Information processing devices and applications

Abstract

The information processing device described herein aims to enable updating the configuration information stored in the client terminal when the configuration information of a printer registered with the cloud print server changes. [Solution] The information processing device described herein is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring configuration information of a printing device from a cloud print server system; a storage means for storing the acquired configuration information; a control means for displaying a print setting screen on a display means based on the configuration information stored in the storage means; a transmission means for transmitting a request to acquire configuration information while the configuration information is stored in the storage means; and an update means for updating the configuration information stored in the storage means using the configuration information acquired based on the transmitted acquisition request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an application operating on the information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A system for transmitting print data from a client terminal to a printer via a cloud server is known. In the above system, the user operates a printer driver installed on the client terminal to perform print settings and issue a print instruction. The printer driver installed on the client terminal transmits print data based on image data and print settings to the cloud server. The cloud server can perform printing by transmitting the received print data to the printer.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes creating a virtual printer queue on a cloud server and performing printing via the virtual printer queue.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When using a cloud print server, it is necessary to prepare a print queue on the client terminal for transmitting print data to a virtual queue on the cloud print server. The client terminal acquires configuration information of the printer and information of the virtual queue on the cloud print service from the cloud print service, and generates a print queue for transmitting print data to the virtual queue of the cloud print service. The client terminal displays a print settings screen using the configuration information and capability information of the printer acquired at the time of generating the print queue.

[0006] The client terminal uses the configuration information acquired when the print queue was created. Therefore, even if the actual printer configuration changes, such as when a new finisher is connected to the printer, the client terminal's configuration information is not updated, and it is not possible to display the print settings screen that utilizes the newly connected finisher.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the information processing device described in this application aims to enable updating the configuration information stored in the client terminal when the configuration information of a printer registered with the cloud print server changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing device described herein is an information processing device that transmits print data to a cloud print server system that transmits print data to a printing device, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring configuration information of the printing device from the cloud print server system; a storage means for storing the acquired configuration information of the printing device; a control means for displaying a print settings screen on a display means based on the configuration information stored in the storage means; a transmission means for transmitting a request to acquire configuration information to the cloud print server system while the configuration information is stored in the storage means; and an update means for updating the configuration information stored in the storage means using the configuration information acquired based on the transmitted acquisition request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the information processing device described in this application can update the configuration information stored in the client terminal when the configuration information of a printer registered with the cloud print server changes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a system configuration in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a client computer in an embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the software configuration of the cloud print service 500 in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the software configuration of the print settings extension application 300 in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the cloud print-compatible printer 200 described in the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a sequence for registering a cloud print-compatible printer 200 with a cloud print service 500 in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a sequence for updating the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 in implementation form 1. [Figure 8A] This figure shows an example of a table that displays information about printer queues registered with a cloud print service in an embodiment. [Figure 8B] This figure shows an example of a table that displays printer queue information after the configuration information has been updated in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a print settings screen displayed on the client computer 100 in the embodiment. [Figure 10A] This figure shows an example of an extended print settings screen displayed on the client computer 100 in the embodiment. [Figure 10B] This figure shows an example of a message display for updating configuration information that is shown on the client computer 100 in an embodiment. [Figure 10C] This figure shows an example of the extended print settings screen after the configuration information has been updated and displayed on the client computer 100, in one embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed on the client computer 100 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processes for updating configuration information stored in the client computer 100 in Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processes for updating configuration information stored in the client computer 100 in Embodiment 3. [Figure 14A] This is information showing an example of information on a printer queue managed by the cloud print service 500 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 14B] This is a diagram showing an example of information on the updated printer queue in Embodiment 1. **Modes for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0011] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The network 150 is connected to a client computer 100, a cloud print service 500, and a cloud print-compatible printer 200. Note that the client computer 100 and the cloud print-compatible printer 200 may be connected to different intranets. Even if the client computer 100 and the cloud print-compatible printer 200 are connected to different intranets, print data can be transmitted and received via the cloud print service 500.

[0014] The cloud print-compatible printer 200 is a printing device that supports a predetermined protocol supported by the cloud print service 500. The predetermined protocol is, for example, a protocol such as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). Hereinafter, the cloud print-compatible printer 200 will be referred to as the printer 200.

[0015] Cloud Print Service 500 is a cloud printing service built on a server system consisting of one or more information processing devices.

[0016] Cloud Print Service 500 manages accounts using a user ID and password. The client computer 100 or printer 200 sends the above user ID, password, and authentication request to Cloud Print Service 500. Cloud Print Service 500 performs authentication processing based on the received information, allowing the client computer 100 and printer 200 to use Cloud Print Service 500.

[0017] Note that while Figure 1 shows one client computer 100 and one printer 200, multiple units of each may be connected to the network.

[0018] The printer driver distribution service 1400 is a server system consisting of one or more information processing devices that distributes printer drivers to client computers 100 and distributes information for expanding the print queue.

[0019] The application distribution service 1500 is a server system consisting of one or more information processing devices that distributes applications to client computers 100. In this embodiment, the application distribution service 1500 is a server system that distributes the print settings extension application 300.

[0020] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a typical computer (information processing device) showing an embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to a single device, a system consisting of multiple devices, or a system where processing is performed via a network, as long as the function of the present invention is executed. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0021] The CPU 101 controls the entire device according to a program stored in the ROM 1021, RAM 1022, or auxiliary storage device 105 of the main memory 102.

[0022] RAM1022 is used as a work area when CPU101 performs various processing tasks.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 105 stores the operating system (OS) 1053, applications 1051, print settings extension application 300, cloud print driver 1052, etc.

[0024] Application 1051 is a separate application from the Print Settings Extension Application 300, which is tied to the driver. It is a general-purpose application that allows for document editing and presentation material creation. Users can issue print commands by operating the screen displayed by Application 1051.

[0025] The cloud print driver 1052 is a printer driver compatible with the cloud print service 500, which is pre-installed on the OS. The cloud print driver 1052 is called through the OS by an application such as application 1051 and executes the processing necessary for printing. In this embodiment, the cloud print driver 1052 is described as being stored in the auxiliary storage device 105 from the beginning. The client computer 100 may download the cloud print driver 1052 from another server system such as the cloud print service 500. Alternatively, after the client computer 100 receives print queue information in S1609 in Figure 6, the OS of the client computer 100 may obtain the cloud print driver 1052 from another server system. In that case, in S1610, the OS of the client computer 100 generates a print queue by linking the print queue information received in S1609 with the cloud print driver 1052 obtained from the other server system.

[0026] The Print Settings Extension App 300 works in conjunction with the aforementioned Cloud Print Driver 1052 and is application software for performing detailed print settings specific to the target printer. Instructions on how to download the Print Settings Extension App 300 will be provided later.

[0027] In the following explanation, the main memory 102 and the auxiliary memory 105 will be collectively referred to as the memory device.

[0028] Input devices such as pointing devices 109 (including mice and touch panels) and keyboards 108 are connected via the input interface 103 and are devices used by users to give various instructions to the computer.

[0029] Output I / F 104 is an interface for outputting data externally, and outputs data to output devices such as monitor 110 and panel 111.

[0030] The client computer 100 is connected to the network 150 via the communication interface 106. The system bus 107 is a path for data exchange between modules.

[0031] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a cloud print service 500 illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. The cloud print service 500 operates as a cloud print server system composed of one or more information processing devices. In the cloud print service 500, the CPUs of one or more information processing devices implement the functions described below.

[0032] The cloud print service 500 is a service that resides in the cloud operating on the internet (network 150) and can provide functions related to printing. In this embodiment, it has the functions of a printer registration unit 501, a print queue generation unit 502, a printer list generation unit 503, a search response unit 504, and a printer database 510. Furthermore, it has the functions of a print job management unit 505, a print job generation unit 506, and a print job storage area 511. These functions may also be located in another cloud print service that works in conjunction with the cloud print service 500.

[0033] The printer registration unit 501 is a module that receives a printer registration instruction from the printer 200 and registers the printer's information with the cloud print service 500. The printer registration unit 501 receives a registration request from the printer 200 and generates a print queue using the print queue generation unit 502. The printer registration unit 501 registers the generated print queue in the printer database 510, linking it with the printer identification information. This registration of the printer's print queue and printer identification information is referred to as the printer being registered. Various attributes may be added to the registered printer. For example, attributes such as the printer's location and account information indicating who can access the registered printer may be added.

[0034] The print queue generation unit 502 generates a print queue to manage the print data to be processed by the printer 200, in response to a request from the printer registration unit 501.

[0035] The printer list generation unit 503 generates a list of registered printers.

[0036] The search response unit 504 responds to a printer search event from the client computer 100 to the cloud print service 500 with information about registered printers.

[0037] The print job storage area 511 is an area that stores print data received from the client computer 100 as a print job.

[0038] The print job management unit 505 manages the print jobs stored in the print job storage area 511 for each print queue and sends the print jobs to the printer corresponding to the print queue. Alternatively, the print job management unit 505 receives a request to acquire a print job from the printer 200 and sends the print jobs held in the print queue corresponding to the printer 200 to the printer 200.

[0039] The print job generation unit 506 processes the print data received from the client computer 100 as needed and generates a print job.

[0040] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the print settings extension application 300. The print settings extension application 300 is an application that allows printer vendors to extend the functionality of the cloud print driver 1052.

[0041] The print settings extension application 300 consists of a print-start application unit 301, an extended print settings unit 302, a device application communication unit 303, and a print job generation unit 304.

[0042] The print-start application unit 301 is a module that is called from the OS 1053 via the cloud print driver 1052 when printing. The print-start application unit 301 also controls the entire print settings extension application 300.

[0043] The extended print settings unit 302 is a module for displaying the extended print settings screen, which will be described later. It receives print settings from the cloud print driver 1052 and displays the extended print settings screen based on those print settings and the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 305.

[0044] The device application communication unit 303 has the function of allowing each module of the print setting extension application 300 to communicate with the cloud print service 500 via the network 150.

[0045] The print job generation unit 304 provides the functionality to edit print data as needed, or to edit print data generated by the cloud print driver 1052. By editing the print data, the print job generation unit 304 can write vendor-specific print settings that cannot be set by the cloud print driver 1052 into the print data.

[0046] The configuration information storage unit 305 is a module that manages the configuration information of the printer 200 corresponding to the print queue of the client computer 100.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a functional block of a printer, which is an example of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The control unit 201, which includes the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, controls the operation of the entire printer 200. The CPU 211 reads control programs stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 or storage 214 and performs various controls such as print control and read control.

[0049] ROM212 stores control programs that can be executed by the CPU211. RAM (Random Access Memory)213 is the main memory of the CPU211 and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for deploying various control programs.

[0050] Storage 214 stores print data, image data, various programs, various setting information, and configuration information generated based on the various setting information. When new hardware information, such as a finisher, is added to the printer body, the CPU 211 updates the various setting information in storage 214 and generates new configuration information based on that information. The generated configuration information is transmitted to associated services and client computers, etc., through the signal interface 217. In this embodiment, storage 214 is assumed to be an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used instead of an HDD. In this way, the hardware such as the CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, etc. constitute a so-called computer.

[0051] The processing unit 215 has the functionality of a RIP (Raster Image Processor) that decomposes print data received via the network and generates a print image. The processing unit also has image processing capabilities and can perform image resolution conversion and correction processing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image processing unit is implemented as a hardware circuit (such as an ASIC or FPGA), but it is not limited to this. For example, the printer 200 may have a processor for image processing, and this image processing processor may execute an image processing program to perform image processing and decomposition of print data. Furthermore, the CPU 211 may execute a program for image processing, and be configured to perform image processing and decomposition of print data. Alternatively, image processing may be performed by any combination of these methods.

[0052] The control unit interface (I / F) 216 connects the control unit 202 and the control unit 201. The control unit 202 is equipped with a liquid crystal display with touch panel functionality and various hard keys, and functions as a display unit to show information, a reception unit to receive user instructions, and a scanning unit to read documents and generate scanned images. The generated scanned images are stored in the storage 214 or RAM 213. The print image generated by analyzing the print data by the processing unit 215 is transferred from the control unit 201 to the printing unit (not shown) within the control unit via the control unit I / F 216. The printing unit receives control commands and print images via the control unit 201 and prints the image on a sheet fed from the paper cassette (not shown) based on the image.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 201 is connected to the network 150 via the communication unit I / F 217.

[0054] The communication interface I / F217 transmits images and information to communication devices on network 150, and receives print data and information from communication devices on network 150.

[0055] The scanner interface 218 is connected to the scanner unit 219, which reads the document and generates image data. The printer 200 can perform printing based on the image data generated by the scanner unit 219, or transmit the image data to other devices.

[0056] The printer interface 220 is connected to the print unit 221, which prints images. The print unit 221 performs printing based on image data generated by the scanner unit 219, or based on print data received from the cloud print service 500.

[0057] Hardware I / F222 is an interface to which hardware such as finishers are connected. Examples of finishers include those with functions such as stapling, punching holes in printed paper, binding, and folding.

[0058] When a finisher is connected to the printer 200, the configuration information of the printer 200 changes. Therefore, the printer 200 updates the configuration information managed by the cloud print service 500. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the print settings extension application 300 installed on the client computer 100 obtains the configuration information from the cloud print service 500 and updates the configuration information.

[0059] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the process of generating a print queue on the client computer 100 to send print data to the cloud print service 500.

[0060] First, it is necessary to register the printer 200 with the cloud print service 500. Following the user's instructions, the printer 200 sends an authentication request to the cloud print service 500 (S1600). This authentication request includes the user ID and password. The cloud print service 500 performs user authentication based on the received authentication request and the user ID and password information, and sends the authentication result to the printer 200 (S1601). Here, we will explain assuming that authentication is successful. If authentication fails, the sequence shown in Figure 6 ends.

[0061] Printer 200 sends a printer registration request to the cloud print service 500 (S1602). This registration request includes the printer 200's identification information and configuration information. The configuration information sent here is the configuration information as of S1602.

[0062] The Cloud Print Service 500 generates a print queue based on the acquired information (S1603). The user configures the information of users who can use the generated print queue, etc., as needed. This completes the printer registration process with the Cloud Print Service 500.

[0063] Next, the user operates the client computer 100 to configure settings for sending print data to the cloud print service 500. First, the client computer 100 sends an authentication request to the cloud print service 500 (S1604). This authentication request includes the user ID and password. The cloud print service 500 performs user authentication based on the received user ID and password information. The cloud print service 500 sends the authentication result to the client computer 100 (S1605). Here, we will assume that authentication was successful. Alternatively, the user may perform the authentication process to the cloud print service 500 when logging into the OS of the client computer 100. In that case, the processes described in S1604 and S1605 are omitted.

[0064] The client computer 100 sends a request to the cloud print service 500 to obtain a list of print queues available to the logged-in user (S1606). The cloud print service 500 sends a list of print queues available to the logged-in user to the client computer 100 (S1607). In S1607, the cloud print service 500 sends, for example, a list of the names of the print queues available to the user to the client computer 100.

[0065] The client computer 100 displays a list of received print queues and accepts the user's selection of a print queue to use. The client computer 100 sends a request to the cloud print service 500 to retrieve information about the selected print queue (S1608). The cloud print service 500 sends information about the selected print queue to the client computer 100 (S1609). The information sent here includes the identification information and configuration information of the printer associated with that print queue.

[0066] The client computer 100 generates a print queue on its own based on the received print queue information (S1610). The client computer 100 then stores the generated print queue in association with the acquired printer identification information and configuration information.

[0067] The client computer 100 accesses the printer driver distribution service 1400 and sends a request to obtain additional information necessary to expand the print queue (S1611). In S1611, the client computer 100 sends the printer identification information obtained from the cloud print service 500 to the printer driver distribution service 1400.

[0068] The printer driver distribution service 1400 identifies additional information corresponding to the received printer identification information and sends this additional information to the client computer 100 (S1612). The additional information includes the identification information of the print settings extension application 300.

[0069] The client computer 100 uses the identification information of the print settings extension application 300 included in the acquired additional information to send a request to the application distribution service 1500 to acquire the print settings extension application (S1613). The application distribution service 1500 sends the print settings extension application 300, identified based on the acquired application identification information, to the client computer 100 (S1614). The client computer 100 stores the acquired print settings extension application 300 in association with the print queue (S1615). The above is the sequence for the client computer 100 to create a print queue for sending print data to the cloud print service 500.

[0070] Next, we will explain the process from updating the configuration information of printer 200 to executing print, using the sequence diagram in Figure 7. Here, we assume that the process shown in Figure 6 has already been completed.

[0071] Figure 8A shows the configuration information of printer 200 before the finisher is connected to it. This configuration information is stored in the printer database 510 of the cloud print service 500. Printer 200 can select between color printing and monochrome printing as color modes. It supports A3 and A4 paper sizes. It supports plain paper, thick paper, and thin paper types. The Nup function, which prints multiple pages on one side of a sheet, supports 2up (2 pages) and 4up (4 pages). The paper orientation during printing supports portrait and landscape orientations. The date and time information indicates the date and time when this configuration information was registered in the cloud print service 500.

[0072] Suppose a finisher with a stapling function is connected to printer 200. Printer 200 has a sensor on hardware I / F222, which detects the connection of the finisher and detects that the configuration information has changed (S700). Note that other methods may be used to detect that the configuration information has changed. For example, the current configuration information may be stored in memory, and when printer 200 starts up, the configuration information stored in memory may be compared with the configuration information acquired after startup to determine whether the configuration information has changed. Alternatively, the configuration information may be acquired periodically to determine whether the configuration information has changed.

[0073] The printer 200 detects that the configuration information has changed and sends the new configuration information and a request to update the configuration information to the cloud print service 500 (S701). At this time, the printer 200 notifies the cloud print service 500 in accordance with IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). For example, if a staple configuration is added, the processing unit 215 of the printer 200 sets the value of the attribute "finishing-supported," which is defined in IPP, to "Staple." Then, the processing unit 215 notifies the cloud print service 500 of the new configuration information through the communication unit I / F 217. Note that in S701 of Figure 7, the entire updated configuration information may be notified to the cloud print service 500, or only the differences due to the configuration change may be notified to the cloud print service 500. If only the differences are notified, the cloud print service 500 performs a process to add the newly acquired configuration information to the configuration information already stored in the cloud print service 500.

[0074] In this embodiment, the cloud print service 500 and the printer 200 transmit and receive data in accordance with IPP, but the processing described in Figure 7 may be performed in accordance with other protocols.

[0075] The cloud print service 500 receives a request to update configuration information, identifies the print queue corresponding to the printer whose configuration information needs to be updated from the printer registration unit 501, and updates the configuration information (S702). As a result, the configuration information shown in Figure 8B is registered in the cloud print service 500. The configuration information shown in Figure 8A now includes the addition of the staple configuration.

[0076] The above describes the sequence for updating the configuration information stored in the cloud print service 500. Here, it is explained that the printer 200 detects a change in configuration information and requests an update from the cloud print service 500. Alternatively, the cloud print service 500 could periodically query the printer 200 for configuration information and perform an update if it differs from the configuration information it holds.

[0077] Next, we will describe how to update the configuration information stored on client computer 100.

[0078] The user operates application 1051 to instruct the display of the print settings screen. The client computer 100 receives this instruction and displays the print settings screen 1300 shown in Figure 9. The print settings screen 1300 is the print settings screen displayed by application 1051. Area 1301 is the area for selecting the print queue to be used for printing. When the user selects button 1302, they select the print queue to be used for printing from the list of print queues registered on the client computer 100 that is displayed. Here, let's assume that the print queue generated by the sequence shown in Figure 6 is selected.

[0079] Application 1051 displays the print settings screen based on the configuration information obtained in S1609 of Figure 6. Area 1303 is for setting the number of copies to print. Area 1304 is for selecting the print color mode. When the user selects button 1305, the available color modes are displayed based on the configuration information obtained in S1609 of Figure 6.

[0080] Suppose the user selects the advanced settings button 1306. Based on the selection of the advanced settings button 1306, the client computer 100 launches the print settings extension application 300 (S704). Figure 10A is an example of the extended print settings screen displayed when the print settings extension application 300 is launched. This screen is displayed based on the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 before the configuration information was updated. In Figure 10A, each setting item is a button, and the user can configure the print settings by selecting the button they want to set. Thus, the advanced settings button in Figure 9 acts as an object that receives a command from the user to display the extended print settings screen.

[0081] The print settings extension application 300 installed on the client computer 100 sends a request to the cloud print service 500 to retrieve configuration information (S705). In this way, the client computer 100 sends a request to the cloud print service 500 to retrieve new configuration information while it has the configuration information stored. The cloud print service 500 sends information indicating that the configuration information is stored and the configuration information held in the printer database 510 to the client computer 100 (S706). If the cloud print service 500 does not have the configuration information, the print queue generation unit 502 may generate the configuration information from the print queue information and notify the client computer 100.

[0082] The client computer 100 receives configuration information from the cloud print service 500 and determines if there is a difference between this information and the configuration information stored in the client computer 100. If there is a difference, a notification is displayed, and the user is asked whether or not to update the configuration information. "Notification" refers to something like the push notification service in Windows (trademark registered). The user's actions on the displayed dialog can also activate related applications. Figure 10B shows an example of a notification displayed in this embodiment. A message indicating that the printer's configuration information has been changed and a message indicating that selecting the "Get Configuration Information" button is required to update the configuration information are displayed. When the user selects the OK button 1800 in the notification area, the screen shown in Figure 10A is returned.

[0083] On the screen shown in Figure 10A, when the user selects the "Get Configuration Information" button, the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 is updated as shown in Figure 8B (S707). Then, the print settings extension application 300 displays the extended print settings screen shown in Figure 10C (S708). Figure 10C includes a button to set the stapling function, which is a newly added feature provided by the finisher. In S708, the print settings extension application 300 determines the items to display based on the configuration information stored in the client computer 100. For example, if the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 is the configuration information shown in Figure 8B, the print settings extension application 300 determines that the following items can be set: color mode, paper size, paper type, collated printing (Nup), print orientation, and stapling. The print settings extension application 300 generates an extended print settings screen with the determined items and displays it on the client computer 100.

[0084] The user configures the print settings on the displayed extended print settings screen and selects the OK button. Then, the print settings screen shown in Figure 9 is displayed. When the user selects the print button 1307, the cloud print driver 1052 on the client computer 100 generates print data (S709). Subsequently, the cloud print driver 1052 sends the generated print data to the cloud print service 500 (S710). The cloud print service 500 sends the received print data to the printer 200 corresponding to the print queue (S711). The printer 200 executes the printing process based on the received print data (S712).

[0085] Thus, in Embodiment 1, the print settings extension application 300 is used to obtain configuration information from the cloud print service 500 and update the configuration information stored in the client computer 100. In this way, changes in the configuration information of the printer 200 can be reflected in the print settings screen and the extended print settings screen displayed on the client computer 100.

[0086] Next, using Figure 11, we will explain the details of the process described in steps 704 to S708 of Figure 7.

[0087] The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 11 is achieved by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the main memory 102 or auxiliary memory 105 of the client computer 100.

[0088] The process begins when the user selects the "Advanced Settings" button on the print settings screen 1300.

[0089] OS1053 launches the print settings extension application 300 (S401). Based on the configuration information stored on the client computer 100, the launched print settings extension application 300 displays the extended print settings screen shown in Figure 10A.

[0090] The print settings extension application 300 instructs the OS 1053 to request configuration information (S402). Based on the instruction from the print settings extension application 300, the OS 1053 sends a request for configuration information to the cloud print service 500. At this time, the OS 1053 sends print queue information to the cloud print service 500. Print queue information includes, for example, the name of the print queue, the identification information of the printer associated with that print queue, and the identification information of the logged-in user. The cloud print service 500 uses the received information, such as the printer identification information, to identify the print queue and then identifies the configuration information associated with that print queue.

[0091] The print settings extension application 300 receives a configuration information response from OS1053 (S403). It then determines whether the response received from OS1053 contains configuration information (S404). If the response does not contain configuration information, the print settings extension application 300 terminates the process described in Figure 11. One example of a case where the response does not contain configuration information is when the configuration information cannot be obtained due to a communication error or the like.

[0092] If the response contains configuration information, the print settings extension application 300 determines whether the configuration information stored by the client computer 100 is different from the acquired configuration information (S405). If the two sets of configuration information are the same, no update of the configuration information is necessary, and the print settings extension application 300 terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0093] If it is determined that the two sets of configuration information are different, the print settings extension application 300 notifies the user that the configuration information has been updated (S407). It then asks the user whether or not to update the configuration information. In S407, the print settings extension application 300 displays the screen shown in Figure 10B.

[0094] The print settings extension application 300 determines whether or not it has been instructed to update the configuration information (S408). If it has not been instructed to update, the print settings extension application 300 terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0095] If an update of configuration information is requested, the print settings extension application 300 updates the configuration information stored on the client computer 100 in association with the print queue with the configuration information contained in the response received in S403 (S409). Then, the print settings extension application 300 displays the extended print settings screen based on the updated configuration information shown in Figure 10C (S409).

[0096] In Embodiment 1, the print settings extension application 300 automatically starts the process of acquiring configuration information from the cloud print service 500 when it is launched. As shown in Figure 10A, a configuration information acquisition button 1700 may be displayed on the screen shown by the print settings extension application 300, and the process of S402 in Figure 11 may be started when the user selects the configuration information acquisition button 1700. In this way, the configuration information acquisition button 1700 may function as an object that receives a command from the user to acquire configuration information.

[0097] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, in S401 of Figure 11, the extended print settings screen shown in Figure 10A is displayed once before acquiring configuration information from the cloud print service 500. Alternatively, after starting the print settings extension application 300, the process in S402 may be performed without displaying the extended print settings screen shown in Figure 10A.

[0098] In Embodiment 1, if the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 differs from the configuration information obtained from the cloud print service 500, the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 is updated based on an update instruction from the user. Alternatively, the configuration information of the client computer 100 may be updated without receiving an update instruction from the user.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the cloud print service 500 stores print queue information as shown in Figures 8A and 8B and updates the configuration information obtained when printer information is registered. The cloud print service 500 may also manage print queue information as shown in Figures 14A and 14B. Figure 14A shows the print queue information generated in the cloud print service 500 at S1603 in Figure 6. Figure 14A is a table that replaces Figure 8A, and a column for "Latest Configuration Information" has been added. Note that the configuration information is not updated at the time printer information is registered in the cloud print service 500, so "Latest Configuration Information" is blank. At S1609 in Figure 6, the configuration information described in "Configuration Information" in Figure 14A is notified to the client computer 100 as print queue information.

[0100] Figure 14B is the table after the print queue information has been updated in S702 of Figure 7. The "Latest Configuration Information" in Figure 14B stores the configuration information acquired in S701 of Figure 7. In S706 of Figure 7, the configuration information listed in "Latest Configuration Information" in Figure 14B is notified to the client computer 100. The print settings extension application 300 on the client computer 100 updates the configuration information acquired in S1609 of Figure 6, which it has stored, with the latest configuration information acquired in S702 of Figure 7. In this way, the cloud print service 500 can update the configuration information while retaining the configuration information at the time of printer information registration.

[0101] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 1, the print settings extension application 300 retrieves configuration information stored in the cloud print service 500 and compares the retrieved configuration information with the configuration information stored in the client computer 100. In Embodiment 2, the system determines whether or not to update the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 based on the date and time information when the configuration information was stored in the cloud print service 500 and the date and time information when the client computer 100 stored the configuration information.

[0102] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the process in Embodiment 2. Figure 12 represents a process that replaces the process described in Figure 7 of Embodiment 1. Processes similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the differences from Embodiment 1 are explained here.

[0103] The print settings extension application 300 on client computer 100 notifies the cloud print service 500 of the date and time information on which the configuration information stored on client computer 100 was stored (S1002).

[0104] The cloud print service 500 refers to the print queue information and compares the update date and time of the configuration information notified by the client computer 100 with the update date and time of the configuration information stored in the cloud print service 500 (S1003). The cloud print service 500 then determines whether or not the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 needs to be updated. For example, if the update date and time of the configuration information stored in the cloud print service 500 is more recent than the update date and time notified by the client computer 100, the cloud print service 500 determines that an update is necessary.

[0105] If the cloud print service 500 determines that the configuration information of the client computer 100 needs to be updated, the processes from S706 onwards are executed.

[0106] In the determination in S1003, if the date and time information stored in the cloud print service 500 is the same as the date and time information notified by the client computer 100, the cloud print service 500 determines that no update is necessary. If it is determined that no update of the configuration information is necessary, the cloud print service 500 notifies the client computer 100 that no update of the configuration information is necessary. In that case, S706 and S707 are not executed, and the processing from S708 onwards is executed.

[0107] In Figure 12, the trigger for the process shown in S1002 was explained as the timing when the print settings extension application 300 displays the extended print settings screen. However, the processes described in S1002, S1003, S706, and S707 may be performed at any time when the print settings extension application 300 is launched, not limited to the timing described above.

[0108] In this way, the client computer 100 can determine whether or not the configuration information stored in the client computer 100 needs to be updated, without having to retrieve the configuration information from the cloud print service 500.

[0109] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiments 1 and 2, when a change in the configuration of the printer 200 is detected, the configuration information stored in the cloud print service 500 is changed. In Embodiment 3, the cloud print service 500 queries the printer 200 for configuration information based on instructions from the print settings extension application 300 on the client computer 100, and performs a configuration information update process.

[0110] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process in Embodiment 3. In Figure 13, processes similar to those in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1, and the differences from Embodiment 1 are explained.

[0111] When the S704 is instructed to launch the print settings extension application 300, the extended print settings screen shown in Figure 10A is displayed.

[0112] The print settings extension application 300 on client computer 100 receives an update instruction from the user to retrieve configuration information (S1701). In Figure 10A, the print settings extension application 300 receives an instruction for configuration information when the configuration information retrieval button 1700 is selected.

[0113] The print settings extension application 300 on client computer 100 sends a request to the cloud print service 500 to retrieve configuration information (S1702).

[0114] Based on the received request to retrieve configuration information, the cloud print service 500 sends a request to retrieve configuration information to the printer 200 (S1703).

[0115] Printer 200 sends the updated configuration information from S700 to the cloud print service 500 (S1704).

[0116] The cloud print service 500 stores the printer queue information of printer 200 in association with the acquired configuration information (S702).

[0117] From here on, the processes described in S706 to S712 will be executed.

[0118] Thus, in Embodiment 3, configuration information is acquired by instruction from the client computer 100. In this way, even if the configuration information stored in the cloud print service 500 has not been updated, the configuration information referenced by the print settings extension application 300 can be updated.

[0119] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, the case of adding a function as an update to the configuration information was described as an example. In addition to the case where the finisher is attached to the printer 200 and the configuration information is added, there is also the case where the finisher is removed from the printer 200. In that case as well, the same process as in the above embodiment is performed.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the print settings extension application 300 displays the extended print settings screen using the updated configuration information. The application 1051, OS 1053, and cloud print driver 1052 may also use the updated configuration information when displaying the print settings screen in Figure 9. For example, if stapling is possible on the print settings screen shown in Figure 9, and the configuration information corresponding to the print queue contains stapling settings, then the application 1051, OS 1053, and cloud print driver 1052 will display a print settings screen where stapling cannot be set.

[0121] The present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing device that transmits print data to a cloud print server system that transmits print data to a printing device, An acquisition means for acquiring configuration information of the printing device from the cloud print server system, A storage means for storing the acquired configuration information of the printing device, A control means that displays a print settings screen on a display means based on the configuration information stored in the storage means, A transmission means that transmits a request to the cloud print server system to retrieve configuration information while the configuration information is stored in the storage means, An update means that updates the configuration information stored in the storage means using the configuration information obtained based on the transmitted acquisition request, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

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