Server, system including server, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a form in which a server external to a printer executes processing for causing the printer to execute printing.SOLUTION: Execution means is provided to execute, in a case where a print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device, push printing processing for causing the printer to execute the push printing based on the print job for the push printing and the content of the print settings for the push printing, without any user operation on the printer after the print job for the push printing is transmitted from the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server, a system including a server, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A form is known in which a server external to a printing device executes a process for causing the printing device to execute printing (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-013051 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as the use of a system in which a server external to a printing device executes processing to cause the printing device to execute printing becomes more widespread, there is a demand for improving the convenience of this system.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the convenience of a form in which processing to cause a printing device to perform printing is performed by a server external to the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the server of the present invention is a predetermined server, a change unit that executes a change process for changing the content of the print settings input in a terminal device external to the predetermined server; a transmission means for transmitting setting display information for displaying the contents of print settings for pull printing to a printing device external to the predetermined server; When a print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device, a push printing process for causing the printing device to execute the push printing based on the print job for push printing and the contents of the print settings for push printing is executed without being based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device; an execution unit that, when a print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device, executes a pull printing process for causing the printing device to execute the pull printing based on the print job for pull printing and the contents of the print settings for pull printing, based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device; if at least one of the contents included in the print settings for push printing input in the terminal device does not satisfy a predetermined condition based on the printing device, a change process is executed to change the content included in the print settings for push printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition, and then the push printing process is executed; If at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input on the terminal device does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the setting display information is sent to the printing device without executing the change process for changing the content included in the print settings for pull printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of cloud printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a service collaboration system. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a service selection screen. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a print selection screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process for push printing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process for pull printing. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a list screen. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a setting display screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a relay server in a process for executing push printing. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a priority table. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a relay server in a process for executing pull printing. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a setting display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention also includes appropriate modifications and improvements to the embodiments described below based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, provided that the modifications and improvements do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] (First embodiment) <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a service collaboration system including a relay server according to this embodiment. The service collaboration system in FIG. 1 includes a client device 101, an MFP (Multi Function Printer) 102, a relay server 104, a service server 106, and an MFP 108. When each device recognizes the address of the communication partner device, it can communicate with the communication partner device via a network 103. The network 103 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone line, or a dedicated digital line. It may also be an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), a frame relay line, a cable television line, or a wireless line for data broadcasting. It may also be a so-called communication network such as the Internet realized by a combination of these. In this embodiment, communication between the MFP 102 and the relay server 104, communication between the client device 101 and the service server 106, communication between the MFP 108 and the service server 106, and communication between the relay server 104 and the service server 106 is performed via the Internet.

[0011] The client device 101 is a first information processing device, which is a PC (personal computer) in this embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of information processing devices can be used, such as a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), and a digital camera. In this embodiment, the client device 101 is equipped with a web browser, and can use the web browser to display a screen corresponding to a service provided by the relay server 104.

[0012] The MFP 102 is a multifunction peripheral with multiple functions such as copying, faxing, and printing, and is an inkjet printer that performs the printing function. The MFPs 102 and 108 are also equipped with a web browser, which can display a screen corresponding to the printing service provided by the relay server 104. The MFP 102 can also execute printing using the printing service provided by the service server 106 via communication with the relay server 104.

[0013] The MFP 108 is a multifunction peripheral with multiple functions, such as a copy function, a fax function, and a print function, and is a printer (image forming device) that performs the print function using an electrophotographic method. The MFP 108 is also equipped with a web browser, and can use the web browser to display a screen corresponding to the print service provided by the service server 106. In this embodiment, the MFP 108 is not capable of communicating with the relay server 104 or using the first print service provided by the relay server 104. However, the MFP 108 is capable of communicating with the service server 106 without communicating with the relay server 104. The MFP 108 is also capable of performing printing using the second print service provided by the service server 106 through communication with the service server 106.

[0014] The relay server 104 is a second information processing apparatus, a server that provides a first print service to the client apparatus 101 and the MFP 102, and has a browsing application program 105. The application program will be referred to as an app hereinafter. The first print service is a print service that causes the MFP 102 to print content (such as image data or document files) that is transmitted or supplied to the MFP 102 from a cloud server external to the MFP 102 via the Internet. That is, in this embodiment, the MFP 102 is capable of performing cloud printing, which is printing of content transmitted to the MFP 102 from a server external to the MFP 102. In this embodiment, content that can be printed by the first print service includes content supplied from a second print service, which will be described later. The content that can be printed by the first print service may also include content supplied from other services, such as a social networking service or an online storage service. The viewing application 105 is a program that provides a screen for the first print service that is displayed by the web browser of the client device 101 or the MFP 102 when the client device 101 or the MFP 102 accesses the relay server 104. Note that the relay server 104 is not limited to being configured by one information processing device (e.g., one server PC), but may be configured by multiple information processing devices (e.g., multiple server PCs).

[0015] The service server 106 is a third information processing apparatus, and is a server that provides a second print service to the client apparatus 101, the MFP 102, and the MFP 108, and has a service application 107. The second print service is a service that causes printers such as the MFP 102 and the MFP 108 to print from each account created on the service, and is a service that can manage information about printing performed in response to instructions from each account. The information about printing performed in response to instructions from each account includes, for example, information about the amount of recording material (ink or toner) consumed in the printing performed in response to instructions from each account, information about the number of sheets of paper consumed in the printing, and information about the content printed in the printing. Note that each piece of information managed by the second print service can be viewed by an administrator who manages each account. The service application 107 also accepts uploads of content owned by users and manages the uploaded content on the service server 106, for example. The content managed by the service server 106 can be viewed on a web browser or other GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the client device 101, MFP 102, or MFP 108. The service server 106 is not limited to being configured by one information processing device (for example, one server PC), but may be configured by multiple information processing devices (for example, multiple server PCs).

[0016] <Overview of each device> 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 102. In the MFP 102, the printing function is realized by a printer unit 201, the scanner function is realized by a scanner unit 202, and the storage function is realized by a memory card slot 203 and a memory card 204.

[0017] The printer unit 201 prints image data received from an external source or image data stored on a memory card 204 onto printing paper using a recording method such as inkjet or electrophotography. It also manages ink information, including the amount of remaining ink, and paper information, including the number of sheets of paper loaded.

[0018] The scanner unit 202 optically reads an original placed on a platen (not shown) and converts it into electronic data, and then transmits the image data converted into a specified file format to an external device via a network or stores it in a storage area (not shown) such as a HDD. The copy function is realized by transferring image data generated by the scanner unit 202 reading an original placed on the platen to the printer unit 201, which then prints the image data.

[0019] Various file data are stored in a memory card 204 inserted into a memory card insertion section 203. This file data can be read and edited from an external device via a network. It is also possible to store file data in the memory card 204 from an external device.

[0020] The MFP 102 further includes a CPU 205, a program memory 206, a work memory 207, a display unit 208, an operation unit 209, a network communication unit 210, a network connection unit 211, and a flash memory 212. The CPU 205 is a central processing unit for controlling each unit within the MFP 102. The program memory 206 is composed of a ROM or the like and stores various program codes and an application 214 for communicating with a server device. The application 214 also accesses the printer unit 201 to obtain information on consumables such as ink and paper. The work memory 207 is composed of a RAM or the like and temporarily stores or buffers image data when executing each service. The display unit 208 is composed of, for example, an LCD and displays various information. The operation unit 209 includes switches and the like for a user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 210 connects the MFP 102 to a network to perform various communications. The MFP 102 can be connected to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 211. The network communication unit 210 is compatible with wired LAN and wireless LAN, and in the case of wired LAN compatibility, the network connection unit 211 is a connector for connecting a wired LAN cable, and in the case of wireless LAN compatibility, the network connection unit 211 is an antenna. The flash memory 212 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data received by the network communication unit 210. The above-mentioned units are connected to each other by a bus 213.

[0021] In this embodiment, the computer of the MFP 102 is configured with the CPU 205, the program memory 206, and the work memory 207. In the following description, the processes described as being executed by the MFP 102 are processes realized by the CPU 205 expanding a program stored in the program memory 206 or the like into the work memory 207 and executing it.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, the MFP 108 has the same configuration as the MFP 102.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device corresponding to the client device 101, the relay server 104, the service server 106, and the like.

[0024] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the following components. The disk device 302 stores various files, including an application 312, a database 313, and an OS, that are read by the CPU 301. The external storage medium reader 303 is a device for reading information such as files stored on an external storage medium such as an SD card. The memory 304 is composed of RAM or the like, and performs temporary storage and buffering of data as needed by the CPU 301. The display unit 305 is composed of, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 306 includes a keyboard, mouse, and the like that allow the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 307 is connected to a network such as the Internet via a network connection unit 308 and performs various communications. The network communication unit 307 supports both wired and wireless LANs. In the case of a wired LAN, the network connection unit 308 is a connector for connecting a wired LAN cable, and in the case of a wireless LAN, the network connection unit 308 is an antenna. The USB communication unit 310 is connected to various peripheral devices via the USB connection unit 311 and performs various communications. The above-mentioned units are connected to each other via a bus 309. Note that the client device 101, the relay server 104, and the service server 106 may be virtual computers realized on other computers.

[0025] In this embodiment, the CPU 301, the disk device 302, and the memory 304 constitute computers for the client device 101, the relay server 104, and the service server 106. In the following description, the processes described as being executed by the client device 101, the relay server 104, and the service server 106 are processes that are realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the disk device 302 or the like into the memory 304 and executing it.

[0026] <Regarding the first registration process> First, a description will be given of a first registration process that links a first account, which is an account managed by relay server 104 and is a user account of the owner of MFP 102, with MFP 102. Note that the first account is an account corresponding to a first print service.

[0027] First, the first registration process is initiated when MFP 102 accepts an operation from a user to execute the function of the first print service. When the operation is accepted, MFP 102 accesses relay server 104 using information for accessing relay server 104 that it stores in advance. During this access, MFP 102's identification information and model information are sent to relay server 104. If relay server 104 determines that a first account for the owner of MFP 102 has not been created and that MFP 102 and the first account are not linked, it creates a first account and sends security information (ID and password) to MFP 102 that is to be linked and managed with the created first account. At this time, relay server 104 also manages MFP 102's identification information and model information by linking them with the first account. When MFP 102 receives the security information, it stores it in program memory 206 or the like and manages the first account. This completes the first registration process. After the first registration process is completed, the MFP 102 uses the saved security information when accessing the relay server 104. This allows the relay server 104 to recognize which account the MFP 102 accessing the relay server 104 is linked to.

[0028] <Installing programs compatible with the second printing service> Next, a description will be given of a process for installing a program corresponding to the second print service (hereinafter referred to as a program for the second print service) in the client device 101. In this embodiment, the program for the second print service is a printer driver corresponding to the second print service (hereinafter referred to as a driver for the second print service) and an application corresponding to the second print service (hereinafter referred to as an application for the second print service).

[0029] First, the client device 101 receives an operation from a user to install a program for the second print service via, for example, a web page corresponding to the second print service. Then, the client device 101 downloads an installer for installing the program for the second print service from the service server 106. The client device 101 then installs the program for the second print service on itself using the installer. After that, the client device 101 launches an app for the second print service and executes a process for linking the app for the second print service with a second account. Specifically, the client device 101 displays a screen for logging in to the second account on the screen displayed by the app for the second print service. The second account is an account managed by the service server 106, corresponds to the second print service, and is a user account of the owner of the MFP 102. The second account may be generated by any method. For example, an administrator may generate multiple accounts, and each of the generated accounts may be assigned by the administrator to a different user. When the user inputs the ID and password of the second account on this screen, the client device 101 transmits the input information to the service server 106. When the input information matches the information of the second account managed by the service server 106, the service server 106 transmits to the client device 101 a notification that login to the second account was successful. When login to the second account was successful, the client device 101 becomes able to transmit a print job to the service server 106.

[0030] <Regarding the second and third registration processes> Next, a second registration process for linking the first account with the second account will be described, and a third registration process for linking the second account with the MFP 102 will be described.

[0031] The second registration process and the third registration process are assumed to be executed in a state where the first registration process has been performed and the first account is associated with the MFP 102. Furthermore, the second registration process and the third registration process are assumed to be executed in a state where login to the second account from the client device 101 has been successful.

[0032] When the first registration process is completed or when an operation to execute the function of the first print service is accepted after the first registration process is completed, MFP 102 receives information for displaying service selection screen 400 as shown in FIG. 4 from relay server 104 and displays service selection screen 400. Note that service selection screen 400 is a screen for selecting from which service content to be printed by the first print service will be acquired (supplied) and is a screen displaying a list of selectable services. In this embodiment, selectable services include an online storage service, a social networking service, a second print service, and a third print service, but are not limited thereto, and the type and number of services may be arbitrary. Note that in this embodiment, the third print service is a service for printing content supplied from relay server 104 and a service for printing puzzles for number place calculations. Note that the object to be printed is not limited to a puzzle and may be, for example, a coloring book, graph paper, music paper, etc. Service selection screen 400 includes areas 401 to 404 for selecting each service.

[0033] The MFP 102 then accepts a selection operation from the user in the area 403 for selecting the second print service and notifies the relay server 104 that the second print service has been selected. If the relay server 104 determines that the second registration process has not yet been completed, it transmits information for displaying a registration key input screen to the MFP 102, and the MFP 102 displays the registration key input screen. The registration key input screen is a screen for accepting input of a registration key from the user. The registration key is a random 16-digit number that is issued and generated by the service server 106 in association with the second account. The registration key is also a key that is displayed on the client device 101 by a second print service app installed on the client device 101. The registration key may be displayed, for example, on a screen displayed by the web browser of the client device 101 and corresponding to the print service provided by the service server 106. The user confirms the registration key displayed on the client device 101 and enters it into the registration key input screen. When MFP 102 accepts the input of a registration key, it transmits the input registration key to relay server 104 to a registration key verification server (not shown). If the registration key verification server determines that the registration key input by the user matches the registration key issued by service server 106, it transmits communication information for communicating with service server 106 to relay server 104. Note that the input registration key may be transmitted to service server 106 to which it was input, and the determination that the registration key matches the registration key issued by service server 106 may be performed by service server 106. Using the received communication information, relay server 104 transmits to service server 106 information about the printer (i.e., MFP 102 in this case) linked to the first account, an ID linked to the first account, and a notification URL for notifying relay server 104 about the print job.

[0034] The service server 106 then links the first account with the second account by managing the ID linked with the first account in association with the second account. The ID linked with the first account is used for the service server 106 to send a notification regarding a print job for push printing to the relay server 104. The service server 106 also links the second account with the MFP 102 by managing the information related to the MFP 102 linked with the first account in association with the second account. This completes the second registration process and the third registration process. Thereafter, the service server 106 transmits an access token to the relay server 104 for accessing content managed in association with the second account. Thereafter, the relay server 104 uses the received access token to obtain content managed by the service server 106.

[0035] <About push printing and pull printing> Next, a process for causing MFP 102 to execute printing in response to an instruction from client device 101 using the second print service will be described. This process is executed in a state where the first to third registration processes have been completed and various associations have been made. This process also includes a process for causing MFP 102 to execute push printing and a process for causing MFP 102 to execute pull printing. First, a process executed in client device 101 for causing MFP 102 to execute printing will be described.

[0036] First, the client device 101 identifies content to be printed using a document application, a spreadsheet application, an image editing application, a presentation application, or the like, and accepts from the user a selection of a printer driver to be used to print the content. After the user selects a second print service driver, the client device 101 accepts input of print settings for printing the content to be printed from the user. The print settings may be accepted on the screen of the document application, the spreadsheet application, the image editing application, or the presentation application, or may be accepted on the screen of the second print service driver after the second print service driver is launched. In this embodiment, print setting items input by the user include, for example, an item for setting the print paper size, an item for setting the print paper type, an item for setting color or monochrome printing, an item for setting double-sided or single-sided printing, an item for setting bordered or borderless printing, and an item for setting the layout.

[0037] Thereafter, when the client apparatus 101 receives a print instruction operation from the user, it converts the content to be printed into data in a predetermined data format and then launches the second print service app from the second print service driver. The predetermined data format is assumed to be, for example, PDF format. An example of a screen displayed by the second print service app at this time is shown in FIG. 5 . The print selection screen 500 is a screen for selecting whether to send (submit) a print job to cause the MFP 102 to perform push printing or to send a print job to cause the MFP 102 to perform pull printing. Option 501 is an area for selecting whether to send a print job to cause the MFP 102 to perform push printing. Option 502 is an area for selecting whether to send a print job to cause the MFP 102 to perform pull printing. Note that in this embodiment, the MFP 102 supports the first print service, but the MFP 108 does not. In this embodiment, push printing by the second print service is instructed to the printer via the first print service. Therefore, push printing based on a print job transmitted by the second print service can be performed by the MFP 102, but not by the MFP 108. In other words, only one printer can be specified as the printer that will perform push printing. Therefore, option 501 may display identification information (such as the name or model number) of the printer that will perform push printing. The printer that will perform push printing is the printer (here, MFP 102) linked to the first account and the second account. On the other hand, the second print service is supported by not only the MFP 102 but also the MFP 108. In this embodiment, pull printing by the second print service can be performed by any printer that supports at least the second print service. Therefore, pull printing based on a print job transmitted by the second print service can be performed by either the MFP 102 or the MFP 108. In other words, only one printer can be specified as the printer that will perform pull printing, so in this embodiment, option 502 does not display identification information of the printer that will perform pull printing. Pull printing may be expressed by a name such as secure printing.

[0038] When option 501 or option 502 is selected, the client device 101 transmits a print job for printing corresponding to the selected option of push printing or pull printing to the service server 106. In this embodiment, the print job for pull printing and the print job for pull printing include content converted to a predetermined data format, print settings used to print the content, and information about the second account to which the client device 101 is logged in. When option 501 or option 502 is selected while check box 503 is checked, the client device 101 executes printing corresponding to the previously selected option of option 501 or option 502 without displaying the print selection screen 500 the next time the client device 101 receives a print instruction operation from the user. The client device 101 may be configured to allow the user to select a period during which the print selection screen 500 is not displayed even when the client device 101 receives a print instruction operation from the user.

[0039] Push printing is highly convenient because printing is performed on the MFP 102 simply by the user performing a printing operation on the client device 101. However, due to reasons such as the distance between the client device 101 and the MFP 102, it may take some time for the user to confirm the printout output by push printing after performing the printing operation on the client device 101. In such cases, security issues may arise, such as the printout being viewed by other users. On the other hand, pull printing is performed by the user performing a printing operation on the client device 101 and then performing the same operation on the MFP 102. Therefore, although pull printing is less convenient than push printing, it has the advantage of being more secure than push printing because the user can quickly confirm the printout output by pull printing. By configuring push printing and pull printing to be selectable as in this embodiment, the user can select the printing method appropriate for the application.

[0040] <About the sequence for push printing> First, the process of causing the MFP 102 to execute push printing will be described using the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 6. The process of this sequence diagram starts when option 501 is selected.

[0041] First, in S601, the client device 101 transmits a print job for push printing to the service server 106.

[0042] Next, in S602, the service server 106 executes processing based on the print job for push printing. Specifically, the service server 106 searches for and identifies the second account to which the client device 101 is logged in from among the accounts it manages, based on information about the second account included in the received print job. The service server 106 then identifies the first account linked to the identified second account.

[0043] Next, in S603, the service server 106 notifies the relay server 104 that the print job has been received by sending the job number assigned to the print job received in S601 to the relay server 104 using the notification URL. The service server 106 also sends the ID corresponding to the first account identified in S602 and the print settings included in the print job received in S601 to the relay server 104.

[0044] Next, in S604, the relay server 104 uses the access token corresponding to the second account to send to the service server 106 a request to obtain the content (content included in the print job) to be printed by the print job corresponding to the job number received in S603.

[0045] In S605, the service server 106 transmits to the relay server 104 a URL for accessing the first area in which the content to be printed by the print job is stored.

[0046] In S606, the relay server 104 accesses the first area using the received URL and obtains the content to be printed by the print job from the first area. Note that the first area is an area within the service server 106, and the service server 106 transmits the content to the relay server 104, but this is not limiting. The content to be printed by the print job may be stored in an area within a server other than the service server 106, and a URL for accessing that server may be transmitted in S605.

[0047] In S607, the relay server 104 stores the acquired content in the second area, and then transmits a print execution instruction, including a URL for accessing the second area and print settings used to print the acquired content, to the MFP 102. Note that in S607, the relay server 104 may transmit the content directly to the MFP 102.

[0048] In S608, MFP 102, having received the URL, uses the URL to access the second area and obtains from the second area the content to be printed by the print job sent from client device 101. Note that the second area is an area within relay server 104, and relay server 104 sends the content to MFP 102, but this is not limiting. The content to be printed by the print job may be stored in an area within a server other than relay server 104, and a URL for accessing that server may be sent in S607.

[0049] In S609, the MFP 102 prints the content acquired in S608 using the print settings received in S607.

[0050] In S610, the MFP 102 transmits result information regarding the results of the printing performed in S609 to the relay server 104. The result information includes, for example, information regarding the total number of pages printed in the printing operation, the number of color pages among the total number of pages, the number of monochrome pages among the total number of pages, and the number of double-sided pages among the total number of pages. The result information also includes, for example, the job name of the print job corresponding to the printing operation and information regarding the time when the printing operation was performed. In this embodiment, one page refers to the print area corresponding to one side of a sheet of paper. Therefore, for example, when double-sided printing is performed, two pages are considered to have been printed on one sheet of paper. The result information is not limited to this format, and may include, for example, information regarding the amount of recording material consumed (used) in the printing operation and the number of sheets of paper. The result information may also include, for example, information indicating the size of the paper used in the printing operation and information regarding the number of pages for which layout printing was performed among the total number of pages.

[0051] In S611, the relay server 104 transmits the result information received in S610 to the service server 106. Upon receiving the result information, the service server 106 manages the received result information in association with the second account. That is, the service server 106 manages information related to printing instructed from the second account. This allows the user of the second account and an administrator who manages multiple accounts including the second account to view information related to printing instructed from the second account.

[0052] <About the sequence in pull printing> Next, the process of causing the MFP 102 to perform pull printing will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 7. The process of this sequence diagram starts when option 502 is selected.

[0053] First, in step S701, the client device 101 transmits a print job for pull printing to the service server 106.

[0054] Next, in S702, the service server 106 executes processing based on the print job for pull printing. Specifically, the service server 106 searches for and identifies the second account to which the client device 101 is logged in from among the accounts it manages, based on information about the second account included in the received print job. The service server 106 then stores and manages the received print job, linking it to the identified second account. Note that by repeating S701 and S702, multiple print jobs may be linked to the second account and stored and managed. The service server 106 then waits for access from the relay server 104, the MFP 108, etc.

[0055] Next, in step S703, the MFP 102 accepts a selection operation from the user in the area 403 for selecting the second print service, and notifies the relay server 104 that the second print service has been selected.

[0056] Here, since the second registration process has been completed, in S704 the relay server 104 accesses the service server 106 by using the access token corresponding to the second account. The relay server 104 then acquires list information regarding a list of print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account. The list information includes the job names of one or more print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account, and information on the date and time when the one or more print jobs were received by the service server 106. The list information also includes information on each print setting included in the one or more print jobs.

[0057] Next, in S705, the relay server 104 generates information (list display information) for displaying a list screen 800 such as that shown in FIG. 8 based on the acquired list information, and transmits the information to the MFP .

[0058] Next, in S706, the MFP 102 displays a list screen 800 based on the information received in S705. The list screen 800 includes, for example, an area 801 that displays the job names of one or more print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account, and an area 802 that displays the date and time that the one or more print jobs were received by the service server 106. In the example of FIG. 8, information related to print jobs 803 to 805 is displayed as one or more print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account. Note that the information displayed on the list screen 800 is not limited to the information described above, and other information related to one or more print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account may also be displayed. Specifically, for example, information such as the number of pages of content to be printed by one or more print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account, or print settings included in one or more print jobs that are managed and stored in association with the second account may also be displayed. The delete button 806 is a button for deleting a job selected by the user from one or more print jobs that are managed and saved in association with the second account. When the delete button 806 is operated, an instruction is issued to the service server 106 via the relay server 104 to delete the selected print job. As a result, the print job instructed to be deleted is deleted from the print jobs managed by the service server 106.

[0059] In this embodiment, when one of the print jobs displayed on list screen 800 is selected, MFP 102 notifies relay server 104 of the selected print job. Then, relay server 104 transmits information (settings display information) to MFP 102 for displaying settings display screen 900, which displays the print settings included in the selected print job, as shown in FIG. 9 . Then, MFP 102 displays settings display screen 900 based on the received information. In this embodiment, settings display screen 900 displays paper size 901, layout 902, duplex setting 903, and color mode 904 as areas showing the contents of each item. Paper size 901 indicates the content of the item for setting the size of print paper. Layout 902 indicates the content of the item for setting the layout. Duplex setting 903 indicates the content of the item for setting whether to perform duplex printing or single-sided printing. Color mode 904 indicates the content of the item for setting whether to perform color printing or monochrome printing. However, this is not limited to this, and there may be areas showing the content of other items included in the print settings. In this embodiment, MFP 102 can change the content set for each item by accepting an operation for each item from the user. It is assumed that the content selectable by the user for the change corresponds to the model information of MFP 102 and does not cause a first conflict, which will be described later. Specifically, when MFP 102 accepts an operation for each item from the user, it transmits a print setting change request to relay server 104. This changes the print settings managed by relay server 104, and information for displaying setting display screen 900 showing the changed print settings is transmitted to MFP 102. Setting display screen 900 based on this information is displayed on MFP 102. Print button 905 is a button for executing printing on MFP 102 based on the print job selected on list screen 800 using the print settings displayed on setting display screen 900.

[0060] Note that the list screen 800 may be further displayed by the second print service app when the client device 101 receives information for displaying the list screen 800 from the service server 106. The client device 101 may instruct the service server 106 via the second print service app to delete each print job or change print settings. The list screen 800 displayed on the MFP 102 may have simpler content than that shown in Fig. 8. For example, the area 802 may not be displayed on the list screen 800 displayed on the MFP 102. For example, the delete button 806 may not be displayed on the list screen 800 displayed on the MFP 102, and an instruction to delete a print job may not be executable from the MFP 102.

[0061] In S707, the MFP 102 accepts a press of the print button 905 from the user. Then, the MFP 102 transmits a content acquisition request to the relay server 104. Note that the request includes information regarding which print job was selected on the list screen 800 and information indicating the contents of the print settings displayed on the setting display screen 900.

[0062] Next, in S708, the relay server 104 uses the access token corresponding to the second account to send a request to the service server 106 to obtain the content to be printed by the print job selected on the list screen 800 (the content included in the print job).

[0063] In S709, the service server 106 transmits to the relay server 104 a URL for accessing the first area in which the content to be printed by the print job is stored.

[0064] In S710, the relay server 104 accesses the first area using the received URL and acquires the content to be printed by the print job from the first area.

[0065] In S711, the relay server 104 stores the acquired content in the second area, and then transmits a print execution instruction, including a URL for accessing the second area and print settings used to print the acquired content, to the MFP 102. Note that in S711, the relay server 104 may transmit the content directly to the MFP 102.

[0066] In step S712, the MFP 102 receives the URL and accesses the second area using the URL, and acquires the content to be printed by the print job selected on the list screen 800 from the second area.

[0067] In S713, the MFP 102 prints the content acquired in S712 using the print settings received in S711.

[0068] In step S714, the MFP 102 transmits to the relay server 104 result information relating to the result of the printing executed in step S713.

[0069] In S715, the relay server 104 transmits the result information received in S714 to the service server 106. Upon receiving the result information, the service server 106 manages the received result information in association with the second account. In other words, the service server 106 manages information related to printing instructed from the second account.

[0070] As described above, in push printing, printing is performed by the MFP 102 based on print settings input by the user through an operation on the client device 101. However, for example, there are cases where the print settings input by the user through an operation on the client device 101 do not correspond to the capabilities of the MFP 102, and the MFP 102 cannot execute printing based on the print settings input by the user through an operation on the client device 101. This is because, in this embodiment, the application that receives the print settings from the user and the driver for the second print service do not acquire the capability information of the printer that is to execute printing. Ultimately, this is because no control processing is executed to perform the print settings based on the capability information.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the MFP 102 cannot print based on a print job transmitted from the client device 101 via the second print service, the relay server 104 executes processing to enable the MFP 102 to print based on the print job. The relay server 104 operates as a control device of the present invention. Note that after a print job for push printing is transmitted from the client device 101, push printing is executed in the MFP 102 without any user operation being performed on the client device 101 or the MFP 102. Therefore, after a print job for push printing is transmitted from the client device 101, there is no timing at which the user can change the print settings for printing based on the print job. Therefore, specifically, in this embodiment, if push printing is selected in the app for the second print service as printing based on a print job transmitted from the client device 101 via the second print service and the model information of the MFP 102 does not support the print settings for the printing, the relay server 104 changes the print settings to support the model information of the MFP 102.

[0072] On the other hand, pull printing is performed on the MFP 102 by a user operation performed on the MFP 102 after a print job for pull printing is sent from the client device 101. Therefore, printing is not performed immediately after a print job for pull printing is sent from the client device 101, and there is a timing when the user can change the print settings for printing based on the print job. Also, push printing can be performed only by MFPs 102 linked to the first account or the second account, but pull printing can be performed by any printer linked to the second account. Therefore, if the relay server 104 automatically changes the print settings for pull printing managed by the service server 106 based on the model information of the MFP 102, pull printing may be performed on another printer despite the change being made. Therefore, when pull printing is selected in the app for the second print service as printing based on a print job transmitted from client device 101 by the second print service, and when the model information of MFP 102 does not correspond to the print settings for that print, relay server 104 controls so that a screen indicating that the model information of MFP 102 does not correspond to the print settings for that print is displayed on MFP 102. Then, after that screen is displayed on MFP 102, if an operation is performed on MFP 102 to change the print settings, relay server 104 changes the print settings.

[0073] <About relay server processing in push printing> Here, the process executed by the relay server 104 in the process of causing the MFP 102 to execute push printing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0074] In S1001, the relay server 104 receives notification from the service server 106 that a print job has been received. Specifically, the relay server 104 receives the job number assigned to the print job for executing push printing that was received by the service server 106. At this time, the relay server 104 also acquires from the service server 106 the print settings (hereinafter, print settings for push printing) that were input by the user on the client device 101 and included in the print job for push printing that was received by the service server 106. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S603.

[0075] In S1002, the relay server 104 uses the access token corresponding to the second account to send to the service server 106 a request to acquire the content to be printed by the print job corresponding to the job number received in S1001 (the content included in the print job). This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S604.

[0076] In S1003, the relay server 104 receives a URL for accessing the first area in which the content to be printed by the print job is stored from the service server 106. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S605.

[0077] In S1004, the relay server 104 accesses the first area using the received URL and obtains the content to be printed by the print job from the first area. The relay server 104 then stores the obtained content in the second area. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S606.

[0078] In S1005, relay server 104 determines whether a first conflict has occurred in the print settings for push printing acquired in S1004, based on the model information of MFP 102. A first conflict occurs when the content of at least one item included in the print settings does not correspond to the model information of MFP 102. In other words, a first conflict occurs when the content of at least one item included in the print settings does not satisfy the condition that the content corresponds to the model information of MFP 102. Specifically, for example, if an item for setting double-sided printing or single-sided printing, included in the print settings for push printing, indicates double-sided printing, and the model information of MFP 102 does not support double-sided printing (the MFP 102 is a model that cannot perform double-sided printing), it is determined that a first conflict has occurred. Note that some models can perform double-sided printing. Therefore, even if the content of the print settings is the same, a first conflict may or may not occur depending on the model information of MFP 102. In other words, whether or not a first conflict has occurred is determined based not only on the contents of the print settings for push printing but also on the model information of the MFP 102. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S1006, and if it is NO, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0079] In S1006, relay server 104 changes the content of the print settings for push printing based on the model information of MFP 102 so as to resolve the first conflict. Note that the content changed here is the content of the print settings held by relay server 104. That is, relay server 104 changes the content of each of the multiple items included in the print settings for push printing that does not correspond to the model information of MFP 102 to content that corresponds to the model information of MFP 102. Specifically, for example, if the content of the item for setting double-sided printing or single-sided printing included in the print settings for push printing indicates double-sided printing and the model information of MFP 102 does not support double-sided printing, relay server 104 changes the content of the item for setting double-sided printing or single-sided printing to content that indicates single-sided printing. Also specifically, for example, if the content of the item for setting color printing or monochrome printing included in the print settings for push printing indicates color printing and the model information of MFP 102 does not support color printing, relay server 104 changes the content of the item for setting color printing or monochrome printing to content that indicates monochrome printing. If there are multiple items of content for which a first conflict has occurred, relay server 104 changes all of the items in this process. Relay server 104 determines how to change the content using a table based on the model information of MFP 102. The table defines which content to change to when the content of an item included in the print settings for push printing is different. The content of the table differs depending on the model information that the table corresponds to. Relay server 104 then proceeds to S1007.

[0080] In S1007, relay server 104 determines whether a second conflict has occurred in the print settings for push printing based on the model information of MFP 102. Note that if the process of S1006 has been executed, the determination is made on the changed print settings for push printing. A second conflict occurs when the combination of the content of at least one item included in the print settings and the content of at least one other item included in the print settings does not correspond to the model information of MFP 102. In other words, a second conflict occurs when the content of at least one item included in the print settings does not satisfy the condition that the content is included in a combination that corresponds to the model information of MFP 102. Specifically, for example, if an item included in the print settings for push printing for setting whether to print double-sided or single-sided indicates double-sided printing, and an item for setting the print paper size indicates B5, and the model information of MFP 102 does not correspond to the combination of the content of these two items (i.e., MFP 102 is a model that cannot perform double-sided printing using B5-sized paper), it is determined that a second conflict has occurred. Note that some models of MFP 102 are capable of performing double-sided printing using B5-sized paper. Therefore, even if the print settings are the same, a second conflict may or may not occur depending on the model information of MFP 102. In other words, whether a second conflict has occurred is determined based not only on the contents of the print settings for push printing but also on the model information of MFP 102. Note that there may be a combination that causes a second conflict regardless of the model of MFP 102. For example, if the item for setting color or monochrome printing included in the print settings for push printing indicates color printing and the item for setting the type of print paper indicates glossy paper, it may be determined that a second conflict has occurred regardless of the model of MFP 102. If this determination is YES, proceed to S1008; if this determination is NO, proceed to S1009.

[0081] In S1008, relay server 104 changes the contents of the print settings for push printing so as to resolve the second conflict. The contents changed here are the contents of the print settings held by relay server 104. That is, relay server 104 changes at least one of the contents included in the incompatible combination of MFP 102 model information to contents that correspond to the MFP 102 model information. In this embodiment, one of the contents included in the incompatible combination of MFP 102 model information is changed, and the other is not changed. Which of the contents to change is determined based on priority table 1100 as shown in FIG. 11. Priority of each item is defined in priority table 1100. Among the contents included in the incompatible combination of MFP 102 model information, the content of the item with the lower priority defined in priority table 1100 is changed first. The content to which the content of the lower priority item is changed is defined in another table based on the MFP 102 model information, and is determined based on that table. Specifically, for example, if the item for setting double-sided or single-sided printing included in the print settings for push printing indicates double-sided printing, the item for setting the print paper size indicates B5, and the model information of MFP 102 does not support this combination of the contents of these two items, the item for setting double-sided or single-sided printing is changed to one indicating single-sided printing. Relay server 104 determines how to change the contents using a table based on the model information of MFP 102. The table defines what content to change when the contents of the item to be changed included in the print settings for push printing are different. The contents of the table differ depending on the model information supported by the table. Relay server 104 then proceeds to S1009.

[0082] For example, the content changed by the change process in S1006 is controlled to be content that is not included in a combination that causes a second conflict. Specifically, the content that is not included in a combination that causes a second conflict is, for example, content that does not cause a second conflict regardless of the content of the other items. Furthermore, the content changed by the change process in S1008 is controlled to be content that does not cause a first conflict. The content that does not cause a first conflict is content that corresponds to the model information of MFP 102.

[0083] In S1009, the relay server 104 transmits a print execution instruction to the MFP 102, including a URL for accessing the second area and print settings used to print the content. If the print settings have been changed in S1006 or S1008, the print settings transmitted here are the changed print settings. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S607.

[0084] In S1009, the relay server 104 accepts access from the MFP 102 and transmits the content to be printed. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S608.

[0085] In S1010, the relay server 104 receives the result information from the MFP 102 and transmits the received result information to the service server 106. This process corresponds to the processes executed by the relay server 104 in S610 and S611. Thereafter, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0086] By adopting this configuration, even if push printing is instructed via the second printing service and the print settings input by the user on the client device 101 do not correspond to the model information of the MFP 102, it is possible to have the MFP 102 execute the push printing.

[0087] <About relay server processing in pull printing> The process executed by the relay server 104 to cause the MFP 102 to execute pull printing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0088] In S1201, the relay server 104 receives a notification that the second print service has been selected from the MFP 102. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S703.

[0089] In S1202, the relay server 104 accesses the service server 106 by using the access token corresponding to the second account. The relay server 104 then obtains list information regarding the list of print jobs that are managed and saved in association with the second account. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S704.

[0090] In step S1203, the relay server 104 generates information for displaying the list screen 800 based on the acquired list information, and transmits the information to the MFP .

[0091] In S1204, relay server 104 receives notification from MFP 102 as to which print job was selected on list screen 800. Relay server 104 then identifies the print settings (print settings for pull printing) included in the selected print job.

[0092] In S1205, the relay server 104 determines whether a first conflict has occurred in the print settings for pull printing identified in S1204 based on the model information of the MFP 102. This determination is performed in the same manner as S1005, except that the determination target is the print settings for pull printing. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to S1206, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S1207.

[0093] In S1206, the relay server 104 changes the contents of the print settings for pull printing so as to resolve the first conflict. Note that the contents changed here are the contents of the print settings held by the relay server 104, and the contents of the print settings held by the service server 106 are not changed. This process is performed in the same manner as S1005, except that the print settings to be changed are the print settings for pull printing. The relay server 104 then proceeds to S1207. Note that in this embodiment, the first conflict is also resolved for the print settings for pull printing because the contents in which the first conflict occurs cannot be displayed on the settings display screen.

[0094] In S1207, the relay server 104 determines whether a second conflict has occurred in the print settings for pull printing identified in S1204, based on the model information of the MFP 102. Note that if the processing of S1205 or S1212 has been executed, the determination is made on the print settings for pull printing after the change. This determination is made in the same manner as S1007, except that the print settings to be determined are for pull printing. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to S1208; if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0095] In S1208, relay server 104 generates information for displaying a settings display screen on which notification processing has been performed to notify the user that the current print settings for pull printing are incompatible with the model information of MFP 102 and that MFP 102 cannot execute printing using the current print settings for pull printing. Specifically, relay server 104 executes, as the notification processing, processing such that the contents of each item included in the print settings for pull printing, which are included in a combination causing a second conflict, are displayed more strongly than the contents of items not included in the combination causing the second conflict. Specifically, relay server 104 generates information for displaying settings display screen 1300 as shown in FIG. 13 . Settings display screen 1300 is a screen displayed when the item for setting whether to print double-sided or single-sided indicates double-sided printing, the item for setting the print paper size indicates B5, and the combination of the contents of these two items causes a second conflict. Therefore, a predetermined mark (icon) is added to the areas of paper size 1301, which indicates the content of the item for setting the size of print paper, and duplex setting 1303, which indicates the content of the item for setting double-sided or single-sided printing, to highlight them. Note that the highlighting method is not limited to this method. For example, a method may be used in which the color of the area corresponding to the item causing the second conflict is made more noticeable than the color of the area corresponding to the item not causing the second conflict. Another example may be a method in which the area corresponding to the item causing the second conflict is surrounded by a frame. Furthermore, the notification process may be a process of displaying a message notifying the user that the current print settings for pull printing do not correspond to the model information of the MFP 102 or that the MFP 102 cannot print using the current print settings for pull printing. Furthermore, when a second conflict occurs, the MFP 102 cannot print using the current print settings for pull printing, and therefore the print button 1305 for printing using the current print settings for pull printing on the MFP 102 is controlled to be inoperable. Thereafter, the relay server 104 proceeds to S1210.

[0096] In S1209, the relay server 104 generates information for displaying a setting display screen that has not been subjected to notification processing. The setting display screen that has not been subjected to notification processing is, for example, the setting display screen 900. Thereafter, the relay server 104 proceeds to S1210.

[0097] In S1210, the relay server 104 transmits the information generated in S1208 or S1209 to the MFP 102. As a result, the setting display screen 900 or the setting display screen 1300 is displayed on the MFP 102.

[0098] In S1211, the relay server 104 receives a request from the MFP 102 and determines whether the request is a print setting change request. If the request is not a print setting change request, the request is a content acquisition request. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to S1212; if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S1213.

[0099] In S1212, the relay server 104 changes the print settings for pull printing based on the received print setting change request. Note that the changes made here are to the print settings held by the relay server 104, and the print settings held by the service server 106 are not changed. Thereafter, the relay server 104 returns to S1208.

[0100] In S1213, the relay server 104 transmits to the service server 106 an acquisition request for the content to be printed by the print job selected on the list screen 800. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S708.

[0101] In S1214, the relay server 104 receives the URL for accessing the first area from the service server 106. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S709.

[0102] In S1215, the relay server 104 accesses the first area using the received URL, acquires the content to be printed by the print job from the first area, and stores the acquired content in the second area.

[0103] In S1216, the relay server 104 transmits, as a print execution instruction, a URL for accessing the second area and print settings to be used for printing the acquired content to the MFP 102. S1215 and S1216 correspond to the processes executed by the relay server 104 in S710 and S711.

[0104] In S1217, the relay server 104 receives the result information from the MFP 102 and transmits the received result information to the service server 106. This process corresponds to the process executed by the relay server 104 in S714 and S715. Thereafter, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0105] By adopting this configuration, even if pull printing is instructed via the second printing service and the print settings entered by the user on the client device 101 do not correspond to the model information of the MFP 102, it is possible to have the MFP 102 perform the pull printing.

[0106] (Other embodiments) In the above description, the model information of the MFP 102 is used in determining whether the first conflict or the second conflict has occurred, but the present invention is not limited to this, and information other than the model information of the MFP 102 may be used instead of the model information of the MFP 102. For example, the above determination may use capability information of the MFP 102. That is, it may be determined whether the content of the print settings corresponds to the capability information of the MFP 102, rather than whether the content of the print settings corresponds to the model information of the MFP 102.

[0107] In the above description, if a first conflict occurs in the print settings for pull printing, the print settings for pull printing are automatically changed to resolve the first conflict before the list display information or the setting display information is sent to the MFP 102. However, this is not limiting, and even if a first conflict occurs in the print settings for pull printing, the list display information or the setting display information may be sent to the MFP 102 without automatically changing the print settings for pull printing to resolve the first conflict.

[0108] In the above description, when a second conflict occurs in the print settings for pull printing, the relay server 104 does not automatically change the print settings for pull printing based on the model information of the MFP 102. However, the print settings for pull printing may be automatically changed in the same way as when a second conflict occurs in the print settings for push printing.

[0109] Also, for example, the second print service application may be configured to be able to send only one of print jobs for pull printing and print jobs for push printing, in which case the relay server 104 and the service server 106 may be configured to execute only one of the processing when a print job for pull printing is sent from the second print service application and the processing when a print job for pull printing is sent from the second print service application.

[0110] In the above description, the process of determining whether a first conflict or a second conflict has occurred (S1005, S1007, S1205, and S1207) and the process of resolving the first conflict or the second conflict (S1006, S1008, S1206, and S1208) have been described as being executed by relay server 104. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control device of the present invention may be a device other than relay server 104. For example, the control device of the present invention may be MFP 102. In this case, MFP 102 receives unaltered print settings for push printing from relay server 104, determines whether a first conflict or a second conflict has occurred in the received print settings, and executes processes to resolve the first conflict or the second conflict. Then, printing is executed based on the print settings for push printing that MFP 102 has changed so that the first conflict or the second conflict is resolved. Furthermore, the MFP 102 receives unaltered print settings for pull printing from the relay server 104 and determines whether a first conflict or a second conflict has occurred in the received print settings. The MFP 102 then automatically changes the print settings based on its own model information to resolve the first conflict, performs a setting notification process on the settings display screen, and displays the results. Furthermore, when push printing is selected by the user in the second print service app, the client device 101 may operate as the control device of the present invention. That is, when push printing is selected by the user in the second print service app, the client device 101 may determine whether a first conflict or a second conflict has occurred and execute a process to resolve the first conflict or the second conflict. Even in this configuration, when pull printing is selected by the user in the second print service app, it is preferable that the relay server 104 or the MFP 102 operate as the control device of the present invention.

[0111] In the above description, a configuration has been described in which both the process for determining whether a first conflict has occurred and the process for determining whether a second conflict has occurred, or both the process for resolving the first conflict and the process for resolving the second conflict, are executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration in which only one of the process for determining whether a first conflict has occurred and the process for determining whether a second conflict has occurred may be executed. Similarly, a configuration in which only one of the process for resolving the first conflict and the process for resolving the second conflict may be executed may be executed. In this case, there may be a case in which the MFP 102 attempts printing while one of the conflicts remains, but if one of the conflicts remains, an error occurs and the MFP 102 does not execute printing.

[0112] The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processes by software; some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processes by a single CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 101 Client device 102 MFP 104 Relay Server 106 Service Server

Claims

1. A predetermined server, a change unit that executes a change process for changing the content of the print settings input in a terminal device external to the predetermined server; a transmission means for transmitting setting display information for displaying the contents of print settings for pull printing to a printing device external to the predetermined server; When a print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device, a push printing process for causing the printing device to execute the push printing based on the print job for push printing and the contents of the print settings for push printing is executed without being based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device; an execution unit that, when a print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device, executes a pull printing process for causing the printing device to execute the pull printing based on the print job for pull printing and the contents of the print settings for pull printing, based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device; if at least one of the contents included in the print settings for push printing input in the terminal device does not satisfy a predetermined condition based on the printing device, a change process is executed to change the content included in the print settings for push printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition, and then the push printing process is executed; If at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input at the terminal device does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the setting display information is sent to the printing device without executing the change process for changing the content included in the print settings for pull printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition. A server characterized by:

2. The case where the predetermined condition is not satisfied is a case where a combination of the content of at least one item included in the print settings and the content of at least one other item included in the print settings does not correspond to the model information of the printing device or the capability information of the printing device, the change process for changing the content included in the print settings that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that the content satisfies the predetermined condition is a process for changing at least one of the content included in the combination to another content. The server according to claim 1 .

3. if at least one content included in the print settings for push printing input in the terminal device does not satisfy a specific condition that is based on the printing device and that is different from the predetermined condition, a change process is executed to change the content included in the print settings for push printing that does not satisfy the specific condition so that it satisfies the specific condition, and then the push printing process is executed; if at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input on the terminal device does not satisfy the specific condition, the change process is executed to change the contents included in the print settings for pull printing that do not satisfy the specific condition so that they satisfy the specific condition, and then the setting display information is sent to the printing device.

3. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The case where the specific condition is not satisfied is a case where at least one of the contents included in the print settings does not correspond to the model information of the printing device or the capability information of the printing device, the change process for changing the content that does not satisfy the specific condition included in the print settings to satisfy the specific condition is a process for changing the content that does not satisfy the specific condition to another content.

4. The server according to claim 3.

5. The server described in claim 2 is characterized in that the other content after being changed by the change process for changing the content included in the print settings that does not satisfy the specific conditions so that it satisfies the specific conditions is controlled so that it becomes content that is not included in the combination that does not correspond to the model information of the printing device or the capability information of the printing device.

6. The case where the predetermined condition is not satisfied means that at least one of the contents included in the print settings does not correspond to the model information of the printing device or the capability information of the printing device, the change process for changing the content that does not satisfy the predetermined condition included in the print settings to satisfy the predetermined condition is a process for changing the content that does not satisfy the predetermined condition to another content.

3. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

7. If at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input on the terminal device does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the setting display information is sent to the printing device so that the contents included in the print settings for pull printing that do not satisfy the predetermined condition are displayed in a more emphasized manner than the contents included in the print settings for pull printing that satisfy the predetermined condition.

7. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a server that performs the operations of the server.

8. If at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input on the terminal device does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the setting display information is sent to the printing device so that an area corresponding to the content included in the print settings for pull printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition is displayed with a predetermined mark. The server according to claim 7 .

9. The change process is executed based on information transmitted from the printing device based on an operation on a screen displayed on the printing device according to the setting display information.

9. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a server that stores data.

10. a second transmitting unit configured to transmit list display information for displaying a list of print jobs for the pull printing to the printing device based on information transmitted from the printing device based on an operation for the pull printing to the printing device; 10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a server that performs the operations of the server.

11. the setting display information is transmitted to the printing device based on information transmitted from the printing device based on an operation on the printing device after the list is displayed on the printing device based on the list display information; The server according to claim 10 .

12. the print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device to a specific server external to the predetermined server; information regarding a list of print jobs for the pull printing is acquired from the specific server; the list display information is generated based on information about a list of print jobs for pull printing.

12. The server according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The contents of the print settings input in the terminal device are transmitted from the terminal device to the specific server, The predetermined server acquires the contents of the print settings input in the terminal device from the specific server. The server of claim 12 .

14. The printing device is a device that performs printing function by an inkjet method.

14. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a server that is connected to the network.

15. When the push printing or the pull printing is performed in the printing device, information about a result of the push printing or the pull printing is obtained from the printing device.

15. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is a server that is connected to the network.

16. 16. The server according to claim 1, comprising one or more information processing devices.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the server according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for controlling a predetermined server, comprising: a change step of executing a change process for changing the content of the input print settings in a terminal device external to the predetermined server; a sending step of sending setting display information for displaying print setting details for pull printing to a printing device external to the predetermined server; When a print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device, a push printing process for causing the printing device to execute the push printing based on the print job for push printing and the contents of the print settings for push printing is executed without being based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device; an execution step of, when a print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device, executing a pull printing process for causing the printing device to execute the pull printing based on the print job for pull printing and the contents of the print settings for pull printing, based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device; if at least one of the contents included in the print settings for push printing input in the terminal device does not satisfy a predetermined condition based on the printing device, a change process is executed to change the content included in the print settings for push printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition, and then the push printing process is executed; If at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input at the terminal device does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the setting display information is sent to the printing device without executing the change process for changing the content included in the print settings for pull printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition. A control method comprising:

19. A system including a predetermined server and a printing device external to the predetermined server, a change unit that executes a change process for changing the content of the print settings input in a terminal device external to the predetermined server; a transmission means for transmitting setting display information for displaying print setting details for pull printing to the printing device; When a print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device, a push printing process for causing the printing device to execute the push printing based on the print job for push printing and the contents of the print settings for push printing is executed without being based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for push printing is transmitted from the terminal device; an execution means for executing, when a print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device, a pull printing process for causing the printing device to execute the pull printing based on the print job for pull printing and the contents of the print settings for pull printing, based on a user operation on the printing device after the print job for pull printing is transmitted from the terminal device; a printing unit that executes the push printing when the push printing process is executed, and executes the pull printing when the pull printing process is executed; and if at least one of the contents included in the print settings for push printing input in the terminal device does not satisfy a predetermined condition based on the printing device, a change process is executed to change the content included in the print settings for push printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition, and then the push printing process is executed; If at least one of the contents included in the print settings for pull printing input at the terminal device does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the setting display information is sent to the printing device without executing the change process for changing the content included in the print settings for pull printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition so that it satisfies the predetermined condition. A system characterized by:

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