Information processing device, printing system, printing control method, and printing control program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily determine whether a printer that the user desires to register in a cloud printing system is compatible with cloud printing services.SOLUTION: An information processing device that connects to a print server via a network and can connect to a printing device includes: a communication unit that receives an acquisition result of identification information for identifying the printing device from the printing device; and a registration processing unit that executes a registration process for registering the printing device in the print server. The registration processing unit determines whether the printing device is a compatible printing device which is compatible with the print server or a non-compatible printing device which is not compatible with the print server, based on the acquisition result, and executes the registration process corresponding to a determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing system, a printing control method, and a printing control program.

Background Art

[0002] Cloud printing services that provide printing functions via a network are known. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes a cloud printing server, a cloud recognition printer, and a legacy printer. The cloud printing server provides a cloud printing service. The cloud recognition printer can communicate directly with the cloud printing server and print. The cloud recognition printer connects to the cloud printing server via a network. The legacy printer does not support communication with the cloud printing server. The legacy printer connects to a router or a device. The router or the device connects to the cloud printing server via a network. The system of Patent Document 1 enables the cloud recognition printer and the legacy printer to be printable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The connection forms between the cloud recognition printer and the legacy printer and the cloud printing server are different. However, it is difficult for a user to determine whether a printer desired to be registered in the cloud printing system supports the cloud printing service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing device disclosed herein is an information processing device that connects to a print server via a network and is connectable to a printing device, and comprises a communication unit that receives the result of acquiring identification information that identifies the printing device from the printing device, and a registration processing unit that causes the printing server to execute a registration process to register the printing device, wherein the registration processing unit determines, based on the acquired result, whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or a non-compatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server, and executes the registration process according to the determination result.

[0006] The printing system of this disclosure comprises a printing device, an information processing device, and a print server, wherein the printing device has a print storage unit for storing identification information and a print communication unit for communicating with the information processing device, the information processing device has a communication unit for communicating with the printing device, a connection unit for communicating with the print server via a network, and a registration processing unit for causing the print server to execute a registration process for registering the printing device, the print server has a server communication unit for communicating with the information processing device via the network, the communication unit of the information processing device receives the result of acquiring the identification information of the printing device, the registration processing unit of the information processing device determines, based on the acquisition result, whether the printing device is a corresponding printing device that corresponds to the print server or a non-corresponding printing device that does not correspond to the print server, and executes the registration process according to the determination result.

[0007] The print control method of this disclosure is a print control method that performs a registration process to register a printing device with a print server, the method receiving the result of acquiring identification information of the printing device, determining based on the acquired result whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or a non-compatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server, and performing the registration process according to the determination result.

[0008] The print control program of this disclosure is a print control program that operates on an information processing device that performs a registration process to register a printing device with a print server, the information processing device receives the result of acquiring identification information of the printing device, determines based on the acquired result whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or a non-compatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server, and performs the registration process according to the determination result. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the general configuration of a cloud printing system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the block structure of a cloud printing system. [Figure 3] Sequence diagram of the registration process in the cloud printing system. [Figure 4] Sequence diagram of the registration process in the cloud printing system. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the control flow of the print control device related to the registration process. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the control flow of the print control device related to the registration process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the cloud printing system 10. The cloud printing system 10 is a system that provides printing-related services to users. The cloud printing system 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a print control device 20, a router 30, a multifunction device 40, a printer 50, and a cloud printing server 60. The cloud printing system 10 shown in Figure 1 shows one multifunction device 40 and one printer 50, but is not limited to this. The cloud printing system 10 may have multiple multifunction devices 40. The cloud printing system 10 may have multiple printers 50. The cloud printing system 10 corresponds to an example of a printing system.

[0011] The print control device 20 shown in Figure 1 communicates with the multifunction device 40 and the printer 50. The print control device 20 may communicate with at least one of the multifunction device 40 and the printer 50. The print control device 20 communicates with the cloud print server 60 via a communication network NW. The print control device 20 causes the cloud print server 60 to perform a registration process to register the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50 with the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 may also be connected to a display 80. The display 80 displays various screens under the control of the print control device 20. The display 80 may be configured integrally with the print control device 20. The print control device 20 corresponds to an example of an information processing device.

[0012] Router 30 connects the LAN (Local Area Network) to the communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network). The LAN is, for example, a communication line established within an office or floor. As shown in Figure 1, Router 30 connects the print control device 20 and the multifunction printer 40 via the LAN, enabling communication. Router 30 also connects the print control device 20 and the cloud print server 60 via the communication network NW, enabling communication. Router 30 also connects the multifunction printer 40 and the cloud print server 60 via the communication network NW, enabling communication. The communication network NW corresponds to an example of a network.

[0013] The multifunction printer 40 has a printing function for printing on a printable medium and a copying function for copying originals. The multifunction printer 40 may also have a fax function for sending and receiving faxes. The multifunction printer 40 can print print data including general-purpose print commands such as PWG-Raster, PDF, JPEG, and PostScript. The multifunction printer 40 is configured to communicate with the cloud print server 60 via a communication network NW. When the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60, it can print print data sent from the cloud print server 60. The function of printing print data sent from the cloud print server 60 is referred to as the cloud printing function. A device with the cloud printing function is referred to as a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server 60. The multifunction printer 40 shown in Figure 1 is a compatible printer. If the multifunction printer 40 is not registered with the cloud print server 60, it cannot receive print data from the cloud print server 60. The multifunction printer 40 communicates with the print control device 20 via the router 30. The multifunction printer 40 is an example of a printing device. The list of compatible printers corresponds to an example of a compatible printing device.

[0014] Printer 50 prints onto a printing medium. Printer 50 is, for example, an inkjet printer. Printer 50 prints by ejecting ink onto the printing medium. Printer 50 communicates with the print control device 20. Printer 50 may or may not be able to print print data including general-purpose print commands. If Printer 50 cannot print print data including general-purpose print commands, it cannot print print data sent from the cloud print server 60. A device that cannot print print data sent from the cloud print server 60 is referred to as an incompatible printer. Printer 50 does not need to be connected to the cloud print server 60 for communication. If it is not connected to the cloud print server 60 for communication, a device not connected to the cloud print server 60 for communication is referred to as an incompatible printer. The printer 50 shown in Figure 1 is locally connected to the print control device 20 and not connected to the cloud print server 60 for communication. The printer 50 shown in Figure 1 is an incompatible printer. Printer 50 is an example of a printing device. An incompatible printer corresponds to an example of an incompatible printing device.

[0015] The cloud printing server 60 provides cloud printing services. For example, the cloud printing service directly sends print data stored on the cloud printing server 60 to a device with cloud printing capabilities. The transmitted print data consists of general-purpose print commands such as PWG-Raster, PDF, JPEG, and PostScript. A device with cloud printing capabilities can print the print data sent from the cloud printing server 60. Users send image data from mobile devices such as smartphones to the cloud printing server 60. The cloud printing server 60 converts the received image data into print data. When the cloud printing server 60 receives a print command, it sends the print data to a device with cloud printing capabilities. The device with cloud printing capabilities prints the print data sent from the cloud printing server 60. Users can print image data stored on their mobile devices. Users can print image data remotely.

[0016] The cloud print server 60 connects to the communication network NW. The cloud print server 60 communicates with the router 30 via the communication network NW. The cloud print server 60 is connected to the print control device 20 and the multifunction printer 40, which are connected to the LAN, in a communicative manner. The cloud print server 60 shown in Figure 1 consists of one server device, but is not limited to this. The cloud print server 60 may consist of multiple server devices. The cloud print server 60 corresponds to an example of a print server.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the block configuration of the cloud printing system 10. Figure 2 shows the print control device 20, the multifunction device 40, the printer 50, and the cloud printing server 60. Figure 2 omits the router 30. In Figure 2, interfaces are represented as I / F.

[0018] The printing control device 20 includes a memory unit 121, a control unit 123, and a communication interface 129. The printing control device 20 is a computer that performs various processes. The printing control device 20 may include an input / output unit or the like not shown in the figure. The printing control device 20 may be connected to an input device such as a mouse.

[0019] The memory unit 121 stores various data and various programs. The memory unit 121 shown in FIG. 2 stores a control program AP and an application device list 26. The memory unit 121 may store a printer driver or the like. The memory unit 121 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory unit 121 may include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc. The memory unit 121 corresponds to an example of a storage unit.

[0020] The control program AP operates in the control unit 123. The control program AP causes the cloud printing server 60 to execute the registration process of the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50. When the user operates the control program AP, the control unit 123 executes a printing control application. The control program AP corresponds to an example of a printing control program.

[0021] The application device list 26 has device information corresponding to the cloud printing server 60 that provides a cloud printing service. The application device list 26 is stored in the memory unit 121 when the control program AP operates. The application device list 26 corresponds to an example of an identification information list.

[0022] When the print control device 20 receives the device list 66 (described later) from the cloud print server 60, it may store the received device list 66 in the storage unit 121 as the application device list 26. The communication interface 129 (described later) receives the device list 66 from the cloud print server 60. The storage unit 121 stores the device list 66 received by the communication interface 129 as the application device list 26. Alternatively, when the print control device 20 receives the device list 66 from the cloud print server 60, it may update the application device list 26 with the device list 66.

[0023] The communication interface 129 may receive a device list 66 from the cloud print server 60, and the storage unit 121 may store the device list 66 received by the communication interface 129. The print control device 20 obtains the device list 66 from the cloud print server 60, so it can reliably determine whether or not it is compatible with the cloud print server 60.

[0024] The control unit 123 is a controller that controls the print control device 20. The control unit 123 is, for example, a processor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 123 may consist of one or more processors. The control unit 123 may have memory such as RAM or ROM. The memory functions as the work area of ​​the control unit 123.

[0025] The control unit 123 functions as an application execution unit 125 by running the control program AP. The application execution unit 125 is a functional unit that operates on the control unit 123. The print control application starts up when the user runs the control program AP. The user operates the application execution unit 125 by operating the print control application.

[0026] The application execution unit 125 sends an instruction command to the cloud print server 60 instructing it to register the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50. The instruction command is sent to the cloud print server 60 based on user input. By sending the instruction command to the cloud print server 60, the application execution unit 125 causes the cloud print server 60 to execute the registration process. The cloud print server 60 executes the registration process for the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50 in accordance with the instruction command. The instruction command corresponds to a registration request, which will be described later. The application execution unit 125 corresponds to an example of the registration processing unit.

[0027] The application execution unit 125 operates as a virtual printer. The application execution unit 125 receives print data from the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 sends the received print data to the printer 50. The application execution unit 125 operates as a virtual printer corresponding to the printer 50 to the cloud print server 60. By operating as a virtual printer, the application execution unit 125 can register the printer 50 with the cloud print server 60. The registration of the virtual printer with the cloud print server 60 corresponds to the registration of the printer 50 with the cloud print server 60.

[0028] The application execution unit 125 transmits various data to devices such as the multifunction device 40 and printer 50 connected to the print control device 20. The application execution unit 125 transmits data using general-purpose protocols and data using dedicated protocols to devices such as the multifunction device 40 and printer 50. General-purpose protocols include zeroconf (bonjour, avahi) and standard commands of the USB Printer Class. Dedicated protocols are protocols set by the vendor providing the control program AP. The application execution unit 125 transmits various data to devices connected to the print control device 20 to perform device searches and acquire various information related to the devices. The multifunction device 40 and printer 50 are examples of devices.

[0029] The application execution unit 125 sends data using a general-purpose protocol or a dedicated protocol as transmission data to the multifunction printer 40. The transmission data includes data querying the multifunction printer identification number 46 of the multifunction printer 40. The multifunction printer identification number 46 will be described later. The application execution unit 125 obtains a reply result from the multifunction printer 40 corresponding to the transmission data. The reply result is either the reply data sent from the multifunction printer 40, or the presence or absence of reply data. The reply data includes the multifunction printer identification number 46. The reply result corresponds to an example of the result of obtaining the multifunction printer identification number 46. Based on the reply result, the application execution unit 125 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server 60 or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud print server 60. Based on the reply result, the application execution unit 125 can determine that the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer.

[0030] The application execution unit 125 sends data using a general-purpose protocol or a dedicated protocol as transmission data to the printer 50. The transmission data includes data querying the printer identification number 56 of the printer 50. The printer identification number 56 will be described later. The application execution unit 125 obtains a reply result from the printer 50 corresponding to the transmission data. The reply result is either the reply data sent from the printer 50, or the presence or absence of reply data. The reply data includes the printer identification number 56. The reply result corresponds to an example of the result of obtaining the printer identification number 56. Based on the reply result, the application execution unit 125 determines whether the printer 50 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud printing server 60, or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud printing server 60. Based on the reply result, the application execution unit 125 can determine that the printer 50 is an incompatible printer.

[0031] The application execution unit 125 determines whether the printer is compatible or incompatible and then instructs the cloud printing server 60 to perform a different registration process. The application execution unit 125 instructs the cloud printing server 60 to perform a registration process according to the determination result. Details of the registration process will be described later.

[0032] The application execution unit 125 may appropriately convert the print data received from the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 may transmit the print data received from the cloud print server 60 to the print control unit 127. The application execution unit 125 may transmit the data received from the print control unit 127 as print data to the printer 50.

[0033] The control unit 123 functions as a print control unit 127 by operating the printer driver. The print control unit 127 is a functional unit operated by the control unit 123. The printer driver is a program provided by the vendor of the printer 50.

[0034] The print control unit 127 converts image data and other data into dedicated print data compatible with the printer 50. The print control unit 127 sends the dedicated print data to the printer 50. The printer 50 performs printing based on the dedicated print data.

[0035] The communication interface 129 transmits and receives various types of data, such as image data and print data. The communication interface 129 communicates with external devices such as the multifunction device 40 and the printer 50. The communication interface 129 connects with external devices via wired or wireless connection according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 129 includes a first communication port 131, a second communication port 133, and a third communication port 135. The first communication port 131, the second communication port 133, and the third communication port 135 are connection connectors or logical ports.

[0036] The first communication port 131 shown in Figure 2 communicates with the cloud printing server 60 via the communication network NW. The first communication port 131 is a logical port. The first communication port 131 communicates with the cloud printing server 60 according to the protocol corresponding to the communication network NW. The first communication port 131 is connected via the router 30 by wired or wireless connection. The first communication port 131 corresponds to an example of a connection part.

[0037] The second communication port 133 shown in Figure 2 communicates with the multifunction printer 40 via the LAN. The second communication port 133 receives the multifunction printer identification number 46, which will be described later, from the multifunction printer 40. The second communication port 133 may also receive configuration information 48, which will be described later, from the multifunction printer 40. The second communication port 133 is a logical port. The second communication port 133 communicates with the multifunction printer 40 according to the LAN protocol. The second communication port 133 is connected via the router 30 by wired or wireless connection. The second communication port 133 corresponds to an example of a communication unit.

[0038] The third communication port 135 shown in Figure 2 communicates with the printer 50 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. The third communication port 135 is locally connected to the printer 50. The third communication port 135 receives the printer identification number 56, described later, from the printer 50. The third communication port 135 may also receive specification information 58, described later, from the printer 50. The third communication port 135 is a USB connection connector. The third communication port 135 communicates with the printer 50 according to the USB-compatible protocol. The third communication port 135 is not limited to a USB connection connector. If the printer 50 is connected via LAN, the third communication port 135 may be a logical port. The third communication port 135 corresponds to an example of a communication unit.

[0039] The multifunction printer 40 includes a multifunction printer storage unit 41 and a multifunction printer communication interface 43. The multifunction printer 40 may also include a multifunction printer control unit (not shown). The multifunction printer control unit controls the printing function, copying function, etc. of the multifunction printer 40. The multifunction printer control unit has a cloud printing function.

[0040] The multifunction printer storage unit 41 stores various data and programs. The multifunction printer storage unit 41 also stores the multifunction printer identification number 46 and setting information 48. The multifunction printer storage unit 41 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc. The multifunction printer storage unit 41 may also include magnetic storage devices such as HDDs, semiconductor memory, etc. The multifunction printer storage unit 41 corresponds to an example of a print storage unit.

[0041] The multifunction printer identification number 46 is a unique number for the multifunction printer 40. The multifunction printer identification number 46 includes at least one of the following: serial number, model name, manufacturer name, etc. Any information that can identify the multifunction printer 40 is acceptable for the multifunction printer identification number 46. The multifunction printer identification number 46 is a device identification number and corresponds to an example of identification information.

[0042] Configuration information 48 is information related to various settings of the multifunction printer 40. Configuration information 48 includes support information, registration information, network information, etc. Support information is information such as the print commands that the multifunction printer 40 can handle, paper size, paper type, resolution, automatic duplex printing, etc. Registration information is information indicating whether or not it is registered with the cloud print server 60. Registration information may also include information indicating whether or not it is registered with servers, services, etc. other than the cloud print server 60. Network information is information such as IP address, email address, MAC address, etc. Configuration information 48 corresponds to an example of registration information.

[0043] The multifunction printer communication interface 43 communicates with external devices such as the print control device 20 and the cloud print server 60. The multifunction printer communication interface 43 connects via wired or wireless connection according to a predetermined protocol. The multifunction printer communication interface 43 transmits the multifunction printer identification number 46, configuration information 48, etc. to the print control device 20. The multifunction printer communication interface 43 receives data from the print control device 20 using various protocols. The multifunction printer communication interface 43 can receive print data from the cloud print server 60. The multifunction printer communication interface 43 corresponds to an example of a print communication unit.

[0044] The printer 50 includes a printer storage unit 51 and a printer communication interface 53. The printer 50 may also include a printer control unit (not shown). The printer control unit controls printing based on print data.

[0045] The printer memory unit 51 stores various data and programs. The printer memory unit 51 stores the printer identification number 56 and specification information 58. The printer memory unit 51 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc. The printer memory unit 51 corresponds to an example of a print memory unit.

[0046] Printer identification number 56 is a unique number for printer 50. Printer identification number 56 could be the serial number, model name, manufacturer name, etc. Any information that identifies printer 50 is acceptable for printer identification number 56. Printer identification number 56 is a device identification number and corresponds to an example of identification information.

[0047] Specification information 58 is information that indicates the specifications of the printer 50. Specification information 58 includes the print data formats that the printer 50 can process. Print data formats include print data formats that include proprietary print commands unique to the printer 50 manufacturer, and print data formats that include general-purpose print commands such as PWG-Raster, PDF, Jpeg, and PostScript. Specification information 58 may also include information such as color / monochrome printing support, print resolution, single-sided / double-sided printing support, supported print media sizes, and communication standards. Specification information 58 corresponds to an example of compatibility information.

[0048] The printer communication interface 53 transmits various data such as the printer identification number 56 and specification information 58 to the print control device 20. The printer communication interface 53 receives print data and the like from the print control device 20. The printer communication interface 53 communicates with external devices such as the print control device 20. The printer communication interface 53 connects with external devices by wire or wireless connection according to a predetermined communication protocol. The printer communication interface 53 shown in Figure 2 connects to the third communication port 135 of the print control device 20 in a communicative manner according to the USB communication standard. The printer communication interface 53 corresponds to an example of a print communication unit.

[0049] The cloud print server 60 comprises a server storage unit 61 and a server communication interface 63. The cloud print server 60 also comprises a server control unit (not shown). The server control unit performs registration processing of the multifunction device 40 or printer 50 to the cloud print server 60 in accordance with a registration request from the print control device 20. The server control unit transmits print data to the multifunction device 40 or the other device that has been registered.

[0050] The server storage unit 61 stores various data and programs. The server storage unit 61 shown in Figure 2 stores a device list 66. The server storage unit 61 may also store a registered device list (not shown). The server storage unit 61 may also store control programs AP, etc. The server storage unit 61 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc. The server storage unit 61 may also include magnetic storage devices such as HDDs, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0051] The device list 66 contains device information corresponding to the cloud print server 60. The device list 66 is prepared in advance by the provider of the cloud print service. The device list 66 has a device identification number, including the model name of a device that can directly send and receive data such as print data from the cloud print server 60. Devices that can directly send and receive data can send and receive data without going through the print control device 20. The device list 66 includes a device identification number related to a compatible printer. The device list 66 may also include the data format of the device identification number related to the compatible printer. The device list 66 corresponds to an example of an identification information list.

[0052] The registered device list stores information about devices that have been registered with the cloud printing server 60. The registered device list stores the device identification number of each device that has been registered. The registered device list may also store information about the various specifications of each device and information set on the device. The registered device list may also store a combination of the ID of the user who performed the registration and the device identification number.

[0053] The server communication interface 63 communicates with the print control device 20 via the communication network NW. The server communication interface 63 receives the multifunction device identification number 46, printer identification number 56, etc., via the print control device 20. The server communication interface 63 can transmit the device list 66, etc., to the print control device 20. The server communication interface 63 communicates with the first communication port 131 of the print control device 20. The server communication interface 63 is connected to the multifunction device communication interface 43 of the multifunction device 40 so as to be able to communicate. The server communication interface 63 is connected so as to be able to transmit print data to the multifunction device 40 without going through the print control device 20. The server communication interface 63 corresponds to an example of a server communication unit.

[0054] The print control device 20 connects to the cloud print server 60 via a communication network NW and can connect to the multifunction printer 40. The print control device 20 includes a second communication port 133 that receives a reply result from the multifunction printer 40 containing a multifunction printer identification number 46 that identifies the multifunction printer 40, and an application execution unit 125 that causes the application execution unit 125 to execute a registration process to register the multifunction printer 40 with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 determines, based on the reply result, whether the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server 60 or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud print server 60, and executes a registration process according to the determination result. Since the print control device 20 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is compatible with the cloud print server 60, the user does not need to check whether the multifunction printer 40 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 before the registration process.

[0055] Furthermore, the print control device 20 can connect to the cloud print server 60 via a communication network NW and to the printer 50. The print control device 20 includes a third communication port 135 that receives a printer identification number 56 from the printer 50 to identify the printer 50, and an application execution unit 125 that executes a registration process to register the printer 50 with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 determines, based on the reply result, whether the printer 50 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server 60 or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud print server 60, and executes a registration process according to the determination result. Since the print control device 20 determines whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60, the user does not need to check whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 before the registration process.

[0056] The cloud printing system 10 comprises a multifunction printer 40, a print control device 20, and a cloud printing server 60. The multifunction printer 40 has a multifunction printer storage unit 41 that stores a multifunction printer identification number 46, and a multifunction printer communication interface 43 that communicates with the print control device 20. The print control device 20 has a second communication port 133 that communicates with the multifunction printer 40, a first communication port 131 that communicates with the cloud printing server 60 via a communication network NW, and an application execution unit 125 that causes the cloud printing server 60 to execute a registration process to register the multifunction printer 40. The cloud printing server 60 has a server communication interface 63 that communicates with the print control device 20 via a communication network NW. The second communication port 133 of the print control device 20 receives the return result of the multifunction printer identification number 46 of the multifunction printer 40. The application execution unit 125 of the print control device 20 determines, based on the response result, whether the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server 60 or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud print server 60, and executes a registration process according to the determination result. Since the print control device 20 determines whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60, the user does not need to check whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 before the registration process.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the registration process sequence in the cloud printing system 10. Figure 3 shows the registration process sequence performed by the user, the print control device 20, the multifunction printer 40, and the cloud printing server 60. The multifunction printer 40 is a device compatible with the cloud printing server 60. Figure 3 shows the sequence of the cloud printing system 10, including the multifunction printer 40, which is a compatible printer for the cloud printing server 60.

[0058] In step S11, the user instructs the print control device 20 to start the print control application. Based on the start instruction, the print control device 20 executes the control program AP. The print control device 20 starts the print control application by executing the control program AP. The print control application causes the control unit 123 to operate as the application execution unit 125.

[0059] After launching the print control application, the print control device 20 searches for devices connected to it in step S13. The application execution unit 125 causes a predetermined signal to be sent to each communication port of the communication interface 129. The predetermined signal is data from a general-purpose protocol. The application execution unit 125 receives a reply to the transmitted predetermined signal as the search result. The reply is whether or not there is reply data for the transmitted predetermined signal. Based on the reply, the application execution unit 125 obtains the search results for devices connected to the print control device 20. Figure 3 shows the case where the multifunction printer 40 is connected to the print control device 20. Based on the search results, the print control device 20 obtains a search result indicating that the multifunction printer 40 is connected to the second communication port 133.

[0060] After detecting the multifunction printer 40, the print control device 20 acquires various data from the multifunction printer 40. The print control device 20 acquires the multifunction printer identification number 46 from the multifunction printer 40. The print control device 20 compares the acquired multifunction printer identification number 46 with the application device list 26. As a result of the comparison, the print control device 20 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer.

[0061] After determining that the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer, the print control device 20 checks in step S15 whether the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 sends a predetermined query command to the multifunction printer 40. The query command is a dedicated protocol predetermined by the provider of the cloud printing service. The application execution unit 125 receives a confirmation result for the query command from the multifunction printer 40. Based on the confirmation result, the print control device 20 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The query command corresponds to an example of an acquisition request. The confirmation result corresponds to an example of registration information.

[0062] The print control device 20 displays the search results and confirmation results to the user. The print control device 20 displays the search results and confirmation results on the display 80. The user understands the search results and confirmation results by looking at the display 80. From the search results, the user can understand that the device connected to the print control device 20 is the multifunction printer 40. From the confirmation results, the user can understand whether or not the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60. If the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60, the registration process ends. If the multifunction printer 40 is not registered with the cloud print server 60, the user can determine that the multifunction printer 40 can be registered with the cloud print server 60.

[0063] After the user determines that the multifunction printer 40 can be registered with the cloud print server 60, in step S17, the user instructs the print control device 20 to register. The application execution unit 125 receives the user's instruction to register the multifunction printer 40 with the cloud print server 60.

[0064] After receiving the registration instruction, the print control device 20 sends a registration request to the cloud print server 60 in step S19. The application execution unit 125 sends the registration request, the multifunction printer identification number 46, and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 to the cloud print server 60. The registration request, the multifunction printer identification number 46, and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 may be sent to the cloud print server 60 simultaneously. After the registration request has been sent to the cloud print server 60, the multifunction printer identification number 46 and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 may be sent to the cloud print server 60. The communication address may be an IP address, email address, MAC address, etc. The communication address may be included in the setting information 48 of the multifunction printer 40 and sent to the cloud print server 60.

[0065] The cloud print server 60 performs the registration process for the multifunction printer 40. The registration process involves establishing a communication connection and saving registration information. The cloud print server 60 uses the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 received from the print control device 20 to establish a communication connection with the multifunction printer 40. After establishing a communication connection with the multifunction printer 40, the cloud print server 60 makes it possible to directly send print data to the multifunction printer 40. The cloud print server 60 also saves the multifunction printer identification number 46 and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 as registration information in the registered device list. The cloud print server 60 may also save the configuration information 48 of the multifunction printer 40 in the registered device list.

[0066] After registering the multifunction printer 40, the cloud print server 60 sends the registration result to the print control device 20. The registration result is information indicating that the multifunction printer 40 has been registered with the cloud print server 60. In step S21, the print control device 20 stores the registration result in the storage unit 121. The print control device 20 displays the registration result on the display 80. The user confirms the registration result by looking at the display 80.

[0067] Figure 4 shows the registration process sequence in the cloud printing system 10. Figure 4 shows the registration process sequence performed by the user, the print control device 20, the printer 50, and the cloud printing server 60. The printer 50 is a device that is not compatible with the cloud printing server 60. Figure 4 shows the sequence of the cloud printing system 10, including the printer 50, which is incompatible with the cloud printing server 60.

[0068] In step S31, the user instructs the print control device 20 to start the print control application. Based on the start instruction, the print control device 20 executes the control program AP. The print control device 20 starts the print control application by executing the control program AP. The print control application causes the control unit 123 to operate as the application execution unit 125.

[0069] After launching the print control application, the print control device 20 searches for devices connected to it in step S33. The application execution unit 125 causes a predetermined signal to be sent to each communication port of the communication interface 129. The predetermined signal is data from a general-purpose protocol. The application execution unit 125 receives a reply to the transmitted predetermined signal as the search result. The reply is whether or not there is reply data for the transmitted predetermined signal. Based on the reply, the application execution unit 125 obtains the search results for devices connected to the print control device 20. Figure 4 shows the case where a printer 50 is connected to the print control device 20. Based on the search results, the print control device 20 obtains a search result indicating that the printer 50 is connected to the third communication port 135.

[0070] After acquiring the search results, the print control device 20 displays the search results on the display 80. The user confirms the search results by looking at the display 80. The user can obtain search results indicating that the printer 50 is connected to the print control device 20.

[0071] After reviewing the search results, the user instructs the print control device 20 to register the printer 50 in step S35. The application execution unit 125 receives the user's instruction to register the printer 50 with the cloud print server 60.

[0072] After receiving the registration instruction, the print control device 20 obtains the printer identification number 56 from the printer 50 in step S37. The application execution unit 125 sends an identification number request to the printer 50 to inquire about the printer identification number 56. The identification number request is data for a protocol that the printer 50 can support. As a result of sending the identification number request, the print control device 20 receives the printer identification number 56 from the printer 50.

[0073] After receiving the printer identification number 56, the print control device 20 converts the printer identification number 56 in step S39. The application execution unit 125 obtains the data format of the device identification number related to the compatible printer from the application device list 26. The application device list 26 stores the data format of the device identification number related to the compatible printer from the device list 66 in advance. The application execution unit 125 converts the printer identification number 56 by referring to the data format of the device identification number related to the compatible printer. The application execution unit 125 converts the printer identification number 56 into a converted printer number. The converted printer number is the device identification number recognized as a compatible printer by the cloud printing server 60. The converted printer number includes, for example, information indicating the same model name as the compatible printer. The print control device 20 stores the converted printer number in the storage unit 121 in association with the printer identification number 56. The data format of the device identification number related to the compatible printer corresponds to an example of the format compatible with the cloud printing server 60. The converted printer number corresponds to an example of the identification information converted to a format compatible with the cloud printing server 60.

[0074] After converting the printer identification number 56, the print control device 20 sends a registration request to the cloud print server 60 in step S41. The application execution unit 125 sends the registration request, the converted printer number, and the communication address of the print control device 20 to the cloud print server 60. The registration request, the converted printer number, and the communication address of the print control device 20 may be sent to the cloud print server 60 simultaneously. After the registration request has been sent to the cloud print server 60, the converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device 20 may be sent to the cloud print server 60. The communication address may be included in the printer specification information 58 and sent to the cloud print server 60.

[0075] The cloud print server 60 performs the registration process for the printer 50. The registration process involves establishing a communication connection and saving registration information. The cloud print server 60 establishes a communication connection using the communication address of the print control device 20 as the connection destination for the printer 50. After establishing the communication connection using the print control device 20 as the connection destination for the printer 50, the cloud print server 60 makes it possible to send print data to the print control device 20. The cloud print server 60 makes the print control device 20 a virtual printer corresponding to the printer 50 and makes it possible to send print data. The cloud print server 60 also saves the conversion printer number and the communication address of the print control device 20 as registration information in the registered device list. The cloud print server 60 may also save the specification information 58 of the printer 50 in the registered device list. The cloud print server 60 performs the registration process for the print control device 20 as a virtual printer with a conversion printer number. The print control device 20 becomes able to receive print data from the cloud print server 60 on behalf of the printer 50.

[0076] After performing the registration process, the cloud print server 60 sends the registration result to the print control device 20. The registration result is information indicating that a virtual printer with a conversion printer number has been registered with the cloud print server 60. In step S43, the print control device 20 stores the registration result in the storage unit 121. Based on the registration result, the print control device 20 generates display data indicating that the printer 50 has been registered with the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 displays the display data on the display 80. The user confirms the registration result indicating that the printer 50 has been registered with the cloud print server 60 by viewing the display 80.

[0077] Figure 5 shows the control flow of the print control device 20 related to the registration process. Figure 5 shows a first control example by the print control device 20. Figure 5 shows the control flow performed when the control program AP is operated by the print control device 20. Figure 5 shows the control flow performed when either the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50 is connected to the print control device 20. Figure 5 shows the control flow when compatibility information regarding whether or not it is compatible with the cloud print server 60 is obtained using data from a dedicated protocol.

[0078] In step S101, the print control device 20 searches for a device connected to it. The application execution unit 125 transmits a predetermined signal from each communication port of the communication interface 129. The predetermined signal is data from a general-purpose protocol. The print control device 20 receives a response to the transmitted predetermined signal. When the print control device 20 receives a response, it determines that a device is connected to the communication port from which the response was received.

[0079] After searching for a device, the print control device 20 obtains correspondence information for the device connected to the communication interface 129 in step S103. Correspondence information indicates whether or not the device is compatible with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 sends a correspondence information request using a dedicated protocol and receives a reply result from the device to the correspondence information request. The reply result indicates whether or not there is reply data and the content contained in the reply data. Based on the reply result, the application execution unit 125 obtains correspondence information. The application execution unit 125 also obtains the device type. The application execution unit 125 sends data using a general-purpose protocol and obtains the device type. The device type indicates whether or not the device has printing capabilities.

[0080] After acquiring the correspondence information, the print control device 20 determines in step S105 whether or not the device is compatible with the cloud print server 60. When the application execution unit 125 determines that the device connected to the communication interface 129 is the multifunction printer 40 (step S105; YES), the print control device 20 proceeds to step S107. The multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer. When the application execution unit 125 determines that the device connected to the communication interface 129 is the printer 50 (step S105; NO), the print control device 20 proceeds to step S109. The printer 50 is an incompatible printer.

[0081] When the print control device 20 determines that the connected device is a multifunction printer 40, in step S107 it determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 sends a predetermined query command to the multifunction printer 40 via the second communication port 133. The print control device 20 receives the confirmation result of the query command from the multifunction printer 40 via the second communication port 133. Based on the confirmation result, the print control device 20 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60.

[0082] When the print control device 20 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is already registered with the cloud print server 60 (step S107; YES), it terminates the registration process control. When the print control device 20 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is not already registered with the cloud print server 60 (step S107; NO), it determines that the multifunction printer 40 can be registered with the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 proceeds to step S113.

[0083] When the print control device 20 determines that the connected device is a printer 50, in step S109, it obtains the printer identification number 56 and specification information 58. The application execution unit 125 sends an identification number request to the printer 50 via the third communication port 135 to inquire about the printer identification number 56. The application execution unit 125 sends a specification information request to the printer 50 via the third communication port 135 to inquire about the specification information 58. The application execution unit 125 obtains the printer identification number 56 as a response result to the identification number request via the third communication port 135. The application execution unit 125 obtains the specification information 58 as a response result to the specification information request via the third communication port 135.

[0084] After obtaining the printer identification number 56 and specification information 58, the print control device 20 determines in step S111 whether or not the printer 50 can be registered with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 determines whether or not registration is possible based on the specification information 58. For example, the application execution unit 125 determines whether or not registration is possible based on the data format that the printer 50 can print, as included in the specification information 58. If the printer 50 can handle print data including general-purpose print commands such as PDF, the application execution unit 125 determines that registration is possible. If the application execution unit 125 determines that the printer 50 can be registered with the cloud print server 60 based on the specification information 58 (step S111, YES), the print control device 20 proceeds to step S113. If the application execution unit 125 determines that the printer 50 cannot be registered with the cloud print server 60 based on the specification information 58 (step S111, NO), the print control device 20 terminates the registration process control.

[0085] In step S113, the print control device 20 creates and displays a device list. The device list shows a list of devices that can be registered with the cloud print server 60. The control flow shown in Figure 5 shows the case where the multifunction device 40 or printer 50 is connected as a device. The device list shows the device name of the multifunction device 40 or printer 50. If multiple registerable devices are connected to the print control device 20, the device list shows the device names of the multiple registerable devices. The application execution unit 125 creates the device list and displays the created device list on the display 80.

[0086] After displaying the device list, the print control device 20 accepts a registration instruction in step S115. When the user selects a device from the device list, the print control device 20 accepts a registration instruction for that device.

[0087] If the print control device 20 determines in step S117 that the device to be registered is a compatible printer, the multifunction device 40 (step S117; YES), it proceeds to step S121. If the print control device 20 determines in step S117 that the device to be registered is an incompatible printer, the printer 50 (step S117; NO), it proceeds to step S119.

[0088] In step S119, the print control device 20 converts the printer identification number 56 to a conversion printer number corresponding to the cloud print server 60. The application device list 26 stores in advance the data format of the device identification numbers related to the corresponding printers from the device list 66. The application execution unit 125 refers to the data format of the device identification numbers related to the corresponding printers and converts the printer identification number 56 to a conversion printer number. The print control device 20 stores the conversion printer number in the storage unit 121 in association with the printer identification number 56. After converting to a conversion printer number, the print control device 20 proceeds to step S121.

[0089] In step S121, the print control device 20 requests the cloud print server 60 to register the device. The print control device 20 instructs the cloud print server 60 to perform the registration process for either the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50. The print control device 20 instructs the cloud print server 60 to perform different registration processes for the multifunction device 40 and the printer 50.

[0090] When the print control device 20 requests registration of the multifunction printer 40 from the cloud print server 60, it sends the registration request for the multifunction printer 40 to the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 sends the registration request, the multifunction printer identification number 46, and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 to the cloud print server 60. The cloud print server 60 uses the received multifunction printer identification number 46 and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 to establish a communication connection with the multifunction printer 40 and save the registration information. The cloud print server 60 stores the multifunction printer identification number 46 and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 in association.

[0091] When the print control device 20 requests the cloud print server 60 to register the printer 50, it sends the printer registration request to the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 sends the registration request, the conversion printer number, and the communication address of the print control device 20 to the cloud print server 60. The cloud print server 60 uses the received conversion printer number and the communication address of the print control device 20 to establish a communication connection with the print control device 20 as a virtual printer and to save the registration information. The cloud print server 60 stores the conversion printer number and the communication address of the print control device 20 in association.

[0092] The print control device 20 receives the registration result for the registration request from the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 receives the registration result and terminates the registration process control. The multifunction device 40 or printer 50 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The multifunction device 40 or printer 50 can print the print data sent from the cloud print server 60.

[0093] A print control method for performing a registration process to register a multifunction printer 40 with a cloud print server 60, wherein the method receives a reply result of the multifunction printer identification number 46 of the multifunction printer 40, determines based on the reply result whether the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server 60 or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud print server 60, and performs a registration process according to the determination result. Since the print control device 20 determines whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60, the user does not need to check whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 before the registration process.

[0094] A control program AP that operates on a print control device 20 which executes a registration process to register the multifunction printer 40 with a cloud print server 60, receives the return result of the multifunction printer identification number 46 of the multifunction printer 40, determines based on the return result whether the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer that is compatible with the cloud print server or an incompatible printer that is not compatible with the cloud print server 60, and executes a registration process according to the determination result. Since the print control device 20 determines whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60, the user does not need to check whether the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 before the registration process.

[0095] When the application execution unit 125 determines that the printer 50 is an incompatible printer, it causes the third communication port 135 to receive specification information 58 from the printer 50 indicating whether or not it can be registered with the cloud print server 60. Based on the specification information 58, the application execution unit 125 determines whether or not to perform the registration process. The print control device 20 can obtain information from the printer 50 regarding whether or not it is compatible with the cloud print server 60.

[0096] The third communication port 135 receives the printer identification number 56 of the printer 50 from the printer 50. When the application execution unit 125 determines that the printer 50 is an unsupported printer, it converts the printer identification number 56 into a data format compatible with the cloud printing server 60 and uses the converted printer number to register the printer 50. The print control device 20 can register the printer 50, which is an incompatible printer, with the cloud print server 60.

[0097] When the application execution unit 125 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer, it sends a registration information inquiry command to the multifunction printer 40 to indicate whether or not the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The second communication port 133 receives the confirmation result for the inquiry command. When the multifunction device 40 is determined to be a compatible printer, the print control device 20 can prevent unnecessary registration processing by querying the multifunction device 40 to see if it is already registered.

[0098] Figure 6 shows the control flow of the print control device 20 related to the registration process. Figure 6 shows a second control example by the print control device 20. Figure 6 shows the control flow performed by the operation of the control program AP in the print control device 20. Figure 6 shows the control flow performed when either the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50 is connected to the print control device 20. Figure 6 shows the control flow when determining whether the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 using the device list 66 or the application device list 26.

[0099] In step S201, the print control device 20 searches for a device connected to it. The application execution unit 125 transmits a predetermined signal from each communication port of the communication interface 129. The predetermined signal is data from a general-purpose protocol. The print control device 20 receives a response to the transmitted predetermined signal. When the print control device 20 receives a response, it determines that a device is connected to the communication port from which the response was received.

[0100] After searching for a device, the print control device 20 obtains the device identification number of the device connected to the communication interface 129 in step S203. The device identification number is either the multifunction printer identification number 46 or the printer identification number 56. The application execution unit 125 sends data to the communication port to which the device is connected inquiring about the identification number. The data inquiring about the identification number is data from a general-purpose protocol. The application execution unit 125 obtains the device identification number as a return result of the data inquiring about the identification number.

[0101] After obtaining the device identification number, the print control device 20 compares the obtained device identification number with the device list 66 or the application device list 26 in step S205. By comparing the device identification number, the print control device 20 determines whether the device connected to the communication port is a compatible printer or an incompatible printer. The application execution unit 125 compares the obtained device identification number with the application device list 26. The application execution unit 125 reads the application device list 26 from the storage unit 121 and compares the device identification number. In step S205, the application execution unit 125 may download the device list 66 from the cloud print server 60 and compare the device identification number with the device list 66. The application execution unit 125 may also send the obtained device identification number to the cloud print server 60. The cloud print server 60 compares the received device identification number with the device list 66. The cloud print server 60 sends the comparison result to the first communication port 131 of the print control device 20. The application execution unit 125 obtains the matching result via the first communication port 131.

[0102] When the device identification number corresponds to data in the application device list 26 or device list 66, the application execution unit 125 determines that the device with the device identification number is a compatible printer. When the device identification number is the multifunction printer identification number 46, the application execution unit 125 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer. The application execution unit 125 stores the information that the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible printer in the storage unit 121 as a result of its determination. When the device identification number corresponds to data in the application device list 26 or device list 66 (step S205; correspondence), the print control device 20 proceeds to step S207.

[0103] In step S207, the print control device 20 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The application execution unit 125 sends a predetermined query command to the multifunction printer 40 via the second communication port 133. The print control device 20 receives the confirmation result of the query command from the multifunction printer 40 via the second communication port 133. Based on the confirmation result, the print control device 20 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is registered with the cloud print server 60.

[0104] When the print control device 20 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is already registered with the cloud print server 60 (step S207; YES), it terminates the registration process control. When the print control device 20 determines that the multifunction printer 40 is not already registered with the cloud print server 60 (step S207; NO), it determines that the multifunction printer 40 can be registered with the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 proceeds to step S209.

[0105] If the device identification number does not correspond to any data in the application device list 26 or the device list 66, the application execution unit 125 determines that the device with the device identification number is an unsupported printer. If the device identification number is printer identification number 56, the application execution unit 125 determines that printer 50 is an unsupported printer. The application execution unit 125 stores the information that printer 50 is an unsupported printer in the storage unit 121 as a result of its determination. If the device identification number does not correspond to any data in the application device list 26 or the device list 66 (step S205; unsupported), the print control device 20 proceeds to step S209.

[0106] In step S209, the print control device 20 creates and displays a device list. The device list shows a list of devices connected to the print control device 20. The control flow shown in Figure 6 shows the case where a multifunction device 40 or a printer 50 is connected as a device. The device list shows the device name of the multifunction device 40 or printer 50. If multiple devices are connected to the print control device 20, the device list shows the device names of the multiple devices. The device list shows the device names of compatible printers and incompatible printers in parallel. The application execution unit 125 creates the device list and displays the created device list on the display 80.

[0107] After displaying the device list, the print control device 20 accepts a registration instruction in step S211. When the user selects a device from the device list, the print control device 20 accepts a registration instruction for that device. The print control device 20 determines whether the device for which registration is instructed is a compatible printer or an incompatible printer. The print control device 20 determines whether the device for which registration is instructed is a multifunction device 40 or a printer 50.

[0108] If the print control device 20 determines in step S213 that the device to be registered is a compatible printer, the multifunction device 40 (step S213; YES), it proceeds to step S217. If the print control device 20 determines in step S213 that the device to be registered is an incompatible printer, the printer 50 (step S213; NO), it proceeds to step S215.

[0109] In step S215, the print control device 20 converts the printer identification number 56 to a conversion printer number corresponding to the cloud print server 60. The application device list 26 stores in advance the data format of the device identification number related to the corresponding printer from the device list 66. The application execution unit 125 refers to the data format of the device identification number related to the corresponding printer and converts the printer identification number 56 to a conversion printer number. The print control device 20 stores the conversion printer number in the storage unit 121 in association with the printer identification number 56. After converting to a conversion printer number, the print control device 20 proceeds to step S217.

[0110] In step S217, the print control device 20 requests the cloud print server 60 to register the device. The print control device 20 instructs the cloud print server 60 to perform the registration process for either the multifunction device 40 or the printer 50. The print control device 20 instructs the cloud print server 60 to perform different registration processes for the multifunction device 40 and the printer 50.

[0111] When the print control device 20 requests registration of the multifunction printer 40 from the cloud print server 60, it sends a registration request for the multifunction printer 40. The print control device 20 sends the registration request, the multifunction printer identification number 46, and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 to the cloud print server 60. The cloud print server 60 uses the received multifunction printer identification number 46 and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 to establish a communication connection with the multifunction printer 40 and save the registration information. The cloud print server 60 stores the multifunction printer identification number 46 and the communication address of the multifunction printer 40 in association.

[0112] When the print control device 20 requests the cloud print server 60 to register the printer 50, it sends a registration request for the printer 50. The print control device 20 sends the registration request, the conversion printer number, and the communication address of the print control device 20 to the cloud print server 60. The cloud print server 60 uses the received conversion printer number and the communication address of the print control device 20 to establish a communication connection with the print control device 20 as a virtual printer and to save the registration information. The cloud print server 60 stores the conversion printer number and the communication address of the print control device 20 in association.

[0113] The print control device 20 receives the registration result for the registration request from the cloud print server 60. The print control device 20 receives the registration result and terminates the registration process control. The multifunction device 40 or printer 50 is registered with the cloud print server 60. The multifunction device 40 or printer 50 can print the print data sent from the cloud print server 60.

[0114] The print control device 20 has a storage unit 121 that stores an application device list 26 related to compatible printers. The application execution unit 125 determines whether the multifunction printer 40 is a compatible or incompatible printer by comparing the multifunction printer identification number 46 received at the second communication port 133 with the application device list 26. The print control device 20 can determine whether the multifunction printer 40 is compatible with the cloud print server 60 by comparing it with the application device list 26.

[0115] The first control example determines whether a device connected to the print control device 20 is a compatible printer using data from a dedicated protocol. The second control example determines whether a device connected to the print control device 20 is a compatible printer using the application device list 26 or the device list 66. The method for determining whether a connected device is a compatible printer is not limited to these. The print control device 20 may also determine whether a device is a compatible printer by appropriately combining the first and second control examples. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 10...Cloud printing system, 20...Print control device, 26...App device list, 30...Router, 40...Multifunction printer, 41...Multifunction printer storage unit, 43...Multifunction printer communication interface, 46...Multifunction printer identification number, 48...Configuration information, 50...Printer, 51...Printer storage unit, 53...Printer communication interface, 56...Printer identification number, 58...Specification information, 60...Cloud printing server, 61...Server storage unit, 63...Server communication interface, 66...Device list, 80...Display, 121...Storage unit, 123...Control unit, 125...App execution unit, 127...Print control unit, 129...Communication interface, 131...First communication port, 133...Second communication port, 135...Third communication port, AP...Control program, NW...Communication network.

Claims

1. An information processing device that can connect to a print server via a network and to a printing device, A communication unit that receives the result of acquiring identification information that identifies the printing device from the printing device, The system includes a registration processing unit that causes the printing server to perform a registration process to register the printing device, The aforementioned registration processing unit Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. It has a storage unit that stores an identification information list related to the corresponding printing device, The registration processing unit is an information processing device that determines whether the printing device is the corresponding printing device or the incompatible printing device by comparing the identification information received by the communication unit with the identification information list.

2. An information processing device that can connect to a print server via a network and to a printing device, A communication unit that receives the result of acquiring identification information that identifies the printing device from the printing device, The system includes a registration processing unit that causes the printing server to perform a registration process to register the printing device, The aforementioned registration processing unit Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. When the printing device is determined to be an incompatible printing device, the communication unit receives correspondence information from the printing device indicating whether or not it can be registered with the print server. An information processing device that determines whether or not to perform the registration process based on the aforementioned correspondence information.

3. An information processing device that can connect to a print server via a network and to a printing device, A communication unit that receives the result of acquiring identification information that identifies the printing device from the printing device, The system includes a registration processing unit that causes the printing server to perform a registration process to register the printing device, The aforementioned registration processing unit Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. The communication unit receives the identification information of the printing device from the printing device, The aforementioned registration processing unit When it is determined that the printing device is an incompatible printing device, the identification information is converted into a format corresponding to the print server. An information processing device that performs the registration process of the printing device using the identification information converted to the aforementioned format.

4. An information processing device that can connect to a print server via a network and to a printing device, A communication unit that receives the result of acquiring identification information that identifies the printing device from the printing device, The system includes a registration processing unit that causes the printing server to perform a registration process to register the printing device, The aforementioned registration processing unit Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. When it is determined that the printing device is the corresponding printing device, The printing device sends a request to the printing server to obtain registration information indicating whether or not it is already registered. The communication unit is an information processing device that receives the registration information in response to the acquisition request.

5. Further comprising a storage unit, The communication unit receives the identification information list from the print server, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores the identification information list received by the communication unit.

6. A printing system comprising a printing device, an information processing device, and a print server, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A printable storage unit that stores identification information, It has a printing communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned printing device, A connection unit that communicates with the aforementioned print server via a network, The system includes a registration processing unit that causes the printing server to perform a registration process to register the printing device, The aforementioned print server is It has a server communication unit that communicates with the information processing device via the aforementioned network, The communication unit of the information processing device receives the result of acquiring the identification information from the printing device, The registration processing unit of the information processing device is Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. A printing system in which the registration processing unit determines whether the printing device is the corresponding printing device or the incompatible printing device by comparing the identification information received by the communication unit with an identification information list related to the corresponding printing device.

7. A print control method that performs a registration process to register a printing device with a print server, Upon receiving the result of acquiring the identification information of the printing device, Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. The system stores an identification information list related to the aforementioned corresponding printing device. A print control method that determines whether the printing device is the corresponding printing device or the incompatible printing device by comparing the received identification information with the identification information list.

8. A print control program that operates on an information processing device that performs a registration process to register a printing device with a print server, The printer receives the result of acquiring identification information for the aforementioned printing device. Based on the acquired results, it is determined whether the printing device is a compatible printing device that corresponds to the print server or an incompatible printing device that does not correspond to the print server. The registration process is executed according to the result of the determination. The system stores an identification information list related to the aforementioned corresponding printing device. A print control program that determines whether the printing device is the corresponding printing device or the incompatible printing device by comparing the received identification information with the identification information list.

Images