Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To prevent unnecessary printing not intended by a user.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus has: a presentation determination processing unit that presents selection information allowing a user to select an image forming apparatus that executes printing; and a distance determination processing unit that, when a first image forming apparatus is selected in the selection information, measures the distance from an installation position of the first image forming apparatus and determines whether the measured distance is equal to or more than a predetermined distance. When the distance is determined to be equal to or more than the predetermined distance, the presentation determination processing unit performs presentation processing of presenting check information for asking the user to check if the user changes the execution of printing in the first image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which an administrator or the like checks how information is handled on information processing devices used by telecommuters in a remote environment such as telework, typified by telecommuting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-27447 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In information processing devices that are usually used at work, the printer installed at the office is often selected by default on the printer selection screen during print settings. In this case, when a user uses the information processing device to execute printing while working from home, such as during teleworking, the user may mistakenly select the default printer installed at the office, which is far from the user's location, instead of the nearby printer at home and execute printing. The present disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method that suppress unnecessary printing unintentionally by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a presentation determination processing unit that presents selection information to allow a user to select an image forming device to perform printing, and a distance determination processing unit that, when a first image forming device is selected in the selection information, measures the distance from an installation position of the first image forming device and determines whether the measured distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, and when it is determined that the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the presentation determination processing unit performs a presentation process to present confirmation information to confirm whether to change the execution of the printing on the first image forming device.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure presents selection information to allow a user to select an image forming device to print a print, and when a first image forming device is selected in the selection information, measures the distance from an installation position of the first image forming device, determines whether the measured distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, and when it is determined that the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, performs a presentation process to present confirmation information to confirm whether to change the execution of the printing on the first image forming device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing that is not intended by a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information stored in a storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a selection screen that a presentation determination processing unit causes to be displayed on a display unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a property setting screen that a presentation determination processing unit causes to be displayed on a display unit according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print job according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage mode of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change confirmation screen presented by a presentation determination processing unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing method change confirmation screen presented by a presentation determination processing unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message entry screen of an email application for performing a print request according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which network printing is being performed according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for performing network printing according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a calendar registration screen for performing calendar registration according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a presentation process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents described in the claims. In addition, all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configurations of the present disclosure.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system 250 according to an embodiment. For example, the information processing system 250 has an information processing device 100, a first image forming device (image forming device) 110, and a second image forming device (image forming device) 120. FIG. 1 illustrates, as an example, the information processing system 250 assuming a case where a user uses the information processing device 100 that is normally used at the workplace at home for telework or the like. Note that the information processing system 250 may have a configuration in which the second image forming device 120 is omitted.

[0011] The information processing device 100 is a terminal device used by a user. The information processing device 100 is connected to, for example, a router 200, and is connected to the Internet via the router 200. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 100 is a device capable of issuing instructions to cause the first image forming device 110 and the second image forming device 120 to execute printing using a printer driver, and is not limited to a PC. For example, the information processing device 100 may be a device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device.

[0012] The information processing device 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication interface 103. However, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 is not limited to this, and some components may be omitted, other components may be added, and various modifications are possible. For example, the information processing device 100 may include a display corresponding to a display unit 60 described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0013] The processor 101 can be any of various processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 101 may also include a peripheral circuit device in addition to the CPU, GPU, DSP, or the like. The peripheral circuit device may be an integrated circuit (IC), or may include a resistor, a capacitor, or the like.

[0014] Memory 102 may be a semiconductor memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive), or it may be a register, or it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or it may be an optical storage device such as an optical disk drive.

[0015] The communication interface 103 is an interface for communicating with an external device. For example, the communication interface 103 is an interface for communicating via a network, and includes an antenna, an RF (radio frequency) circuit, and a baseband circuit. The communication interface 103 is an interface for communicating according to, for example, IEEE802.11. However, the specific communication method can be variously modified. For example, the communication interface 103 may be an interface for performing wired communication, and may perform communication according to, for example, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. Furthermore, the communication interface 103 is also an interface for measuring a position via a GPS (Global Positioning System), and includes a GPS antenna and a GPS receiving circuit. The communication interface 103 may operate according to the control of the processor 101, or may include a processor for communication control different from the processor 101.

[0016] The first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120 are each an apparatus having a printing function. The first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120 may each be a printer, a printer with a scanning function, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having various functions including a printing function.

[0017] The first image forming device 110 is installed in a place different from the user's home, such as the office of the company where the user usually works. For example, the first image forming device 110 is connected to a router 220 different from the router 200 to which the information processing device 100 is connected, and is connected to the Internet via the router 220. In other words, the first image forming device 110 is connected to a network different from that of the information processing device 100.

[0018] The second image forming apparatus 120 is installed in a place different from the office of the company where the user works, such as the user's home. For example, the second image forming apparatus 120 is connected to the same router 200 as the information processing apparatus 100 used by the user, and is connected to the Internet via the router 200. In other words, the second image forming apparatus 120 is connected to the same network as the information processing apparatus 100.

[0019] The above-mentioned locations where the first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120 are installed are merely examples, and the locations where the first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120 are installed may be other locations.

[0020] The first image forming device 110 includes a processor 111, a print engine 112, and a communication interface 113. The second image forming device 120 includes a processor 121, a print engine 122, and a communication interface 123.

[0021] Each of the print engines 112 and 122 includes a mechanical configuration for printing on a print medium. For example, each of the print engines 112 and 122 includes a transport roller that transports the print medium along the transport direction and a transport motor that drives the transport roller. In addition, when each of the first image forming device 110 and the second image forming device 120 is an inkjet printer, each of the print engines 112 and 122 includes a carriage on which a print head is provided and a carriage motor that drives the carriage in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Each of the print engines 112 and 122 forms an image on the print medium by ejecting ink from a print head that reciprocates in the main scanning direction while transporting the print medium in the transport direction. However, various types of image forming devices can be applied to each of the first image forming device 110 and the second image forming device 120 of this embodiment, and the configuration of each of the print engines 112 and 122 is not limited to this. For example, each of the first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120 may be a line head type inkjet printer having a print head with a width corresponding to the width of the print medium. Also, each of the first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120 may be an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer.

[0022] Each of the communication interfaces 113 and 123 communicates with the information processing device 100. The communication interfaces 113 and 123 may be interfaces that perform communication according to the USB standard, may be interfaces that perform communication according to the IEEE802.11 system, or may be interfaces that perform communication according to another system. Each of the communication interfaces 113 and 123 obtains a print job from the information processing device 100. The print job is data used when executing printing in each of the first image forming device 110 and the second image forming device 120, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0023] Processor 111 controls print engine 112 to execute a printing operation according to a print job. Processor 121 controls print engine 122 to execute a printing operation according to a print job. Each of processors 111 and 121 can use various processors such as a CPU or a DSP. Processor 111 may include a main CPU that controls the entire first image forming apparatus 110 and a sub-CPU that controls printing. Processor 121 may include a main CPU that controls the entire second image forming apparatus 120 and a sub-CPU that controls printing.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 100 includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 30, a communication unit 50, and a display unit 60. The processing unit 10 corresponds to the processor 101 in Fig. 1. The storage unit 30 corresponds to the memory 102 in Fig. 1. The communication unit 50 corresponds to the communication interface 103 in Fig. 1. Note that the configuration of the information processing device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2, and modifications such as adding other components or omitting some components are possible.

[0025] The processing unit 10 may include a print job creation processing unit 11, a distance determination processing unit 12, a presentation determination processing unit 13, and a control unit 14. The storage unit 30 may store an image forming program 31, a first printer driver 32, a second printer driver 33, and registration information 34. The storage unit 30 may also store software such as a map application capable of measuring distance using location information acquired from a GPS, a message application capable of sending messages such as email to others, and a calendar application capable of registering and managing schedules.

[0026] The processing unit 10 includes hardware including at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the hardware can be configured by one or more circuit devices or one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit board. The one or more circuit devices are, for example, an IC, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc. The one or more circuit elements are, for example, a resistor, a capacitor, etc.

[0027] The print job creation processing unit 11 creates a print job necessary for the first image forming apparatus 110 or the second image forming apparatus 120 to execute printing based on the image forming program 31. In addition, although details will be described later using FIG. 10 and the like, when the print hold confirmation information 551 on the printing method change confirmation screen 550 is selected by the user, the print job creation processing unit 11 stores data indicating that the print is to be held in the print job. In addition, the print job creation processing unit 11 stores the password entered by the user after the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10) is presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 as data in the password information 406 (see FIG. 6) of the print job.

[0028] Based on the image forming program 31, the distance determination processing unit 12 measures the distance from the installation location of an image forming device (e.g., the first image forming device 110) whose installation location has been registered in advance in the registration information 34 to the information processing device 100, and determines whether the measured distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0029] The presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user, for example, a print setting screen (print setting information) that allows the user to set various settings required for executing printing, such as a selection screen (selection information), on the display unit 60 based on the image forming program 31. Also, for example, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user, for example, various confirmation screens (confirmation information) on the display unit 60 based on the image forming program 31.

[0030] The selection screen (selection information) is information (screen) for allowing the user to select an image forming device to execute printing (described later using FIG. 4, etc.). When the first image forming device 110 is selected on the selection screen and the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the distance from the first image forming device 110 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the presentation determination processing unit 13 performs a presentation process of presenting confirmation information (confirmation screen 500) for confirming with the user whether to change the execution of printing on the first image forming device 110 (described later using FIG. 9, FIG. 10, etc.). Examples of the confirmation information (confirmation screen 500) presented to the user by the presentation determination processing unit 13 include a change confirmation screen (change confirmation information) 510 (see FIG. 9) and a printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10).

[0031] The change confirmation screen (change confirmation information) 510 is a screen for confirming whether to change the image forming apparatus that will execute printing from the first image forming apparatus 110 to the second image forming apparatus 120. When the user selects to change the image forming apparatus that will execute printing from the first image forming apparatus 110 to the second image forming apparatus 120 via the change confirmation screen (change confirmation information) 510, the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes a process of changing the image forming apparatus that will execute printing from the first image forming apparatus 110 to the second image forming apparatus 120 (details will be described later using FIG. 9 etc.).

[0032] The printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10) includes at least one piece of information for confirming whether to change the printing method. The presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing according to the printing method selected by the user via the printing method change confirmation screen 550.

[0033] Specifically, for example, printing method change confirmation screen 550 may include at least one of print hold confirmation information 551 for confirming whether to place a print hold, requested printing confirmation information 552 for confirming whether to perform requested printing, network printing confirmation information 553 for confirming whether to perform network printing, and calendar registration confirmation information 554 for confirming whether to register on a calendar.

[0034] Then, when the user selects print hold confirmation information 551 via the printing method change confirmation screen 550, the presentation judgment processing unit 13 executes a process for performing print hold (details will be described later using FIG. 10, etc.). Also, when the user selects requested print confirmation information 552 via the printing method change confirmation screen 550, the presentation judgment processing unit 13 executes a process for performing requested print (details will be described later using FIG. 11, etc.). Also, when the user selects network print confirmation information 553 via the printing method change confirmation screen 550, the presentation judgment processing unit 13 executes a process for performing network print (details will be described later using FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, etc.). Also, when the user selects calendar registration confirmation information 554 via the printing method change confirmation screen 550, the presentation judgment processing unit 13 executes a process for performing calendar registration (details will be described later using FIG. 14, etc.).

[0035] The control unit 14 controls each unit of the information processing device 100. For example, the control unit 14 performs read / write control of the storage unit 30, communication control of the communication unit 50, and the like.

[0036] The storage unit 30 (memory 102) stores computer-readable instructions, and the processing unit 10 (processor 101) executes the instructions to realize the functions of the processing unit 10 as processing. Specifically, the processor 101 operates according to the instructions stored in the memory 102 to execute processing in each of the print job creation processing unit 11, the distance determination processing unit 12, the presentation determination processing unit 13, and the control unit 14. The instructions here may be instructions from an instruction set constituting a program, or may be instructions that instruct a hardware circuit of the processor 101 to operate.

[0037] The image forming program 31 is a program having a function of executing each process in the processing unit 10. For example, the image forming program 31 is a program that realizes the functions of the print job creation processing unit 11, the distance determination processing unit 12, the presentation determination processing unit 13, and the control unit 14.

[0038] The first printer driver 32 is a printer driver having functions necessary for the first image forming apparatus 110 to execute printing. The second printer driver 33 is a printer driver having functions necessary for the second image forming apparatus 120 to execute printing.

[0039] The registration information 34 is data in which the installation location of the image forming device in which the printer driver is installed is registered in advance. The registration information 34 may also be associated with the purpose of use (for example, for business use, for home use, etc.) for each image forming device in which the printer driver is installed. Details of the registration information 34 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0040] When the first image forming apparatus 110 is selected on the selection screen (selection information), the print job creation processing unit 11 executing the image forming program 31 creates a print job required to cause the first image forming apparatus 110 to execute printing, based on the first printer driver 32. Also, when the second image forming apparatus 120 is selected on the selection screen (selection information), the print job creation processing unit 11 executing the image forming program 31 creates a print job required to cause the second image forming apparatus 120 to execute printing, based on the second printer driver 33.

[0041] The storage unit 30 may also store an OS (Operating System) (not shown) and application software that runs on the OS. The processing unit 10 operates in accordance with the OS or the like to implement the control unit 14.

[0042] In addition, the program for implementing the processes performed by each unit of the processing unit 10 of this embodiment can be stored in a non-transitory information storage device (information storage medium), which is, for example, a medium readable by a computer. The information storage device can be implemented, for example, by an optical disk, a memory card, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a ROM. The processing unit 10 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program stored in the information storage device. That is, the information storage device stores a program for making a computer function as each unit of the processing unit 10. A computer is a device equipped with an input device, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit. Specifically, the program according to this embodiment is a program for making a computer execute each step described later using FIG. 8 and FIG. 15, and is specifically an image formation program 31.

[0043] The communication unit 50 communicates between the information processing device 100 and an external device. For example, the communication unit 50 transmits and receives information to and from the first image forming device 110 or the second image forming device 120 based on an instruction from the processing unit 10 that operates according to the image forming program 31, and receives data indicating the current location of the information processing device 100 from a GPS. In addition, for example, the communication unit 50 transmits a print job, which is data for executing printing, to the first image forming device 110 or the second image forming device 120.

[0044] The display unit 60 is for displaying various display screens, and can be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0045] 3 is a diagram showing an example of registration information 34 stored in the storage unit 30 according to the embodiment. In the registration information 34, it is possible to register, for each printer driver installed in the information processing device 100, identification information for identifying an image forming device and information indicating the installation location of the image forming device in association with each other.

[0046] 3, identification information for identifying the first image forming device 110 and information indicating the actual installation location of the first image forming device 110 are associated and registered in the registration information 34. In the example shown in Fig. 3, a printer name: "First image forming device", which is an example of the identification information of the first image forming device 110, and an address of the installation location of the first image forming device 110, which is an example of information indicating the installation location of the first image forming device 110, are associated and registered in the registration information 34.

[0047] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the printer name: “Second image forming apparatus”, which is an example of identification information of the second image forming apparatus 120, is not associated with information indicating the installation location of the second image forming apparatus 120 (e.g., the address of the installation location).

[0048] The installation location of the image forming device to be registered in the registration information 34 may be an address or the like input by the user, or the location on the map data when a map application using location information obtained from a GPS is launched may be registered.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the registration information 34 associates, for example, the printer name: “first image forming device”, which is an example of the identification information of the first image forming device 110, with a use of “for business use”, for example, and associates, for example, the printer name: “second image forming device”, which is an example of the identification information of the second image forming device 120, with a use of “for home use”, for example.

[0050] The installation location and use registered in the registration information 34 may be arbitrarily registered by the user. Also, in Fig. 3, the printer name is given as an example of identification information for identifying each image forming device in which a printer driver is installed, but the identification information is not limited to the printer name and may be other information, such as an ID number associated with each printer.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen (selection information) 310 that the presentation determination processing unit 13 displays on the display unit 60 according to the embodiment. The selection screen 310 shown in Fig. 4 is a screen that allows the user to select an image forming device to perform printing from among the print setting screens 300 that the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents (displays on the display unit 60).

[0052] When a user using the information processing device 100 inputs an instruction to execute printing into the information processing device 100, the processing unit 10 accepts an input signal indicating the instruction and executes the image forming program 31. Then, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents a print setting screen 300, which allows the user to input various print settings, to the display unit 60 by displaying the print setting screen 300. The print setting screen 300 presented to the user by the presentation determination processing unit 13 (displayed on the display unit 60) is, for example, a UI (User Interface) screen.

[0053] The selection screen 310 includes, for example, a selection field 320 for allowing the user to select an image forming device to perform printing from among image forming devices for which a printer driver is installed in the information processing device 100, a print button 330 for performing printing, and a cancel button 331 for canceling the printing.

[0054] For example, in the selection column 320, a selection item 321 indicating the first image forming apparatus 110 and a selection item 322 indicating the second image forming apparatus 120, in which a printer driver is installed, are arranged in a selectable manner.

[0055] When the user selects the print button 330 while selection item 321 indicating the first image forming device 110 or selection item 322 indicating the second image forming device 120 is selected on the selection screen 310, the print job creation processing unit 11 creates a print job for causing the first image forming device 110 or the second image forming device 120 to execute printing.

[0056] The display format of the selection screen 310 shown in Fig. 4 is an example, and other display formats may be used, such as a pull-down display of the selection items 321 and 322. The display contents of the selection screen 310 shown in Fig. 4 are also an example, and other selection items may be displayed.

[0057] Also, for example, if the information processing device 100 is normally used in a company office, the selection item 321 indicating the first image forming device 110 on which the information processing device 100 will perform printing may already be selected by default, that is, when the selection screen 310 is displayed on the display unit 60, before being selected by the user.

[0058] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a property setting screen 350 that the presentation determination processing unit 13 displays on the display unit 60 according to the embodiment. For example, after the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents the selection screen 310 shown in FIG. 4 to the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 may accept an instruction from the user and present the same to the user by displaying a property setting screen (detailed setting screen) 350 of the print setting screen 300 on the display unit 60. The property setting screen 350 is a screen that allows the user to set various settings required for creating a print job among the print setting screen 300 presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 (displayed on the display unit 60).

[0059] For example, the property setting screen 350 includes a document filing setting field 360, a user name input field 370, a job name input field 371, a password input field 372, an OK button 380, a cancel button 381, and the like.

[0060] The document filing setting field 360 is a field for setting, for example, whether or not to hold the print job in the image forming apparatus that transmitted the print job. In the example shown in Fig. 5, for example, selection items 361 and 362 are displayed side by side in the document filing setting field 360.

[0061] Here, print hold is a function that causes an image forming device to which a print job has been sent to store the print job and suspend execution of printing. An image forming device to which a print job containing information to place a print hold is sent stores the print job in a storage unit and suspends execution of printing. An image forming device to which a print job containing information not to place a print hold is sent immediately executes printing based on the print job.

[0062] Selection item 361, for example, is written as "None," and presents the user with the option of executing a function that does not place a print hold. In other words, selection item 361 is a selection item for selecting to have the image forming device to which the print job was sent immediately execute printing without placing a print hold. Selection item 362, for example, is written as "Print Hold," and presents the user with the option of executing a print hold function. In other words, selection item 362 is a selection item for selecting to place a print hold, which causes the image forming device to which the print job was sent to store the print job in a storage unit and suspend execution of printing.

[0063] The user name input field 370 is an input field for registering a user name to the print job. The job name input field 371 is an input field for registering a job name to the print job. The password input field 372 is an input field for registering a password to the print job. The password is a password that is required to be input when, for example, the contents of a print job that has been held for print (stored in a storage unit) are displayed on the display unit of the image forming device to which the print job has been transmitted, or when a print job that has been held for print (stored in a storage unit) is printed in the image forming device. The user may or may not register any content as the user name, job name, and password.

[0064] The OK button 380 is a button indicating that the input of the detailed property settings has been completed. When the OK button 380 is selected by the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 may cause the selection screen 310 shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed on the display unit 60, or the print job creation processing unit 11 may start creating a print job. The cancel button 381 is a button for canceling the input of the detailed property settings. When the cancel button 381 is selected by the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 may cause the selection screen 310 shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed on the display unit 60, or the display of the various print setting screens 300 on the display unit 60 may be terminated.

[0065] 5 is an example, and other display formats may be used, such as a pull-down display of each selection item in the document filing setting field 360. The display contents of the property setting screen 350 shown in FIG. 5 are also an example, and other input fields may be displayed. The property setting screen 350 may be a screen including different contents for each image forming apparatus selected on the selection screen 310.

[0066] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a print job 400 according to an embodiment. The print job 400 is created by the print job creation processing unit 11 executing the image forming program 31 based on information input via a property setting screen 350 or the like.

[0067] For example, print job 400 includes, as data, job name information 401 indicating the job name of print job 400, user name information 402 indicating the name of the user who created print job 400, print setting information 403 indicating print settings, PDL (Page Description Language) data information 404, document filing information 405 indicating document filing, password information 406 indicating a password, and so on.

[0068] The job name information 401 stores data indicating the contents input in the job name input field 371 of the property setting screen 350 (see FIG. 5). The user name information 402 stores data indicating the contents input in the user name input field 370 of the property setting screen 350 (see FIG. 5). The print setting information 403 stores data indicating various print settings (e.g., the number of copies to be printed, color mode setting, single-sided / double-sided printing setting, etc.) set via the print setting screen 300. The PDL data information 404 stores PDL data for drawing. The document filing information 405 stores data for executing a function associated with a selection item selected in the document filing setting field 360 of the property setting screen 350 (see FIG. 5) (a function to not hold prints associated with the selection item 361, or a function to hold prints associated with the selection item 362). The password information 406 stores data indicating the contents input in the password input field 372 of the property setting screen 350 (see FIG. 5).

[0069] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode of an information processing system 250 according to an embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 7 shows a case where a user usually works at home 2 away from the company office 1 where the user works.

[0070] For example, the information processing system 250 includes an information processing device 100, a first image forming apparatus 110, and a second image forming apparatus 120. Note that the information processing system 250 does not necessarily have to include the second image forming apparatus 120.

[0071] It is assumed that the information processing device 100 is used at home 2, which is a distance D1 away from a first image forming device 110 installed in an office 1. For example, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 is connected to an in-house network (in other words, the first image forming device 110) through a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In addition, a second image forming device 120 (see FIG. 1) is installed at home 2. The second image forming device 120 is connected to the same network as the network to which the information processing device 100 is connected within home 2.

[0072] As described above, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 50 (see FIG. 2) including a GPS antenna and a GPS receiving circuit, etc., so that the processing unit 10 (see FIG. 2) is able to obtain location information indicating the current location of the information processing device 100 from the GPS 3.

[0073] As described above, the information processing device 100 has the registration information 34 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) stored in the storage unit 30 (FIG. 2). The registration information 34 registers the installation location of the first image forming device 110.

[0074] This enables distance determination processing section 12 (see FIG. 2) of information processing device 100 to measure distance D1 from first image forming device 110 installed in office 1 to the current position of information processing device 100.

[0075] Next, an example of processing of the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and other figures. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. Each step described below is executed by the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 100.

[0076] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, while working remotely at home 2, the user inputs a print instruction to execute printing to the information processing device 100. Then, first, in step S11, the presentation determination processing unit 13 starts the image forming program 31 based on the input indicating the print instruction from the user, and displays a selection screen 310 (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 60 to present it to the user. The presentation determination processing unit 13 may also display a property setting screen 350 on the display unit 60 in response to an instruction from the user. Then, the processing unit 10 acquires various input information from the user input via the print setting screen 300, such as the selection screen 310 and the property setting screen 350.

[0077] Then, in step S12, print job creation processing unit 11 creates print job 400 (see FIG. 6) for printing a printed matter on first image forming apparatus 110, which is the image forming apparatus selected on selection screen 310. Print job creation processing unit 11 creates print job 400 based on first printer driver 32 by executing image forming program 31. Note that here, it is assumed that data indicating that print hold is not performed is stored in document filing information 405 of print job 400.

[0078] Next, in step S13, the presentation determination processing section 13 determines whether or not the first image forming apparatus 110, which is an image forming apparatus whose installation location is registered in the registration information , has been selected on the selection screen 310.

[0079] In step S13, if the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines that the image forming apparatus selected on the selection screen 310 is an apparatus whose installation location is not registered in the registration information 34, for example, the second image forming apparatus 120 (No in step S13), then in step S17, the processing unit 10 transmits the print job 400 created by the print job creation processing unit 11 to the second image forming apparatus 120 via the communication unit 50. As a result, the processing unit 10 causes the second image forming apparatus 120, which has received the print job 400, to print the printed matter.

[0080] Furthermore, in step S13, if the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines that the image forming device selected on the selection screen 310 is the first image forming device 110 whose installation location is registered in the registration information 34 (Yes in step S13), then in step S14, the distance determination processing unit 12 measures the distance D1 from the first image forming device 110 to the information processing device 100 based on the location of the first image forming device 110 and the current location of the information processing device 100. The distance determination processing unit 12 acquires the location of the first image forming device 110 from the information registered in the registration information 34, and acquires the current location of the information processing device 100 based on location information obtained from the GPS 3 (see FIG. 7).

[0081] Then, in step S15, the distance determination processing unit 12 determines whether or not the distance D1 measured in step S14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance that has been set in advance.

[0082] Here, the predetermined distance is a reference value for the distance determination processing unit 12 to determine whether the information processing device 100 is being used inside the company office 1 or outside the office 1. The predetermined distance is stored in advance in the storage unit 30 of the information processing device 100 by a user or the like. The predetermined distance may be set arbitrarily by the user, and may be set to, for example, 1 Km.

[0083] In step S15, if the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the measured distance D1 is not equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (No in step S15), in other words, if the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the information processing device 100 is being used in the company office 1, then in step S16, the processing unit 10 transmits the print job 400 created by the print job creation processing unit 11 to the first image forming apparatus 110 via the communication unit 50. As a result, the processing unit 10 causes the first image forming apparatus 110, which has received the print job 400, to execute printing.

[0084] Also, in step S15, if the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the measured distance D1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (Yes in step S15), in other words, if the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the information processing device 100 is being used outside the company office 1, then, in step S20, the presentation determination processing unit 13 performs a presentation process to present to the user a confirmation screen (confirmation information) 500 (see Figures 9 and 10) on the display unit 60 to confirm whether to change the printing execution on the first image forming device 110.

[0085] The confirmation screen 500 will be described in detail later, but examples thereof include at least one of a change confirmation screen (change confirmation information) 510 (see FIG. 9) and a printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10). The change confirmation screen 510 (see FIG. 9) is a screen (information) for confirming with the user whether to change the image forming apparatus that will execute printing from the first image forming apparatus 110 to the second image forming apparatus 120.

[0086] The print method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10) is a screen that presents at least one piece of confirmation information for confirming whether to change the print method. For example, examples of information for confirming whether to change the print method include print hold confirmation information 551 for confirming whether to put print hold to reserve immediate printing in the first image forming apparatus 110, requested print confirmation information 552 for confirming whether to request printing to a person other than the user, network print confirmation information 553 for confirming whether to perform network print to have a third image forming apparatus (described later with reference to FIG. 12) print file data registered in the server, and calendar registration confirmation information 554 for confirming whether to register the scheduled printing date in the calendar.

[0087] As described above, for example, assume that a user is teleworking and using information processing device 100, which is normally used in office 1 of the company where the user works, at home 2 to perform work. In this case, when inputting an instruction to execute printing to information processing device 100, the user may mistakenly select first image forming device 110, which is selected by default on selection screen 310, instead of second image forming device 120 installed at home 2, and may input an instruction to execute printing at first image forming device 110 far away from the user without holding the print.

[0088] Therefore, the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a presentation determination processing unit 13 and a distance determination processing unit 12. The presentation determination processing unit 13 presents a selection screen (selection information) 310 that allows the user to select an image forming device (first image forming device 110 or second image forming device 120) that will execute printing (step S11 in FIG. 8). When the first image forming device 110, whose installation position is registered in advance, is selected on the selection screen 310 (if Yes in step S13), the distance determination processing unit 12 measures a distance D1 from the installation position of the first image forming device 110 to the information processing device 100 (step S14) and determines whether the measured distance D1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (step S15). Furthermore, when the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the distance D1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (if Yes in step S15), the presentation determination processing unit 13 performs a presentation process (step S20) in which a confirmation screen (confirmation information) 500 is presented to the user to confirm whether to change the execution of printing on the first image forming device 110.

[0089] As a result, when an image forming apparatus (e.g., the first image forming apparatus 110) that is a predetermined distance or more away is selected from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses having printer drivers installed in the information processing apparatus 100, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents a confirmation screen 500, so that the user can confirm whether or not an unintended image forming apparatus (e.g., the first image forming apparatus 110) has been selected. This makes it possible to prevent printing by mistake using an image forming apparatus (e.g., the first image forming apparatus 110) that is far from the information processing apparatus 100 used by the user, that is, an image forming apparatus that is not intended by the user. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing. In addition, it is possible to prevent information leakage caused by a printed matter that has been printed by mistake being left unattended or obtained by a person other than the user.

[0090] Next, the confirmation screen 500 and the presentation process in step S20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG.

[0091] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a change confirmation screen (change confirmation information) 510 presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 according to the embodiment. The confirmation screen 500 may include the change confirmation screen 510. The change confirmation screen 510 is an example of the confirmation screen 500 presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 in the presentation process of step S20. The confirmation screen 500 is, for example, a UI screen.

[0092] If the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the distance D1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (Yes in step S15), the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents the change confirmation screen 510 (see FIG. 9) to the user by displaying it on the display unit 60. Note that if the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the distance D1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (Yes in step S15), the presentation determination processing unit 13 may present the change confirmation screen 510 (see FIG. 9) to the user by displaying it on the display unit 60, as described below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0093] The change confirmation screen 510 includes, for example, a change confirmation area 511 , a Yes button 512 , a No button 513 , and a Cancel button 514 .

[0094] Change confirmation area 511 is an area in which information is described to confirm whether the image forming device that will execute printing should be changed from first image forming device 110 selected on selection screen 310 (see FIG. 4) to second image forming device 120. In the example shown in FIG. 9, change confirmation area 511 displays to the user the message "You have been instructed to print to the office printer while connected to VPN. Would you like to switch to your home printer?", asking whether the image forming device that will execute printing should be changed from first image forming device 110 to second image forming device 120.

[0095] In this way, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user a change confirmation screen 510 on the display unit 60, which asks the user whether to change the image forming device to perform the printing selected on the selection screen 310 (see Figure 4) from the first image forming device 110 to the second image forming device 120 different from the first image forming device 110.

[0096] This allows the user to visually check the change confirmation screen 510 to check whether an image forming apparatus (e.g., the first image forming apparatus 110) that is not intended to execute printing has been selected among multiple image forming apparatuses whose printer drivers are installed in the information processing apparatus 100. This makes it possible to prevent the user from erroneously printing on an image forming apparatus (e.g., the first image forming apparatus 110) that is far away from the information processing apparatus 100 used by the user.

[0097] Then, when the Yes button 512 in the change confirmation screen 510 is selected by the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 changes the image forming device to be used for printing from the first image forming device 110 to the second image forming device 120. Then, the presentation determination processing unit 13 transmits the print job 400 created by the print job creation processing unit 11 to the second image forming device 120 connected to the same network as the information processing device 100 (for example, connected to the same router 200 as the information processing device 100) via the communication unit 50, instead of the first image forming device 110 selected on the selection screen 310 (see FIG. 4). This makes it possible to cause the second image forming device 120, which the user originally intended to use for printing, to perform printing. This makes it possible to obtain an information processing device 100 that is highly convenient for the user by suppressing unnecessary printing.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, in the case where the information processing device 100 is network-connected to a company office, i.e., the first image forming device 110, via a VPN, and the image forming device that executes printing is changed from the first image forming device 110 to the second image forming device 120, the presentation determination processing unit 13 may disconnect the VPN between the information processing device 100 and the company office, i.e., the first image forming device 110. In this way, by disconnecting the VPN between the information processing device 100 and the first image forming device 110, it is possible to reduce the load on the memory of the information processing device 100, and in the case where the VPN bandwidth is shared with multiple other people, it is possible to reduce the load on the bandwidth of the shared VPN.

[0099] Furthermore, when the user selects No button 513 on change confirmation screen 510, presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user a printing method change confirmation screen (printing method change confirmation information) 550, described later with reference to Fig. 10, on display unit 60, without changing the image forming device to be used for printing from first image forming device 110. By having the user select one of the options displayed on printing method change confirmation screen 550, it is possible to prevent printing that is not intended by the user from being executed.

[0100] In addition, when the No button 513 in the change confirmation screen 510 is selected by the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 may transmit the print job 400 to the first image forming apparatus 110 via the communication unit 50, and cause the first image forming apparatus 110 to execute printing based on the print job 400. In this case, the presentation determination processing unit 13 also presents the change confirmation screen 510, so that the user can once again recognize that the image forming apparatus that the user originally intended to execute printing is definitely the first image forming apparatus 110. This also suppresses execution of printing that is not intended by the user, and allows execution of printing in the first image forming apparatus 110 that the user intended, so that an information processing device 100 that is highly convenient for the user can be obtained. In this case, a notification requesting a specific user to obtain a printed matter on behalf of the user may be sent, for example, from the communication unit 50 of the information processing device 100 to the first image forming apparatus 110, and this can prevent information leakage due to the printed matter being left unattended or being obtained by a third party other than the user's intention.

[0101] When the user selects a Cancel button 514 on the change confirmation screen 510, the processing unit 10 cancels the execution of printing.

[0102] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printing method change confirmation screen (printing method change confirmation information) 550 presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 according to the embodiment in the presentation process (step S20). The confirmation screen 500 may include a printing method change confirmation screen 550. The printing method change confirmation screen 550 is an example of the confirmation screen 500 presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 in the presentation process of step S20.

[0103] When the user selects No button 513 on change confirmation screen 510 (see FIG. 9), presentation determination processing unit 13 presents printing method change confirmation screen 550 to the user by displaying it on display unit 60. Note that, when distance determination processing unit 12 determines that distance D1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (Yes in step S15), presentation determination processing unit 13 may present printing method change confirmation screen 550 to the user by displaying it on display unit 60 instead of change confirmation screen 510 (see FIG. 9).

[0104] Printing method change confirmation screen 550 includes at least one piece of information for confirming whether to change the printing method. For example, printing method change confirmation screen 550 includes print hold confirmation information 551 for confirming whether to place a print hold, requested printing confirmation information 552 for confirming whether to perform requested printing, network printing confirmation information 553 for confirming whether to perform network printing, and calendar registration confirmation information 554 for confirming whether to register on a calendar. Printing method change confirmation screen 550 also includes, for example, an OK button 555 and a Cancel button 556.

[0105] In the example shown in FIG. 10, a print method change confirmation screen 550 prompts the user to confirm and select whether to change the print method to print hold, request printing, network printing, or calendar registration.

[0106] The print hold confirmation information 551 is, for example, information presented to the user to confirm whether or not to place a print hold. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the print hold confirmation information 551 includes the description "print hold" and a selection box adjacent to the description "print hold." When the print hold confirmation information 551 is selected, for example, by checking the selection box, and the OK button 555 is selected, the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for placing a print hold.

[0107] The printing request is a process of requesting printing to a person other than the user who is using the information processing device 100. The person other than the user may be, for example, an employee who works at the company office 1 while the user is working at home 2.

[0108] The requested printing confirmation information 552 is, for example, information presented to the user to confirm whether to request printing. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the requested printing confirmation information 552 includes the description "Requested Printing" and a selection box adjacent to the description "Requested Printing". When the requested printing confirmation information 552 is selected, for example, by checking the selection box, and the OK button 555 is selected, the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing to request printing (described later with reference to Fig. 11).

[0109] Network printing refers to a process in which file data to be printed is registered from information processing device 100 to a server connected via a network to a third image forming device, which is different from the first image forming device and the second image forming device and does not have a printer driver installed on information processing device 100, and the third image forming device, upon receiving input operations from the user, reads the file data from the server connected via the network and performs printing based on the read file data.

[0110] The network print confirmation information 553 is, for example, information presented to the user to confirm whether or not to perform network printing. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the network print confirmation information 553 includes the description "network print" and a selection box adjacent to the description "network print". When the network print confirmation information 553 is selected, for example, by checking the selection box, and the OK button 555 is selected, the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for performing network print request printing (described later with reference to Fig. 12).

[0111] Calendar registration refers to having the user register, in a calendar application, the planned date on which the first image forming apparatus 110 is to execute printing.

[0112] Calendar registration confirmation information 554 is, for example, information presented to the user to confirm whether or not to register the calendar. In the example shown in Fig. 10, calendar registration confirmation information 554 includes the description "Calendar registration" and a selection box adjacent to the description "Calendar registration". When calendar registration confirmation information 554 is selected, for example, by checking the selection box, and OK button 555 is selected, presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for performing calendar registration (described below with reference to Fig. 13).

[0113] When the Cancel button 556 is selected, the processing unit 10 cancels the change of the printing method, and the presentation determination processing unit 13 closes the printing method change confirmation screen 550. Below, each process input via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 will be explained.

[0114] 10, for example, when print hold confirmation information 551 is selected and OK button 555 is selected, print job creation processor 11 stores data indicating that print is to be held in print job 400 as a process for performing print hold. Specifically, print job creation processor 11 rewrites data indicating that printing is to be performed immediately, which is stored in document filing information 405 (see FIG. 6) of print job 400, to data indicating print hold.

[0115] In this way, when data indicating that printing is to be performed immediately is stored in document filing information 405 (see FIG. 6), print job creation processing unit 11 stores data indicating that print hold is to be placed in print job 400.

[0116] As a result, document filing information 405 (see FIG. 6) of print job 400 stores data indicating a print hold that places printing on hold in first image forming apparatus 110 to which print job 400 was sent, regardless of the selection items 361-362 selected in document filing setting field 360 of property setting screen 350 (FIG. 5).

[0117] In this way, when data indicating that printing is to be performed immediately is stored in the document filing information 405 (see FIG. 6) of the print job 400, the print job creation processing unit 11 changes the printing method to be instructed by the first image forming device 110 from immediate printing to deferring printing.

[0118] Then, the communication unit 50 sends the print job 400, which has had the printing method changed and has added information to suspend printing of the printed material, to the first image forming device 110, causing the first image forming device 110 to store the print job 400 and suspend execution of printing based on the print job 400.

[0119] As a result, for example, when the user comes to the company office 1 at a later date, the first image forming apparatus 110 can receive an input operation from the user and execute printing based on the print job 400 stored in the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus 110. This prevents unnecessary printing that is not intended by the user, and allows the user to immediately obtain the printed matter.

[0120] When print hold confirmation information 551 is selected and OK button 555 is selected, presentation determination processing unit 13 may present printing method change confirmation screen 550, and then present to the user a screen for confirming whether or not to enter a password by displaying it on display unit 60. When the user enters a password, print job creation processing unit 11 stores the entered password as data in password information 406 of print job 400. This makes it possible to prevent the contents of print job 400, which is stored in the storage unit of first image forming apparatus 110 and put on print hold, from being viewed by others.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a message entry screen 600 of an email application for performing a print request according to this embodiment.

[0122] For example, when the requested printing confirmation information 552 is selected on the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10) and the OK button 555 is selected, the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes a process for requesting printing to another person.

[0123] The process for requesting printing performed by presentation determination processing unit 13 is, for example, to launch an email application and present a message entry screen (registration screen) 600 of the email application to the user by displaying it on display unit 60. Message entry screen 600 of the email application is an example of a registration screen presented by presentation determination processing unit 13 for requesting printing to another person.

[0124] For example, the message entry screen 600 includes an email address entry field 601 for the email destination to which the print request is to be sent, a subject entry field 602, a message entry field 603, and an email send button 604.

[0125] When the user inputs necessary information into the email address entry field 601, the subject entry field 602, and the message entry field 603 and selects the send button 604, the presentation processing unit 13 causes the communication unit 50 to send an email including the input information to the email address specified by the user. This makes it possible to request printing to a printing destination, such as an employee working in the company office 1, for example.

[0126] The presentation determination processing unit 13 may insert, for example, text including the content of the print request, such as "Printout Proxy Application," in a fixed phrase into the subject entry field 602, and display the message entry screen 600 on the display unit 60. The presentation determination processing unit 13 may also insert, for example, the user name (applicant) requesting the print, the application date, and a PIN code, which is a password added to the print job 400, into the message entry field 603, and display the message entry screen 600 on the display unit 60.

[0127] In this way, when requesting printing is selected, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents a message entry screen (registration screen) 600 for requesting printing to another person. This allows the user to request printing to another person by entering the necessary information in the presented message entry screen (registration screen) 600. This prevents printing that is not intended by the user, and allows the other person who requested printing to obtain the printed matter on the user's behalf.

[0128] In addition, the registration screen for requesting printing to others presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 is not limited to the message entry screen 600 of an email application, but may be a message entry screen of an application that can send other messages.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state where network printing is performed according to the embodiment. Network printing refers to having the third image forming apparatus 710 print file data registered in the server 700. To perform network printing, the communication unit 50 of the information processing apparatus 100 first transmits file data of a file that the user wants to print to the server 700, which is installed in a convenience store or the like near the user's home 2 and is network-connected to the third image forming apparatus 710, based on an input operation from the user. As a result, the communication unit 50 causes the file data of the file that the user wants to print to be registered in the server 700. Note that the third image forming apparatus 710 is an image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus 110 and the second image forming apparatus 120, and a printer driver is not installed in the information processing apparatus 100.

[0130] Thereafter, the third image forming apparatus 710, upon receiving an input operation from the user, downloads the file data registered by the user from the server 700 and executes printing based on the file data. This prevents unnecessary printing that is not intended by the user, and allows the user to immediately obtain the printed matter.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen 750 for performing network printing according to this embodiment.

[0132] For example, when network print confirmation information 553 is selected on printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10) and OK button 555 is selected, presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for performing network printing.

[0133] As a process for performing network printing performed by the presentation determination processing unit 13, for example, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user a registration screen 750 for registering (i.e., uploading) file data for network printing to the server 700 on the display unit 60. The registration screen 750 is an example of a registration screen for performing network printing.

[0134] The registration screen 750 includes a file data selection button 751. When the user selects the file data selection button 751, the presentation determination processing unit 13 displays a screen for selecting file data on the display unit 60. Then, when the user selects the file data to be printed, the communication unit 50 transmits the selected file data to the server 700. As a result, the file data is registered in the server 700 which is connected to the third image forming apparatus 710 via a network.

[0135] Thereafter, the third image forming apparatus 710, upon receiving an input operation from the user, downloads the file data registered in the server 700 and executes printing. This prevents unnecessary printing that is not intended by the user, and allows the user to immediately obtain the printed matter.

[0136] As a process for network printing performed by the presentation determination processing unit 13, for example, the presentation determination processing unit 13 may present the screen of an application that executes the functions of an SNS (Social Networking Service) such as LINE (registered trademark) to the user by displaying it on the display unit 60, and perform processing for network printing through the application that executes the functions of the SNS.

[0137] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule registration screen 800 for performing calendar registration according to the embodiment.

[0138] For example, when calendar registration confirmation information 554 is selected on printing method change confirmation screen 550 (see FIG. 10) and then OK button 555 is selected, presentation determination processing unit 13 executes a process for performing calendar registration.

[0139] As a process for registering a calendar performed by the presentation determination processing unit 13, for example, the presentation determination processing unit 13 launches a calendar application and presents to the user a schedule registration screen (registration screen) 800 for registering a planned printing date by displaying it on the display unit 60. The schedule registration screen 800 of the calendar application is an example of a registration screen presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 for registering a planned printing date.

[0140] For example, schedule registration screen 800 includes a save button 801 for saving the registered planned printing date, a delete button 802 for deleting a schedule registered through schedule registration screen 800, a subject input field 810 for inputting the schedule name, a location input field 811 for inputting the location where the contents described in the schedule will be carried out, a start time field 812 for inputting the start date and time of the schedule, an end time field 813 for inputting the end date and time of the schedule, and a content entry field 814 for entering the contents of the schedule.

[0141] When the user inputs the information required to register the scheduled printing date into each of the subject input field 810, location input field 811, start time field 812, end time field 813, and content entry field 814, and selects the Save button 801, the presentation determination processing unit 13 registers the scheduled printing date (calendar registration) at the date and time specified by the user in the calendar application.

[0142] In this way, the presentation determination processing unit 13 allows the user to register the planned printing date for the first image forming device 110 to execute printing in a calendar application, thereby enabling the user to print in a planned manner and preventing printing that is not intended by the user.

[0143] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the presentation process S20 according to the embodiment. First, in step S15 shown in Fig. 8, the distance determination processing unit 12 determines that the distance D1 from the first image forming device 110 to the information processing device 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

[0144] Then, in step S21, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user, by displaying on the display unit 60, a change confirmation screen 510 which asks the user whether to change the image forming device to perform the printing selected on the selection screen 310 (see FIG. 4) from the first image forming device 110 to a second image forming device 120 different from the first image forming device 110.

[0145] Next, in step S22, the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines whether the image processing device that executes printing has been changed from the first image forming device 110 to the second image forming device 120 via the change confirmation screen 510.

[0146] In step S22, if the image forming device to perform printing is changed from the first image forming device 110 to the second image forming device 120 via the change confirmation screen 510 (Yes in step S22), then in step S23, the presentation processing unit 13 causes the communication unit 50 to disconnect the VPN if the information processing device 100 is network-connected to the company office 1 via VPN.

[0147] Next, in step S24, the presentation determination processing unit 13 transmits the print job 400 to the changed second image forming apparatus 120 via the communication unit 50. As a result, the presentation determination processing unit 13 causes the second image forming apparatus 120 to execute printing based on the print job 400.

[0148] Furthermore, in step S22, if the image forming device to perform printing has not been changed from the first image forming device 110 to the second image forming device 120 via the change confirmation screen 510 (No in step S22), then in step S25, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user a print method change confirmation screen 550 on the display unit 60, which asks the user to confirm whether to perform print hold, requested printing, network printing, or calendar registration.

[0149] Then, in step S26, the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not print hold is selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550. If print hold is selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 in step S26 (Yes in step S26), the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for print hold in step S27. That is, the presentation determination processing unit 13 causes the print job creation processing unit 11 to store data indicating print hold in the print job 400. Then, the presentation determination processing unit 13 causes the communication unit 50 to transmit the print job 400 to the first image forming apparatus 110. As a result, the presentation determination processing unit 13 transmits the print job 400 to the first image forming apparatus 110 via the communication unit 50, and causes the first image forming apparatus 110 to suspend execution of printing based on the print job 400.

[0150] Also, in step S26, if print hold is not selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (No in step S26), in step S28, the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not request printing has been selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550.

[0151] In step S28, when a print request is selected via print method change confirmation screen 550 (Yes in step S28), in step S29, presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for requesting printing. That is, presentation determination processing unit 13 presents a registration screen for requesting printing, such as a message entry screen 600 of an email application, to the user by displaying it on display unit 60. Then, based on an input operation from the user, presentation determination processing unit 13 requests printing to a printing destination based on the input registration screen.

[0152] Also, in step S28, if request printing is not selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (No in step S28), in step S30, the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines whether network printing is selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550.

[0153] In step S30, when network printing is selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (Yes in step S30), in step S31 the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for network printing. That is, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents a registration screen for network printing, such as a registration screen 750, to the user by displaying it on the display unit 60. Then, based on an input operation from the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 uploads the file data specified on the input registration screen to the server 700 via the communication unit 50.

[0154] Furthermore, in step S30, if network printing is not selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (No in step S30), in step S32, the presentation determination processing unit 13 determines whether calendar registration has been selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550.

[0155] In step S32, when calendar registration is selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (Yes in step S32), in step S33, the presentation determination processing unit 13 executes processing for calendar registration. That is, the presentation determination processing unit 13 presents to the user a schedule registration screen of a calendar application for registering a planned printing date, such as schedule registration screen 800, on the display unit 60. Then, based on an input operation from the user, the presentation determination processing unit 13 registers the planned printing date in the calendar application.

[0156] In step S32, if calendar registration is not selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 (No in step S32), the presentation determination processing unit 13 closes the printing method change confirmation screen 550 and ends the presentation process S20. Note that in step S32, a case in which calendar registration is not selected via the printing method change confirmation screen 550 can be, for example, a case in which the Cancel button 556 is selected by the user.

[0157] The presentation process S20 described with reference to Fig. 15 is an example and may be modified as appropriate. For example, after the result of step S15 (see Fig. 8) is Yes, steps S21 to S24 may be omitted and the process may start from step S25. Furthermore, among the confirmation items included in the printing method change confirmation screen 550 presented by the presentation determination processing unit 13 in step S25, steps S26 and S27 may be omitted if print hold is omitted, steps S28 and S29 may be omitted if request printing is omitted, steps S30 and S31 may be omitted if network printing is omitted, and steps S32 and S33 may be omitted if calendar registration is omitted.

[0158] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present embodiment. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader meaning or synonymy can be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. In addition, all combinations of the present embodiment and modifications are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the configurations and operations of the user terminal, image forming device, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10: Processing section, 11: Print job creation processing section, 12: Distance determination processing section, 13: Presentation determination processing section, 14: Control section, 30: Storage section, 31: Image forming program, 32: First printer driver, 33: Second printer driver, 34: Registration information, 50: Communication section, 60: Display section, 100: Information processing device, 110: First image forming device, 120: Second image forming device, 250: Information processing system, 300: Print setting screen, 310: Selection screen (selection information), 350: Property setting screen (detailed setting screen), 360: Document filing setting field, 361-362: Selection items, 400: Print job, 403: Print setting information, 405: Document filing information, 500: Confirmation screen (confirmation information), 510: Change confirmation screen (change confirmation information), 550: Print method change confirmation screen (print method change confirmation information), 551: Print hold confirmation information, 552: Request print confirmation information, 553: Network print confirmation information, 554: Calendar registration confirmation information, 600: Message entry screen (registration screen), 700: Server, 710: Third image forming apparatus, 750: Registration screen, 800: Schedule registration screen (registration screen)

Claims

1. a presentation determination processing unit that presents selection information for allowing a user to select an image forming apparatus that will execute printing; a distance determination processing unit that, when a first image forming device is selected in the selection information, measures a distance from an installation position of the first image forming device and determines whether the measured distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the presentation determination processing unit, when it is determined that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, performs a presentation process of presenting confirmation information for confirming whether to change the execution of the printing in the first image forming apparatus; the confirmation information includes network print confirmation information for confirming whether to perform network printing by causing a third image forming apparatus to print file data registered in the server, When the network print confirmation information is selected, the presentation determination processing section presents a registration screen for registering the file data to be network printed in a server.

2. A presentation determination processing unit that presents selection information for allowing a user to select an image forming device to perform printing; a distance determination processing unit that, when a first image forming device is selected in the selection information, measures a distance from an installation position of the first image forming device and determines whether the measured distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the presentation determination processing unit, when it is determined that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, performs a presentation process of presenting confirmation information for confirming whether to change the execution of the printing in the first image forming apparatus; the confirmation information includes change confirmation information for confirming whether to change the image forming apparatus that executes the printing to a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus, a network connection is established with the first image forming apparatus via a VPN; When the image forming apparatus that executes the printing is changed from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus, the presentation determination processing unit disconnects the VPN.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second image forming apparatus is connected to the same network as the information processing apparatus.

4. The printing apparatus further includes a communication unit for transmitting a print job for executing the printing. the confirmation information includes print hold confirmation information for confirming whether to put a print hold on the print; 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the print hold confirmation information is selected, the communication unit causes the first image forming device to suspend execution of the printing based on the print job by sending the print job to the first image forming device.

5. The confirmation information includes requested printing confirmation information for confirming whether to request printing to a person other than the user, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the requested printing confirmation information is selected, the presentation determination processing unit presents a registration screen for performing the requested printing.

6. The confirmation information includes calendar registration confirmation information for confirming whether or not to register the scheduled printing date on a calendar, 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the calendar registration confirmation information is selected, the presentation determination processing unit launches a calendar application for registering the planned printing date and presents a registration screen for registering the planned printing date.

7. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; An information processing system comprising the first image forming apparatus.

8. presenting selection information for allowing a user to select an image forming apparatus to be used for printing; When a first image forming apparatus is selected in the selection information, a distance from an installation position of the first image forming apparatus is measured, and it is determined whether or not the measured distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; When it is determined that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, a presentation process is performed to present confirmation information for confirming whether or not to change the execution of the printing in the first image forming apparatus; the confirmation information includes network print confirmation information for confirming whether to perform network printing by causing a third image forming apparatus to print file data registered in the server, When the network print confirmation information is selected, a registration screen for registering the file data to be network printed in a server is presented.

9. Present selection information for allowing a user to select an image forming device to execute printing; When a first image forming apparatus is selected in the selection information, a distance from an installation position of the first image forming apparatus is measured, and it is determined whether or not the measured distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; When it is determined that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, a presentation process is performed to present confirmation information for confirming whether or not to change the execution of the printing in the first image forming apparatus; the confirmation information includes change confirmation information for confirming whether to change the image forming apparatus that executes the printing to a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus, a network connection is established with the first image forming apparatus via a VPN; When the image forming apparatus that executes the printing is changed from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus, the presentation determination processing unit disconnects a VPN.

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