Print server, its control method, print system, its control method, information processing terminal, print setting method, image forming apparatus, method for changing print settings, and program

Abstract

This enables print settings compatible with image forming machines that perform printing using the fixed-printing method. [Solution] A print server comprising: management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses; acquisition means for acquiring print target data and print setting data set for the print target data from an information processing terminal; holding means for holding the print target data and the print setting data; second generation means for generating a print setting change screen based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses in response to a request for execution of printing the print target data from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses; and second transmission means for transmitting the print target data and the change screen to the one image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a print server, a control method thereof, a print system, a control method thereof, an information processing terminal, a print setting method, an image forming apparatus, a method for changing print settings, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A printing method in which a print server immediately prints a print job received from an information processing terminal is called push printing. On the other hand, hold printing (hold printing), in which the print server does not immediately print the print job received from the information processing terminal and the print server transmits the print job in response to a request from the image forming apparatus, has been put into practical use.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a print system in which when an information processing apparatus prints with an image forming apparatus via a print server, a device management server provides the information processing apparatus with a print setting screen corresponding to the configuration information of the image forming apparatus that executes printing. In the proposed print system, even when the print server does not hold the configuration information of the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus can obtain an appropriate print setting screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <000002)

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, when printing a print job using fixed-position printing, the image forming apparatus that will actually perform the printing is not determined when the print job is sent from the information processing device to the print server. Therefore, the proposed print system could not provide the user with a print settings screen that allowed them to select print settings available on the image forming apparatus that would actually perform the printing. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technology that enables print settings corresponding to the image forming apparatus that performs printing using fixed-position printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to some embodiments, a print server is provided, comprising: management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses; acquisition means for acquiring print target data and print setting data set for the print target data from an information processing terminal; holding means for holding the print target data and the print setting data; second generation means for generating a print setting change screen based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses in response to a request for execution of printing the print target data from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses; and second transmission means for transmitting the print target data and the change screen to the one image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above embodiment enables printing settings that correspond to an image forming apparatus that performs printing using retained printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]A block diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of a print server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A block diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of an information processing terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the license registration method in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the license registration screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating an example of device information in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of device information in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating an example of device information in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A sequence diagram illustrating an example of how to install the application of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the authentication screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the portal screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the portal screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the portal screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the portal screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for using the PC application of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for using the PC application of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] A sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for submitting a print job to the print server of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for generating the print settings screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the print settings screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] Diagram for explaining an example of print setting data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] Flowchart for explaining an example of a method for generating a print job according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] Sequence diagram for explaining an example of a method for an image forming apparatus to print from a print server in the first embodiment. [Figure 29] Sequence diagram for explaining an example of a method for an image forming apparatus to print from a print server in the first embodiment. [Figure 30] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a login screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 31] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 32] Flowchart for explaining an example of a method for generating a print setting change screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 33] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print setting change screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 34] Diagram for explaining an example of device information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 35] Flowchart for explaining an example of a method for generating a print setting change screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 36] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a print setting change screen according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> [Example of a print system configuration] Referring to Figure 1, an example configuration of the print system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. 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 to the print system 100. The information processing terminal 104 may also be treated as an external device to the print system 100.

[0011] In the example shown in Figure 1, the print system 100 includes one print server 101, one image forming apparatus 103, and one information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print system 100 may include multiple print servers 101, multiple image forming apparatuses 103, or multiple information processing terminals 104. A system consisting of one or more servers is referred to as a server system. Specifically, a print server system includes one or more print servers 101. Furthermore, when one or more print servers 101 cooperate to function as a print server, one or more print servers 101 may simply be referred to as a print server 101.

[0012] The print server 101 and the storage server 102 are each connected to the Internet 110. The image forming apparatus 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 in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 103 and the information processing terminal 104 are connected to the same LAN 111. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 103 and the information processing terminal 104 may be connected to separate LANs 111.

[0013] The print server 101 provides a web portal to clients (e.g., information processing terminals 104) and, in particular, provides printing services (hereinafter referred to as 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 services may be called cloud print services.

[0014] The storage server 102 provides storage services (e.g., file services) to clients (e.g., print server 101, image forming apparatus 103, and 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 services may be called cloud storage services.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 103 forms an image according to instructions. The generated image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The image forming apparatus 103 may be a digital multifunction device equipped with multiple main functions such as copying, scanning, printing, and faxing. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 103 may be a dedicated machine with a single main function (e.g., printing). The image forming apparatus 103 can communicate with the print server 101 and the storage server 102 via the LAN 111 and the Internet 110.

[0016] The information processing terminal 104 is used, for example, to submit print jobs to the print server 101 or the image forming apparatus 103. The information processing terminal 104 may be a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet, or other information processing device. The information processing terminal 104 can communicate with the print server 101 and the storage server 102 via the LAN 111 and the Internet 110.

[0017] [Example of hardware configuration for an image forming apparatus] Referring to Figure 2(a), an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. Figure 2(a) describes the case where the image forming apparatus 103 is a digital multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 103 has the components shown in Figure 2(a). The image forming apparatus 103 may not include some of the components shown in Figure 2(a), or it may include other components. The above description applies to the image forming apparatus 103 as well as to the hardware configuration examples of other devices described later.

[0018] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is the main execution unit for the control program built into the image forming apparatus 103. The CPU 201 is composed of one or more processors. The CPU 201 controls the operation of devices connected to the controller unit 200 via each I / F and the memory of the storage medium. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 is a non-volatile memory that stores the system's 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 during their execution.

[0019] The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 is a storage device with a larger capacity compared to the RAM 203. The HDD 204 stores the operating system, system software, application software, image data, configuration data, print jobs, user information, etc. Furthermore, the HDD 204 may also store information used for the operation of the image forming apparatus 103, such as fonts. When the CPU 201 executes the program stored in the ROM 202, the program stored in the HDD 204 is loaded into the RAM 203. Subsequently, the CPU 201 executes the program loaded into the RAM 203 and processes the data stored in the RAM 203, ROM 202, and HDD 204. This enables the operation of the image forming apparatus 103.

[0020] If the image forming apparatus 103 is a small multifunction device, the image forming apparatus 103 does not need to include an HDD 204, and system software, application software, etc., may be stored in ROM 202. Instead of an HDD 204, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Disk) or flash memory may be used.

[0021] The network interface (I / F) 205 connects to the network and communicates with external devices on the network. The device interface 206 connects devices that input and output images (printer 211 and scanner 212 in the example of Figure 2(a)) to the controller unit 210. The controller unit 210 inputs or outputs image data to or from the printer 211 and scanner 212 via the device interface 206. The CPU 201 reads the original image by controlling the scanner 212. The image data representing the scanned original image is input to the controller unit 210 via the device interface 206 and stored in the RAM 203 and HDD 204. The stored image data is processed by application programs loaded into RAM 203 as needed. The image data is also output to the printer 211 via the device interface 206, and printed on paper by the CPU 201 controlling the printer 211.

[0022] The Expansion Device I / F207 is a wireless transceiver such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus)® port or Bluetooth® that allows connection of any optional device. The Expansion Device I / F207 enables the connection of optional devices such as ID card readers and biometric authentication devices.

[0023] The control unit interface 208 is an interface for input / output control with the control unit 213, which has a touch panel. The CPU 201 outputs image data to be displayed on the control unit 213 via the control unit interface 208. The CPU 201 also receives input information acquired by the user operating the control unit 213 via the control unit interface 208. Each component included in the controller unit 210 is interconnected by the bus 209.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 103 may be, for example, a printer that does not include a scanner 212. Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 103 is a multifunction device with a fax function, the controller unit 210 may include an interface (not shown) for a modem device, enabling fax transmission by connecting to a public telephone line via a modem device.

[0025] [Example of computer hardware configuration] Referring to Figure 2(b), an example of the hardware configuration of computer 220 will be described. Computer 220 may be used as a print server 101 or as a storage server 102. Each server may consist of one computer 220 or multiple computers 220. The components of computer 220 are interconnected by a bus 229.

[0026] The CPU 221 controls the overall operation of the computer 220 by reading control programs stored in the ROM 222 or HDD 224 into the RAM 223 and executing various processes. The RAM 223 is memory used as the CPU 221's main memory, work area, and other temporary storage areas. 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 input devices (e.g., a keyboard) and output devices (e.g., a display). If the computer 220 provides an interface with the user through the network I / F, the computer 220 does not need to include the device I / F 226.

[0027] [Example of hardware configuration for an information processing terminal] Referring to Figure 2(c), an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing terminal 104 will be described. Each component of the information processing terminal 104 is interconnected by the bus 249.

[0028] The CPU 241 controls the overall operation of the information processing terminal 104 by reading control programs stored in the ROM 242 or HDD 244 and executing various processes. The RAM 243 is memory used as the main memory, work area, and other temporary storage areas 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 input devices (e.g., a keyboard) and output devices (e.g., a display). The input and output devices may be integrated into the information processing terminal 104. The input and output devices may also be called input / output devices or operation units.

[0029] [Example of software configuration for an image forming apparatus] Referring to Figure 3, an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. 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 Figure 3, or it 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 the software configuration examples of other devices described later.

[0030] Operating System 360 provides various resource management services and frameworks optimized for controlling embedded systems for the software running on it. Specifically, these resource management services and frameworks include multitasking management, which enables multiple processes to run virtually in parallel by managing multiple execution contexts for CPU 201 processes, and inter-task communication, which enables synchronization and data exchange between tasks. Furthermore, Operating System 360 also provides memory management, interrupt management, various device drivers, and a protocol stack that implements processing for various protocols such as local interfaces, networks, and communications.

[0031] 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) within the image forming apparatus 103 using RAM 203 or HDD 204. A login application can implement user login control in the image forming apparatus 103 using the authentication information of the local user 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 according to 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.

[0032] The data management module 353 manages image data and various configuration data used when executing image forming jobs. The data management module 353 also manages job execution history, counter information, various data controlled by the application, and device information of the image forming apparatus 103. The device information may include configuration information regarding the configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 and capability information regarding the capabilities of the image forming apparatus 103.

[0033] System service 310 is a software module that manages program updates for the controller platform 350 and operating system 360, as well as device information and network settings. Furthermore, system service 310 constitutes a web portal 311. The web portal 311 can be operated from a remote terminal (for example, an information processing terminal 104).

[0034] The application platform 340 is middleware that can be used by various applications. The application platform 340 makes the mechanisms of the operating system 360 and the controller platform 350 available to various applications. These various applications are contained within the basic application library 320 and the extended application library 330, which will be described later.

[0035] The basic application library 320 is a group of applications that provide the basic functions of the image forming apparatus 103. These applications are stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204 from the initial state when the image forming apparatus 103 is shipped. The extended application library 330 is a group of optional applications that are individually installed and operated 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 according to the user operations received by the operation unit 213.

[0036] In the example in Figure 3, the basic application library 320 includes Copy 321 and Application Manager 322. Copy 321 is an application for executing copy jobs that scan a document and print it on paper. Application Manager 322 is an application for managing the installation and uninstallation of extended applications in the Extended Application Library 330.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 3, the extended application library 330 has the following extended applications installed: user login authentication 331, cloud scan 332, and cloud print 333.

[0038] User login authentication 331 is an application that displays a screen for entering user authentication information on the operation unit 213 and uses the user authentication information entered on the operation unit 213 to perform user login processing for the image forming apparatus 103. User login authentication 331 may perform user login processing not only using user authentication information entered on the operation unit 213, but also using user authentication information read from an ID card reader or biometric authentication device connected via the expansion device I / F 207. User login authentication 331 may also perform user authentication by communicating with the print server 101 via the network I / F 205 and comparing the user authentication information managed on the print server 101 with the user authentication information entered on the image forming apparatus 103. User login authentication 331 may also perform user authentication by comparing the entered user authentication information with the user authentication information managed by the user management module 351.

[0039] Cloud Scan 332 is an application that sends image files generated by scanning a document 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, using the image forming apparatus 103. Cloud Print 333 may also print image data to be printed, received from the storage server 102, using the image forming apparatus 103. Cloud Print 333 sends the print execution result to the print server 101.

[0040] [Example of print server software configuration] Referring to Figure 4, an example of the software configuration of the print server 101 will be described. Figure 4 illustrates the case where the print server 101 is hosted on a cloud platform. The print server 101 has similar functionality in other cases as well.

[0041] Infrastructure 430 is the foundation upon which the print server 101 provides various services. Infrastructure 430 includes virtual machines, storage, networking, and an operating system.

[0042] Platform 420 is a framework that utilizes infrastructure 430 to provide common basic functions to application manager 410. Platform 420 includes a web portal 421, computing 422, storage 423, and database 424.

[0043] The application manager 410 represents a group of applications that run on the platform 420. The application manager 410 includes user management 411, license management 412, authentication management 413, print applications 414, and aggregation / reporting 415.

[0044] User management 411 centrally manages user information on the print server 101. User registration and deletion may also be performed from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 103. User management 411 manages the target user information using the database 424. 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 running on the image forming apparatus 103.

[0045] License management 412 is a web application that provides a web service screen for centrally managing each application on the print server 101 using the web portal 421. Through this web service screen, users can install, register licenses for, and uninstall managed applications. Alternatively, license management 412 may be a web application that provides an API to accept license registration instructions from user login authentication 331 and application management 322, which operate on the image forming apparatus 103. If license registration instructed by application management 322 of the image forming apparatus 103 is successful, license management 412 retrieves the print service utilization application running on the image forming apparatus 103 from storage 423. License management 412 then provides the retrieved print service utilization application to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0046] Authentication management 413 is a web application that provides a web service screen for configuring user login authentication methods using the web portal 421. This web service screen allows for the configuration of user login authentication methods for each application centrally managed on the print server 101. Authentication management 413 manages the target user login authentication methods using storage 423 or database 424. Furthermore, authentication management 413 is a web application that provides an API for receiving instructions from user login authentication 331, which operates on the image forming apparatus 103, to request configuration information. Authentication management 413 also handles access to various web service screens provided by the application manager 410 and user authentication during API calls.

[0047] The user management 411, license management 412, and authentication management 413, which are executed on the print server 101, can work in conjunction with the user login authentication 331, which is executed on the image forming apparatus 103. This makes it possible to log in to the image forming apparatus 103 using a unified user authentication method and authentication information.

[0048] The print application 414 is a web application that uses the web portal 421 to provide an API that receives instructions to request documents to be printed and instructions to execute printing from the cloud print 333, which is executed on the image forming apparatus 103. In response to receiving an instruction to request documents to be printed, the print application 414 returns a list of documents to be printed that exist in the target storage. Also, in response to receiving an instruction to execute printing, the print application 414 uses computing 422 to convert the data to be printed into a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103. Alternatively, the print application 414 may be a web application that provides an API to receive print jobs sent via email from the information processing terminal 104 and an API to receive instructions to request print jobs from the cloud print 333.

[0049] The print application 414 of the print server 101 and the cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 103 can operate in conjunction. This allows the user to execute the same print workflow in the image forming apparatus 103 as they would on the print server 101.

[0050] The aggregation / reporting 415 is a web application that provides an API for receiving job execution results transmitted from the cloud scan 332 and cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 103 using the web portal 421. Alternatively, the aggregation / reporting 415 may be a web application that uses computing 422 to aggregate the received job execution results and provides a web service screen that displays those aggregated results.

[0051] The web service screens and APIs provided by the application manager 410 are managed individually on a tenant basis, and for example, a different URL is generated for each tenant. Similarly, the data managed by the application manager 410 is also managed individually on a tenant basis. A tenant may refer to a management unit within the print system 100, and for example, tenants may be organized by company or organizational unit.

[0052] [Software configuration of information processing terminals] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing terminal 104 in this embodiment. The program running on the information processing terminal 104 includes a network communication unit 510, a web page display unit 520, and a PC application 530. 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 also be a web browser. The PC application 530 generates a print job according to the user's operations and submits the print job to the print server 101 via the network communication unit 510.

[0053] [How to register an image forming apparatus with a print server] Referring to Figure 6, a method for registering the image forming apparatus 103 with the print server 101 and installing an application for using the print server 101 on the print server 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 103's processing is achieved by reading a program stored in ROM 202 into RAM 203 and executing it on CPU 201. Similarly, the print server 101's processing is achieved by reading a program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221. The method shown in Figure 6 is initiated when a user 600 of the image forming apparatus 103 (for example, an administrator) instructs the display of a screen for registering a usage license for the print server 101 using the operation unit 213.

[0054] In S601, the application management unit 322 of the image forming apparatus 103 receives a request 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 called the license registration screen. In S602, the application management unit 322 displays the license registration screen on the operation unit 213.

[0055] Referring to Figure 7, an example of the license registration screen 700 is described. The license registration screen 700 includes a license key input field 701 and an apply button 702. User 600 enters a license key obtained in advance to extend the functions of the image forming apparatus 103 into the license key input field 701 of the license registration screen 700 and operates the apply button 702. In S603, the application manager 322 retrieves the license key entered into the license key input field 701 in response to the operation of the apply button 702.

[0056] In S604, the application manager 322 sends the license key obtained 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 pre-stored in, for example, ROM 202. The device identification information is, for example, a serial number. The address of the print server 101 is also pre-stored in, for example, HDD 204.

[0057] In S605, the license management unit 412 of the print server 101 verifies the license key received in S604. The example in Figure 6 describes the case where the license key is determined to be valid.

[0058] In S606, the license management system 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 system 412 may also register the image forming apparatus 103 in association with a specific tenant. The license management system 412 may identify the tenant to which the image forming apparatus 103 is associated in any way. For example, the license management system 412 may associate the license key with a specific tenant when issuing it, and then identify the tenant based on the license key obtained in S604. Alternatively, in S604, the license management system 412 may further obtain the tenant ID of the tenant using the image forming apparatus 103 from the image forming apparatus 103.

[0059] In S607, the license manager 412 sends an application for using the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103. In S608, the application manager 322 installs the received application to the image forming apparatus 103. This process makes cloud printing 333 available for use in the image forming apparatus 103.

[0060] In S609, the cloud print 333 obtains device information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the data management module 353 and sends it to the print server 101. Refer to Figures 8 to 10 to explain various examples of device information. "serialNo" indicates the serial number. As mentioned above, the serial number is an example of device identification information. "modelName" 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. "settingCapabilities" indicates the print settings available on the image forming apparatus 103. "registeredAt" indicates the registration date and time. Of these items, "serialNo", "modelName", "firmwareVersion", "region", "licenses", and "registeredAt" may be classified as configuration information. "printableFormat" and "settingCapabilities" may be classified as capability information.

[0061] The "settingCapabilities" section further contains "capability," "type," and "value" fields for each available print setting. "Capability" represents the name of the print setting, "type" represents the type of print setting value, and "value" represents the range of values ​​for the available print setting. This will be explained in more detail using the examples in Figures 8 to 10.

[0062] First, in the image forming apparatus 103 with "serialNo" "AAA00001" shown in Figure 8, the output paper size setting "MediaSize" is a setting value defined by "value," which is "A3." This indicates that the image forming apparatus 103 "AAA00001" is an A3 machine. The color setting "Color" is a setting value defined by "selective," which indicates that "CL" (representing color) and "BW" (representing monochrome) can be selected during printing. The stapling setting "Staple" is a setting value defined by "selective." This setting indicates that the stapling position can be selected from four locations on the output paper: top left "TopLeft," top right "TopRight," bottom left "BottomLeft," and bottom right "BottomRight." The duplex setting "Plex" is a setting value defined by "value," which is "true," meaning that duplex printing is possible. The page aggregation setting "N-up" is a setting value defined as "selective," indicating that it can be selected from the following page aggregation settings: "1in1," "2in1," "4in1," "6in1," "9in1," and "16in1."

[0063] Similarly, in the image forming apparatus 103 with "serialNo" "BBB00001" shown in Figure 9, we will explain the differences from "AAA00001" shown in Figure 8. The setting value for the paper size setting "MediaSize" is "A4," which represents an A4 machine, the stapling setting "Staple" is unavailable, and the page aggregation setting "N-up" is only available for "1in1," "2in1," and "4in1." Also, in the image forming apparatus 103 with "serialNo" "CCC00001" shown in Figure 10, the color setting "Color" is only available for monochrome "BW." Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 103 with "serialNo" "CCC00001," the stapling setting "Staple" and the page aggregation setting "N-up" are unavailable.

[0064] In S610, the print application 414 registers the device information received from the image forming apparatus 103 in association with the image forming apparatus 103. Specifically, the print application 414 identifies one image forming apparatus 103 from among the one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the database 424 that has the "serialNo" of the received device information. The print application 414 stores the device information in the database 424 in association with this image forming apparatus 103.

[0065] Through the above operations, the image forming apparatus 103 is registered with the print server 101 as a device available to the print server 101.

[0066] [How to install PC applications on an information processing terminal] Referring to Figure 11, a method for accessing the Web portal 421 of the print server 101 from the information processing terminal 104 and installing a PC application 530 for using the print server 101 on the information processing terminal 104 will be described. Processing on the information processing terminal 104 is achieved by reading a program stored in ROM 242 into RAM 243 and executing it on CPU 241. Similarly, processing on the print server 101 is achieved by reading a program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221. The method shown in Figure 11 is initiated when the user 900 of the information processing terminal 104 instructs access to the Web portal 421 via device I / F 246 using the operation unit.

[0067] In S1101, the Web page display unit 520 of the information processing terminal 104 receives an instruction from user 900 via I / F246 to access the Web portal 421. In S1102, the Web page display unit 520 requests the print server 101 to display the screen of the Web portal 421 via the network communication unit 510, in response to the instruction received in S1101. In S1103, the Web portal 421 sends an authentication screen for logging into the Web portal 421 to the information processing terminal 104 via the print server 101, in response to the request in S1102. In S1104, the Web page display unit 520 displays the screen received from the print server 101 on the display of the information processing terminal 104 via the device I / F246.

[0068] Referring to Figure 12, an example of an authentication screen 1200 for logging into the Web portal 421 is described. The authentication screen 1200 includes an input field 1201 for entering a tenant ID, an input field 1202 for entering a user ID, and an input field 1203 for entering a password. The authentication screen 1200 further includes a login button 1204 for obtaining login instructions. User 900 enters the requested information into input fields 1201 to 1203 and operates the login button 1204.

[0069] In S1105, the web page display unit 520 retrieves the information entered in input fields 1201 to 1203 in response to the operation of the login button 1204. This information may be called authentication information as it is used for user authentication. In S1106, the web page display unit 520 sends an authentication request containing the authentication information obtained in S1105 to the print server 101.

[0070] In S1107, the authentication management unit 413 of the print server 101 verifies the authentication information received in S1106. In the example in Figure 11, it is assumed that this verification is successful. In S1108, the Web portal 421 sends its screen to the information processing terminal 104. This screen is called the portal screen. In S1109, the Web page display unit 520 displays the portal screen received in S1108 on the display of the information processing terminal 104 via the device I / F 246.

[0071] Refer to Figures 13 to 15 to explain an example of a portal screen. The portal screen 1300 in Figure 13 is the screen displayed when the list menu 1302 is selected from menu 1301. The portal screen 1300 includes a registered printer list 1306. The registered printer list 1306 displays a list of image forming machines registered in the tenant to which user 900, authenticated in S1107, belongs, and information about each image forming machine. In the example in Figure 13, the model name, serial number, and registration date are displayed as information about the image forming machine. Alternatively, or in addition to these, device information may be displayed as information about the image forming machine 103.

[0072] The portal screen 1400 in Figure 14 is the screen displayed when the settings menu 1303 is selected from menu 1301. The portal screen 1400 includes a field 1401 containing a pull-down menu for specifying the default print settings and a button for instructing the user to save. The user 900 can change these print settings.

[0073] The portal screen 1500 in Figure 15 is the screen displayed when the print menu 1304 is selected from menu 1301. The portal screen 1500 includes a field 1501 for specifying the data to be printed, a field 1502 for specifying print settings, and a button 1503 for instructing the user to execute the print job.

[0074] The portal screen 1600 in Figure 16 is the screen displayed when the application settings menu 1305 is selected from menu 1301. The portal screen 1600 includes a button 1601 for instructing the download of a PC application 530 provided by the print server 101. Once such a PC application 530 is installed, the information processing terminal 104 becomes able to send print instructions for files from its software to the print server 101. The software of the information processing terminal 104 may include, for example, document software or spreadsheet software.

[0075] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11, at S1110, the web page display unit 520 detects that the user 900 has operated button 1401 on the portal screen 1600. At S1111, the web page display unit 520 requests the PC application 530 from the print server 101 in response to the operation of button 1601. At S1112, the web portal 421 reads the PC application 530 stored in the storage 423 and sends it to the information processing terminal 104. The web portal 421 notifies the user 900 that the reception of the PC application 530 is complete.

[0076] In S1113, the web page display unit 520 detects that the user 900 has instructed the installation of an application. In S1114, the web page display unit 520 installs the PC application 530 received in S1112.

[0077] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, an example of using the PC application 530 installed in S1114 will be described. The screen in Figure 17 is for instructing the print server 101 to print a file opened in spreadsheet software installed on the information processing terminal 104. The screen for instructing the print server 101 to print is referred to as the print instruction screen. The print instruction screen 1700 includes a button 1701 for instructing print and a printer selection list 1702 for specifying the image forming machine to execute the print using a pull-down menu. Furthermore, screen 1700 includes a print settings button 1703 for instructing the display of the print settings screen corresponding to the image forming machine selected in the printer selection list 1702, and a preview display 1704. The PC application 530 was installed on the information processing terminal 104 in S1114. Therefore, when user 900 performs a print operation using spreadsheet or other software installed on the information processing terminal 104, a printer for instructing the print server 101 to print becomes selectable in the printer selection list 1702. On the print instruction screen 1700, when user 900 operates the printer selection list 1702 in the printer selection dropdown menu, a list of selectable printers is displayed. The display flow and screen examples of the print settings screen will be described later using Figures 19, 20, and 21-25. On the print instruction screen 1700, user 900 has selected the hold print 1705 as the printer to execute the print. In response to user 900 operating the print settings button 1703, the PC application 530 displays the print settings screen, and user 900 sets the print settings for the data to be printed. Then, in response to user 900 operating the print instruction button 1701, the PC application 530 instructs the print server 101 to print the target data with the specified print settings.

[0078] The print instruction screen 1800 in Figure 18 shows the print instruction screen 1700 in Figure 17, after the user 900 has operated the pull-down printer selection list 1702, displaying a list of printers 1805 to 1808 registered with the print server 101. "Cloud Print Service (Retained Printing)" 1805 is an item for performing retained printing to the cloud print service provided by the print server 101. Assume that the user 900 has selected "Cloud Print Service (Retained Printing)" 1705 in the printer selection list 1702 on the print instruction screen 1700, and has then operated the print instruction button 1701. In this case, the data to be printed is retained as a print job on the print server 101 that provides the Cloud Print Service (Retained Printing) 1705. Then, any image forming apparatus 103 registered with the print server 101 can execute printing of the print job. The printers 1806-1808 in the pull-down printer selection list 1702 represent the image forming machines 103 registered with the print server 101. On screen 1800, the registered printers AAA00001, BBB00001, and CCC00001 are displayed as described in Figures 8-10 and 13-16. When user 900 selects one of the image forming machines 1806-1808 from the printer selection list 1702 and operates the print command button 1701, the selected image forming machine 103 will print the file to be printed.

[0079] Referring to Figure 19, a method for inputting print data based on user 900's specifications into print server 101 via PC application 530 installed on information processing terminal 104 will be described. The sequence in Figure 19 is realized by information processing terminal 104 and print server 101 communicating via a network and executing their respective processes. Processing on information processing terminal 104 is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 242 into RAM 243 and executing it on CPU 241. Similarly, processing on print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221. The method in Figure 19 is initiated when user 900 of information processing terminal 104 issues a print command via device I / F 246 for a file opened in software such as a spreadsheet installed on information processing terminal 104.

[0080] In S1901, user 900 uses the control panel of the information processing terminal 104 to instruct the printing of a file opened in software such as a spreadsheet installed on the information processing terminal 104 via the device I / F246.

[0081] In S1902, the PC application 530 displays a screen 1700 on the display of the information processing terminal 104, instructing it to print a file. In S1903, user 900 uses the operation panel of the information processing terminal 104 to select the printer to use on screen 1700 via device I / F246. On screen 1700, when user 900 operates the pull-down printer selection list 1702, the screen transitions to screen 1800. On screen 1800, user 900 selects one of the candidate printers 1805 to 1808 from the pull-down printer selection list 1702. On screen 1800, it is possible to select the following printers from the cloud print service: fixed printing 1805, multifunction printer AAA000011806, multifunction printer BBB000011807, and multifunction printer CCC000011807.

[0082] In S1903, user 900 selects a printer from printers 1805 to 1808 on screen 1800 to print the file to be printed. In S1904, PC application 530 displays the screen 1700, which was selected by user 900, for example, when print retention 1805 is selected, on the display of information processing device 104.

[0083] In S1905, when user 900 operates the print settings button 1703, PC application 530 displays the print settings screen corresponding to the printer selected in S1903.

[0084] Referring to Figure 20, the method for displaying the print settings screen for S1906 will be explained. This method is achieved by the PC application 530 on the information processing terminal 104 and the print application 414 on the print server 101 communicating via a network and executing their respective processes. The processing of the PC application 530 is achieved by reading the program stored in ROM 242 into RAM 243 and executing it on CPU 241. Similarly, the processing of the print application 414 on the print server 101 is achieved by reading the program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221.

[0085] The flowchart in Figure 20 begins when user 900 operates the print settings button 1703 on screen 1700. In S2001, PC application 530 determines whether the printer selected when the print button 1703 is operated supports fixed printing. Specifically, the PC application determines whether "Cloud Print Service (Fixed Printing)" 1805 is selected from the printer list on screen 1800, or whether one of the other printers (multifunction devices) 1806-1808 is selected. If printers (multifunction devices) 1806-1808 are selected, push printing is performed, specifying the image forming apparatus 103 for printing. If the determination is that it is fixed printing (S2001 is YES), the process transitions to S2002; if it is not fixed printing (S2001 is NO), the process transitions to S2002.

[0086] In S2002, the PC application 530 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 to which user 900, who issued the print command, belongs. The PC application 530 may obtain the information of the image forming apparatus 103 to which user 900 belongs at the information processing terminal 104, or it may obtain it from the print server 101.

[0087] First, we will describe the case where the PC application 530 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 associated with the tenant ID corresponding to user 900 on the information processing terminal 104. When user 900 installs the PC application 530 in S1114, the PC application 530 acquires information on the image forming apparatus 103 registered with the tenant ID to which user 900 belongs and saves it to the HDD 244. The PC application 530 then retrieves the information on the image forming apparatus 103 associated with the tenant ID corresponding to user 900 from the HDD 244. Alternatively, when user 900 logs in to the Web portal 421 on the authentication screen 1200, information on the image forming apparatus 103 registered with the tenant to which user 900 belongs may also be saved to the HDD 244 of the information processing terminal 104. The PC application 530 may also acquire information on one or more image forming apparatuses 103 included in the registered printer list 1306 on the portal screen 1300.

[0088] Next, we will describe how the print server 101 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 registered to the tenant ID to which user 900 belongs. The PC application 530 sends the user ID of user 900 to the print server 101. The user ID is stored in the information processing terminal 104. The print application 414 of the print server 101 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 to which user 900, who issued the print command, belongs. First, the print application 414 identifies the tenant to which user 900 belongs. The print application 414 may obtain the tenant ID entered in the input field 1201 of the authentication screen 1200 from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may associate the user ID of the user with the tenant ID of the tenant to which this user belongs and store them, and identify the tenant ID based on the user ID obtained from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may query another server that stores the user ID of a user in association with the tenant ID of the tenant to which the user belongs, for the tenant ID. The print application 414 then refers to the database 424 to identify one or more image forming machines 103 that are registered in association with the tenant ID. One or more image forming machines 103 that are registered in association with a particular tenant may match one or more image forming machines 103 included in the registered printer list 1306 on the portal screen 1300. The print application 414 may send the information identifying one or more image forming machines 103 that are registered in association with the acquired tenant ID to the information processing terminal 104, or it may proceed with processing S2003 without sending the information.

[0089] In S2003, the PC application 530 sends information about the image forming apparatus 103 registered in the tenant to which user 900 belongs to the print server 101 and obtains device information for each image forming apparatus 103. Alternatively, instead of the PC application 530 sending information about the image forming apparatus 103 registered in the tenant to which user 900 belongs to the print server 101, the print application 414 may obtain the device information following S2002.

[0090] The print application 414 of the print server 101 retrieves device information for each registered image forming apparatus 103 from the database 424 and transmits it to the information processing terminal 104. The device information retrieved here is the information described in Figures 8 to 10. For example, if the printer identified in S2002 is 1806, which indicates image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001"), the corresponding device information shown in Figure 8 is retrieved. If it is image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "BBB00001"), the device information shown in Figure 9 is retrieved. Also, if it is image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "CCC00001"), the device information shown in Figure 10 is retrieved.

[0091] The PC application 530 on the information processing terminal 104 generates a print settings screen common to one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered on the print server 101. In the case of fixed-position printing, after submitting a print job to the print server 101, it is possible to issue a print command from any image forming apparatus 103 registered on the print server 101 and execute the print. With the common print settings of this embodiment, any image forming apparatus 103 registered on the print server 101 can execute the print with the print settings set by the user 900 reflected.

[0092] In this embodiment, the "common print settings" refer to any print settings that can be set in at least one of the image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the print server 101. For example, the common print settings may be the union of the print settings available in any of the image forming apparatuses 103. Alternatively, the common print settings may be those common to the print settings available in each of the image forming apparatuses 103. In this case, the print settings set by the user 900 using the common print settings for print data can be applied to the print data in any of the image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the print server 101. In the following description, the former, i.e., the union of the print settings available in any of the image forming apparatuses 103, will be used as the common print settings. An example of the generated print settings screen is detailed in S2005, Figures 21 to 25.

[0093] S2003 and S2004 are processes for so-called push printing. In S2003, the PC application 530 obtains the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 selected in S2001 from the print server 101 via the network communication unit 510. The print application 414 on the print server 101 obtains the device information of the selected image forming apparatus 103 from the database 424 and transmits it to the information processing terminal 104. The device information obtained here is the information explained in Figures 8 to 10. For example, if the printer selected in S2001 is 1806, which indicates image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001"), the device information shown in Figure 8 is obtained. If it is image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "BBB00001"), the device information shown in Figure 9 is obtained. Also, if it is image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "CCC00001"), the device information shown in Figure 10 is obtained.

[0094] In S2004, the PC application 530 generates a print settings screen corresponding to the printer selected in S2001, based on the device information acquired in S2003. An example of the print settings screen generated in S2004 is detailed in S2005, Figures 21 to 25.

[0095] In S2005, the PC application 530 displays the print settings screen generated in S2002 or S2004 on the display of the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, instead of the PC application 530 generating the print settings screen, the print application 414 of the print server 101 may generate it and send it to the information processing terminal 104.

[0096] Referring to Figures 21 to 25, the print settings screens displayed on the information processing terminal 104 by the PC application 530 will be explained. The print settings screen 2100 in Figure 21 and the print settings screen 2200 in Figure 22 are examples of print settings screens common to the image forming apparatus 103, which is generated by S2002 and supports retained printing. Print settings screens 2100 and 2200 are also print settings screens generated by S2004, which corresponds to the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001").

[0097] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001") is configured to be able to use the maximum number of print settings among the image forming apparatuses 103 registered in the print server 101. Therefore, the print setting screen generated in S2004 according to the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001") will be described as being the same as the printer common screen in S2002. The setting screen 2100 in Figure 21 is a setting screen that includes the maximum number of print settings available for any of the image forming apparatuses 103. On the setting screen 2100, it is possible to set the output paper size setting 2111, the print orientation setting 2112, the number of copies setting 2113, the single-sided / double-sided setting 2114, the page aggregation setting 2115, the color setting 2116, the binding direction setting 2117, and the staple setting 2118.

[0098] On the print settings screen 2100, if the user 900 presses the "Restore Defaults" button 2121, the print settings changed on the print settings screen 2100 will be reverted to the default settings. If the user 900 presses the "Save" button 2122, the settings currently set on the print settings screen 2100 at the time the "Save" button 2122 is pressed will be saved. If the user 900 presses the "Close" button 2123, the print settings screen 2100 will be closed and the user will be redirected to screen 1700.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in the print settings screen 2200 in Figure 22, for example, the page aggregation screen setting 2115 allows the user to select the type of page aggregation from the pull-down display 2215. On the print settings screen 2200, the user 900 can select page aggregation from "1in1", "2in1", "4in1", "6in1", "9in1", and "16in1" shown in the pull-down display 2215.

[0100] Next, the print setting screens 2300 and 2400 in Figures 23 and 24 are examples of print setting screens generated by S2004 according to the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "BBB00001"). Corresponding to the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "BBB00001") explained in Figure 9, the staple setting 2318 is grayed out and cannot be set. Also, the selectable values ​​for page aggregation can be selected from "1in1", "2in1", and "4in1" on the pull-down display 2415.

[0101] The print settings screen 2500 in Figure 25 is an example of a print settings screen generated by S2004 according to the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "CCC00001"). According to the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "CCC00001") explained in Figure 10, the page aggregation setting 2515, color setting 2516, and staple setting 2518 are grayed out and cannot be set.

[0102] Returning to the explanation of the sequence in Figure 19, in S1907, user 900 configures the print settings for the file to be printed on the print settings screen displayed in S1906. The print settings screen is as described above in Figures 21 to 25. In S1908, PC application 530 reflects the print settings configured by user 900 using the control panel as print settings to be used in the print data generation process described later, via device I / F 246.

[0103] In S1908, the PC application 530 saves the print settings made by user 900 on the print settings screen 2100. For example, on the print settings screen 2100 shown in Figure 21, if user 900 operates the "Save" button 2122 or the "Close" button 2123, the PC application 530 saves the print settings. When user 900 operates the "Save" button 2342, the PC application 530 saves the print settings currently set on the print settings screen 2100. Also, when user 900 operates the "Close" button 2123, the PC application 530 saves the print settings at the start of S1906.

[0104] In S1909, when the print button 1701 on screen 1700 is operated by user 900, the PC application 530 receives a print execution command via device I / F 246.

[0105] Upon receiving a print command, the PC application 530 generates a print job from the file to be printed and the print settings configured in S1907 using the print settings screen 2100, etc., and saved in S1908. The PC application 530 then sends the generated print job to the print server 101 via the network communication unit 510. The data to be printed is referred to as print data. The settings for printing are referred to as print settings. The data of the print settings included in the print job and sent to the print server 101 is referred to as print setting data.

[0106] Referring to Figure 26, the print setting data included in the print job that the PC application 530 sends to the print server 101 in S1910 will be explained. The print setting data includes items such as "SerialNo" which specifies the serial number of the image forming apparatus 103 that will perform the print, "printType" which indicates whether the print type is pull print or not, and "printSettings" which indicates the print setting values ​​to be used. In the example in Figure 26, if "printType" is "pull" which indicates pull print, the "SerialNo" item can be set to "any" which indicates any registered printer. In addition, the "printSettings" item contains the setting values ​​that were reflected in S1908. In the example in Figure 26, the output paper size "MediaSize" is set to "A3", and the color setting "Color" is set to "CL". Furthermore, in the example in Figure 26, the stapling setting "Staple" is set to "TopLeft", the duplex setting "Plex" is set to "true" (duplex), and the page aggregation "N-up" is set to "2in1".

[0107] Returning to the explanation of the sequence in Figure 19, at S1910, the print server 101 receives a print job sent from the PC application 530. At S1911, the print application 414 on the print server converts the data to be printed in the received print job.

[0108] [How a print server converts print data] Referring to Figure 27, the method by which the print server 101 converts print data for transmission to the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. The flowchart in Figure 27 shows the method by which the print server 101 converts the data to be printed, included in the print job received from the information processing terminal 104, into a format printable by the image forming apparatus 103, as shown at S1911 in Figure 19. The processing by the print server 101 is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221. The method in Figure 27 is started when the information processing terminal 104 sends a print command to the print server 101. The print command is performed, for example, by operating button 1503 on the portal screen 1500 and button 1701 on screen 1700. The flow in Figure 27 corresponds to the print data conversion process at S1911 in Figure 19.

[0109] In the following explanation, it is assumed that user 900, who installed the application on the information processing terminal 104 in the process shown in Figure 11, issues a print command. Alternatively, the application installation and the print command may be performed by separate users 900. In this example, the print server 101 obtains the print data from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may obtain the destination for saving the print data from the information processing terminal 104 and obtain the print data from an information processing device different from the information processing terminal 104 (for example, a storage server 102).

[0110] In S2701, the print application 414 of the print server 101 receives a print job sent from the information processing terminal 104 in S1910 of Figure 19. The print job includes print data and print setting data as shown in Figure 26.

[0111] In S2702, the print application 414 of the print server 101 determines whether the received print job is a hold print. The print application 414 determines whether the value of "printType" in the print setting data of the print job shown in Figure 26 is "pull", which indicates a hold print. Alternatively, the determination here could be made by determining whether "printType" is "push", which indicates a push print. Alternatively, the determination here could be made by any other method as long as the print application 414 of the print server 101 can determine whether the received print instruction is a hold print. In S2702, if the value of "printType" is "pull", which indicates a hold print (if S2701 is YES), the process proceeds to S2703; otherwise, the process proceeds to S2705 (if S1307 is NO).

[0112] In S2702, if the print application 414 determines that the print instruction is for a hold print, the print server 101 processes the print data as a hold print. That is, the print server 101 holds the print data until it receives an additional instruction from the user 900, and then transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 103 in response to the additional instruction from the user 900.

[0113] In S2703, the print application 414 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 registered to the user 900 who issued the print command. First, the print application 414 identifies the tenant to which user 900 belongs. The print application 414 may obtain the tenant ID entered in the input field 1201 of the authentication screen 1200 from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may store the user's user ID in association with the tenant ID of the tenant to which this user belongs, and identify the tenant ID based on the user ID obtained from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may query the tenant ID from another server that stores the user's user ID in association with the tenant ID of the tenant to which this user belongs. After that, 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 machines 103 registered in association with a specific tenant may match one or more image forming machines 103 included in the registered printer list 1306 on the portal screen 1300.

[0114] In S2704, the print application 414 retrieves device information registered in the database 424 from the information of each image forming apparatus 103 acquired in S2703. The device information to be acquired is obtained in the format shown in Figures 8 to 10 for each image forming apparatus 103. Then, the process transitions to S2706.

[0115] On the other hand, in S2702, if the print application 414 determines that the print instruction is not a hold print, the print server 101 processes it as a push print. That is, the print server 101 sends the print job to the image forming apparatus 103 specified by the user 900.

[0116] In S2705, the print application 414 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 specified by the user 900 from the value of "serialNo" included in the print setting data of the print job received in S2701. The print application 414 obtains device information registered in the database 424 from the information of the image forming apparatus 103. The device information to be obtained is obtained in the format shown in Figures 8 to 10, depending on the image forming apparatus 103. Then, the process transitions to S2706.

[0117] In S2706, the print application 414 refers to the device information of each image forming apparatus 103 acquired in S2704 or S2705 to identify data formats that can be printed on at least one of the identified image forming apparatuses 103. The identified data formats may be managed in a list. This list is referred to as the data format list.

[0118] As described above, the print server 101 obtains device information from the image forming apparatus 103 using the messages shown in Figures 8 to 10, and manages the device information for each image forming apparatus 103 in the database 424. The image forming apparatus 103 with the device information in Figure 8 (serial number "AAA00001") can print in "PDF" and "LIPSLX" data formats. The image forming apparatus 103 with the device information in Figure 9 (serial number "BBB00001") can print in "LIPSLX" data format. The image forming apparatus 103 with the device information in Figure 10 (serial number "CCC00001") can print in "JPEG" data format.

[0119] If it is determined in S2702 that it is a retained print, one or more image forming apparatuses 103 are identified by the print application 414, and device information for each image forming apparatus 103 is obtained in S2704.

[0120] If it is determined in S2702 that it is not a retained print, i.e., a push print, then one image forming apparatus 103 to perform the printing is specified. Therefore, in S2705, the device information of the specified image forming apparatus 103 is obtained.

[0121] In S2706, the print application 414 identifies printable data formats based on the device information of the specified image forming apparatus 103. The print application 414 may also identify printable data formats in a data format list. For example, if an image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "AAA00001") having the device information shown in Figure 8 is designated by user 900 as the image forming apparatus to perform printing, it can print in "PDF" and "LIPSLX" data formats. In this case, the print application 413 may identify "PDF" and "LIPSLX" as printable data formats. Alternatively, the print application 413 may identify either "PDF" or "LIPSLX" as a preferred printable data format.

[0122] For example, suppose that three image forming machines 103 with serial numbers "AAA00001", "BBB00001", and "CCC0001" are registered in the tenant to which user 900 belongs. The print application 414 identifies the union of the data formats of the device information of the three image forming machines 103, {"PDF", "LIPSLX", "JPEG"}, as a printable data format. The print application 414 may also use {"LIPSLX", "JPEG"} instead of the union of data formats as a printable data format. Since printing can be performed on any of the image forming machines 103 if it is {"LIPSLX", "JPEG"}, the print application 414 may prioritize the data format common to multiple image forming machines 103 when identifying a printable data format.

[0123] In S2706, if there are multiple values ​​for "printableFormat" of the image forming apparatus 103, the print application 414 may preferentially select a conversion format that does not require conversion time or cost as the printable data format. For example, if the value of "printableFormat" includes "PDF", the print application 414 may preferentially identify "PDF" as the printable data format.

[0124] In S2707, the print application 414 converts the print data received in S2701 into one or more data formats identified in S2706. In the example of a tenant where the three image forming apparatuses 103 described above are registered, the print application 414 converts the print data into the respective data formats of "PDF," "LIPSLX," and "JPEG." At this time, the print application 414 converts the print data into each data format based on the print setting data and stores the converted data.

[0125] For example, the print application 414 saves the converted print data to the storage 423. The print application 414 may also save the converted print data in association with the identification information of the generated print job and the user 900 (specifically, their user ID) who issued the print command. In addition, if it is not a retained print job, the print application 414 may save the converted print data in association with the information of the image forming apparatus 103 that performs the printing.

[0126] [How to print print data from a print server using an image forming machine] Referring to Figure 28, we will now describe how to print data from the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103 using push printing, in the case of non-retained printing. Figure 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating the detailed processing steps for a print job saved according to the flow described in Figure 27, which is executed by specifying a particular image forming apparatus 103 instead of using retained printing.

[0127] This sequence is realized by the print server 101 and the image forming apparatus 103 communicating via a network and executing their respective processes. The print server 101's processing is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221. Similarly, the image forming apparatus 103's processing is realized by reading a program stored in ROM 204 into RAM 203 and executing it on CPU 220. Furthermore, the processing described in this sequence is initiated when a print job is saved to storage 423 according to the flow described in Figure 27.

[0128] In S2801, the cloud print application 414 retrieves the print job stored in storage 423 in S2707 and determines whether the print job is a retained print job or not. The determination is made for the print job in the same way as described in S2702. If the determination is that it is a retained print job, the process shown in Figure 29 below is performed; otherwise, the process transitions to "Opt If the print job is not a retained print job" in Figure 28.

[0129] In S2802, the cloud print application 414 obtains information about the image forming apparatus 103 that will perform the printing, which is included in the print job. Next, the cloud print application 414 notifies the image forming apparatus 103 that will perform the printing of the print job identification information via the network I / F 225. The image forming apparatus 103 and the print server 101 are connected by a protocol that allows for constant connectivity, such as WebSocket or MQTT. The notification in this process may also be made by including the print job identification information in the payload of a push notification using those protocols.

[0130] In S2803, the cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 103 requests the print server 101 to acquire print data that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103, corresponding to the print job instructed to be printed by the user 900. In this print data acquisition request, the cloud print 333 may send to the print server 101 information that identifies the image forming apparatus 103 on which it is installed, such as the serial number.

[0131] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printer to which user 900 issued a print command, following the flow in Figure 19, was "PrinterB" from the list of registered printers described in Figure 13. The print data acquisition request S2803 may also include the serial number of the image forming apparatus 103, "BBB00001," and be sent to the print server 101.

[0132] In S2804, the print data converted to the printable data format identified in S2705 of Figure 27 is identified. In the case of non-retained printing, the image forming apparatus 103 specified by the user performs the printing, so only one image forming apparatus 103 is specified to perform the printing. Therefore, in S2705 of Figure 27, the converted and saved data is in a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103 that performs the printing, as specified by the user 900. In S2805, the print application 414 transmits the data converted to the printable data format to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network I / F 225.

[0133] <Variation> In S2803, the case where the cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 103 sends information to the print server 101, including information identifying the image forming apparatus 103, will be described. In this case, the same processing as in S2921 to S2924 of the retained printing described later in Figure 29 is performed. In the modified example, the print server 101 determines the print data that has been converted into a printable data format to be sent to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0134] In S2804, the print application 414, upon receiving the print data acquisition request, identifies the data format of the print data to be sent to the image forming apparatus 103 in response to the request received in S2804. Specifically, the print application 414 acquires the serial number of the requesting image forming apparatus 103 included in the print data acquisition request. Based on the acquired serial number of the image forming apparatus 103, the print application 414 acquires device information corresponding to the image forming apparatus 103 from the database 424. In this embodiment, the print application 414 acquires the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 corresponding to the serial number "BBB00001", i.e., the device information shown in Figure 9. Based on the identified device information, the print application 414 identifies the data format that this image forming apparatus 103 can print. Next, the print application 414 identifies the printable data format from the acquired device information based on the value of "PrintableFormat". As described above with reference to Figure 9, the image forming apparatus 103 with serial number "BBB00001" can print data in "LIPSLX" format.

[0135] If there are multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103, the print application 414 may select one of the multiple printable data formats in any way. For example, the data formats may have a predetermined priority, and the print application 414 may select the data format with the highest priority among the multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103. Alternatively, the print application 414 may select one data format from the multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103 in a round-robin or random manner. Alternatively, if there are multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103, 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. For example, if the print application 414 includes "PDF" in the "printableFormat" value of the device information of the image forming apparatus 103, it may preferentially specify "PDF" as the printable data format.

[0136] In S2805, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming apparatus 103 the print data requested by the image forming apparatus 103, which has already been converted to the data format specified in S2804 and stored in the storage 423. If multiple data formats are specified in S2922, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming apparatus 103 the print data that has been converted to each of the multiple data formats.

[0137] In S2806, the cloud print 333 prints the print data received in S2805. If the cloud print 333 receives print data converted into multiple data formats in S2805, it prints the print data of one of the data formats. If the image forming apparatus 103 receives print data converted into multiple data formats in S2805, it may select the print data of one of the data formats based on priority and execute printing. The method of determining priority is not limited, but it may be an order that minimizes the time required for printing.

[0138] [A method for printing print data stored on a print server using an image forming apparatus.] Referring to Figure 29, the method for printing the print data stored in the print server 101 using the image forming apparatus 103 when it is determined to be a retained print in S2801 of Figure 28 will be described. The processing of the image forming apparatus 103 is realized by reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it on the CPU 201. Similarly, the processing of the print server 101 is realized by reading the program stored in the ROM 222 into the RAM 223 and executing it on the CPU 221. At the start of the execution of the method in Figure 18, the method in Figure 16 has finished, and the converted print data is stored in the print server 101. The method in Figure 29 is started in response to the user 900 operating (for example, touching) the operation unit 213 of the image forming apparatus 103. In the following description, it is assumed that the user 900 who issued the print command in the process of Figure 19 operates the image forming apparatus 103 in Figure 29. The method shown in Figure 29 may be executable by all or some of the image forming apparatuses 103 included in the print system 100.

[0139] In S2901, the application platform 340 of the image forming apparatus 103 displays a login screen on the operation unit 213 for user 900 to log in to the image forming apparatus 103. An example of the login screen 3000 will be described with reference to Figure 30(a). The login screen 3000 includes an input field 3001 for entering a username and an input field 3002 for entering a password. The login screen 3000 further includes a login button 3003 for obtaining login instructions. User 900 enters the requested information into input fields 3001 and 3002 and operates the login button 3003.

[0140] In S2902, the application platform 340 retrieves the information entered in input fields 3001 and 3002 in response to the operation of the login button 3003. In S2903, the application platform 340 authenticates user 900 by comparing the username and password retrieved in S2902 with the username and password registered in the user management module 351. In the example in Figure 29, it is assumed that authentication of user 900 was successful.

[0141] In S2904, the application platform 340 displays a screen on the operation unit 213 that includes a list of applications installed on the image forming apparatus 103. An example of such a list screen 3100 will be described with reference to Figure 31(a). The list screen 3100 includes a field 3101 that displays a list of applications installed on the image forming apparatus 103. In field 3101, each application is represented by an icon. The application platform 340 determines which applications to include in field 3101 based on the user 900's license.

[0142] In S2905, the application platform 340 obtains from the user 900 the designation of one of the applications included in field 3101. In the following description, it is assumed that "Cloud Print" is designated. In S2906, the application platform 340 launches Cloud Print 333 in response to the designation of "Cloud Print". Cloud Print 333 requests the Cloud Print application screen from the print server 101. In S2907, the print application 414 on the print server 101, in response to receiving the request in S2909, sends an authentication screen for logging into the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0143] Referring to Figure 30(b), an example of an authentication screen 3010 for logging into the cloud print service is described. The authentication screen 3010 includes an input field 3011 for entering a tenant ID, an input field 3012 for entering a user ID, and an input field 3013 for entering a password. The authentication screen 3010 further includes a login button 3014 for obtaining login instructions. User 900 enters the requested information into input fields 3011-3013 and operates the login button 3014.

[0144] In S2908, Cloud Print 303 retrieves the information entered in input fields 3011-3013 in response to the operation of the login button 3014. This information may be called authentication information as it is used for user authentication. In S2909, Cloud Print 303 sends an authentication request containing the authentication information obtained in S2908 to the print server 101.

[0145] In S2910, the authentication management 413 of the print server 101 verifies the authentication information received in S2909. In the example in Figure 29, it is assumed that this verification is successful. In S2911, the print application 414 sends a screen to the image forming apparatus 103 that contains a list of print jobs previously generated in accordance with a print instruction from the authenticated user 900 and held by the print server 101. The screen containing the list of print jobs held by the print server 101 is referred to as the job list screen. In S2912, the cloud print 333 displays the job list screen received in S2911 on the operation unit 213.

[0146] An example of the job list screen 3110 is described with reference to Figure 31(b). The job list screen 3110 includes a field 3111 that displays a list of printable print jobs held in the print server 101, which were previously generated in accordance with a print command from an authenticated user 900. The field 3111 allows the user 900 to select one or more of the displayed print jobs. The job list screen 3110 further includes a print button 3112 for receiving a print command for the selected print job. Furthermore, the job list screen 3110 includes a settings change button 3113 for changing the print settings of the selected print job.

[0147] In the example of the job list screen 3110 in Figure 31(b), only information on jobs for which data format conversion and saving of print data have been completed in S2707 is displayed. As another example, the job list screen 3110 may also include jobs for which the data format conversion process for print data in S2707 has not yet been completed. Jobs for which the data format conversion process has not been completed and printing cannot be performed may be grayed out or their check buttons may be disabled so that the user 900 cannot select them. Alternatively, an icon may be added to the jobs on the job list screen 3110 so that the user 900 can recognize that the data format conversion process for print data is in progress and that it cannot be selected yet.

[0148] In the example of the job list screen 3110 in Figure 31(b), user 900 has selected a print job with the file name "1234567.xlsx". In this state, if user 900 operates the print button 3112, the print job with the file name "1234567.xlsx" can be printed. Also, in the state of the job list screen 3110 example in Figure 31(b), if user 900 operates the settings change button 3113, the print settings will be changed.

[0149] In the following explanation, it is assumed that user 900 has selected a print job with the file name "1234567.xlsx" and has operated the settings change button 3113. In S2913, Cloud Print 333 obtains the print job selection in field 3111 in response to the operation of the settings change button 3113. User 900's instruction to change the print settings is made by operating the settings change button 3113 while one of the retained print jobs is selected.

[0150] In S2914, Cloud Print 333 sends a request to the print server 101 to retrieve the print settings change screen in accordance with the user 900's instruction to change the print settings. The print settings change screen is a screen used to change the print settings set on the print settings screen in the information processing terminal 104 in the image forming apparatus 103. Cloud Print 333 may include information that identifies the image forming apparatus 103, such as the serial number of the image forming apparatus 103, in the request to retrieve the print settings change screen. For example, if the image forming apparatus 103 being operated by user 900 is "PrinterB" in the registered printer list 1306, its serial number, "BBB00001", may be included in the request to retrieve the print settings change screen.

[0151] In S2915, the print server 101 receives a request to acquire a print setting change screen sent from the image forming apparatus 103 in S2914, and generates a print setting change screen according to the request. The method for generating the print setting change screen in S2915 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 32.

[0152] The flow for generating the print settings change screen shown in Figure 32 is executed by the print application 414 of the print server 101. The processing by the print server 101 is achieved when a program stored in ROM 222 is read into RAM 223 and executed by CPU 221.

[0153] In S3201, the print application 414 receives a request from the image forming apparatus 103 in S2913 to retrieve the print settings change screen. The request to retrieve the print settings change screen includes the print job identifier, the serial number of the requesting image forming apparatus 103, and the print settings at the time the print job shown in Figure 26 was submitted. The print job identifier is the identifier of the print job that was selected at the time the user 900 operated the setting change button 3113 on the print job list screen 3110 in S2913. The print settings at the time the print job shown in Figure 26 was submitted are the print settings set on the information processing terminal 103 in the print settings screens shown in Figures 21 to 25.

[0154] In S3202, the print application 414 retrieves device information of the requesting image forming apparatus 103 from the database 424 based on the identifier of the requesting image forming apparatus 103 included in the request to acquire the print settings change screen received in S3201. The device information obtained here is the information described in Figures 8 to 10.

[0155] In S3203, the print application 414 determines the print settings available on the requesting image forming apparatus 103 based on the device information acquired in S3202. Specifically, the print application 414 determines valid print settings based on the value of "settingCapabilities" in the device information of the requesting image forming apparatus 103, as described in Figures 8 to 10.

[0156] In S3204, the print application 414 generates a print settings change screen in which the print settings available on the requesting image forming apparatus 103, determined in S3203, can be configured. This completes the flow shown in Figure 32.

[0157] The print setting change screen 3300 in Figure 33 is an example of a print setting change screen for retained printing, which is generated by the process in S3204 and displayed on the operation unit 261 of the image forming apparatus 103. The print setting change screen 3300 in Figure 33 is an example of a print setting change screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 103 with serial number "CCC00001" in Figure 10.

[0158] The configuration of the print settings change screen 3300 is the same as the print settings screen 2500 in the PC application 530 on the information processing terminal 104, as explained in Figure 25. The "Page Aggregation" setting 2515, "Color" setting 2516, and "Stapling" setting 2518, which are grayed out on the print settings screen 2500, are hidden on the print settings change screen 3200 in Figure 32. This is because they are unavailable and therefore hidden based on "settingCapabilities" included in the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "CCC00001") as exemplified in Figure 10. In the "settingCapabilities" exemplified in Figure 10, the page aggregation setting, color setting, and stapleling setting are unavailable print settings and are therefore hidden. On the print settings change screen 3300, instead of hiding print setting items that are unavailable on the image forming apparatus 103, they may be grayed out to prevent them from being set by the user 900.

[0159] Returning to the explanation of Figure 29, in S2916, the print application 414 transmits the print settings change screen generated in S2915 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network I / F 225.

[0160] In S2917, the cloud print 333 receives the print settings change screen via the network I / F 270 and displays it on the display of the operation unit 261. Here, the print settings change screen 3300 exemplified in Figure 33 is displayed.

[0161] In S2918, Cloud Print 333 receives instructions from User 900 to change print settings on the print settings change screen 3300 displayed in S2917. Then, Cloud Print 333 changes the print settings that were in effect when the print execution command was issued in S1909 in Figure 19 to the print settings set in the print settings change. Instructions to change print settings are given when User 900 changes the print setting values ​​3311 to 3318 on the print settings change screen 3300, or when the "Restore to default" button 3321 is operated and then the "Save" button 3323 is operated.

[0162] In the following explanation, it is assumed that in the job list screen 3110 of Figure 31(b), user 900 selects a print job with the file name "1234567.xlsx" and operates the print button 3112. In S2920, Cloud Print 333 obtains the print job selection in field 2011 in response to the operation of the print button 3112.

[0163] The processing in S2921 to S2924 is the same as the modified processing in S2803 to S2806 described above. In S2921, Cloud Print 333 requests print data for the print job selected by user 900 from print server 101. Cloud Print 333 may include information that identifies image forming apparatus 103, such as the serial number of image forming apparatus 103, in this request. For example, if the image forming apparatus 103 being operated by user 900 is "PrinterB" in the registered printer list 1106, its serial number, "BBB00001", will be included in the request.

[0164] In S2922, 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, in response to the request received in S2921. First, the print application 414 refers to 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 this image forming apparatus 103 can print. As described above with reference to Figure 9, the image forming apparatus 103 with serial number "BBB00001" can print "LIPSLX".

[0165] If there are multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103, the print application 414 may select one of the multiple printable data formats in any way. For example, the data formats may have a predetermined priority, and the print application 414 may select the data format with the highest priority among the multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103. Alternatively, the print application 414 may select one data format from the multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103 in a round-robin or random manner. Alternatively, if there are multiple data formats that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 103, the print application 414 may specify all of these data formats as the data formats for the print data to be sent to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0166] In S2923, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming apparatus 103 the print data requested by the image forming apparatus 103, which has already been converted to the data format specified in S2922 and stored in the storage 423. If multiple data formats are specified in S2922, the print application 414 transmits to the image forming apparatus 103 the print data that has been converted to each of the multiple data formats.

[0167] In S2924, Cloud Print 333 prints the print data received in S2922. If Cloud Print 333 receives print data converted into multiple data formats in S2923, it prints the print data in one of the data formats.

[0168] As described above, according to this embodiment, the print server 101 identifies a data format for converting print data based on the 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 perform the printing. Specifically, when print data is obtained from a user, the print data is converted into a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus that this user may perform printing on. As a result, the processing time when the user performs printing on the image forming apparatus 103 can be reduced. Furthermore, by converting the print data only into a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus in the tenant to which the user belongs, the processing load and storage capacity used by the print server 101 can be reduced.

[0169] In the above-described embodiment, in the case of retained printing, the print server 101 converts the print data into one or more data formats regardless of whether it has received a request for print data from 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 (for example, subsequently to) the acquisition of print data from the information processing terminal 104. Alternatively, the print server 101 may convert the print data in response to the fulfillment of other conditions. For example, in S2910 of Figure 29, the print server 101 may convert the print data in response to the authentication of user 900 who is logged into image forming apparatus 103. In this case, based on the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 that sent the authentication request in S2909, the print server 101 may convert the print data into one or more data formats that can be printed by this image forming apparatus 103.

[0170] In the embodiment described above, the print server 101 identifies the image forming apparatus 103 registered in the tenant to which the user belongs in S2703 of Figure 27. Alternatively, the print server 101 does not need to execute S2703. In this case, the print server 101 may identify the data format that can be printed by at least one of the one or more image forming apparatuses 103 registered with the print server 101 in S2704.

[0171] As described above, according to this embodiment, when performing retained printing from the information processing terminal 104 to the print server 101, it becomes possible to set common print settings according to the device information of the image forming apparatus 103. A print job sent from the information processing terminal 104 can be retained on the print server 101, and the print settings can be changed on the image forming apparatus 103 to execute printing.

[0172] <Second Embodiment> A print system 100 according to the second embodiment will now be described. Points that may be the same as in the first embodiment will not be explained, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. In addition to the processing of the first embodiment, the second embodiment allows the print settings to be changed on the screen of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the content of the print job stored in the print server 101.

[0173] Referring to Figure 34, an example of device information for the image forming apparatus 103, which is stored in the database 424 of the print server 101 by the processing of S609 and S610 described above, will be explained in this embodiment. Figure 34 shows an example of device information for the image forming apparatus 103 (serial number "BBB00001"), which corresponds to Figure 9 of Embodiment 1. In the device information of Figure 34, an irreversible setting item "irreversibleFrom" is added in addition to the device information described in Figure 9. An irreversible setting indicates a print setting that cannot be changed by changing the print settings in the image forming apparatus 103 after the print server 101 has generated print data in a printable data format by S2707 in Figure 27. In the irreversible setting item "irreversibleFrom", "setting" indicates the print setting item, and "value" indicates the setting value that is irreversible for that item.

[0174] For example, in the example shown in Figure 34, suppose that in the information processing terminal 104, the color setting 2116 "Color" is set to black and white "BW" in the print settings screen 2300, and the print server 101 converts the print data into a printable data format. This indicates that after the print server 101 creates the black and white print data, the image forming apparatus 103 cannot change the color setting 2116 "Color" to black and white "BW". In short, after the print server 101 converts the print data to black and white, the image forming apparatus 103 cannot change the converted black and white print data to color through the print settings. Similarly, after the print server 101 converts the print data into a data format printable with the page aggregation setting "N-up" set to "2in1" or "4in1", the image forming apparatus 103 cannot change the print settings.

[0175] Such irreversible settings generally differ depending on the type of printable data format and device information of the image forming apparatus 103 that performs printing. Therefore, in this embodiment, they are defined as information included in the device information of each image forming apparatus 103. For example, they may be configured to be statically stored on the database 424 of the print server 101 and defined in a way that does not depend on the device information of the registered image forming apparatus 103.

[0176] Referring to Figure 35, the method for generating the print settings change screen for S2915 will be explained. The flow in Figure 35 is executed by the print application 414 of the print server 101. The processing of the print server 101 is achieved by reading the program stored in ROM 222 into RAM 223 and executing it on CPU 221. In Figure 35, the same reference numerals are used for processes that are common to Figure 32.

[0177] In S3201 of Figure 35, the serial number of the requesting image forming apparatus 103 included in the print settings screen acquisition request received by the print application 414 is assumed to be "BBB00001". Furthermore, the print settings when the print job is generated in S1909 and S1910 are assumed to be "Output paper size" setting "Same as original size", "Print orientation" setting "Portrait", and "Number of copies" setting "2". Furthermore, the print settings when the print job is generated are assumed to be "Single-sided / Duplex" setting "Single-sided", "Page aggregation" setting "2 in 1", "Color" setting "Black and white", and "Binding direction" setting "Long edge binding (left)".

[0178] Next, after processing S3202 and S3203, the process transitions to S3501. Here, we assume that the device information acquired by the print application 414 in S2202 is as shown in Figure 34.

[0179] In S3501, the print application 414 determines whether there are any settings in the current print job's print settings that cannot be changed after the print data has been converted to a printable data format. Specifically, the print application 414 determines whether there are any print settings received in S3201 that match the "irreversibleFrom" item included in the device information. If the determination shows that there are no settings that cannot be changed (NO in S3501), the process proceeds to S3204. If the determination shows that there are settings that cannot be changed (YES in S3501), the process proceeds to S3502.

[0180] In the example in Figure 34, the "2in1" setting for "Page Aggregation" and the "Black and White" setting for "Color" in the print settings received at S3201 match the "irreversibleFrom" item in the device information. The "2in1" setting for "Page Aggregation" in the print settings matches the "2in1" setting for "N-up" in the "irreversibleFrom" item in the device information. Also, the "Black and White" setting for "Color" in the print settings matches the "BW" setting for "Color" in the "irreversibleFrom" item. Therefore, the print application 414 determines YES at S3501. Then, the process transitions to S2602.

[0181] In S3502, the print application 414 removes the setting value that was determined to be unchangeable in S3501 from the setting items or setting values ​​to be displayed on the print settings screen determined in S3203. Then, the process transitions to S2204.

[0182] Figure 36 shows an example of a print setting change screen displayed on the operation unit 261 of the image forming apparatus 103, generated by the flow described in this embodiment. Of the print setting values ​​exemplified in Figure 36, the "Page Consolidation" setting "2in1" 3615 and the "Color" setting "Black and White" 3616, which were determined to be unchangeable, are grayed out and cannot be changed.

[0183] According to this embodiment, when a user 900 issues a print command, a print setting change screen that takes into account not only the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 but also the contents of the pending print jobs generated by the print server 101 can be displayed on the image forming apparatus 103.

[0184] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0185] The disclosures herein include the following: print servers, methods for controlling the same, print servers, methods for controlling the same, print systems, methods for controlling the same, information processing terminals, methods for setting print settings, image forming apparatus, methods for changing print settings, and programs. (Item 1) It is a print server, A management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for said data to be printed from an information processing terminal, A holding means for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation means generates a print setting change screen based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses in response to a request for execution of printing the data to be printed from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses, The system includes a second transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. Print server. (Item 2) The aforementioned change screen is a screen that allows the user to change the print settings that can be set by the image forming apparatus based on the device information of the image forming apparatus. The print server described in item 1. (Item 3) A means for identifying one or more data formats based on the device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, A conversion means for converting the aforementioned data into one or more data formats, The holding means holds the data converted to one or more data formats, The second transmission means transmits to the one image forming apparatus the data converted to at least one data format from among the data converted to one or more data formats, along with the modified screen. The print server described in item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The conversion means converts the data into one or more data formats based on the print setting data. The print server described in item 3. (Item 5) The aforementioned device information is The system includes configuration information, capability information, and irreversible setting information indicating that the print settings cannot be changed after the data has been converted by the conversion means. The second generation means generates the change screen based on the configuration information, the capability information, and the irreversible setting information. The print server described in item 3 or 4. (Item 6) The acquisition means acquires from the information processing terminal the data to be printed and the print setting data set on the print setting screen corresponding to the device information of one or more image forming apparatuses managed by the management means. The print server listed in item 1-5. (Item 7) A print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, The aforementioned print server is A management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for the data to be printed from the information processing terminal, A holding means for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation means that generates a print setting change screen corresponding to one of the image forming apparatuses based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses, The system includes a second transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing terminal is A means for obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying configurable print settings, A first generation means for generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, A setting means for setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, The system includes a first transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. The aforementioned image forming apparatus is A receiving means that requests the print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receives the data to be printed and the change screen from the print server, The system includes a printing means that, based on the aforementioned change screen, enables the printing settings of the received data to be printed to be modified and prints the data to be printed accordingly. Printing system. (Item 8) An information processing terminal in a print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, A means for obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying configurable print settings, A first generation means for generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, A setting means for setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, The system includes a first transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. Information processing terminal. (Item 9) A control method using a print server that manages device information for one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition step of acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for said data to be printed from an information processing terminal, A holding step for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation step, in response to a request for execution of printing the data to be printed from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses, generates a print setting change screen based on the device information of the one image forming apparatus; The system includes a second transmission step of transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. Control method. (Item 10) A program that enables a computer to function as a means of a print server, A management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for said data to be printed from an information processing terminal, A holding means for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation means generates a print setting change screen based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses in response to a request for execution of printing the data to be printed from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses, A program for functioning as a second transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. (Item 11) A method for setting print settings by an information processing terminal in a print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, A process of obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying the configurable print settings, A first generation step of generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, A setting step of setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the aforementioned print settings screen, The process includes a first transmission step of transmitting the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. Print settings instructions. (Item 12) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an information processing terminal in a print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, A means for obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying configurable print settings, A first generation means for generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, A setting means for setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, A program for functioning as a first transmission means that transmits the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. (Item 13) A control method using a print system that includes a print server for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, The information processing terminal acquires device information for one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and performs a selection step to identify configurable print settings. The information processing terminal performs a first generation step of generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, The information processing terminal performs a setting step of setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, The information processing terminal performs a first transmission step in which it transmits the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. The print server performs an acquisition step of acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for the data to be printed from the information processing terminal, The print server includes a holding step in which it holds the data to be printed and the print setting data, One image forming apparatus requests the print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and The print server includes a second generation means that generates a print setting change screen corresponding to the image forming apparatus based on the device information of the image forming apparatus, The print server performs a second transmission step in which it transmits the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned image forming apparatus includes a receiving step of receiving the data to be printed and the modified screen from the print server, A printing step which involves printing the data to be printed, with the print settings of the received data to be printed made change based on the change screen, Having, Control method. (Item 14) A program to cause one or more computers to function as each of the means of the printing system described in item 7. (Item 15) An image forming apparatus, A receiving means that requests a print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receives the data to be printed and a print settings change screen from the print server, The system includes a printing means that, based on the aforementioned change screen, enables the printing settings of the received data to be printed to be modified and prints the data to be printed accordingly. Image forming apparatus. (Item 16) A method for changing print settings by an image forming apparatus, A receiving step involves requesting a print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receiving the data to be printed and a screen for changing print settings from the print server. The process includes a printing step of printing the data to be printed, which allows the print settings of the received data to be printed to be changed based on the change screen, How to change print settings. (Item 17) A program for a computer to implement each function of an image forming apparatus, A receiving function that requests a print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receives the data to be printed and a screen for changing print settings from the print server, A change function that changes the print settings of the received data to be printed based on the aforementioned change screen, A program to achieve this.

[0186] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 100: Printing system, 101: Print server, 102: Storage server, 103: Image forming apparatus, 104: Information processing terminal

Claims

1. It is a print server, A management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for said data to be printed from an information processing terminal, A holding means for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation means generates a print setting change screen based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses in response to a request for execution of printing the data to be printed from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses, The system includes a second transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. Print server.

2. The aforementioned change screen is a screen that allows the user to change the print settings that can be set by the image forming apparatus based on the device information of the image forming apparatus. The print server according to claim 1.

3. A means for identifying one or more data formats based on the device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, A conversion means for converting the aforementioned data into one or more data formats, The holding means holds the data converted to one or more data formats, The second transmission means transmits to the one image forming apparatus data that has been converted to at least one data format from among the data that has been converted to one or more data formats, along with the modified screen. The print server according to claim 1.

4. The conversion means converts the data into one or more data formats based on the print setting data. The print server according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned device information is The data includes configuration information, capability information, and irreversible setting information indicating that the print settings cannot be changed after the data has been converted by the conversion means. The second generation means generates the change screen based on the configuration information, the capability information, and the irreversible setting information. The print server according to claim 3.

6. The acquisition means acquires from the information processing terminal the data to be printed and the print setting data set on the print setting screen corresponding to the device information of one or more image forming apparatuses managed by the management means. The print server according to claim 1.

7. A print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, The aforementioned print server is A management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for the data to be printed from the information processing terminal, A holding means for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation means that generates a print setting change screen corresponding to one of the image forming apparatuses based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses, The system includes a second transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing terminal is A means for obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying configurable print settings, A first generation means for generating a print settings screen based on the specified print settings, A setting means for setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, The system includes a first transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. The aforementioned image forming apparatus is A receiving means that requests the print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receives the data to be printed and the change screen from the print server, The system includes a printing means that, based on the aforementioned change screen, enables the printing settings of the received data to be printed to be modified and prints the data to be printed accordingly. Printing system.

8. An information processing terminal in a print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatus, A means for obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying configurable print settings, A first generation means for generating a print settings screen based on the specified print settings, A setting means for setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, The system includes a first transmission means for transmitting the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. Information processing terminal.

9. A control method using a print server that manages device information for one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition step of acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for said data to be printed from an information processing terminal, A holding step for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation step, in response to a request for execution of printing of the data to be printed from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses, generates a print setting change screen based on the device information of the one image forming apparatus; The system includes a second transmission step of transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. Control method.

10. A program that enables a computer to function as a means of a print server, A management means for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, An acquisition means for acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for said data to be printed from an information processing terminal, A holding means for holding the data to be printed and the print setting data, A second generation means generates a print setting change screen based on the device information of one of the image forming apparatuses in response to a request for execution of printing the data to be printed from one of the one or more image forming apparatuses, A program for causing a second transmission means to function as a means for transmitting the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus.

11. A method for setting print settings by an information processing terminal in a print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, A process of obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying the configurable print settings, A first generation step of generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, A setting step of setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the aforementioned print settings screen, The process includes a first transmission step of transmitting the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. Print settings instructions.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an information processing terminal in a print system including a print server, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, A means for obtaining device information of one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and identifying configurable print settings, A first generation means for generating a print settings screen based on the specified print settings, A setting means for setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, A program for functioning as a first transmission means that transmits the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server.

13. A control method using a print system that includes a print server for managing device information of one or more image forming apparatuses, an information processing terminal, and one or more image forming apparatuses, The information processing terminal acquires device information for one or more image forming apparatuses from the print server and performs a selection step to identify configurable print settings. The information processing terminal performs a first generation step of generating a print settings screen based on the identified print settings, The information processing terminal performs a setting step of setting print settings for the data to be printed based on the print settings screen, The information processing terminal performs a first transmission step in which it transmits the data to be printed and the print settings data set for the data to be printed to the print server. The print server performs an acquisition step of acquiring data to be printed and print setting data set for the data to be printed from the information processing terminal, The print server includes a holding step in which it holds the data to be printed and the print setting data, One image forming apparatus requests the print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and The print server includes a second generation means that generates a print setting change screen corresponding to the image forming apparatus based on the device information of the image forming apparatus, The print server performs a second transmission step in which it transmits the data to be printed and the modified screen to the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned image forming apparatus includes a receiving step of receiving the data to be printed and the modified screen from the print server, A printing step which involves printing the data to be printed, with the print settings of the received data to be printed made change based on the change screen, Having, Control method.

14. A program for causing one or more computers to function as each of the means of the print system described in claim 7.

15. An image forming apparatus, A receiving means that requests a print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receives the data to be printed and a print settings change screen from the print server, The system includes a printing means that, based on the aforementioned change screen, enables the printing settings of the received data to be printed to be modified and prints the data to be printed accordingly. Image forming apparatus.

16. A method for changing print settings by an image forming apparatus, A receiving step involves requesting a print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receiving the data to be printed and a screen for changing print settings from the print server. The process includes a printing step of printing the data to be printed, which allows the print settings of the received data to be printed to be changed based on the change screen, How to change print settings.

17. A program for a computer to implement each function of an image forming apparatus, A receiving function that requests a print server to execute a print command for the data to be printed, and receives the data to be printed and a screen for changing print settings from the print server, A change function that changes the print settings of the received data to be printed based on the aforementioned change screen, A program to achieve this.

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