Server System

Abstract

To provide a server system and a method for controlling the same that allow a user to check print data to be executed in an image forming apparatus without being aware of a cloud print service to which the user has submitted a print job.SOLUTION: In a cloud print system, a cloud service 300 is a cloud service that allows generation of document data, sharing of documents between a plurality of users, and associated editing, is remotely accessed from a client terminal 100, has a function to store data in an on-line storage, and has a function to allow printing by cooperating with each of cloud print services. A general-purpose cloud print service 301 has a function to manage received data as a print job. Print data includes print settings in addition to image data necessary for printing. An extended cloud print service 302 has a cloud print service that allows designation of detailed settings reflecting apparatus characteristics of an image forming apparatus 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that when printing document data registered in a cloud service, the print data is sent to an image forming device via a cloud print service having a print function (Patent Document 1). In such a printing system, an administrator first registers an image forming device to a tenant, which is a group on the cloud print service. The administrator sets whether users belonging to the tenant are permitted to use the image forming device.

[0003] A user who has been permitted to use the image forming device through settings made by an administrator submits a print job to the cloud print service from a client terminal. The cloud print service then stores and manages the received print job. The image forming device then displays the print jobs managed by the cloud print service, and obtains and outputs the print job selected by the user from the cloud print service.

[0004] Representative examples of cloud print services include Google Cloud Print (registered trademark), Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Print (registered trademark), and uniFLOW Online (registered trademark). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-133489 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is desirable to simply manage information about each job managed under a different account in each of a plurality of server systems equipped with a print service.

[0007] According to the invention described in this specification, job information is managed by one server system, which makes it easier for users to manage job information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As described herein The second server system is a first server system having a first print service, and is capable of exchanging information with the first server system that manages a first job under a first account, the second server system being a server system having a second print service and managing a second job under a second account linked to the first account, the second server system having a management means that manages information of the second job received from a client terminal without going through the first server system under the second account, a receiving means that receives information of the first job from the first server system, and a transmitting means that transmits the received information of the first job and information of the second job to an image forming device, the first server system transmitting the first job received from the first server system to the image forming device upon receiving a request to obtain the first job transmitted from the image forming device by selecting information of the first job displayed on the image forming device, Transmitting the second job to the image forming apparatus upon receipt of an acquisition request for the second job transmitted from the image forming apparatus upon selection of information of the second job displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the server system described in the following embodiment, it is possible to allow a user to check print data that can be executed by an image forming apparatus without being aware of the cloud print service to which the user has submitted a print job. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Cloud print system overview [Diagram 2] An example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal 100 [Diagram 3] An example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 [Figure 4] An example of the software module configuration of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 [Diagram 5] An example of a software module configuration of the extended cloud print service 302 [Figure 6] Sequence diagram of print job registration in each cloud service [Figure 7] Examples of login and print job list screens for each cloud service displayed on the image forming apparatus 200 [Figure 8] Sequence diagram of print job list generation for extended cloud print service 302 [Figure 9]Flowchart diagram of the enhanced cloud print service 302 generating a consolidated print job list. [Figure 10] An example of a login screen for the extended cloud print service 302 displayed on the image forming device 200 [Figure 11] An example of an integrated print job list screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 200 [Figure 12] A sequence diagram of print job registration that enables print setting changes in the extended cloud print service 302 [Figure 13] An example of an integrated print job list screen that allows detailed settings to be changed and is displayed on the image forming apparatus 200. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process performed when a print job submitted to a general-purpose cloud print service 301 is executed in the image forming device 200. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An example of a system configuration in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system according to this embodiment includes a client terminal 100, an image forming device 200, a cloud service 300, a general-purpose cloud print service 301, and an extended cloud print service 302. The client terminal 100, the image forming device 200, the cloud service 300, the general-purpose cloud print service 301, and the extended cloud print service 302 are each connected via a network 1000.

[0012] The client terminal 100 is a mobile terminal owned by a user, such as a PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, a multi-function mobile phone (hereinafter referred to as a smartphone), or a tablet.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 200 is a multifunction machine having various functions such as scanning, faxing, printing, and copying, or a printer having only a printing function.

[0014] The cloud service 300 is a cloud service that enables document data creation, document sharing between multiple users, collaborative editing, etc. Alternatively, the cloud service may be used for communication between multiple users. The cloud service 300 has a function of being remotely accessed from the client terminal 100, storing data in online storage, and enabling printing by linking with each cloud print service described later.

[0015] The general-purpose cloud print service 301 has a function for managing received data as a print job. The print data includes print settings in addition to image data required for printing. However, the print settings that can be specified with this cloud print service are limited to basic settings such as page aggregation, print page range specification, double-sided layout, and number of copies specification.

[0016] The extended cloud print service 302 has a cloud print service that can specify detailed settings that reflect the device characteristics of the image forming apparatus 200. For example, finishing settings according to a finisher connected to the image forming apparatus 200, profile settings to which a built-in color profile is applied, font replacement settings according to installed fonts, and the like can be specified as print functions of the detailed settings.

[0017] In one example of a printing flow in this embodiment, a user remotely accesses the cloud service 300 from the client terminal 100 and uses various cloud services such as a document creation service and a communication service. When printing document data generated by the cloud service 300 or shared online, the user selects either basic function printing of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 or detailed setting printing of the extended cloud print service 302 to print. In this case, the user needs to have account information corresponding to each cloud print service, and is prompted to input the account information when printing. After inputting the account information and performing basic function settings and detailed settings, a print job is sent to the image forming apparatus 200 and output.

[0018] Next, the hardware configuration of the client terminal 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any system in which the functions of the present invention are executed, whether it is a single function, a system made up of multiple devices, or a system in which processing is performed through connections via a network, unless otherwise specified.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a controller unit of the client terminal 100 shown in Fig. 1. The CPU 101 controls the entire device according to a program stored in the ROM 1021 or the RAM 1022 of the main storage device 102, or the auxiliary storage device 105.

[0020] The RAM 1022 is also used as a work area when the CPU 101 performs various processes. The auxiliary storage device 105 records an operating system (OS) 1053 and applications 1051. In the following description, the main storage device 102 and the auxiliary storage device 105 will be collectively referred to as the storage device.

[0021] Input devices such as a pointing device 109 such as a mouse or touch panel and a keyboard 108 are connected via the input I / F 103 and are devices that allow the user to give various instructions to the computer.

[0022] The output I / F 104 is an interface for outputting data to the outside, and outputs data to an output device such as a monitor 110 .

[0023] A common data system bus 107 exchanges data between the I / Fs and modules. In addition, the CPU 101 executes processes based on programs stored in a storage device, thereby implementing the processes of steps in a sequence diagram, which will be described later.

[0024] The communication I / F 106 is an interface for connecting the client terminal 100 to a network. The client terminal 100 is connected to the network 1000 via the communication I / F 106.

[0025] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller unit of the image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 216 denotes a controller unit, which is connected to a scanner 214 functioning as an image input device and a printer 212 functioning as an image output device. By connecting to a network 1000 or a public line (WAN) (e.g., PSTN or ISDN, etc.), image data and image forming apparatus information are input and output. In the controller unit 216, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM, which is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201, and is also a program memory for recording programs and an image memory for temporarily recording image data. Reference numeral 203 denotes a ROM, which stores a boot program and various control programs for the system. Reference numeral 204 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD), which stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, etc. Reference numeral 207 denotes an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F), which is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 208, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 208 to the operation unit 208. The operation unit I / F 207 also plays a role in transmitting information (e.g., account information, etc.) input by a user of the present system from the operation unit 208 to the CPU 201. The operation unit 208 is provided with a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger, etc.) a button displayed on the display unit. Reference numeral 205 denotes a network interface (Network I / F), which connects to a network and inputs and outputs data. Reference numeral 206 denotes a modem (MODEM), which connects to a public line and inputs and outputs data such as sending and receiving a fax. Reference numeral 218 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE1394, and a printer port. In this embodiment, a card reader 219 for reading an IC card required for authentication is connected to the external I / F unit 218. The CPU 201 can control the reading of information from an IC card by a card reader 219 via the external I / F 218, and obtain the information read from the IC card.The above image forming devices are arranged on a system bus 209. An image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 220 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 209 and an image bus 215 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure. The image bus 215 is configured with a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following hardware modules are arranged on the image bus 215. A raster image processor (RIP) 210 develops vector data such as PDL code into a bitmap image, for example. A printer interface (printer I / F) 211 connects a printer 212 and a controller unit 216 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 213 connects a scanner 214 and a controller unit 216 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. An image processing unit 217 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition, the image processing unit 217 rotates the image data, and performs compression and expansion processing such as JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data. The scanner 214 illuminates the image on the paper that is the original and scans it with a CCD line sensor to convert it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the device user issues a read start command from the operation unit 208, the CPU 201 gives the command to the scanner 214, and the feeder feeds the original paper one sheet at a time and performs the original image reading operation. The printer 212 is a part that converts the raster image data into an image on the paper. There are various printing methods, such as an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or photosensitive belt, and an inkjet method in which ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array to print an image directly on the paper, but any method can be used. The print operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 201. The printer 212 has multiple paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there are paper cassettes corresponding to each of them.The operation unit 208 has an LCD display unit with a touch panel sheet attached on the LCD, and displays the system operation screen, and when a displayed key is pressed, transmits the position information to the CPU 201 via the operation unit I / F 207. The operation unit 208 also has various operation keys, such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key. Here, the start key of the operation unit 208 is used when starting the operation of reading an original image. In the center of the start key, there is a two-color LED, green and red, and the color indicates whether the start key is in a usable state. The stop key of the operation unit 208 serves to stop an operation that is currently running. The ID key of the operation unit 208 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing the settings from the operation unit. Card reader 219, under the control of CPU 201, reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony's FeliCa (registered trademark)) and notifies CPU 201 of the read information via external I / F 218. With the above-mentioned configuration, image forming apparatus 200 has a function of transmitting image data read by scanner 214 onto a LAN, and a function of transmitting print data received from the LAN to printer 212 and printing it out.

[0026] Next, the software configuration of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a software module configuration diagram of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the general-purpose cloud print service 301 is a server system composed of one or more information processing devices having the same hardware configuration as the client device shown in Fig. 2. The following software blocks are realized by the CPU 101 of one or more information processing devices executing a program stored in the ROM 1021 or the auxiliary storage device 105.

[0027] The transmission / reception unit 401 transmits and receives print jobs via a network to which the general-purpose cloud print service 301 is connected.

[0028] The setting change screen control unit 402 controls the screen for print settings when printing document data on a cloud service. The print settings that can be set on this print setting screen are limited to basic settings such as page aggregation, print page range designation, double-sided layout, and number of copies designation.

[0029] The print job management unit 403 manages print jobs when printing document data on a cloud service. The print job management unit 403 manages the image forming apparatuses 200 to which print jobs can be submitted from the general-purpose cloud print service 301 using a print queue. A print job is generated in response to a print job execution request from a user, and assigned to the print queue for management. Print setting information set on the print setting screen of the setting change screen control unit 402 is also held and managed in the same print queue. Note that an external cloud print service itself can be specified as the print job submission destination for a print queue that can be registered in the print job management unit 403. In other words, the extended cloud print service 302 can be specified as the submission destination.

[0030] In this embodiment, print jobs may be controlled using a printer queue designated as a destination of the extended cloud print service 302. The print job management unit 403 also has a function of generating a list of print jobs that it manages.

[0031] An account management unit 404 manages the accounts of users who use the general-purpose cloud print service 301. Account information is necessary to use the general-purpose cloud print service 301, and a system administrator manages print output by managing the user account information.

[0032] A control unit 405 is responsible for overall control of various processes in this embodiment, including account management, transmission and reception of print data, screen control of print settings, management of print setting information, generation of print jobs, and control of print queues.

[0033] In addition to the software modules of the general-purpose cloud print service 301, the cloud service 300 also includes a module for creating documents and presentation materials, a module for managing the created documents and presentation materials, and the like.

[0034] Next, the software configuration of the extended cloud print service 302 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the software module configuration of the extended cloud print service 302 shown in Fig. 1.

[0035] The transmission / reception unit 501 transmits and receives print jobs via a network to which the extended cloud print service 302 is connected.

[0036] The detailed setting change screen control unit 502 controls a screen for print settings when printing document data on a cloud service. Print settings that can be set on this detailed setting change screen control settings such as finishing settings according to a finisher connected to the image forming apparatus 200, profile settings to which a built-in color profile is applied, and font replacement settings according to installed fonts. The detailed setting change screen control unit 502 of the extended cloud print service 302 can set setting items that cannot be set on the print setting change screen displayed by the cloud service 300 or the general-purpose cloud print service 301. For example, the above-mentioned finishing settings, color profile settings, font replacement settings, etc. cannot be set on the setting change screen, but are setting items that can be set on the detailed setting change screen.

[0037] The print job management unit 503 manages print jobs when printing document data on the extended cloud print service. The print job management unit 503 manages the image forming apparatuses 200 to which print jobs can be submitted from the extended cloud print service 302 in a print queue, generates print jobs in response to print job execution requests from users, and allocates and manages them in the print queue. Print setting information set on the print setting screen of the detailed setting change screen control unit 502 is also held and managed in the same print queue.

[0038] The account management unit 504 manages the accounts of users who use the extended cloud print service 302. Account information is necessary to use the extended cloud print service 302, and the system administrator manages print output by managing the user account information.

[0039] A control unit 505 is responsible for overall control of various processes in this embodiment, including account management, transmission and reception of print data, screen control of print settings, management of detailed print setting information, generation of print jobs, and control of print queues.

[0040] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the registration means of print jobs in the cloud service 300, the general-purpose cloud print service 301, and the extended cloud print service 302 will be described. Here, an example will be described in which a user prints document data created with a document creation application on the cloud print. The user issues an instruction to print the document in the document creation application. Next, the user selects a cloud service to use for printing. At this time, the user selects one of the cloud service 300, the general-purpose cloud print service 301, and the extended cloud print service 302 and registers it as a print job.

[0041] 6A is a sequence diagram of a print job registration means in the cloud service 300. In this embodiment, the cloud service 300 has a document data creation or document data sharing function, and an online storage function for holding and managing document data. A means for registering the document data as a print job will be described.

[0042] In S100, the client terminal 100 transmits a request to the cloud service 300 to display a setting change screen.

[0043] In S101, the cloud service 300 displays a setting change screen on the client terminal 100. The user operates the setting change screen to set print settings. After that, the user selects the "print execution" button and issues an instruction to execute printing.

[0044] In S102 , the client terminal 100 transmits a print job registration instruction to the cloud service 300 .

[0045] In S103, the client terminal 100 instructs the cloud service 300 to register a print job of document data designated by the user.

[0046] In S104, in response to the print job registration execution instruction, the cloud service 300 registers the print job in its own online storage.

[0047] This process differs from the cloud print service described later in that it is performed to explicitly indicate that document data created by the user is to be treated as a print job. If all document data stored in the cloud service 300 is to be treated as a print job, there is no need to issue a print job registration instruction.

[0048] Fig. 6B is a sequence diagram of a print job registration means in the general-purpose cloud print service 301. In this embodiment, a sequence for printing from the above-mentioned cloud service 300 using the general-purpose cloud print service 301 will be described with reference to Fig. 6B.

[0049] In S200, the client terminal requests the cloud service to display a setting change screen. At that time, the user selects to use a general-purpose cloud print service 301 that allows basic printing functions, and inputs account information for the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0050] In S201, the cloud service 300 logs in to the general-purpose cloud print service 301 based on the account information received from the client terminal 100.

[0051] In S302 , the general-purpose cloud print service 301 transmits a display request for a setting change screen provided by the setting change screen control unit 402 to the cloud service 300 .

[0052] In S303, the cloud service 300 displays a setting change screen on the client terminal 100. It is assumed that the user operates the setting change screen, changes the print settings, and then selects the "Execute Print" button.

[0053] In S204, the client terminal 100 instructs the cloud service 300 to register a print job for the document data specified by the user.

[0054] In S205, the cloud service 300 transmits document data to be printed and print settings to the account of the user authenticated by the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0055] In S206, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 registers the received document data and print settings as a print job.

[0056] Fig. 6C is a sequence diagram of a print job registration means in the extended cloud print service 302. In this embodiment, a sequence for printing from the above-mentioned cloud service 300 using the extended cloud print service 302 will be described with reference to Fig. 6C.

[0057] In S300, the client terminal 100 transmits a request to display a detailed setting change screen in response to the selection of the extended cloud print as the destination of the print job. At that time, the user inputs account information for the extended cloud print service 302.

[0058] In S301 , the cloud service 300 transmits the account information input by the user to the extended cloud print service 302 .

[0059] In S302, after authenticating the account, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits a request to the cloud service 300 to display a detailed setting change screen.

[0060] In S303, the cloud service 300 displays a detailed settings change screen on the client terminal 100. The detailed settings change screen displayed here is a detailed settings change screen provided by the detailed settings change screen control unit 502 of the extended cloud print service 302.

[0061] When the user selects "print execution", in S304, the client terminal 100 instructs the cloud service 300 to register a print job of the document data designated by the user.

[0062] In S305 , the cloud service 300 transmits the document data and print settings to the extended cloud print service 302 .

[0063] In S306, the extended cloud print service 302 registers the received document data and print settings as a print job.

[0064] Next, access to each cloud service from the image forming apparatus 200 after registering a print job in each cloud service will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 200 accesses each cloud service, acquires a print job, and outputs it, that is, so-called pull printing. Of course, the same effect can be obtained even when push printing is performed, in which each cloud service prints on the image forming apparatus 200.

[0065] First, an operation for executing printing of a print job registered on a cloud service on a conventional image forming device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. A user has accounts corresponding to a cloud service 300, a general-purpose cloud print service 301, and an extended cloud print service 302.

[0066] The user selects the cloud service to which the print job corresponding to the data to be printed has been submitted on a screen (home screen) for selecting the function to be used.

[0067] Reference numeral 701 denotes a login screen for the cloud service 300 that is displayed when printing a job submitted to the cloud service 300. Reference numeral 703 denotes a login screen for the generic cloud print service 301 that is displayed when printing a job submitted to the generic cloud print service 301. Reference numeral 705 denotes a login screen for the extended cloud print service 302 that is displayed when printing a job submitted to the extended cloud print service 302.

[0068] The user inputs account information on each of the login screens such as 701, 702, and 703. The cloud service 300, the general-purpose cloud print service 301, and the extended cloud print service 302 are accessed on the image forming device 200. The cloud service logged in from the image forming device 200 generates a list of registered print jobs. Then, the print job list is sent to the image forming device 200, and is displayed on the operation unit 208 of the image forming device 200.

[0069] Reference numeral 702 denotes information on print jobs stored in the online storage of the cloud service 300. Print jobs submitted to the general-purpose cloud print service 301 and the extended cloud print service 302 are not displayed here.

[0070] Reference numeral 704 denotes information on print jobs stored in the general-purpose cloud print service 301. Print jobs submitted to the cloud service 300 or the extended cloud print service 302 are not displayed here.

[0071] Reference numeral 706 denotes print jobs stored in the extended cloud print service 302. Print jobs submitted to the cloud service 300 or the general-purpose cloud print service 301 are not displayed here. In particular, 706, which is the print job list of the extended cloud print service 302, has a function for changing detailed settings, and therefore can provide a detailed setting function that is not available in other cloud services.

[0072] In the above case, in order to display the print job information stored in each cloud service, it is necessary to access each cloud service. To do this, the user needs to enter account information. In addition, the user needs to know where the print job is registered and access it. In order to solve this problem, the server system described in this specification generates an integrated print job list that merges the print job lists of each cloud service, and displays it on the image forming device 200. In this way, the user can select the print job to be printed without being aware of which service the print job was submitted to.

[0073] 10 and 11 show screens provided to the image forming apparatus 200 by the extended cloud print service 302, which is a server system in this embodiment.

[0074] The user selects the extended cloud print service 302 on a screen (home screen) for selecting the functions to be used. Then, a login screen shown in 1001 in FIG. 10 is displayed. The user enters a user name and password for the extended cloud print service 302 in the login screen 1001 to log in to the extended cloud print service 302. The "Cloud Link" button is a button that displays a screen for confirming and adding cloud services linked to the extended cloud print service 302. When the user selects the "Cloud Link" button, the screen shown in 1002 is displayed. The linked cloud services 300 and the general-purpose cloud print service 301 are displayed in 1002. Furthermore, in 1002, the user can also register a new cloud service to be linked. When the user selects the "Register" button (not shown), a screen for registering a new cloud service is displayed.

[0075] FIG. 11 shows a list of print jobs that is displayed when the user selects the "Login" button on the login screen 1001 in FIG. 10. This list of print jobs displays information about print jobs stored in the cloud service 300 and in the general-purpose cloud print service 301, in addition to print jobs stored in the extended cloud print service 302. "Job name" is the file name of the file to be printed. "Print settings" displays some of the print settings that are set for the print data. "Cloud service" displays the name of the cloud service that the user specified as the submission destination. "Date and time" indicates the date and time that the print job was submitted. Although only the date is displayed in FIG. 11, the submission time may also be displayed.

[0076] In the print job list shown in Fig. 11, print jobs can be sorted and displayed by job name, type of cloud service, or print job submission date and time. For example, if sorting is done by the latest print job submission date and time, print job information will be displayed in the following order: "contract.pdf," "application form.doc," "drawing.xls," and "report.pdf." In this way, on the screen shown in Fig. 11, print job information on the list can be rearranged regardless of the type of cloud service to which the print job was submitted.

[0077] When the user selects a print job in 1101 of FIG. 11, the print job is selected as shown in 1103. The user can also select multiple print jobs. When the "Start Print" button 1104 is selected, printing of the selected print job is executed. When the user selects the "Delete Job" 1105 button with information of a print job selected, the extended cloud print service 302 deletes the information of the selected print job. Furthermore, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits a request to delete the print job to the cloud service in which the selected print job is stored. When the user selects the "Deselect" button 1105, the selection of the selected print job is deselected.

[0078] Next, the sequence of generating an integrated print job list of the extended cloud print service 302 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 8. In this embodiment, an OAuth authentication system using an authorization server is used to realize authority authorization. The sequence shown in Fig. 8 is started when a user operates the image forming device 200 and logs in to the extended cloud print service 302.

[0079] In S401, the image forming apparatus 200 accepts input of account information from a user, and logs in to the extended cloud print service 302 using the account information.

[0080] In S402, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits a request to obtain an access token to the authorization server 310 of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 designated as the cooperation destination.

[0081] In S403, the authorization server 310 causes the image forming device to display a screen for inputting a user name and password for the generic cloud print service 301, and performs user authentication based on the input information. In addition, the authorization server 310 performs authority authorization confirmation for the user via the operation unit of the image forming device 200 as to whether the extended cloud print service 302 may access the generic cloud print service 301.

[0082] In S404, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits access permission information to the authorization server 310 using the input information of the user's authority permission.

[0083] In S405 , the authorization server 310 generates an access token required to access the general-purpose cloud print service 301 .

[0084] In S406, the authorization server 310 sends the generated access token to the extended cloud print service 302.

[0085] If the extended cloud print service 302 already stores the access token of the general-purpose cloud print service 301, the processes in S402 to S406 can be omitted.

[0086] In S407, the extended cloud print service 302 uses the acquired access token to instruct the general-purpose cloud print service 301 to acquire print job information.

[0087] In S408, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 verifies the received access token and verifies whether the access is permitted by the authorization server 310.

[0088] In S409, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 verifies that there is no problem with the access authority as a result of the verification, and transmits print job information to the extended cloud print service 302. The print job information here refers to print settings for basic functions, the job name, bibliographic information such as the date and time when the print job was submitted, etc. The print job information may be information included in the print job, or may be information associated with the print job and stored in another server system.

[0089] Next, the extended cloud print service 302 performs the same processes for the cloud print service 300 in steps S410 to S417 as those performed for the general-purpose cloud print service 301 in steps S402 to S409.

[0090] In S410, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits a request to obtain an access token to the authorization server 311 of the cloud service 300 designated as the collaboration destination.

[0091] In S411, the authorization server 311 causes the image forming device to display a screen for inputting a user name and password for the cloud service 300, and performs user authentication based on the input information. In addition, the extended cloud print service 302 performs authority authorization confirmation for the user via the operation unit of the image forming device 200 as to whether access to the cloud service 300 is permitted.

[0092] In S412, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits access permission information to the authorization server 311 using the input information of the authority permission of the user.

[0093] In S413 , the authorization server 311 generates an access token required to access the cloud service 300 .

[0094] In S414, the authorization server 311 sends the generated access token to the extended cloud print service 302.

[0095] If the extended cloud print service 302 has already stored the access token of the cloud service 300, the processes in S410 to S414 can be omitted.

[0096] In S415, the extended cloud print service 302 uses the acquired access token to instruct the cloud service 300 to acquire print job information.

[0097] In S416, the cloud service 300 verifies the received access token and verifies whether the access is permitted by the authorization server 311.

[0098] In S417, the cloud service 300 verifies that there is no problem with the access authority and transmits information about the print job to the extended cloud print service 302. The print job information here corresponds to print settings for basic functions and bibliographic information such as the job name and date.

[0099] In S418, the extended cloud print service 302 merges the print job information acquired in S409 and S417 to generate an integrated print job list. In S418, the extended cloud print service 302 generates HTML format data for a screen that displays the list of print jobs shown in Fig. 11. The process executed by the extended cloud print service 302 in S418 will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 9.

[0100] Then, in S419, the extended cloud print service 302 instructs the image forming apparatus 200 to display the generated integrated print job list. The image forming apparatus 200 that has received the integrated print job list displays the received integrated print job list on the operation unit 208, for example, by using a Web browser function.

[0101] The integrated print job list generating unit will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0102] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing how information acquired from each cloud service is merged to generate an integrated print job list in the extended cloud print service 302. The process shown in Fig. 9 is realized by the CPU of one or more information processing devices constituting the extended cloud print service 302 executing a program stored in a ROM or auxiliary storage device.

[0103] First, in S900, job information is acquired from each cloud service, and then processing of the extended cloud print service 302 is started.

[0104] In S901, the print job management unit 503 of the extended cloud print service 302 determines whether an integrated print job list exists. One integrated print job list exists for each account of the extended cloud print service 302. Therefore, if a previously created integrated print job list exists, the print job management unit 503 advances the process to S903. If an integrated print job list has not been generated, the print job management unit 503 advances the process to S902.

[0105] In S902, the extended cloud print service 302 generates a framework for an integrated print job list with a sorting function. At this point, the information of each print job is not reflected. The sorting function refers to a mechanism that allows sorting according to the contents of the print job information, such as sorting by job name, sorting by date, and sorting by cloud service name. Sorting by job name means rearranging the print job information in alphabetical order or Japanese syllabary order. Sorting by date means rearranging the print job information in order of the earliest or latest submission date of the print job. Sorting by cloud service name means rearranging the print job information by type of cloud service.

[0106] In S903, the print job management unit 503 of the extended cloud print service 302 reflects the print job information stored in the extended cloud print service 302 in the integrated print job list. Note that, if it is determined in S901 that the integrated print job list already exists, the print job information stored in the extended cloud print service 302 that is stored in the integrated print job list is updated.

[0107] In S904, the print job management unit 503 of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 reflects the print job information acquired from the general-purpose cloud print service 301 in the integrated print job list. Note that, if it is determined in S901 that the integrated print job list is already present, the print job management unit 503 updates the job information stored in the general-purpose cloud print service and stored in the integrated print job list to the information acquired in S409.

[0108] In S905, the print job management unit 503 of the extended cloud print service 302 reflects the print job information acquired from the cloud service 300 in the integrated print job list. Note that, if it is determined in S901 that the integrated print job list already exists, the print job management unit 503 updates the job information stored in the cloud service that is stored in the integrated print job list to the information acquired in S417.

[0109] Then, the integrated print job list generation process ends in S906. Through the above flow, an integrated print job list is generated that reflects the print job information of the linked cloud service.

[0110] By carrying out the above process, the login screen on the image forming device 200 is unified (1001) as shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, the user can check the print jobs of each linked cloud service by simply logging in with the account information of the extended cloud print service 302 (1002).

[0111] Furthermore, if necessary, the linked cloud services can be expanded by inputting account information for each cloud service here. For unlinked cloud services that have a particular difference in function from the extended cloud print service 302, it is also possible to encourage the user to link with a more convenient cloud service.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the merging of job information is performed by the extended cloud print service 302, but there is no problem if it is performed on the image forming device 200 side. Even if an integrated print job list is generated, it is also possible to use the login screens for each cloud service as they are, such as those shown in Fig. 7(A) and (B).

[0113] FIG. 11 is an example of an integrated print job list display (1101) generated by the extended cloud print service 302 and displayed on the image forming device 200 as described above. The print jobs of each cloud service can be viewed as a list. As described above, in order to improve visibility, the list has a function for sorting by job name, cloud service item indicating where the registered print job is located, date, etc. When sorted by cloud service item, print jobs are displayed for each cloud service. When sorted by date, print jobs are displayed in order of newest or oldest input date and time. In FIG. 11, print jobs are displayed in order of oldest input date and time. As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, print jobs are sorted and displayed in a list regardless of the cloud service specified by the user as the input destination. In this way, the user can select a print job to print without being aware of which service the job was input to.

[0114] Next, printing of a print job submitted to the generic cloud print service 301 from the integrated print job list displayed by the extended cloud print service 302 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processing when a user selects a print job registered in the generic cloud print service 301 from the integrated print job list and selects the "Start Printing" button.

[0115] In S601, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits to the extended cloud print service 302 a request to start printing of a print job selected by a user.

[0116] In step S602, the extended cloud print service 302 determines in which service the print job instructed to be printed is stored. In this example, it is assumed that the print job is stored in the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0117] In step S603, the extended cloud print service 302 uses the access token to the general-purpose cloud print service 301 to send an acquisition request for the print job that has been instructed to be printed.

[0118] In S604, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 verifies the access token received from the extended cloud print service 302. If the access is permitted to the extended cloud print service 302, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 sends the requested print job to the extended cloud print service 302. Note that if the access token verification is not successful, the processing described in S403 to S406 in FIG. 8 may be executed.

[0119] In step S605, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits a print job acquisition completion notification to the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0120] In S606, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 deletes the print job notified by the extended cloud print service 302 from the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0121] In S607, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits the print job to the image forming device 200.

[0122] In S608, the image forming apparatus 200 analyzes the print job received from the extended cloud print service 302 and executes printing.

[0123] In step S609, when the printing is completed, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits a print completion notification to the extended cloud print service 302.

[0124] In S610, the extended cloud print service 302 deletes the print job for which the image forming apparatus 200 has notified it that printing has been completed, and the information about the print job stored in the table that manages the bibliographic information.

[0125] 14 has been described by way of example in which the image forming device 200 executes a print job submitted to a generic cloud print service 301. When the image forming device 200 executes a print job submitted to a cloud service 300, the generic cloud print service 301 in FIG. 14 becomes the cloud service 300. When the image forming device 200 executes a print job submitted to an extended cloud print service 302, the processes of S603 to S606 are omitted, and the processes of S60 and onward are executed after S602.

[0126] According to the sequence shown in FIG. 14, a print job submitted to the general-purpose cloud print service 301 or the cloud service 301 can be executed from the list of print jobs displayed by the extended cloud print service 302.

[0127] In the integrated print job list shown in FIG. 11, the user can select a print job and select a “detailed settings” button 1102 to change the print settings.

[0128] However, print jobs registered in the general-purpose cloud print service 301 are limited to basic functions and cannot reflect some of the setting items that can be set in the extended cloud print service 302. Therefore, when an instruction is given to change the settings of a print job registered in another cloud service, the extended cloud print service 302 obtains the print job from the other cloud service. Then, detailed settings can be made by re-registering the print job registered in the other cloud service in the extended cloud print service 302. This process will be described using the sequence diagram of the process between the cloud services in FIG. 12.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for re-registering a print job from the general-purpose cloud print service 301 to the extended cloud print service 302 in order to enable changes to the detailed print settings.

[0130] In S501, the image forming apparatus 200 accepts an input for changing print settings from the user, and issues an instruction for permitting the change of print settings of the selected print job to the extended cloud print service 302. When the user selects the “Advanced Settings” button 1102, the process described in S501 is executed.

[0131] Here, it is assumed that the user has instructed to change the settings of a print job registered in the general-purpose cloud print service 301 .

[0132] In S502, the extended cloud print service 302 transmits a request to obtain an access token to the authorization server 310 of the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0133] In S503, the authorization server 310 transmits a user confirmation request to the image forming apparatus 200. In response to the request, the image forming apparatus 200 displays an ID and password screen for logging in to the general-purpose cloud print service 301. The authorization server 310 then authenticates the general-purpose cloud print service 301 according to the input ID and password. Then, the image forming apparatus 200 displays a screen that asks the user whether the extended cloud print service 302 may access the general-purpose cloud print service 301.

[0134] When the user instructs access permission, in S504, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits an access permission instruction to the authorization server.

[0135] In S505, the authorization server 310 generates an access token for the extended cloud print service 302 to access the generic cloud print service 301.

[0136] In S506, the authorization server transmits the generated access token to the extended cloud print service 302.

[0137] The processes from S502 to S506 between the extended cloud print service 302, the authorization server 310, and the image forming apparatus 200 may be omitted if an access token to the general-purpose cloud print service 301 is already held.

[0138] In S507, the extended cloud print service 302 uses the access token to issue an instruction to obtain the print job for which the print settings specified on the image forming apparatus 200 are to be changed.

[0139] In S508, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 verifies the received access token and verifies whether the access is permitted by the authorization server 310.

[0140] In S509, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 transmits the print job for which the print settings specified on the image forming apparatus 200 are to be changed.

[0141] In S510, the extended cloud print service 302 registers the acquired print job in the extended cloud print service 302.

[0142] When the extended cloud print service 302 completes registration of the received print job, in S511, the extended cloud print service 302 notifies the general-purpose cloud print service 301 of completion of acquisition of the print job.

[0143] In S512, the general-purpose cloud print service 301 receives a print job acquisition completion notification from the extended cloud print service 302, and deletes the print job.

[0144] In S513, the extended cloud print service 302 recreates the integrated print job list including the newly acquired print job. Here, the extended cloud print service 302 registers the print job for which a change in print settings has been instructed in the integrated print job list as a print job registered in the extended cloud print service 302.

[0145] In S512, the extended cloud print service 302 displays a print setting change screen (not shown) on the image forming apparatus 200. The print setting change screen is a screen on which print settings can be set that cannot be set by the print function of the general-purpose cloud print service 301 or the cloud service 300. Print settings that cannot be set by the general-purpose cloud print service 301 or the cloud service include finishing settings according to a finisher, profile settings to which a built-in color profile is applied, font replacement settings according to installed fonts, and the like.

[0146] FIG. 13 is an example of the integrated print job list regenerated in S513 of FIG.

[0147] In the regenerated integrated print job list 1301, the print job that was displayed as a generic cloud print service in the cloud service column in Fig. 11 is now displayed as an extended cloud print service. In this way, the print job is stored on the extended cloud print service 302, and the print settings can be changed.

[0148] 12 and 13 have been described with reference to an example in which the print settings of a print job registered in the generic cloud print service 301 are changed. A similar method may be used when changing the print settings of a print job registered in the cloud service 300. In this case, the authorization server shown in FIG. 12 becomes the authorization server corresponding to the cloud service 300, and the generic cloud print service 301 becomes the cloud service 300.

[0149] Furthermore, when changing the settings of a print job stored in the extended cloud print service 302, the process shown in FIG. 12 is not necessary.

[0150] The server system described in this embodiment makes it possible for a user to check print data that can be executed by an image forming apparatus without being aware of the cloud print service to which the user has submitted a print job.

[0151] In addition, by linking with a plurality of cloud services, user convenience can be improved, and detailed print setting means suitable for the image forming device 200 can be provided to the user in cloud printing using the cloud print service.

[0152] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium on which the computer program is stored constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. A first server system having a first print service, the first server system managing a first job under a first account, and a second server system capable of exchanging information with the first server system, the second server system is a server system having a second print service and managing a second job using a second account associated with the first account; a management means for managing information on the second job received from a client terminal without passing through the first server system under the second account; a receiving means for receiving information on the first job from the first server system; a transmission unit for transmitting the received first job information and the received second job information to an image forming apparatus, a request for acquiring the first job transmitted from the image forming apparatus when information of the first job displayed on the image forming apparatus is selected is received, and the request for acquiring the first job is transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and the first job received from the first server system is transmitted to the image forming apparatus; A second server system characterized in that, when information of the second job displayed on the image forming device is selected, a request to obtain the second job sent from the image forming device is accepted, and the second job is sent to the image forming device.

2. The second server system described in claim 1, characterized in that a user who logs in to the second server system with the second account input via the screen of the image forming device inputs the first account into the screen of the image forming device and is authenticated by the first server system, thereby linking the first account and the second account.

3. The second server system described in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first job is a job generated by a function of the first print service by sending a registration instruction to register document data from an external device to the first server system.

4. A first server system having a first print service, the second server system capable of exchanging information with the first server system managing a first job with a first account, the second server system having a second print service, the second server system managing a second job with a second account linked to the first account, A system including the second server system and an image forming apparatus, The second server system a management means for managing information on the second job received from a client terminal without passing through the first server system under the second account; a receiving means for receiving information on the first job from the first server system; a transmission unit for transmitting the received first job information and the received second job information to the image forming apparatus, a request for acquiring the first job transmitted from the image forming apparatus when information of the first job displayed on the image forming apparatus is selected is received, and the request for acquiring the first job is transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and the first job received from the first server system is transmitted to the image forming apparatus; A system characterized by accepting a request to obtain the second job sent from the image forming device when information of the second job displayed on the image forming device is selected, and sending the second job to the image forming device.

5. The system described in Claim 4, characterized in that the image forming device displays information about the first job and information about the second job on a job list screen.

6. The system described in Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the image forming device sends a job acquisition request to the second server system both when information of the first job is selected and a printing instruction is given and when information of the second job is selected and a printing instruction is given.

7. A system described in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the image forming device has a printing control means for receiving a job sent from the second server system by sending a job acquisition request, and executing printing of the received job.

8. A system described in any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the first job is a job generated by a function of the first print service by sending a registration instruction to register document data from an external device to the first server system.

9. A method executed by a first server system having a first print service, the second server system being capable of exchanging information with the first server system managing a first job under a first account, the method comprising: the second server system is a server system having a second print service and managing a second job using a second account associated with the first account; a management step of managing information on the second job received from a client terminal without passing through the first server system using the second account; a receiving step of receiving information of the first job from the first server system; a transmitting step of transmitting the received information of the first job and the information of the second job to an image forming apparatus, a request for acquiring the first job transmitted from the image forming apparatus when information of the first job displayed on the image forming apparatus is selected is received, and the request for acquiring the first job is transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and the first job received from the first server system is transmitted to the image forming apparatus; A method characterized by accepting a request to obtain the second job sent from the image forming device by selecting information of the second job displayed on the image forming device, and sending the second job to the image forming device.

10. The method described in claim 9, characterized in that a user who logs in to the second server system with the second account input via the screen of the image forming device inputs the first account into the screen of the image forming device and is authenticated by the first server system, thereby linking the first account and the second account.

11. A method as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first job is a job generated by a function of the first print service by sending a registration instruction to register document data from an external device to the first server system.

12. A first server system having a first print service, wherein a second server system capable of exchanging information with the first server system managing a first job with a first account, is a server system having a second print service, wherein the second server system manages a second job with a second account linked to the first account, A method executed by a system including the second server system and an image forming apparatus, The method performed on the second server system includes: a management step of managing information on the second job received from a client terminal without passing through the first server system using the second account; a receiving step of receiving information of the first job from the first server system; a transmitting step of transmitting the received information of the first job and the information of the second job to the image forming apparatus, a request for acquiring the first job transmitted from the image forming apparatus when information of the first job displayed on the image forming apparatus is selected is received, and the request for acquiring the first job is transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and the first job received from the first server system is transmitted to the image forming apparatus; A method characterized by accepting a request to obtain the second job sent from the image forming device by selecting information of the second job displayed on the image forming device, and sending the second job to the image forming device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the image forming device displays information about the first job and information about the second job on a job list screen.

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the image forming device sends a job acquisition request to the second server system both when information of the first job is selected and instructed to be printed, and when information of the second job is selected and instructed to be printed.

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the image forming device receives a job sent from the second server system by sending a job acquisition request, and executes printing of the received job.

16. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the first job is a job generated by a function of the first print service by sending a registration instruction from an external device to the first server system.

17. A program for causing a server system to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

Images