Terminal devices, information processing systems, and programs

Abstract

There is a need to prevent situations where the transfer of print data to the printing device cannot keep up with the printing speed of the device due to the use of inappropriate communication channels. [Solution] The terminal device 100 includes a state determination unit 111 that determines whether the communication state between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100 is in a first state or a second state, and a UI control unit 112 that controls the user interface. When the communication state is in the first state, the UI control unit 112 restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device 200, and when the communication state is in the second state, it accepts instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device 200.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a terminal device, an information processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A printing device may be connected to a network and operated. Specifically, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a known technique of transferring print data from a terminal device to a printing device via a LAN (Local Area Network) or uploading information of the printing device to a server on the Internet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a printing device receives print data transferred from a terminal device and prints it, it is preferable that the print data be transferred using a communication path that can achieve an appropriate data transfer speed. This is because if the data transfer speed is slow, the transfer of the print data will not keep up with the printing speed of the printing device, and printing cannot be properly executed. Therefore, it is required to suppress a situation where the transfer of print data to the printing device fails to keep up with the printing speed of the printing device due to the transfer of print data using an inappropriate communication path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The terminal device according to this disclosure is a terminal device that communicates with a printing device, and comprises a state determination unit that determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state in which communication is possible via a first communication channel but not via a second communication channel, or in a second state in which communication is possible via the second communication channel, and a user interface control unit that controls a user interface, wherein the first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is performed according to different standards, and the user interface control unit restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device when the communication state is in the first state, and accepts instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device when the communication state is in the second state.

[0006] Furthermore, the information processing system according to this disclosure includes a printing device that transmits operational information to a cloud server using a first communication channel, and a terminal device that communicates with the printing device, wherein the terminal device has a state determination unit that determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is a first state in which communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or a second state in which communication is possible via the second communication channel, and a user interface control unit that controls a user interface, wherein the first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is performed according to different standards, and the user interface control unit restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device when the communication state is the first state, and accepts instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device when the communication state is the second state.

[0007] Furthermore, the program according to this disclosure causes the computer of a terminal device that communicates with a printing device to execute a state determination step that determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state where communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel, and a user interface control step that controls the user interface, wherein the first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards, and in the user interface control step, if the communication state is in the first state, the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device is restricted, and if the communication state is in the second state, instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device are accepted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit to the output device. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit to the output device. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit to the output device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for implementing the restriction process according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit to the output device. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit to the output device. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9]This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for implementing the restriction process according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and redundant explanations have been omitted where necessary.

[0010] In recent years, it has become common practice for commercial and industrial printing equipment to upload information from its LAN port to a cloud server via the internet, allowing users to remotely monitor the equipment's information. In this case, since the printing equipment is connected to a LAN, it can accept print data transferred via the LAN. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial printing equipment is capable of high-speed printing. For example, DTF (Direct to Fabric) printing equipment can achieve high-speed printing by equipping it with multiple ink heads. When transferring print data from a terminal device to such high-speed printing equipment, communication using LAN communication, i.e., a communication channel conforming to the Ethernet standard, may not keep up with the printing process on the printing equipment. In particular, with the currently widely used 1Gb (gigabit) Ethernet cable, the theoretical maximum data transfer speed is 125 MB / sec (megabytes / second), so the transfer of print data may not keep up with the printing process on the printing equipment. If the transfer of print data does not keep up with the printing process, the operation of the printing equipment's ink heads will stop. This will cause the printing process to be delayed. Furthermore, this can lead to a decrease in print quality and damage to the printing medium (paper, cloth, etc.). To solve these problems, it is preferable for printers requiring high-speed data transfer to limit the transfer of print data to a communication channel that can achieve high-speed data transfer, such as USB 3.0 (Universal Serial Bus). Therefore, this disclosure describes a technology for achieving print data transfer using an appropriate communication channel.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes one or more printing devices 200, a cloud server 400, and one or more terminal devices 100. The information processing system 1 may also include a relay device 300 as shown in Figure 1.

[0012] The printer 200 and terminal device 100 are devices connected to a LAN. In the example shown in Figure 1, the printer 200 and terminal device 100 are connected to a LAN constructed using a relay device 300. The relay device 300 is, for example, a network relay device such as a network hub (switching hub), and may also have router functionality. The relay device 300 is connected to each device constituting the LAN by LAN cables (Ethernet cables). Specifically, the relay device 300 and the terminal device 100 or printer 200 are connected in a communicative manner using cable C1 that conforms to the Ethernet standard. Therefore, each terminal device 100 is connected in a communicative manner to the printer 200 via the LAN (via Ethernet).

[0013] The relay device 300 is also connected to network N, which is a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. A cloud server 400 is connected to network N. Therefore, the terminal device 100 and the printing device 200 can communicate with the cloud server 400 on network N via cable C1.

[0014] The printing device 200 is a device that receives print data transferred from the terminal device 100 and performs printing processing based on the received print data. For example, the printing device 200 may be a textile printer that prints an image onto fabric according to the print data. The printing device 200 is a printer that requires a predetermined speed (for example, a predetermined speed faster than the theoretical maximum speed of 1Gb Ethernet communication) or higher as a data transfer speed for normal printing processing (a data transfer speed that does not cause delays in printing processing). The printing device 200 is, as an example, a commercial or industrial printing device, but it does not necessarily have to be a commercial or industrial printing device.

[0015] The printer 200 can communicate with the terminal device 100 via a communication path other than LAN. Specifically, the printer 200 and the terminal device 100 can communicate via a communication path conforming to the USB standard. In other words, at least some of the printers 200 included in the information processing system 1 are equipped not only with a network interface for communication conforming to the Ethernet standard, but also with a network interface for communication conforming to the USB standard. In this embodiment, the network interface for communication conforming to the USB standard that the printer 200 may be equipped with is a network interface that supports the USB 3.0 standard or its successor standard (e.g., USB 3.1, USB 3.2, etc.) in order to enable high-speed reception of print data. Therefore, the printer 200 and the terminal device 100 can communicate via a communication path conforming to the USB 3.0 standard or its successor standard. In the following description, the USB 3.0 standard or its successor standard will be simply referred to as the USB standard. In Figure 1, among the terminal devices 100 included in the information processing system 1, the terminal device 100 connected to the printing device 200 by a USB-compliant cable C2 will be referred to as terminal device 100a, and the terminal device 100 not connected to the printing device 200 by a USB-compliant cable C2 will be referred to as terminal device 100b. Similarly, in Figure 1, among the printing devices 200 included in the information processing system 1, the printing device 200 connected to the terminal device 100 by a USB-compliant cable C2 will be referred to as printing device 200a, and the printing device 200 not connected to the terminal device 100 by a USB-compliant cable C2 will be referred to as printing device 200b.

[0016] Thus, the printing apparatus 200 can be connected to two communication paths through which communication is performed according to different standards in order to communicate with other apparatuses. Among these, the communication path through which communication is performed according to the Ethernet standard is a specific example of the first communication path in the present disclosure. Also, the communication path through which communication is performed according to the USB standard (USB 3.0 standard or its successor standard) is a specific example of the second communication path in the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 200 is connected to the first communication path (the communication path according to the Ethernet standard) in order to transmit the operation information of the printing apparatus 200 to the cloud server 400. Further, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 200 can be connected to the second communication path (the communication path according to the USB standard) in order to receive print data transferred at high speed. The printing apparatus 200 can also receive print data transferred through the first communication path, but in the present embodiment, the data transfer speed of the first communication path is slower than the data transfer speed of the second communication path. This is because, in the case of generally widely used 1 Gb Ethernet communication, the theoretically maximum speed of the data transfer speed is 125 MB / sec, whereas the theoretically maximum speed of the communication according to the USB 3.0 standard is 625 MB / sec. Also, in the communication using the first communication path (the communication path according to the Ethernet standard), for example, due to communication congestion, the data transfer speed can be significantly reduced compared to the theoretically maximum speed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the data transfer speed of the second communication path is faster than the data transfer speed of the first communication path. Note that the data transfer speed of the second communication path is preferably, for example, 150 MB / sec or more.

[0017] The cloud server 400 receives the operation information of the printing device 200 from the printing device 200. When the information processing system 1 includes a plurality of printing devices 200, the cloud server 400 receives the operation information from each of them. As described above, the printing device 200 uploads the operation information to the cloud server 400 using a communication path conforming to the Ethernet standard. For example, the printing device 200 periodically transmits the operation information to the cloud server 400. The operation information is information indicating the operation status of the printing device 200, and for example, is information indicating the printing results of the printing device 200, the usage amount of consumables (such as ink, printing media, etc.), the operation time, and the like. The cloud server 400 provides the received operation information to any device that can access the cloud server 400, such as the terminal device 100. For example, a device that accesses the cloud server 400 uses a browser to display the operation information on the display of the device.

[0018] Next, details of the terminal device 100 that communicates with the printing device 200 will be described. The terminal device 100 is a device having a function as a computer, and for example, is a device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, a network interface 130, an input device 140, and an output device 150.

[0020] The network interface 130 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The terminal device 100 may include a plurality of network interfaces 130. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 100 includes, for example, a network interface 130 for communication conforming to the Ethernet standard and a network interface 130 for communication conforming to the USB standard. That is, the terminal device 100 includes an interface connectable to the cable C1 and an interface connectable to the cable C2.

[0021] Memory 120 is composed of, for example, a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Memory 120 is used to store programs executed by the processor 110, and data used for various processes.

[0022] The processor 110 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 110 may include multiple processors.

[0023] The processor 110 reads and executes a program from the memory 120. This enables the processor 110 to implement the functions of the state determination unit 111, the UI control unit 112, the data processing unit 113, and the data transmission unit 114, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the state determination unit 111, the UI control unit 112, the data processing unit 113, and the data transmission unit 114 are implemented as a program for a printing application. More specifically, in this embodiment, this printing application is, as an example, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) application.

[0024] The input device 140 is a device that receives input operations from the user of the terminal device 100, and is such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The output device 150 is a device that displays information, and is such as a flat panel display as a liquid crystal display, plasma display, or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 100 may also have a touch panel in which the input device 140 and the output device 150 are integrated.

[0025] The following describes the state determination unit 111, the UI control unit 112, the data processing unit 113, and the data transmission unit 114. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, these are functions of the RIP application.

[0026] The status determination unit 111 searches for a printer 200 that is communicatively connected to the terminal device 100 and identifies a communication path that can communicate with the printer 200. Specifically, for example, the status determination unit 111 outputs a predetermined request signal from each network interface 130 of the terminal device 100 to the printer 200 requesting a response. Upon receiving this request signal, the printer 200 sends a response signal back to the terminal device 100. This response signal may include arbitrary information about the printer 200. For example, the response signal may include identification information such as the model name of the printer 200. Furthermore, if the request signal and response signal are transmitted and received via a communication path conforming to the Ethernet standard, the response signal may include the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the printer 200. When the printer 200 receives a request signal from each of the different communication paths, it transmits a response signal using the respective communication path. The status determination unit 111 identifies the printer 200 that is connected to the terminal device 100 in a communicative manner by checking which network interface 130 was used to receive the response signal, and identifies a communication path that can communicate with the printer 200. In this embodiment, since the USB standard supported by the printer 200 is USB 3.0 or higher, the reception of a response signal from the printer 200 via the USB network interface 130 of the terminal device 100 means that communication according to the USB 3.0 or higher standard is possible. The above describes an example of a specific process for searching for the printer 200 and identifying a communication path, but the status determination unit 111 may achieve the search for the printer 200 and identification of a communication path by other methods.

[0027] The status determination unit 111 identifies the available communication paths for each of the printers 200 that are communicatively connected to the terminal device 100. The status determination unit 111 then determines whether the communication state between the printer 200 and the terminal device 100 is in the first state or the second state. Here, the first state refers to a state in which communication is possible via the first communication path but not via the second communication path. Specifically, the first state refers to a state in which the terminal device 100 can communicate with the printer 200 being determined via a communication path conforming to the Ethernet standard, but not via a communication path conforming to the USB standard. When the communication state between the printer 200 and the terminal device 100 is in the first state, it means that it is possible to transfer print data from the terminal device 100 to the printer 200, but it is not possible to transfer it at high speed. Hereinafter, the first state will be referred to as the low-speed connection state. Furthermore, the second state refers to a state in which communication is possible via the second communication channel. Specifically, the second state refers to a state in which the terminal device 100 can communicate with the printer device 200 being judged via a communication channel compliant with the USB standard. When the communication state between the printer device 200 and the terminal device 100 is the second state, it means that it is possible to transfer print data from the terminal device 100 to the printer device 200 at high speed. Hereinafter, the second state will be referred to as the high-speed connection state.

[0028] The UI (User Interface) control unit 112 controls the user interface. For example, the UI control unit 112 processes the display of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen on the output device 150 in response to operations input by the user via the input device 140. Details of the processing of the UI control unit 112 will be described later.

[0029] The data processing unit 113 performs a process to generate print data corresponding to the printing device 200 based on the image data loaded into the printing application (RIP application). For example, the data processing unit 113 generates print data by performing processes such as resolution conversion, color conversion, halftone processing, rasterization, and command addition on the image data. The print data is data that controls printing by the printing device 200. More specifically, it is data in a format that the printing device 200 can interpret, and it has various command data and pixel data. Here, command data is data that instructs the printing device 200 to perform a specific operation. Pixel data is data relating to the pixels that make up the image to be printed (printed image), for example, data indicating the color and size of the dots formed on the medium. The terminal device 100 has, in advance, stored setting information in memory 120 for generating print data corresponding to each printing device (model) for various printing devices (models) that may be registered in the printing application (RIP application). The data processing unit 113 generates print data corresponding to the printing device 200 by switching the referenced setting information depending on which printing device 200 the print data to be generated for.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the UI control unit 112 receives an instruction to execute a process for generating print data, the data processing unit 113 generates the print data.

[0031] The data transmission unit 114 performs the process of transmitting the print data generated by the data processing unit 113 to the printing device 200 corresponding to the print data. The data transmission unit 114 transmits the print data to the destination printing device 200 via a designated communication channel. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the destination printing device 200 must be registered in the printing application, and the communication channel to be used for transferring print data is specified when the printing device 200 is registered. In this embodiment, when the UI control unit 112 receives an instruction to execute the process of transferring print data to the printing device 200, the data transmission unit 114 transmits the print data to the printing device 200. As will be described later, the UI control unit 112 may not accept an instruction even if an instruction is input by the user.

[0032] Next, the UI control unit 112 will be described in detail. As mentioned above, the UI control unit 112 controls the user interface. More specifically, the UI control unit 112 controls the GUI (Graphical User Interface) for the printing application (RIP application). In this embodiment, among the printing devices 200 that can communicate with the terminal device 100, the printing devices 200 that are registered in the printing application are the ones that will be handled on the printing application. Therefore, the user first uses the GUI screen provided by the UI control unit 112 to register the desired printing device 200 from among the printing devices 200 that can communicate with the terminal device 100. In this embodiment, registration is performed along with specifying the communication path to be used for transferring print data. Also, in this embodiment, even if there are two communication paths for communicating with the printing device 200 to be registered, only one communication path can be specified during registration.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen 900 for registering a printing device, which is displayed on the output device 150 by the UI control unit 112. The UI control unit 112 displays a GUI screen 900 on the output device 150 that lists the printing devices 200 that can be registered. The user selects one of the printing devices 200 listed in list 901 and then presses the register button 902. As a result, the UI control unit 112 registers the selected printing device 200 as a printing device to be handled in the printing application. Alternatively, the user may specify a name to identify the printing device 200 to be registered by entering it in the input field 903 using the input device 140. In this case, the UI control unit 112 registers the entered name as the name of the printing device 200 to be registered.

[0034] The UI control unit 112 may display a GUI screen 900 on the output device 150 that lists only printers 200 whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state as registrable printers 200. More specifically, the UI control unit 112 may display a GUI screen 900 on the output device 150 that lists only the connection configurations of printers 200 using the second communication channel whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state as registrable printers and connection configurations. In other words, the UI control unit 112 may display a GUI screen 900 on the output device 150 that allows registration of printers 200 with the specification that the second communication channel is used as the communication channel for transferring print data, and prevents registration of printers 200 with the specification that the first communication channel is used as the communication channel for transferring print data. Thus, the UI control unit 112 may display on the user interface screen that a printer 200 is in a high-speed connection state when communicating with the terminal device 100, while not displaying on the user interface screen that a printer 200 is in a low-speed connection state. In other words, the UI control unit 112 may display on the user interface screen that a printer 200 is in a high-speed connection state when communicating with the terminal device 100, while not displaying on the user interface screen that a printer 200 is in a low-speed connection state. More specifically, a selectable device refers to a device that the user can select using the input device 140 as the target of processing (for example, the target of registration processing).

[0035] For example, in the GUI screen for registration, the UI control unit 112 of terminal device 100a in Figure 1 lists printer 200a (more specifically, printer 200a that specifies USB communication as the communication channel used for transferring print data) as a registrable printer, but does not list printer 200b. Also, for example, the UI control unit 112 of terminal device 100b in Figure 1 does not list any printers as registrable printers because terminal device 100b cannot communicate via USB with any of the printers 200. By performing this processing, it is possible to prevent printers 200 whose communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state from being registered in the printing application. If such printers 200 are not registered, no print commands from the user for those printers 200 will be input. Therefore, it is possible to prevent print data from being transferred to such printers 200 via the first communication channel (Ethernet communication channel). The process of not displaying a printer 200 whose communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state as a selectable device on the user interface screen for registration is an example of a restriction process performed by the UI control unit 112. Here, restriction processing refers to the process of restricting the acceptance of print commands from the user for printer 200 whose communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state. A print command refers to a command to send print data to printer 200.

[0036] Furthermore, if the UI control unit 112 performs other restriction processing as described later, the printer 200 whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state may also be registered. In other words, in this case, the UI control unit 112 may also list the printer 200 whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state as a registerable printer on the user interface screen for registration.

[0037] Next, other restriction processing of the UI control unit 112 will be described. Figures 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit 112 on the output device 150. Figures 4A and 4B show GUI screens for generating print data that can be input to the registered printing device 200. By selecting a tab 911 on the GUI screen, the user can select which of the registered printing devices 200 to use to generate print data. Here, Figure 4A shows GUI screen 910A for generating print data that can be input to the printing device 200 (printer A) registered in the printing application of the terminal device 100, where the communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state. In other words, Figure 4A shows GUI screen 910A when the tab 911 corresponding to the printing device 200 where the communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state is selected. Figure 4B also shows a GUI screen 910B for generating print data that can be input to a printer 200 (printer B) registered in the printing application of terminal device 100, where the communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state. In other words, Figure 4B shows the GUI screen 910B when tab 911 corresponding to a printer 200 where the communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state is selected. Note that if the restriction processing described above is performed during the registration of printer 200, printer 200 where the communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state will not be registered, and therefore tab 911 corresponding to such printer 200 will not be displayed on the GUI screen. That is, GUI screen 910B is a screen that may be displayed when no restriction processing is performed during registration.

[0038] The GUI screen 910A in Figure 4A includes a valid print button 912. Here, a valid button is a button that can be operated (pressed) by the user and, when operated, accepts an instruction corresponding to that button. Here, "accepting an instruction" means that control processing proceeds in the terminal device 100 (print application) so that the process corresponding to the instruction is executed. The print button 912 is an example of a button for instructing the printer 200 to send print data. In this embodiment, the print button 912 specifically instructs the terminal device 100 (print application) to execute the process of generating print data and the process of transferring the generated print data to the printer 200. In this embodiment, since the data generation button 914, which will be described later, has the function of instructing the execution of the process of generating print data, the print button 912 does not need to include the function of instructing the execution of the process of generating print data. That is, the print button 912 may only have the function of instructing the execution of the process of transferring the generated print data to the printer 200. Here, the process of transferring the generated print data to the printing device 200 refers, more specifically, to the process of transferring the generated print data to the printing device 200, thereby causing the printing device 200 to perform printing. The user uses the input device 140 to select the image data to be printed on the GUI screen 910A and operates (presses) the print button 912. When the user operates a valid print button 912 via the input device 140, the UI control unit 112 receives instructions to execute the process of generating print data for the selected image data and the process of transferring the generated print data to the printing device 200. As a result, the data processing unit 113 generates print data for the printing device 200 (in this case, printer A, which is in a high-speed connection state with the terminal device 100) corresponding to the GUI screen 910A. The data transmission unit 114 then transfers the generated print data to the printing device 200 (printer A) via the second communication channel (a communication channel conforming to the USB standard). If GUI screen 910A is the screen displayed on terminal device 100a in Figure 1, then printing device 200a corresponds to printer A.

[0039] In contrast, the GUI screen 910B in Figure 4B does not include a valid print button 912. In the example in Figure 4B, the GUI screen 910B includes a disabled print button 913. Here, a disabled button refers to a button that is not a valid button, specifically a button that the user cannot operate (press), or a button that, even if operable, does not accept the corresponding instruction. In the example shown in Figure 4B, the user cannot operate (press) the print button 913. Alternatively, in the example shown in Figure 4B, the user can operate the print button 913, but when the print button 913 is operated, an error message is displayed and the instruction is not accepted. Thus, the UI control unit 112 disables the print button in the GUI screen 910B for generating print data that can be input to the printing device 200 (printer B) when the communication state with the terminal device 100 is a low-speed connection state. If GUI screen 910B is the screen displayed on terminal device 100a in Figure 1, then printing device 200b corresponds to printer B. Furthermore, to ensure user recognition, it is preferable that the display of the print button on the GUI screen differs between the valid print button 912 and the invalid print button 913.

[0040] In this way, the UI control unit 112 enables a button to instruct a printer 200 to send print data for printers 200 whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state. The UI control unit 112 then disables the button to instruct a printer 200 to send print data for printers 200 whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state on the user interface screen. This prevents print data from being transferred to printers 200 with a low-speed connection state via the first communication channel (Ethernet communication channel). The above-described process of disabling the print button for printers 200 with a low-speed connection state is also an example of a restriction process performed by the UI control unit 112. When this restriction process is performed, both the printer 200 with a high-speed connection to the terminal device 100 and the printer 200 with a low-speed connection to the terminal device 100 may be displayed as selectable devices on the GUI screen for registration during registration. Furthermore, these printers 200 may be displayed as selectable devices on the GUI screen for generating print data, by specifying tab 911, etc. However, as described above, restrictions will be imposed on the operation of the print button for one printer 200, while restrictions will not be imposed on the other printer 200.

[0041] Incidentally, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, both the GUI screen corresponding to the printer 200 with a high-speed connection state with the terminal device 100 and the GUI screen corresponding to the printer 200 with a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100 include a valid data generation button 914. The data generation button 914 is a button that instructs the execution of a process to generate print data. For example, the user uses the input device 140 to select image data on the GUI screen 910B (see Figure 4B) and operates (presses) the data generation button 914. When the user operates the data generation button 914 via the input device 140, the UI control unit 112 receives an instruction to execute a process to generate print data for the selected image data. As a result, the data processing unit 113 generates print data for the printer 200 corresponding to the GUI screen 910B (the printer 200 with a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100). Therefore, in this embodiment, if a printer 200 is registered in a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100, it is not possible to send print data to the printer 200, but it is possible to generate print data for the printer 200. Thus, for example, referring to Figure 1, the terminal device 100b can generate print data for printing on the printer 200a. If the terminal device 100a can acquire the print data for the printer 200a generated by the terminal device 100b, the terminal device 100a can transfer the print data to the printer 200a via a high-speed communication channel. Thus, for example, the following printing method is also possible. First, a first user with extensive knowledge of printing performs image editing and print settings on the terminal device 100b, and then generates print data for the printer 200a. After that, the first user sends the print data to the terminal device 100a used by the second user. In this case, even if the second user does not have knowledge of printing, they can transfer print data from the terminal device 100a to the printing device 200a via a high-speed communication channel and perform proper printing.

[0042] Next, the operation related to the implementation of the restriction process in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the implementation of the restriction process. The following processing is performed, for example, for each printing device 200 that can communicate with the terminal device 100.

[0043] In step S100, the state determination unit 111 determines the communication status between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100. That is, the state determination unit 111 determines whether the communication status between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100 is in the first state (low-speed connection state) or the second state (high-speed connection state). If the communication status is in the first state, the process proceeds to step S101; if the communication status is in the second state, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0044] If the process proceeds to step S101, the UI control unit 112 performs restriction processing on the user interface screen for the printing device 200 that was determined in step S100. Conversely, if the process proceeds to step S102, the UI control unit 112 does not perform restriction processing on the user interface screen for the printing device 200 that was determined in step S100.

[0045] The embodiments have been described above. In this embodiment, when the communication state between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100 is in the second state (high-speed connection state), the UI control unit 112 receives an instruction from the user to send print data to the printing device 200. The data transmission unit 114 then transmits the print data to the printing device 200 via a high-speed communication channel (a communication channel conforming to the USB standard). However, when the communication state between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100 is in the first state (low-speed connection state), the UI control unit 112 restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device 200. That is, in this case, the UI control unit 112 provides a user interface screen with the restriction process applied. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the transfer of print data to the printing device 200 cannot keep up with the printing speed of the printing device 200 due to the transfer of print data using an inappropriate communication channel.

[0046] Next, we will describe some modifications of the above-described embodiment. We will explain the differences from the above-described embodiment, and will omit explanations of redundant configurations or processes as appropriate. <Example 1> First, let's describe the first modification. The UI control unit 112 may display printers 200 that are in a high-speed connection state with the terminal device 100 as selectable destinations for print data, while printers 200 in a low-speed connection state may not be displayed on the user interface screen as selectable destinations for print data. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed by the UI control unit 112 on the output device 150, and in particular shows a GUI screen for selecting a destination for print data. In the example shown in Figure 6, the UI control unit 112 displays a GUI screen 920 on the output device 150 that lists the printers 200 that can be used as destinations for print data in list 921. The user selects one of the printers 200 listed in list 921 and then presses the print button 922. The print button 922 is a button that functions similarly to the valid print button 912 shown in Figure 4A, for example. As a result, the UI control unit 112 receives an instruction to execute a process to generate print data for printing on the selected printer 200, and an instruction to execute a process to transfer the generated print data to the selected printer 200. Here, the UI control unit 112 displays a GUI screen 920 on the output device 150 that lists only printers 200 (printer A and printer C) whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state, that is, as printers 200 that can be used as destinations for print data, as selectable printers 200. In other words, the UI control unit 112 displays a GUI screen 920 on the output device 150 that does not list printers 200 (e.g., printer B) whose communication status with the terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state. Thus, the UI control unit 112 may display printers 200 with a high-speed connection state as selectable devices on the user interface screen, while not displaying printers 200 with a low-speed connection state as selectable devices on the user interface screen. Such processing by the UI control unit 112 is also an example of restriction processing.Therefore, in this modified example as well, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the transfer of print data to the printing device 200 cannot keep up with the printing speed of the printing device 200 due to the transfer of print data using an inappropriate communication channel.

[0047] <Modification 2> Next, Modification 2 will be described. In the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the user interface screen was displayed in a way that did not accept any instruction to send print data to the printing device 200, which was in a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100. In contrast, in this modification, the UI control unit 112 accepts the instruction after giving the user a predetermined warning.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI screen 930 displayed by the UI control unit 112 on the output device 150. Specifically, Figure 7 shows an example of a warning message that the UI control unit 112 displays on the output device 150 when an instruction to send print data to a printer 200 that is in a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100 is input via the input device 140. In this modified example, the UI control unit 112 also places an active print button 912 on the GUI screen for generating print data that can be input to the printer 200 that is in a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100, similar to Figure 4A. When the print button is operated on the GUI screen for generating print data that can be input to the printer 200 that is in a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100, the UI control unit 112 displays a warning message as shown in Figure 7 on the output device 150. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, for example, the UI control unit 112 displays a GUI screen 930 that includes a warning message 931 explaining the disadvantages that may arise from transferring print data over a slow communication channel, a continue button 932 to instruct the execution of the transfer process, and a cancel button 933 to cancel the execution of the transfer process.

[0049] In response to this, the UI control unit 112 accepts the instruction corresponding to the print button without outputting the aforementioned warning screen when the print button is operated on the GUI screen for generating print data that can be input to the printing device 200, which is in a high-speed connection state with the terminal device 100.

[0050] Thus, for printers 200 where the communication status with terminal device 100 is in a high-speed connection state, the UI control unit 112 accepts the instruction to send print data to the printer 200 without outputting a warning when a button for instructing the printer 200 to send print data is pressed. Conversely, for printers 200 where the communication status with terminal device 100 is in a low-speed connection state, the UI control unit 112 displays a predetermined warning when a button for instructing the printer 200 to send print data is pressed. Then, after this warning is displayed, if the user instructs to send print data, such as by operating the continue button 932, the UI control unit 112 accepts the instruction to send print data to the printer 200. Such output of a warning by the UI control unit 112 is also an example of restriction processing. Therefore, even in this modified example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the transfer of print data to the printer 200 cannot keep up with the printing speed of the printer 200 due to the transfer of print data using an inappropriate communication channel.

[0051] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. The differences from Embodiment 1 described above will be explained, and overlapping configurations or processes will be omitted from the explanation as appropriate. Note that each of the modifications described above is also applicable to this embodiment. Embodiment 2 differs from the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the terminal device 100 is replaced by a terminal device 101. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 101 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 8, the terminal device 101 differs from the terminal device 100 in that it further has a requested speed acquisition unit 115 and a speed detection unit 116. The functions of the requested speed acquisition unit 115 and the speed detection unit 116 are also realized, for example, by the processor 110 reading a program from the memory 120 and executing it. The requested speed acquisition unit 115 and the speed detection unit 116 may also be implemented as a program for a printing application.

[0052] The requested speed acquisition unit 115 queries each of the printing devices 200, which are communicatively connected to the terminal device 100, for the requested speed. Here, the requested speed is the data transfer speed requested by the printing device 200 in order to ensure that the transfer of print data does not lag behind the printing process in the printing device 200. In other words, the requested speed can also be said to be the lower limit of the data transfer speed that will allow the transfer of print data to lag behind the printing process in the printing device 200. The requested speed acquisition unit 115, for example, sends an inquiry signal to each printing device 200 to inquire about the requested speed. In response to this, the printing device 200 that receives the inquiry signal sends information indicating a predetermined requested speed to the terminal device 100 as a response signal. As a result, the requested speed acquisition unit 115 acquires the requested speed for each printing device 200.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment 1, for example, even if the destination of the print data was a printing device 200 that does not achieve high-speed printing (i.e., a printing device 200 with a low required speed), the transfer of the print data was restricted by the UI control unit 112. However, it is preferable that the transfer of print data to such a printing device 200 be possible regardless of the communication path. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UI control unit 112 uses not only the communication state being a low-speed connection state, but also the required speed being above a predetermined threshold as a condition for implementing control that restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to the printing device 200. That is, the UI control unit 112 restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to send print data to a printing device 200 that is in a low-speed connection state with the terminal device 100 and whose required speed is above a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to avoid imposing restrictions when they are not necessary.

[0054] Furthermore, the speed detection unit 116 measures the data transfer rate of the first communication channel (a communication channel conforming to the Ethernet standard). For example, the speed detection unit 116 measures the data transfer rate by sending and receiving data to and from the printing device 200 via the first communication channel.

[0055] In the embodiment described above, if the printing device 200 can only communicate with the terminal device 100 via a first communication channel (a communication channel conforming to the Ethernet standard), the UI control unit 112 implements one of the above-described restriction processes on the user interface screen for the printing device 200. However, although 1Gb Ethernet cables are commonly used, networks such as local area networks may be constructed using faster Ethernet cables. In such cases, even though high-speed transfer of print data via the first communication channel is possible, the transmission of print data is restricted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UI control unit 112 uses not only the condition that the printing device 200 can only communicate via the first communication channel, but also that the measured data transfer speed of the first communication channel is less than the required speed, as a condition for implementing control that restricts the acceptance of user instructions to send print data to the printing device 200. That is, the UI control unit 112 restricts the acceptance of user instructions to send print data to the printing device 200, which can only communicate via a first communication channel where the data transfer speed is less than the required speed. This avoids imposing restrictions when they are not necessary.

[0056] Next, the operation related to the implementation of the restriction processing in this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the implementation of the restriction processing according to Embodiment 2. The following processing is performed, for example, for each printing device 200 that can communicate with the terminal device 100.

[0057] In step S200, the requested speed acquisition unit 115 queries the printing device 200 for the requested speed, thereby acquiring the requested speed. Next, in step S201, the state determination unit 111 determines whether the acquired requested speed is above a predetermined threshold. If the requested speed is above the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S202; if the requested speed is below the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0058] In step S202, the state determination unit 111 determines the communication status between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100. Specifically, the state determination unit 111 determines whether the communication status between the printing device 200 and the terminal device 100 is in a first state where communication is possible only via the first communication channel (Ethernet) or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel (USB). If the communication status is in the first state, the process proceeds to step S203; if the communication status is in the second state, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0059] In step S203, the speed detection unit 116 measures the data transfer speed of the first communication channel (a communication channel conforming to the Ethernet standard). After that, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0060] In step S204, the state determination unit 111 determines whether the measured data transfer rate is less than the requested rate. If the measured data transfer rate is less than the requested rate, the process proceeds to step S205. Conversely, if the measured data transfer rate is equal to or greater than the requested rate, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0061] If the process proceeds to step S205, the UI control unit 112 performs restriction processing on the user interface screen for the printing device 200 that was determined in the above step. Conversely, if the process proceeds to step S206, the UI control unit 112 does not perform restriction processing on the user interface screen for the printing device 200.

[0062] Although Embodiment 2 has been described above, the terminal device 101 does not necessarily have to include both the requested speed acquisition unit 115 and the speed detection unit 116. That is, the terminal device 101 may include either the requested speed acquisition unit 115 or the speed detection unit 116. Also, if the terminal device 101 does not include the requested speed acquisition unit 115, a determination process may be performed to determine whether or not to perform the limiting process, assuming that the requested speed of the printing device 200 is a predetermined speed. That is, in step S204 described above, the state determination unit 111 may use a predetermined speed instead of the requested speed acquired by the requested speed acquisition unit 115.

[0063] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2 and their variations, a wired communication channel conforming to the Ethernet standard was given as a specific example of the first communication channel, but the first communication channel is not limited to this. For example, the first communication channel may be a wireless communication channel conforming to the Wi-Fi® standard.

[0064] In this disclosure, a program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions as described in the embodiments. A program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. A program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0065] Furthermore, some or all of the above embodiments or modifications may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following. (Note 1) A terminal device that communicates with a printing device, A state determination unit determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state where communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel. A user interface control unit that controls the user interface, It has, The first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards. The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, the printer is restricted from receiving instructions from the user to send print data. When the communication state is the second state, the printer receives instructions from the user to send print data to the printer. (Note 2) The user interface control unit is If the communication state is the first state, the printing device will not be displayed on the user interface screen as a selectable device. If the communication status is the second state, the printing device will be displayed on the user interface screen as a selectable device. The terminal device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, the button for instructing the printing device to send print data is disabled on the user interface screen. If the communication state is the second state, enable the button. The terminal device described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, a predetermined warning is displayed when a button for instructing the printer to send print data is pressed, and after the warning is displayed, the user instructs the printer to send the print data, and the printer receives the instruction to send the print data. When the communication state is the second state, pressing the button will receive an instruction to transmit the print data to the printing device without displaying the warning. The terminal device described in Appendix 1. (Note 5) The system includes a requested speed acquisition unit that queries the printing device for the requested speed, which is the data transfer speed required by the printing device. The user interface control unit uses not only the first state but also the request speed being above a predetermined threshold as a condition for implementing control that restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to transmit print data to the printing device. A terminal device as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. (Note 6) The system includes a speed detection unit for measuring the data transfer speed of the first communication channel, The user interface control unit, as a condition for implementing control that restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to transmit print data to the printing device, uses not only the communication state being the first state, but also the measured data transfer rate of the first communication channel being less than the requested rate. The requested speed is the data transfer speed required by the printing device. A terminal device as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 of the appendix. (Note 7) The data transfer speed of the second communication channel is faster than the data transfer speed of the first communication channel. A terminal device as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix. (Note 8) The first communication channel is a communication channel in which communication is carried out in accordance with the Ethernet standard. A terminal device as described in any one of the items 1 to 7 of the appendix. (Note 9) The aforementioned second communication channel is a communication channel that communicates in accordance with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) 3.0 standard or a successor standard to the USB 3.0 standard. A terminal device as described in any one of the items 1 to 8 of the appendix. (Note 10) The terminal device is a device that communicates with the printing device and transmits operational information to the cloud server using the first communication channel. A terminal device as described in any one of the items 1 to 9 of the appendix. (Note 11) A printing device that transmits operational information to a cloud server using a first communication channel, A terminal device that communicates with the aforementioned printing device and Includes, The aforementioned terminal device is A state determination unit determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state where communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel. A user interface control unit that controls the user interface, It has, The first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards. The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, the printer is restricted from receiving instructions from the user to send print data. When the communication state is the second state, the printer receives instructions from the user to send print data to the printer. Information processing system. (Note 12) The computer of the terminal device that communicates with the printing device, A state determination step to determine whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state where communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel. A user interface control step that controls the user interface, Make it run, The first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards. In the user interface control step, When the communication state is the first state, the printer is restricted from receiving instructions from the user to send print data. When the communication state is the second state, the printer receives instructions from the user to send print data to the printer. program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1...Information processing system, 100...Terminal device, 101...Terminal device, 110...Processor, 111...Status determination unit, 112...UI control unit, 113...Data processing unit, 114...Data transmission unit, 115...Requested speed acquisition unit, 116...Speed ​​detection unit, 120...Memory, 130...Network interface, 140...Input device, 150...Output device, 200...Printing device, 300...Relay device, 400...Cloud server, C1...Cable, C2...Cable, N...Network

Claims

1. A terminal device that communicates with a printing device, A state determination unit determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state where communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel. A user interface control unit that controls the user interface, It has, The first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards. The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, the printer is restricted from receiving instructions from the user to send print data. When the communication state is the second state, the printer receives an instruction from the user to send print data to the printer. Terminal device.

2. The user interface control unit is If the communication state is the first state, the printing device will not be displayed on the user interface screen as a selectable device. If the communication status is the second state, the printing device will be displayed on the user interface screen as a selectable device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, the button for instructing the printing device to send print data is disabled on the user interface screen. If the communication state is the second state, enable the button. The terminal device according to claim 1.

4. The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, a predetermined warning is displayed when a button for instructing the printer to send print data is pressed, and after the warning is displayed, the user instructs the printer to send the print data, and the printer receives the instruction to send the print data. When the communication state is the second state, pressing the button will receive an instruction to transmit the print data to the printing device without displaying the warning. The terminal device according to claim 1.

5. The system includes a requested speed acquisition unit that queries the printing device for the requested speed, which is the data transfer speed required by the printing device. The user interface control unit uses not only the first state but also a predetermined threshold as a condition for implementing control that restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to transmit print data to the printing device. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system includes a speed detection unit for measuring the data transfer speed of the first communication channel, The user interface control unit, as a condition for implementing control that restricts the acceptance of instructions from the user to transmit print data to the printing device, uses not only the communication state being the first state, but also the measured data transfer rate of the first communication channel being less than the requested rate. The requested speed is the data transfer speed required by the printing device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

7. The data transfer speed of the second communication channel is faster than the data transfer speed of the first communication channel. The terminal device according to claim 1.

8. The first communication channel is a communication channel in which communication is carried out in accordance with the Ethernet standard. The terminal device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned second communication channel is a communication channel that communicates in accordance with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) 3.0 standard or a successor standard to the USB 3.0 standard. The terminal device according to claim 1.

10. The terminal device is a device that communicates with the printing device and transmits operational information to the cloud server using the first communication channel. The terminal device according to claim 1.

11. A printing device that transmits operational information to a cloud server using a first communication channel, A terminal device that communicates with the aforementioned printing device and Includes, The aforementioned terminal device is A state determination unit determines whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is a first state in which communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or a second state in which communication is possible via the second communication channel. A user interface control unit that controls the user interface, It has, The first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards. The user interface control unit is When the communication state is the first state, the printer is restricted from receiving instructions from the user to send print data. When the communication state is the second state, the printer receives an instruction from the user to send print data to the printer. Information processing system.

12. The computer of the terminal device that communicates with the printing device, A state determination step to determine whether the communication state between the printing device and the terminal device is in a first state where communication is possible via the first communication channel but not via the second communication channel, or in a second state where communication is possible via the second communication channel, A user interface control step that controls the user interface, Make it run, The first communication channel and the second communication channel are communication channels in which communication is carried out according to different standards. In the user interface control step, When the communication state is the first state, the printer is restricted from receiving instructions from the user to send print data. When the communication state is the second state, the printer receives an instruction from the user to send print data to the printer. program.

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