Image forming apparatus and its control program

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus with a direct printing function that can support new file formats without requiring updates to the control program. [Solution] The image forming apparatus has a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores a direct printing application that performs a direct printing function for files on an external device and a conversion application that utilizes a file format conversion function provided by a cloud server. The processor executes the direct printing application and the conversion application, provides a selection environment for selecting files to be printed from files on the external device, requests the cloud server to perform a file format conversion to convert the selected files to a file format compatible with the direct printing function, retrieves the converted file from the cloud server after the file format conversion, and prints the converted file.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus placed in a workplace and a control program therefor. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, image forming apparatuses having various functions are known. One of the various functions is a direct printing function. The direct printing function is a function that enables selection and display of files in an external device (such as a USB memory, digital camera, smartphone, etc.) connected to the image forming apparatus, and directly prints the files selected by the user without passing through an intermediate device (computer). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-176629 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 Files that can be directly printed by an image forming apparatus are usually limited to those in mainstream file formats that exist at the time of manufacture of the image forming apparatus. For example, such file formats include.PDF,.JPEG,.XPS,.PRN,.PS, etc. 【0005】 Naturally, the direct printing function cannot support files in new file formats formulated after the manufacture of the image forming apparatus, and those files cannot be printed. Such new file formats include.docx,.xlsx,.pptx,.psd,.ai, etc. 【0006】 To support such new file formats, the control program of the image forming apparatus needs to be updated. For example, this requires recreating the system ROM of the image forming apparatus and performing a ROM installation (rewriting the ROM). 【0007】 The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an image forming apparatus and its control program that have a direct printing function capable of supporting novel file formats without requiring updates to the control program. [Means for solving the problem] 【0008】 The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores a direct printing application that executes a direct printing function for directly printing files on an external device, and a conversion application that utilizes a file format conversion function provided by a cloud server. The processor executes the direct printing application and the conversion application. The processor provides the user with a selection environment to select a file to be printed from among the files on the external device, requests the cloud server to perform a file format conversion to convert the file format of the selected file to be printed to a file format supported by the direct printing function, retrieves the converted file from the cloud server, and prints the converted file. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a USB direct printing screen displayed on the display of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of direct printing in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the correspondence between the file format and extension of the source and destination files in file format conversion. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of an MFP user information management table. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a relationship table between MFP users and cloud users. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a cloud user management table managed on a cloud server. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a sequence for obtaining an access token for a cloud server. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows the beginning of an example sequence for directly printing files from a USB memory stick. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows the portion of Figure 10A that follows an example sequence for directly printing files on a USB memory stick. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C shows the portion of Figure 10B that follows an example sequence for directly printing files on a USB memory stick. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0010】 (Image forming system) First, with reference to Figure 1, an image forming system 1000 including an image forming apparatus 1001 according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an image forming system 1000 including an image forming apparatus 1001 according to an embodiment. 【0011】 The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 1001, a personal computer 1002, a LAN (Local Area Network) 1003, a cloud server 1004, and a network 1005. 【0012】 The image forming apparatus 1001 and the personal computer 1002 are connected to the LAN 1003 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 1003. Also, the image forming apparatus 1001 and the personal computer 1002 can communicate with the cloud server 1004 via the network 1005. 【0013】 The image forming apparatus 1001 is, for example, a multi-functional device having various functions, that is, an MFP (multifunction peripheral). Therefore, hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1001 may be abbreviated as MFP. That is, the term MFP means the image forming apparatus 1001. Also, various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001 may be referred to as MFP functions. 【0014】 The image forming apparatus 1001 has a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, a fax function, etc. The printing function is a function of printing an image on paper. The scanning function is a function of reading an image from a document or the like. The copying function is, for example, a function of printing an image read from a document or the like using the scanning function on paper using the printing function. The fax function is, for example, a function of transmitting an image read from a document or the like using the scanning function to the outside, or printing an image received from the outside on paper using the printing function. 【0015】 The personal computer 1002 is used for editing an MFP user information management table possessed by the image forming apparatus 1001 and a cloud user management table possessed by the cloud server 1004. 【0016】 The cloud server 1004 provides a service for file format conversion. For example, the cloud server 1004 receives a file that the image forming apparatus 1001 cannot print, converts it into a file that the image forming apparatus 1001 can print, and returns it to the image forming apparatus 1001. In one example, the cloud server 1004 converts a Word file, an Excel file, a PowerPoint file, etc. received from the image forming apparatus 1001 into a PDF file and returns it to the image forming apparatus 1001. 【0017】 (Image forming apparatus) Next, referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the embodiment. 【0018】 The image forming apparatus 1001 includes a processor 1011, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1012, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1013, a local storage device 1014, an operation key 1015, a touch panel 1016, a display 1017, a scan input unit 1018, a print output unit 1019, a fax input / output unit 1020, a LAN transmission / reception unit 1021, a USB device control unit 1022, and a system bus 1023. 【0019】 The processor 1011 is an arithmetic element that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 1011 controls the image forming apparatus 1001 according to software programs stored in the ROM 1012 and the local storage device 1014. The processor 1011 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and the like. 【0020】 The ROM 1012 is a non-volatile memory that constitutes a part of the main memory. The ROM 1012 non-temporarily stores a startup program necessary for starting up the image forming apparatus 1001. The ROM 1012 is composed of, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and stores various setting data at startup in addition to the startup program. 【0021】 The RAM 1013 is a volatile memory that constitutes a part of the main memory. The RAM 1013 temporarily stores programs necessary for the processing of the processor 1011 and data necessary for the execution of the programs. The RAM 1013 functions as a working memory of the processor 1011. 【0022】 The local storage device 1014 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The local storage device 1014 non-temporarily stores the program executed by the processor 1011 and the data necessary for the execution of the program. Hereafter, the program will be simply referred to as a program, including the data necessary for execution. In other words, a program includes the data necessary for execution. The program stored in the local storage device 1014 will be described later. 【0023】 The operation key 1015 is an input device that receives instructions from the user, and for example, has multiple push keys assigned to each function, and receives instructions from the user through the operation of the push keys. 【0024】 The touch panel 1016 is an input device that receives instructions from the user, and receives instructions from the user via touch operation using a finger or stylus. 【0025】 The display 1017 is an output device that presents information to the user; more specifically, it is a display device that presents information to the user through display. For example, it may consist of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. 【0026】 For example, the touch panel 1016 is mounted on top of the display 1017, and the display function of the display 1017 and the input function of the touch panel 1016 are used in combination. The touch panel 1016 and the display 1017 constitute an input / output device. 【0027】 The scan input unit 1018 is a device that performs a scanning function and reads an image from a document. The scan input unit 1018 includes, for example, a document glass and a reading module. The reading module reads an image from a document placed on the document glass or from a document fed to the document glass by a document feeder. The reading module illuminates the document to be scanned with illumination light, receives the reflected light with an image sensor, and converts it into a digital signal. In this way, the reading module reads an image from the document. 【0028】 The print output unit 1019 is a device that performs printing functions and prints an image of the data onto paper transported by the paper transport device based on the supplied print data. The print data is, for example, image data read from the original by the scan input unit 1018. Alternatively, the print data is, for example, image data transmitted from an external device separate from the image forming apparatus 1001 and received by the fax input / output unit 1020. Alternatively, the print data is data (a file) stored on an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 1001. 【0029】 For example, the print output unit 1019 prints an image on paper by forming a toner image on a transfer belt and transferring the toner image to the paper. Alternatively, the print output unit 1019 prints an image on paper by spraying ink onto the paper using an inkjet head. Furthermore, the print output unit 1019 is not limited to these methods and may print an image on paper by other means. 【0030】 The fax input / output unit 1020 is a device that performs fax functions, for example, by sending image data read by the scan input unit 1018 to an external device or the cloud via a telephone line, or by receiving image data to be printed by the print output unit 1019 from an external device or the cloud. 【0031】 The LAN transceiver 1021 communicates with external devices and the cloud via a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be wired or wireless. For example, the LAN transceiver 1021 transmits image data read by the scan input unit 1018 to an external device or the cloud, or receives image data for printing from an external device or the cloud to be used by the print output unit 1019. 【0032】 The USB device control unit 1022 is a device having a USB port and controls external devices connected to the USB port. External devices include USB memory sticks, digital cameras, smartphones, etc. For example, the USB device control unit 1022 reads data (files) for printing by the print output unit 1019 from an external device, or writes image data (files) read by the scan input unit 1018 to an external device. 【0033】 The system bus 1023 is a communication path between the processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, local storage device 1014, operation keys 1015, touch panel 1016, display 1017, scan input unit 1018, print output unit 1019, fax input / output unit 1020, LAN transmission / reception unit 1021, and USB device control unit 1022. The processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, local storage device 1014, operation keys 1015, touch panel 1016, display 1017, scan input unit 1018, print output unit 1019, fax input / output unit 1020, LAN transmission / reception unit 1021, and USB device control unit 1022 can send and receive information, data, control signals, commands, responses, etc. via the system bus 1023. 【0034】 The processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, and local storage device 1014 constitute a computer that controls the image forming apparatus 1001. 【0035】 The local storage device 1014 has the operating system (OS) 1031, the MFP control program 1032, the built-in application execution framework 1035, the built-in application 1036 and storage for the built-in application 1039, and the MFP user information management table 1042 installed on it. 【0036】 Here, "app" is an abbreviation for "application," and refers to an application. An application is a software program that accomplishes a specific task or purpose. 【0037】 Operating system 1031 is system software that provides the operating foundation for applications. 【0038】 The MFP control program 1032 is a program that executes various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001. The MFP control program 1032 also includes various files and configuration information necessary for the program's execution. 【0039】 For example, the MFP control program 1032 includes a scan application, a print application, a fax transmission application, etc. The scan application controls the scan input unit 1018 to perform the scanning function. The print application controls the print output unit 1019 to perform the printing function. The fax transmission application controls the fax input / output unit 1020 to perform the fax function. 【0040】 The MFP control program 1032 also includes a direct printing application 1033. The direct printing application 1033 is a software program for printing files on an external device connected to the USB device control unit 1022 without using an intermediate device such as a computer. The direct printing application 1033 displays a list of files on the external device on the USB direct printing screen and instructs the print output unit 1019 to print the file selected on the USB direct printing screen. 【0041】 The MFP control program 1032 also includes a login authentication application 1034. The login authentication application 1034 is a software program for authenticating users who log in to the image forming apparatus 1001. The login authentication application 1034 compares the user information entered on the login screen with the MFP user information management table 1042, and if the user information is valid, it allows the user to log in. 【0042】 The built-in application 1036 is a software program that performs other functions in conjunction with various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001. The storage for the built-in application 1039 is metadata for the built-in application 1036 and includes various files and configuration information necessary for the execution of the built-in application 1036. 【0043】 For example, the built-in application 1036 includes a cloud transfer application, an email sending application, etc. The cloud transfer application controls the LAN transceiver 1021 to perform cloud transfer of data to be processed by a cooperating source application. The email application controls the LAN transceiver 1021 to perform email sending of data to be processed by a cooperating source application. 【0044】 The built-in application 1036 also includes a conversion application 1037. The conversion application 1037 is a software program that works in conjunction with the direct printing application 1033 to utilize the file format conversion service provided by the cloud server 1004. The conversion application 1037 sends a source file that is not supported by the printing function of the image forming apparatus 1001 to the cloud server 1004, requests the cloud server 1004 to convert it to a destination file that is supported by the printing function of the image forming apparatus 1001, and receives the destination file from the cloud server 1004. 【0045】 The built-in application 1036 also includes an access token acquisition application 1038. The access token acquisition application 1038 is a software program for acquiring an access token, which is authentication information for accessing the cloud server 1004. The access token acquisition application 1038 requests the issuance of an access token from the cloud server 1004 and obtains the access token from the cloud server 1004. 【0046】 The built-in application storage 1039 stores the user association table 1040 and the access token 1041. The user association table 1040 contains information relating MFP users and cloud users in table format. The access token 1041 is authentication information obtained by the access token acquisition application 1038 for accessing the cloud server 1004. 【0047】 The MFP user information management table 1042 holds user management information for the image forming apparatus 1001 in table format. For example, the MFP user information management table 1042 includes information such as identification information and the assignment of execution privileges for MFP functions for each user. Identification information includes, for example, user ID and password. 【0048】 The built-in application execution framework 1035 controls the built-in application 1036 based on the information in the MFP user information management table 1042. 【0049】 The program installed on the local storage device 1014 is provided to the image forming apparatus 1001, for example, via a recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be stored on a server on a network and provided to the image forming apparatus 1001 by download. 【0050】 For example, when the computer starts up, the processor 1011 executes the startup program in ROM 1012 and starts the OS 1031. Under the control of OS 1031, the processor 1011 monitors command inputs and the connection of external devices. Also, under the control of OS 1031, the processor 1011 sets up a program area and a data area in RAM 1013. 【0051】 For example, the processor 1011 controls each device of the image forming apparatus 1001 and controls the image forming apparatus 1001 as a whole by deploying and executing various function control applications stored in the local storage device 1014 into the RAM 1013. 【0052】 Furthermore, for example, the processor 1011 executes various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001, such as printing, direct printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, by loading various built-in applications stored in the local storage device 1014 into the RAM 1013 and executing them. 【0053】 (Direct printing) The following describes direct printing. Here, we will describe an example in which a USB memory device is connected as an external device to the USB device control unit 1022 of the image forming apparatus 1001. 【0054】 When a USB memory device is connected to the USB device control unit 1022 of the image forming apparatus 1001 and the direct printing function is selected, the USB direct printing screen is displayed on the display 1017 of the image forming apparatus 1001. An example of the USB direct printing screen displayed on the display 1017 of the image forming apparatus 1001 is shown in Figure 3. The USB direct printing screen displays a list of folders and files on the USB memory device. Each folder can be expanded, and each file can be selected. Touching the "Print" icon instructs the system to print the selected file. 【0055】 For example, the printing function of the image forming apparatus 1001 supports and can print files in mainstream file formats, but it does not support and cannot print files in newer file formats. Supported file formats include .PDF, .JPEG, .XPS, .PRN, and .PS. Unsupported file formats include .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .psd, and .ai. 【0056】 Figure 4 shows an example of direct printing in the image forming apparatus 1001. The direct printing application 1033 of the MFP control program 1032 determines whether the file to be printed (the file selected on the operation screen in Figure 3) is a file in a supported file format. 【0057】 As will be explained later, the direct printing application 1033 of the MFP control program 1032 issues a file format conversion request to the built-in application execution framework 1035, and the built-in application execution framework 1035 determines the file format of the file to be printed. However, for convenience, this explanation will assume that the direct printing application 1033 determines the file format of the file to be printed. 【0058】 If the determination is made and the file to be printed is in a supported file format, the direct printing application 1033 outputs that file directly to the print output unit 1019. The print output unit 1019 then prints the received file in the supported file format. 【0059】 On the other hand, if the file to be printed is in an unsupported file format, the direct printing application 1033 works in conjunction with the conversion application 1037 of the built-in application 1036 to utilize the file format conversion service provided by the cloud server 1004. 【0060】 The direct printing application 1033 outputs the file to be printed to the conversion application 1037. The conversion application 1037 sends the file to be printed to the cloud server 1004 and requests conversion to a file in a supported file format. The cloud server 1004 converts the file to be printed to a file in a supported file format in response to the request and returns it to the conversion application 1037. The conversion application 1037 outputs the received file format converted file to the direct printing application 1033. The direct printing application 1033 outputs the received file in a supported file format to the print output unit 1019. The print output unit 1019 prints the received file in a supported file format. 【0061】 Figure 5 shows an example of file format conversion provided by cloud server 1004. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the file format and extension of the source file and the destination file in file format conversion. As an example, Figure 5 shows file format conversion to convert an office file to a PDF file. 【0062】 Because a conversion application 1037 is installed that works in conjunction with the direct printing application 1033 and utilizes the file format conversion service provided by the cloud server 1004, the range of printable file formats has been expanded. Therefore, in the USB direct printing screen shown in Figure 3, Word format files (docx files) are also displayed in the list of printable files. 【0063】 (MFP User Information Management Table) Next, we will explain an example of an MFP user information management table with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example of an MFP user information management table 1042. 【0064】 The MFP user information management table 1042 holds information used for user authentication of the image forming apparatus 1001 in table format. The MFP user information management table 1042 has column headers for User ID, Username, Password, and MFP function execution permission assignment. User ID is the user's identification code, Username is the user's name, Password is a secret string, and MFP function execution permission assignment is information about the execution permissions for MFP functions assigned to the user. 【0065】 The MFP user information management table 1042 is managed by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1001 and is referenced when a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1001. For example, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1001 can access the image forming apparatus 1001 from a personal computer 1002 using a browser function to manage (edit, update, etc.) the MFP user information management table 1042. 【0066】 (User association table) Next, with reference to Figure 7, we will describe an example of a user association table that includes information on the association between MFP users and cloud users. Figure 7 shows an example of user association table 1040 for MFP users and cloud users. 【0067】 The user association table 1040 contains information about the association between MFP users and cloud users, as well as information used for cloud user authentication on the cloud server 1004, in table format. The user association table 1040 has column headers for MFP User ID, Cloud User ID, Cloud User Name, and Access Token. The MFP User ID is the identification code of the MFP user, the Cloud User ID is the identification code of the cloud user, the Cloud User Name is the name of the cloud user, and the Access Token is the authentication information issued to the cloud user. 【0068】 The user association table 1040 is stored in the built-in application storage 1039, which is accessible by the built-in application 1036. The conversion application 1037 for the built-in application 1036 refers to this table information when using the services of the cloud server 1004. The user association table 1040 is managed by the conversion application 1037. 【0069】 (Cloud user management table) Next, we will explain an example of a cloud user management table with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example of a cloud user management table managed by the cloud server 1004 in Figure 1. 【0070】 The cloud user management table contains information used for user management on cloud server 1004 in a table format. The cloud user management table has column headers for cloud user ID, cloud username, password, and file conversion function execution permission. The cloud user ID is the identification code of the cloud user, the cloud username is the name of the cloud user, the password is a secret string, and the file conversion function execution permission is information on whether the cloud user has been assigned permission to execute the file conversion function. The cloud user management table is referenced when a cloud user logs in to cloud server 1004 and when a cloud user performs a file exchange function. 【0071】 The cloud user management table is managed by the administrator of the cloud server 1004 shown in Figure 1. The administrator of the image forming apparatus 1001 can access the cloud server 1004 from the personal computer 1002 shown in Figure 1 using a browser to request changes to the cloud user management table, etc. 【0072】 (Access token acquisition sequence) Next, we will describe an example of a sequence for obtaining an access token for a cloud server, referring to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example of a sequence for obtaining an access token for cloud server 1004. 【0073】 First, the user enters their user information, name and password, to log in to the image forming apparatus 1001 (ACT101). 【0074】 Next, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication application 1034) compares the username and password against the MFP user information management table 1042 (ACT 102). 【0075】 If user information exists and verification is successful, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication app 1034) allows login and displays a successful login on the display 1017 (ACT 103). 【0076】 Next, the user launches the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) by operating the touch panel 1016 (ACT 104). 【0077】 Next, in response to the operation of the touch panel 1016, the MFP control program 1032 requests the built-in application execution framework 1035 to start the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) (ACT 105). 【0078】 Next, the built-in application execution framework 1035 launches the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) (ACT106). 【0079】 After the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) is successfully launched (ACT 107), the built-in application execution framework 1035 performs a URL redirect (ACT 108) and displays the login screen of the cloud server 1004 on the display 1017 (ACT 109). 【0080】 Next, the user enters their cloud user information, name and password, into the login screen of cloud server 1004 and logs in to cloud server 1004 (ACT110). 【0081】 Cloud server 1004 compares the cloud username and password with the cloud user management table and performs cloud user authentication and authorization (ACT111). 【0082】 If authentication is successful, the cloud server 1004 issues an access token (ACT112), and the callback URL of the built-in application 1036 is called via the built-in application execution framework 1035, and the access token is passed to the built-in application (ACT113). 【0083】 The built-in application 1036 stores the received access token 1041 in the built-in application storage 1039 (ACT114). 【0084】 Subsequently, the built-in app updates the user association table 1040 in the built-in app storage 1039. (ACT115) (Direct printing sequence) Next, an example of a sequence for directly printing files on a USB memory stick will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 10C. Figures 10A to 10C are diagrams showing sequences for directly printing files on a USB memory stick. Figure 10A shows the beginning of the direct printing sequence, Figure 10B shows the part of the direct printing sequence that follows Figure 10A, and Figure 10C shows the part of the direct printing sequence that follows Figure 10B. 【0085】 The sequence in Figures 10A to 10C requires that the access token 1041 for the cloud server 1004 be obtained and stored in the built-in application storage 1039 before execution. Therefore, the sequence in Figures 10A to 10C is executed after the access token for the cloud server 1004 has been obtained by the sequence in Figure 9. 【0086】 First, the user enters their user information, name and password, to log in to the image forming apparatus 1001 (ACT201). 【0087】 Next, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication application 1034) compares the username and password with the MFP user information management table 1042 (ACT202). 【0088】 If user information exists and verification is successful, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication app 1034) allows login and displays a successful login on the display 1017 (ACT203). 【0089】 Next, the user connects a USB memory stick to the USB device control unit 1022 and then operates the touch panel 1016 to transition to the USB direct printing screen (ACT204). The order of connecting the USB memory stick and transitioning to the USB direct printing screen can be reversed. 【0090】 Next, the MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) obtains file information on the USB memory connected to the USB device control unit 1022 (ACT205) and displays a list of files on the USB memory on the USB direct printing screen (ACT206). 【0091】 Next, the user selects one or more files to print from the list of files on the USB memory displayed on the USB direct print screen (ACT207). 【0092】 Next, the user submits a request to execute a print job for the file to be printed (ACT208). 【0093】 The MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) issues a file format conversion request to the built-in application execution framework 1035 (ACT209). 【0094】 The built-in application execution framework 1035 checks the file format of each file to be printed and determines whether it is a file format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 1001, that is, whether file format conversion by the cloud server 1004 is required (ACT210). 【0095】 If file format conversion is required by the cloud server 1004, the built-in application execution framework 1035 issues a file format conversion request to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) (ACT211). 【0096】 If file format conversion is required, the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) works in conjunction with the direct printing application 1033. The built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) refers to the user association table 1040 and obtains the access token issued to the cloud user associated with the MFP user ID from the MFP user ID (ACT212). 【0097】 Next, the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) sends the access token and the source file to the cloud server 1004 and issues a file format conversion request to the cloud server 1004. 【0098】 The cloud server 1004 verifies the access token received from the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) (ACT214). 【0099】 If the access token is invalid, for example, if the access token has expired, the cloud server 1004 returns an invalid token error message to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037). The built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) passes the received invalid token error message to the built-in application execution framework 1035, the built-in application execution framework 1035 passes the received invalid token error message to the MFP control program 1032, and the MFP control program 1032 displays the invalid token error message on the display 1017. 【0100】 Furthermore, if the access token is valid, for example, if the access token has not expired, the cloud server 1004 identifies the cloud user from the access token and verifies whether the cloud user has the authority to execute the file format conversion process (ACT215). 【0101】 If the system has execution privileges, it executes the file format conversion process (ACT216) and sends the converted file to be printed (converted file) to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) (ACT217). 【0102】 The built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) passes the converted file to the MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) via the built-in application execution framework 1035 (ACT218, ACT219). 【0103】 The MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) outputs the received converted file to the print output unit 1019, and the print output unit 1019 executes a print job on the converted file (ACT220). 【0104】 If printing is successful, the MFP control program 1032 displays a message indicating the success of the print on the display 1017 (ACT221). If printing is unsuccessful, the MFP control program 1032 displays a message indicating the failure of the print on the display 1017. 【0105】 Furthermore, if the execution permission verification (ACT215) reveals that the cloud user does not have the necessary permissions to execute the file format conversion process, the cloud server 1004 returns an permission denied error message to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) (ACT222). 【0106】 The built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) passes the received permissionless error message to the built-in application execution framework 1035 (ACT223), the built-in application execution framework 1035 passes the received permissionless error message to the MFP control program 1032 (ACT224), and the MFP control program 1032 displays the execution error message (permissionless error message) on the display 1017 (ACT225). 【0107】 Furthermore, if the cloud server 1004 determines (ACT210) whether file format conversion is necessary, and it is determined that file format conversion is not necessary, i.e., if the file format is printable by the image forming apparatus 1001, the built-in application execution framework 1035 passes the unconverted print target file to the MFP control program 1032 (direct print application 1033) (ACT226). 【0108】 The MFP control program 1032 (direct print application 1033) outputs the received unconverted print target file to the print output unit 1019, and the print output unit 1019 executes a print job on the unconverted print target file (ACT227). 【0109】 If printing is successful, the MFP control program 1032 displays a message indicating the success of the print on the display 1017 (ACT228). If printing is unsuccessful, the MFP control program 1032 displays a message indicating the failure of the print on the display 1017. 【0110】 (effect) According to this embodiment, the printable file formats of the direct printing function can be easily expanded without requiring the recreation or installation of the system ROM of the image forming apparatus 1001. In other words, an image forming apparatus and its control program are provided that have a direct printing function capable of supporting new file formats without requiring the update of the control program. 【0111】 Furthermore, for each user of the image forming apparatus 1001, an account for the image forming apparatus 1001 and an account for the cloud server 1004 are associated and managed. Therefore, access to the file format conversion function of the cloud server 1004 can be restricted to only legitimate users with the necessary execution privileges. This restricts improper use of the cloud server 1004 and limits its use to legitimate purposes. 【0112】 The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored on an electronic device, or it may be transferred while not stored on an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored on a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited. 【0113】 While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0114】 1000...Image forming system, 1001...Image forming apparatus, 1002...Personal computer, 1003...LAN, 1004...Cloud server, 1005...Network, 1011...Processor, 1012...ROM, 1013...RAM, 1014...Local storage device, 1015...Operation keys, 1016...Touch panel, 1017...Display, 1018...Scan input unit, 1019...Print output unit, 1020...Fax input / output unit, 1021...LAN transmission / reception unit, 1022...U SB device control unit, 1023... System bus, 1031... Operating system, 1032... MFP control program, 1033... Direct printing application, 1034... Login authentication application, 1035... Built-in application execution framework, 1036... Built-in application, 1037... Conversion application, 1038... Access token acquisition application, 1039... Storage for built-in application, 1040... User association table, 1041... Access token, 1042... MFP user information management table.

Claims

[Claim 1] An image forming apparatus having a direct printing function that directly prints files from an external device, A storage device that stores a direct printing application that performs the direct printing function and a conversion application that utilizes the file format conversion function provided by the cloud server, The system includes a processor that executes the direct printing application and the conversion application, The aforementioned processor, The system provides the user with a selection environment to choose the file to print from among the files on the external device. The system requests the cloud server to perform a file format conversion, converting the file format of the print target file selected via the selection environment to a file format supported by the direct printing function; retrieves the converted file from the cloud server; and prints the converted file. Image forming apparatus. [Claim 2] The aforementioned storage device stores first user management information for the image forming apparatus and second user management information for the cloud server. The aforementioned processor, Using the first user management information described above, login authentication for this image forming apparatus is performed. After the login authentication is successful, the system requests an access token for the logged-in user to the cloud server. Obtain the access token from the aforementioned cloud server, The access token of the user is stored in the second user management information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The aforementioned processor, After successful login authentication for this image forming apparatus, the user who is logged in is provided with the selection environment. The system determines whether the file format conversion by the cloud server is necessary for the print target file selected via the selection environment. If the aforementioned file format conversion is not necessary, print the file to be printed. If the aforementioned file format conversion is necessary, the user's access token is obtained from the second user management information, the access token and the file to be printed are sent to the cloud server, and the user is requested from the cloud server to perform the file format conversion, which converts the file format of the file to be printed to the corresponding file format of the direct printing function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. [Claim 4] The processor, upon verification by the cloud server to determine if the access token is valid, receives a token invalid error message sent from the cloud server and displays the token invalid error message. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. [Claim 5] The aforementioned processor, As a result of the verification by the aforementioned cloud server to determine whether the access token is valid, if the access token is valid, As a result of the verification by the cloud server based on the access token to determine whether the user has the authority to perform the file format conversion, If the user has the execution rights, the cloud server will retrieve the converted file after performing the file format conversion on the file to be printed, and print the converted file. If the user does not have the execution privileges, the system receives an permission denied error message sent from the cloud server and displays the permission denied error message. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. [Claim 6] A control program for an image forming apparatus having a direct printing function that directly prints files from an external device, A computer having a storage device that stores a direct printing application that performs the direct printing function and a conversion application that uses a file format conversion function provided by a cloud server, and a processor that executes the direct printing application and the conversion application, The user is provided with a selection environment to select the file to be printed from among the files in the external device. The system requests the cloud server to perform a file format conversion, converting the file format of the print target file selected via the selection environment to a file format supported by the direct printing function; retrieves the converted file from the cloud server after the file format conversion; and prints the converted file. Control program for an image forming apparatus.

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