Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system and an information processing program for enabling image formation without selecting a transmission destination of image data in either a server or an image forming apparatus for each image formation.SOLUTION: An information processing device transmits print data, access information of an own device, and processing information for forming an image represented by the print data to a cloud server and also stores the print data in the own device, monitors a change in a printing object file, and performs at least either notification of update of the printing object file or update to image data generated on the basis of the print data transmitted to the cloud server and the printing object file obtained by updating the print data stored in the own device if updated. Then, when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus acquires the processing information from the cloud server, and acquires the print data from either the cloud server or the information processing device to print the print data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, during the execution of image formation based on image formation data acquired from an information processing apparatus, when the state of an image formation related unit involved in image formation becomes an error and image formation is performed after the image formation data acquired from the information processing apparatus, in the case where there is image formation data acquired from a server, an image formation method is proposed that notifies the server of state information regarding the state of the image formation related unit.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, after logging in to a user account of a cloud service system, image data is associated with an ID and uploaded to a storage service. Immediately after the communication of uploading the image data is completed, the image data is searched in the storage service using that ID as a key, and it is verified that the image data is registered in the storage service. If the registration of the image data fails, an image forming apparatus is proposed that causes the image data to be uploaded again.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Image formation via a server is often slower than forming images by directly connecting to the image forming machine because files are downloaded from the server. However, in cases where a direct connection to the image forming machine is not possible, it is necessary to form images via a server. In this situation, it is cumbersome for the user to choose each time whether to store the image data on the server for image formation or to send the image data directly to the image forming machine for image formation.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing program that enable image formation without having to select the destination of image data to be transmitted to either a server or an image forming apparatus for each image formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the information processing device according to the first embodiment includes a processor, which, upon receiving an instruction from an image forming apparatus to form an image of a file to be printed, transmits to a server image data generated based on the file to be printed, processing information including access information to the device and information for forming the image represented by the image data, and stores the image data in the device. When the file to be printed is updated, the processor notifies the server of the update of the file to be printed, and updates at least one of the image data transmitted to the server and the image data stored in the device to image data generated based on the updated file to be printed. The processor also controls the transmission of the image data to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus requests the transmission of the image data.

[0008] In the information processing device according to the second embodiment, the processor detects updates to the print target file at predetermined intervals or when the device is started.

[0009] The information processing device according to the third embodiment is an information processing device according to the first or second embodiment in which the processor stores the attributes of the file to be printed and detects updates to the image data by monitoring the attributes of the image data.

[0010] The information processing device according to the fourth embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, in which the processor, when notifying of an update of the print target file, accepts whether or not to update the image data sent to the server and the image data stored in the device when the print target file is updated.

[0011] The information processing device according to the fifth embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the processor further performs a process to accept a setting of whether or not it is necessary to confirm the update of the print target file.

[0012] The information processing device according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment, if the processor is set to check for updates to the print target file, it accepts the update check interval, the check for the necessity of an update, whether or not to send a notification after the update, the update check period, and the action to be taken after the deletion of the print target file.

[0013] In the information processing device according to the seventh embodiment, in the information processing device according to the sixth embodiment, if a pop-up notification is set as the update necessity confirmation, the processor displays a predetermined update necessity confirmation pop-up screen and accepts whether or not the print target file needs to be updated.

[0014] The information processing device according to the eighth aspect, in the information processing device according to the sixth aspect, displays a predetermined automatic update completion notification screen when the processor has set automatic update as the update requirement check and set notification as the presence or absence of notification after the update, and has updated to image data generated based on the updated print target file.

[0015] In the information processing device according to the ninth aspect, the processor in the information processing device according to the eighth aspect accepts confirmation and modification of print settings on the automatic update completion notification screen.

[0016] The information processing device according to the 10th embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to 9 embodiments, in which the processor prohibits checking for updates to the print target file and updating the image data generated based on the updated print target file when the print target file is being edited.

[0017] The information processing system according to the 11th embodiment comprises an information processing device, an image forming apparatus, and a server that can be connected to each of the information processing device and the image forming apparatus. The information processing device comprises a first processor, and when the first processor receives an instruction from the image forming apparatus to form an image of a file to be printed, it transmits to the server image data generated based on the file to be printed, processing information including access information to the device and information for forming the image represented by the image data, and stores the image data in the device. When the file to be printed is updated, the first processor notifies the server of the update of the file to be printed, and updates at least one of the image data transmitted to the server and the image data stored in the device to image data generated based on the updated file to be printed. The device also controls the transmission of the image data to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus requests the transmission of the image data. The image forming apparatus includes a second processor, which acquires the processing information from the server, selects to acquire the image data from the server or from the information processing device corresponding to the access information, acquires the image data, and controls the apparatus to perform image forming using the acquired image data and the processing information.

[0018] The information processing program according to the 12th aspect causes a computer to transmit, when receiving an instruction to form an image of a print target file for an image forming apparatus, image data generated based on the print target file, access information to the own apparatus, and processing information including information for forming the image represented by the image data to a server, and to store the image data in the own apparatus; when the print target file is updated, to notify and transmit to the server at least one of an update of the image data transmitted to the server and an update of the image data stored in the own apparatus to image data generated based on the updated print target file; and to execute control to transmit the image data to the image forming apparatus when a transmission of the image data is requested from the image forming apparatus.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the 1st aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of performing image formation without selecting a transmission destination of image data for each image formation in either a server or an image forming apparatus.

[0020] According to the 2nd aspect, the processing load can be reduced as compared with the case of always monitoring an update of a print target file.

[0021] According to the 3rd aspect, it is possible to more easily detect the presence or absence of an update than detecting the presence or absence of an update of the entire print target file.

[0022] According to the 4th aspect, it is possible to select the presence or absence of an update of a print target file according to a user's intention.

[0023] According to the 5th aspect, it is possible to select whether to confirm an update of a print target file according to a user's intention.

[0024] According to the 6th aspect, it is possible to set an update interval, confirmation of necessity of update, presence or absence of notification after update, an update confirmation period, and an operation after deletion of the print target file.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to select whether to update the print target file by means of an update necessity confirmation screen.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to recognize that the automatic update of the image data has been performed.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, when the automatic update is notified, it is possible to confirm and change the print settings.

[0028] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the image data being updated during the update from being updated.

[0029] According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing system capable of performing image formation without selecting the transmission destination of the image data for each image formation either to a server or an image forming apparatus.

[0030] According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing program capable of performing image formation without selecting the transmission destination of the image data for each image formation either to a server or an image forming apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of an electrical system of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of an electrical system of a cloud server and an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of each part of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a processing pattern when printing with an image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on an information processing apparatus. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of an automatic update setting screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a pop-up screen for confirming whether an update is necessary. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an automatic update completion notification screen. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a confirmation screen that appears after file deletion is detected. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a job information table. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an automatic update settings information table. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an automatically updated file information table. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a print settings information table. [Figure 15] This sequence diagram shows an example of the processing flow in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming system 10 will be described as an example of an information processing system.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment comprises an image forming apparatus 12, a cloud server 14 as an example of a server, and an information processing device 16. In this embodiment, only one image forming apparatus 12, one cloud server 14, and one information processing device 16 are shown, but multiple units of each may be provided. Furthermore, the information processing device 16 may be a personal computer, or a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 12 and the information processing apparatus 16 are each connected to an internal communication line 17, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or an intranet. The internal communication line 17 and the cloud server 14 are each connected to an external communication line 18, such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet. The image forming apparatus 12, the cloud server 14, and the information processing apparatus 16 are each capable of sending and receiving various types of data to and from each other via the internal communication line 17 and the external communication line 18.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20 which includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C as an example of a second processor. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM 20C is used as a work area, etc., when various programs are executed by the CPU 20A. The ROM 20B stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The various parts of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 are electrically connected by a system bus 42.

[0037] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment is equipped with an HDD (hard disk drive) 26 for storing various data and application programs. The image forming apparatus 12 is also equipped with a display control unit 28 connected to a user interface 22, which controls the display of various operation screens on the display of the user interface 22. The image forming apparatus 12 is also equipped with an operation input detection unit 30 connected to the user interface 22, which detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 42. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the image forming apparatus 12 is equipped with an HDD 26, but it is not limited to this, and a non-volatile storage unit such as flash memory may also be provided.

[0038] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the document reading unit 46 and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image forming processing by the image forming unit 24 and the transport of paper to the image forming unit 24 by the transport unit 25. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a communication line interface (communication line I / F) unit 36 ​​connected to an internal communication line 17 for sending and receiving communication data with other external devices such as a cloud server 14 connected to the internal communication line 17, and an image processing unit 44 for performing various image processing. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a facsimile interface (facsimile I / F) unit 38 connected to a telephone line (not shown) for sending and receiving facsimile data with a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a transmission / reception control unit 40 that controls the sending and receiving of facsimile data via the facsimile interface unit 38. In the image forming apparatus 12, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line interface unit 36, the facsimile interface unit 38, and the image processing unit 44 are electrically connected to the system bus 42.

[0039] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 20A to access the RAM 20C, ROM 20B, and HDD 26, respectively. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the display of information such as operation screens and various messages on the user interface 22 display via the display control unit 28. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the document reading unit 46 and document transport unit via the reading control unit 32. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the image forming unit 24 and transport unit 25 via the image forming control unit 34, and to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line interface unit 36, respectively. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile interface unit 38 by the transmission and reception control unit 40. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 uses the CPU 20A to understand the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation input detection unit 30, and executes various controls based on this operation content. In the following, the process of forming an image on paper may be referred to as printing.

[0040] Next, the main electrical components of the cloud server 14 and information processing device 16 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the cloud server 14 and information processing device 16 according to this embodiment. Since the cloud server 14 and information processing device 16 are basically configured like a general computer, the explanation will be given using the cloud server 14 as a representative example, and the explanation of the information processing device 16 will be omitted, with only the corresponding reference numerals shown in Figure 3.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the cloud server 14 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 14A, ROM 14B, RAM 14C, HDD 14D, keyboard 14E, display 14F, and communication line interface (I / F) unit 14G. The CPU 14A controls the overall operation of the cloud server 14. The ROM 14B stores various control programs and parameters in advance. The RAM 14C is used as a work area when the CPU 14A executes various programs. The HDD 14D stores various data and application programs. The keyboard 14E is used to input various information. The display 14F is used to display various information. The communication line interface unit 14G is connected to an external communication line 18 and transmits and receives various data with other devices connected to the external communication line 18. The above parts of the cloud server 14 are electrically interconnected by a system bus 14H. In this embodiment, an example of a cloud server 14 equipped with an HDD 14D is described, but it is not limited to this, and other non-volatile storage units such as flash memory may also be provided. Furthermore, the communication line interface unit 16G of the information processing device 16 is connected to the internal communication line 17 and transmits and receives various types of data with other devices connected to the internal communication line 17.

[0042] With the above configuration, the cloud server 14 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 14A to access the ROM 14B, RAM 14C, and HDD 14D, acquire various data via the keyboard 14E, and display various information on the display 14F. The cloud server 14 also uses the CPU 14A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line interface unit 14G. Note that the CPU 16A corresponds to an example of the first processor.

[0043] Next, the functional configuration of each part of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment, which is configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0044] The information processing device 16 has the functions of an application 50, a printer driver 52, and a resident application 54, which are executed by the CPU 16A.

[0045] Application 50 consists of various applications that have printing capabilities and run on the information processing device 16.

[0046] The printer driver 52, following instructions from the application 50, creates print data as image data and passes it to the resident application.

[0047] The resident application 54 receives print data from the printer driver 52 and responds to print data acquisition requests from the image forming apparatus 12's apparatus application 64. The resident application 54 also executes the process of saving the print data to the local cache folder 56. When saving the print data to the local cache folder 56, the security of the print data is ensured by encrypting the print data before saving it, however, the process may be simplified by saving the data without encryption. Alternatively, the option to enable or disable encryption may be made available.

[0048] Furthermore, the resident application 54 has the functions of a storage unit 54A, a decision unit 54B, and a data update unit 54C.

[0049] When the storage unit 54A receives a continuous monitoring instruction for the target file when registering print data to the cloud server 14, it stores various attributes of the original file to be printed (for example, the storage path of the original file, file name, size, modification date and time, hash value of the file contents, etc.). It also stores the print data on the cloud server 14 in association with the print data in the local cache folder 56.

[0050] The determination unit 54B continuously monitors the file to be printed and performs a process to determine whether or not it has been updated. For example, it monitors the attributes of the file to be printed and determines whether or not it has been updated based on whether or not the attributes have changed.

[0051] When the determination unit 54B detects a change in the file to be printed, the data update unit 54C performs a process to update the print data stored in the local cache folder 56 and the cloud server 14, respectively.

[0052] The cloud server 14 has the functions of a receiving unit 58 and a processing response unit 60, as the CPU 14A executes a program.

[0053] The receiving unit 58 receives processing information representing the processing details, such as print settings, and print data from the resident application 54. The processing information includes print settings such as the number of copies to print, image quality, and color / black and white specification, as well as the document name. The document name may be the original file name or the title of the web page, and varies depending on the application that is printing. In this embodiment, the processing information also includes access information such as an IP (Internet Protocol address), but the processing information and access information may be separate.

[0054] The processing response unit 60 responds to various requests, such as requests to obtain a processing list from the device application 64 of the image forming apparatus 12.

[0055] The image forming apparatus 12 has the functions of an apparatus application 64 and an image forming platform 66, as the CPU 20A executes a program.

[0056] The device application 64 has the function of displaying a screen such as a processing list on the user interface 22, and passing print data acquired from the cloud server 14 and the resident application 54 to the image forming platform.

[0057] The image forming platform 66 provides basic functions of the image forming apparatus 12, such as displaying information on the user interface 22 and forming images based on print data. For example, the image forming platform is composed of an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0058] Next, the processing pattern when printing with the image forming apparatus 12 in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing pattern when printing with the image forming apparatus 12 in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0059] In the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment, printing by the image forming apparatus 12 is possible using two types of processing patterns: Turn A and Pattern B.

[0060] In this embodiment, if the information processing device 16 and the cloud server 14 can connect, printing is performed using pattern A; if the information processing device 16 cannot connect to the cloud server 14, printing is performed using pattern B.

[0061] In Pattern A, the information processing device 16 sends the print data, processing information including the device's access information and information for forming the image represented by the print data to the cloud server 14, and saves the print data to the device's local cache folder 56. When printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 12, the image forming apparatus 12 obtains the processing information from the cloud server 14 and the print data from either the cloud server 14 or the information processing device 16 to perform the print. The timing of uploading the processing information and print data to the cloud server 14 and the timing of saving the print data to the information processing device 16 do not necessarily have to be simultaneous. For example, the processing information and print data may be uploaded to the cloud server 14 first, and then the print data may be saved to the information processing device 16. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user operates the information processing device 16 to upload the processing information and print data from the information processing device 16 to the cloud server 14, saves the print data to the information processing device 16, and then moves to the image forming apparatus 12 and operates the user interface 22 to perform the print.

[0062] In Pattern B, the information processing device 16 directly transmits processing information and print data to the image forming apparatus 12, which then performs the printing. Alternatively, a Serverless OnDemand Print (SODP) service can be applied to enable printing from one image forming apparatus 12 to be output by another image forming apparatus 12, allowing printing to be performed by another available image forming apparatus 12 on the network. Furthermore, in Pattern B, when the information processing device 16 directly transmits processing information and print data to the image forming apparatus 12, short-range communication (for example, Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®) may be used for transmission.

[0063] Furthermore, the timing of deletion of processing information and print data on the cloud server 14 when they are uploaded from the information processing device 16 to the cloud server 14 may be selectable. For example, users may be able to choose to confirm deletion during image formation, not delete, or delete after a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes). Additionally, the deletion deadline for print data may be selectable on a contract basis, such as for tenants. For example, users may be able to choose a period from 1 hour to 7 days on a contract basis.

[0064] Furthermore, the print data stored in the information processing device 16 may be deleted at a different time than the print data sent to the cloud server 14. Since the print data on the information processing device 16 is merely a cache, it may be deleted at a shorter interval than the cloud server 14. For example, the print data may be deleted by a predetermined operation of the information processing device 16. Specifically, as a predetermined operation, all print data may be deleted at the time of termination or start of the application 50 that manages the print data on the information processing device 16. As a result, all print data will be deleted upon logout, login, or restart. In addition to this, the data may also be deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 5 minutes).

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing pattern when printing with the image forming apparatus 12 can be set on the settings screen on the information processing apparatus 16. Figure 6 shows an example of the settings screen displayed on the information processing apparatus 16.

[0066] In the example in Figure 6, there are four possible pattern settings: pattern A only ("A only" in Figure 6), pattern B only ("B only" in Figure 6), pattern B if pattern A fails ("A→B" in Figure 6), and pattern A if pattern B fails ("B→A" in Figure 6). Figure 6 shows an example where "A→B" is selected.

[0067] Furthermore, the settings screen in Figure 6 allows you to configure the address of the cloud server 14 (server address in Figure 6), the address of the image forming apparatus 12 (MF machine address in Figure 6), and the network interface name.

[0068] Furthermore, it is possible to set a timeout value to determine if a processing pattern has failed, and if the time set by the timeout value has elapsed, it will be determined that the printing has failed.

[0069] Note that the server address, MF machine address, network interface name, and timeout value in Figure 6 are displayed when the administrator is operating the system, but may be hidden under normal circumstances.

[0070] By the way, in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment, when printing using the above-described pattern A, the print data is saved in the cloud server 14 and the local cache folder 56 of the device. However, if the print data is changed before printing, the changes will not be reflected. In other words, if the registered print target file is updated and the user forgets to re-register the print data for the new version of the file, there is a possibility that the print data for the old version of the file will be printed. In particular, if multiple users request to print the same print target file, there is a possibility that a user other than the one who updated the file may print the file before it was updated.

[0071] Furthermore, updating the file requires the user to re-register it as print data, resulting in a double step. Especially for files that are frequently updated, each update necessitates registering the new print data with both the cloud server 14 and the local cache folder 56, which places a significant burden on the user.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, changes to the print target file, which is the source file of the print data once registered, are monitored, and updates to the print target file are detected. If the print target file is updated, the system notifies the system of the update and updates at least one of the following: the print data sent to the cloud server 14 and the print data stored in the local cache folder 56 of the device to print data newly generated based on the updated print target file.

[0073] In this embodiment, the information processing device 16 includes a function to confirm whether continuous monitoring of the file to be printed is necessary, a function to monitor the status of the print file, a file update detection and determination function, an automatic update function for the print data of the updated file, and a function to manage the files to be monitored.

[0074] The function to check whether continuous monitoring of the print target file is necessary monitors for file updates according to the setting on the settings screen shown in Figure 6. Specifically, this is set by selecting "Enable" or "Disable" for "Automatic Update" in Figure 6. If "Enable" is selected and the "Automatic Update Settings" are operated, the automatic update settings screen shown in Figure 7 will be displayed, and detailed settings will be made.

[0075] The automatic update settings screen allows you to configure settings such as "update check interval," "update necessity check," "post-update notification," "update check period," and "action after file deletion" as an action taken after image data is deleted.

[0076] In the example of the automatic update settings screen in Figure 7, the "Update Check Interval" can be selected from "Every hour," "Every day," "Next time printing," and "Next time PC starts up." Figure 7 shows an example where "Next time PC starts up" is selected. If "Every hour" is selected, in the example in Figure 7, an example of a fixed time interval can be selected from 1 to 4 hours.

[0077] Furthermore, for "update necessity confirmation," either "pop-up notification" or "automatic update" can be selected, and the example in Figure 7 shows the case where "automatic update" is selected. If "pop-up notification" is selected, when the print target file is updated, for example, the update necessity confirmation pop-up screen shown in Figure 8 will be displayed, and the user will be notified whether or not they want to update from the update necessity confirmation pop-up screen. In the example in Figure 8, the message "The following registered file has been updated, do you want to update the print data?" is displayed, and options such as "Open file," "Do not update," "Update," "Confirm and change print settings," and "Stop update confirmation" are available.

[0078] Furthermore, for "Notify after update," you can select either "Do not notify" or "Notify after update," and the example in Figure 7 shows the case where "Notify" is selected. If "Automatic update" is selected for "Check whether update is necessary" and "Notify after update" is selected, when a notification is sent, the automatic update completion notification screen shown in Figure 9 will be displayed, and options such as "Open file," "Check and change print settings," and "Stop update check" will be available.

[0079] Furthermore, the "post-update confirmation period" can be selected from "until today," "until this week," "until this month," and "until file deletion." Figure 7 shows an example where "until file deletion" is selected.

[0080] Furthermore, for "Action after file deletion," users can select from "Notify," "Clear cache," and "Clear both server and cache." Figure 7 shows an example where "Clear cache" is selected. If "Notify" is selected, a confirmation screen after file deletion detection, as shown in Figure 10, will be displayed when notification is sent. In the example in Figure 10, the message "The following registered files have been deleted or moved. Do you want to delete the print data?" is displayed, and options such as "Update file path," "Do not delete," and "Delete" are available.

[0081] Next, we will explain the information tables managed by the resident application. Figures 11 to 14 show examples of information tables managed by the resident application, with Figure 11 showing an example of a job information table. Figure 12 shows an example of an automatic update settings information table, Figure 13 shows an example of an automatic update file information table, and Figure 14 shows an example of a print settings information table. A job refers to a process or a set of processes executed by the image forming apparatus 12 to realize a predetermined function.

[0082] The job information table is a table that manages a list of jobs instructed to the image forming apparatus 12. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, each job is assigned a job ID to identify it, and for each job ID, the automatic update flag, automatic update setting ID, automatic update file ID, print setting ID, cache management ID, and server registration ID are managed.

[0083] The automatic update flag indicates the result of the "Enable" or "Disable" selection for "Automatic Update" on the settings screen in Figure 6. If "Disable Automatic Update" is selected, it will be "No," and if "Automatic Update" is selected, it will be "Yes." In the example in Figure 11, Job ID 1 is "No," Job ID 2 is "Yes," and Job ID 3 is "Yes."

[0084] The automatic update setting ID identifies the automatic update setting. When automatic updates are enabled, an automatic update setting ID is assigned. Detailed settings for automatic updates are managed in the automatic update setting information table (see Figure 12), which will be described later. In the example in Figure 11, Job ID 1 does not have automatic updates enabled, so the automatic update setting ID is set to "NULL" to indicate none. Job ID 2 has automatic updates enabled and is assigned the automatic update setting ID "A-001". Job ID 3 also has automatic updates enabled and is assigned the automatic update setting ID "A-002".

[0085] The automatic update file ID identifies the information of the file being monitored. When automatic updates are enabled, an automatic update file ID is assigned, and detailed information about the monitored file is managed in the automatic update file information table (see Figure 13), which will be described later. In the example in Figure 11, Job ID 1 does not have automatic updates enabled, so the automatic update setting ID is set to "NULL" to indicate none. Job ID 2 has automatic updates enabled and is assigned the automatic update file ID "F-007", and Job ID 3 has automatic updates enabled and is assigned the automatic update file ID "F-008".

[0086] The print setting ID identifies the print setting. A print setting ID is assigned when automatic updates are enabled, and detailed information about the monitored print setting is managed in the print setting information table (see Figure 14), which will be described later. In the example in Figure 11, Job ID 1 does not have automatic updates enabled, so the print setting ID is set to "NULL," which represents none. Job ID 2 has automatic updates enabled and is assigned the print setting ID "P-011," and Job ID 3 has automatic updates enabled and is assigned the print setting ID "P-012."

[0087] The cache management ID identifies the print data stored in the local cache folder 56. In the example shown in Figure 11, Job ID 1 is assigned "20220121-100", Job ID 2 is assigned "20220121-101", and Job ID 3 is assigned "20220121-102".

[0088] The server registration ID identifies the print data stored on the cloud server 14. In the example shown in Figure 11, Job ID 1 is assigned "PC0022-001234", Job ID 2 is assigned "PC0022-001235", and Job ID 3 is assigned "PC0022-001236".

[0089] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the above-mentioned automatic update settings information table will be explained.

[0090] The automatic update settings information table manages settings such as the update check interval, previous check time, next check time, update necessity check, post-update notification, update check time, and actions after file deletion for each setting ID.

[0091] The update check interval setting manages the automatic check interval set on the automatic update settings screen in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" is set to "every hour", and setting ID "A-002" is set to "next time PC starts".

[0092] The "Last Check Time" indicates the time when the monitored file was last checked. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" was checked at "2022 / 1 / 21 14:10", and setting ID "A-002" was checked at "2022 / 1 / 21 8:50".

[0093] The "Next Check Time" indicates the time when the monitored file will be checked next. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" is checked at "2022 / 1 / 21 15:10", while setting ID "A-002" is left blank because it is checked at "next PC startup".

[0094] The update requirement check is managed by the update requirement check set on the automatic update settings screen in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" is set to "Popup notification", and setting ID "A-002" is set to "Automatic update".

[0095] Update notifications are managed by the settings configured on the automatic update settings screen in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" is set to "Yes" and setting ID "A-002" is set to "No".

[0096] The update check time manages the update check set on the automatic update settings screen in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" has the update check time set to "2022 / 1 / 21 23:59", and setting ID "A-002" has the update check time set to "until file deletion".

[0097] The post-file deletion action manages the post-file deletion action set on the automatic update settings screen in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 12, setting ID "A-001" is set to "Notify", and setting ID "A-002" is set to "Clear cache".

[0098] Next, we will explain the automatic update file information table mentioned above, referring to Figure 13.

[0099] The automatically updating file information table manages information such as file name, storage path, file size, creation date and time, version, and hash value for each file ID.

[0100] The file name indicates the file name being monitored. In the example in Figure 13, file ID "F-007" is named "Project Proposal.xxx", and file ID "F-008" is named "Proposal.zzz".

[0101] The storage path indicates the location where the monitored file is stored. In the example in Figure 13, file ID "F-007" has a storage path of "D:\Print Target", and file ID "F-008" has a storage path of "E:\ProjectFile".

[0102] The file size indicates the size of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 13, file ID "F-007" has a file size of "3.5MB", and file ID "F-008" has a file size of "5MB".

[0103] The creation date and time indicates the creation date and time of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 13, file ID "F-007" has a creation date and time of "2022 / 1 / 14 10:30", and file ID "F-008" has a creation date and time of "2022 / 1 / 17 11:50".

[0104] The version indicates the version of the monitored file; for example, file ID "F-007" is version "K2", and file ID "F-008" is version "K3".

[0105] The hash value indicates the hash value of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 13, file ID "F-007" has the hash value "624829944b92ffa88072ff9d5bb14475bf17e9d6", and file ID "F-008" has the hash value "c609e2a844233d23e9013a1e7f53aaedf0f97a57".

[0106] Next, we will explain the print settings information table mentioned above, referring to Figure 14.

[0107] The print settings information table manages information such as document size, orientation, output paper size, color mode, double-sided printing, single-page printing, print range, reservation number issuance, and PIN for each print setting ID.

[0108] The document size refers to the document size set in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "A3", and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "A4".

[0109] The document orientation refers to the orientation set in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "landscape," and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "portrait."

[0110] The output paper size indicates the output paper size set in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, the print setting ID "P-011" is set to "A4", and the print setting ID "P-012" is also set to "A4".

[0111] The color mode indicates the color mode set in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "Color," and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "Black and White."

[0112] "Double-sided" refers to the double-sided setting configured in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "Single-sided," and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "Double-sided (long edge binding)."

[0113] "Print on one page" refers to the setting configured in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "Do not print", and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "Print on two pages".

[0114] The print range refers to the print range set in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "All Pages," and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "January 3rd."

[0115] The reservation number issuance setting refers to the reservation number issuance setting configured in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, "NO" is set for print setting ID "P-011", and "PR#1145" is set for print setting ID "P-012".

[0116] The PIN refers to the PIN set in the print settings of the monitored file. In the example in Figure 14, print setting ID "P-011" is set to "999999", and print setting ID "P-012" is set to "NULL", which represents no PIN.

[0117] Next, the specific processing flow in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the file to be printed exists within the information processing device 16.

[0118] The user launches the application and issues a print command. For example, the application retrieves and displays the data and file attributes of the target file, and the user selects the file to print, thereby issuing a print command to the resident application 54. The application also sends the data and attributes to the resident application 54.

[0119] The resident application generates print data and stores the file and its attributes in the local cache folder 56. The resident application also registers the print data with the cloud server 14. Specifically, it sends the print data, along with processing information including the device's access information and information for forming the image represented by the print data, to the cloud server 14. When registering the print data with the cloud server 14, the registrant is asked whether continuous monitoring of the target file is necessary.

[0120] After receiving a continuous monitoring instruction, the resident application 54 stores various attributes of the original file to be printed (for example, the storage path of the original file, file name, size, modification date and time, hash value of the file contents, etc.) in the storage unit 54A. Furthermore, when registering the target file with the cloud server 14, it associates the data on the cloud server 14 with the print data in the local cache folder 56.

[0121] The resident application 54 checks for updates to the monitored file at pre-set intervals, or when the information processing device 16 is started up next time. The judgment unit 54B of the resident application 54 then determines whether the monitored file has been updated. If the monitored file is being edited, updates are prohibited, and update checks and automatic updates are not performed.

[0122] If the resident application 54 detects an update to the monitored document, the data update unit 54C, without going through the document application, notifies the user via a pop-up or other means according to the settings, and confirms whether the print data on the local cache folder 56 and the cloud server 14 needs to be updated. Alternatively, if it is set that no notification is needed, the print data on the local cache folder 56 and the cloud server 14 is automatically replaced with the updated file.

[0123] As a result, when a user operates the user interface 22 of the image forming apparatus 12 to select a modified file from the document name list and instructs it to print, the latest version of the target file will be printed.

[0124] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the file to be printed resides within the information processing device 16, but this is not the only example. For example, the file to be printed may reside on the cloud server 14 or other servers that provide services. In this case, when the resident application 54 checks whether the file has been updated, it checks whether the file has been updated by obtaining the file attributes from the cloud server 14 or other server where the file to be printed resides.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 and the information processing apparatus 16 are connected to the cloud server 14 via two communication lines, an internal communication line 17 and an external communication line 18, but this is not the only configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 12, the information processing apparatus 16, and the cloud server 14 may be connected via a single communication line, or they may be connected via three or more communication lines.

[0126] Furthermore, although the CPU was described as an example of a processor in the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a broader term that includes general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and specialized processors (such as GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, and programmable logic devices).

[0127] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0128] Furthermore, the processing performed in each part of the image forming system 10 according to the above embodiment may be performed by software, by hardware, or by a combination of both. Also, the processing performed in each part of the image forming system 10 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0129] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its intent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 10 Image Forming Systems 12 Image forming apparatus 14 Cloud Servers 16 Information Processing Devices 16A CPU 54 Resident Applications 54A Storage section 54B Judgment Department 54C Data Update Unit 56 Local Cache Folder

Claims

1. The processor comprises, When an instruction is received to the image forming apparatus to form an image of a file to be printed, the image data generated based on the file to be printed, processing information including access information to the apparatus and information for forming the image represented by the image data are sent to the server, and the image data is stored in the apparatus. When the print target file is updated, the system notifies the user of the update to the print target file and updates at least one of the following: the image data sent to the server and the image data stored on the device to image data generated based on the updated print target file. An information processing device that controls the image forming apparatus to transmit image data to the image forming apparatus when, in response to a user operation via the user interface of the image forming apparatus in selecting a file to be printed, the image forming apparatus selects to acquire the image data from the server or to acquire the image data from its own device corresponding to the access information, and as a result of this selection, the image forming apparatus requests the transmission of the image data.

2. When the device and the server are connectable, in response to the user operation via the user interface of the image forming apparatus selecting the file to be printed, the image forming apparatus selects to acquire the image data from the server, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the event that the self-device and the server cannot be connected, the acquisition of the image data from the self-device is selected in response to the selection of the print target file by a user operation via the user interface of the image forming apparatus.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor detects updates to the print target file at predetermined intervals or when the device is started.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor stores the attributes of the file to be printed and detects updates to the image data by monitoring the attributes of the image data.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor, when notifying of an update to the print target file, accepts whether or not to update the image data sent to the server and the image data stored in the device when the print target file is updated.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor further performs a process to accept a setting on whether or not it is necessary to confirm the update of the file to be printed.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor, when set to check for updates to the print target file, accepts an update check interval, a check for the necessity of an update, whether or not to send a notification after the update, an update check period, and a post-file deletion operation as an operation after the deletion of image data.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when a pop-up notification is set as the update requirement confirmation, the processor displays a predetermined update requirement confirmation pop-up screen and accepts whether the print target file needs to be updated.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the processor has set automatic update as the check for the necessity of update, and has set notification as the presence or absence of notification after the update, and has updated the image data generated based on the updated print target file, and displays a predetermined automatic update completion notification screen.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processor accepts confirmation and modification of print settings on the automatic update completion notification screen.

11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the processor, when the file to be printed is being edited, prohibits checking for updates to the file to be printed and updating the image data generated based on the updated file to be printed.

12. Information processing equipment and Image forming apparatus and A server that can be connected to each of the aforementioned information processing apparatus and the aforementioned image forming apparatus, Equipped with, The information processing device comprises a first processor, The first processor is, When an instruction is received to the image forming apparatus to form an image of a file to be printed, the image data generated based on the file to be printed, processing information including access information to the apparatus and information for forming the image represented by the image data are sent to the server, and the image data is stored in the apparatus. When the print target file is updated, the system notifies the user of the update to the print target file and updates at least one of the following: the image data sent to the server and the image data stored on the device to image data generated based on the updated print target file. In response to the user operation via the user interface of the image forming apparatus in selecting the file to be printed, the image forming apparatus selects to acquire the image data from the server or to acquire the image data from its own device corresponding to the access information, and if the image forming apparatus requests transmission of the image data as a result of this selection, it performs control to transmit the image data to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a second processor, The second processor is, The processing information is obtained from the server, In response to the user operation via the user interface of the image forming apparatus in selecting the file to be printed, the system selects to acquire the image data from the server or from the information processing device corresponding to the access information, and acquires the image data. An information processing system that controls the system to perform image formation using the acquired image data and processing information.

13. On the computer, When an instruction is received to the image forming apparatus to form an image of a file to be printed, the image data generated based on the file to be printed, processing information including access information to the apparatus and information for forming the image represented by the image data are sent to the server, and the image data is stored in the apparatus. When the print target file is updated, the system notifies the user of the update to the print target file and updates at least one of the following: the image data sent to the server and the image data stored on the device to image data generated based on the updated print target file. An information processing program for executing control to transmit the image data to the image forming apparatus when, in response to the selection of a print target file by a user operation via the user interface of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus selects to acquire the image data from the server or to acquire the image data from its own device corresponding to the access information, and as a result of this selection, the image forming apparatus requests the transmission of the image data.

Images