Information processing device, information processing system, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel mechanism that enables improved usability for users performing image formation in, for example, a cloud printing system. [Solution] The information processing device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires user information, and an output unit that outputs information for image formation based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes a plurality of image forming devices; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming devices included in the tenant.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A cloud print system has been developed in which a print service provided on the cloud side and an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a digital multifunction peripheral installed on the enterprise side operate in cooperation. This cloud print system provides a push print service in which an arbitrary image forming apparatus is specified from a terminal device, and the image forming apparatus that has received an image forming job immediately executes image formation. Alternatively, an image forming job is temporarily stored in the cloud print system, and a hold print service is provided in which the image forming job is executed at an arbitrary timing of the user on the image forming apparatus specified by the user. Such a service can be selected by the user operating a setting screen. Further, for example, in Patent Document 1, a technique for acquiring and reflecting the model information of a printer on the network on the setting screen has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a cloud printing system, settings may be configured for a container that includes, for example, multiple image forming machines. Alternatively, an administrator may configure cloud printing settings for a specific user. In such cases, it is conceivable to make users aware of these settings in order to improve usability. Alternatively, it is conceivable to make users aware of the availability status of the image forming machines for which they are licensed. However, according to the model information described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to make users aware of such things.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a novel mechanism that enables improved usability for users performing image formation in a cloud printing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, A unit for acquiring user information, The system includes an output unit that outputs information for image formation based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. An information processing device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the usability for users performing image formation in a cloud printing system can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an image forming system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Diagram showing the hardware configuration of each device according to an embodiment [Figure 3] Diagram showing the hardware configuration of each device according to an embodiment [Figure 4] Diagram showing the software configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment [Figure 5] Diagram showing the software configuration of a cloud print service according to an embodiment [Figure 6] Diagram showing the software configuration of an information processing terminal according to an embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the processing procedure according to an embodiment [Figure 8] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 9] Diagram showing the printer information according to an embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the processing procedure according to an embodiment [Figure 11] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 12] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 13] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 14] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 15] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the processing procedure according to an embodiment [Figure 17] Flowchart showing the processing procedure according to an embodiment [Figure 18] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 19] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 20] Diagram showing the display screen according to an embodiment [Figure 21] Diagram showing the display screen according to a modification [Figure 22] Diagram showing the printer information according to a modification [Figure 23] Diagram showing the tenant information according to a modification [Figure 24] Diagram showing the software configuration of the cloud printing service according to the modification example [Figure 25] Flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the modification example [Figure 26] Diagram showing the display screen according to the modification example

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] In this specification, the term “image forming apparatus” broadly includes apparatuses that form (record) an image on a recording material (recording medium), such as a single-function printer, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, a commercial printer, etc. Note that “printing” described hereinafter may be “image forming”. Further, hereinafter, the image forming apparatus may also be referred to as a printer or a device.

[0011] <System Configuration> The configuration of an image forming system 1 (an example of an “information processing system”) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The image forming system 1 includes, for example, an information processing apparatus 100 (an example of an “information processing apparatus”), an information processing apparatus 110, an information processing terminal 51, and an image forming apparatus 200, each of which is connected via a network 10 or 20. Here, in the image forming system 1, an administrator may manage a single or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 200 in the information processing apparatus 100, for example, in units of a company or an organizational unit belonging to the company. In such a case, this management unit is also referred to as a “tenant”.

[0012] Information processing device 100 is a server hosted on a cloud platform and provides a web portal to connected clients. In particular, information processing device 100 also provides services related to printing. Hereinafter, information processing device 100 may be referred to as cloud print service 100. Information processing device 110 provides a general-purpose cloud storage service, such as Google Drive (registered trademark). Hereinafter, information processing device 110 may be referred to as cloud storage service 110.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 200 is a digital multifunction device equipped with multiple functions such as copying, scanning, printing, faxing, and email transmission. Alternatively, it may be a printer equipped with a single function. Although Figure 1 shows one image forming apparatus 200, the number of image forming apparatuses 200 is not limited to one.

[0014] The information processing terminal 51 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), but it may also be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The local network 20 is, for example, a network within a company office, and Figure 1 illustrates a situation where multiple image forming machines used by multiple employees within a company office are connected to information processing terminals.

[0015] Each image forming apparatus 200 and information processing terminal 51 communicate with the cloud print service 100 via the network 10, enabling them to use the web portal and print services provided by the cloud print service 100. Similarly, each image forming apparatus 200 communicates with the cloud storage service 110 via the network 10, enabling them to use the file services provided by the cloud storage service 110.

[0016] <Hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 200> The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be explained using Figure 2(A). The image forming apparatus 200 is, for example, a digital multifunction device and consists of a controller unit 210, an operation unit 261, a printer 281 (an example of the "image forming unit"), and a scanner 282. The controller unit 210 consists of a CPU 220, RAM 230, ROM 240, HDD 250, operation unit I / F 260, network I / F 270, device I / F 280, and expansion device I / F 290.

[0017] The CPU 220 is the execution medium for the control program built into the image forming apparatus 200, and controls the operation of devices connected to the controller unit via each I / F and the memory of the storage medium. The RAM 230 stores programs and data such as the operating system, system software, and application software. The ROM 240 stores the system boot program, system programs, and application programs. In addition, it may also store information necessary for the image forming apparatus 200, such as fonts. The HDD 250 is a storage device with a larger capacity than the RAM 230, and stores the operating system, system software, application software, image data, setting data, print jobs, user information, etc. When the CPU 220 executes the program stored in the ROM 240, the program stored in the HDD 250 is loaded into the RAM 230. Subsequently, the CPU 220 executes the program loaded into the RAM 230, processing the data stored in the RAM 230, ROM 240, and HDD 250. In some small multifunction printers, the HDD 250 is not installed, and the system software, application software, etc. are stored in the ROM 240. Alternatively, instead of the HDD250, a configuration using a storage device other than a hard disk, such as an SSD (Solid State Disk) or flash memory, is also acceptable.

[0018] The control unit I / F260 is an interface unit that controls input and output with the control unit 261, which is configured, for example, to include a touch panel, and also outputs image data displayed on the control unit 261 to the control unit 261. The control unit I / F260 also transmits input information from the user's operation of the control unit 261 to the CPU 220. The network I / F270 (an example of the "third communication unit") is configured to include a communication module, connects to a network, and communicates with external devices on the network.

[0019] The device interface 280 connects the image input / output devices, such as the printer 281 and scanner 282, to the controller unit 210, enabling the input and output of image data. The CPU 220 controls the scanner 282 to read the original image and stores the read image data in the RAM 230 and HDD 250 via the device interface 280. Image processing is performed on the stored image data by application programs loaded into the RAM 230 as needed. The CPU 220 also outputs the image data to the printer 281 via the device interface 280 and controls the printer 281 to print the image data onto paper.

[0020] The expansion device I / F290 includes, for example, a USB port and a wireless transceiver such as Bluetooth, which allow connection of any optional device. The expansion device I / F290 allows optional devices such as an ID card reader or a biometric authentication device to be connected to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2(A). For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may be a printer without a scanner 282. Also, if the image forming apparatus 200 is a multifunction device with a fax function, the controller unit 210 may be equipped with an interface for a modem device, which is not shown in Figure 2(A), and the image forming apparatus 200 may connect to a public telephone line via a modem to transmit faxes.

[0022] <Hardware configuration of Cloud Print Service 100> The hardware configuration of the cloud print service 100 is explained using Figure 2(B). The cloud print service 100 consists of a CPU 120, RAM 130, ROM 140, HDD 150, and network I / F 170, which are interconnected by a bus 111. The CPU 120 controls the overall operation by reading control programs stored in the ROM 140 and executing various processes. The RAM 130 is used as the main memory and temporary storage area for the CPU 120, such as the work area. The HDD 150 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores image data and various programs. The network I / F 170 consists of a communication module and is an interface for connecting to the internet. Note that the network I / F 170 is an example of an "acquisition unit," an "output unit," and a "first communication unit capable of communicating with an information processing terminal." The hardware configuration of the cloud storage service 110 is also configured similarly to the hardware configuration of the cloud print service 100 shown in Figure 2(B), for example, and is not shown here.

[0023] <Hardware configuration of information processing terminal 51> Figure 3 illustrates the hardware configuration of the information processing terminal 51. The information processing terminal 51 consists of a CPU 512, RAM 513, ROM 514, HDD 515, operation unit 516, and network interface 517, which are interconnected by a bus 511. The CPU 512 controls the overall operation by reading control programs stored in the ROM 514 and executing various processes. The RAM 513 is used as the main memory and temporary storage area for the CPU 512, such as a work area. The HDD 515 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores image data and various programs. The operation unit 516 consists of input devices such as a keyboard and mouse (an example of a "reception unit") and output devices such as a display (an example of a "display unit"). The operation unit 516 is an interface for inputting various operation signals to the information processing terminal 51 and displaying the processing results by the information processing terminal 51. The network interface 517 (an example of a "second communication unit") is an interface for connecting to the internet and consists of a communication module.

[0024] <Software configuration of the image forming apparatus 200> Figure 4 illustrates the software configuration of the program executed by the CPU 220 of the image forming apparatus 200. The 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 in virtually parallel by managing multiple execution contexts for processing by the CPU 220, and inter-task communication, which enables synchronization and data exchange between tasks. Furthermore, the operating system 360 provides, for example, memory management, interrupt management, various device drivers, local interfaces, and a protocol stack that implements the processing of various protocols such as networks and communications.

[0025] The controller platform 350 comprises a user management module 351, a job / device control module 352, and a data management module 353. The user management module 351 provides the application with a mechanism for managing local users and their authentication information within the image forming apparatus 200 using RAM 230 or HDD 250. The login application uses the authentication information of local users managed by the user management module 351 to implement user login control for the image forming apparatus 200. The job / device control module 352 executes image forming jobs such as scanning, printing, and copying while controlling the printer 281 and scanner 282 according to instructions from the application. It also manages the device status of the printer 281 and scanner 282, as well as errors in these devices.

[0026] The data management module 353 manages image data and various setting data required when executing an image forming job. The data management module 353 also manages job execution history, counter information, various other data controlled by the application, and configuration information and capability information of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0027] System Service 310 is a software module responsible for program updates of the controller platform 350 and the operating system, as well as management of device information / network settings, etc. Furthermore, System Service 310 includes a Web portal 311 and can be operated from remote terminals such as information processing terminals 51.

[0028] The application platform 340 is middleware that can be used by various applications. Specifically, the mechanisms of the operating system 360 and the controller platform 350 are configured to be usable by various applications within the basic application library 320 and the extended application library 330, which will be described later.

[0029] The basic application library 320 represents a group of applications that provide the basic functions of the image forming apparatus 200, which are stored in the ROM 240 or HDD 250 from the initial state when the image forming apparatus 200 is purchased. The extended application library 330 represents a group of optional applications that are individually installed and run to extend the functions realized by the image forming apparatus 200. Each application displays a screen on the operation unit 261 and realizes various functions according to the user operations received by the operation unit 261.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example where 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.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates, as an example, a state in which the extended application library 330 has the extended applications User Login Authentication 331, Cloud Scan 332, and Cloud Print 333 installed. User Login Authentication 331 is an application that displays a screen for inputting user authentication information on the operation unit 261 and uses the user authentication information input from the operation unit 261 to perform user login processing for the image forming apparatus 200. In addition to the user authentication information input from the operation unit 261, it also performs user login processing using user authentication information read from an ID card reader or biometric authentication device connected via the extended device I / F. User Login Authentication 331 communicates with the Cloud Print Service 100 via the network I / F 270. User Login Authentication 331 performs user authentication by comparing the user authentication information managed on the Cloud Print Service 100 with the user authentication information input to the image forming apparatus 200. Alternatively, User Login Authentication 331 may perform user authentication by comparing it with the user authentication information managed by User Management 351.

[0032] Cloud Scan 332 is an application that communicates with an unspecified cloud storage service 110 and sends the scanned image files obtained by executing a scan job in the image forming apparatus 200 to the cloud storage service 110. Cloud Print 333 is an application that communicates with a cloud print service 100 and obtains image data to be printed from the cloud print service 100 and executes a print job in the image forming apparatus 200. Alternatively, Cloud Print 333 is an application that obtains file data to be printed from the cloud storage service 110 and executes a print job in the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, Cloud Print 333 sends the execution result of the print job to the cloud print service 100.

[0033] <Cloud Server Software Configuration> Figure 5 illustrates the software configuration of the cloud print service 100. Infrastructure 430 is the foundation for the cloud server to provide various services and consists of servers, virtual machines, cloud storage, a network, and an operating system.

[0034] The cloud platform 420 is a framework that utilizes the infrastructure 430 to provide common basic functions to the cloud application manager 410. Specifically, the cloud platform 420 consists of a web portal 421, computing 422, cloud storage 423, and a database 424.

[0035] The Cloud Application Manager 410 represents a group of applications that run on the Cloud Platform 420. The Cloud Application Manager 410 consists of User Management 411, License Management 412, Authentication Management 413, Print Applications 414, and Aggregation / Reporting 415.

[0036] User management 411 centrally manages user information on the cloud print service 100. User registration and deletion are performed from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 200. User management 411 manages the target user information using the database 424. User management 411 is also a web application that provides an API to accept user authentication instructions from the user login authentication 331 operating on the image forming apparatus 200.

[0037] License management 412 is a web application that provides a web service screen for centrally managing each application on the cloud print service 100 using the web portal 421. Through this web service screen, users can install, register licenses for, and uninstall managed applications. License management 412 is also 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 200. In some cases, license registration instructed by application management 322 of the image forming apparatus 200 may be successful. In such cases, license management 412 retrieves the application that uses the cloud print service 100 operating on the image forming apparatus 200 from the cloud storage 423 and provides it to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0038] 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 cloud print service 100. Authentication management 413 manages the target user login authentication methods using cloud storage 423 or database 424. Furthermore, authentication management 413 is a web application that provides an API for receiving instructions to retrieve configuration information from user login authentication 331 operating on the image forming apparatus 200. Authentication management 413 also handles access to various web service screens provided by the cloud application manager 410, as well as user authentication during API calls.

[0039] The user management 411, license management 412, and authentication management 413, which are performed on the cloud print service 100, and the user login authentication 331, which is performed on the image forming apparatus 200, can work in conjunction with each other. By working in conjunction, it becomes possible to log in to devices that are connected to the cloud print service 100 using a centrally managed user authentication method and authentication information.

[0040] The print application 414 is a web application that uses the web portal 421 to provide an API that accepts instructions to retrieve documents to be printed and instructions to execute printing from Cloud Print 333, which is executed on the image forming apparatus 200. The print application 414 accepts instructions to retrieve documents to be printed and returns a list of documents to be printed that exist in the target cloud storage. The print application 414 also accepts instructions to execute printing and uses computing 422 to convert the data into a format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 200. It is also a web application that provides an API to accept print jobs sent via email from the information processing terminal 51 and an API to accept instructions to retrieve print jobs from Cloud Print 333. The print application 414 on the cloud server and Cloud Print 333, which is executed on the image forming apparatus 200, can work in cooperation with each other. By working in cooperation with each other, users can execute the same print workflow on devices that are connected to the Cloud Print service 100.

[0041] The aggregation / reporting 415 is a web application that provides an API to accept job execution results sent from cloud scan 332 and cloud print 333, which are executed on the image forming apparatus 200, using the web portal 421. The aggregation / reporting 415 is also a web application that uses computing 422 to aggregate the received job execution results and provides a web service screen to display those aggregated results.

[0042] Furthermore, the various web service screens and APIs provided by the Cloud Application Manager 410 are managed individually on a tenant-by-tenant basis. For example, a different URL is generated for each tenant. In addition, the various types of data managed by the Cloud Application Manager 410 are also managed individually on a tenant-by-tenant basis.

[0043] <Software configuration of information processing terminals> The software configuration of the information processing terminal 51 will be explained using Figure 6. The program running on the information processing terminal 51 consists of 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 data communication with the cloud print service 100, which is connected via the network (10, 20). The web page display unit 520 is a web browser that displays various web service screens provided by the cloud print service 100 and accepts user operations on those screens. The PC application 530 displays the screen and accepts screen operations. The PC application 530 also generates print data according to the end user's instructions and sends the print data (hereinafter also referred to as submission data) to the cloud print service 100 via the network communication unit 510.

[0044] <Processing Example 1> Figure 7 illustrates the sequence flow in which the image forming apparatus 200 is registered with the cloud print service 100 and an application for using the cloud print service 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 200. This sequence flow is realized by the image forming apparatus 200 and the cloud print service 100 communicating via the network 10 and executing their respective processes. The image forming apparatus 200's processing is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 240 into the RAM 230 and executing it on the CPU 220. Similarly, the cloud print service 100's processing is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 140 into the RAM 130 and executing it on the CPU 120. This sequence flow is also triggered by an execution instruction issued by the device administrator of the image forming apparatus 200 via the operation unit 261.

[0045] In S601, the application management unit 322 of the image forming apparatus 200 receives an instruction from the device administrator to request a registration screen for the cloud print service 100 usage license, and displays the license registration screen on the operation unit 261.

[0046] Figure 8 illustrates the license registration screen displayed on the control unit 261 in S601. The device administrator enters a license key, obtained in advance, to extend the functionality of the image forming apparatus 200 into the license key input field 701 via the control unit 261. The device administrator can then apply the license to the image forming apparatus 200 by touching the Apply icon 702. Here, it is assumed that the device administrator has entered the license key for the cloud print service 100 into the license registration screen displayed by S601.

[0047] In S602, the application manager 322 transmits the serial number, which can identify the individual image forming apparatus 200, along with the entered license key, to the cloud print service 100 via the network interface 270. In S603, the cloud print service 100 receives the license key and serial number related to S602 via the network interface 170, and the license manager 412 verifies the license key. If the license manager 412 determines that it is a valid license key related to the cloud print service 100, the process proceeds to S604.

[0048] In S604, the license management unit 412 registers the image forming apparatus 200 with the serial number received in S603 in the database 424 as a device capable of using the cloud print service 100. If the same administrator performs the processes from S601 to S604 for multiple image forming apparatuses 200, these multiple image forming apparatuses 200 are set to belong to the same tenant (an example of "first information").

[0049] In S605, the license manager 412 sends an application for using the cloud print service 100 to the image forming apparatus 200 via the network interface 170. In S606, the application manager 322 of the image forming apparatus 200 installs the received application for using the cloud print service into the image forming apparatus 200. This process makes the cloud print 333 shown in Figure 4 available for use in the image forming apparatus 200.

[0050] In S607, the Cloud Print 333 obtains configuration and capability information of the image forming apparatus 200 from the data management module 353 and transmits it to the Cloud Print service 100 via the network I / F 270. Figures 9(A) to (C) illustrate the configuration and capability information of the image forming apparatus 200 transmitted by the Cloud Print 333 in S607. In the examples in Figures 9(A) to (C), "serialNo" is the serial number, "modelName" is the model, and "firmwareVersion" is the firmware version. Additionally, "region" indicates the destination country, "licenses" is a list of registered licenses, "printableFormat" is the printable data format, and "registeredAt" indicates the registration date and time. Registered licenses include licenses for services such as the Cloud Print service and direct printing. Furthermore, the configuration and capability information includes information on optional equipment such as finishers as "options".

[0051] In S608, the print application 414 of the cloud print service 100 receives configuration information and capability information of the image forming apparatus 200 via the network interface 170. The print application 414 then searches among the registered serial numbers for a serial number that matches the serial number included in the received configuration information and capability information. The received configuration information and capability information are then associated with the matching serial number and registered in the database 424. The sequence flow then ends. As a result of executing the above sequence flow, the image forming apparatus 200 is registered with the cloud print service 100 as a device that can use the cloud print service 100.

[0052] <Processing Example 2> Figure 10 illustrates the sequence flow for displaying various web portal screens on the information processing terminal 51 and installing a PC application for using the cloud print service 100 on the information processing terminal 51. This sequence flow is realized by the information processing terminal 51 and the cloud print service 100 executing their respective processes while communicating via the network 10. The processing on the information processing terminal 51 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 514 into the RAM 513 and executing it on the CPU 512. Similarly, the processing on the cloud print service 100 is realized by reading a program stored in the ROM 140 into the RAM 130 and executing it on the CPU 120. This sequence flow is triggered when the end user of the cloud print service 100 starts the web page display unit 520, such as a web browser, on the information processing terminal 51.

[0053] In S901, the web page display unit 520 receives a request from the end user to access the web portal 421 of the cloud print service 100. The web page display unit 520 then requests the screen of the web portal 421 from the cloud print service 100 via the network communication unit 510.

[0054] In S902, the Web portal 421 of the cloud print service 100 accepts a request for the Web portal 421 screen. The Web portal 421 then sends an authentication screen for logging into the Web portal 421 to the information processing terminal 51 via the network I / F 170.

[0055] In S903, the network communication unit 510 of the information processing terminal 51 receives the authentication screen. The web page display unit 520 then displays this authentication screen on the operation unit 516. This authentication screen will be explained using Figure 11. The web page 5201 displayed on the web browser of the information processing terminal 51 contains input fields 1011 to 1013 for the tenant ID, user ID, and password, which are the information necessary for authentication of the cloud print service 100. The web page 5201 also contains a button 1014 for confirming the input to input fields 1011 to 1013. The end user enters the authentication information for logging into the cloud print service 100 into input fields 1011 to 1013 and touches button 1014. The web page display unit 520 then detects this touch operation of button 1014.

[0056] In S904, the web page display unit 520 sends an authentication request to the cloud print service 100 along with the authentication information entered by the end user. In S905, the web portal 421 of the cloud print service 100 receives the authentication request. The web portal 421 then inputs the received authentication information into the authentication manager 413, which then verifies the authentication information. Here, it is assumed that the verification of the authentication information has determined that the information is correct.

[0057] In S906, the Web portal 421 transmits its screen to the information processing terminal 51. The network communication unit 510 of the information processing terminal 51 receives this Web portal 421 screen. In S907, the Web page display unit 520 displays this Web portal 421 screen on the operation unit 516.

[0058] The screen of the Web portal 421 displayed on the Web page 5201 by the Web page display unit 520 will be explained using Figures 12(A), 12(B), 13(A), and 13(B). Menu 1100 is displayed on the left side of the Web portal 421 screen. Submenus that make up menu 1100 are the registered printer list menu 1101, the print settings menu 1102, the print instruction menu 1103, and the PC application 530 settings menu 1104.

[0059] More specifically, Figure 12(A) illustrates the screen of the Web portal 421 that appears when an end user selects the registered printer list menu 1101. This screen displays the registered printer list 1105, which shows a list of image forming machines 200 registered in the tenant to which the end user of the cloud print service 100 authenticated in S905 belongs. The registered printer list 1105 displays the model name (registered device), serial number, and registration date of the registered printer. Note that these displayed items are examples, and other items, such as configuration information or capability information for each registered printer, may be displayed.

[0060] Figure 12(B) illustrates the screen of the Web portal 421 that appears when an end user selects the print settings menu 1102. This screen displays a list of default print settings. These settings are applied when an end user of the Cloud Print Service 100, authenticated in S905, performs printing according to the procedure described later. Note that the displayed print settings screen is just an example; settings for output paper size, print orientation, number of copies, single-sided / double-sided, page collation, color mode, binding direction, and stapling are displayed in pull-down menus such as 1131-1138. The screen also displays a print settings field 1110 illustrating these settings, and a button 1142 for applying the settings.

[0061] Figure 13(A) illustrates the screen of the Web portal 421 displayed when an end user selects the print command menu 1103. This screen is for an end user of the Cloud Print Service 100, authenticated in S905, to submit data to be printed. This screen includes a data submission field 1161, print settings fields 1110 and 1131-1138, and a print command button 1162. The data submission field 1161 is for the end user to submit files to be printed by dragging and dropping the files to be printed onto this field on the screen, or by selecting files according to the OS of the information processing terminal 51. The print settings field 1110 is a field similar to the default print settings display shown when the print settings menu 1102 is selected. Here, the default print settings set in the print settings menu 1102 are displayed. The end user can also change the displayed settings. When the print command button 1162 is touched, it executes a print command according to the settings in the data submission field 1161 and the print setting fields 1110 and 1131-1138. The detailed processing procedure when a print command is executed will be described later.

[0062] Figure 13(B) illustrates the screen of the Web portal 421 that appears when the settings menu 1104 of the PC application 530 is selected. This screen displays a download button 1171 for downloading the PC application 530 of the cloud print service 100. End users of the cloud print service 100 who have been authenticated in S905 can download and install the PC application 530 by touching this download button 1171. Through this process, end users can submit target files as printable files from software installed on their PC, such as word processing software, spreadsheet software, or slide creation software. The installation procedure for the PC application 530 and the print instruction procedure will be described later.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10, in S908, the Web page display unit 520 accepts touch operation on the screen of the Web portal 421. Here, the Web page display unit 520 accepts input to select the setting menu 1104 of the PC application 530 shown in Figure 12(A). Then, the Web page display unit 520 displays the screen shown in Figure 13(B) and accepts touch operation on the download button 1171 of the PC application 530. Then, the Web page display unit 520 sends a download request for the PC application 530 to the cloud print service 100.

[0064] In S909, the Web portal 421 of the cloud print service 100 receives a download request for the PC application 530, retrieves the PC application 530 stored in the cloud storage 423, and sends it to the information processing terminal 51. The format of the transmitted PC application 530 is either an executable file or an executable file compressed with ZIP or the like, in a format that can be installed by the end user using the OS functions of the information processing terminal 51.

[0065] In S910, the network communication unit 510 of the information processing terminal 51 receives the PC application 530. Then, the information processing terminal 51 installs the PC application 530 based on instructions from the end user, such as an instruction to execute an executable file. The sequence flow then ends. Through these steps, an end user of the cloud print service 100 can install and use the PC application 530 on the information processing terminal 51 to use the service.

[0066] Figure 14 illustrates the screen used to access the PC application 530 installed on the information processing terminal 51. On this screen, the end user can print a file opened in the spreadsheet software installed on the information processing terminal 51 to the cloud print service 100.

[0067] More specifically, the end user has a file named "1234567.xlsx" open in a spreadsheet program, and the print command screen is open in window 1200. Window 1200 displays a print command button 1201, a printer selection dropdown menu 1202, a print settings menu 1203, and a print preview display 1204. Once the sequence flow shown in Figure 10 is executed and the PC application 530 for the cloud print service 100 is installed, "Cloud Print Service" becomes selectable from the printer selection dropdown menu 1202. When the end user selects "Cloud Print Service" and touches the print command button 1201, the PC application 530 generates print data for the currently open file, using the settings configured in the print settings menu 1203. The network communication unit 510 then sends (submits) this print data to the cloud print service 100.

[0068] Figure 15 illustrates the screen of the PC application 530 launched on the information processing terminal 51 when print data is submitted to the cloud print service 100 (an example of a "settings screen"). At startup, an authentication flow equivalent to that described using Figure 11 is performed, and the information processing terminal 51 sends the end user's information (an example of "user information") to the cloud print service 100. The information processing terminal 51 then obtains a list of devices included in the tenant to which the end user belongs. Based on the obtained device list information, the PC application 530 displays a device selection window 1205. The device selection window 1205 displayed here includes a button that allows the user to select a retained print 1206, which can temporarily save the image forming job to the cloud print service 100. The device selection window 1205 also includes a device selection button 1207 that allows the user to specify a device and immediately execute printing, a print button 1209, and a cancel button 1208 that cancels the submission.

[0069] When an end user selects a retained print 1206 and touches the print button 1209, the print job can be executed on any device. Any device is one of the registered devices (an example of "first information") that are set to belong to the same tenant and are displayed in the registered printer list 1105 in Figure 12(A). On the other hand, if the end user wants to select a device to print on, they select a device from the pull-down menu of the device selection button 1207, which allows printing by specifying a device. Then, the end user touches the print button 1209. Here, the displayed list of devices (an example of "first identification information") matches the registered devices associated with the tenant to which the end user belongs, as displayed in the registered printer list 1105 in Figure 12(A). Note that the device selection button 1207 is not limited to a pull-down format; any display that allows device selection is acceptable. Furthermore, the PC application 530 includes information on the print type (whether it is a retained print or not) and, if a device to print on is specified, that device information in the print data.

[0070] <Processing Example 3> Using Figure 16, the process by which the cloud print service 100 generates a print job based on data submitted from the information processing terminal 51, and associates and saves the print job with the data converted to a printable format. This process is achieved when a program stored in ROM 140 is read into RAM 130 and executed by CPU 120. This process is also triggered when an end user of the cloud print service 100 submits data to the cloud print service 100, for example, by operating the screen shown in Figure 15.

[0071] In S1301, the print application 414 receives the input data transmitted from the information processing terminal 51 via the network interface 170 when the print button 1209 (Figure 15) is touched.

[0072] In S1307, the print application 414 determines whether the print type related to the input data received in S1301 is a retained print. If the print application 414 determines that it is a retained print, the process proceeds to S1302; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1308.

[0073] In S1302, the print application 414 retrieves a list of printers registered in the tenant to which the end user belongs from the database 424. The retrieved list of printers matches the printers displayed in the pull-down menu 1202 on the registered printer list screen in Figure 14.

[0074] In S1303, the print application 414 retrieves the configuration information and capability information for each registered printer registered in the database 424 in S608, based on the registered printer information obtained in S1302. The format of the configuration information and capability information is, for example, in the format shown in Figures 9(A) to 9(C) for each registered printer.

[0075] In S1308, the print application 414 acquires the configuration information and capability information of the specified device included in the input data received in S1301. The format of the configuration information and capability information is, for example, in the format shown in Figures 9(A) to 9(C) for each printer.

[0076] In S1304, the print application 414 creates a conversion format list that enumerates the conversion formats in order to convert the input data received in S1301 into a format that can be printed on each device. The conversion format list is created by obtaining the "printableFormat" value from the configuration information and capability information for each device obtained in S1303 or S1308 and taking the union of the two values. More specifically, for example, in S1303, the configuration information and capability information for each device may be obtained as shown in Figures 9(A) to 9(C). In such a case, the "printableFormat" value for each device will be "PDF, LIPSLX", "LIPSLX", and "JPEG", respectively. Therefore, the union of these values, "PDF, LIPSLX, JPEG", is created as the conversion format list.

[0077] In S1305, the print application 414 converts the input data received in S1301 into each of the formats listed in the conversion format list generated in S1304 to generate printable format data. Note that the print application 414 is an example of a "data conversion unit". The input data is an example of "first data". The printable format data is an example of "second data that can be image formed in an image forming apparatus".

[0078] In S1306, the print application 414 saves the printable data converted in S1305 to the cloud storage 423 (an example of a "storage unit capable of storing second data"). If the print type is a retained print, the print application 414 associates information that identifies the end user who submitted the data (such as a user ID) with the printable data and saves it as a retained print job. On the other hand, if the print type is not a retained print, the print application 414 associates information that identifies the end user who submitted the data (such as a user ID) and specified device information with the printable data and saves it as a device-specified print job. The print application 414 then sends the device-specified print job to the image forming apparatus 200, and printing is performed at the image forming apparatus 200. The print application 414 then terminates this flowchart.

[0079] <Processing Example 4> Using Figure 17, we will explain the sequence flow that shows the process of printing printable data stored on the cloud print service 100 on the image forming apparatus 200 by executing the processing flow shown in Figure 16. This sequence is realized by the image forming apparatus 200 and the cloud print service 100 executing their respective processes while communicating via the network 10. The processing of the image forming apparatus 200 is realized by reading the program stored in the ROM 240 into the RAM 230 and executing it on the CPU 220. Similarly, the processing of the cloud print service 100 is realized by reading the program stored in the ROM 140 into the RAM 130 and executing it on the CPU 120. The processing described in this sequence is initiated when the operation unit 261 of the image forming apparatus 200 is activated by an operation such as touching the operation unit 261 by the end user of the image forming apparatus 200 and the cloud print service 100.

[0080] In S1400, the application platform 340 of the image forming apparatus 200 displays a login screen for the image forming apparatus 200 on the operation unit 261. The login screen for the image forming apparatus 200 displayed in S1400 is explained using Figure 18(A). The screen has an input field 1501 for the user ID and an input field 1502 for the password. The user enters the user ID and password of the user registered with the image forming apparatus 200 using the operation unit 261 and touches the login button 1503. The application platform 340 then receives this touch operation and can execute the login instruction.

[0081] In S1401, the application platform 340 compares the user authentication information registered in the user management 351 with the user ID and password entered by the end user when instructing login, and performs authentication. In S1402, if the authentication in S1401 is successful, the application platform 340 displays a list of applications installed on the image forming apparatus 200.

[0082] Figure 19 illustrates the application list screen of the image forming apparatus 200 displayed in S1402. The operation panel screen 1600 consists of, for example, a window title 1611, a user name display field 1612, a main menu icon 1613, a custom menu icon 1614, a personal settings icon 1615, and a destination / forwarding settings icon 1616. The screen also displays function icons such as the "Copy" icon, the "Cloud Print" icon 1621, and the "Cloud Scan" icon. The display / hide status of these function icons is determined by the license. The screen further consists of a "Status Check / Cancel" display button 1628 that displays the status of the image forming apparatus 200, an "Error Status Display Field" 1629, and a "Logout" button 1630 for logging out the currently logged-in user. Note that in S606 in Figure 7, the icon corresponding to the print application installed on the image forming apparatus 200 is "Cloud Print" 1621.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of the sequence flow in Figure 17, in S1403, the application platform 340 launches Cloud Print 333 when the end user touches the "Cloud Print" icon 1621 on the operation panel screen 1600. Next, the launched Cloud Print 333 requests the Cloud Print service 100 to display the Cloud Print application screen.

[0084] In S1404, the print application 414 of the cloud print service 100, upon receiving the request, sends an authentication screen for logging into the cloud print service 100 to the image forming apparatus 200 via the network interface 170. Figure 18(B) illustrates this authentication screen. The authentication screen includes fields 1511, 1512, and 1513 for entering login information (also called authentication information), such as the tenant ID, user ID, and password of the end user of the cloud print service 100. A login instruction button 1514 is also provided on the authentication screen.

[0085] In S1405, the end user enters login information into fields 1511 to 1513 of the authentication screen in Figure 18(B) and touches the login instruction button 1514. Upon this operation, Cloud Print 333 sends an authentication request along with the authentication information to the Cloud Print service 100.

[0086] In S1406, the print application 414 of the cloud print service 100 transmits the received authentication information to the authentication management 413. The authentication management 413 then verifies the authentication information. If the verification of the authentication information is successful, in S1407, the print application 414 generates a list screen of the retained print jobs that the authenticated user has previously submitted and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 200. This list screen may be a list screen of retained print jobs that have been created in accordance with the procedure in Figure 16 based on the data submitted by the authenticated user and stored in the cloud storage 423.

[0087] In S1408, the Cloud Print 333 of the image forming apparatus 200 displays a list of retained print jobs received in S1407 on the operation unit 261. Figure 20 illustrates the retained print job list screen displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 200. The retained print job list screen 1700 consists of retained print job lists 1711 to 1713, a setting change button 1724, and a print button 1725. The retained print job list displays a list of retained print jobs saved according to the flow in Figure 16, submitted by an end user authenticated in S1406. The end user can select the job they want to print from the retained print job list via the operation unit 261 and instruct printing by touching the print button 1725. The screen in Figure 20 shows that retained print job 1712 corresponding to the file name of the submitted data "1234567.xlsx" is selected. In the following sequence flow, it will be assumed that the print button 1725 was touched by the end user from this state.

[0088] In S1409, CloudPrint 333 requests CloudPrint Service 100 to acquire print data in a format printable by the image forming apparatus 200, corresponding to the retained print job instructed by the end user. When making this acquisition request, CloudPrint 333 sends information identifying the image forming apparatus 200 (e.g., serial number) to CloudPrint Service 100. That is, let's assume that the printer to which the end user entered the print instruction was "PrinterB" from the list of registered printers shown in Figure 12(A). Then, this acquisition request will be sent to CloudPrint Service 100 including the serial number "BBB00001".

[0089] In S1410, the print application 414 of the cloud print service 100, upon receiving a request to acquire print data, determines the printable data format to send to the requesting image forming apparatus 200 using the contents of the acquisition request. Specifically, the print application 414 identifies the configuration information and capability information corresponding to the serial number of the requesting image forming apparatus 200 included in the print data acquisition request in the database 424. That is, the print application 414 identifies the configuration information and capability information (Figure 9(B)) corresponding to the serial number "BBB00001".

[0090] Next, the print application 414 identifies the printable formats listed in "Printableformat" using the identified configuration information and capability information. Then, in S1306, the print application 414 determines that the data corresponding to the identified format from among the printable format data stored in the cloud storage 423 is the printable format data to be sent to the requesting image forming apparatus 200. In other words, the print application 414 determines that the data converted from the input data "1234567.xlsx" to the format "LIPSLX" is the data that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 200.

[0091] In S1411, the print application 414 transmits the printable format data determined in S1410 to the image forming apparatus 200. Note that there may be multiple "Printableformat" options for the requesting image forming apparatus 200, resulting in multiple candidate conversion data formats to send to the image forming apparatus 200. In such cases, the print application 414 may transmit the conversion data format with the highest pre-set priority. Alternatively, the print application 414 may transmit all candidate conversion data to the image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 may then determine which conversion data to actually print according to predetermined criteria. The cloud print 333 of the image forming apparatus 200 receives this printable format data. In S1412, the cloud print 333 issues a print execution instruction for the printable format data received in S1411 via the job device control module 352. The printing process for the printable format data is then executed.

[0092] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the image forming system 1 described above, the PC application 530 screen, as shown in Figure 15, displays the image forming apparatus 200 included in the tenant available to the end user, making it selectable. Therefore, the usability for the end user performing the print operation is improved.

[0093] <Variation> Here, we will omit explanations of parts that are identical in configuration and processing procedures to the above embodiment, and instead explain the parts that differ.Using Figure 21, we will explain another example of the Web portal 421 that is displayed when the registered printer list menu 1101 is selected.The registered device list 1801 in the modified example is displayed in addition to the screen content in Figure 12(A), corresponding to the "installation location" 1802 and the "user-used printer" flag 1803.The "user-used printer" flag 1803 is displayed so that the user authenticated by S905 can specify whether or not to use each of the registered printers.That is, a checkbox is provided for each registered printer, and the end user of the cloud print service 100 can check the printer that they will actually use to print.Then, by touching the apply button 1804, the end user can set the printer specified by the checkbox (an example of "second identification information") as the printer that the user will use to print.Then, the cloud print 333 sends this setting change information to the cloud print service 100. In the cloud print service 100, the print application 414 receives this configuration change information and registers it in the database 424.

[0094] Furthermore, in S905, if authentication management 413 determines that the authenticated user is a user with administrator privileges (hereinafter also referred to as administrator), it may allow the tenant information settings to be changed. That is, if a user with administrator privileges checks the "User-Used Printer" flag 1803, the checked registered device may be made available to end users who belong to the same tenant as the administrator. Note that an end user is an example of a "specific user". Note that the checked registered device is an example of "second identification information". Also, an end user who belongs to the same tenant is an example of a "specific user". Such setting changes are reflected in the device selection button 1207 in Figure 26 described later. Conversely, if the check is unchecked, the "Installation Location" 1802 may also be displayed as changeable by a user with administrator privileges.

[0095] Furthermore, the administrator may configure the system to display the device selection button 1207 shown in Figure 15 as unselectable, and only the retained print 1206 as selectable. That is, the screen in Figure 15 will either not display the pull-down menu for the device selection button 1207 or it will be grayed out, making the device unselectable. Note that the configuration in which only the retained print 1206 is selectable is not limited to this configuration.

[0096] Using Figure 22, we will explain the data format in which the "Installation Location" 1802 and the "User-Used Printer" flag 1803 in Figure 21 are stored in the database 424. For each end user of the cloud print service 100, information about each registered printer is recorded as an element of "UserID," which represents the user's identifier, and "registeredDevices," which shows a list of registered printers. Furthermore, within the information of each registered printer, the "User-Used Printer" flag 1803 is recorded as the "isUse" value. In Figure 21, printers that are checked are set to the value "true," and printers that are unchecked are set to the value "false." Also, if an administrator user enters installation location information, that input is reflected in the "location" value.

[0097] Using Figure 23, we will explain the data format in which the "Installation Location" 1802 and the "User-Used Printer" flag 1803, set by the administrator user on the screen shown in Figure 21, are reflected in the database 424. For each end user of the cloud print service 100 belonging to the same tenant as the administrator, the "tenantID" representing the identifier of the tenant to which the end user belongs is listed. In addition, information for each registered printer is listed as an element of "registeredDevices," which shows a list of registered printers. Furthermore, within the information for each registered printer, the "User-Used Printer" flag 1803 is listed as the "isUse" value. Also, in Figure 21, printers that are checked are set to the value "true," and printers that are unchecked are set to the value "false." Note that in the example of Figure 23, the "isUse" of "PrinterB" and "PrinterC" is set to "true" to correspond to the settings on the screen in Figure 21.

[0098] Using Figure 24, the software configuration of the modified cloud print service 100 will be explained. The modified cloud application manager 410, in addition to the above embodiment, includes a device management 416 that requests the device to send a signal regarding the device status (an example of "availability information") and confirms the received signal. The device status refers to, for example, whether the device is available to the user or not, or whether it is operating normally or not. Whether the device is available or not means, for example, whether the device is online or not, whether it is in sleep mode or not, or whether the power is on or not. Whether the device is operating normally means whether the sheet is out or not, whether the colorant is out or not, or whether it is in a malfunction state or not.

[0099] Using Figure 25, we will explain the sequence flow for displaying another example of the PC application 530 screen shown in Figure 15, based on tenant settings and user settings. This sequence flow is realized by the information processing terminal 51, the cloud print service 100, and the image forming apparatus 200 communicating via the network 10 and executing their respective processes. The processing of the information processing terminal 51 is realized by reading the program stored in ROM 514 into RAM 513 and executing it on CPU 512. Similarly, the processing of the cloud print service 100 is realized by reading the program stored in ROM 140 into RAM 130 and executing it on CPU 120. The processing of the image forming apparatus 200 is realized by reading the program stored in ROM 240 into RAM 230 and executing it on CPU 220.

[0100] In S2001, the PC application 530 of the information processing terminal 51 accepts the end user's selection of the print command button 1201 on the print command screen as shown in Figure 14. In S2002, the PC application 530 requests a list of available devices from the cloud print service 100. At this time, the PC application 530 makes a request that includes authentication information. If authentication information is not available, a re-authentication process may be performed.

[0101] In S2003, the user management unit 411 of the cloud print service 100 performs user authentication based on the received authentication information. In S2004, if the user management unit 411 determines that the authentication information is not fraudulent, it retrieves the tenant information shown in Figure 22 from the database 424 based on the tenant information to which the user included in the authentication information belongs. In S2005, the user management unit 411 retrieves user information from the database 424 based on the user information included in the authentication information.

[0102] In S2006, the device management unit 416 checks the status of the devices belonging to the acquired tenant information. If there are multiple devices, the check is performed for each device. S2006 may also request the information processing terminal 51 to send the status to the devices. In S2007, the device management unit 417 receives the device status. Then, in S2008, the device management unit 417 sends device information, including the received device status, to the information processing terminal 51. Although not described in this sequence, device configuration information / capability information for each device may also be included in the device information and sent. In S2009, the PC application 530 on the information processing terminal 51 receives this device information and displays it on the application screen.

[0103] Using Figure 26, we will explain the application screen (an example of a "settings screen") displayed on the information processing terminal 51 as a result of the processing in Figure 25. The PC application 530 uses the device information sent from the cloud print service 100 to display "PrinterB" and "PrinterC," which are "user-used printers" selected by the administrator in the registered device list 1801 in Figure 21. Note that "PrinterB" and "PrinterC" are examples of "second information" and "second identification information." On the other hand, "printerA" also belongs to the tenant to which the user belongs (Figure 23), but it is not displayed on the device selection button 1207 because it has not been selected by the user. Note that the printer name may have the serial number or location information included in the device information added to it for easier recognition. The device selection button 1207 also displays information 2101 (an example of "third information") corresponding to the state in which the user cannot use or cannot use it normally. Information 2101 may also indicate a method for referring to the device status. Furthermore, information 2101 may also indicate the status of the device, such as whether or not paper is present, whether the device is powered on or off, and whether or not the set print settings can be applied to the device. This information indicating the device status is included in the device information received by the PC application 530 in S2009.

[0104] Note that the pull-down display 1202 on the application screen in Figure 14 displays a specific model, and we assume that one of these specific models is selected (for example, "PrinterB"). In such a case, the device selection button 1207 in Figure 26 may only display "PrinterB" or a model of the same type.

[0105] Furthermore, the tenant information in Figure 23 may include information that identifies a specific user. If S2003 authenticates that the user is this specific user, it may send device information included in the tenant to which the specific user is associated to the information processing terminal 51 that sent the authentication information. In such a case, the device information associated with the specific user is displayed on the device selection button 1207.

[0106] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the modified image forming system, the application screen shown in Figure 26 displays the image forming devices 200 included in the tenant that the administrator has authorized the end user to use. A symbol indicating the status of the image forming device 200 is also displayed. Therefore, the end user can select an image forming device 200 without being aware of its availability. Thus, the usability for the end user performing the print operation is also improved by the modified image forming system.

[0107] <Other variations> In the flowchart in Figure 25, the application screen displayed on the information processing terminal 51 at S2009 may be generated by the cloud print service 100. Furthermore, the cloud print service 100 may be equipped with a display, and this application screen may be displayed on this display.

[0108] Furthermore, in S608, the image forming apparatus 200 registered with the cloud print service 100 may be an image forming apparatus installed at the end user's home. In such cases, the name of the registered image forming apparatus 200 may be displayed on the PC application 530 screen, as shown in Figure 15, only when the end user logs in.

[0109] Furthermore, the screens shown in Figures 15 and 26 may display at least one of the following: the image forming apparatus 200 included in the tenant, the image forming apparatus 200 checked by the user in the checkbox, and the status of the image forming apparatus 200 included in the tenant. In addition, the screen in Figure 26 displayed a list of selected image forming apparatuses 200 and showed the status of any image forming apparatuses that were not functioning properly. Alternatively, the system may display only the selected image forming apparatus 200 and not show its status. Alternatively, as in the embodiment, all image forming apparatuses in the tenant to which the user belongs may be included in the list display, and the status of each may be displayed as in the modified example.

[0110] <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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The disclosures herein include the following information processing devices, information processing systems, methods for controlling them, and programs. [Item 1] A unit for acquiring user information, The system includes an output unit that outputs information for image formation based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. An information processing device characterized by the following: [Item 2] The output unit outputs information for a setting screen for image formation, which includes at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information. The information processing device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Item 3] The aforementioned settings screen is, The first information is displayed as the identification information of each of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant, The system displays a choice between temporarily storing a job instructing the image forming apparatus to form an image in the information processing device, or specifying the first identification information and executing the job in the image forming apparatus corresponding to the first identification information. The information processing device described in item 2, characterized in that it is an information processing device. [Item 4] The aforementioned settings screen displays the second information and the third information, The second information is second identification information which is the identification information of the image forming apparatus among the image forming apparatus included in the tenant that the user has selected to display. The third piece of information is information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus. The information processing device described in item 3, characterized by the features described herein. [Item 5] It is equipped with a first communication unit capable of communicating with an information processing terminal, The first communication unit includes the acquisition unit and the output unit, The first communication unit, when the user is an administrator, receives identification information of the image forming apparatus that the user has selected to display to a specific user among the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant, The aforementioned second identification information refers to the received identification information. The information processing device described in item 4, characterized by the features described herein. [Item 6] The system further includes a data conversion unit that converts first data for image formation into second data that can be used to form an image in the image forming apparatus. The first communication unit receives the first data from the information processing terminal, The data conversion unit converts the received first data into second data that can be image-formed in the image forming apparatus included in the tenant. The first communication unit transmits the second data to the image forming apparatus. The information processing device described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. [Item 7] The system further comprises a storage unit capable of storing one or more of the aforementioned second data, The first communication unit transmits the second data stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. The information processing device described in item 6, characterized by the features described herein. [Item 8] The information processing device described in item 7, The information processing terminal is provided, The aforementioned information processing terminal is A second communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned information processing device, It comprises a display unit that displays a screen, In the aforementioned information processing terminal, The second communication unit receives the information of the setting screen from the information processing device, The display unit displays the settings screen. An information processing system characterized by the following: [Item 9] The aforementioned information processing terminal further comprises a reception unit for receiving user input, In the aforementioned information processing terminal, The display unit, when the user is an administrator, displays the image forming apparatus included in the tenant in a selectable manner. The reception unit receives the selection of the image forming apparatus to be displayed to the specific user from among the image forming apparatuses, The second communication unit transmits the identification information of the selected image forming apparatus to the information processing device. The information processing system described in item 8, characterized by the features described above. [Item 10] The aforementioned information processing system further comprises an image forming apparatus comprising a third communication unit and an image forming unit that performs image formation, In the aforementioned image forming apparatus, The third communication unit receives the second data, The image forming unit performs image formation using the second data. An information processing system as described in item 8 or 9, characterized by the above. [Item 11] A method for controlling an information processing device, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition process to acquire user information, The output unit includes an output step of outputting information for image formation based on the user information acquired in the acquisition step, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. A method for controlling an information processing device. [Item 12] A method for controlling an information processing system, The first information processing step in which the information processing device performs information processing, This includes a second information processing step in which an information processing terminal performs information processing, The first information processing step includes a first communication step in which the first communication unit transmits information from the settings screen to the information processing terminal. The second information processing step is: The second communication unit includes a second communication step in which it receives information from the information processing device regarding the setting screen, The display unit includes a display step of displaying the setting screen, The aforementioned settings screen is a screen for image formation, which includes at least one of the following: first information set for a tenant available to the user, including multiple image forming machines; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming machines included in the tenant. A control method for an information processing system characterized by the following: [Item 13] A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing device, wherein the control method is: The acquisition unit performs an acquisition process to acquire user information, The output unit includes an output step of outputting information for image formation based on the user information acquired in the acquisition step, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1: Image forming system, 10: Network, 20: Local network, 51: Information processing terminal, 100: Cloud print service, 110: Cloud storage service, 200: Image forming apparatus, 1205: Device selection window, 1206: Retention print, 1207: Device specification button, 1208: Cancel button, 1209: Print button, 1801: Registered device list, 1803: Flag of user-used printer, 2101: Information according to device status, 5201: Web page displayed on the information processing terminal

Claims

1. A unit for acquiring user information, The system includes an output unit that outputs information for image formation based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The output unit outputs information for a setting screen for image formation, which includes at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned settings screen is, The first information is displayed as the identification information of each of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant, The system displays a choice between temporarily storing a job instructing the image forming apparatus to form an image in the information processing device, or specifying a first identification information and executing the job in the image forming apparatus corresponding to the first identification information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned settings screen displays the second information and the third information, The second information is second identification information which is the identification information of the image forming apparatus among the image forming apparatus included in the tenant that the user has selected to display. The third piece of information is information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. It is equipped with a first communication unit capable of communicating with an information processing terminal, The first communication unit includes the acquisition unit and the output unit, The first communication unit, when the user is an administrator, receives identification information of the image forming apparatus that the user has selected to display to a specific user among the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant, The second identification information refers to the received identification information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The system further includes a data conversion unit that converts first data for image formation into second data that can be used to form an image in the image forming apparatus. The first communication unit receives the first data from the information processing terminal, The data conversion unit converts the received first data into second data that can be image-formed in the image forming apparatus included in the tenant. The first communication unit transmits the second data to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The system further comprises a storage unit capable of storing one or more of the second data, The first communication unit transmits the second data stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to feature 6.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, The information processing terminal is provided, The aforementioned information processing terminal is A second communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned information processing device, It comprises a display unit that displays a screen, In the aforementioned information processing terminal, The second communication unit receives the information of the setting screen from the information processing device, The display unit displays the settings screen. An information processing system characterized by the following:

9. The aforementioned information processing terminal further comprises a reception unit for receiving user input, In the aforementioned information processing terminal, The display unit, when the user is an administrator, displays the image forming apparatus included in the tenant in a selectable manner. The reception unit receives the selection of the image forming apparatus to be displayed to the specific user from among the image forming apparatuses, The second communication unit transmits the identification information of the selected image forming apparatus to the information processing device. The information processing system according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned information processing system further comprises an image forming apparatus comprising a third communication unit and an image forming unit that performs image formation, In the aforementioned image forming apparatus, The third communication unit receives the second data, The image forming unit performs image formation using the second data. The information processing system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it is the same as described above.

11. A method for controlling an information processing device, The acquisition unit performs an acquisition process to acquire user information, The output unit includes an output step of outputting information for image formation based on the user information acquired in the acquisition step, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. A method for controlling an information processing device.

12. A method for controlling an information processing system, The first information processing step in which the information processing device performs information processing, This includes a second information processing step in which an information processing terminal performs information processing, The first information processing step includes a first communication step in which the first communication unit transmits information from the settings screen to the information processing terminal. The second information processing step is: The second communication unit includes a second communication step in which it receives information from the information processing device regarding the settings screen, The display unit includes a display step of displaying the setting screen, The aforementioned settings screen is a screen for image formation, which includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, including multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. A control method for an information processing system characterized by the following:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing device, wherein the control method is: The acquisition unit performs an acquisition process to acquire user information, The output unit includes an output step of outputting information for image formation based on the user information acquired in the acquisition step, The information for image formation includes at least one of the following: first information set in a tenant available to the user, which includes multiple image forming apparatuses; second information associated with the user; and third information indicating the status of the image forming apparatuses included in the tenant. program.

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