Print system, printing method for the same, program, and server system

Abstract

To convert the format of data into a format with which an image forming device executing printing can print the data.SOLUTION: A print system including a server and one or more image forming devices is provided. The server comprises: acquisition means that acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; specification means that specifies one or more formats on the basis of device information of the one or more image forming devices; conversion means that converts the format of the data into one or more formats; and holding means that holds the data converted to have the one or more formats. At least one image forming device of the one or more image forming devices comprises receiving means that receives the data having at least one format out of data of the one or more formats held by the server from the server, and printing means that prints the received data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A reserved printing system has been put into practical use, in which a print server does not immediately print a print job received from an information processing terminal, but instead transmits the print job in response to a request from an image forming device. The data formats printable by image forming devices vary depending on the image forming device. Patent Document 1 proposes converting print data in advance into a data format determined based on the attribute information (country, region, affiliation, location) of the user who submitted the print job to the print server, and then transmitting the data in this data format in response to a request from the image forming device. By converting the data format in advance in this way, the processing time required for printing in reserved printing is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-242848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The data format determined based on the attribute information of the user who submitted the print job may not necessarily be printable by the image forming device that was actually instructed to print. In this case, the image forming device must reconvert the data into a printable format, which makes it impossible to reduce the processing time when printing. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technology for converting data into a format that can be printed by the image forming device that executes printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to some embodiments, a printing system is provided that includes a server and one or more image forming devices, wherein the server comprises an acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed from an information processing device, an identification means for identifying one or more formats based on device information of the one or more image forming devices, a conversion means for converting the data into the one or more formats, and a storage means for storing the data converted into the one or more formats, and at least one of the one or more image forming devices comprises a receiving means for receiving data in at least one format from the server from the one or more formats stored by the server, and a printing means for printing the received data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the above embodiment, data can be converted into a format that can be printed by the image forming device that executes printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of a print system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of a print server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the information processing terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a license registration method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a license registration screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for installing an application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an authentication screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a portal screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a portal screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a portal screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a portal screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for using an application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for converting print data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for printing print data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a login screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a portal screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of usage settings according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method when an image forming apparatus is added in a modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for deleting an image forming apparatus according to a modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method when an image forming apparatus according to a modified example is deleted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] First Embodiment [Print system configuration example] An example of the configuration of a print system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The print system 100 includes a print server 101, an image forming apparatus 103, and an information processing terminal 104. The print system 100 may further include a storage server 102. Alternatively, the storage server 102 may be treated as an external device of the print system 100. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 104 may be treated as an external device of the print system 100.

[0010] 1, the print system 100 includes one print server 101, one image forming device 103, and one information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print system 100 may include multiple print servers 101, multiple image forming devices 103, or multiple information processing terminals 104. A system consisting of one or more servers is called a server system. Specifically, the print server system includes one print server 101 or multiple print servers 101.

[0011] The print server 101 and the storage server 102 are each connected to the Internet 110. The image forming device 103 and the information processing terminal 104 are each connected to the Internet 110 via a local area network (LAN) 111. The LAN 111 is, for example, a network within a corporate office. In the example of FIG. 1, the image forming device 103 and the information processing terminal 104 are connected to the same LAN 111. Alternatively, the image forming device 103 and the information processing terminal 104 may be connected to separate LANs 111.

[0012] The print server 101 provides a web portal to clients (e.g., information processing terminals 104) and in particular provides services related to printing (hereinafter, print services). The print server 101 may be a server hosted on a cloud platform. In this case, the print server 101 may be called a cloud print server, and the print service may be called a cloud print service.

[0013] The storage server 102 provides storage services (e.g., file services) to clients (e.g., the print server 101, the image forming device 103, and the information processing terminal 104). The storage server 102 may be a server hosted on a cloud platform. In this case, the storage server 102 may be called a cloud storage server, and the storage service may be called a cloud storage service.

[0014] The image forming device 103 forms an image according to instructions. The generated image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The image forming device 103 may be a digital multifunction peripheral having multiple main functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a print function, and a fax function. Alternatively, the image forming device 103 may be a dedicated machine having a single main function (e.g., a print function). The image forming device 103 can communicate with the print server 101 and the storage server 102 via a LAN 111 and the Internet 110.

[0015] The information processing terminal 104 is used, for example, to submit a print job to the print server 101 or the image forming apparatus 103. The information processing terminal 104 may be an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or a tablet. The information processing terminal 104 can communicate with the print server 101 and the storage server 102 via a LAN 111 and the Internet 110.

[0016] [Example of hardware configuration of image forming device] An example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 2(a). In FIG. 2(a), a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 103 is a digital multifunction peripheral. The image forming apparatus 103 has the components shown in FIG. 2(a). The image forming apparatus 103 may not include some of the components shown in FIG. 2(a), or may include other components. The above description applies to the image forming apparatus 103 as well as to examples of the hardware configuration of other apparatuses described below.

[0017] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is the entity that executes the control programs built into the image forming apparatus 103. The CPU 201 is composed of one or more processors. The CPU 201 controls the operations of devices connected to the controller unit 200 via each I / F and memory of a storage medium. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 is a non-volatile memory that stores a system boot program, system programs, and application programs. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is a volatile memory that stores programs and data such as the operating system, system software, and application software when they are executed.

[0018] The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 is a storage device with a larger capacity than the RAM 203. The HDD 204 stores an operating system, system software, application software, image data, setting data, print jobs, user information, etc. The HDD 204 may also store information used in the operation of the image forming apparatus 103, such as fonts. The CPU 201 executes a program stored in the ROM 202, whereby the program stored in the HDD 204 is loaded into the RAM 203. The CPU 201 then executes the program loaded into the RAM 203 and processes data stored in the RAM 203, the ROM 202, and the HDD 204. In this way, the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 is performed.

[0019] When the image forming apparatus 103 is a small multifunction peripheral, the image forming apparatus 103 may not include the HDD 204, and system software, application software, etc. may be stored in the ROM 202. Instead of the HDD 204, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Disk) or flash memory may be used.

[0020] A network interface (I / F) 205 connects to a network and communicates with external devices on the network. A device I / F 206 connects devices that input and output images (a printer 211 and a scanner 212 in the example of FIG. 2( a)) to the controller unit 210. The controller unit 210 inputs and outputs image data to and from the printer 211 and the scanner 212 via the device I / F 206. The CPU 201 controls the scanner 212 to read an original image. Image data representing the read original image is input to the controller unit 210 via the device I / F 206 and stored in the RAM 203 or the HDD 204. The stored image data is subjected to image processing by an application program loaded in the RAM 203 as necessary. The image data is also output to the printer 211 via the device I / F 206, and is printed on paper by the CPU 201 controlling the printer 211.

[0021] The expansion device I / F 207 is a wireless transceiver such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (registered trademark) port or Bluetooth (registered trademark) that allows optional devices to be connected. The expansion device I / F 207 allows optional devices such as an ID card reader or a biometric authentication device to be connected.

[0022] The operation unit I / F 208 is an interface that controls input and output with an operation unit 213 that has a touch panel. The CPU 201 outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 213 to the operation unit 213 via the operation unit I / F 208. The CPU 201 also receives, via the operation unit I / F 208, input information acquired by a user operating the operation unit 213 from the operation unit 213. The components included in the controller unit 210 are connected to each other via a bus 209.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 103 may be, for example, a printer that does not include the scanner 212. Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 103 is a multifunction peripheral with a fax function, the controller unit 210 may include an I / F (not shown) for a modem device, and the modem device may be used to connect to a public line, enabling fax transmission.

[0024] [Example of computer hardware configuration] 2(b), an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 220 will be described. The computer 220 may be used as the print server 101 or as the storage server 102. Each server may be configured by one computer 220 or by multiple computers 220. The components of the computer 220 are connected to each other by a bus 229.

[0025] The CPU 221 controls the overall operation of the computer 220 by reading out a control program stored in the ROM 222 or the HDD 224 into the RAM 223 and executing various processes. The RAM 223 is a memory used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU 221. The HDD 224 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data and various programs. The network I / F 225 is an interface for connecting to a network. The device I / F 226 is an interface for connecting an input device (e.g., a keyboard) and an output device (e.g., a display). When the computer 220 provides an interface with a user through a network I / F, the computer 220 does not need to include the device I / F 226.

[0026] [Example of hardware configuration for information processing terminal] 2(c), a description will be given of an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing terminal 104. The components of the information processing terminal 104 are connected to one another by a bus 249.

[0027] The CPU 241 controls the overall operation of the information processing terminal 104 by reading out control programs stored in the ROM 242 or the HDD 244 and executing various processes. The RAM 243 is a memory used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU 241. The HDD 244 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data and various programs. The network I / F 245 is an interface for connecting to a network. The device I / F 246 is an interface for connecting an input device (e.g., a keyboard) and an output device (e.g., a display). The input device and the output device may be integrated into the information processing terminal 104.

[0028] [Example of software configuration for image forming device] An example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The software of the image forming apparatus 103 is executed by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 103. The image forming apparatus 103 may not include some of the components shown in FIG. 3, or may include other components. At least some of the functions realized by the software may be executed by a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The above description applies to the image forming apparatus 103 as well as to software configuration examples of other apparatuses described below.

[0029] The operating system 360 provides various resource management services and frameworks optimized for controlling embedded systems for software running on it. Specifically, the various resource management services and frameworks include multitasking management, which manages multiple execution contexts of processes by the CPU 201 to effectively run multiple processes in parallel, and inter-task communication, which enables synchronization and data exchange between tasks. In addition, the operating system 360 also provides memory management, interrupt management, various device drivers, and protocol stacks that implement processing of various protocols such as local interfaces, networks, and communications.

[0030] The controller platform 350 includes a user management module 351, a job / device control module 352, and a data management module 353. The user management module 351 provides applications with a mechanism for managing local user information (e.g., authentication information) in the image forming apparatus 103 using the RAM 203 or HDD 204. A login application can implement user login control in the image forming apparatus 103 using the local user authentication information managed by the user management module 351. The job / device control module 352 executes image forming jobs such as scanning, printing, and copying by controlling the printer 211 and scanner 212 in accordance with instructions from the application. The job / device control module 352 also manages the status and errors of devices such as the printer 211 and scanner 212.

[0031] The data management module 353 manages image data and various setting data used when executing an image forming job. The data management module 353 also manages job execution history, counter information, various data controlled by applications, and device information of the image forming apparatus 103. The device information may include configuration information related to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 and capability information related to the capabilities of the image forming apparatus 103.

[0032] The system service 310 is a software module that manages program updates for the controller platform 350 and the operating system 360, device information, network settings, etc. Furthermore, the system service 310 configures a Web portal 311. The Web portal 311 can be operated from a remote terminal (for example, the information processing terminal 104).

[0033] The application platform 340 is middleware that can be used by various applications. Specifically, the application platform 340 makes the mechanisms of the operating system 360 and the controller platform 350 available to various applications in the basic application library 320 and the extended application library 330, which will be described later.

[0034] The basic application library 320 is a group of applications that provide basic functions of the image forming apparatus 103. These applications are stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204 from the initial state at the time of shipping of the image forming apparatus 103. The extended application library 330 is a group of arbitrary applications that are individually installed and run to extend the functions realized by the image forming apparatus 103. Each application displays a screen on the operation unit 213 and realizes various functions in accordance with user operations received by the operation unit 213.

[0035] 3, the basic application library 320 includes a copy 321 and an application management 322. The copy 321 is an application for executing a copy job that scans an original and prints it on paper. The application management 322 is an application for managing the installation and uninstallation of extended applications in the extended application library 330.

[0036] In the example of FIG. 3, the extended application library 330 has installed therein the extended applications user login authentication 331, cloud scan 332, and cloud print 333.

[0037] The user login authentication 331 is an application that displays a screen for inputting user authentication information on the operation unit 213 and performs user login processing for the image forming apparatus 103 using the user authentication information input to the operation unit 213. The user login authentication 331 may perform user login processing using not only the user authentication information input to the operation unit 213, but also user authentication information read from an ID card reader or a biometric authentication device connected via the expansion device I / F 207. The user login authentication 331 may communicate with the print server 101 via the network I / F 205 and perform user authentication by comparing the user authentication information managed on the print server 101 with the user authentication information input to the image forming apparatus 103. The user login authentication 331 may perform user authentication by comparing the input user authentication information with the user authentication information managed by the user management module 351.

[0038] Cloud scan 332 is an application that transmits an image file generated by scanning an original with the image forming apparatus 103 to the storage server 102. Cloud print 333 is an application that prints image data to be printed received from the print server 101 with the image forming apparatus 103. Cloud print 333 may print image data to be printed received from the storage server 102 with the image forming apparatus 103. Cloud print 333 transmits the print execution result to the print server 101.

[0039] [Print server software configuration example] An example of the software configuration of the print server 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 describes a case where the print server 101 is hosted on a cloud platform. In other cases, the print server 101 has the same functions.

[0040] The infrastructure 430 is a base for providing various services by the print server 101. The infrastructure 430 includes a virtual machine, storage, a network, and an operating system.

[0041] The platform 420 is a framework that uses an infrastructure 430 to provide common basic functions to the application manager 410. The platform 420 includes a web portal 421, computing 422, storage 423, and a database 424.

[0042] The application manager 410 represents a group of various applications that run on the platform 420. The application manager 410 includes a user management 411, a license management 412, an authentication management 413, a print application 414, and a tally / report 415.

[0043] The user management 411 centrally manages user information on the print server 101. User registration and deletion may be performed from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 103. The user management 411 manages the target user information using a database 424. The user management 411 may also be a web application that provides an API (Application Programming Interface) that accepts user authentication instructions from the user login authentication 331 that runs on the image forming apparatus 103.

[0044] The license management 412 is a Web application that uses the Web portal 421 to provide a Web service screen for centrally managing each application on the print server 101. Using this Web service screen, the user can install, register licenses for, and uninstall managed applications. The license management 412 may also be a Web application that provides an API that accepts license registration instructions from the user login authentication 331 and application management 322 that operate on the image forming apparatus 103. If license registration instructed by the application management 322 of the image forming apparatus 103 is successful, the license management 412 obtains from the storage 423 an application that uses the print service that operates on the image forming apparatus 103 and provides the application to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0045] The authentication management 413 is a web application that uses the web portal 421 to provide a web service screen for setting a user login authentication method. This web service screen is used to set the user login authentication method for each application that is centrally managed on the print server 101. The authentication management 413 manages the target user login authentication method using a storage 423 or a database 424. The authentication management 413 is also a web application that provides an API for receiving an instruction requesting setting information from the user login authentication 331 that runs on the image forming apparatus 103. The authentication management 413 is also responsible for accessing various web service screens provided by the application manager 410 and for user authentication when calling the API.

[0046] User management 411, license management 412, and authentication management 413 executed on the print server 101 can operate in conjunction with user login authentication 331 executed on the image forming apparatus 103. This makes it possible to log in to the image forming apparatus 103 using a centrally managed user authentication method and authentication information.

[0047] The print application 414 is a web application that provides an API that receives, via a web portal 421, an instruction to request a document to be printed and an instruction to execute printing from the cloud print 333 running on the image forming apparatus 103. In response to receiving an instruction to request a document to be printed, the print application 414 returns a list of documents to be printed that exist in the target storage. In response to receiving an instruction to execute printing, the print application 414 uses the computing 422 to convert the data to be printed into a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103. In addition, the print application 414 may be a web application that provides an API that receives a print job sent by email from the information processing terminal 104 and an API that receives an instruction to request a print job from the cloud print 333.

[0048] The print application 414 of the print server 101 and the cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 103 can operate in cooperation with each other. This allows the user of the image forming apparatus 103 to execute the same print workflow as that of the print server 101.

[0049] The tally / report 415 is a web application that provides an API for receiving job execution results sent from the cloud scan 332 and cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 103 using the web portal 421. The tally / report 415 may also be a web application that uses the computing 422 to tally the received job execution results and provides a web service screen that displays the tally results.

[0050] The Web service screens and APIs provided by the application manager 410 are managed individually for each tenant, and for example, a different URL is generated for each tenant. The data managed by the application manager 410 is also managed individually for each tenant. A tenant may be a unit of management in the print system 100, and a tenant is configured, for example, by a company or by a company organization.

[0051] [Software configuration of information processing terminal] 5 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing terminal 104 of this embodiment. The program running on the information processing terminal 104 includes a network communication unit 510 and a web page display unit 520. The network communication unit 510 is a module for connecting to the LAN 111 and communicating with the print server 101. The web page display unit 520 displays a web service screen provided by the print server 101 and acquires user operations on that screen. The web page display unit 520 may be a web browser.

[0052] [How to register an image forming device on the print server] A method for registering the image forming apparatus 103 in the print server 101 and installing an application for using the print server 101 in the print server 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The processing of the image forming apparatus 103 is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 202 into RAM 203 and executing it in CPU 201. Similarly, the processing of the print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it in CPU 221. The method of Fig. 6 is started in response to a command issued by a user 600 (e.g., an administrator) of the image forming apparatus 103 using the operation unit 213 to display a screen for registering a usage license for the print server 101.

[0053] In S601, the application management 322 of the image forming apparatus 103 receives an instruction from the user 600 of the image forming apparatus 103 via the operation unit 213 to display a screen for registering a usage license for the print server 101. The screen for registering a usage license for the print server 101 is referred to as a license registration screen. In S602, the application management 322 displays the license registration screen on the operation unit 213.

[0054] 7, an example of a license registration screen 700 will be described. The license registration screen 700 includes a license key input field 701 and an apply button 702. The user 600 inputs a previously acquired license key for expanding the functions of the image forming apparatus 103 into the license key input field 701 on the license registration screen 700, and presses the apply button 702. In step S603, the application management 322 acquires the license key input into the license key input field 701 in response to the application button 702 being pressed.

[0055] In S604, the application management 322 transmits the license key acquired in S603 and the device identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 to the print server 101. The device identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 is information that allows the print server 101 to uniquely identify the image forming apparatus 103, and is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 202. The device identification information is, for example, a serial number. The address of the print server 101 is also stored in advance in, for example, the HDD 204.

[0056] In S605, the license management 412 of the print server 101 verifies the license key received in S604. In the example of Fig. 6, a case where it is determined that the license key is valid will be described.

[0057] In S606, the license management 412 registers the image forming apparatus 103 identified by the device identification information received in S604 in the database 424 as a device that can use the print server 101. The license management 412 may register the image forming apparatus 103 in association with a specific tenant. The license management 412 may identify the tenant to associate with the image forming apparatus 103 in any way. For example, the license management 412 may associate a license key with a specific tenant when issuing the license key, and identify the tenant based on the license key acquired in S604. Alternatively, in S604, the license management 412 may further acquire from the image forming apparatus 103 the tenant ID of the tenant that is using the image forming apparatus 103.

[0058] In S607, the license management 412 transmits an application for using the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103. In S608, the application management 322 installs the received application in the image forming apparatus 103. This process makes the cloud print 333 available in the image forming apparatus 103.

[0059] In S609, the cloud print 333 obtains the device configuration information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the data management module 353 and transmits it to the print server 101. Various examples of device information will be described with reference to FIG. 8. "serialNo" indicates the serial number. As described above, the serial number is an example of device identification information. "modelNam" indicates the model. "firmwareVersion" indicates the firmware version. "region" indicates the destination country. "licenses" indicates a list of registered licenses. "printableFormat" indicates a printable data format. The printable data format may be expressed as a page description language. "registeredAt" indicates the registration date and time. Of these items, "serialNo", "modelNam", "firmwareVersion", "region", "licenses", and "registeredAt" may be classified as configuration information. "printableFormat" may be classified as device information.

[0060] In S610, the print application 414 registers the device information received from the image forming apparatus 103 in association with this image forming apparatus 103. Specifically, the print application 414 identifies one image forming apparatus 103 that has the "serialNo" of the received configuration information from one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the database 424. The print application 414 stores the device information in the database 424 in association with this image forming apparatus 103.

[0061] Through the above operations, the image forming apparatus 103 is registered in the print server 101 as a device that can be used by the print server 101.

[0062] [How to install applications on an information processing device] 9, a method for accessing the Web portal 421 of the print server 101 from the information processing terminal 104 and installing an application for using the print server 101 into the information processing terminal 104 will be described. The processing of the information processing terminal 104 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 242 into the RAM 243 and executing it in the CPU 241. Similarly, the processing of the print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 222 into the RAM 223 and executing it in the CPU 221. The method of FIG. 9 is started in response to a command to access the Web portal 421 by a user 900 of the information processing terminal 104 using the operation unit 246.

[0063] In S901, the Web page display unit 520 of the information processing terminal 104 acquires an instruction to access the Web portal 421 from the user 900 via the operation unit 246. In S902, in response to the instruction acquired in S901, the Web page display unit 520 requests the print server 101 to transmit a screen of the Web portal 421 via the network communication unit 510. In S903, in response to the request of S902, the Web portal 421 of the print server 101 transmits an authentication screen for logging in to the Web portal 421 to the information processing terminal 104. In S904, the Web page display unit 520 displays the screen received from the print server 101 on the operation unit 246.

[0064] An example of an authentication screen 1000 for logging in to the Web portal 421 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The authentication screen 1000 includes an input field 1001 for inputting a tenant ID, an input field 1002 for inputting a user ID, and an input field 1003 for inputting a password. The authentication screen 1000 further includes a confirm button 1004 for obtaining a login instruction. The user 900 inputs requested information into the input fields 1001 to 1003 and presses the confirm button 1004.

[0065] In S905, in response to pressing of the Confirm button 1004, the Web page display unit 520 acquires the information entered in the input fields 1001 to 1003. This information may be called authentication information because it is used to authenticate the user. In S906, the Web page display unit 520 transmits an authentication request including the authentication information acquired in S905 to the print server 101.

[0066] In S907, the authentication management 413 of the print server 101 verifies the authentication information received in S906. In the example of Fig. 9, it is assumed that this verification is successful. In S908, the Web portal 421 transmits a screen of the Web portal 421 to the information processing terminal 104. This screen is called a portal screen. In S909, the Web page display unit 520 displays the portal screen received in S908 on the operation unit 246.

[0067] 11 to 14, examples of the portal screen will be described. The portal screen 1100 in FIG. 11 is a screen that is displayed when a list menu 1102 is selected from a menu 1101. The portal screen 1100 includes a registered printer list 1106. The registered printer list 1106 displays a list of image forming devices registered in the tenant to which the user 900 authenticated in S907 belongs, as well as information about each image forming device. In the example of FIG. 11, the model name, serial number, and registration date are displayed as the information about the image forming device. Alternatively or in addition to this, device information may be displayed as the information about the image forming device.

[0068] 12 is a screen that is displayed when the settings menu 1103 is selected from the menu 1101. The portal screen 1200 includes a field 1201 that includes a pull-down menu for specifying default print settings and a button for instructing saving. The user 900 can change these print settings.

[0069] 13 is a screen that is displayed when the print menu 1104 is selected from the menu 1101. The portal screen 1300 includes a field 1301 for specifying data to be printed, a field 1302 for specifying print settings, and a button 1303 for instructing execution of printing.

[0070] 14 is a screen that is displayed when the application setting menu 1105 is selected from the menu 1101. The portal screen 1400 includes a button 1401 for issuing an instruction to download an application provided by the print server 101. By installing such an application, the information processing terminal 104 becomes able to transmit to the print server 101 an instruction to print a file of software (such as document software or spreadsheet software) of the information processing terminal 104.

[0071] 9, in S910, the Web page display unit 520 detects that the user 900 has pressed the button 1401 on the portal screen 1400. In S911, the Web page display unit 520 requests an application from the print server 101 in response to the pressing of the button 1401. In S912, the Web portal 421 reads out the application stored in the storage 423 and transmits it to the information processing terminal 104. The Web portal 421 notifies the user 900 that reception of the application has been completed.

[0072] In S913, the Web page display unit 520 detects that an instruction to install an application has been issued by the user 900. In S914, the Web page display unit 520 installs the application received in S912.

[0073] 15, an example of a screen 1500 for using the application installed in S914 will be described. The screen 1500 is a screen for issuing a print instruction to the print server 101 for a file opened in spreadsheet software installed on the information processing terminal 104. The screen 1500 includes a button 1501 for issuing a print instruction, a list 1502 for specifying the image forming apparatus that will execute printing, a field 1503 for specifying print settings, and a preview display 1504. Since the application was installed in S914, a "cloud print service" for issuing a print instruction to the print server 101 is selectable in the list 1502. In response to the user 900 pressing the button 1501, the information processing terminal 104 instructs the print server 101 to print the target data using the settings specified in the field 1503.

[0074] [How the print server converts print data] A method for converting print data by the print server 101 to transmit to the image forming apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. The processing of the print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 222 into the RAM 223 and executing it in the CPU 221. The method of FIG. 16 is started in response to a print instruction sent from the information processing terminal 104 to the print server 101. The print instruction is issued, for example, by button 1303 on the portal screen 1300 and button 1501 on the screen 1500. In the print instruction, the user specifies the data to be printed and the settings for printing the data. The data to be printed is referred to as print data. The settings for printing are referred to as print settings. In the following description, it is assumed that the print instruction is issued by the user 900 who installed the application on the information processing terminal 104 in the processing of FIG. 9. Alternatively, the application installation and the print instruction may be issued by different users.

[0075] In S1601, the print application 414 of the print server 101 receives a print instruction from the information processing terminal 104. The print server 101 processes the print data as retention printing. That is, the print server 101 holds the print data until it receives an additional instruction from the user 900, and transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 103 in response to receiving an additional instruction from the user 900. In this example, the print server 101 acquires the print data from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may acquire a designation of a storage destination for the print data from the information processing terminal 104, and acquire the print data from an information processing apparatus different from the information processing terminal 104 (for example, the storage server 102).

[0076] In S1602, the print application 414 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 registered in the tenant to which the user 900 who issued the print instruction belongs. First, the print application 414 identifies the tenant to which the user 900 belongs. The print application 414 may acquire the tenant ID entered in the input field 1001 of the authentication screen 1000 from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may store the user ID of the user in association with the tenant ID of the tenant to which the user belongs, and identify the tenant ID based on the user ID acquired from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may inquire about the tenant ID from another server that stores the user ID of the user in association with the tenant ID of the tenant to which the user belongs. Thereafter, the print application 414 refers to the database 424 to identify one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered in association with the tenant ID. One or more image forming devices 103 registered in association with a particular tenant may match one or more image forming devices 103 included in the registered printer list 1106 on the portal screen 1100.

[0077] In S1603, the print application 414 references the device information of each image forming apparatus 103 registered in the database 424 and identifies a data format that can be printed by at least one of the one or more image forming apparatuses 103 identified in S1602. The identified data formats may be managed in a list. This list is referred to as a data format list.

[0078] As described above, the print server 101 acquires device information from the image forming apparatus 103 using the message shown in FIG. 8 and manages the device information for each image forming apparatus 103. The image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001") having the device information shown in FIG. 8(a) can print in the data formats "PDF" and "LIPSLX." The image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "BBB00001") having the device information shown in FIG. 8(b) can print in the data format "LIPSLX." The image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "CCC00001") having the device information shown in FIG. 8(c) can print in the data format "JPEG." Therefore, for the tenant in which these three image forming apparatuses 103 are registered, the union of these data formats, {"PDF," "LIPSLX," and "JPEG"}, is identified in S1603.

[0079] In S1604, the print application 414 converts the print data received in S1601 into one or more data formats identified in S1603, and stores the converted print data. For example, the print application 414 saves the converted print data in the storage 423. In the example described above, the print data is converted into "PDF," "LIPSLX," and "JPEG." The print application 414 may save the converted print data in association with the user 900 who issued the print instruction (specifically, the user ID).

[0080] [Method for printing print data from a print server on an image forming device] A method for printing print data stored in the print server 101 by the image forming apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. The processing of the image forming apparatus 103 is implemented by reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it in the CPU 201. Similarly, the processing of the print server 101 is implemented by reading a program stored in the ROM 222 into the RAM 223 and executing it in the CPU 221. When the execution of the method of FIG. 17 starts, the method of FIG. 16 has ended, and the converted print data has been saved in the print server 101. The method of FIG. 17 starts in response to a user 900 operating (e.g., touching) the operation unit 213 of the image forming apparatus 103. In the following description, it is assumed that the user 900 who issued a print instruction in the processing of FIG. 16 operates the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG. 17. The method of FIG. 17 may be executable by all or only some of the one or more image forming apparatuses 103 included in the print system 100.

[0081] In S1701, the application platform 340 of the image forming apparatus 103 displays a login screen on the operation unit 213 for the user 900 to log in to the image forming apparatus 103. An example of the login screen 1800 will be described with reference to FIG. 18(a). The login screen 1800 includes an input field 1801 for inputting a username and an input field 1802 for inputting a password. The login screen 1800 further includes a login button 1803 for obtaining a login instruction. The user 900 inputs requested information in the input fields 1801 and 1802 and presses the login button 1803.

[0082] In S1702, in response to pressing of login button 1803, application platform 340 acquires the information entered in input fields 1801 and 1802. In S1703, application platform 340 authenticates user 900 by comparing the username and password acquired in S1702 with the username and password registered in user management module 351. In the example of Fig. 17, it is assumed that authentication of user 900 is successful.

[0083] In S1704, the application platform 340 displays a screen including a list of applications installed in the image forming apparatus 103 on the operation unit 213. An example of such a list screen 1900 will be described with reference to FIG. 19(a). The list screen 1900 includes a field 1901 that displays a list of applications installed in the image forming apparatus 103. In the field 1901, each application is represented by an icon. The application platform 340 determines the applications to be included in the field 1901 based on the license of the user 900.

[0084] In S1705, the application platform 340 acquires from the user 900 the designation of one of the applications included in the field 1901. In the following description, it is assumed that "Cloud Print" is designated. In S1706, the application platform 340 starts up the cloud print 333 in response to the designation of "Cloud Print." The cloud print 333 requests a cloud print app screen from the print server 101. In S1707, in response to receiving the request in S1709, the print application 414 of the print server 101 sends an authentication screen for logging in to the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0085] 18(b), an example of an authentication screen 1810 for logging in to the cloud print service will be described. The authentication screen 1810 includes an input field 1811 for inputting a tenant ID, an input field 1812 for inputting a user ID, and an input field 1813 for inputting a password. The authentication screen 1810 further includes a login button 1814 for obtaining a login instruction. The user 900 inputs requested information in the input fields 1811 to 1813 and presses the login button 1804.

[0086] In S1708, the cloud print 303 acquires the information entered in the input fields 1811 to 1813 in response to pressing the login button 1814. This information may be called authentication information because it is used to authenticate the user. In S1709, the cloud print 303 transmits an authentication request including the authentication information acquired in S1708 to the print server 101.

[0087] In S1710, the authentication management 413 of the print server 101 verifies the authentication information received in S1709. In the example of FIG. 17, it is assumed that this verification is successful. In S1711, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming apparatus 103 a screen including a list of print jobs that were previously generated in accordance with a print instruction from the authenticated user 900 and are stored in the print server 101. The screen including the list of print jobs stored in the print server 101 is referred to as a job list screen. In S1712, the cloud print 333 displays the job list screen received in S1711 on the operation unit 213.

[0088] An example of a job list screen 1910 will be described with reference to FIG. 19(b). The job list screen 1910 includes a field 1911 that displays a list of print jobs that were previously generated in accordance with a print instruction from the authenticated user 900 and are stored in the print server 101. The field 1911 can acquire a selection of one or more displayed print jobs from the user 900. The job list screen 1910 further includes a print button 1912 for receiving a print instruction for the selected print job. In the following description, it is assumed that the user 900 selects a print job with the file name "1234567.xlsx" and presses the print button 1912.

[0089] In S1713, in response to pressing of the print button 1912, the cloud print 333 acquires the print job selection in field 1911. In S1714, the cloud print 333 requests print data of the print job selected by the user 900 from the print server 101. The cloud print 333 may include information for identifying the image forming apparatus 103, such as the serial number of the image forming apparatus 103, in this request. For example, if the image forming apparatus 103 being operated by the user 900 is "PrinterB" in the registered printer list 1106, the serial number "BBB00001" is included in the request.

[0090] In S1715, in response to receiving the request in S1714, the print application 414 of the print server 101 identifies the data format of the print data to be sent to the image forming apparatus 103. First, the print application 414 references the database 424 to identify the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 that sent the request. Then, based on the identified device information, the print application 414 identifies the data format that can be printed by this image forming apparatus 103. As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103 whose serial number is "BBB00001" is "LIPSLX".

[0091] When there are multiple data formats that the image forming apparatus 103 can print in, the print application 414 selects one of the multiple data formats using an arbitrary method. For example, priorities may be set in advance for the multiple data formats, and the print application 414 may select the data format with the highest priority from among the multiple data formats that the image forming apparatus 103 can print in. Alternatively, the print application 414 may select one data format in a round-robin or random manner from among the multiple data formats that the image forming apparatus 103 can print in. Alternatively, when there are multiple data formats that the image forming apparatus 103 can print in, the print application 414 may specify all of these data formats as the data formats of the print data to be sent to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0092] In S1716, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming device 103 the print data that has been requested by the image forming device 103 and that has already been converted into the data format identified in S1715 and saved in the storage 423. If multiple data formats are identified in S1715, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming device 103 the print data that has been converted into each of the multiple data formats.

[0093] In S1717, the cloud print 333 prints the print data received in S1716. When the cloud print 333 receives print data converted into multiple data formats in S1716, it prints the print data in one of the data formats.

[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, the print server 101 identifies the data format to which print data is converted based on device information of one or more image forming apparatuses 103. Therefore, the print data is converted into a format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus that will execute printing. Specifically, when print data is acquired from a user, the print data is converted into a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus that the user may execute printing on. As a result, the processing time when the user executes printing on the image forming apparatus 103 can be shortened. Furthermore, by converting the print data only into data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus of the tenant to which the user belongs, the processing load and storage capacity used on the print server 101 can be reduced.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the print server 101 converts the print data into one or more data formats regardless of whether the print data is requested by one or more image forming apparatuses 103 included in the print system 100. Specifically, the print server 101 converts the print data in response to (e.g., subsequently to) acquiring the print data from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may convert the print data in response to other conditions being satisfied. For example, the print server 101 may convert the print data in response to authenticating the user 900 currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 103 in S1710 of FIG. 17. In this case, the print data may be converted into one or more data formats printable by the image forming apparatus 103 based on device information of the image forming apparatus 103 that sent the authentication request in S1709.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the print server 101 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 registered in the tenant to which the user belongs in S1602 of Fig. 16. Alternatively, the print server 101 may not execute S1602. In this case, the print server 101 may identify in S1603 a data format that can be printed by at least one of the one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the print server 101.

[0097] <Second embodiment> A print system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. Explanation of points that may be the same as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0098] In the second embodiment, a portal screen 2000 in Fig. 20 is used instead of the portal screen 1100 in Fig. 11. The portal screen 2000 differs from the portal screen 1100 in that it includes a registered printer list 2001 instead of the registered printer list 1106, and further includes an apply button 2002. The registered printer list 2001 differs from the registered printer list 1106 in that it includes a column for acquiring the designation of an image forming device that the user may use.

[0099] The user 900, who has been authenticated by the print server 101 in S907, can use this column to specify an image forming device 103 that the user may use from among one or more image forming devices 103 registered in the tenant to which the user 900 belongs. In response to the user 900 pressing the Apply button 2002, the Web page display unit 520 of the information processing terminal 104 transmits the settings of the registered printer list 2001 together with the user ID of the user 900 to the print server 101.

[0100] The print server 101 stores the settings transmitted from the information processing terminal 104 in association with the user. FIG. 21 illustrates the format of data held in the database 424 for storing these settings. "UserID" represents a user identifier. "registeredDevices" represents information on one or more image forming devices 103 registered in the tenant to which the user belongs. "isUse" represents whether the user is set to use each image forming device 103. When "isUse" is "false," this indicates that the user is not set to use each image forming device 103. When "isUse" is "true," this indicates that the user is set to use each image forming device 103. In the example of FIG. 21, only the image forming device 103 with the serial number "CCC00001" is set to be used. The print server 101 manages one or more image forming devices 103 associated in this manner for each of multiple users.

[0101] 16, the print application 414 identifies a data format that can be printed by at least one of the image forming devices 103, among the one or more image forming devices 103 identified in S1602, based on the device information of the one or more image forming devices 103 associated with the user who specified the data to be printed. For example, in the above example, since the image forming device 103 with the serial number "CCC00001" is set to be used only, only the "JPEG" format is identified, with reference to FIG. 8(c).

[0102] As described above, by converting print data only into a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus that the user is set to use, the processing load and storage capacity used by the print server 101 can be reduced.

[0103] <Modification> Modifications of the first and second embodiments described above will be described below. Explanation of points that may be the same as the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be described.

[0104] If the number of image forming devices 103 registered in the print server 101 increases or decreases while the print server 101 is holding print data, the image forming device 103 that a user may use may change. Therefore, in this modified example, the data format of the print data is further converted or the converted print data is deleted in response to this change.

[0105] 22, a method executed by the print server 101 when a new image forming device 103 is registered in the print server 101 while print data in one or more data formats is being held will be described. The processing of the print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 222 into the RAM 223 and executing it in the CPU 221.

[0106] In S2201, the print application 414 of the print server 101 acquires device information (for example, configuration information and capability information) of the newly registered image forming apparatus 103 from the database 424.

[0107] In S2202, the print application 414 updates the data format list for each of the multiple print data items stored based on the device information of the newly registered image forming device 103. As described above, the data format list is a list of data formats that can be printed by at least one of one or more image forming devices 103.

[0108] In S2203, the print application 414 determines whether the updated data format list includes a new data format. If it is determined that the updated data format list includes a new data format (YES in S2203), the print application 414 transitions the process to S2204, and otherwise (NO in S2203), the process ends.

[0109] In S2204, the print application 414 further converts the print data into the data format newly added by updating the data format list and stores the converted print data. This allows the data format of the print data to be converted before the print data is requested, even if the user uses the image forming apparatus 103 that was registered after the converted print data was stored.

[0110] Next, a case will be described in which the registration of one or more image forming devices 103 registered in the print server 101 is cancelled while print data in one or more data formats is being held.

[0111] To perform such processing, a portal screen 2300 in Fig. 23 is used instead of the portal screen 1100 in Fig. 11. The portal screen 2300 may be displayed when a device administrator logs in. The portal screen 2300 differs from the portal screen 1100 in that it includes a registered printer list 2301 instead of the registered printer list 1106, and further includes an apply button 2302. The registered printer list 2301 differs from the registered printer list 1106 in that it includes a column for acquiring the designation of the image forming device to be deregistered.

[0112] A user (administrator) can use this column to specify an image forming apparatus 103 to be deregistered from one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the tenant that the user manages. In response to the user pressing the apply button 2302, the web page display unit 520 of the information processing terminal 104 transmits to the print server 101 the identifier of the image forming apparatus 103 to be deregistered.

[0113] 24, a method executed by the print server 101 based on the deregistration of one or more image forming devices 103 registered in the print server 101 while print data in one or more data formats is held will be described. The processing of the print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 222 into the RAM 223 and executing it in the CPU 221.

[0114] In S2402, the print application 414 updates the data format list for each of the multiple print data items stored based on the device information of the currently registered image forming device 103. If any of the image forming devices 103 is deregistered, a change in the data format may occur.

[0115] In S2402, the print application 414 determines whether any data formats have become unnecessary due to the update of the data format list. If it is determined that any data formats have become unnecessary (YES in S2402), the print application 414 transitions the process to S2403, and otherwise (NO in S2402) ends the process.

[0116] In S2403, the print application 414 stops holding the print data that has been converted into a data format that is no longer needed. Specifically, the print application 414 may delete the print data saved in the storage 423. This allows the print application 414 to reduce the amount of storage space used, since it does not hold print data in a data format that is no longer likely to be used after the converted print data has been held.

[0117] In the second embodiment, when the designation of an image forming device that the user may use is changed in the registered printer list 2001, the data format list may be updated in the same manner as in the above-described modified example. In the above-described modified example, instead of executing S2204 and S2403 in response to updating the data format list, S2204 and S2403 may be executed when other conditions are satisfied. For example, S2204 and S2403 may be executed in response to execution of any of S1709, S1711, or S1714 in FIG. 17.

[0118] <Summary of the embodiment> (Item 1) A printing system including a server and one or more image forming devices, The server an acquisition unit that acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; a specifying means for specifying one or more formats based on device information of the one or more image forming devices; conversion means for converting said data into said one or more formats; a storage means for storing the data converted into the one or more formats, At least one image forming device of the one or more image forming devices, a receiving means for receiving, from the server, the data in at least one format among the data in the one or more formats held by the server; a printing means for printing the received data. (Item 2) 2. The printing system according to item 1, wherein the conversion means converts the data into the one or more formats regardless of whether the data is requested by the one or more image forming devices. (Item 3) The printing system described in item 1 or 2, wherein the identification means identifies the one or more formats based on device information of one or more image forming devices that are registered with a tenant to which a user who specified the data as the print target belongs, among the one or more image forming devices. (Item 4) The printing system described in any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the identification means identifies the one or more formats based on device information of one or more image forming devices associated with a user who specified the data as the print target, among the one or more image forming devices. (Item 5) 5. The printing system according to item 4, wherein the server further comprises means for managing one or more image forming devices associated with each of a plurality of users. (Item 6) The printing system described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the server further comprises means for identifying one or more formats that can be printed by one of the one or more image forming devices based on a request for the data from the one or more image forming devices. (Item 7) the one or more image forming devices are registered with the server; the specifying unit updates the one or more formats based on a new image forming device being registered in the server while the data of the one or more formats is being held; The conversion means further converts the data into a format newly added by updating the one or more formats; 7. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the storage unit further stores the data in the newly added format. (Item 8) the one or more image forming devices are registered with the server; the specifying unit updates the one or more formats based on the fact that any one of the one or more image forming devices is deregistered while the data of the one or more formats is being held; 8. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the storage unit stops storing the data of a format that has become unnecessary due to an update of the one or more formats. (Item 9) A program for causing one or more computers to function as each means of the printing system described in any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) A printing method using a printing system including a server and one or more image forming apparatuses, an acquisition step in which the server acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; an identifying step in which the server identifies one or more formats based on device information of the one or more image forming devices; a conversion step in which the server converts the data into the one or more formats; a storing step in which the server stores the data converted into the one or more formats; a receiving step in which one image forming apparatus of the one or more image forming apparatuses receives, from the server, the data in at least one format among the data in the one or more formats held by the server; a printing step in which the one image forming apparatus prints the received data. (Item 11) A server system, an acquisition unit that acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; a specifying means for specifying one or more formats based on device information of one or more image forming devices registered in the server system; conversion means for converting said data into said one or more formats; a storage means for storing the data converted into the one or more formats; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the data in at least one format among the data in the one or more formats to the image forming apparatus.

[0119] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 Print system, 101 Print server, 102 Storage server, 103 Image forming apparatus, 104 Information processing terminal

Claims

1. A printing system including a server and one or more image forming devices, The server an acquisition unit that acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; a specifying means for specifying one or more formats based on device information of the one or more image forming devices; conversion means for converting said data into said one or more formats; a storage means for storing the data converted into the one or more formats, At least one image forming device of the one or more image forming devices, a receiving means for receiving, from the server, the data in at least one format among the data in the one or more formats held by the server; a printing means for printing the received data.

2. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said conversion means converts said data into said one or more formats regardless of whether said data is requested by said one or more image forming devices.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the identification means identifies the one or more formats based on device information of one or more image forming devices that are registered with a tenant to which a user who specified the data as the print target belongs.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the one or more formats based on device information of one or more image forming devices associated with a user who has specified the data as the object to be printed.

5. The printing system according to claim 4 , wherein the server further comprises means for managing one or more image forming devices associated with each of a plurality of users.

6. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises means for identifying one or more formats that can be printed by the one image forming device among the one or more formats based on a request for the data from the one image forming device.

7. the one or more image forming devices are registered with the server; the specifying unit updates the one or more formats based on a new image forming device being registered in the server while the data of the one or more formats is being held; The conversion means further converts the data into a format newly added by updating the one or more formats; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said storage means further stores said data in said newly added format.

8. the one or more image forming devices are registered with the server; the specifying unit updates the one or more formats based on the fact that any one of the one or more image forming devices is deregistered while the data of the one or more formats is being held; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said storage means stops storing said data of a format that has become unnecessary due to the update of said one or more formats.

9. 9. A program for causing one or more computers to function as each of the means of the printing system according to claim 1.

10. A printing method using a printing system including a server and one or more image forming apparatuses, an acquisition step in which the server acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; an identifying step in which the server identifies one or more formats based on device information of the one or more image forming devices; a conversion step in which the server converts the data into the one or more formats; a storing step in which the server stores the data converted into the one or more formats; a receiving step in which one image forming apparatus of the one or more image forming apparatuses receives, from the server, the data in at least one format among the data in the one or more formats held by the server; a printing step in which the one image forming apparatus prints the received data.

11. A server system, an acquisition unit that acquires data to be printed from an information processing device; a specifying unit for specifying one or more formats based on device information of one or more image forming devices registered in the server system; conversion means for converting said data into said one or more formats; a storage means for storing the data converted into the one or more formats; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the data in at least one format among the data in the one or more formats to the image forming apparatus.

Images