JP6801439B2 - Printing systems, intermediary servers, printing methods, and computer programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for sharing a printing device having a so-called cloud printer function.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus called a "multifunction device" or an "MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)" has become widespread. This image forming apparatus is connected to a terminal device such as a personal computer via a network, and can execute a printing job according to an instruction from the terminal device. Further, the printing job can be executed according to the instructions from each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, one image forming device can be shared by a plurality of terminal devices. The following techniques have been proposed with respect to such settings for sharing a printing device such as an image forming device.

A printer object is generated based on printer information about the printer and user information about the first user, and the generated printer object is saved in association with the server information of the print server that manages the printer, and the first user saves the generated printer object. When a setting screen is provided for instructing a second user to share multiple printers managed by the selected print server by selecting a print server, and sharing is instructed on the setting screen. , The state of the printer object is changed to the shared state so that the printer object of each of the plurality of printers managed by the selected print server can be used by the second user (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-206876

By the way, in addition to instructing a printing job from a terminal device existing in a certain segment to an image forming device existing in the same segment, from a terminal device existing in one segment to an image forming device existing in another segment. , A print job can be instructed via a so-called cloud server. It is a type of cloud service called cloud printing.

In this service, one image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of terminal devices by sharing one image forming apparatus by a plurality of users.

As a procedure for sharing, first, a user who wants to share applies to the administrator of the image forming apparatus to that effect. Next, the administrator notifies the cloud service of the permission for the application. Then, on the cloud service side, settings are made so that the user can share the image forming apparatus.

Here, the image forming apparatus installed in a public facility is used by an unspecified number of users. Therefore, if such an image forming apparatus is a target of sharing, the number of users who intend to make an application may increase. As a result, it is conceivable that the administrator of the image forming apparatus will be burdened with procedures for the cloud service.

Also in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the administrator simply shares and sets the printer for the user account and the like. Therefore, this technique cannot solve the above-mentioned problem.

In view of these problems, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to share an image forming apparatus with less burden on the administrator than before.

The print system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a print system including a terminal device, an intermediary server, one or more image forming devices, and a print server that controls the one or more image forming devices. , Execution device specific information for specifying a print execution device in which the terminal device is an image forming device that prints a target document among the one or a plurality of image forming devices, and the terminal device or the terminal device. The print server has a first transmission means for transmitting instruction source identification information for identifying a user who uses the server to the mediation server, and the print server prints a document according to a printing instruction from the terminal device. A second transmission means for transmitting the received execution device identification information and the instruction source identification information to the print server in order to set the access right to the print server so that the print execution device can print. Has.

Preferably, the first transmission means transmits the instruction source identification information and the execution device identification information in order to instruct the intermediary server to have the print execution device print the target document. The mediation server instructs the print server to print the target document by transmitting the instruction source identification information and the execution device identification information received from the first transmission means to the print server . If instructions means, has, the print server that the access right is set can be identified based on the instruction source identification information and the execution device identification information from the previous SL instructions means It has a print control means for causing the print execution device to print the target document.

According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus can be shared with less burden on the administrator than before.

It is a figure which shows the example of the overall structure of a print system. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware configuration of an intermediary server. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware composition of the terminal apparatus for a user. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware composition of the terminal device for an administrator. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional configuration of an intermediary server. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional configuration of each of the user terminal device and the administrator terminal device, and the example of the configuration of the print command reception processing unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the device data. It is a figure which shows the example of the device registration screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the user data. It is a figure which shows the example of the printer list screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the print setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional configuration of the cloud print server, and the figure which shows the example of the configuration of the print job grant processing unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the usage right data. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the overall processing flow of the apparatus of a printing system. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the overall processing flow of the apparatus of a printing system. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the overall processing flow of the apparatus of a printing system. It is a figure which shows the example of the printer list screen.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the print system 5. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediary server 2B. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal device 3A. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the administrator terminal device 3B.

As shown in FIG. 1, the print system 5 includes a plurality of image forming devices 1, a plurality of cloud print servers 2A, an intermediary server 2B, a plurality of user terminal devices 3A, an administrator terminal device 3B, a communication line 4, and the like. Consists of.

According to the print system 5, the user can print the document from various places.

Each image forming device 1, each cloud print server 2A, an intermediary server 2B, each user terminal device 3A, and an administrator terminal device 3B can communicate with each other via the communication line 4. As the communication line 4, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), public line, mobile phone line, dedicated line, or the like is used.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copying, PC printing, cloud printer, fax, scanner, and box. Generally, it may be called "multifunction device" or "MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)".

The PC print function is a function of printing an image on paper based on image data received from a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like belonging to the same segment. Sometimes referred to as "network printing" or "network printing".

The cloud printer function is a function of receiving image data via a server on the Internet (in this embodiment, the cloud print server 2A) and printing the image on paper.

The box function is a function in which a storage area called a "box" or a "personal box" is given to each user, and each user saves and manages image data or the like according to his / her own storage area. A box can be provided for each group and shared by the members of the group. A box corresponds to a "folder" or "directory" on a personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, an auxiliary storage device 10d, a touch panel display 10e, and an operation key panel 10f. , NIC (Network Interface Card) 10g, modem 10h, scan unit 10i, print unit 10j, finisher 10k and the like.

The touch panel display 10e displays a screen showing a message to the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing the result of the process executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. Further, the touch panel display 10e sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

The operation key panel 10f is a so-called hardware keyboard, and is composed of a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

The NIC 10g communicates with the cloud print server 2A, the intermediary server 2B, and the like by a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

The modem 10h exchanges image data with a fax terminal by a protocol such as G3.

The scan unit 10i reads the image written on the paper set on the platen glass and generates image data.

In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10i, the print unit 10j prints an image received from another device by the NIC 10g or the modem 10h on paper.

The finisher 10k performs post-processing on the printed matter obtained by the print unit 10j, if necessary. Post-treatment includes staple binding, punching, and bending.

A program for realizing each function such as the above-mentioned copy and cloud printer is stored in the ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d.

These programs are loaded into the RAM 10b and executed by the CPU 10a. As the auxiliary storage device 10d, a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used.

Hereinafter, each image forming apparatus 1 may be described separately from "image forming apparatus 1A", "image forming apparatus 1B", .... Further, each image forming apparatus 1 is given a local identifier in the cloud print server 2A in which it is managed. The local identifier will be described later.

The cloud print server 2A causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a process of printing a document based on a request from the user terminal device 3A or the intermediary server 2B. That is, a so-called cloud print service is provided to the user.

As the cloud print server 2A, an existing cloud server that provides a cloud print service is used. An example of cloud print is Google Cloud Print from Google.

The cloud print server 2A is operated by a company that provides services related to the Internet. Hereinafter, a case where each cloud print server 2A is operated by a different company will be described as an example. In addition, each cloud print server 2A may be described separately as "cloud print server 2A1", "cloud print server 2A2", and so on.

In order for the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the process of printing a document via the cloud print server 2A, the image forming apparatus 1 must be registered in the cloud print server 2A in advance. The registration method differs for each cloud print server 2A, but registration can be performed by a known method.

In addition, the user is a member of a company that operates each of the cloud print servers 2A, and is given a user account by each company. A unique membership code is attached to the user account as an ID (identification) for identifying the user account. Furthermore, a password arbitrarily decided by the user is attached. The user is registered as a member of each company by a known method.

The intermediary server 2B mediates a request from the user terminal device 3A to the cloud print server 2A so that the user can receive the cloud print service.

As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediary server 2B is composed of a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, an auxiliary storage device 20d, a NIC 20e, and the like.

The NIC 20e communicates with an image forming apparatus or the like by a protocol such as TCP / IP.

The print mediation program 20P (see FIG. 6) is stored in the ROM 20c or the auxiliary storage device 20d. The print mediation program 20P is loaded into the RAM 20b and executed by the CPU 20a. A hard disk, SSD, or the like is used as the auxiliary storage device 20d.

The user terminal device 3A is a client for the user to receive the cloud print service. As the user terminal device 3A, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook-type personal computer, or the like is used. Hereinafter, a case where a smartphone is used as the user terminal device 3A will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal device 3A includes a CPU 30a, a RAM 30b, a ROM 30c, a flash memory 30d, a touch panel display 30e, an operation button group 30f, a wireless LAN communication device 30g, a mobile phone communication device 30h, a digital camera 30i, and the like. Consists of.

The touch panel display 30e displays various screens, detects the touched position, and notifies the CPU 30a of the position.

The operation button group 30f is composed of a button for returning to the so-called home screen, a button for adjusting the volume, a button for switching the power on / off, and the like.

The wireless LAN communication device 30g communicates based on the wireless LAN standard, that is, the standard of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

The mobile phone communication device 30h communicates via a so-called mobile phone network based on standards such as CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) 2000, W-CDMA (Wideband-CDMA), or LTE (Long Term Evolution).

The digital camera 30i captures an image and generates image data. It is also possible to shoot a moving image and generate image data of the moving image.

The ROM 30c or the flash memory 30d stores application programs such as a document creation application (for example, word processing software, spreadsheet software, drawing software), a mailer, and a web browser. Further, the client program 30P (see FIG. 7) is stored.

These programs are loaded into the RAM 30b as needed and executed by the CPU 30a.

Hereinafter, each user terminal device 3A may be described separately from "user terminal device 3A1", user terminal device 3A2, and so on.

The administrator terminal device 3B is used by an administrator, which will be described later, to manage the intermediary server 2B. As the terminal device 3B for the administrator, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used. Hereinafter, a case where a notebook type personal computer is used as the administrator terminal device 3B will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 5, the administrator terminal device 3B includes a CPU 34a, a RAM 34b, a ROM 34c, an auxiliary storage device 34d, a NIC 34e, a liquid crystal display 34f, a keyboard 34g, a pointing device 34h, and the like.

The NIC34e communicates with the cloud print server 2A or the like by a protocol such as TCP / IP.

The liquid crystal display 34f displays a screen or the like for managing the intermediary server 2B. The keyboard 34g and the pointing device 34h are used by the user to enter commands or information.

A management program 34P (see FIG. 7) for managing the intermediary server 2B is stored in the ROM 34c or the auxiliary storage device 34d.

The management program 34P is loaded into the RAM 34b as needed and executed by the CPU 34a. A hard disk, SSD, or the like is used as the auxiliary storage device 34d.

In order to use the cloud printer function of a certain image forming apparatus 1, the user has conventionally given the authority to use the cloud printer function of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter, referred to as "use right") to form the image. It must be given by a person who has the authority to manage the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "administrator"). Therefore, the administrator must perform the work of granting the usage right every time the user requests the usage right. However, according to the intermediary server 2B, the user terminal device 3A, and the administrator terminal device 3B, the burden of this work can be reduced.

Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13. A case where there is only one administrator for each image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the intermediary server 2B. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each of the user terminal device 3A and the administrator terminal device 3B and an example of the configuration of the print command reception processing unit 204.

According to the print mediation program 20P, functions such as the device data storage unit 201, the device registration processing unit 202, the user data storage unit 203, the print command reception processing unit 204, and the print job assignment processing unit 205 shown in FIG. 6 are functions of the mediation server 2B. Will be realized.

According to the client program 30P, functions such as the list screen display unit 301, the designated device notification unit 302, the setting screen display unit 303, and the print request unit 304 shown in FIG. 7 are realized in the user terminal device 3A.

According to the management program 34P, functions such as the device registration screen display unit 341 and the device information notification unit 342 are realized in the administrator terminal device 3B.

Each user becomes a member of a company that operates the intermediary server 2B in advance, and the company issues a unique user code.

[Preparation]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of device data 6A. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the device registration screen 71. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user data 6E.

In the intermediary server 2B, the device data storage unit 201 stores device data 6A, non-corresponding function data 6B, and maintenance flag 6C for each image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, the device data 6A shows the following information regarding the cloud print of the image forming apparatus 1. The "device code" is an ID for identifying the image forming apparatus 1 on the intermediary server 2B.

The "display name" is the name of the image forming apparatus 1. As the display name, a name that is easy for the user to understand is used. The "corresponding server identifier" is an identifier of the cloud print server 2A in which the image forming apparatus 1 is registered. As the corresponding server identifier, an Internet host name (combination of a host name and a domain name) may be used, or an IP (Internet Protocol) address may be used.

The "administrator code" is the ID of the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 in the cloud print server 2A. The administrator can give an arbitrary user the right to use the image forming apparatus 1. The "administrator password" is a password used by the administrator to log in to the cloud print server 2A. As the administrator code and the administrator password, the member code and password of the user account of the administrator in the cloud print server 2A may be used.

The "local identifier" is an identifier of the image forming apparatus 1 in the cloud print server 2A.

The "location" is an address where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. The "affiliated organization" and the "affiliated department" are an organization (company, government office, school, etc.) and a department that can use the image forming apparatus 1, respectively. The affiliated organization and the affiliated department may not be set.

The non-corresponding function data 6B shows information other than the cloud print of the image forming apparatus 1. In particular, among the functions possessed by the image forming apparatus 1, the functions that cannot be conventionally used via the cloud print server 2A are shown. Hereinafter, the functions that can be used via the cloud print server 2A will be described as "standard functions", and the functions that cannot be used will be described as "non-compliant functions".

The maintenance flag 6C indicates whether the right to use the image forming apparatus 1 given to the user is to be maintained even after the cloud print is executed or to be deleted after the execution. If the maintenance flag 6C is "1", it is maintained, and if it is "0", it is deleted.

The device data 6A, the non-corresponding function data 6B, and the maintenance flag 6C are generated by the list screen display unit 301 and the designated device notification unit 302 of the device registration processing unit 202 and the administrator terminal device 3B, and are stored in the device data storage unit 201. Will be done.

Here, an example is a case where the image forming apparatus 1A is already registered in the cloud print server 2A1 and the device data 6A, the non-corresponding function data 6B, and the maintenance flag 6C of the image forming apparatus 1A are stored in the device data storage unit 201. The processing of each part and the work of the administrator will be described in.

The administrator inputs a predetermined command to the administrator terminal device 3B. Then, the device registration screen display unit 341 displays the device registration screen 71 as shown in FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal display 34f. Here, the administrator enters the text boxes 71A1 to 71A5 in order from the top, the display name of the image forming apparatus 1A, the corresponding server identifier of the cloud print server 2A1, the administrator code of the administrator, and the administrator password of the administrator. , And the location of the image forming apparatus 1A. Further, if necessary, the organization to which the image forming apparatus 1A belongs and the department to which the image forming apparatus 1A belongs are input to the text boxes 71A6 and 71A7, respectively.

When the image forming apparatus 1A has a non-corresponding function, the administrator inputs the function name of the non-corresponding function into the text box 71B.

Further, if the right to use the image forming apparatus 1A is to be maintained even after the cloud print is executed, the administrator specifies "maintain" by selecting the check box 71C. If you want to delete it after execution, specify "Delete" by turning it off.

When the above operation is completed, the administrator presses the registration button 71D. Then, the device information notification unit 342 is designated by the device basic data 6D1 indicating the contents input in the text boxes 71A1 to 71A7, the non-corresponding function data 6D2 indicating the contents input in the text boxes 71B, and the check box 71C. Maintenance necessity data 6D3 indicating the contents is generated and transmitted to the intermediary server 2B. As a result, the information about the image forming apparatus 1A is notified to the intermediary server 2B.

When the device registration processing unit 202 receives the device basic data 6D1, the non-corresponding function data 6D2, and the maintenance necessity data 6D3 in the intermediary server 2B, the device registration processing unit 202 generates the device data 6A, the non-corresponding function data 6B, and the maintenance flag 6C. The process of storing in the device data storage unit 201 is performed as follows.

The device registration processing unit 202 issues a unique device code. Then, the issued device code and data indicating the contents shown in the device basic data 6D1 are generated and stored in the device data storage unit 201 as the device data 6A.

Further, the device registration processing unit 202 stores the non-corresponding function data 6D2 as the non-corresponding function data 6B in the device data storage unit 201 in association with the device code. Further, the maintenance flag 6C is newly generated and stored in the device data storage unit 201 in association with the device code. Then, when "maintenance" is indicated in the maintenance necessity data 6D3, the value of the maintenance flag 6C is set to "1", and when "deletion" is indicated, it is set to "0".

As shown in FIG. 10, user data 6E for each user is stored in advance in the user data storage unit 203.

The user data 6E shows the user code and password of the user. As described above, the user code is issued in advance by the company that operates the intermediary server 2B. The password is arbitrarily determined by the user. Further, if the user belongs to an organization or department, the organization or department is shown in the user data 6E.

[Processing for cloud print]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the printer list screen 72. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the print setting screen 73.

As shown in FIG. 7, the print command reception processing unit 204 of the intermediary server 2B has a user authentication unit 241, a list screen data generation unit 242, a list screen data transmission unit 243, a setting screen data generation unit 244, and a setting screen data transmission unit. It is composed of 245, a print request receiving unit 246, and the like, and performs processing for receiving a cloud print request from the user terminal device 3A.

The user prepares a file of a document to be printed by the cloud printer function in the terminal device 3A for the user in advance. For example, a file described in PDF (Portable Document Format), a file created by word processing software, or a web page file downloaded from a website is prepared as a document file.

Then, a predetermined command is input to the user terminal device 3A, and further, his / her own user code and password are input.

Hereinafter, a case where the user terminal device 3A1 is used as the user terminal device 3A will be described as an example. The user code and password may be input and stored in the user terminal device 3A in advance.

Then, in the user terminal device 3A1, the list screen display unit 301 executes the process for displaying the printer list screen 72 (see FIG. 11) on the touch panel display 30e as follows.

When a predetermined command is input, the list screen display unit 301 requests the data of the printer list screen 72 by transmitting the list request data 6F to the intermediary server 2B. In the list request data 6F, in addition to the list request, the user code and password of the user are shown.

In the intermediary server 2B, when the user authentication unit 241 receives the list request data 6F from the user terminal device 3A1, the user authentication unit 241 executes the user authentication process as follows.

The user authentication unit 241 checks whether or not the user data 6E indicating the user code and password shown in the list request data 6F is stored in the user data storage unit 203. Then, if the user code and password are stored, it is determined that the user of the user terminal device 3A1 is a legitimate user. If it is not remembered, it is determined that the user is not a legitimate user.

The list screen data generation unit 242 generates the list screen data 6G for displaying the printer list screen 72 when the user authentication unit 241 determines that the user of the user terminal device 3A1 is a legitimate user.

As shown in FIG. 11, a list 72A composed of the device code and the display name shown in the device data 6A stored in the device data storage unit 201 is arranged on the printer list screen 72.

The device code and display name included in the list 72A may be limited as follows, for example.

The list screen data generation unit 242 reads the user data 6E (see FIG. 10) indicating the user code shown in the list request data 6F from the user data storage unit 203. When the read user data 6E indicates the organization to which the user belongs and the department to which the user belongs, only the device data 6A indicating the organization to which the user belongs and the department to which the user belongs is read from the device data storage unit 201. Alternatively, if the read user data 6E does not indicate the organization to which it belongs, only the device data 6A that does not indicate the organization to which the user belongs is read from the device data storage unit 201.

Then, the list screen data generation unit 242 arranges a list including the device code and the display name shown in each read device data 6A as the list 72A.

When the list screen data 6G is generated by the list screen data generation unit 242, the list screen data transmission unit 243 transmits the list screen data 6G to the transmission source of the list request data 6F (in this example, the user terminal device 3A1). To do.

Then, in the user terminal device 3A1, when the list screen display unit 301 receives the list screen data 6G, the printer list screen 72 is displayed on the touch panel display 30e based on the list screen data 6G.

Here, the user specifies the image forming apparatus 1 to be used by selecting the display name or the device code thereof. Then, the enter button 72B is pressed.

Then, the designated device notification unit 302 transmits the device designation data 6H indicating the device code of the designated image forming apparatus 1 to the intermediary server 2B.

In the intermediary server 2B, when the setting screen data generation unit 244 receives the device designation data 6H, the setting screen data generation unit 244 generates the setting screen data 6J for displaying the print setting screen 73.

As shown in FIG. 12, the print setting screen 73 is provided with a standard item area 731 and a non-corresponding item area 732.

The standard item area 731 is an area for setting conditions related to standard function items of the cloud print server 2A in which the image forming apparatus 1 designated on the printer list screen 72 (see FIG. 11) is registered. On the other hand, the non-corresponding item area 732 is an area for setting conditions relating to the non-corresponding function item of the cloud print server 2A among the functions possessed by the image forming apparatus 1.

In this example, radio buttons 73A1 to 73A2, 73B1 to 73B2, and check boxes 73C are arranged in the standard item area 731 as objects (controls) for setting conditions related to standard function items of the cloud print server 2A1. To.

The radio buttons 73A1 to 73A2 are objects for designating a print color, that is, whether to print the document in color or monochrome. Radio buttons 73B1 to 73B2 are objects for designating the size of the paper on which the document is printed. The check box 73C is an object for designating whether or not the printed matter of the document is stapled.

Further, in this example, in the non-corresponding item area 732, a check box 73D1 and a text box are used as objects for setting conditions related to the non-corresponding function item of the cloud print server 2A1 among the functions possessed by the image forming apparatus 1A. 73D2 to 73D3 are arranged.

The check box 73D1 is an object for designating whether or not to apply the confidential printing function. "Confidential printing" is a function that does not start printing immediately when document data is received from another device, but starts printing when the user authentication process is successful. Sometimes referred to as "confidential print" or "security print".

The text boxes 73D2 and 73D3 are objects for designating an ID and password for authentication, respectively.

The objects arranged in the standard item area 731 are predetermined for each cloud print server 2A. The objects arranged in the non-corresponding item area 732 are shown in the non-corresponding function data 6B of each cloud print server 2A.

Further, on the print setting screen 73, a text box 73E or the like for designating a file name of a document file to be printed is arranged.

When the setting screen data 6J is generated by the setting screen data generation unit 244, the setting screen data transmission unit 245 transmits the setting screen data 6J to the user terminal device 3A1.

When the setting screen display unit 303 receives the setting screen data 6J in the user terminal device 3A1, the print setting screen 73 is displayed on the touch panel display 30e based on the setting screen data 6J.

Here, the user selects or specifies the conditions for printing the document, the file name of the document, and the like for the object arranged on the print setting screen 73. Then, the enter button 73F is pressed. As a result, a cloud print command is issued.

Then, the print request unit 304 transmits the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, and the document file 6L to the intermediary server 2B. As a result, the cloud print request is made to the intermediary server 2B.

The condition data 6K1 indicates the contents specified for each of the standard item area 731 and the non-corresponding item area 732 and the device code of the image forming apparatus 1 specified on the printer list screen 72. The member data 6K2 indicates the member code and password of the user account of the user on the cloud print server 2A1. The document file 6L is a file with a file name specified in the text box 73E.

When the print request receiving unit 246 receives the condition data 6K1 and the document file 6L in the intermediary server 2B, the print request receiving unit 246 instructs the print job granting processing unit 205 to request the cloud print to the cloud print server 2A.

Then, the print job grant processing unit 205 performs a process for giving the cloud print job to the cloud print server 2A. Then, the cloud print server 2A causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the cloud print job.

Here, the processing by the print job assignment processing unit 205 and the processing by the cloud print server 2A will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the cloud print server 2A and a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the print job granting processing unit 205. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of usage right data 6M.

As shown in FIG. 13, the print job grant processing unit 205 is composed of a shared setting request unit 251, a print request unit 252, a usage right deletion request unit 253, and the like.

Each cloud print server 2A is composed of a usage right data storage unit 261, a sharing setting unit 262, a print control unit 263, a usage right deletion unit 264, and the like.

In each cloud print server 2A, the usage right data storage unit 261 stores the usage right data 6M for each image forming apparatus 1 managed by the cloud print server 2A, as shown in FIG.

The usage right data 6M shows a usage right user identifier and a local identifier of the image forming apparatus 1. The usage right user identifier is the membership code of the user account on the cloud print server 2A of the user to whom the usage right of the image forming apparatus 1 is given. For example, in the usage right data 6M of the image forming apparatus 1A, the membership code of the user account on the cloud print server 2A1 of the user to whom the usage right of the image forming apparatus 1A is given is shown as the usage right user identifier. ..

In the print job grant processing unit 205, the share setting request unit 251 generates the share setting request data 6N based on the member data 6K2, and the cloud print in which the image forming device 1 of the device code shown in the condition data 6K1 is registered. Send to server 2A.

The shared setting request data 6N includes the local identifier of the image forming apparatus 1, the administrator code and the administrator password of the image forming apparatus 1, and the member of the user account in the image forming apparatus 1 of the user who ordered the cloud print. The code is shown.

In this example, the image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus 1A, and the cloud print server 2A is a cloud print server 2A1. The cloud print server 2A1 is specified by the corresponding server identifier of the device data 6A (see FIG. 8) of the image forming apparatus 1A. The local identifier, administrator code, and administrator password shown in the shared setting request data 6N are the same as those shown in the device data 6A. The membership code is the same as that shown in the membership data 6K2.

In the cloud print server 2A1, when the sharing setting request data 6N is received, the sharing setting unit 262 performs a process for adding the user of the user terminal device 3A1 as one of the co-owners of the image forming device 1A as follows. To do.

The sharing setting unit 262 authenticates the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1A by a known method based on the administrator code and the administrator password shown in the sharing setting request data 6N.

If the authentication is successful, the sharing setting unit 262 searches the usage right data storage unit 261 for the usage right data 6M indicating the local identifier shown in the sharing setting request data 6N. Then, the user identifier shown in the shared setting request data 6N is added to the found usage right data 6M as the usage right user identifier. This completes the process for adding.

Then, the sharing setting unit 262 transmits the result data 6P indicating that the processing for adding is successful to the intermediary server 2B.

The processing procedure for granting the usage right is generally different for each cloud server. Therefore, also in this embodiment, this procedure is different for each cloud print server 2A. Therefore, the shared setting request unit 251 of the intermediary server 2B executes the above-mentioned process according to the procedure in each cloud print server 2A.

When the print request unit 252 receives the result data 6P in the intermediary server 2B, the print request unit 252 requests the cloud print server 2A1 to print. At this time, the document file 6L, the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, and the device designation data 6K3 are transmitted to the cloud print server 2A1.

The document file 6L, the condition data 6K1 and the member data 6K2 are received from the user terminal device 3A1.

A local identifier is shown in the device designation data 6K3. This local identifier is specified by the device designation data 6H received from the user terminal device 3A1 or the device data 6A (see FIG. 8) indicating the device code shown in the condition data 6K1.

In the cloud print server 2A1, when the print control unit 263 receives the document file 6L, the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, and the device designation data 6K3, the image forming apparatus 1A is set as follows so that the document is printed on the paper. To control.

The print control unit 263 authenticates the user of the user terminal device 3A1 by a known method based on the member code and password shown in the member data 6K2.

If the authentication is successful, the print control unit 263 searches the usage right data storage unit 261 for the usage right data 6M indicating the local identifier shown in the device designation data 6K3.

Then, if the member code shown in the member data 6K2 is shown in the usage right data 6M, the print control unit 263 prints to the image forming device 1 (in this example, the image forming device 1A) of the local identifier. Command. At this time, the data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1A as follows.

The print control unit 263 converts the document file 6L into data for printing a document based on the conditions related to the standard function shown in the condition data 6K1. As a result, print data 6Q is generated. Further, the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R is generated. The non-corresponding function condition data 6R indicates the conditions related to the non-corresponding function (for example, whether or not confidential printing is on, the ID and password used for confidential printing, etc.) shown in the condition data 6K1. In addition, the condition regarding the non-corresponding function may be added to the print data 6Q. Then, the print data 6Q and the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1A. If the user does not specify the condition of the non-corresponding function, the non-corresponding function condition data 6R may not be transmitted.

By the above processing, a print job is given from the user terminal device 3A1 to the image forming device 1A via the intermediary server 2B and the cloud print server 2A1.

The processing procedure for accepting a cloud print request is generally different for each cloud server. Therefore, also in this embodiment, this procedure is different for each cloud print server 2A. Therefore, the print request unit 252 of the intermediary server 2B executes the above-mentioned process according to the procedure in each cloud print server 2A.

When the image forming apparatus 1A receives the print data 6Q, the image forming apparatus 1A prints a document on paper based on the print data 6Q. Further, when the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R is received, the print data 6Q is appropriately updated so that the document is printed according to the conditions shown in the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R, and the document is printed on the paper. Alternatively, printing processing or post-processing is executed according to the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R. For example, if the confidential print ID and password are shown in the non-compliant functional condition data 6R, the document starts to be printed after the ID and password are entered.

After transmitting the print data 6Q to the image forming apparatus 1A, the print control unit 263 may transmit the job assignment completion data 6S indicating that the job has been given to the intermediary server 2B.

In the intermediary server 2B, the usage right deletion requesting unit 253 has passed a predetermined time since receiving the job grant completion data 6S from the cloud print server 2A1 or transmitting the print data 6Q to the cloud print server 2A1, or When the job is discarded (cancelled), if the maintenance flag 6C of the image forming apparatus 1A indicates "0", the cloud print server 2A1 is requested to delete the user's usage right of the user terminal device 3A1. At this time, the deletion request data 6T indicating the member code of the user account of the user and the local identifier of the image forming apparatus 1A is transmitted to the intermediary server 2B.

When the usage right deletion unit 264 receives the deletion request data 6T in the intermediary server 2B, the usage right deletion unit 264 searches the usage right data 6M of the local identifier shown in the deletion request data 6T from the usage right data storage unit 261 and delete request data. The membership code shown in 6T is deleted from the usage right data 6M. The user terminal device 3A1 may be notified of the deletion.

If the maintenance flag 6C of the image forming apparatus 1A indicates "1", the usage right deletion requesting unit 253 does not transmit the deletion request data 6T.

In this case, the cloud printer function can be used without going through the intermediary server 2B. That is, in a certain cloud print server 2A, if the right to use a certain image forming apparatus 1 is given to a certain user via the intermediary server 2B and then the right to use is maintained, the user uses the image. The document printing by the forming device 1 can be requested to the cloud print server 2A without going through the intermediary server 2B.

15 to 17 are sequence diagrams for explaining the overall processing flow of the apparatus of the print system 5.

Next, the overall processing flow of each of the cloud print server 2A, the intermediary server 2B, the user terminal device 3A, and the administrator terminal device 3B will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 15 to 17.

When a predetermined command is input (# 701 in FIG. 15), the terminal device 3B for the administrator displays the device registration screen 71 (see FIG. 9) (# 702). When the content input or specified for the device registration screen 71 is received (# 703), the device basic data 6D1, the non-compliant function data 6D2, and the maintenance necessity data 6D3 are generated based on the content, and the mediation server is generated. Send to 2B (# 704, # 705, # 706).

When the intermediary server 2B receives the device basic data 6D1 (# 711), the mediation server 2B generates and stores the device data 6A (see FIG. 8) based on the device basic data 6D1 (# 712). When the non-corresponding function data 6D2 is received (# 713), it is stored as the non-corresponding function data 6B (# 714). When the maintenance necessity data 6D3 is received (# 715), the maintenance flag 6C is generated and stored based on the maintenance necessity data 6D3 (# 716).

When a predetermined command is input (# 741), the user terminal device 3A requests the list by transmitting the list request data 6F to the intermediary server 2B (# 742).

When the intermediary server 2B receives the list request data 6F (# 717), it generates the list screen data 6G based on the list request data 6F (# 718 in FIG. 16), and is for the user who is the source of the list request data 6F. It is transmitted to the terminal device 3A (# 719).

When the user terminal device 3A receives the list screen data 6G (# 743), the user terminal device 3A displays the printer list screen 72 (see FIG. 11) based on the list screen data 6G (# 744). Then, when any image forming apparatus 1 is designated as the output destination of the document (# 745), device designation data 6H indicating the designated image forming apparatus 1 or the like is generated and transmitted to the intermediary server 2B (# 746). ).

When the intermediary server 2B receives the device designation data 6H (# 720), it generates the setting screen data 6J based on the device designation data 6H (# 721), and the user terminal device 3A which is the source of the device designation data 6H. Send to (# 722).

When the user terminal device 3A receives the setting screen data 6J (# 747), the user terminal device 3A displays the print setting screen 73 (see FIG. 12) based on the setting screen data 6J (# 748).

Then, the user terminal device 3A accepts the contents input or specified for the print setting screen 73 (# 749), generates the condition data 6K1 and the member data 6K2 based on the contents, and generates the designated file. It is transmitted to the intermediary server 2B together with the document file 6L of the name (# 750). As a result, the printing of the document is requested to the intermediary server 2B.

When the intermediary server 2B receives the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, and the document file 6L (# 723), the intermediary server 2B generates the sharing setting request data 6N based on the member data 6K2, and the device designation data 6H received in step # 720. It is transmitted to the cloud print server 2A shown in (# 724).

When the cloud print server 2A receives the shared setting request data 6N (# 761), the cloud print server 2A authenticates the administrator based on the shared setting request data 6N (# 762). If the authentication is successful, the user is given the right to use the cloud print server 2A based on the shared setting request data 6N (# 763). Then, the result data 6P is transmitted to the intermediary server 2B (# 764 in FIG. 17).

When the intermediary server 2B receives the result data 6P (# 725), the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, and the document file 6L received in step # 723 are sent to the cloud shown in the device designation data 6H received in step # 720. It is transmitted to the print server 2A (# 726). At this time, the device designation data 6K3 is generated, and the device designation data 6K3 is also transmitted to the cloud print server 2A.

When the cloud print server 2A receives the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, the device designation data 6K3, and the document file 6L (# 765), the cloud print server 2A authenticates the user based on the member data 6K2 (# 766). If the authentication is successful, it is checked whether or not the user is given the right to use the image forming apparatus 1 shown in the device designation data 6K3 (# 767).

If the usage right is given, the cloud print server 2A generates print data 6Q and non-corresponding functional condition data 6R based on the condition data 6K1 and the document file 6L (# 768), and transmits the print data 6Q and the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R to the image forming apparatus 1. (# 769). As a result, the job of printing the document is given to the image forming apparatus 1.

Then, the cloud print server 2A transmits the job assignment completion data 6S to the intermediary server 2B (# 770).

When the intermediary server 2B receives the job assignment completion data 6S (# 727), it checks the value of the maintenance flag 6C of the cloud print server 2A shown in the device designation data 6H received in step # 720 (# 728). Then, if the value is "0", the deletion request data 6T is transmitted to the cloud print server 2A (# 729). The deletion request data 6T corresponds to the member code shown in the member data 6K2 received in step # 723 and the device designation data 6H received in step # 720 or the device code shown in the condition data 6K1 received in step # 723. The local identifier is shown. If the value of the maintenance flag 6C is "0", the deletion request data 6T is transmitted even when a predetermined time has elapsed since the print data 6Q was transmitted or the job is discarded (cancelled). You may.

When the cloud print server 2A receives the deletion request data 6T (# 771), the cloud print server 2A deletes the user's usage right according to the deletion request data 6T (# 772).

The mediation server 2B executes the above processing based on the print mediation program 20P. The user terminal device 3A executes based on the client program 30P. The administrator terminal device 3B executes based on the management program 34P.

According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 having the cloud printer function can be shared with less burden on the administrator than before.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the printer list screen 74. In the present embodiment, the printer list screen 72 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the user terminal device 3A as a screen for designating the image forming device 1 for printing the document. The printer list screen 74 as shown in FIG. 18 may be displayed.

On the printer list screen 74, a map 74A is arranged instead of the list 72A. The center of the map 74A is the current location of the user terminal device 3A. Further, on the map 74A, an icon 74B for each image forming apparatus 1 installed in the area covered by the map 74A is arranged.

The data indicating the current location may be acquired by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function of the user terminal device 3A. The data of Map 74A may be the one provided by a website such as Google or Yahoo. The position where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed is based on the device data 6A (see FIG. 8) of each image forming apparatus 1.

The user specifies the image forming apparatus 1 to be used by selecting the corresponding icon 74B. Then, the designated device notification unit 302 transmits the data indicating the device code of the designated image forming apparatus 1 to the intermediary server 2B as the device designated data 6H.

In the present embodiment, when the user of the user terminal device 3A belongs to an organization or department, the intermediary server 2B printers a screen on which a list of image forming devices 1 installed in the organization or department is arranged. The list screen 72 was provided to the user terminal device 3A. However, a screen in which a list of image forming apparatus 1 having other attributes is arranged may be provided. For example, a screen on which a list of image forming devices 1 installed at or around the user's home address may be provided may be provided.

Alternatively, the intermediary server 2B makes the user specify the conditions for printing the document in advance, and uses the screen on which the list of the image forming apparatus 1 capable of printing the document according to the specified conditions is arranged as the printer list screen 72 for the user. It may be provided to the terminal device 3A.

In the present embodiment, the intermediary server 2B unconditionally requests the cloud print server 2A to print after receiving the condition data 6K1, the member data 6K2, and the document file 6L from the user terminal device 3A. However, the request may be made after it is detected that the distance between the image forming apparatus 1 for executing printing and the user terminal apparatus 3A is within a predetermined distance. The position (location) of the image forming apparatus 1 is specified by the device data 6A. The position of the user terminal device 3A is specified by GPS. Alternatively, the request may be made after being designated by the user terminal device 3A.

In the present embodiment, the case where the cloud print server 2A generates the print data 6Q and the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R has been described as an example. That is, the cloud print server 2A has executed the process of converting the document file 6L prepared in the user terminal device 3A into data corresponding to the image forming device 1 for printing the document. However, this process may be executed by the user terminal device 3A. Then, the user terminal device 3A may transmit the print data 6Q and the non-corresponding functional condition data 6R to the image forming device 1 via the intermediary server 2B and the cloud print server 2A.

In the present embodiment, the right to use the image forming apparatus 1 is granted for each user, but it may be granted for each user terminal device 3A. In this case, the identifier of the user terminal device 3A is used instead of the user's membership code.

In the present embodiment, the case where the user terminal device 3A prints the document in which the document file 6L is prepared is printed on the image forming apparatus 1, but the server may print the document in which the document file 6L is prepared. ..

In the present embodiment, the intermediary server 2B allows the user of the user terminal device 3A to use the cloud printer function based only on the user code and password, but may further impose other conditions as follows, for example. Good.

For example, the intermediary server 2B records the results of using the cloud printer function for each user. Then, if the amount of use in the past predetermined period has not reached the predetermined amount, the use is permitted. If it has been reached, refuse to use it.

When the image forming apparatus 1 charges the printing fee, the intermediary server 2B may calculate the printing fee by cloud print and notify the image forming apparatus 1.

In the present embodiment, the intermediary server 2B allows the user to use the function of the image forming apparatus 1 without limitation, but may be limited to the range of conditions predetermined by the administrator. In this case, the intermediary server 2B may generate the setting screen data 6J of the print setting screen 73 (see FIG. 12) so that only the conditions within that range can be specified.

In addition, the configuration of the entire or each part of the print system 5, the image forming apparatus 1, the cloud print server 2A, the intermediary server 2B, the user terminal apparatus 3A, and the administrator terminal apparatus 3B, the contents of processing, the order of processing, and the data. The configuration, the configuration of the screen, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the gist of the present invention.

5 Print system 1 Image forming device 2A Cloud print server (print server)
2B Mediation server 243 List screen data transmission unit (selection screen transmission means)
251 Sharing setting request unit (second transmission means, transmission means)
252 Print request section (second instruction means, instruction means)
253 Usage right deletion request section (request means)
263 Print control unit (print control means)
3A User terminal device (terminal device)
304 Print request unit (first transmission means, first instruction means)
6G list screen data (selection screen data)
6K1 condition data (execution device specific information)
6K2 member data (instructor specific information)
6N shared setting request data (execution device specific information, instruction source specific information)
72 Printer list screen (selection screen)
74 Printer list screen (selection screen)

Claims (15)

A print system consisting of a terminal device, an intermediary server, one or more image forming devices, and a print server that controls the one or more image forming devices.
The terminal device
Identification of execution device identification information for specifying a print execution device that is an image formation device that prints a target document among the one or a plurality of image formation devices, and identification of the terminal device or a user who uses the terminal device. The first transmission means for transmitting the instruction source specific information to the intermediary server.
Have,
The intermediary server
In order to set the access right to the print server so that the print server can print the document to the print execution device according to the print instruction from the terminal device, the execution device identification information received and the instruction source A second means of transmitting specific information to the print server,
Have,
A printing system that features that. The first transmission means transmits the instruction source identification information and the execution device identification information in order to instruct the intermediary server to have the print execution device print the target document.
Before Symbol intermediary server,
Instructs to print the desired document to the print server by transmitting the instruction source identification information and the execution device identification information received from said first transmission means to the print server, instructions means,
Have,
The print server
If it can be that the access right is set to confirm, based on the instruction source identification information and the execution device identification information from the previous SL instructions means, printing the desired document to the print execution unit Print control means,
Have,
The printing system according to claim 1. An intermediary server that is connected to a terminal device and is connected to a print server that controls one or more image forming devices.
Execution device identification information for specifying a print execution device for printing a target document among the one or a plurality of image forming devices, and an instruction source for specifying the terminal device or a user who uses the terminal device. Transmission of specific information to the print server in order to set access rights to the print server so that the print execution device can print the document according to the print instruction from the terminal device. means,
An intermediary server characterized by having. When the access right is set, an instruction means for instructing the print server to print the target document by transmitting the execution device identification information and the instruction source identification information to the print server. Have, have
The intermediary server according to claim 3. It has a selection screen transmission means for transmitting selection screen data for displaying a selection screen for selecting the print execution device from the one or a plurality of image forming devices to the terminal device.
The execution device specific information is information indicating the print execution device selected by the selection screen.
The intermediary server according to claim 3 or 4. As the selection screen data, the selection screen transmitting means uses the current location of the terminal device among the one or a plurality of image forming devices or a peripheral device which is an image forming device installed around the current location. Data for displaying the screen shown with priority as the selection screen is transmitted.
The intermediary server according to claim 5. The selection screen transmission means transmits data for displaying the screen including a map showing the current location and the position of the peripheral device as the selection screen as the selection screen data.
The intermediary server according to claim 6. The selection screen transmission means displays, as the selection screen data, a screen showing an image forming device to which the user's attribute is associated among the one or a plurality of image forming devices as the selection screen. Send data to
The intermediary server according to claim 5. The selection screen transmitting means displays, as the selection screen data, a screen showing an image forming device capable of setting printing conditions desired by the user among the one or a plurality of image forming devices. Send the data to be displayed as the selection screen,
The intermediary server according to claim 5. It has a requesting means for requesting the print server to delete the access right when the print server has finished instructing the print server to print the target document.
The intermediary server according to any one of claims 4 to 9. The instruction means instructs to print the target document by applying the function selected by the user among one or more functions of the print execution device that cannot be used via the print server.
The intermediary server according to claim 4. The instruction means instructs the user to print the target document after detecting that the user is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus.
The intermediary server according to claim 4. The instruction means instructs the print server to print the target document within the range of printing conditions permitted to the user by the administrator.
The intermediary server according to claim 4. A printing method using a terminal device, an intermediary server, one or more image forming devices, and a print server that controls the one or more image forming devices.
To the terminal device
Identification of execution device identification information for specifying a print execution device that is an image formation device that prints a target document among the one or a plurality of image formation devices, and identification of the terminal device or a user who uses the terminal device. The instruction source specific information for printing is transmitted to the intermediary server.
To the intermediary server
In order to set the access right to the print server so that the print server can print the document to the print execution device according to the print instruction from the terminal device, the execution device identification information received and the instruction source Send specific information to the print server,
A printing method characterized by that. A program for controlling an intermediary server connected to a print server connected to a terminal device and controlling one or more image forming devices.
To the intermediary server
Execution device identification information for specifying a print execution device for printing a target document among the one or a plurality of image forming devices, and an instruction source for specifying the terminal device or a user who uses the terminal device. A process of transmitting specific information to the print server in order to set an access right to the print server so that the print execution device can print a document according to a print instruction from the terminal device. To execute,
A computer program characterized by that.

Images