Image forming system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system, an information processing method, and an information processing program for executing unique settings for each output destination.SOLUTION: An image forming system 100 comprises: an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on an instruction from a user terminal; an information processing apparatus for acquiring a driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus based on identification information of the image forming apparatus and generating an installation package by combining the identification information, conditions, and the driver; and the user terminal for acquiring the installation package based on the instruction from a user, installing the driver using the installation package, and instructing the image forming apparatus to form the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is a known technique for installing a driver when installing an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as an "MFP") or a laser printer (hereinafter referred to as an "LP").

[0003] Specifically, the information processing device first receives a processing request from a user via an application and selects a peripheral device to which the processing request is to be output. Next, the information processing device performs a process to set a driver corresponding to the peripheral device. In this way, a technique for accurately installing a driver for a peripheral device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional technology does not take into account a method for selecting an output destination after executing a print command, etc. Therefore, the conventional technology has a problem that it is not possible to execute commands other than general-purpose print commands, etc., because the output destination is uncertain when a print command is issued.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable unique settings to be made for each output destination in an image forming system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is An image forming system having a user terminal used by a user, an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on an instruction from the user terminal, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, The information processing device includes: a setting unit for setting conditions for the image forming apparatus to perform image formation; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the image forming apparatus when a start operation is performed by a user who has been authenticated by the image forming apparatus; a driver acquisition unit that acquires a driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information; a generation unit that generates an installation package by combining the identification information, the conditions, and the driver; a notification unit that notifies the installation package or acquisition information for acquiring the installation package; Equipped with the image forming apparatus, an authentication unit that authenticates the user; a start operation unit that accepts the start operation; an image forming unit that forms an image based on an instruction from the user terminal; Equipped with The user terminal an installation package acquisition unit that acquires the installation package based on the notification; an instruction unit that installs the driver using the installation package and instructs the image forming apparatus to form an image; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in an image forming system, it is possible to execute unique settings for each output destination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of overall processing. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for generating identification information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Specific examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the embodiments are not limited to the specific examples described below.

[0010] [Example of an image forming system] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100. For example, the image forming system 100 includes a catalog server 101, a platform server 102, an MFP 103, a management server 104, and a terminal 105.

[0011] In the following, in the image forming system 100, the information processing apparatus is an example of the platform server 102, the image forming apparatus is an example of the MFP 103, and the terminal 105 is an example of a user terminal.

[0012] The catalog server 101, the platform server 102, the management server 104, and the terminal 105 are devices having the following hardware configuration, for example.

[0013] [Example of information processing device] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing device, etc. The following description will be given on an example where the catalog server 101, platform server 102, management server 104, and terminal 105 are devices with the same hardware configuration.

[0014] The information processing device and the user terminal are computers, and may include, for example, a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU 501"), a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM 502"), a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM 503"), a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as "HD 504"), a hard disk drive controller (hereinafter referred to as "HDD controller 505"), a display 506, an external device connection interface (hereinafter referred to as "external device connection I / F 508"), a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a digital versatile disk rewritable drive (hereinafter referred to as "DVD-RW drive 514"), and a media I / F 516.

[0015] The CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the information processing device.

[0016] The ROM 502 stores a program used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL.

[0017] The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501 .

[0018] The HD 504 stores various data such as programs.

[0019] The HDD controller 505 controls reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501 .

[0020] The display 506 displays various types of information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, text, or an image.

[0021] The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer.

[0022] The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network.

[0023] The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 501.

[0024] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like.

[0025] The pointing device 512 is a type of input device that is used to select and execute various instructions, select a processing target, move a cursor, and so on.

[0026] The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from and to a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the recording medium is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R or the like.

[0027] A media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0028] The information processing device may include devices other than those shown inside or outside the device.

[0029] [Example of image forming device] 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus, for example, an MFP 103, which has the following hardware configuration.

[0030] The MFP 103 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a “CPU 301 ”), a storage device 302 , a network interface 303 , an input device 304 , an output device 305 , and an image forming device 306 .

[0031] The CPU 301 is an example of a calculation device and a control device.

[0032] The storage device 302 is a main storage device such as a memory, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk, or a combination of these.

[0033] The network interface 303 is a communication device or the like that transmits and receives data to and from external devices.

[0034] The input device 304 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or a combination of these, etc. In other words, the input device 304 is a device through which operations by the user 200 or the like are input.

[0035] The output device 305 is, for example, a display, etc. In other words, the output device 305 is a device that displays a screen, etc. to the user 200, etc.

[0036] The image forming device 306 is, for example, a photosensitive member and a conveying device that conveys a recording medium such as paper, etc. The hardware of the image forming device 306 is determined depending on the image formation method.

[0037] The image forming apparatus may further include internal or external hardware resources other than those shown in the drawings.

[0038] [Example of overall processing] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the overall processing. The following description will be given taking as an example a situation in which MFP 103 is installed and used as the output destination. Also, the notification destination is assumed to be terminal 105. However, the overall processing may be executed in a situation other than installation.

[0039] In step S0401, the platform server 102 sets conditions under which the MFP 103 performs image formation.

[0040] For example, the conditions are input by an administrator of the image forming system 100. The conditions are, for example, restrictions on the use of the MFP 103. Specifically, the conditions indicate a setting for forming images in black and white only, a print setting such as aggregation, or users who can use the MFP 103. Note that the conditions may be other items that are set when using the MFP 103.

[0041] In step S0402, MFP 103 authenticates user 200. For example, user 200 performs an operation to log in to MFP 103. Specifically, an identification (ID), a password, and the like are set for user 200 in advance. Then, user 200 performs an operation to input the ID and password to MFP 103. Next, MFP 103 verifies whether the input ID and password exactly match the values ​​set in advance. If the result of the verification indicates an exact match, MFP 103 authenticates that the user is user 200.

[0042] The authentication may be performed by a method other than the ID and password.

[0043] Furthermore, it is desirable that authentication be performed by MFP 103. In other words, it is desirable that authentication be performed by accepting an operation on MFP 103 and executing processing. In this way, even if someone attempts to "impersonate" user 200, MFP 103 will not authenticate a user who is not in a position in contact with MFP 103. For example, it is possible to prevent erroneous authentication of a person who operates from a different position via a network in order to "impersonate" another person.

[0044] In step S0403, MFP 103 accepts an operation from user 200 to start using MFP 103 (hereinafter referred to as a "start operation"). For example, MFP 103 displays a "start use" button or the like to user 200. When user 200 presses the "start use" button, MFP 103 determines that a start operation has been performed. Note that the start operation may be performed by a method other than pressing a button.

[0045] In step S0404, the platform server 102 acquires the identification information. Specifically, when a start operation is performed, the platform server 102 acquires the identification information transmitted by the MFP 103.

[0046] The identification information is information that can distinguish and identify the MFP 103 from other image forming devices. For example, the identification information is a Plug and Play (PnP) name, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, account information of the user 200, a device specific name, a device identification name, a model identification name, or a combination of these.

[0047] The identification information may be any information that can identify MFP 103 and user 200. For example, account information of user 200 may be an email address or the like. The identification information may also be a combination of multiple pieces of information or a single identification number or the like. However, for security reasons, it is preferable that the identification information be a combination of multiple pieces of information.

[0048] A combination of multiple pieces of information makes it possible to distinguish between cases where some of the information coincides by chance.

[0049] In step S0405, it is preferable that the platform server 102 judges the authority of the user 200 who performed the start operation. Specifically, the platform server 102 first determines the authority of the user 200 based on the identification information.

[0050] The authority of user 200 is set in advance by an administrator or the like. For example, the authority is set as whether or not changes such as software installation are permitted for MFP 103. Alternatively, the authority of user 200 may be set in advance as whether or not the user has administrator authority.

[0051] Next, the platform server 102 determines whether the user 200 who performed the start operation is authorized to use the MFP 103.

[0052] The following description will be given assuming that the authority of user 200 who performed the start operation is the authority to use MFP 103.

[0053] On the other hand, if the authority of user 200 who performed the start operation is not set to allow use of MFP 103, a notice that the user does not have the authority is sent to user 200. For example, a message such as "This device cannot be used" is sent to user 200. Then, image forming system 100 stops the subsequent processing.

[0054] Thus, the platform server 102 preferably checks the authorization of the user 200 .

[0055] In step S0406, the platform server 102 acquires the driver based on the identification information.

[0056] A driver is a program or the like for controlling a peripheral device such as an image forming apparatus using an Operating System (OS). A driver is stored in advance in the catalog server 101 for each device to be controlled. That is, an administrator or the like defines an optimum driver and an image forming apparatus in association with each other.

[0057] In addition, when several types of drivers are prepared for one model, the administrator defines the optimum driver. Therefore, the platform server 102 can search for the optimum driver if it knows the identification information.

[0058] Therefore, if the model of the image forming device to be controlled can be determined based on the identification information, a driver appropriate for the image forming device can be identified. That is, the platform server 102 refers to the identification information to identify and download a driver compatible with controlling the MFP 103. In this way, the platform server 102 obtains the optimal driver for the MFP 103.

[0059] In step S0407, the platform server 102 combines the identification information, the conditions, and the driver to generate an installation package.

[0060] The installation package is an execution file that installs a driver on the terminal 105. That is, the installation package is in the form of an execution file that includes the driver, an installer that installs the driver, a setting file, etc. The installation package may reflect conditions and perform initial settings of the MFP 103 on the terminal 105. For example, if conditions such as usage restrictions are set in advance, the installation package is generated so that usage restrictions are imposed when the driver is installed.

[0061] The installation package is also generated so as to reflect identification information such as an IP address. Specifically, when installing a driver based on the installation package, the image forming apparatus to be used for printing is specified. This specification is made, for example, by an IP address. Note that, when specifying by IP address as in this case, the IP address is notified from the image forming apparatus in step S0404. Note that the identification information may be a network identification name defined by DNS, etc. DNS also associates names with IP addresses.

[0062] After generating an installation package, the platform server 102 may store the generated installation package. Then, when the same conditions are met, the platform server 102 may use the stored installation package. In this way, an installation package does not need to be generated every time, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0063] In step S0408, the platform server 102 stores the installation package in the management server 104. After the storage is complete, the platform server 102 notifies the terminal 105 of acquisition information for acquiring the installation package.

[0064] The acquisition information is, for example, information in the format of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). That is, the acquisition information indicates the address where the installation package is uploaded. Note that the acquisition information may be in a format other than a URL.

[0065] In step S0409, the terminal 105 acquires the installation package based on the notification.

[0066] The notification does not have to use the acquired information. For example, the notification may be sent by sending the installation package directly from the platform server 102 to the terminal 105 without going through the management server 104. Alternatively, the installation package may be notified to the terminal 105 in another format or transmission method.

[0067] In step S0410, the terminal 105 uses the installation package to install the driver, etc. After the installation is complete, the terminal 105 is ready to issue an instruction to the MFP 103 to perform image formation, etc.

[0068] Furthermore, based on the installation package, the terminal 105 may perform various settings including driver settings. In particular, it is desirable to change the initial settings so that unique settings for the MFP 103 can be executed, rather than standard settings.

[0069] Thereafter, when the terminal 105 designates the MFP 103 as the output destination in the image forming system, the terminal 105 can execute unique settings for the MFP 103.

[0070] In step S0411, the terminal 105 issues an instruction to the MFP 103 to form an image based on an operation performed by the user 200.

[0071] In step S0412, the MFP 103 forms an image based on the instruction from the terminal 105.

[0072] [Comparative Example] For example, when installing an image forming device, if you do not specify the IP address of the image forming device, you may not be able to install the driver, etc. In particular, in a network environment using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), IP addresses tend to change dynamically, making management difficult.

[0073] In some cases, a user terminal may be introduced with the driver pre-installed. Even in this case, if the IP address of the image forming device to be installed is not determined, the image forming device may not be usable at the time of installation.

[0074] On the other hand, if an installation package is generated based on identification information, as in the overall process described above, drivers can be installed even if the IP address and other information is not yet determined at the time of installation.

[0075] Another method involves the administrator preparing drivers and packages in advance. In this case, the administrator must prepare a package for each combination of image forming device and user terminal. Furthermore, the administrator may need to perform the necessary work each time a driver is upgraded or a model is replaced.

[0076] On the other hand, if an installation package is generated based on identification information, conditions, etc., as in the overall process described above, the workload of the administrator can be reduced.

[0077] [Graphical User Interface (GUI) example] When a start operation is performed, it is desirable to notify the administrator. For example, the notification is sent by the following email to the information processing device operated by the administrator (hereinafter referred to as the "administrator terminal").

[0078] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the GUI. In Fig. 4, when a start operation is performed in step S0403, it is desirable that an email be sent from the MFP 103 to the administrator terminal. For example, the email displays a GUI including the following items:

[0079] The user name display 601 is text or the like that displays the affiliation, name, etc. of the user 200. The user name display 601 may also display an ID or the like.

[0080] The print parameter settings 602 are, for example, in the form of check boxes or buttons, and are used to set conditions for the user 200.

[0081] The approve button 603 or the reject button 604 is a button that accepts an instruction from the administrator to permit or reject use. Specifically, when the approve button 603 is pressed, the user 200 is permitted to use the MFP 103. Therefore, the entire process thereafter continues.

[0082] On the other hand, a reject button 604 and a text box 605 are used when rejecting user 200's use of MFP 103. For example, when reject button 604 is pressed, the content written in text box 605 is sent to user 200 by email or the like, and all subsequent processing is then canceled.

[0083] Furthermore, when generating an installation package, the conditions entered in the print parameter settings 602 and the like are reflected. In this way, the initial values ​​of the driver and restrictions on the user 200 can be set. By using such a GUI, the administrator can operate flexibly according to the usage situation.

[0084] The GUI is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure. That is, as long as the administrator can set the conditions, etc., the conditions, etc. may be set in another format. The administrator may also set the conditions at another timing. Furthermore, the administrator may not set the conditions for each user 200, but may set the conditions for multiple users collectively.

[0085] [Example of generating identification information] For example, the identification information is preferably generated as follows:

[0086] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a process for generating identification information. For example, the following generation process is executed when the image forming apparatus and the user terminal are connected to a network and the setup is completed. However, the following generation process may be executed at other times.

[0087] Specifically, when the image forming apparatus completes the setup, it displays an "Installation Package Automatic Distribution" button. When the "Installation Package Automatic Distribution" button is pressed, the following generation process begins.

[0088] In step S0601, the platform server 102 acquires the local IP address (also called the "private IP address") of the image forming apparatus.

[0089] In step S0602, the platform server 102 identifies the group to which the image forming apparatus belongs. Specifically, the group (island) of the router to which the image forming apparatus is connected is identified by the local IP address. Next, the information processing apparatuses belonging to the group are searched for.

[0090] In step S0603, the platform server 102 acquires identification information from other information processing devices in the group.

[0091] When the identification information is generated in this way, the platform server 102 can easily acquire the identification information, thereby reducing the work required of an administrator or the like to determine the identification information in advance.

[0092] [Example of conditions] When installing a driver based on an installation package, it is recommended that the following conditions be set: Distribution destination: a group, account, or information processing device that can use the image forming device Package settings: Initial values ​​(for example, for items such as "black and white / color" or "aggregate") and usage restrictions (for example, disabling color and disabling user changes). For example, the above conditions are determined by operating a GUI such as a check box or button to set each item. It is desirable that the installation package is generated reflecting the conditions determined in this way.

[0093] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned "distribution destination" is set, the platform server 102 generates an installation package and sends the installation package to the "distribution destination." Next, it is desirable that the information processing device specified as the "distribution destination" automatically performs installation upon receiving the installation package.

[0094] When the above conditions are set, the administrator may be able to operate the image forming apparatus only on the management screen depending on the installation location (for example, floor or department), thereby reducing the administrator's workload.

[0095] [Example of functional configuration] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration. For example, image forming system 100 includes a setting unit 701, an identification information acquisition unit 702, a driver acquisition unit 703, a generation unit 704, and a notification unit 705. Image forming system 100 also includes an authentication unit 711, a start operation unit 712, and an image forming unit 713. Image forming system 100 also includes an installation package acquisition unit 721 and an instruction unit 722.

[0096] The setting unit 701 performs a setting procedure for setting conditions. For example, the setting unit 701 is realized by the keyboard 511 or the like.

[0097] When a start operation is performed by a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus, an identification information acquisition unit 702 performs an identification information acquisition procedure to acquire identification information of the image forming apparatus. For example, the identification information acquisition unit 702 is realized by the network I / F 509 or the like.

[0098] The driver acquisition unit 703 performs a driver acquisition procedure to acquire a driver appropriate for the image forming apparatus based on the identification information. For example, the driver acquisition unit 703 is realized by the network I / F 509 or the like.

[0099] The generating unit 704 performs a generating procedure for generating an installation package by combining the identification information, the conditions, and the driver. For example, the generating unit 704 is realized by the CPU 501 or the like.

[0100] The notification unit 705 performs a notification procedure for notifying the user of the installation package or the acquired information. For example, the notification unit 705 is realized by the network I / F 509 or the like.

[0101] The authentication unit 711 performs an authentication procedure to authenticate a user. For example, the authentication unit 711 is realized by the CPU 301 or the like.

[0102] The start operation unit 712 performs a start operation procedure for accepting a start operation. For example, the start operation unit 712 is realized by the input device 304 or the like.

[0103] The image forming unit 713 performs an image forming procedure for forming an image based on an instruction from a user terminal. For example, the image forming unit 713 is realized by the image forming device 306 or the like.

[0104] Based on the notification, the installation package acquisition unit 721 performs an installation package acquisition procedure to acquire the installation package. For example, the installation package acquisition unit 721 is realized by the network I / F 509 or the like.

[0105] The instruction unit 722 installs a driver using an installation package and performs an instruction procedure to instruct the image forming apparatus to form an image. For example, the instruction unit 722 is realized by the network I / F 509 or the like.

[0106] Furthermore, information processing devices and other equipment will be used to realize the EMPOWERING DIGITAL WORKPLACES (EDW) platform.

[0107] With the above configuration, an installation package is generated that reflects the unique settings of the image forming device based on the conditions and identification information. Then, when a driver is installed using the installation package generated in this manner, the image forming system 100 can execute unique settings for each output destination. Furthermore, the image forming system 100 generates the installation package based on the conditions and identification information. Therefore, the workload of the administrator can be reduced compared to when the administrator individually configures unique settings for each user, image forming device, or user terminal.

[0108] [Other embodiments] The device may be a plurality of devices. That is, each device may be configured to perform distributed, redundant, or parallel processing using a plurality of devices. On the other hand, each device may be integrated. That is, the plurality of devices described above may be realized by a single device.

[0109] The information processing method as described above may be realized by an information processing program. That is, the information processing program causes devices such as an arithmetic unit, a control unit, and a storage unit provided in a computer to cooperate with each other to realize the information processing method. Furthermore, the information processing program may be distributed via a computer-readable recording medium or a telecommunications line.

[0110] The above-described embodiment shows a preferred example, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100: Image forming system 101: Catalog Server 102: Platform Server 103:MFP 104: Management Server 105: Terminal 200: User 601: User name display 602: Print parameter settings 603: Approval button 604: Reject button 605: Text box 701: Setting section 702: Identification information acquisition unit 703: Driver Acquisition Department 704 :Generation part 705:Notification Department 711: Authentication section 712:Start operation section 713: Image forming unit 721: Installation package acquisition section 722:Instruction section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0112] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-216166

Claims

1. An image forming system having a user terminal used by a user, an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on an instruction from the user terminal, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, The information processing device includes: a setting unit for setting conditions that are restrictions on use of the image forming apparatus; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus, the identification information being transmitted from the image forming apparatus in response to the image forming apparatus receiving a start operation from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus to start using the image forming apparatus; a driver acquisition unit that acquires a driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus identified by the acquired identification information; a generation unit that generates an installation package for installing the driver based on the acquired identification information, the set conditions, and the acquired driver; a notification unit that sends the generated installation package to the user terminal; Equipped with the image forming apparatus, an authentication unit that authenticates the user; a start operation unit that accepts the start operation, the image forming apparatus transmits the identification information to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving the start operation; The image forming apparatus further comprises: an image forming unit that forms an image based on an instruction for image formation from the user terminal; The user terminal an installation package acquisition unit that acquires the installation package sent from the information processing device; The user terminal installs the driver using the acquired installation package, and further After the driver is installed, the user terminal issues an instruction to the image forming apparatus to form the image. Imaging system.

2. When the start operation is received, the administrator terminal used by the administrator displays a GUI for setting the conditions, The setting unit Set the conditions set in the GUI The image forming system according to claim 1 .

3. The conditions include: Includes settings for forming images in black and white only or for printing in aggregate 3. The image forming system according to claim 1.

4. When it is determined that the user has authority, the driver acquisition unit acquires the driver. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

5. 1. An information processing method performed by an image forming system having a user terminal used by a user, an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on an instruction from the user terminal, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, a setting procedure in which the information processing device sets conditions that are restrictions on use of the image forming device; an identification information acquisition step in which the information processing device acquires identification information for identifying the image forming device, the identification information being transmitted from the image forming device in response to the image forming device receiving a start operation from a user authenticated by the image forming device to start using the image forming device; a driver acquisition step in which the information processing device acquires a driver corresponding to the image forming device identified by the acquired identification information; a generation step in which the information processing device generates an installation package for installing the driver based on the acquired identification information, the set conditions, and the acquired driver; a notification procedure in which the information processing device sends the generated installation package to the user terminal; Equipped with an authentication procedure in which the image forming device authenticates the user; the image forming apparatus includes a start operation unit that accepts the start operation, the image forming apparatus transmits the identification information to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving the start operation; The image forming apparatus further comprises: an image forming procedure for forming an image based on an instruction for image formation from the user terminal; an installation package acquisition procedure in which the user terminal acquires the installation package sent from the information processing device, The user terminal installs the driver using the acquired installation package, and After the driver is installed, the user terminal issues an instruction to the image forming apparatus to form the image. Information processing methods.

6. An information processing program for executing the information processing method according to claim 5.

Images