 paper, represented by iso_a3_297x420mm, are supported.

[0050] The attribute document-format-supported indicates document format information supported by the printing device 101. In this embodiment, this indicates that the PDF document format represented by application / pdf and the JPEG document format represented by image / jpeg are supported.

[0051] The attribute copies-supported indicates the number of copies supported by the printing device 101. In this embodiment, this indicates that the number of copies supported ranges from 1 to 99, represented by 1-99.

[0052] The attribute ipp-features-supported indicates whether the printing device 101 supports AirPrint, a specific printing function that is one of the functions in local printing. In this embodiment, this attribute indicates that AirPrint is supported.

[0053] The attribute "operations-supproted" indicates the IPP operations supported by the printing device 101. In FIG. 7, since AirPrint is supported, the attribute value includes the Identify-Printer operation.

[0054] The attribute Identify-actions-supported indicates the identification action to be performed when an IdentifyPrinter request is made to the printing device 101. "Sound" indicates that a sound is to be made, and "Flash" indicates that a light is to be turned on (illuminated).

[0055] 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the AirPrint-compatible client terminal 100 searches for an AirPrint-compatible printing device 101 via the cloud. This corresponds to the processing performed when the client terminal 100 sends a cloud printer information request 141 to the cloud print service 102 and receives the cloud printer information request 141 from the cloud print service 102 in FIG.

[0056] In S801, the client terminal 100 sends a cloud printer information request 141 to the cloud print service 102. In S802, if the client terminal 100 receives a cloud printer information response 142 and determines that it has been able to acquire the cloud printer information, it proceeds to S803, and if it determines that it has not been able to acquire the cloud printer information, it ends this process.

[0057] In S803 to S808, the client terminal 100 repeats the processes of S804 to S807 for the number of found cloud printers. First, in S804, the client terminal 100 acquires the printer attributes 135 of the cloud printer included in the cloud printer information response 142 received from the cloud print service 102. Next, the process proceeds to S805, where the client terminal 100 checks whether the acquired printer attributes 135 include the attribute ipp-features-supported and whether the attribute value includes airprint. Then, in S806, based on the check result in S805, if the attribute value includes airprint, the client terminal 100 proceeds to S807. On the other hand, if the ipp-features-supported attribute is not present or airprint is not included, the client terminal 100 proceeds to S808. In S807, the client terminal 100 adds the found printing device as a cloud printer to the list of AirPrint-compatible printing devices. Then, the process proceeds to S808, where the process from S803 is repeated for the number of found cloud printers. When processing for the number of cloud printers found in this manner is completed, the process proceeds to S809, and the client terminal 100 displays the printing devices included in the AirPrint-compatible printing device list on the operation unit (not shown) of the client terminal 100 to present to the user.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a list of printing devices and attributes indicating AirPrint compatibility in this embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, it is assumed that two printing devices with the names printerA and printerB are found. Here, it is assumed that printerA does not respond to ipp-features-supported, and printerB responds by setting the attribute value airprint to the attribute ipp-features-supported.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing search results when an AirPrint-compatible client terminal 100 searches for an AirPrint-compatible printing device via the cloud.

[0061] Screen 1001 shows the search results for AirPrint-compatible printing devices on an AirPrint-compatible client terminal 100. Area 1002 displays the printing devices found in the search. In this embodiment, this shows that printer B was found as an AirPrint-compatible printing device. As described in FIG. 9, printer B responds by setting the attribute value airprint to the printer attribute ipp-features-supported. Therefore, printer B was found as an AirPrint-compatible printing device on the AirPrint-compatible client terminal 100.

[0062] The user can select a printing device displayed in area 1002. Detailed information about the printing device selected here is displayed in area 1003. In this embodiment, printer B is selected in area 1002, so detailed information about printer B is displayed in area 1003. Specifically, an image icon of printer B and an "Options and Supplies" button 1004 that transitions to a screen for checking options and supply information for printer B are displayed.

[0063] Based on the above premise, embodiments of the present invention will be described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. First, Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0064] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a UI setting menu of the printing apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] The network setting menu shown in menu screen 1101 is displayed on the operation panel 411 of the printing device 101. AirPrint setting 1102 allows the user to enable or disable AirPrint, which is a type of local printing. When this setting 1102 is set to ON, the printing device 101 operates as an AirPrint-compatible printing device. UniversalPrint setting 1103 allows the user to enable or disable UniversalPrint, which is a type of cloud printing. When this setting 1103 is set to ON, the printing device 101 operates as a UniversalPrint-compatible printing device. In FIG. 11, AirPrint is enabled and UniversalPrint is set to enabled. Therefore, in this case, the printing device 101 is a printing device that supports both local printing and cloud printing. The settings made in this UI setting menu are stored in the HDD 414 and are referenced in the processing described below.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the timing at which the printing apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment transmits printer attributes to the cloud print service 102. In FIG.

[0067] There are six timings at which the printing device 101 transmits printer attributes to the cloud print 102 service, as shown below.

[0068] The first timing 1201 is when the Universal Print printer registration is completed. This is the timing of the printer information update request 140 in the cloud print processing sequence described with reference to Fig. 1. The processing of the printing device 101 at this time will be described later with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13.

[0069] The second timing 1202 is when the printing device 101 is started up after the printer registration for Universal Print has been completed. The processing of the printing device 101 at this time will also be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0070] The third timing 1203 is when the Universal Print setting is changed from OFF to ON. The processing of the printing apparatus 101 at this time will also be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0071] The fourth timing 1204 occurs when the AirPrint settings are changed after the Universal Print printer registration has been completed. The processing of the printing apparatus 101 at this time will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0072] The fifth timing 1205 is when the configuration information of the printing device 101 changes, for example, when the paper size set in the printing device 101 is changed from A3 to A4.

[0073] The sixth timing 1206 is when the status information of the printing device changes, for example, when an out-of-paper error occurs in the printing device 101.

[0074] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the printing device 101 according to the first embodiment transmits printer attributes 135 to the cloud print service 102. This is the processing performed when the printing device 101 transmits a cloud print service printer information update request 140 in the cloud print processing sequence of FIG. 1. The processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 13 is realized by the CPU 402 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the RAM 403 and functioning as the processing function unit shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] First, in S1301, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 to acquire printing device information. This printing device information is acquired from the printer unit 407 via the printer I / F 406. Next, the process proceeds to S1302, where the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and generates printer attributes 135 from the printing device information acquired in S1301. The printer attributes 135 are encoded in a data format defined by the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) or the like to be sent to the cloud print service 102. Next, the process proceeds to S1303, where the CPU 402 functions as the storage unit 506 and acquires the AirPrint settings 1102 stored in the HDD 414. Next, the process proceeds to S1304, where the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and determines whether AirPrint is enabled in the AirPrint settings 1102 acquired in S1303. If it is determined that AirPrint is enabled, the process proceeds to S1305; if it is determined that AirPrint is disabled, the process proceeds to S1306.

[0076] In S1305, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and sets the attribute value airprint to the attribute ipp-features-supported in the printer attributes 135. The attribute value Identify-Printer is also set to the attribute operations-supported. Furthermore, the attribute values ​​sound and flash are set to the attribute Identify-actions-supported. The process then proceeds to S1306, where the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and transmits the generated printer attributes 135 to the cloud print service 102.

[0077] By this process, when the AirPrint setting 1102 is set to ON on the network setting screen of FIG. 11, the printing apparatus 101 can set the corresponding printer attributes and notify the cloud print service 102 of the setting.

[0078] 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the printing device 101 according to the first embodiment changes the AirPrint settings and transmits printer attributes to the cloud print service 102. The processing illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 14 is realized by the CPU 402 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the RAM 403 and functioning as the processing function unit illustrated in FIG.

[0079] In S1401, the CPU 402 functions as the storage unit 506 and acquires the AirPrint settings 1102 stored in the HDD 414. Next, the process proceeds to S1402, where the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and determines whether AirPrint is enabled based on the AirPrint settings 1102 acquired in S1401. If it is determined that AirPrint is enabled, i.e., has been changed from disabled to enabled, the process proceeds to S1403, and if it is determined that AirPrint is disabled, i.e., has been changed from enabled to disabled, the process proceeds to S1404.

[0080] In S1403, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505, and sets the attribute ipp-features-supported and its attribute value airprint to the printer attribute 135. Also, the attribute Operations-supported is set to the attribute value Identify-Printer. Furthermore, the attribute values ​​sound and flash are added to the attribute Identify-actions-supported, and the process proceeds to S1405.

[0081] Meanwhile, in S1404, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and deletes the attribute value airprint from the attribute ipp-features-supported of the printer attributes 135. It then deletes the Identify-Printer operation and proceeds to S1405. In S1405, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and sends the generated printer attributes 135 to the cloud print service 102, ending this process.

[0082] By this process, when the AirPrint settings are changed after the printer registration for Universal Print has been completed, the printing device 101 can notify the cloud printer service 102 of the printer attributes corresponding to the change.

[0083] 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the printing device 101 according to the first embodiment transmits the printer attributes 212 to the client terminal 100. This is the processing performed when the printing device 101 transmits the printer information response 204 in the local print processing sequence diagram of FIG. 2. The processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 402 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the RAM 403 and functioning as the processing function unit shown in FIG. 5.

[0084] In S1501, the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and acquires printing device information. This printing device information is acquired from the printer unit 407 via the printer I / F 406. Next, the process proceeds to S1502, where the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and generates printer attributes 212 from the acquired printing device information. These printer attributes 212 are encoded in a data format defined by IPP or the like so as to be sent to the client terminal 100. The process then proceeds to S1503, where the CPU 402 functions as the storage unit 506 and acquires the AirPrint settings 1102 stored in the HDD 414.

[0085] In S1504, the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and determines whether AirPrint is enabled in the AirPrint settings 1102 acquired in S1503. If it is determined that AirPrint is enabled, the process proceeds to S1505, and if it is determined that AirPrint is disabled, the process proceeds to S1506. In S1505, the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and sets the attribute value airprint to the attribute ipp-features-supported in the printer attributes 212. The CPU also sets the attribute value Identify-Printer to the attribute Operations-supported. The CPU also sets the attribute values ​​sound and flash to the attribute Identify-actions-supported, and the process proceeds to S1506. In S1506, the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and transmits the generated printer attributes 212 to the client terminal 100.

[0086] By this process, when AirPrint is set in the printing device information, the printing device 101 can send the corresponding printer attributes 212 to the client terminal 100.

[0087] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a printing device that supports local printing and cloud printing supports AirPrint, it can respond to a request for printer information from an AirPrint-compatible client terminal. Specifically, whether local printing or cloud printing is used, the Identify-Printer operation from the client terminal can notify the user of the printing device's identification action.

[0088] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described below. The Identify-Printer operation in the first embodiment is indistinguishable between a local print device and a cloud print device because the notification method is the same for both. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the notification method is changed between local print and cloud print, making it possible to distinguish between them. A specific example is shown below. Note that the configuration of the printing system and the hardware configuration of the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] 16 is a diagram showing an example of an identification action setting menu screen of the printing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This screen is displayed on the operation panel 411.

[0090] This identification action setting screen allows settings for each identification action commanded for the printing device 101, and allows settings to be made to enable / disable a response 1601 to flash and a response 1602 to sound when functioning as a local printer. Similarly, it is also possible to set enable / disable a flash setting 1603 for flash and a sound setting 1604 for sound when functioning as a cloud printer, and all settings on this screen are confirmed with an OK button 1605. The settings on this menu screen are stored in the HDD 414 and are referenced in the processing described below.

[0091] 16, in local print, the response to flash is set to disabled and the response to sound is set to enabled, and in cloud print, the response to flash is set to enabled and the response to sound is set to disabled.

[0092] Depending on the identification action set in this way and the state of the printing device 101, the transmission of printer attributes to the cloud server 102 by the cloud print-compatible printing device 101, described below, and the printer information response by the local print-compatible printing device 103 are changed.

[0093] Furthermore, if the initial state of the printing device 101 is, for example, to not perform a sound action when functioning as a cloud printer, the option for the corresponding sound action 1604 may not be displayed or may be grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0094] Furthermore, if it is not desired to change the identification action between a cloud printer and a local printer, the identification action setting may be set to enable / disable, as shown in FIG. 20, for example.

[0095] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the identification action setting menu screen of the printing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0096] On this screen, the identification action setting can be set to enable or disable different identification actions for cloud printers and local printers, and is set to disabled in Fig. 20. When set to disabled, the printing device 101 notifies the common attribute Identify-actions-supported whether it is functioning as a cloud printer or a local printer.

[0097] 17 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment transmits printer attributes 135 to the cloud print service 102. This is the processing performed when the printing device 101 transmits a cloud print service printer information update request 140 in the cloud print processing sequence of FIG. 1. The processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is realized by the CPU 402 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the RAM 403 and functioning as the processing function unit illustrated in FIG. 5. In addition, since the processing of steps S1701 to S1703 in FIG. 17 is the same as steps S1301 to S1303 in FIG. 13, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] In S170, if the CPU 402 determines that the AirPrint setting 1102 is on, i.e., AirPrint is enabled, the process proceeds to S1705, and if AirPrint is disabled, the process proceeds to S1707. In S1705, the CPU 402 functions as the storage unit 506 and acquires the identification action settings stored in the HDD 414. In this case, because the printer information of the cloud print service 102 is to be updated, the setting values ​​of the cloud printer are acquired.

[0099] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16 , flash is enabled when functioning in a cloud printer, so flash is added in the next sequence. Then, the process proceeds to S1706, where the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and sets the attribute value airprint of the attribute ipp-features-supported in the printer attribute 135. The attribute value Identify-Printer is also set in the attribute operations-supported. Furthermore, the attribute value flash is added to the attribute Identify-actions-supported, and the process proceeds to S1707. In S1707, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and sends the generated printer attribute 135 to the cloud print service 102.

[0100] This process enables the printing apparatus 101 to notify the cloud print service 102 of the printer attributes according to the settings for each identification action set on the screen of FIG.

[0101] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment transmits printer attributes to the cloud print service 102 when the AirPrint settings of the printing device 101 are changed. The processing illustrated in the flowchart in Fig. 18 is realized by the CPU 402 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the RAM 403 and functioning as the processing function unit illustrated in Fig. 5. The processing in step S1801 is the same as step S1401 in Fig. 14 described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0102] In S1802, the CPU 402 determines whether AirPrint is enabled in the AirPrint settings 1102, and if it is determined to be enabled, proceeds to processing in S1803, but if it is determined to be disabled, that is, if it is determined that the AirPrint settings have been changed from enabled to disabled, proceeds to processing in S1805. In S1803, the CPU 402 functions as the storage unit 506 and acquires the identification action settings stored in the HDD 414. In this case, because the printer information of the cloud print service printer 102 is to be updated, the setting values ​​of the cloud printer are acquired.

[0103] In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, flash is enabled when functioning as a cloud printer, so the attribute value "flash" is added in the next sequence. Then, in S1804, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and sets the attribute value "airprint" of the attribute "ipp-features-supported" to the printer attribute 135. Then, the attribute value "Identify-Printer" is set to the attribute "operations-supported." Furthermore, the attribute value "flash" is added to the attribute "Identify-actions-supported," and the process proceeds to S1806.

[0104] When the AirPrint setting is changed from enabled to disabled, in S1805 the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and deletes the attribute value airprint from the attribute ipp-features-supported of the printer attributes 135. The Identify-Printer operation is then deleted and the process proceeds to S1806. In S1806, the CPU 402 functions as the cloud print device information management unit 505 and sends the generated printer attributes 135 to the cloud print service 102.

[0105] This process allows the printing device 101 to notify the cloud print service 102 of the printer attributes corresponding to the settings for each identification action set on the screen of Figure 16 when the AirPrint settings of the printing device 101 are changed.

[0106] Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment transmits printer attributes to the client terminal 100. This is the processing performed when the printing device 101 transmits the printer information response 204 in the local print processing sequence diagram of Fig. 2. The processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 19 is realized by the CPU 402 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the RAM 403 and functioning as the processing function unit shown in Fig. 5. The processing of S1901 to S1903 is the same as S1501 to S1503 in Fig. 15 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] In S1904, the CPU 402 determines whether AirPrint is enabled in the AirPrint settings 1102, and if it is enabled, proceeds to processing in S1905, and if it is disabled, proceeds to processing in S1907. In S1905, the CPU 402 functions as the storage unit 506 and acquires the identification action settings stored in the HDD 414. In this case, since the response is for printer information in local printing, the setting values ​​of the local printer are acquired.

[0108] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16 , since sound is enabled when functioning on a local printer, the attribute value "sound" is added in the next sequence. Next, the process proceeds to S1906, where the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and sets the attribute value "airprint" of the attribute "ipp-features-supported" in the printer attribute 212. Then, the attribute value "Identify-Printer" is set in the attribute "operations-supported." Furthermore, the attribute value "sound" is added to the attribute "Identify-actions-supported." The process proceeds to S1907, where the CPU 402 functions as the local print device information management unit 512 and sends the generated printer attribute 212 to the client terminal 100.

[0109] By this process, when AirPrint is set in the printing device information, the printing device 101 can notify the client terminal 100 of the printer attributes 212 according to the settings for each identification action set on the screen of Figure 16.

[0110] As described above, according to the second embodiment, a printing device that supports AirPrint can notify the user of the set identification action in response to an Identify-Printer operation request from an AirPrint-compatible client terminal, in both local printing and cloud printing.

[0111] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0112] This specification and drawings disclose the following printing apparatus, its control method, and program.

[0113] [Item 1] 1. A printing device, comprising: a local print means that functions as a local printer that receives a print job from a client terminal and prints it; a cloud print means that functions as a cloud printer that receives a print job from a cloud server and performs printing; a first setting means for setting whether a predetermined printing function in the local printing means is enabled or disabled; an adding unit that adds an attribute that notifies the presence of the printing device to the attribute information of the printing device when the predetermined printing function is enabled by the first setting unit; a notification means for notifying the cloud server of the attribute information; A printing device comprising:

[0114] [Item 2] 2. The printing device according to item 1, further comprising a second setting unit that can set an attribute for notifying the presence of the printing device for the local printing unit and the cloud printing unit, respectively.

[0115] [Item 3] The printing device described in item 2 is characterized in that the adding means further adds the attribute set by the second setting means to the attribute information of the printing device depending on whether the printing device is functioning as the local printer or the cloud printer.

[0116] [Item 4] 4. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the attribute for notifying the presence of the printing device includes a sound or a lighted display.

[0117] [Item 5] The printing device described in any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the notification means notifies the client terminal when the printing device is functioning as the local printer, and notifies the cloud server when the printing device is functioning as the cloud printer.

[0118] [Item 6] The printing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the timing at which the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information is the timing at which registration as the cloud printer is completed.

[0119] [Item 7] The printing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when the printing device is started up after registration as the cloud printer is complete.

[0120] [Item 8] The printing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when the function as the cloud printer is enabled.

[0121] [Item 9] The printing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when the settings of the specified printing function are changed.

[0122] [Item 10] 6. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when configuration information of the printing device changes.

[0123] [Item 11] The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when status information of the printing device changes.

[0124] [Item 12] 12. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the notification means further notifies the client terminal of the attribute information in response to a request from the client terminal.

[0125] [Item 13] 13. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined printing function is a printing function using AirPrint.

[0126] [Item 14] A control method for controlling a printing device, comprising: a local print step in which a local print means of the printing device functions as a local printer that receives a print job from a client terminal and performs printing; a cloud print process in which a cloud print unit of the printing device functions as a cloud printer that receives a print job from a cloud server and performs printing; a setting step in which a setting means of the printing device sets a predetermined printing function of the local printing means to be enabled or disabled; an adding step in which, when the predetermined printing function is enabled by the setting step, an adding means of the printing device adds an attribute for notifying the presence of the printing device to the attribute information of the printing device; a notification step in which a notification unit of the printing device notifies the cloud server of the attribute information; A control method comprising:

[0127] [Item 15] 14. A program that causes a computer to function as each of the means of the printing device described in any one of items 1 to 13.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100...client terminal, 101...printing device, 102...cloud print service, 402...CPU, 403...RAM, 404...ROM, 414...HDD, 411...operation panel, 505...cloud print device information management unit, 511...local print job information management unit

Claims

1. 1. A printing device, comprising: a local print means that functions as a local printer that receives a print job from a client terminal and prints it; a cloud print means that functions as a cloud printer that receives a print job from a cloud server and performs printing; a first setting means for setting whether a predetermined printing function of the local printing means is valid or invalid; an adding unit that adds an attribute that notifies the presence of the printing device to the attribute information of the printing device when the predetermined printing function is enabled by the first setting unit; a notification means for notifying the cloud server of the attribute information; A printing device comprising:

2. The printing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second setting unit that can set an attribute for notifying the presence of the printing device for the local printing unit and the cloud printing unit, respectively.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the adding means further adds the attribute set by the second setting means to the attribute information of the printing device depending on whether the printing device is functioning as the local printer or the cloud printer.

4. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute for notifying the presence of the printing device includes a sound or a light.

5. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the client terminal when the printing device is functioning as the local printer, and notifies the cloud server when the printing device is functioning as the cloud printer.

6. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when registration as the cloud printer is completed.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when the printing device is started up after registration as the cloud printer is completed.

8. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when the function as the cloud printer is enabled.

9. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when a setting of the predetermined printing function is changed.

10. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when configuration information of the printing device changes.

11. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the cloud server of the attribute information when status information of the printing device changes.

12. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means further notifies the client terminal of the attribute information in response to a request from the client terminal.

13. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined printing function is a printing function using AirPrint.

14. A control method for controlling a printing device, comprising: a local print step in which a local print means of the printing device functions as a local printer that receives a print job from a client terminal and performs printing; a cloud print process in which a cloud print unit of the printing device functions as a cloud printer that receives a print job from a cloud server and performs printing; a setting step in which a setting means of the printing device sets a predetermined printing function of the local printing means to be enabled or disabled; an adding step in which, when the predetermined printing function is enabled by the setting step, an adding means of the printing device adds an attribute for notifying the presence of the printing device to the attribute information of the printing device; a notification step in which a notification unit of the printing device notifies the cloud server of the attribute information; A control method comprising:

15. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 14.

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