Printing system, method for controlling printing system, information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can store a print job in a cloud storage other than a storage of a cloud print server in a cloud print service.SOLUTION: A printing system 100 providing a cloud print service comprises an image forming apparatus 101, a cloud storage 106, a cloud print server 107, and a client terminal 102. The client terminal 102 generates a print job according to a print job transmission instruction received from a user, and transmits the print job to a set storage place. The image forming apparatus 101 acquires the print job stored in the storage place according to a printing execution instruction received from the user, and executes processing of printing the acquired print job. The storage place is a cloud storage other than a storage of the cloud print server 107 managed by a printer manufacturer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is known a printing system that provides a cloud print service in which a client terminal, which is an information processing device, transmits a print job to an image forming device via an external cloud server (see Patent Document 1). In such a printing system, the client terminal acquires document data from a storage location designated by a user, generates a print job based on the acquired document data, and transmits this print job to the image forming device via the cloud print server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-85933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the past, in cloud printing, a print job generated by a client terminal is stored in a predetermined storage location, specifically, the storage of a cloud print server managed by a printer manufacturer, and then transmitted to an image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the past, it was not possible to store the print job in a storage location other than the storage of the cloud print server, for example, in the cloud storage used by the user.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that enables a print job to be saved in cloud storage other than the storage of a cloud print server in a cloud print service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the printing system of the present invention is a printing system that provides a cloud print service, and includes a means for causing an information processing device that receives a print job transmission instruction from a user to generate a print job and send the print job to a set storage location, and a means for causing an image forming device that receives a print execution instruction from the user to acquire the print job stored in the storage location and execute print processing of the acquired print job, wherein the storage location is cloud storage other than the storage of a cloud print server managed by the manufacturer of the image forming device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a cloud print service, a print job can be saved in cloud storage other than the storage of a cloud print server. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the client terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a first cloud print process executed by the printing system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the output unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen displayed on the output unit in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cloud print authentication screen displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a second cloud print process executed by the printing system of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cloud storage authentication screen displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of account link registration processing executed by the printing system of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a third cloud print process executed by the printing system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Before describing the configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment, the features of the printing system according to this embodiment will be described. In the printing system according to this embodiment, an administrator first registers an image forming apparatus as a tenant of a cloud print server. A tenant is a service system deployed on the cloud. Next, the administrator sets which users belonging to the tenant are permitted to use the image forming apparatus. A user permitted to use the image forming apparatus submits a print job including document data and print settings from a client terminal to the cloud print server. The cloud print server stores the received print job in cloud storage. The image forming apparatus retrieves the print job stored in the cloud storage and executes print processing for the retrieved print job.

[0010] First, a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] 1, the printing system 100 is composed of an image forming apparatus 101, a cloud storage 106, a cloud print server 107, and one or more client terminals which are information processing apparatuses. In the present embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the printing system 100 includes three client terminals 102 to 104 will be described. Also, in the present embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the printing system 100 includes one cloud storage 106 will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the printing system 100 may be composed of multiple cloud storages. The image forming apparatus 101, the cloud print server 107, and the client terminals 102 to 104 are each connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via the Internet.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 101 is an image forming apparatus that supports the cloud print service, and is registered as a tenant of the cloud print server 107. The image forming apparatus 101 acquires a print job from the cloud print server 107 and executes print processing for the acquired print job.

[0014] The client terminals 102 to 104 each submit a print job to a cloud print server 107. The client terminals 102 to 104 each include an application 105 that can save, edit, and issue print instructions for document data.

[0015] The application 105 is, for example, an internet browser or Adobe Acrobat. The application 105 is also Google Workspace by Google LLC, which can access and edit document data in the cloud storage 106, or an Office app by Microsoft. For example, the client terminal 102 performs a print job generation process in which the application 105 generates a print job from document data and a print job transmission process in which the application 105 transmits the print job in accordance with a print instruction received from a user. These processes are realized by a print framework incorporated in the OS (operating system) of the client terminal 102. When the client terminal 102 generates a print job, a printer driver constituting the print framework is used to assign print settings and convert the document data into a print job.

[0016] In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the client terminals 102 to 104 each have an application 105 with the same functions and configuration, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the client terminals 102 to 104 may each have a different application as long as the application is capable of issuing a print instruction. The user can use the print framework from the application 105 to perform print job generation processing and print job transmission processing.

[0017] The cloud storage 106 is an online storage service that provides a service for managing document data online. Examples of the cloud storage 106 include Google Drive from Google LLC and OneDrive from Microsoft.

[0018] The cloud print server 107 is a server managed by a printer manufacturer and manages print jobs in a cloud print service. For example, the cloud print server 107 can store print job-related information, including the storage location and access token of a print job saved in the cloud storage 106 from the client terminal 102 or the like in accordance with a user instruction. The cloud print server 107 can also transmit print job-related information to the image forming device 101 in accordance with a request received from the image forming device 101.

[0019] Next, we will explain the hardware configurations of the client terminals 102 to 104 and the cloud print server 107. In this embodiment, the client terminals 102 to 104 and the cloud print server 107 have the same hardware configuration, and the hardware configuration of the client terminal 102 will be explained below as an example.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the client terminal 102 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the client terminal 102 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HDD 204, an input unit 205, an output unit 206, and a communication unit 207. These are connected to each other via a bus 208.

[0021] The CPU 201 directly or indirectly controls each device connected via the bus 208 and executes a program for realizing the present invention. The ROM 202 stores the BIOS and the like. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and also as a primary storage area for loading software modules for realizing the present invention. The HDD 204 stores the OS, which is basic software, and various software modules. Note that in this embodiment, the client terminal 102 may be configured to include a storage device such as an SSD (solid state drive) that has functions equivalent to those of an HDD, instead of an HDD. The input unit 205 is a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. The output unit 206 is, for example, a display that displays various information. The communication unit 207 is an interface for connecting to a network.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an HDD 304, an operation unit 305, an input unit 306, a printer 307, and a communication unit 308. These are connected to one another via a bus 309.

[0023] The CPU 301 directly or indirectly controls each device connected via the bus 309 and executes a program for implementing the present invention. The ROM 302 stores the BIOS and the like. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301 and as a primary storage area for loading software modules for implementing the present invention. The HDD 304 stores the OS (basic software) and various software modules. Note that in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 may be configured to include an SSD or the like with equivalent functions to an HDD instead of an HDD. The operation unit 305 is a touch-operable display. The input unit 306 includes numeric keypad buttons, an IC card reader, and the like. The printer 307 is a printer engine that executes printing processing of a print job received from an external device via the communication unit 308. The communication unit 308 is a network interface for connecting to the Internet or an office LAN.

[0024] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the first cloud print process executed by the printing system 100 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, as an example, a configuration will be described in which the first cloud print process is executed by the client terminal 102, the cloud print server 107, the cloud storage 106, and the image forming apparatus 101. In FIG. 4, the process by the client terminal 102 is realized by the CPU 201 expanding a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like into the RAM 203 and executing the program. The process by the cloud print server 107 is realized by the CPU of the cloud print server 107 expanding a program stored in the ROM or the like of the cloud print server 107 into the RAM of the cloud print server 107 and executing the program. The process by the image forming apparatus 101 is realized by the CPU 301 expanding a program stored in the ROM 302 or the like into the RAM 303 and executing the program.

[0025] 4, it is assumed that authentication information for the cloud storage 106 and authentication information for the cloud print server 107 are output from the application 105 to the print framework in the client terminal 102. The authentication information for the cloud storage 106 is authentication information used when logging in to the cloud storage 106, such as a username and password. The authentication information for the cloud print server 107 is authentication information used when logging in to the cloud print server 107, such as a username and password. When the print framework logs in using this authentication information, it can send a print job to the cloud storage 106 and send print job-related information to the cloud print server 107. In addition, the application 105 can download document data stored in the cloud storage 106 and edit and view document data stored in the local environment or the cloud storage 106. The application 105 can also save a print job to the cloud storage 106 from the print framework.

[0026] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the authentication information for the cloud storage 106 is set in advance by the user on the setting screen 500 of Figure 5 displayed on the output unit 206 of the client terminal 102 before the first cloud print process is performed.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 500 displayed on the output unit 206 of FIG. 2. The setting screen 500 is composed of a combo box 501, a destination folder name setting field 502, a username setting field 503, a password setting field 504, a check box 505, an OK button 506, and a cancel button 507. The combo box 501 is a combo box for specifying a cloud storage. For example, if the printing system 100 has multiple cloud storages, the combo box 501 is used to select one of the multiple cloud storages. The destination folder name setting field 502 is used to input a directory in the cloud storage selected in the combo box 501 to save the print job. This directory is saved as storage destination information for the print job. The username setting field 503 is used to input authentication information for the cloud storage selected in the combo box 501, specifically, a username to be used when connecting to this cloud storage. The password setting field 504 is used to input authentication information for the cloud storage selected in the combo box 501, specifically, a password to be used when connecting to this cloud storage. Checkbox 505 is a checkbox for setting whether or not to not save the information in username setting field 503 and password setting field 504, and to prompt for input of a username and password each time connecting to the cloud storage selected in combo box 501. When checkbox 505 is selected, the setting values ​​set in username setting field 503 and password setting field 504 are cleared, and input operations in username setting field 503 and password setting field 504 become impossible. When OK button 506 is selected, the setting values ​​set in setting screen 500 are saved in HDD 204 of client terminal 102 as authentication information for the cloud storage selected in combo box 501, and setting screen 500 is closed. When cancel button 507 is selected, the setting values ​​set in setting screen 500 are not saved in HDD 204 of client terminal 102, and setting screen 500 is closed.

[0028] 4, first, in step S401, the user issues a print instruction for the document data that he has been editing or viewing using the application 105 of the client terminal .

[0029] Next, in S402, the application 105 transmits this document data and a request to start printing the document data to the CPU 201 of the client terminal .

[0030] Next, in S403, the client terminal 102 displays the print setting screen of FIG.

[0031] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen 600 displayed on the output unit 206 in FIG. 2. The print setting screen 600 is a screen for configuring print settings for acquired document data and settings for a save location for a print job. The print setting screen 600 includes tabs 601 to 604, a combo box 605, a login setting button 606, a save destination folder name setting field 607, a user name setting field 608, a password setting field 609, check boxes 610, and a connection confirmation button 611. The print setting screen 600 also includes an OK button 612 and a cancel button 613.

[0032] Tabs 601 to 604 are tab buttons for switching to the corresponding setting screen. For example, when tab 601 is selected, a screen for making basic print settings is displayed. When tab 602 is selected, a screen for making page print settings is displayed. When tab 603 is selected, a screen for setting print quality is displayed. In FIG. 6, as an example, tab 604 is selected and a screen for setting the save location for print jobs is displayed.

[0033] The combo box 605 is a combo box for specifying a location to save a print job. The combo box 605 can specify a cloud storage other than the storage of the cloud print server 107. For example, if the printing system 100 has multiple cloud storages, the combo box 605 selects one cloud storage from the multiple cloud storages. Note that in this embodiment, the combo box 605 may be configured to display, for example, only cloud storages accessible by the image forming apparatus 101 out of the multiple cloud storages provided in the printing system 100. Furthermore, if the settings on the setting screen 500 have been configured in advance, the setting values ​​set in the items 502 to 505 on the setting screen 500 may be automatically set in the items 607 to 610, respectively.

[0034] The login setting button 606 is a button for opening the setting screen 500. The destination folder name setting field 607 is input with the directory in which the print job is saved in the cloud storage selected in the combo box 605. This directory is saved as storage destination information for the print job. The username setting field 608 is input with the username as authentication information to be used when connecting to the cloud storage selected in the combo box 605. The password setting field 609 is input with the password as authentication information to be used when connecting to the cloud storage selected in the combo box 605. The checkbox 610 is a checkbox for saving the information in the username setting field 608 and password setting field 609 so that it will not be necessary to enter it again next time.

[0035] The connection confirmation button 611 is a button for confirming whether or not connection is possible to the cloud storage selected in the combo box 605. When the OK button 612 is selected, the setting values ​​set on the print setting screen 600 are saved in the RAM 203 of the client terminal 102, and the print setting screen 600 is closed. At this time, if the check box 610 is selected, the setting values ​​set on the print setting screen 600 are saved in the HDD 204 of the client terminal 102 as authentication information for the cloud storage selected in the combo box 605, and the print setting screen 600 is closed. When the cancel button 613 is selected, the setting values ​​set on the print setting screen 600 are not saved in the RAM 203 of the client terminal 102, and the print setting screen 600 is closed.

[0036] 4, in S404, the user inputs print settings and destination settings for document data on print setting screen 600 displayed on output unit 206. In the destination setting, cloud storage as a storage location for the print job is specified on a screen displayed by selecting tab 604. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that cloud storage 106 has been specified.

[0037] Next, in S405, the user confirms that the setting values ​​input on the print setting screen 600 displayed on the output unit 206 are correct, and instructs the client terminal 102 to send the print job.

[0038] Next, in S406, the client terminal 102 performs a print job generation process, in which a print job including the document data and the print settings input on the print setting screen 600 is generated.

[0039] Next, in S407, the client terminal 102 acquires authentication information for the cloud storage 106 from the HDD 204. The client terminal 102 also acquires storage destination information from the HDD 204.

[0040] Next, in S408, the client terminal 102 performs a login process to the cloud storage 106 using the acquired authentication information. If the authentication information for the cloud storage 106 is not stored in the HDD 204, in S407 the client terminal 102 displays a dialog on the output unit 206 that prompts the user to enter a username and password. The client terminal 102 also performs the login process in S408 using the entered username and password.

[0041] In S409, the cloud storage 106 transmits a login processing result notification to the client terminal 102.

[0042] Upon receiving a login processing result notification from the cloud storage 106 indicating that the login processing was successful, the client terminal 102 transmits the print job, storage destination information, and print job save request to the cloud storage 106 in S410. Note that, if the client terminal 102 receives a login processing result notification indicating that the login processing was unsuccessful, it may display a dialog box on the output unit 206 to prompt the user to enter a user name and password, and perform the login processing again using the entered user name and password.

[0043] Next, in S411, the cloud storage 106 performs a file saving process to save the print job in the directory indicated by the storage destination information. Next, in S412, the cloud storage 106 sends a saving completion notice to the client terminal 102, indicating that saving of the print job has been completed. Note that if the remaining capacity of the cloud storage 106 is equal to or less than the data amount of the print job sent from the client terminal 102 in step S410, the cloud storage 106 cannot save this print job. In such a case, in S412, the cloud storage 106 sends a saving failure notice to the client terminal 102. Upon receiving the saving failure notice, the client terminal 102 may notify the user that saving of the print job has failed, return the process to step S407, and ask the user to select another cloud storage.

[0044] Next, in S413, the client terminal 102 transmits to the cloud storage 106 access information to be used when the image forming apparatus 101 acquires the print job stored in the cloud storage 106, for example, a request to issue an access token for the print job.

[0045] Next, the cloud storage 106 issues an access token with an expiration date and transmits this access token to the client terminal 102 in S414.

[0046] Next, the client terminal 102 generates print job related information. The print job related information includes information indicating the print job, such as the name of the print job sent in S410, rather than the actual data of the print job. Furthermore, the print job related information includes the storage destination information sent in S410, information indicating the cloud storage 106 to which the storage destination information is sent, the access token acquired from the cloud storage 106, and information on the expiration date of this access token. In other words, the print job related information does not include the actual data of the print job. In S415, the client terminal 102 sends this print job related information to the cloud print server 107.

[0047] Next, in S416, the cloud print server 107 performs processing to update the print job list that manages the print jobs stored in the cloud storage 106. In this update processing, information about the print job that was newly stored in the cloud storage 106 in S411 is added to the print job list in which information about the print jobs that have been stored in the cloud storage 106 up to that point has been registered. Next, in S417, the cloud print server 107 transmits a print job transmission completion notification to the client terminal 102.

[0048] Steps S401 to S417 are a description of the procedure for saving a print job in the cloud storage 106 and for the cloud print server 107 to register information about the print job in the print job list.

[0049] Next, a flow in which the image forming apparatus 101 acquires print job related information from the cloud print server 107, acquires a print job corresponding to this print job related information from the cloud storage 106, and executes print processing will be described.

[0050] In S418, the user instructs any image forming apparatus that can access the cloud print server 107 to perform cloud printing. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the user operates the operation unit 305 of the image forming apparatus 101 to instruct the image forming apparatus 101 to perform cloud printing.

[0051] Next, in S419, the image forming apparatus 101 displays on the operation unit 305 the cloud print authentication screen 700 of FIG.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a cloud print authentication screen 700 displayed on the operation unit 305 in Fig. 3. The cloud print authentication screen 700 is composed of a user name input field 701, a password input field 702, a login button 703, and an "IC card login" button 704.

[0053] A username is input into a username input field 701 as authentication information to be used when connecting to the cloud print server 107. A password is input into a password input field 702 as authentication information to be used when connecting to the cloud print server 107. When a login button 703 is selected, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the authentication information (user name and password) input on the cloud print authentication screen 700 to the cloud print server 107 and closes the cloud print authentication screen 700. The cloud print server 107 executes login processing using the received authentication information.

[0054] The "Log in with IC card" button 704 is displayed when the image forming apparatus 101 is equipped with an IC card reader or the like in the input unit 306. When the user selects the "Log in with IC card" button 704 and touches the input unit 306 with an IC card, the image forming apparatus 101 reads authentication information from the IC card. The image forming apparatus 101 transmits this authentication information to the cloud print server 107 and closes the cloud print authentication screen 700. The cloud print server 107 executes login processing using the received authentication information.

[0055] 4 , in S420, the user inputs authentication information for the cloud print server 107 to the image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, the user directly inputs the authentication information into the operation unit 305, or the user touches an IC card to the input unit 306, whereby the authentication information for the cloud print server 107 is input into the image forming apparatus 101. Next, in S421, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the input authentication information to the cloud print server 107.

[0056] Next, in S422, the cloud print server 107 performs authentication processing using the acquired authentication information. If the authentication is successful, the cloud print server 107 transmits, in S423, an authentication completion notification and a print job list acquired from the print job list to the image forming apparatus 101. The print job list is list information of print jobs stored in the cloud storage 106.

[0057] Next, in S424, the image forming apparatus 101 uses the received print job list to display a print job list screen (not shown) on the operation unit 305. Next, in S425, the user selects a print job to be printed on the print job list screen. Next, in S426, the image forming apparatus 101 reflects on the print job list screen that the print job has been selected by the user.

[0058] Next, in S427, the user instructs the image forming apparatus 101 to print the selected print job. Next, in S428, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits an acquisition request for print job related information corresponding to the print job selected by the user in S425 to the cloud print server 107. Next, in S429, the cloud print server 107 transmits the print job related information corresponding to the acquisition request received from the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0059] Next, in S430, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the access token included in the received print job related information and an acquisition request for the print job corresponding to this print job related information to the cloud storage 106. Note that in S430, the destination of the access token and the acquisition request for the print job is identified as the cloud storage 106 from the storage destination information, etc., included in this print job related information.

[0060] Next, in S431, the cloud storage 106 transmits a print job corresponding to the received acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 101. Next, in S432, the image forming apparatus 101 executes printing processing for the received print job and ends this processing.

[0061] As described above, in the above-described embodiment, unlike the conventional method of storing print jobs in the storage of the cloud print server 107, print jobs are stored in the cloud storage 106 specified by the user. This allows the cloud print service to store print jobs in cloud storage other than the storage of the cloud print server 107. As a result, users who feel that storing print jobs in the storage of the cloud print server 107 is risky from a security standpoint or the like can feel more secure by using the familiar cloud storage 106. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the cloud print server 107 does not store print jobs with relatively large amounts of data, so there is no need for the cloud print server 107 to have large-capacity storage. Furthermore, because the cloud print server 107 does not send or receive actual data of print jobs with relatively large amounts of data, the communication load on the cloud print server 107 is reduced. As a result, the management costs of the cloud print server 107 for printer manufacturers can also be reduced.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the location where the print job is saved is a storage selected by the user from among multiple cloud storages. This allows the user to save the print job in the cloud storage of their choice in a configuration in which the user uses multiple cloud storages.

[0063] Next, a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0064] The second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that the printing system does not include a cloud print server. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different configuration and operation.

[0065] A known cloud printing system that does not use a cloud print server is one in which an image forming device directly acquires document data stored in a cloud storage service used by the user, such as OneDrive or Google Drive. This configuration eliminates the need to sign a contract for a cloud printing service using a cloud print server, thereby reducing the cost of using cloud printing. However, this configuration also prevents detailed print settings that can be configured using a printer driver or settings specific to the image forming device, as the document data is stored in the cloud storage before being converted into a print job. Furthermore, this configuration also creates problems, such as only being able to print document data in a format that the image forming device can directly process.

[0066] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the print job converted from the document data is saved in the cloud storage 106 specified by the user.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a printing system 800 according to a second embodiment. Unlike the printing system 100 described above, the printing system 800 does not include a cloud print server 107. Specifically, the printing system 800 includes an image forming apparatus 101, a cloud storage 106, and one or more client terminals. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the printing system 800 includes three client terminals 102 to 104 will be described. Also, in this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the printing system 800 includes one cloud storage 106 will be described, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the printing system 800 may include multiple cloud storages. The image forming apparatus 101, the cloud print server 107, and the client terminals 102 to 104 are each connected to each other via the Internet so that they can communicate with each other. In the printing system 800, the client terminal 102 sends a print job to the cloud storage 106, and the image forming apparatus 101 obtains the print job from the cloud storage 106 and performs printing processing.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the steps of the second cloud print process executed by the printing system 800 of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates, as an example, a configuration in which the second cloud print process is executed by the client terminal 102, the cloud storage 106, and the image forming apparatus 101. In FIG. 9, the process by the client terminal 102 is realized by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like into the RAM 203 and executing it. The process by the image forming apparatus 101 is realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the ROM 302 or the like into the RAM 303 and executing it. Note that the second cloud print process is similar to the first cloud print process described above, and the following description will particularly focus on the differences from the first cloud print process described above. In the second cloud print process, as in the first cloud print process, it is assumed that the settings on the setting screen 500 described above have been made in advance.

[0069] 9, first, the processes of S901 to S912, which are the same as the processes of S401 to S412 described above, are performed. Steps S901 to S912 are an explanation of the procedure for saving a print job from the client terminal 102 to the cloud storage 106.

[0070] Next, a flow in which the image forming apparatus 101 acquires a print job from the cloud storage 106 and executes print processing will be described.

[0071] In S913, the user instructs any image forming apparatus that can access the cloud storage 106 to execute cloud printing. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the user operates the operation unit 305 of the image forming apparatus 101 to instruct the image forming apparatus 101 to execute cloud printing.

[0072] Next, in S914, the image forming apparatus 101 displays on the operation unit 305 a cloud storage authentication screen 1000 of FIG. 10 that prompts the user to input authentication information required to access the cloud storage.

[0073] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cloud storage authentication screen 1000 displayed on the operation unit 305 in Fig. 3. The cloud storage authentication screen 1000 is composed of a combo box 1001, a username input field 1002, a password input field 1003, a default folder name setting field 1004, a check box 1005, and a login button 1006.

[0074] The combo box 1001 is a combo box for specifying the cloud storage to be used. The combo box 1001 can specify a cloud storage other than the storage of the cloud print server 107. For example, if the printing system 800 has multiple cloud storages, the combo box 1001 selects one of the multiple cloud storages. Note that the combo box 1001 may be configured to display only cloud storages accessible by the image forming apparatus 101 among the multiple cloud storages provided in the printing system 800. The user name input field 1002 is used to input a user name as authentication information to be used when connecting to the cloud storage selected in the combo box 1001. The password input field 1003 is used to input a password as authentication information to be used when connecting to the cloud storage selected in the combo box 1001. The default folder name setting field 1004 is used to input a directory in the cloud storage selected in the combo box 1001 to save the print job. This directory is specified as the default directory and is saved as storage destination information for the print job.

[0075] Checkbox 1005 is a checkbox for determining whether or not to use the default directory set in default folder name setting field 1004. If checkbox 1005 is selected, the image forming apparatus 101 obtains the print job from the default directory when performing cloud printing. On the other hand, if checkbox 1005 is not selected, default folder name setting field 1004 is deleted, and the user must specify the directory in which the print job is saved when performing cloud printing. Login button 1006 is a button for issuing an authentication instruction for the selected cloud storage.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 9, in S915, the user selects the cloud storage to use on the cloud storage authentication screen 1000 and inputs authentication information to be used when connecting to the selected cloud storage. In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the user selects cloud storage 106 as the cloud storage to use. The user also selects the login button 1006 to issue an authentication instruction for the cloud storage 106. When the login button 1006 is selected, the setting values ​​set on the cloud storage authentication screen 1000 are sent to the cloud storage 106, and the cloud storage authentication screen 1000 is closed.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the user must select cloud storage on both the client terminal 102 (e.g., S904) and the image forming apparatus 101 (e.g., S915). Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which the same cloud storage is displayed as the default value in the combo box 605 of the print setting screen 600 and the combo box 1001 of the cloud storage authentication screen 1000. This configuration can reduce the effort required for selecting cloud storage.

[0078] Next, in S916 , the image forming apparatus 101 performs a login process to the cloud storage 106 using the authentication information entered on the cloud storage authentication screen 1000 .

[0079] Next, in S917, the cloud storage 106 transmits a login processing result notification to the client terminal 102.

[0080] Upon receiving a login processing result notification indicating success of the login processing from the cloud storage 106, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits, in step S918, to the cloud storage 106 a request to acquire directory information indicating the directory structure of the cloud storage 106. Note that, if the image forming apparatus 101 receives a login processing result notification indicating failure of the login processing, the image forming apparatus 101 may return to step S914 and ask the user to re-enter authentication information.

[0081] Upon receiving the acquisition request, the cloud storage 106 transmits the directory information of the cloud storage 106 to the image forming apparatus 101 in step S919.

[0082] Next, in S920, the image forming apparatus 101 uses the acquired directory information to display a storage directory selection screen (not shown) on the operation unit 305. The storage directory selection screen is a screen that prompts the user to select a directory in which the print job to be printed is saved.

[0083] Next, in S921, the user selects the directory in which the print job to be printed is saved on the storage directory selection screen.

[0084] Next, in S922, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits a request to acquire storage directory information. The storage directory information is a list of print jobs stored in the directory selected by the user in S921.

[0085] Next, in S923, the cloud storage 106 transmits the storage destination directory information to the image forming apparatus 101. Note that if the check box 1005 is selected on the cloud storage authentication screen 1000 in S915, after the processing of S919 is performed, the processing of S920 to S923 may not be performed and S924 may be performed.

[0086] In S924, the image forming apparatus 101 displays a list screen of print jobs using the storage directory information, and then, S925 to S927, which are the same processes as S425 to S427 described above, are performed.

[0087] Next, in S928, the image forming apparatus 101 sends an acquisition request for the print job selected by the user on the print job list screen to the cloud storage 106. Next, in S929, the cloud storage 106 sends the print job corresponding to the received acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 101. Next, in S930, the image forming apparatus 101 executes printing processing for the received print job. Thereafter, this processing ends.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the client terminal 102 transmits a print job including document data and print settings to the cloud storage 106, and the image forming apparatus 101 acquires the print job from the cloud storage 106 and executes the print processing. In other words, the cloud print server 107 is not used. This makes it possible to realize cloud printing, which performs print processing of a print job including print settings set on the print setting screen 600, while suppressing the usage cost of the cloud print server 107.

[0089] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 may be registered in advance in the client terminal 102, so that a print job optimal for the image forming apparatus 101 is generated.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a print job is stored in cloud storage 106 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a print job is stored in storage of client terminal 102, such as HDD 204, or a configuration in which a print job is stored in storage of client terminals 103 and 104 other than client terminal 102, etc. may also be used.

[0091] Next, a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0092] The third embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that an account for the cloud print server 107 is linked to an account for the cloud storage 106. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different configuration and operation.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a printing system 1100 according to a third embodiment. Unlike the printing system 100 of FIG. 1 described above, the printing system 1100 has a configuration in which a cloud storage 106 is connected to a cloud print server 107 via the Internet. The printing system 1100 is composed of an image forming apparatus 101, a cloud storage 106, a cloud print server 107, and one or more client terminals. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the printing system 1100 includes three client terminals 102 to 104 will be described. Also, in this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the printing system 1100 includes one cloud storage 106 will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the printing system 1100 may also have a configuration in which multiple cloud storages are included. The image forming apparatus 101, the cloud print server 107, and the client terminals 102 to 104 are each connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the Internet.

[0094] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of account link registration processing executed by the printing system 1100 of FIG.

[0095] The account linking registration process is a process in which an administrator with administrator authority of the cloud print server 107 links and registers a general user's account on the cloud print server 107 with the general user's account on the cloud storage 106. Note that a general user on the cloud print server 107 is a user who does not have administrator authority on the cloud print server 107. A general user's account on the cloud print server 107 is an account that a general user uses to use the cloud print server 107. A general user's account on the cloud storage 106 is an account that a general user uses to use the cloud storage 106.

[0096] The account link registration process is performed by the client terminal 104 operated by the administrator, the cloud storage 106, and the cloud print server 107. In the account link registration process, the process by the client terminal 104 is realized by the CPU of the client terminal 104 expanding a program stored in the ROM or the like of the client terminal 104 into the RAM of the client terminal 104 and executing the program. The process by the cloud print server 107 is realized by the CPU of the cloud print server 107 expanding a program stored in the ROM or the like of the cloud print server 107 into the RAM of the cloud print server 107 and executing the program.

[0097] In FIG. 12, in S1201, the client terminal 104 executes a login process to the cloud print server 107 using an account with administrator privileges for the cloud print server 107.

[0098] In S1202, the client terminal 104 that has logged in with an account having administrator privileges transmits to the cloud print server 107 an instruction to register the account information of the general user of the cloud print server 107. This registration instruction includes the account information of the general user to be registered, for example, the account name of this general user and its authentication information.

[0099] Next, in S1203, the cloud print server 107 performs a registration process for the general user's account information in accordance with the received registration instruction. This makes it possible to use the cloud print server 107 with the registered account information. Note that if the general user's account information has already been registered, the processes of S1202 and S1203 may be omitted.

[0100] Next, in S1204, the client terminal 104 sends a cloud storage account linking instruction to the cloud print server 107. The cloud storage account linking instruction includes the account information of this general user and storage destination information indicating the directory in the cloud storage 106 where the print job of this general user is saved.

[0101] Next, in S1205, the cloud print server 107 executes account linking processing. In the account linking processing, the account of this general user in the cloud print server 107 is linked to the account of this general user in the cloud storage 106 indicated by the storage destination information. In addition, the storage destination information is saved in the HDD of the cloud print server 107, linked to these accounts.

[0102] Next, in S1206, the cloud print server 107 executes a login process to the cloud storage 106 using the account of the cloud storage 106 linked to the account of this general user in the cloud print server 107.

[0103] In step S1207, the cloud storage 106 that has successfully completed the login process transmits a login completion notification to the cloud print server 107.

[0104] Next, in S1208, the cloud print server 107 transmits a user registration completion notification indicating that the account link registration process has been successful to the client terminal 104. After that, this process ends.

[0105] Note that multiple accounts of the cloud storage 106 may be linked to a general user's account in the cloud print server 107. In addition, it is also possible to set priorities for the cloud storages to be used and limits on the job storage capacity for the storage destination of each print job.

[0106] Furthermore, when a general user logs in to the cloud print server 107 for the first time, the general user may be able to reset authentication information and the storage destination of print jobs in the cloud storage and the cloud print server 107 linked to the general user's account.

[0107] Furthermore, an expiration date may be set for each type of authentication information, and general users may be notified of the expiration date of the authentication information by informing them of the need to reset the authentication information a certain period of time (for example, 10 days) before the expiration date.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a third cloud print process executed by the printing system 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 illustrates, as an example, a configuration in which the third cloud print process is executed by the client terminal 102, the cloud print server 107, the cloud storage 106, and the image forming apparatus 101. The client terminal 102 is a terminal operated by a general user (hereinafter simply referred to as "user"). In FIG. 13, the process by the client terminal 102 is realized by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like into the RAM 203 and executing the program. The process by the cloud print server 107 is realized by the CPU of the cloud print server 107 loading a program stored in the ROM or the like of the cloud print server 107 into the RAM of the cloud print server 107 and executing the program. The process by the image forming apparatus 101 is realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the ROM 302 or the like into the RAM 303 and executing the program. Note that the third cloud print process is similar to the first cloud print process described above, and the following will particularly describe the differences from the first cloud print process described above. In Fig. 13, it is assumed that the account link registration process of Fig. 12 described above has been executed, and the user's account on the cloud print server 107 and the user's account on the cloud storage 106 have been linked and registered. It is also assumed that the application 105 of the client terminal 102 has output authentication information for the cloud storage 106 and authentication information for the cloud print server 107 to the print framework.

[0109] In FIG. 13, first, the processes of S1301 and S1302, which are the same as the processes of S401 and S402 described above, are performed.

[0110] Next, in S1303, the client terminal 102 displays a print setting screen on the output unit 206. This print setting screen differs from the print setting screen 600 in Fig. 6 described above in that it does not include the tab 604 for switching to a screen for configuring cloud storage settings. Therefore, in the printing system 1100, the user does not need to select cloud storage on the print setting screen.

[0111] Next, in S1304, the user inputs print settings for the document data on the print setting screen displayed on the output unit 206. Next, in S1305, the user confirms that the setting values ​​input on the print setting screen displayed on the output unit 206 are correct, and instructs the client terminal 102 to send a print job.

[0112] Next, in S1306, the client terminal 102 performs a print job generation process. In the print job generation process, a print job including the document data and the print settings input on the print setting screen is generated. Next, in S1307, the client terminal 102 transmits the print job to the cloud print server 107.

[0113] Next, in S1308, the cloud print server 107 acquires authentication information of the user's account in the cloud storage 106, which is linked to the user's account in the cloud print server 107, and storage location information of the print job.

[0114] Next, in S1309, the cloud print server 107 executes a login process for the cloud storage 106 using the authentication information acquired in S1308.

[0115] Next, in S1310, the cloud storage 106 transmits a login processing result notification to the cloud print server 107. Here, it is assumed that a login processing result notification indicating that the login processing was successful has been transmitted.

[0116] Next, in S1311, the cloud print server 107 transmits to the cloud storage 106 a print job save request including the print job and storage location information of the print job.

[0117] Next, in S1312, the cloud storage 106 performs a file saving process. In the file saving process, the acquired print job is saved in the directory indicated by the acquired storage destination information. Next, in S1313, the cloud storage 106 sends a saving completion notice to the cloud print server 107, indicating that saving of the print job has been completed. Note that if the cloud print server 107 receives a saving failure notice and multiple cloud storages have been set, it may perform the following process. Specifically, the cloud print server 107 acquires authentication information and storage destination information for the cloud storage with the next priority setting, and returns to S1309 to perform a login process to this cloud storage. After completing S1313, S1314 to S1315, which are the same processes as S416 to S417 described above, are performed. S1301 to S1315 are an explanation of the procedure for saving a print job in the cloud storage 106.

[0118] Next, a flow in which the image forming apparatus 101 acquires print job related information from the cloud print server 107, acquires a print job corresponding to this print job related information from the cloud storage 106, and executes print processing will be described.

[0119] First, the processes of S1316 to S1325, which are the same as the processes of S418 to S427 described above, are carried out.

[0120] Next, in S1326, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits to the cloud print server 107 a request to obtain the print job selected by the user in S1323.

[0121] Next, in S1327, the cloud print server 107 acquires the authentication information and storage location information of the cloud storage 106 that stores the print job specified in the acquisition request.

[0122] Next, in S1328, the cloud print server 107 executes a login process for the cloud storage 106 using the authentication information acquired in S1327.

[0123] Next, in S1329, the cloud storage 106 transmits a login processing result notification to the cloud print server 107. Here, it is assumed that a login processing result notification indicating that the login processing was successful has been transmitted.

[0124] Next, in S1330, the cloud print server 107 transmits a request to obtain the print job using the storage destination information obtained in S1327.

[0125] Next, in S1331, the cloud storage 106 transmits the print job corresponding to this acquisition request to the cloud print server 107.

[0126] In S1332, the cloud print server 107 transmits the print job received from the cloud storage 106 to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0127] In S1333, the image forming apparatus 101 executes the print process of the print job received from the cloud print server 107. After that, this process ends.

[0128] In the third embodiment described above, the location where the print job is saved is selected by the cloud print server 107. This reduces the user's effort in selecting the location where the print job is saved.

[0129] In the third embodiment described above, a first account for a user to use the cloud print server 107 is linked to a second account for the user to use the cloud storage 106. The cloud print server 107 selects the cloud storage corresponding to the second account linked to the first account of the user. This allows the user to set the cloud storage corresponding to the second account linked to the first account of the user as the storage location for the print job simply by logging in to the cloud print server 107.

[0130] In the above-described embodiment, security may be improved by setting a one-time password or the like when logging in to the cloud print server 107 or the cloud storage 106.

[0131] 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.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0132] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A printing system that provides a cloud print service, comprising: a means for causing an information processing device that receives a print job transmission instruction from a user to generate a print job and send the print job to a set storage location; and a means for causing an image forming device that receives a print execution instruction from the user to acquire the print job stored in the storage location and execute print processing of the acquired print job, wherein the storage location is cloud storage other than the storage of a cloud print server managed by the manufacturer of the image forming device. (Configuration 2) The printing system according to configuration 1, wherein the storage location is a cloud storage selected from a plurality of cloud storages. (Configuration 3) The printing system according to configuration 2, further comprising the cloud print server, wherein the storage location is a cloud storage selected by the cloud print server. (Configuration 4) The printing system described in Configuration 3 further comprises a means for linking a first account for the user to use the cloud print server with a second account for the user to use cloud storage, and the cloud print server selects cloud storage corresponding to the second account linked to the user's first account. (Configuration 5) The printing system according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the cloud print service is realized without using the cloud print server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 100 Printing Systems 101 Image forming device 102 client terminals 103 client terminals 104 client terminals 106 Cloud Storage 107 Cloud Print Server 201 CPU 205 Input section 301 CPU 307 Printer 308 Communications Department 800 Printing System 1100 Printing System

Claims

1. A printing system that provides a cloud print service, a means for causing an information processing device that receives a print job transmission instruction from a user to generate a print job and transmit the print job to a set storage location; a means for causing the image forming apparatus, which has received a print execution instruction from the user, to acquire the print job stored in the storage location and execute a print process for the acquired print job; The printing system is characterized in that the storage location is a cloud storage other than a storage of a cloud print server managed by a manufacturer of the image forming device.

2. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the storage location is a cloud storage selected from a plurality of cloud storages.

3. The cloud print server is further provided, The printing system according to claim 2 , wherein the storage location is a cloud storage selected by the cloud print server.

4. The cloud print server further includes a means for linking a first account for the user to use the cloud print server with a second account for the user to use the cloud storage; The printing system according to claim 3 , wherein the cloud print server selects the cloud storage corresponding to a second account linked to the first account of the user.

5. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the cloud print service is realized without using the cloud print server.

6. A control method for a printing system that provides a cloud print service, comprising: a step of causing an information processing device that has received an instruction to transmit a print job from a user to generate a print job and transmit the print job to a set storage location; a step of causing the image forming apparatus, which has received a print execution instruction from the user, to acquire the print job stored in the storage location and execute a print process for the acquired print job; The control method for a printing system, wherein the storage location is a cloud storage other than a storage of a cloud print server managed by a manufacturer of the image forming device.

7. An information processing apparatus that causes an image forming apparatus compatible with a cloud print service to execute a print process, means for receiving instructions from a user; a means for generating a print job in accordance with the instruction and controlling transmission of the print job to a set storage location; the image forming device acquires the print job stored in the storage location in accordance with the print execution instruction received from the user, and executes a print process for the acquired print job; The information processing apparatus, wherein the storage location is a cloud storage other than a storage of a cloud print server managed by a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus.

8. A method for controlling an information processing device to cause an image forming device compatible with a cloud print service to execute a print process, comprising: receiving instructions from a user; and sending the print job to the configured storage location in accordance with the instructions; the image forming device acquires the print job stored in the storage location in accordance with the print execution instruction received from the user, and executes a print process for the acquired print job; The control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein the storage location is a cloud storage other than a storage of a cloud print server managed by a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an information processing device that causes an image forming device compatible with a cloud print service to execute a print process, The control method for the information processing device includes: receiving instructions from a user; and sending the print job to the configured storage location in accordance with the instructions; the image forming device acquires the print job stored in the storage location in accordance with the print execution instruction received from the user, and executes a print process for the acquired print job; The program, wherein the storage location is a cloud storage other than a storage of a cloud print server managed by a manufacturer of the image forming device.

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