Printing system, printing method, information processing device, program, control method for information processing device, and printing apparatus.

Abstract

The objective is to provide a mechanism that enables printing devices to perform appropriate printing even with information processing equipment that has low processing power. [Solution] A printing system that enables communication between a mobile terminal 103 and a printing device 102, wherein the mobile terminal 103 makes a capability acquisition request to the printing device 102 to request information indicating whether partial acquisition of data combining conditions that can be set by the printing device 102 is possible, and when the printing device 102 responds with information indicating that partial acquisition is possible, the mobile terminal 103 makes a partial acquisition request to the printing device 102 to request partial acquisition, and the printing device 102 responds to the capability acquisition request with a capability acquisition response indicating whether partial acquisition is possible to the mobile terminal 103, and responds to the partial acquisition request with a portion of the data combining conditions that can be set by the printing device 102 to the mobile terminal 103.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In standard printing, a printing apparatus has data on combinations for all sheets or data on combinations for the currently set sheet regarding conditions (e.g., sheet size, paper feed tray, sheet type, orientation, rotation, etc.) that can be set for a sheet. In standard printing, the data on combinations for all sheets is called "media-col-database", and the data on combinations for the currently set sheet is called "media-col-ready".

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 describes a technique that enables an information processing apparatus to narrow down combinations that can be set based on a user's selection or enables a printing apparatus to form an appropriate image for a sheet that the printing apparatus supports by using these data. In particular, when the sheet type that the user wants to print is an envelope, due to the characteristics of the envelope paper feed method in the printing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is required to correctly grasp parameters such as orientation and rotation more accurately than for normal sheet types and form an appropriate image.

[0004] By the way, media-col-database tends to have a large data size. For this reason, information processing apparatuses such as mobile terminals that emphasize real-time performance from the perspective of user experience tend to avoid acquiring media-col-database and acquire only media-col-ready, which has a relatively small data size. Patent Document 1 also describes a technique that takes into account the processing ability and real-time performance of an information processing apparatus. This technique receives information on settings that can be set in the information processing apparatus when transmitting prohibited information with a large data size to the information processing apparatus, and transmits the reduced prohibited information to the information processing apparatus based on the received information.

[0005] Furthermore, an information processing device that only retrieves media-col-ready can form an appropriate image by referring to media-col-ready if the paper the user wants to print on is already loaded in the printer. However, there are use cases where the paper the user wants to print on is not loaded in the printer, and the paper is loaded into the printer only after the information processing device has issued a print command to the printer. In this case, the information processing device cannot refer to the conditions that can be set for the paper the user wants to print on using only media-col-ready, and therefore cannot form an appropriate image, which can result in the print result being unintended by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-171626 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] “PWG5100.7―2023 IPP Job Extensions v2.1”, The Printer Working Group, 2023, p.39 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In this way, information processing devices such as mobile terminals with low processing power tend to avoid large data sizes due to their characteristics, and from a real-time perspective, the media-col-database may not be acquired. In this case, if a user attempts to print on paper that is not loaded in the printer, the information processing device has no information to refer to, resulting in the problem that image data generated with an unintended orientation or rotation is sent from the information processing device to the printer.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanism that enables a printing device to perform appropriate printing even if the information processing device has low processing capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a printing system that enables communication between an information processing device and a printing device, wherein the information processing device includes a first request means for requesting the printing device for information indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device, and a second request means for requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition when the printing device responds with information indicating that partial acquisition is possible, and the printing device includes a first response means for responding to the request of the first request means with information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible, and a second response means for responding to the request of the second request means with a portion of the data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even an information processing device with low processing capacity can be made to perform appropriate printing on a printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a simplified network configuration diagram showing the environment of network 100. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of client PC 101. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of the printing device 102. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of Cloud Print Service 104. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of registering the printing device 102 with the cloud print service 104. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the orientation of a No. 4 long envelope when it is set in the rear tray paper feed section of the printing device 102. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a request packet and a response packet for media-col-database. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a request packet and response packet for media-col-database-search-supported. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a request packet and response packet when a portion of the data contained in media-col-database is retrieved, specifically the combination of data required for a standard size 4 envelope. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing the process from when the mobile terminal 103 sends a print job to the printing device 102. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the print settings UI screen when there is only one paper orientation. [Figure 12] This diagram shows an example of the print settings UI screen when there are two paper orientation options. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the processes that the printing device 102 performs after receiving a capability acquisition request. [Figure 14] In the first embodiment, this flowchart shows the processes performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the user 500's instruction to activate the print settings UI to the sending of the print job to the printing device 102. [Figure 15]In the second embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the instruction to start the print setting UI by the user 500 until the print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 102. [Figure 16] In the second embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the printing apparatus 102 when information on the processing ability of the mobile terminal 103 is notified. [Figure 17] In the third embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the instruction to start the print setting UI by the user 500 until the print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 102. [Figure 18] In the fourth embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the instruction to start the print setting UI by the user 500 until the print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 102.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exhibit the same function. Also, an arbitrary component may be added. Further, any two or more configurations (features) among the embodiments can be combined.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 14. Figure 1 is a simplified network configuration diagram showing the environment of network 100 in the first embodiment. A client PC 101 is connected to network 100. A printing device 102 and a mobile terminal 103 are connected to the same intranet as the client PC 101. The printing device 102 may be a device dedicated to printing functions, or it may be a multifunction device that has at least printing functions. A cloud print service 104 is also connected to network 100.

[0015] The Cloud Print Service 104 is a service built on the cloud (i.e., on the server system) using a server system consisting of multiple servers, and is a service for controlling printing over the internet. The Cloud Print Service 104 can connect to each intranet and can directly connect to client PCs 101, printing devices 102, and mobile terminals 103 via the internet. The Cloud Print Service 104 uses user IDs and passwords for account management. Therefore, users can access the Cloud Print Service 104 using their accounts. The Cloud Print Service 104 functions as a print server system. In this way, a printing system is built on network 100.

[0016] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the client PC 101. In the client PC 101, the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, internal storage device 204, external storage device 205, operation unit 206, display unit 207, and communication control unit 208 are all connected to each other via the system bus 209. The CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire client PC 101 via the system bus 209 by reading programs stored in the ROM 202, internal storage device 204, or external storage device 205 into the RAM 203 and executing them. The ROM 202 stores control programs and other data. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and image data to enable high-speed processing of the client PC 101.

[0017] The internal storage device 204 stores the operating system (OS), various application programs, image data, etc. The CPU 201 typically installs application software by controlling the external storage device 205. The client PC 101 has the OS standard print driver pre-installed. In other words, the OS standard print driver is included in the OS from the start. The OS standard print driver can generate print data that can be printed by printing devices provided by multiple different manufacturers (vendors) and send that print data to printing devices provided by multiple different manufacturers. Note that the OS standard driver may also be a printing function provided by the OS.

[0018] The operation unit 206 controls the keyboard (not shown) and mouse (not shown) as means of inputting instructions from the user. The display unit 207 displays various information to the user. The communication control unit 208 connects to the network 100 and performs data communication with the internet provider and with the printing device 102 and the cloud print service 104. Regarding the connection to the network 100 and security, known methods such as mDNS, HTTP, IPP, and TLS are used, and detailed explanations of these are omitted. The hardware such as the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, internal storage device 204, and external storage device 205 constitute a computer that develops and executes the sequence and flowchart programs described later.

[0019] Furthermore, since the functional block diagram for mobile terminal 103 is the same as that for client PC 101, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Therefore, like client PC 101, mobile terminal 103 also has the OS standard print driver pre-installed. Both client PC 101 and mobile terminal 103 use the print service in accordance with print standard specifications such as IPP (Internet Print Protocol), but they may also use WSD or other standards. Additionally, the OS standard print driver can utilize the cloud print service 104 by connecting to it.

[0020] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the printing device 102. The printing device 102 includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 301, a processing unit 302, an operation unit 303, a display unit 304, a printing unit 305, a network communication unit 306, and a printer information storage unit 307. The control unit 300 includes a CPU 311 and a memory 312.

[0021] The control unit 300, including the CPU 311, controls the operation of the entire printing device 102. The CPU 311 performs various controls such as print control and read control by reading and executing control programs stored in the memory unit 301. The memory 312 is used as a work area or as a temporary storage area for deploying various control programs. Print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information are stored in the memory unit 301. Although the memory unit 301 is assumed to be an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD, non-volatile memory such as an SSD may also be used. In this way, the hardware such as the CPU 311, memory 312, and memory unit 301 constitute a computer that deploys and executes sequence and flowchart programs, which will be described later.

[0022] The processing unit 302 has the function of a RIP (Raster Image Processor) that decomposes print data received via the network 100 and generates a print image. Furthermore, the processing unit 302 has the capability of an image processing unit and can also perform image resolution conversion and correction processing. It is assumed that the processing unit 302 will be implemented as a hardware circuit (such as an ASIC or FPGA), but it is not limited to this. For example, the printing device 102 may have a processor for image processing purposes, and the decomposition and image processing of print data may be realized by the execution of an image processing program by the processor for image processing purposes. Furthermore, the decomposition and image processing of print data may be realized by the execution of a program for decomposition and image processing of print data by the CPU 311. Alternatively, the decomposition and image processing of print data may be realized by any combination of these.

[0023] The operation unit 303 is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit with touch panel functionality and various hard keys. Therefore, the operation unit 303 functions as a display unit 304 for displaying information and a reception unit for receiving user instructions. The operation unit 303 also reads the original document and generates a scanned image. The generated scanned image is stored in the storage unit 301. The print image generated by the analysis of the print data by the processing unit 302 is transferred from the control unit 300 to the printing unit 305. The printing unit 305 receives control commands and the print image via the control unit 300 and prints the image based on the printed image on a sheet fed from the paper cassette (not shown).

[0024] The control unit 300 is connected to the network 100 via the network communication unit 306. The network communication unit 306 transmits images and information to devices on the network 100 and receives print data and information from devices on the network 100. The printer information storage unit 307 stores a hardware ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the printing device 102, as well as capability information. The printer information storage unit 307 may also be located in the storage unit 301.

[0025] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the cloud print service 104. The cloud print service 104 is a service that resides on the cloud via the internet and can provide functions related to printing. The cloud print service 104 has a printer registration unit 401, a print queue generation unit 402, a printer list generation unit 403, a search response unit 404, and a printer database 405 as functions related to printing. Furthermore, the cloud print service 104 has a print job management unit 406, a print job generation unit 407, and a print job storage area 408 as functions related to printing. Note that these functions may also be present in another cloud print service that works in conjunction with the cloud print service 104.

[0026] The printer list generation unit 403 generates a list of registered printing devices (hereinafter referred to as the "printer list") when requested by a client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103. The search response unit 404 responds to a printing device search event from a client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 with information on registered printing devices. The print job management unit 406 receives print jobs from the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 and, depending on the situation, sends the received jobs directly to the printing device 102. Alternatively, the print job management unit 406 temporarily stores the print job in the print job storage area 408 and, when the destination printing device is determined, passes it to the print job generation unit 407 to convert it to an appropriate format before sending it. The printer registration unit 401, print queue generation unit 402, and printer database 405 will be described later.

[0027] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the registration of the printing device 102 with the cloud print service 104. The sequence in Figure 5 begins in step S501 when user 500 issues a registration request to the printing device 102. At this time, user 500 may issue the registration request by operating the printing device 102, or by accessing the web UI of the printing device 102 from a client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103. In step S502, the printing device 102 issues an authentication request to the cloud print service 104. In this authentication request, user 500 is required to enter their credential information into the authentication URL returned by the cloud print service 104.

[0028] If authentication is successful when user 500 enters credential information, in step S503, the cloud print service 104 returns a user token to the printer 102 along with a response indicating successful authentication. In step S504, the printer 102 uses the user token returned in step S503 as a Bearer token and makes a registration request to the registration endpoint of the cloud print service 104. At this time, the printer registration unit 401 in the cloud print service 104 generates a print queue using the print queue generation unit 402, and registers the generated print queue in the printer database 405, linking it with the printer identification information. In this way, the printer 102 is registered in the printer database 405 by linking the print queue and the printer identification information.

[0029] In step S505, the cloud print service 104 sends a registration success response to the printing device 102. At this time, the printing device 102 is notified of the device ID and certificate of the cloud print service 104, a set of URLs for performing operations on the cloud print service 104, and a URL for obtaining the device token necessary to perform those operations. In step S506, the printing device 102 requests a device token from the URL for obtaining the device token notified in step S505. The certificate notified in step S505 is attached to this request.

[0030] In step S507, if the request in step S506 is valid, the cloud print service 104 sends a device token to the printing device 102. The printing device 102 attaches the device token sent in step S507 as a Bearer token to any operations performed on the cloud print service 104 via the URL notified in step S505. This enables the printing device 102 to update the capacity and acquire jobs in the print queue corresponding to its device on the cloud print service 104. In step S508, the printing device 102 notifies the user 500 of the successful registration. The printing device 102 may notify the user 500 on the display unit 304, or it may notify the user 500 via a web UI accessible from the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103.

[0031] In step S509, the printing device 102 updates its capabilities to the cloud print service 104. Specifically, the printing device 102 uses the IPP-Infra operation update-output-devices to notify the URL notified in step S505 of the IPP attributes it possesses that correspond to IPP-Infra. Upon receiving this notification, the cloud print service 104 rewrites the capabilities of the corresponding print queue in the printer database 405 to the capabilities indicated by the notified IPP attributes. These capabilities include data on combinations for all paper types as described above, and data on combinations of configurable conditions for finishing processes. In the sequence shown in Figure 5, the cloud print service 104 has an authentication function, but other collaborating cloud services may also have authentication functions and perform the processes described above.

[0032] Figure 6 shows the orientation of a No. 4 long envelope when it is set in the rear tray feed section of the printing device 102. The printing device 102 is designed to feed envelopes from the rear tray feed section. The rear tray feed section of the printing device 102 can only feed envelopes from the short side. Therefore, the rear tray feed section of the printing device 102 does not support feeding with the flap portion of the envelope as the leading edge. For this reason, in all cases of Figure 6(a), (b), and (c), the direction of envelope feeding in the rear tray feed section of the printing device 102 is the same. Therefore, in the rear tray feed section of the printing device 102, the user needs to set the envelope so that the flap portion is at the rear end.

[0033] Figure 6(a) shows the printing method for vertically writing the address on the address side of an envelope. In this case, the original image is portrait orientation. When the OS standard print driver sends an image in PWG-Raster format to the printer 102, it is necessary to rotate the original image appropriately on the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 before converting it to a raster image. On the other hand, as described above, the rear tray paper feed section of the printer 102 feeds the envelope with the flap portion at the rear end. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(a), in the case of a portrait-oriented string "P", the OS standard print driver on the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 rotates the original image by 180° and then converts it to a raster image before sending it to the printer 102. This ensures that the user obtains the correct print result as intended.

[0034] Figure 6(b) shows a printing method for the address side of an envelope, where the address is written horizontally and the flap portion of the envelope after printing the address is positioned to the left of the address. In this case, the original image is landscape. As shown in Figure 6(b), in the case of the landscape string "L", the OS standard print driver of the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 rotates the original image 90° to the left and then converts it to a raster image before sending it to the printer 102. This allows the user to obtain the correct print result as intended.

[0035] Figure 6(c) shows a printing method for the address side of an envelope, where the address is written horizontally and the flap portion of the envelope after printing the address is positioned to the right of the address. In this case, the original image is landscape. As shown in Figure 6(c), in the case of the landscape string "L", the OS standard print driver of the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 rotates the original image 90° to the right and then converts it to a raster image before sending it to the printer 102. This allows the user to obtain the correct print result as intended.

[0036] As described above, in order for a user to print as intended on a No. 4 envelope using the printing device 102, the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 needs to correctly understand the combination of paper feed direction and rotation direction in the printing device 102. This combination data is included in media-col-database and media-col-ready, as described above. More specifically, in media-source-properties, which indicates the options for feedable paper, the paper feed direction is included as the value of media-source-feed-direction, and the rotation direction is included as the value of media-source-feed-orientation.

[0037] For example, if the media-col-database contains data on the combination of paper feeding direction and rotation direction shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c), it will look like Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of a request packet and a response packet for the media-col-database. In the response packet in Figure 7, 701 corresponds to Figure 6(a), 702 corresponds to Figure 6(b), and 703 corresponds to Figure 6(c). The client PC 101 and the mobile terminal 103 can recognize that they need to perform the rotations shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) by receiving notifications from 701 to 703.

[0038] Figure 7 shows the case where media-col-database contains data for the above combinations, but if a No. 4 long envelope is set in the printer 102, media-col-ready will also contain data for the same combinations. Note that since media-col-database contains data for all combinations of conditions that can be set for paper, the data size tends to become enormous if the printer 102 supports many paper sizes. For this reason, media-col-database is often not acquired by information processing devices that prioritize real-time performance, such as mobile terminals 103, due to concerns about a decrease in user experience. Therefore, a function is provided to partially acquire only the necessary combinations of data from the media-col-database, so that information processing devices such as mobile terminals 103 can also obtain printing results that match the user's intentions.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of a request packet and response packet for media-col-database-search-supported. 801 shows a Get-Printer-Attributes request packet from client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 to printer 102. 802 shows a Get-Printer-Attributes response packet from printer 102 to client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the IPP attribute indicating whether partial retrieval in the media-col-database is supported is set to "media-col-database-search-supported". This IPP attribute can return as a parameter a search key indicating that the printing device 102 supports partial retrieval in the media-col-database and the scope of that partial retrieval. An example of a returned parameter is media-size. The possible values ​​of the returned parameter are the same as in the case of media-col-supported, which indicates the parameters supported by media-col.

[0041] Figure 9 shows an example of request and response packets when data for a No. 4 long envelope is partially retrieved from the data contained in media-col-database. 901 is a Get-Printer-Attributes request packet from client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 to printer 102. 902 is a Get-Printer-Attributes response packet from printer 102 to client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103.

[0042] In request packet 901, media-col-database is specified in Get-Printer-Attributes. Furthermore, in request packet 901, the envelope size of No. 4 long envelopes is specified as the Operation attribute for media-col-database-search. Thus, request packet 901 requests the printer 102 to retrieve data for combinations required for No. 4 long envelopes as a partial retrieval from media-col-database. On the other hand, response packet 902 responds with only the data for combinations of paper sizes required for No. 4 long envelopes, according to the value specified for media-col-database-search in request packet 901.

[0043] In this way, the printer 102 responds to the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 by returning a search key, indicating that it supports partial retrieval in the media-col-database. Meanwhile, the client PC 101 or mobile terminal 103 requests the media-col-database from the printer 102 by specifying a value belonging to the search key for partial retrieval in the media-col-database that the printer 102 supports. This makes partial retrieval in the media-col-database possible.

[0044] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process from when the mobile terminal 103 sends a print job to the printing device 102. The sequence (printing method) (control method of the information processing device) in Figure 10 is initiated when the user 500 selects the printing device 102 and instructs the mobile terminal 103 to launch the print settings UI. In step S1001, when the mobile terminal 103 receives the instruction to launch the print settings UI, it makes a capability acquisition request (first request means / first request step). At this time, the mobile terminal 103 attempts to acquire the necessary capability information from the printing device 102 using Get-Printer-Attributes. The capability information acquired in this way includes color information, paper type, finishing, and the value of media-col-database-search-supported. Note that for media-col, media-col-ready is acquired, but media-col-database is not.

[0045] Furthermore, the `media-size-supported` and `media-supported` attributes, which hold a list of paper sizes supported by the printer 102, are retrieved. This allows the mobile terminal 103 to display the paper size list even if it does not retrieve the `media-col-database` from the printer 102. This attribute indicates the size information and IPP name for each paper supported by the printer 102, and does not include data such as paper feed direction or rotation direction, which are included in the `media-col-database`, so the data size is small. Therefore, the mobile terminal 103 does not suffer any performance loss even if it retrieves this attribute.

[0046] In step S1002, the printing device 102 performs a capability acquisition response (first response means / first response step). At this time, the printing device 102 responds to the mobile terminal 103 with the values ​​corresponding to the attributes requested in Get-Printer-Attributes in step S1001. In step S1003, the mobile terminal 103 generates and displays a print settings UI based on the values ​​responded in step S1002, and accepts user input on the generated and displayed print settings UI. As a result, the user can select the paper size in the print settings UI of the mobile terminal 103.

[0047] Furthermore, if all of the following conditions (1) and (2) are met in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004. (1) The paper size selected by the user is not loaded into the printer 102. (2) In step S1002 above, the printing device 102 returns a search key such as media-size to media-col-database-search-supported.

[0048] In step S1004, the mobile terminal 103 makes a partial acquisition request (second request means / second request step). At this time, the mobile terminal 103 specifies to media-col-database-search the paper size selected by the user in step S1003 as a value included in the range of partial acquisition indicated by the search key returned in step S1002. In this way, the mobile terminal 103 requests the printer 102 to acquire a portion of media-col-database using Get-Printer-Attributes. In step S1005, the printer 102 makes a partial acquisition response (second response means / second response step). At this time, the printer 102 responds to the mobile terminal 103 with a list of media-cols corresponding to the value specified to media-col-database-search as a response to the received partial acquisition request. In step S1006, the mobile terminal 103 updates the current settings in the print settings UI based on the received list of media-cols.

[0049] For example, if the paper size selected by the user is a standard size 4 envelope, and the partial response obtained in step S1005 is the same as response packet 902 in Figure 9, and the image the user wants to print is vertical, then the print settings UI screen will look like Figure 11(a). In this case, it is desirable to display a preview (an image of the print result based on the user's settings) on the print settings UI screen, as shown in Figure 11(a). Figures 11(b), (c), and (d) list the possible values ​​based on response packet 902 in Figure 9 for the current paper size.

[0050] On the other hand, if the paper size selected by the user is a standard size 4 envelope, and the partial response obtained in step S1005 is the same as the response packet 902 in Figure 9, and the image the user wants to print is landscape orientation, then the print settings UI screen will look like Figure 12(a). In this case, it is desirable to display a preview (an image of the print result based on the user's settings) on the print settings UI screen, as shown in Figure 12(a). Figures 12(b), (c), and (d) list the possible values ​​based on the response packet 902 in Figure 9 for the current paper size. The media-col list may be stored in the mobile terminal 103 and reused.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10, once the print settings UI of the mobile terminal 103 is updated in step S1006 as described above, the process proceeds to step S1009. In step S1009, the mobile terminal 103 draws an image of the print result selected by the user, i.e., a preview, on the print settings UI, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 12(a) above. When the user issues a print command, in step S1010, the mobile terminal 103 performs appropriate image processing based on the print settings selected by the user and then sends the print job to the printing device 102.

[0052] Thus, in a configuration that performs partial retrieval of media-col-database data, the data size of the retrieved packets is smaller compared to a configuration that only performs batch retrieval of media-col-database data. Therefore, even information processing devices that do not perform batch retrieval of media-col-database due to performance concerns can obtain the appropriate print results desired by the user by utilizing partial retrieval of media-col-database data.

[0053] Furthermore, if all of the following conditions (3) and (4) are met in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1007. (3) The paper size selected by the user is not loaded into the printer 102. (4) In step S1002 above, the printing device 102 has not returned a search key such as media-size to media-col-database-search-supported.

[0054] In step S1007, the mobile terminal 103 updates the current settings in the print settings UI based on the default settings corresponding to the paper size selected by the user. For example, if envelope is selected as the paper type, the mobile terminal 103 may set the paper orientation to "from short edge (180° rotation)" in the print settings UI. Alternatively, to increase user flexibility, the mobile terminal 103 does not need to set the paper orientation to rotate in the print settings UI. After that, the processes in steps S1009 to S1010 described above are performed.

[0055] Furthermore, if paper of the size selected by the user is loaded into the printer 102 in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1008. In step S1008, the mobile terminal 103 updates the current settings in the print settings UI based on the media-col-ready acquired in step S1002. After that, the processes described in steps S1009 to S1010 are performed.

[0056] In the sequence shown in Figure 10, the information processing device communicating with the printing device 102 is the mobile terminal 103, but the same processing will be performed even if it is the client PC 101. Furthermore, the same processing will be performed even if a virtual printer on the cloud print service 104 is requested instead of the printing device 102. Also, if the cloud print service 104 has a partial acquisition function, it may respond to information processing devices such as the mobile terminal 103 that it supports the partial acquisition function, even if the printing device 102 does not. These points are also true for the flowcharts described later.

[0057] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processes that the printer 102 performs after receiving a capacity acquisition request. The flowchart in Figure 13 begins when the printer 102 receives a capacity acquisition request from the mobile terminal 103. In step S1301, the printer 102 sends a capacity acquisition response to the mobile terminal 103. At this time, the printer 102 returns the values ​​corresponding to the attributes requested by Get-Printer-Attributes.

[0058] In step S1302, the printer 102 determines whether the mobile terminal 103 has requested partial retrieval of media-col-database. In this determination, if the Get-Printer-Attributes from the mobile terminal 103 includes media-col-database-search, it is determined that partial retrieval of media-col-database has been requested. If the printer 102 determines that the mobile terminal 103 has not requested partial retrieval of media-col-database, the flowchart in Figure 13 ends. On the other hand, if the printer 102 determines that the mobile terminal 103 has requested partial retrieval of media-col-database, the process proceeds to step S1303.

[0059] In step S1303, it is determined whether the printer 102 is capable of handling partial retrieval of media-col-database as requested by the mobile terminal 103. This determination is made by checking whether the media-col-database-search in Get-Printer-Attributes from the mobile terminal 103 contains a value belonging to a search key supported by the printer 102. If it is determined that the printer 102 is capable of handling partial retrieval of media-col-database as requested by the mobile terminal 103, the process proceeds to step S1305, which is described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer 102 is not capable of handling partial retrieval of media-col-database as requested by the mobile terminal 103, the process proceeds to step S1304.

[0060] In step S1304, the printer 102 returns an error to the mobile terminal 103 indicating that it is unable to handle the partial retrieval of the media-col-database requested by the mobile terminal 103 (third response means). The flowchart in Figure 13 then ends. In step S1305, the printer 102 performs the partial retrieval of the media-col-database requested by the mobile terminal 103. This enumerates a list of media-cols corresponding to the value specified for media-col-database-search. In step S1306, the printer 102 sends a partial retrieval response to the mobile terminal 103. At this time, the printer 102 responds to the mobile terminal 103 with the list of media-cols enumerated in step S1305. The flowchart in Figure 13 then ends.

[0061] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the user 500's instruction to launch the print settings UI to the sending of the print job to the printer 102. The flowchart in Figure 14 begins when the user 500 selects the printer 102 and instructs the mobile terminal 103 to launch the print settings UI. In step S1401, the mobile terminal 103 obtains the necessary capability information from the printer 102. This process is performed in the same manner as the processes in steps S1001 to S1002 described above. In step S1402, the mobile terminal 103 generates and displays the print settings UI based on the necessary capability information obtained in step S1401.

[0062] In step S1403, the mobile terminal 103 determines whether a paper size not included in media-col-ready obtained in step S1401 has been selected by user 500 on the print settings UI. If the mobile terminal 103 determines that a paper size not included in media-col-ready obtained in step S1401 has not been selected by user 500 on the print settings UI, the process proceeds to step S1406 described below. In other words, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that a paper size included in media-col-ready obtained in step S1401 has been selected by user 500 on the print settings UI, the process proceeds to step S1406 described below. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that a paper size not included in media-col-ready obtained in step S1401 has been selected by user 500 on the print settings UI, the process proceeds to step S1404.

[0063] In step S1404, the mobile terminal 103 determines whether the printing device 102 is capable of partial retrieval in the media-col-database. This determination is made by checking whether the necessary capability information obtained by the mobile terminal 103 in step S1401 includes "media-col-database-search-supported". If "media-col-database-search-supported" is included, it is determined that the printing device 102 is capable of partial retrieval in the media-col-database. On the other hand, if "media-col-database-search-supported" is not included, it is determined that the printing device 102 is not capable of partial retrieval in the media-col-database.

[0064] In this manner, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that the printing device 102 is not capable of partial acquisition of the media-col-database, the process proceeds to step S1408 described below. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that the printing device 102 is capable of partial acquisition of the media-col-database, the process proceeds to step S1405. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S1406 after the mobile terminal 103 has performed a batch acquisition of the media-col-database. In step S1405, the mobile terminal 103 requests the printing device 102 to perform a partial acquisition of the media-col-database. This process is carried out in the same manner as the processes in steps S1004 to S1005 described above.

[0065] In step S1406, the mobile terminal 103 determines whether there are two or more data combinations of paper orientation and rotation angle applicable to the paper size selected by the user 500. The paper orientation and rotation angle refer to the paper feed direction and rotation direction included in the media-col list of media-col-ready obtained in step S1401 or media-col-database obtained in step S1405. If the mobile terminal 103 determines that there are not two or more data combinations of paper orientation and rotation angle applicable to the paper size selected by the user 500, the process proceeds to step S1408, which is described below. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that there are two or more data combinations of paper orientation and rotation angle applicable to the paper size selected by the user 500, the process proceeds to step S1407.

[0066] In step S1407, the mobile terminal 103 displays data on combinations of paper orientation and rotation angle applicable to the paper size selected by the user 500 as options in the print settings menu, as shown in Figure 12(d). In step S1408, the mobile terminal 103 draws a preview. At this time, the mobile terminal 103 draws a preview based on the print settings selected by the user 500 on the print settings UI, for example, as shown in Figure 11(a) and Figure 12(a). In step S1409, the mobile terminal 103 generates the print data. In step S1410, the mobile terminal 103 sends the print job containing the print data to the printing device 102. These processes are carried out in the same manner as the process in step S1010 described above. After that, the flowchart in Figure 14 ends.

[0067] Therefore, even a mobile terminal 103 that only acquires media-col-ready due to performance concerns can perform partial acquisition of media-col-database based on the user's selection. This allows the user to obtain appropriate print results even when selecting paper that is not currently loaded in the printer 102. In other words, in the first embodiment, even an information processing device such as a mobile terminal 103 that only acquires media-col-ready due to considerations of real-time performance and processing capacity can acquire a list of conditions necessary for the user (a list of media-cols). This allows the information processing device such as a mobile terminal 103 to refer to the acquired list of conditions and form an appropriate image that takes orientation and rotation into account, even when the user attempts to print on paper that is not currently loaded in the printer 102. In this way, even if the information processing device such as a mobile terminal 103 has low processing capacity, it can cause the printer 102 to perform appropriate printing on paper that is not currently loaded.

[0068] Furthermore, considering real-time capabilities and processing power, information processing devices such as the mobile terminal 103 that acquire only media-col-ready data include, for example, smartphones and tablet devices. Also, in the first embodiment, the target of partial acquisition was media-col-database, but it may also be data (finishing-col-database) that combines configurable conditions for the finishing process.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 15. The description of the second embodiment will only cover the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the mobile terminal 103, which acquires only media-col-ready, performs partial acquisition of the media-col-database after acquiring information from the printing device 102 indicating that it is capable of handling it. However, since the performance of mobile terminals varies depending on the model, there are cases where it is better to acquire the media-col-database in a batch, and cases where it is better to perform partial acquisition of the media-col-database. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the mobile terminal 103 performs either a batch acquisition of the media-col-database or partial acquisition of the media-col-database based on information about the processing capabilities of the mobile terminal 103. In the second embodiment, each process of the printing device 102 is performed in the same manner as the processes shown in Figure 13 above.

[0070] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the user 500's instruction to launch the print settings UI to the sending of the print job to the printer 102. The flowchart in Figure 15 begins when the user 500 selects the printer 102 and instructs the mobile terminal 103 to launch the print settings UI. In step S1501, the mobile terminal 103 acquires information about its own processing capabilities. The processing capabilities of the mobile terminal 103 include the CPU, RAM, and storage.

[0071] In step S1502, the mobile terminal 103 determines whether its processing capacity, acquired in step S1501, is below a threshold. The threshold is a predefined standard and is stored in the internal memory of the mobile terminal 103. If the mobile terminal 103 determines that its processing capacity, acquired in step S1501, is not below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S1504, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that its processing capacity, acquired in step S1501, is below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S1503.

[0072] In step S1503, the mobile terminal 103 obtains the necessary capability information from the printer 102 in order to display the print settings UI. At this time, the media-col-database, which would increase the processing load on the mobile terminal 103, is not obtained. After that, the process proceeds to step S1505, which is described below. In step S1504, the mobile terminal 103 obtains the necessary capability information from the printer 102 in the same manner as in step S1503. However, at this time, the media-col-database is also obtained. In other words, the media-col-database is obtained all at once. Each process in steps S1505 to S1506 is performed in the same manner as each process in steps S1402 to S1403 described above.

[0073] In step S1507, it is determined whether the mobile terminal 103 has acquired the media-col-database. In other words, it is determined whether a bulk acquisition of the media-col-database has been performed. If it is determined that the mobile terminal 103 has acquired the media-col-database, the process proceeds to step S1510, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mobile terminal 103 has not acquired the media-col-database, the process proceeds to step S1508. Each of the processes in steps S1508 to S1514 is performed in the same manner as the processes in steps S1404 to S1410 described above.

[0074] Based on the above, the mobile terminal 103 can perform either a batch retrieval of the media-col-database or a partial retrieval of the media-col-database based on its own processing capabilities. This provides a more appropriate user experience in the second embodiment.

[0075] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The description of the third embodiment will only cover the differences from the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the mobile terminal 103 notifies the printing device 102 of its own processing capacity, and the printing device 102 determines whether to recommend bulk acquisition of the media-col-database based on the processing capacity information of the mobile terminal 103. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the printing device 102 when it receives information on the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103.

[0076] In step S1601, the printer 102 determines whether information about the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 has been notified. The information about the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 is notified to the printer 102 by the Operation attribute of Get-Printer-Attributes. If the printer 102 determines that information about the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 has not been notified, the flowchart in Figure 16 ends. On the other hand, if the printer 102 determines that information about the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 has been notified, the process proceeds to step S1602.

[0077] In step S1602, the printing device 102 determines whether the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 is below a threshold. The threshold is a predefined criterion, similar to that in the second embodiment. However, unlike in the second embodiment, the threshold is stored in the storage unit 301 of the printing device 102. If the printing device 102 determines that the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 is not below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S1604, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the printing device 102 determines that the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 is below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S1603.

[0078] In step S1603, the printer 102 responds to the mobile terminal 103 with media-col-database-preffered=false, indicating that it is preferable not to perform a bulk acquisition of media-col-database. This response is made via the Operation attribute, along with the IPP attribute specified in Requested-Attributes for Get-Printer-Attributes requested in step S1601. The flowchart in Figure 16 then concludes.

[0079] In step S1604, the printer 102 responds with media-col-database-preffered=true, indicating that it would be preferable to retrieve the media-col-database in bulk. This response is also made via the Operation attribute, along with the IPP attribute specified in Requested-Attributes for Get-Printer-Attributes requested in step S1601. The flowchart in Figure 16 then concludes.

[0080] Through the above process, information on the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 103 is notified to the printing device 102, allowing the printing device 102 to determine whether or not to recommend bulk acquisition of the media-col-database, which has a high processing load.

[0081] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the user 500's instruction to launch the print settings UI to the sending of the print job to the printer 102. The flowchart in Figure 17 begins when the user 500 instructs the mobile terminal 103 to select the printer 102 and launch the print settings UI. In step S1701, the mobile terminal 103 acquires information about its own processing capacity.

[0082] In step S1702, the mobile terminal 103 obtains the necessary capability information from the printer 102 in order to display the print settings UI. However, the media-col-database is not included in the necessary capability information obtained from the printer 102. At this time, the mobile terminal 103 also notifies the printer 102 of its own processing capability information obtained in step S1701 using the Operation attribute of Get-Printer-Attributes.

[0083] In step S1703, it is determined whether the mobile terminal 103 obtained media-col-database-preffered=true in step S1702. If it is determined that the mobile terminal 103 did not obtain media-col-database-preffered=true in step S1702, the process proceeds to step S1705, which is described below. In other words, if media-col-database-preffered=false is obtained in step S1702, the process proceeds to step S1705, which is described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mobile terminal 103 obtained media-col-database-preffered=true in step S1702, the process proceeds to step S1704.

[0084] In step S1704, the mobile terminal 103 uses Get-Printer-Attributes to retrieve the media-col-database in bulk from the printer 102. The process then proceeds to step S1706, which is described below. In step S1705, the mobile terminal 103 uses Get-Printer-Attributes to retrieve media-col-database-search-supported from the printer 102. Note that media-col-database-search-supported is an IPP attribute that indicates whether partial retrieval of media-col-database is supported, as described above. In step S1706, the mobile terminal 103 displays the print settings UI based on the information obtained from the printer 102. The processes in steps S1707 to S1715 are performed in the same manner as the processes in steps S1506 to S1514 described above.

[0085] Based on the above, the mobile terminal 103 can perform either a batch acquisition of the media-col-database or a partial acquisition of the media-col-database, depending on the result determined by the printing device 102 based on its own processing capabilities. This provides a more appropriate user experience in the third embodiment.

[0086] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 18. The description of the fourth embodiment will only cover the differences from the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the mobile terminal 103 determines whether to perform a batch acquisition of media-col-database depending on whether the printing device 102 is on the cloud print service 104.

[0087] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the mobile terminal 103 from the user 500's instruction to launch the print settings UI to the sending of a print job to the printer 102. The flowchart in Figure 18 begins when the user 500 selects the printer 102 and instructs the mobile terminal 103 to launch the print settings UI. In step S1801, the mobile terminal 103 determines whether the printer 102 exists on the cloud print service 104. This determination is made if the printer 102 includes an access endpoint for the cloud print service 104. Alternatively, this determination may be made by checking whether a response has been made to a request for the printer list registered in the cloud print service 104.

[0088] If the mobile terminal 103 determines that the printing device 102 is on the cloud print service 104, the process proceeds to step S1802. Conversely, if the mobile terminal 103 determines that the printing device 102 is not on the cloud print service 104, for example, if the printing device 102 is on the local area network, the process proceeds to step S1803. Each of the processes in steps S1802 to S1813 is performed in the same manner as the processes in steps S1503 to S1514 described above.

[0089] Based on the above, the mobile terminal 103 can perform either a batch retrieval of the media-col-database or a partial retrieval of the media-col-database depending on whether the printing device 102 is on the cloud print service 104. This provides a more appropriate user experience in the fourth embodiment.

[0090] <Other> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0091] Each embodiment of the disclosure includes the following systems, methods, configurations, and programs. (System 1) A printing system that enables communication between an information processing device and a printing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A first request means for requesting information from the printing device indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set on the printing device, The system includes a second request means for requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition when the printing device responds with information that supports the partial acquisition, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A first response means that responds to the information processing device with information indicating whether the partial acquisition is possible in response to the request of the first request means, A printing system characterized by comprising: a second response means that responds to a request from the second request means by providing a portion of the data to the information processing device. (Method 1) A printing method performed by communication between an information processing device and a printing device, The information processing device performs a first request step in which it requests information from the printing device indicating whether it is possible to partially acquire data in a combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device, The printing apparatus provides a first response step in which it responds to the request of the first request step by providing information to the information processing device indicating whether the partial acquisition is possible, The information processing device, when it receives information from the printing device that is compatible with the partial acquisition, performs a second request step of requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition. A printing method characterized in that the printing apparatus comprises a second response step in which it responds to a request in the second request step by providing a portion of the data to the information processing device. (Configuration 1) An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device, A first request means for requesting information from the printing device indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set on the printing device, An information processing apparatus comprising: a second request means for requesting the printing apparatus to perform the partial acquisition when the printing apparatus responds with information for which the partial acquisition is possible. (Program 1) A program that causes a computer to execute each of the means of the information processing device described in Configuration 1. (Method 2) A control method for an information processing device that can communicate with a printing device, A first request step involves requesting the printing device to provide information indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising: a second request step of requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition when the printing device responds with information for which the partial acquisition is possible. (Configuration 2) A printing device capable of communicating with an information processing device, A first response means that responds to an information processing device that requests information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible in data combining conditions that can be set by the printing device, with information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible. A printing apparatus characterized by comprising: a second response means that, when the information processing apparatus receives information for which the partial acquisition is possible, responds to the information processing apparatus requesting the partial acquisition with a portion of the data. (Configuration 3) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the conditions that can be set in the printing apparatus are conditions for all types of paper that can be set in the printing apparatus. (Configuration 4) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the conditions that can be set in the printing apparatus are the conditions for all finishing processes that can be performed by the printing apparatus. (Configuration 5) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 3 or 4, characterized in that the second response means responds only with data from the data that is necessary for the information processing device. (Configuration 6) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the first response means indicates the range of the partial acquisition in the information for which the partial acquisition is possible using a search key. (Configuration 7) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 6, wherein the second response means responds to the information processing device that requests to perform the partial acquisition by specifying a value belonging to a search key indicating the range of the partial acquisition, by providing a portion of the data in accordance with the value specified by the information processing device. (Configuration 8) The conditions that can be set in the printing device are the conditions for all paper that can be set in the printing device, The printing apparatus according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the first response means uses the paper size as the search key indicating the range of the partial acquisition. (Configuration 9) The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 8, characterized in that the second response means responds with a portion of the data to the information processing device that requests the partial acquisition when the processing capacity of the information processing device does not meet the criteria indicated by the threshold. (Configuration 10) A third response means is provided that responds to the information processing device with information indicating that it is better not to acquire the data in bulk if the processing capacity of the information processing device notified by the information processing device does not meet the criteria indicated by the threshold, The printing apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 8, characterized in that the first response means responds to the information processing device with information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible when the third response means responds to the information processing device with information indicating that it is better not to perform the batch acquisition. (Configuration 11) The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 8, characterized in that the second response means responds with a portion of the data to the information processing device that requests the partial acquisition when the printing apparatus is located in a cloud print service. (Configuration 12) The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 11, characterized in that when the first response means responds to the information processing device with information that cannot be partially acquired, the second response means responds to the information processing device requesting to perform the partial acquisition with an error indicating that the partial acquisition is not possible. (Configuration 13) A printing device according to any one of Configurations 2 to 12, characterized in that it communicates with the information processing device using IPP (Internet Print Protocol). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 101 Client PC (Information Processing Unit) 102 Printing device 103 Mobile terminals (information processing devices) 104 Cloud Print Service

Claims

1. A printing system that enables communication between an information processing device and a printing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A first request means that requests the printing device for information indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device, The system includes a second requesting means for requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition when the printing device responds with information that supports the partial acquisition, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A first response means that responds to the information processing device with information indicating whether the partial acquisition is possible in response to the request of the first request means, A printing system characterized by comprising: a second response means that responds to a request from the second request means by providing a portion of the data to the information processing device.

2. A printing method performed by communication between an information processing device and a printing device, The information processing device performs a first request step of requesting the printing device for information indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device, The printing apparatus provides a first response step in which it responds to the information processing device with information indicating whether the partial acquisition is possible in response to the request of the first request step, The information processing device, upon receiving a response from the printing device regarding information that can be partially acquired, includes a second request step of requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition, A printing method characterized in that the printing apparatus comprises a second response step in which it responds to a request in the second request step by providing a portion of the data to the information processing device.

3. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device, A first request means that requests the printing device for information indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device, An information processing apparatus comprising a second request means for requesting the printing apparatus to perform the partial acquisition when the printing apparatus responds with information for which the partial acquisition is possible.

4. A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the information processing apparatus described in claim 3.

5. A control method for an information processing device that can communicate with a printing device, A first request step involves requesting the printing device to provide information indicating whether partial acquisition of data is possible in combination of conditions that can be set by the printing device. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising: a second request step of requesting the printing device to perform the partial acquisition when the printing device responds with information for which the partial acquisition is possible.

6. A printing device capable of communicating with an information processing device, A first response means that responds to an information processing device that requests information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible in data combining conditions that can be set by the printing device, with information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible. A printing apparatus characterized by comprising: a second response means that, when the information processing apparatus receives information that can be partially acquired, responds to the information processing apparatus requesting to perform the partial acquisition with a portion of the data.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the conditions that can be set in the printing apparatus are conditions for all types of paper that can be set in the printing apparatus.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the conditions that can be set in the printing apparatus are conditions for all finishing processes that can be performed by the printing apparatus.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second response means responds only with data from the data that is necessary for the information processing device.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the first response means indicates the range of the partial acquisition in the information for which the partial acquisition is possible using a search key.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second response means responds to the information processing device, which requests to perform the partial acquisition by specifying a value belonging to a search key indicating the range of the partial acquisition, with a portion of the data in accordance with the value specified by the information processing device.

12. The conditions that can be set in the aforementioned printing device are the conditions for all types of paper that can be loaded into the printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the first response means uses the paper size as the search key indicating the range of the partial acquisition.

13. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the second response means responds with a portion of the data to the information processing device that requests the partial acquisition when the processing capacity of the information processing device does not meet the criteria indicated by the threshold.

14. The system includes a third response means that, if the processing capacity of the information processing device notified by the information processing device does not meet the criteria indicated by a threshold, responds to the information processing device with information indicating that it would be better not to acquire the data in bulk. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the first response means responds to the information processing device with information indicating whether partial acquisition is possible when the third response means responds to the information processing device with information indicating that it is better not to perform the batch acquisition.

15. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second response means responds with a portion of the data to the information processing device that requests the partial acquisition when the printing apparatus is located in a cloud print service.

16. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the second response means responds to the information processing device, which requests the partial acquisition to be performed, with an error indicating that the partial acquisition is not possible when the first response means responds to the information processing device with information that cannot be handled by the partial acquisition.

17. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that it communicates with the information processing device using IPP (Internet Print Protocol).

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