JP6191523B2 - Image forming system, relay device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a relay device, and a program.

  As a prior art described in the publication, a print server system that generates a print job based on content data designated for printing via a terminal and transmits the generated print job communicates with an image forming apparatus that outputs the print job. Possible print relay server system provided for each user in the print relay server system, provided for each proxy that receives a print job from the print server system, and for each image forming apparatus connected to the print relay server system Acquires device information related to the relay virtual printer that transmits the received print job to the image forming device and the image forming device that is specified when printing is specified and is registered in the print server system The relay virtual printer is identified and received based on the acquisition means and the acquired device information. Is a transfer means for transferring the identified mediated virtual printer a print job, there are print relay server system having (see Patent Document 1).

JP2013-12066A

  An object of the present invention is to realize image formation based on an instruction from a terminal device in a non-compatible device that does not support a specific protocol used by the terminal device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a non-compliant device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol, and communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with a terminal device using the specific protocol. and a corresponding machine for performing the corresponding machine, the non-corresponding machine and registering means for registering the unique specific information to the non-corresponding machine including discrimination information for discriminating the terminal device using the specific protocol and response means for performing a response to an inquiry from the when there is an image forming instruction using the non-corresponding machine from a terminal device, have a transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compliant device, The non-compliant machine is an image forming system that outputs a registration request when a user using the non-compliant machine logs in to the non-compliant machine .
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a non-compliant device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol, and communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with a terminal device using the specific protocol. A registration unit that registers unique information unique to the non-compatible device including determination information for determining the non-compatible device, and the terminal device using the specific protocol. Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal, and when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant machine, transfer means for transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant machine, incompatible machines, by the user operating the non-corresponding machine, an image forming system and outputs a registration request.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a non-compliant machine that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol, and communicates with the non-compliant machine and communicates with a terminal device using the specific protocol. A registration unit that registers unique information unique to the non-compliant device including discrimination information for identifying the non-compliant device, and the terminal device using the specific protocol. Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal, and when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant machine, transfer means for transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant machine, The non-compliant machine is an image forming system that outputs a registration request when an inquiry is received from the terminal device.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a non-compliant device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol, and communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with a terminal device using the specific protocol. A registration unit that registers unique information unique to the non-compatible device including determination information for determining the non-compatible device, and the terminal device using the specific protocol. A response means for responding to the inquiry from the registered device and the image forming instruction is transferred to the non-compliant device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant device. and a transfer unit that, the corresponding machine further has a function of forming an image on a recording medium, said responsive means provided on the corresponding machine, Q from the terminal device using the specific protocol Combined to a further image forming system characterized by a response related to the corresponding machine.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention , communication is performed with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and communication using the specific protocol is performed with a terminal device. and communication means, and registering means for registering the unique specific information to the non-corresponding machine including discrimination information for discriminating the non-corresponding machine, a response to the inquiry from the terminal apparatus using the specific protocol performed to perform and response means, when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-corresponding machine, seen including a transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-corresponding machine, said registering means, said non-corresponding A registration request including user specifying information for specifying a user who uses the machine is acquired, and the identification information and the specific information including the user specifying information are registered based on the acquired registration request. , The transfer unit, when from the terminal device there is an image forming instruction using the non-corresponding machine, characterized in that it transfers the image forming instruction obtained by adding the user identification information to the non-corresponding machine It is a relay device.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, communication is performed with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and communication using the specific protocol is performed with a terminal device. Responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, a registration unit for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device including determination information for determining the non-compatible device A response unit; and a transfer unit that transfers the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device when an image formation instruction is issued from the terminal device to the non - compliant device. in taken in conjunction with acquires a registration request including a format type information about the possible data, registers the unique information including the identification information and the format information, said transfer means, said non from the terminal device When there is an image forming instruction to応機a relay apparatus characterized by transferring the image forming instruction after conversion based on the format information in the non-corresponding machine.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, communication is performed with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and communication using the specific protocol is performed with a terminal device. Responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, a registration unit for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device including determination information for determining the non-compatible device A response unit; and a transfer unit that transfers the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device when an image formation instruction is issued from the terminal device to the non - compliant device. obtains the registration request including the capability information about capabilities of the image processing in, registers the unique information including the discrimination information and the capability information, said transfer means, said non-supporting from the terminal device When the image forming instruction was to a relay apparatus characterized by transferring the image forming instruction after conversion based on the capability information to the non-compliant device.
The invention according to claim 8 communicates with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol, and communicates with a terminal device using the specific protocol. A registration unit for registering unique information unique to the non-compliant device including identification information for identifying the non-compliant device, and a query for the inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol. Response means for making a response regarding the non-compliant machine, and transfer means for transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant machine when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant machine, the registration means acquires the registration request including the function information about the features of the additional devices that are attached to the non-compliant device, registers the unique information including the identification information and the function information, the Answer means is a relay apparatus characterized by a response to an inquiry from the terminal apparatus using the specific protocol.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, communication is performed with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and communication using the specific protocol is performed with a terminal device. A registration unit for registering unique information unique to the non-compliant device including identification information for identifying the non-compliant device, and a query for the inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol. Response means for making a response regarding the non-compliant machine, and transfer means for transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant machine when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant machine, the registration means acquires the registration request including command information related to special instructions used by the non-corresponding machine, registers the unique information including the discrimination information and the instruction information, the rolling When the image forming instruction using the non-compatible device is received from the terminal device, the means transfers the image forming instruction with the command information added to the non-compatible device based on the unique information. It is a relay device.
The invention described in claim 10 communicates with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device. Communication means to perform, registration means for registering specific information unique to the non-compliant machine including discrimination information for judging the non-compliant machine, and the registered the inquiry from the terminal device by the specific protocol A response unit that performs a response related to the non-compatible device, a transfer unit that transfers the image formation instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device, and a predetermined number when the condition is satisfied, a relay device and a deleting means for deleting the unique information registered by the registration means.
The invention described in claim 11 communicates with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and uses the specific protocol with a terminal device. a function of performing communication had, the obtains the registration request of the non-corresponding machine including user identification information for identifying the user using the non-corresponding machine, based on the obtained the registration request, the non-corresponding machine A function for registering unique information including the identification information and the user identification information, and a function for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, with respect to the registered incompatible device,
A function of transferring the image forming instruction with the user identification information added to the non-compliant device based on the unique information when an image forming instruction using the non-compliant device is received from the terminal device; It is a program.
The invention described in claim 12 communicates with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and uses the specific protocol with a terminal device. A function for performing communication, and a registration request for the non-compatible device including format information regarding the format of data that can be interpreted by the non-compatible device, and determination information and the format for determining the non-compatible device There is a function for registering specific information unique to the incompatible device including information, a function for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device by the specific protocol, and an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the incompatible device. In this case, the image forming instruction is converted based on the format information and then transferred to the non-compatible device.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer communicates with a non-compliant device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and uses the specific protocol with a terminal device. A registration request of the non-compliant device including the function of performing the communication and the capability information regarding the image processing capability of the non-compliant device, and the determination information and the capability information for determining the non-compliant device A function for registering unique information, a function for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, and a command for forming an image from the terminal device to the non-compatible device. In this case, the program realizes a function of converting the image formation instruction based on the capability information and then transferring it to the non-compatible device.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, communication is performed with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and the specific protocol is used with a terminal device. A registration request for the non-compliant device including the function for performing the communication performed and the function information regarding the function of the additional device attached to the non-compliant device, and the identification information and the function for identifying the non-compliant device When there is a function for registering unique information including information, a function for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, and an image formation instruction using the non-compatible device from the terminal device, A program that realizes a function of transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device based on the unique information.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer communicates with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and uses the specific protocol with a terminal device. And a registration request including instruction information related to a special command used in the non-compliant machine, identification information for identifying the non-compliant machine, and unique information including the command information In response to an inquiry from the terminal device according to the specific protocol, and when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant device , A program that realizes a function of transferring the image forming instruction to which the command information is added to the non-compliant machine based on the unique information.
The invention described in claim 16 communicates with a non-compatible device that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and uses the specific protocol with a terminal device. A function for performing communication, a function for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device including determination information for determining the non-compatible device, and a response to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol. A function to perform, a function to transfer the image formation instruction to the non-compliant machine when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device using the non-compliant machine, and a predetermined condition, A program for realizing a function of deleting the registered unique information.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided, in the non-compliant machine that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed. This can be realized, and a registration request for a non-compatible device can be executed more easily .
According to the second aspect of the invention, as compared with the case not having this configuration, in the non-compatible device that does not correspond to a specific protocol to which the terminal used, the image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device This can be realized, and a registration request for a non-compatible device can be executed more easily.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device , as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. This can be realized, and a registration request for a non-compatible device can be executed more easily.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized, and image formation can be performed by the corresponding machine based on an instruction from the terminal device.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compliant device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. This can be realized , and the user who gives an instruction from the terminal device can be grasped on the non-compatible machine side .
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device , as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. In addition to this, it is possible to avoid a situation in which image formation cannot be performed due to the data format on the non-compatible machine side.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized , and loss of image information transferred from the compatible device to the non-compatible device can be suppressed.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized , and output using the functions of the non-compatible machine can be performed.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in comparison with the case where this configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. It can be realized, and an operation requiring a special instruction can be executed using a non-compatible machine.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized, and an increase in the number of non-compatible devices registered in the compatible devices can be suppressed.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized , and the user who gives an instruction from the terminal device can be grasped on the non-compatible machine side .
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, in the non-compliant machine that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed. This can be realized, and the user who gives an instruction from the terminal device can be grasped on the non-compatible machine side.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized, and loss of image information transferred from the compatible device to the non-compatible device can be suppressed.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. This can be realized, and output using the functions of the non-compatible machine can be performed.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compatible device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. It can be realized, and an operation requiring a special instruction can be executed using a non-compatible machine.
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in comparison with a case where this configuration is not provided, image formation based on an instruction from the terminal device is performed in a non-compliant device that does not support the specific protocol used by the terminal device. This can be realized, and an increase in the number of non-compatible devices registered in the compatible devices can be suppressed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a first printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a first printing apparatus. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of the 2nd printing apparatus. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of the portable terminal. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of device registration request processing in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of non-compliant machine registration processing in the first embodiment. (A) is the figure which showed the content of the registration request | requirement, (b) was the content which showed the content of proxy response information, respectively. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of a printing device search request process in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating a procedure of search response processing in the first embodiment. (A) shows the content of the response message of the own device (compatible device), (b) shows the content of the response message of the non-compatible device, and (c) shows the content of the printable printer list. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of print job transmission processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of job transfer processing in the first embodiment. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the screen displayed on the display part of a portable terminal in a print job transmission process. (A) shows the contents of print job data, and (b) shows the contents of transfer job data. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a transfer job reception process procedure according to the first embodiment; 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a procedure of device registration request processing in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of non-compliant machine registration processing in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of job transfer processing according to the second embodiment. (A) shows the contents of the registration request, (b) shows the contents of the proxy response information, and (c) shows the contents of the transfer job data. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a printing system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a procedure of device registration request processing in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of non-compliant machine registration processing in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of job transfer processing according to the third embodiment. (A) shows the contents of the registration request, (b) shows the contents of the proxy response information, and (c) shows the contents of the transfer job data. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a printing system according to a fourth embodiment. (A) shows the contents of the registration request, (b) shows the contents of the proxy response information, and (c) shows the contents of the transfer job data. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a printing system according to a fifth embodiment. (A) is the content of the registration request, (b) is the content of the proxy response information, (c) is the content of the response message of the own device, (d) is the content of the response message of the non-compatible device, (e () Shows the contents of the printable printer list, (f) shows the contents of the print job data, and (g) shows the contents of the transfer job data. FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a printing system according to a sixth embodiment. (A) is the content of the registration request, (b) is the content of the proxy response information, (c) is the content of the response message of the own device, (d) is the content of the response message of the non-compatible device, (e () Shows the contents of the printable printer list, (f) shows the contents of the print job data, and (g) shows the contents of the transfer job data. (A), (b) is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of the printing system of Embodiment 7. FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a printing system according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a printing system according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a printing system according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a printing system according to a twelfth embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Background>
Like AirPrint (registered trademark), every time printing is performed from a so-called mobile device (portable terminal), the mobile device searches for a printer (printing device) that can be used by the mobile device, and the printer obtained by the search A wireless print system that selects a printer to be used for printing from among mobile devices has been put into practical use. In such a wireless print system, generally, a mobile device uses a discovery protocol such as Bonjour (registered trademark) for a printer connected to the same subnet as the mobile device or a printer connected to a network of a wider range. A search request is made using. Based on the response from the printer to the search request, available printers are displayed in a list on a screen provided in the mobile device.

  However, only printers that support Bonjour and AirPrint (hereinafter referred to as compatible devices) can respond to search requests from mobile devices, and printers that do not support Bonjour and AirPrint (hereinafter not compatible) Cannot be responded to a search request from a mobile device. For this reason, both the compatible device and the non-compatible device are connected to a common network, and the non-compatible device is disposed near the user who operates the mobile device, for example, and the compatible device is disposed far from the user. In such a case, the user cannot print with a nearby non-compatible device, and must print with a remote compatible device.

  Therefore, in each embodiment described below, even a non-compliant device is configured to be able to respond to a search request from a mobile device via a compatible device or the like, and can actually print using AirPrint. To do.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment.
This printing system has the function of forming an image and the first printing apparatus 10 as an example of a compatible machine compatible with AirPrint and Bonjour. The printing system has a function of forming an image while supporting AirPrint and Bonjour. The second printing apparatus 20 as an example of a non-compatible machine, the network 30 connecting the first printing apparatus 10 and the second printing apparatus 20, AirPrint and Bonjour, and communication with the first printing apparatus 10 are possible. It has the portable terminal 40 as an example of a terminal device.

  Each of the first printing apparatus 10 and the second printing apparatus 20 is a physical printer (image forming apparatus) that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper and outputs the image as a printing medium. The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are shared printers in the company, for example. Here, as the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20, those having only a print function may be used, but those having a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, etc. in addition to the print function are used. May be.

  Note that the network 30 shown in FIG. 1 is used for information communication between the first printing apparatus 10 and the second printing apparatus 20, and is configured by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). In this example, the network 30 that connects the first printing apparatus 10 and the second printing apparatus 20 uses, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) as the communication protocol, and the first printing apparatus 10 and the portable terminal. In a network (referred to as another network) that connects to 40, IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) as an example of a specific protocol is used as a communication protocol. Therefore, the first printing apparatus 10 supports both TCP / IP and IPP, while the second printing apparatus 20 supports TCP / IP but does not support IPP. In this example, the network 30 is a wired network, and the other networks are wireless networks.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the first printing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.
The first printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an operation panel. 105, an image forming unit 106, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 107.

The CPU 101 implements each function described below by loading various programs stored in the ROM 103 or the like into the RAM 102 and executing them.
The RAM 102 is a memory used as a working memory for the CPU 101.
The ROM 103 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the CPU 101.
The HDD 104 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores image data used in an image forming operation in the image forming unit 106.
Here, the program executed by the CPU 101 is stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, for example, in addition to being stored in the ROM 103 in advance, or provided to the CPU 101 or via the network 30 (see FIG. 1). Or can be provided to the CPU 101.

  The operation panel 105 is a touch panel that displays various types of information and receives operation inputs from the user. Here, the operation panel 105 includes a display on which various types of information are displayed, and a position detection sheet that detects a position designated by a finger, a stylus pen, or the like. Alternatively, a display and a keyboard may be used instead of the touch panel.

  An image forming unit 106 as an example of an image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. Here, the image forming unit 106 is, for example, a printer, and forms an image by transferring the toner attached to the photosensitive member to a recording medium to form an image, or ejecting ink onto the recording medium. An ink jet type may be used.

  The communication I / F 107 transmits and receives various data to and from other devices (for example, the second printing device 20 and the portable terminal 40) via the network 30 or another network.

  The hardware configuration of the second printing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1 is also common to the first printing apparatus 10 described above. However, the communication I / F 107 provided in the second printing apparatus 20 can perform communication through the network 30, but cannot perform communication through another network. Further, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 40 shown in FIG. 1 is the first printing apparatus described above except that the image forming unit 106 is not provided and a flash memory is provided instead of the HDD 104. 10 and common. However, the communication I / F 107 provided in the portable terminal 40 can perform communication through another network, but cannot perform communication through the network 30.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the first printing apparatus 10.
The first printing apparatus 10 includes a network input / output unit 11, a job receiving unit 12, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) / printing unit 13, an incompatible machine registration unit 14, and a logical printer storage unit 15. A machine proxy response DB 16, a search response unit 17, and a job transfer unit 18 are provided.

The network input / output unit 11 as an example of a communication unit inputs / outputs data to / from the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30 and transmits / receives data to / from the portable terminal 40 via another network. Perform input / output.
The job receiving unit 12 receives print job data sent from the outside via the network input / output unit 11.
The RIP unit / printing unit 13 interprets the contents of the print job data received by the job receiving unit 12 and performs printing (image formation) on the recording medium.

  The non-compliant machine registration unit 14 as an example of a registration unit and a deletion unit becomes a non-compliant machine based on a registration request sent from the non-compliant machine such as the second printing apparatus 20 via the network input / output unit 11. Creation and registration of an associated logical printer, and creation and registration of an incompatible machine proxy response associated with the created logical printer.

The logical printer storage unit 15 stores the contents of the logical printer created by the incompatible machine registration unit 14.
The non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16 stores the contents of the non-compliant machine proxy response created by the non-compliant machine registration unit 14.

  When receiving a search request using Bonjour from the mobile terminal 40 or the like via the network input / output unit 11, the search response unit 17 as an example of a response unit is a corresponding device (the first printing apparatus 10). ) And a search response related to a non-compliant machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20) if there is a registration related to the non-compliant machine.

  The job transfer unit 18 as an example of a transfer unit includes a self-machine (first printing apparatus 10) whose destination of print job data sent from the mobile terminal 40 or the like is the corresponding machine via the network input / output unit 11. If it is a non-compliant machine registered in the own machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20), the received print job data is used as transfer job data, and the original non-compliant machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20). Transfer to the printing apparatus 20).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the second printing apparatus 20.
The second printing apparatus 20 includes a network input / output unit 21, a job receiving unit 22, a RIP unit / printing unit 23, a compatible device specifying unit 24, a non-compatible device information generating unit 25, and a device registration requesting unit 26. It has.

The network input / output unit 21 performs data input / output with the first printing apparatus 10 via the network 30.
The job receiving unit 22 receives print job data sent from the outside via the network input / output unit 21. Note that the print job data received by the job receiving unit 22 includes transfer job data sent from the portable terminal 40 via the first printing apparatus 10.
The RIP unit / printing unit 23 interprets the contents of the print job data (transfer job data) received by the job receiving unit 22 and performs printing (image formation) on the recording medium.

The corresponding machine specifying unit 24 specifies the corresponding machine (for example, the first printing apparatus 10) that is the output destination (registration destination) of the registration request.
Prior to creating the registration request, the non-compliant machine information generation unit 25 creates non-compliant machine information including various types of information regarding the own machine (second printing apparatus 20).

  The device registration request unit 26 creates a registration request in which the non-compatible device information generated by the non-compatible device information generation unit 25 is associated with the registration destination specified by the compatible device specification unit 24, and the network input / output unit 21 and The data is output to a registration destination (for example, the first printing apparatus 10) via the network 30.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the mobile terminal 40.
The portable terminal 40 includes a network input / output unit 41, an input receiving unit 42, a display unit 43, a printing device search unit 44, a printable printer list storage unit 45, a print data creation unit 46, and a print job transmission unit. 47.

The network input / output unit 41 inputs / outputs data to / from the first printing apparatus 10 via another network.
The input receiving unit 42 receives input from the user.
The display unit 43 displays various screens for the user.

  The printing device search unit 44 generates a printing device search event when a printing device search instruction is received from the user via the input reception unit 42, and a printing device search request using a discovery protocol (Bonjour in this example). (An example of an inquiry) is performed by broadcasting.

  The printable printer list storage unit 45 is usable by the portable terminal 40 sent from the corresponding machine (for example, the first printing device 10) after making a search request for the printing device using the printing device search unit 44. A list of printers (printing apparatuses) (printable printer list) is stored.

The print data creation unit 46 creates print data based on an instruction received from the user via the input reception unit 42.
The print job transmission unit 47 receives a specific printer (logical printer) received via the input reception unit 42 from the printable printer list stored in the printable printer list storage unit 45 as a destination, and generates a print data generation unit. Print job data associated with the print data created at 46 is created and transmitted via the network input / output unit 41 and another network.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the first embodiment.
Here, first, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine makes a device registration request to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine via the network 30 (second printing apparatus 20). Step 1). Subsequently, the first printing apparatus 10 registers the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) based on the device registration request received from the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30 (step 2).

  Thereafter, the mobile terminal 40 makes a search request for a printing apparatus via another network (step 3). In step 3, the portable terminal 40 broadcasts a search packet for a discovery protocol such as Bonjour. Here, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine receives a search request for the printing apparatus from the portable terminal 40 via another network, and makes a search response to the search request (step 4). At this time, the first printing apparatus 10 sends a search response regarding its own machine (first printing apparatus 10), which is a compatible machine, and another machine (second machine) that is a non-compliant machine registered in step 2 via another network. And a search response related to the printing apparatus 20). Note that the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine cannot make a search response to the search request in Step 3 even if it is within the range of another network.

  Then, the mobile terminal 40 creates print job data as an example of an image formation instruction, and sends the created print job data to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a corresponding machine via another network. Is transmitted (step 5). When the print job data received via another network is destined for the own machine (first print apparatus 10), the first printing apparatus 10 performs printing based on the print job data on the own machine. . On the other hand, when the print job data received via another network is destined for a non-compliant machine (second printing device 20), the first printing device 10 creates transfer job data based on the print job data. At the same time, the created job data for transfer is transferred to the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30 (step 6).

  Then, the second printing apparatus 20 performs printing based on the received transfer job data (print job data) (step 7) and completes this process.

  Now, each step shown in FIG. 6 will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of device registration request processing (step 1) in the first embodiment. This device registration request process is executed by the second printing apparatus 20 (see FIG. 4), which is a non-compliant machine.

  With the start of processing, the corresponding machine specifying unit 24 specifies the corresponding machine that is the registration destination of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 11). Here, in step 11, an IP address (referred to as a transmission destination IP address) on the network 30 of the corresponding device as a registration destination is specified. In this example, the first printing apparatus 10 is specified as a corresponding machine that is a registration destination.

  Next, the non-compliant machine information generation unit 25 creates non-compliant machine information including an IP address (referred to as a transmission source IP address) on the network 30 of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 12). . Subsequently, the device registration request unit 26 creates a registration request in which the transmission destination IP address identified in step 11 is associated with the non-compliant device information created in step 12, and registration including the obtained non-compliant device information is performed. The request is transmitted to the destination IP address of the corresponding device via the network input / output unit 21 and the network 30 (step 13), and this processing is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of non-compliant machine registration processing (step 2) in the first embodiment. This incompatible machine registration process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the registration request transmitted via the network 30 from the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) in step 13 shown in FIG. Is received (step 21). Subsequently, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 extracts non-compliant machine information from the received registration request (step 22), and supports the non-compliant machine (second printing device 20) based on the extracted non-compliant machine information. A logical printer for job reception is created (step 23), and the created logical printer is stored in the logical printer storage unit 15. The non-compliant machine registration unit 14 also includes the name of the logical printer (called a logical printer name) created in step 23 and the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus) included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer. 20) The proxy response information associated with the IP address (source IP address) is created and registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 (step 24), and this processing is completed.

  Here, FIG. 9A shows the contents of the registration request created in step 13 shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9B shows the contents of the proxy response information created in step 24 shown in FIG. It is a figure.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 9A, the registration request is associated with the transmission destination IP address (the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10) and non-compliant machine information, and the non-compliant machine information is transmitted. The original IP address (the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) is included. In this example, the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10 is “XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX”, and the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20 is “YYY.YYY.YYY.YYY”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the proxy response information is obtained by associating the logical printer name with the non-compliant machine information in the registration request, and the non-compliant machine information as an example of the unique information is It includes a (source) IP address as an example of discrimination information. In this example, the logical printer name set for the second printing apparatus 20 is “printer B”. In this example, it is assumed that “printer A” is set as the logical printer name in the first printing apparatus 10 itself.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the printing device search request process (step 3) in the first embodiment. This printing device search request process is executed by the portable terminal 40 (see FIG. 5).

  When receiving a printing device search instruction from the user via the input receiving unit 42, the printing device search unit 44 generates a printing device search event (step 31), and sends a printing device search request using Bonjour to the network input / output. Broadcast via the unit 41 and other networks (step 32).

  Thereafter, the printing device search unit 44 waits for a response (response message) from the printing device to the printing device search request until a predetermined set time is reached, in other words, until a timeout occurs. During this time, when a response message from the printing device is received via another network and the network input / output unit 41 (step 33), the printing device search unit 44 obtains the printing device name and the printing device capability information from the received response message. Obtain (step 34). Then, the printing device search unit 44 adds and stores a printable printer list in which the acquired printing device name and printing capability information are associated with each other in the printable printer list storage unit 45 (step 35). This process is completed when a predetermined set time is reached, in other words, when a time-out occurs. The details of the response message, the printing device name and the printing device capability information included in the response message, and the details of the printable printer list will be described later.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the search response process (step 4) in the first embodiment. This search response process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the search response unit 17 receives the printing device search request broadcast (transmitted) from the portable terminal 40 via another network in step 32 shown in FIG. (Step 41). Subsequently, the search response unit 17 generates printing device capability information of the own device (first printing device 10) (step 42). Here, the printing apparatus capability information of the own machine includes, for example, an image forming function (monochrome / color, single side / double side). Furthermore, the search response unit 17 associates the logical printer name and IP address of the own machine (first printing apparatus 10) with the printing apparatus capability information of the own machine created in step 42 (related to the corresponding machine). A response or a response related to itself is created, and the obtained response message of the own device is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 via the network input / output unit 11 and another network (step 43).

  Next, the search response unit 17 refers to the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 and repeats processing for all registered (stored) non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 entries. More specifically, during this time, the search response unit 17 acquires the proxy response information registered in the non-compatible device proxy response DB 16 one by one (step 44), and based on the acquired proxy response information, The printing apparatus capability information of the non-compatible machine is generated (step 45). Here, the printing apparatus capability information of the non-compatible machine includes, for example, an image forming function (monochrome / color, single side / double side), as with the printing apparatus capability information of the own machine. Further, the search response unit 17 sends a response message (response regarding the non-compliant machine) of the non-compliant machine that associates the logical printer name and IP address of the non-compliant machine with the printing device capability information of the non-compliant machine created in Step 45. The response message of the non-compatible device that has been created and obtained is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 via the network input / output unit 11 and another network (step 46). Then, when the response messages corresponding to all the non-compliant devices registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 are transmitted, this processing is completed.

  Here, FIG. 12A shows the content of the response message of the own device (first printing apparatus 10) created in step 43 shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12B shows the content of step 46 shown in FIG. 12C shows the contents of the response message of the non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20), and FIG. 12C shows the contents of the printable printer list finally added in step 35 shown in FIG. It is a figure.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 12A, the response message of the own machine (first printing apparatus 10) includes the logical printer name (printer A) of the first printing apparatus 10 and the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10 ( XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) and the printing apparatus capability information of the first printing apparatus 10 (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable) are associated with each other.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the response message of the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) includes the logical printer name (printer B) of the second printing apparatus 20 and the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10. (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) and the printing device capability information (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable) of the second printing device 20 are associated with each other.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 12C, the printable printer list is obtained by associating the printing device name (logical printer name), the IP address of the printing device, and the printing device capability information of the printing device. Yes. In this example, two printing apparatuses (printer A (logical printer) corresponding to the first printing apparatus 10 and printer B (logical printer) corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20) are registered in the printable printer list. The printer A corresponding to the first printing apparatus 10 includes the IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) of the first printing apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus capability information (monochrome / color available, one side of the first printing apparatus 10). The printer B corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 has an IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) of the first printing apparatus 10 and a printing apparatus capability of the second printing apparatus 20. Information (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable) is associated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the print job transmission process (step 5) in the first embodiment. This print job transmission process is executed by the portable terminal 40 (see FIG. 5).

  When an input that the user desires to print is received via the input receiving unit 42, the print data creation unit 46 includes one or more printing device names included in the printable printer list read from the printable printer list storage unit 45. (Logical printer name) is displayed on the display unit 43 (step 51). Next, regarding the one or a plurality of printing devices (logical printers) displayed on the display unit 43, when the user selects one printing device via the input receiving unit 42 (step 52), the print data creation unit 46 Regarding the printing device selected in step 52, the printing device capability information of this printing device is acquired from the printable printer list read in step 51, and is displayed on the display unit 43 as a printing option (step 53). Thereafter, the user selects a print option via the input reception unit 42 (step 54), and further issues a print instruction via the input reception unit 42 (step 55).

  In response to the print instruction, the print data creation unit 46 creates print data to be printed (step 56). Note that the print data created by the print data creation unit 46 in step 56 is described in a predetermined PDL (Page Description Language), and here, PDF (Portable Document Format) or URF (Universal Raster Format). ) Is used.

  Then, the print job transmission unit 47 is created in step 55, the printing apparatus (logical printer) selected in step 52, the IP address of this printing apparatus, the print instruction data including the printing option selected in step 54, and The print job data associated with the print data is created, and the obtained print job data is transmitted with the IP address of the printing apparatus included in the print job data as the transmission destination (step 57), and this process is completed. Details of the print job data, the print instruction data included in the print job data, and the print data will be described later.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the job transfer process (step 6) in the first embodiment. This job transfer process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the job receiving unit 12 receives the print job data transmitted from the portable terminal 40 via another network in step 57 shown in FIG. 13 via the network input / output unit 11 (step 61). . Subsequently, the job receiving unit 12 specifies a printing apparatus (logical printer) as a transfer destination from the received print job data (step 62).

  Next, the job transfer unit 18 determines whether the transfer destination specified in step 62 is the own device (first printing apparatus 10) or is registered (stored) as a logical printer in the logical printer storage unit 15. It is determined whether it is a machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20) or does not exist (no registration) (step 63).

  If it is determined in step 63 that the transfer destination is the own device, the job transfer unit 18 outputs the print job data received in step 61 to the RIP unit / printing unit 13 of the own device (first printing apparatus 10). The RIP unit / printing unit 13 executes printing by the own machine based on the print job data (step 64), and this processing is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 63 that the transfer destination is a non-compatible device, the job transfer unit 18 creates transfer job data from the print job data received in step 61 (step 65), and the transfer data obtained is obtained. The job data is transmitted to the corresponding non-compatible machine (here, the second printing apparatus 20) (step 66), and this process is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 63 that there is no transfer destination (not the own machine or a non-compatible machine), the job transfer unit 18 deletes the print job data received in step 61 (step 67), and performs this process. Complete.

  FIGS. 15A to 15C are diagrams for explaining a configuration example of a screen displayed on the display unit 43 of the portable terminal 40 in the print job transmission process (step 5). More specifically, FIG. 15A shows an example of the configuration of the screen displayed on the display unit 43 before step 51 shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15B shows the display at step 51 shown in FIG. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing a configuration example of the screen displayed on the display unit 43, and FIG. 15C is a diagram showing a configuration example of the screen displayed on the display unit 43 in step 52 shown in FIG.

  First, FIG. 15A shows an example in which a button for selecting “print” is displayed by tapping a specific icon displayed on the display unit 43. When the “print” button is selected on this screen, the printer option screen shown in FIG. In FIG. 15B, a button for specifying a printer, that is, a printing apparatus, a button for specifying the number of copies, and a button for performing printing, that is, a print instruction are displayed. Although not shown here, “color / monochrome”, “single side / double side”, etc. can be displayed as printer options based on the printing device capability information of each printer. Here, when the printer button “>” is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 15B, a printer selection screen shown in FIG. 15C is displayed. In FIG. 15C, two printing apparatuses (“printer A” and “printer B”) stored in the printable printer list storage unit 45 are displayed. For example, when the printer B button is selected, the printer option screen shown in FIG. 15B is displayed again. However, on the printer selection screen at this time, not the printer A but the printer B is displayed as the selected printer. When the print button shown in FIG. 15B is selected in this state, the user's print instruction (print instruction using the printer B (second printing apparatus 20)) shown in step 55 of FIG. 13 is made. The Rukoto.

  16A shows the contents of the print job data created in step 57 shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 16B shows the contents of the transfer job data created in step 65 shown in FIG. FIG.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 16A, the print job data includes a destination IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX: IP address of the first printing apparatus 10), a logical printer name (printer B), Print instruction data (one copy, color, single side) and print data (PDF format) are associated with each other.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16B, the transfer job data includes a transfer destination IP address (YYY.YYY.YYY.YYY: IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and print instruction data (one copy, color). , One side) and print data (PDF format) are associated with each other.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the transfer job reception process (step 7) in the first embodiment. This transfer job reception process is executed by the second printing apparatus 20 (see FIG. 4), which is a non-compliant machine.
In this process, first, the job receiving unit 22 receives the transfer job data transmitted from the first printing apparatus 10 via the network 30 in step 66 shown in FIG. 71). Subsequently, the job receiving unit 22 outputs the received transfer job data to the RIP unit / printing unit 23 of the own device, and the RIP unit / printing unit 23 uses the own job based on the transfer job data (print job data). Printing is executed (step 72), and this process is completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine is registered in advance as a logical printer in the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine. When there is a printing device search request using Bonjour from the portable terminal 40, the first printing device 10 makes a search response regarding the own device (the first printing device 10), and the registered incompatible device. A search response related to (second printing apparatus 20) is also made. Thereby, in addition to the 1st printing apparatus 10 which is a corresponding | compatible machine, the portable terminal 40 can grasp | ascertain the 2nd printing apparatus 20 which is a non-corresponding machine as a printer which can be printed.

  In the present embodiment, when a print instruction using the second printing apparatus 20 is subsequently generated in the mobile terminal 40, print job data corresponding to the print instruction is transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to another network. The first printing apparatus 10 that has received the print job data via the network 30 uses the print job data as transfer job data, and then transfers the print job data to the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30. I did it. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform printing (AirPrint) from the portable terminal 40 with the second printing apparatus 20 as an output destination.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, basically, all users can perform AirPrint using the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine. However, for example, in the case of a shared printer in the company, there are cases where users who are permitted to use the second printing apparatus 20 are restricted. In such a case, printing is executed after the user who wants to print logs in to the printing apparatus. In addition, when charging is performed for each user, there is also a demand for grasping the user who has performed AirPrint in the second printing apparatus 20.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is further possible to grasp a user who performs AirPrint with a non-compatible device via a compatible device or the like. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine makes a device registration request including a login user name. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine includes a login user name. The difference from the first embodiment is that non-compatible machine registration is performed, and that the first printing apparatus 10 performs job transfer including the login user name in step 6.

  Now, step 1, step 2, and step 6 shown in FIG. 18 will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of device registration request processing (step 1) according to the second embodiment. This device registration request process is executed by the second printing apparatus 20 (see FIG. 4), which is a non-compliant machine.

  With the start of processing, the corresponding machine specifying unit 24 specifies the corresponding machine that is the registration destination of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 101). Here, in step 101, the IP address (transmission destination IP address) on the network 30 of the corresponding device as the registration destination is specified. In this example, the first printing apparatus 10 is specified as a corresponding machine that is a registration destination.

  Next, the non-supporting machine information generation unit 25 acquires the login user name of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 102). Subsequently, the non-compatible device information generation unit 25 obtains the login user name of the own device acquired in step 102 and the IP address (source IP address) on the network 30 of the own device (second printing apparatus 20). Incompatible machine information is created (step 103). Then, the device registration request unit 26 creates a registration request that associates the destination IP address identified in step 101 with the non-compliant device information created in step 103, and includes the obtained non-compliant device information. The request is transmitted to the destination IP address of the corresponding device via the network input / output unit 21 and the network 30 (step 104), and this processing is completed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of non-compliant machine registration processing (step 2) in the second embodiment. This incompatible machine registration process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the registration request transmitted from the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) via the network 30 in step 104 shown in FIG. Is received (step 201). Subsequently, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 extracts non-compliant machine information from the received registration request (step 202), and supports the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) based on the extracted non-compliant machine information. A logical printer for job reception is created (step 203), and the created logical printer is stored in the logical printer storage unit 15. Further, the non-compliant device registration unit 14 determines whether or not the login user name is included in the non-compliant device information extracted in Step 202 (Step 204).

  If an affirmative determination (YES) is made in step 204, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 and the non-compliant machine (included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer) and the logical printer name created in step 203 are displayed. Proxy response information (with login user information) in which the IP address (source IP address) of the second printing apparatus 20) and the login user name are associated is created and registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 (step 205). This process is completed.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination (NO) is made in step 204, the non-compliant device registration unit 14 and the non-compliant device included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer and the logical printer name created in step 203. Proxy response information (no login user information) associated with the IP address (source IP address) of the machine (second printing device 20) is created and registered in the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16 (step 206). Complete the process.

  Since steps 3 to 5 are basically the same as those described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here (see FIGS. 10 to 13).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the job transfer process (step 6) in the second embodiment. This job transfer process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the job receiving unit 12 receives the print job data transmitted from the portable terminal 40 via another network in step 57 shown in FIG. 13 via the network input / output unit 11 (step 601). . Subsequently, the job receiving unit 12 specifies a printing apparatus (logical printer) as a transfer destination from the received print job data (step 602).

  Next, the job transfer unit 18 determines whether the transmission destination specified in step 602 is the own device (first printing apparatus 10), or is registered (stored) as a logical printer in the logical printer storage unit 15. It is determined whether it is a machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20) or does not exist (no registration) (step 603).

  If it is determined in step 603 that the transfer destination is the own device, the job transfer unit 18 outputs the print job data received in step 601 to the RIP unit / printing unit 13 of the own device (first printing apparatus 10). The RIP unit / printing unit 13 executes printing by the own machine based on the print job data (step 604), and this processing is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 603 that the transfer destination is a non-compatible device, the job transfer unit 18 creates transfer job data from the print job data received in step 601 (step 605). Next, the job transfer unit 18 acquires login user information associated with the non-compliant device registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 (step 606), and determines whether or not there is a login user name (step 606). Step 607).

  If the determination in step 607 is affirmative (YES), the job transfer unit 18 adds the corresponding login user name to the transfer job data created in step 605 (step 608), and proceeds to step 609 described later. move on. On the other hand, if a negative determination (NO) is made in step 607, the job transfer unit 18 proceeds directly to step 609.

  Then, the job transfer unit 18 transmits the obtained transfer job data to the corresponding non-supporting machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 609) and completes this process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 603 that the transfer destination does not exist (not the own machine or the non-compatible machine), the job transfer unit 18 deletes the print job data received in step 601 (step 610), and performs this process. Complete.

  Step 7 has the same procedure as that described in the first embodiment except that transfer job data including a login user name is sent, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here. (See FIG. 17).

  Here, FIG. 22A shows the contents of the registration request created at step 104 shown in FIG. 19, FIG. 22B shows the contents of the proxy response information created at step 205 shown in FIG. (C) is a diagram showing the contents of the job data for transfer created in step 608 shown in FIG.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 22A, the registration request is associated with the transmission destination IP address (the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10) and non-compliant machine information, and the non-compliant machine information is transmitted. The original IP address (the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and the login user name are included. In this example, it is assumed that the login user name is “userA”.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 22B, the proxy response information (with login user information) is obtained by associating the logical printer name with the non-compatible device information in the registration request. The non-compatible device information includes a (transmission source) IP address as an example of discrimination information and a login user name as an example of user specifying information. In addition, in the proxy response information (no login user information) registered in step 206 when a negative determination is made in step 204 shown in FIG. 20, the login user name column in the non-compatible device information is empty. .

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 22C, the transfer job data includes a transfer destination IP address (IP address of the second printing apparatus 20), print instruction data (one copy, color, one side), and print data. A PDL (PDF type) and a login user name (userA) are associated with each other.

  In AirPrint, a login user name cannot be added to print job data transmitted by the mobile terminal 40 due to specifications. For this reason, when it is going to perform AirPrint with the 2nd printing apparatus 20 via the 1st printing apparatus 10 from the portable terminal 40, it will become difficult to grasp | ascertain the user who performed the printing instruction as it is.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, when a registration request is made from the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine, the login user name is included in the registration request. In the first printing apparatus 10, proxy response information in which the logical printer name and the login user name are associated is created based on the registration request. Then, when there is a print instruction using the second printing apparatus 20 on the mobile terminal 40, print job data corresponding to the print instruction is sent from the mobile terminal 40 to the first printing apparatus 10 via another network. When the first printing apparatus 10 that transmitted and received the print job data transfers it to the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30, the login user name is added to the transfer job data created based on the print job data I tried to do it. As a result, the second printing apparatus 20 that has received the transfer job data can grasp the user (login user) who issued the print instruction, and can perform print management (billing, etc.) for each login user. It becomes like this.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first and second embodiments, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine and the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine have the same PDL that can be interpreted. However, actually, the PDL that can be interpreted may differ between the first printing apparatus 10 and the second printing apparatus 20. In particular, when the PDL in the print job data sent from the portable terminal 40 can be interpreted by the first printing apparatus 10 but cannot be interpreted by the second printing apparatus 20, the portable terminal 40 If the print job data sent to the first printing device 10 is transferred as it is from the first printing device 10 to the second printing device 20 as transfer job data, the second printing device 20 converts it to transfer job data. Printing based on it becomes impossible.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when AirPrint is performed by a non-compliant device via a compatible device or the like, it is further suppressed that printing cannot be performed by the non-compliant device due to PDL. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including a PDL that can be used by itself, and in step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a non-compliant machine is non-compliant. Incompatible machine registration including PDL that can be used by the compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20), and in step 6, the first printing apparatus 10 performs job transfer using PDL that can be used by the non-compliant machine. This is different from the first embodiment.

  Now, step 1, step 2, and step 6 shown in FIG. 23 will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of device registration request processing (step 1) in the third embodiment. This device registration request process is executed by the second printing apparatus 20 (see FIG. 4), which is a non-compliant machine.

  With the start of processing, the corresponding machine specifying unit 24 specifies the corresponding machine that is the registration destination of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 1001). Here, in step 1001, the IP address (transmission destination IP address) of the corresponding device as the registration destination on the network 30 is specified. In this example, the first printing apparatus 10 is specified as a corresponding machine that is a registration destination.

  Next, the non-supporting machine information generation unit 25 creates corresponding PDL information including PDL that can be handled (interpreted) by the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 1002). Subsequently, the non-compatible device information generation unit 25 obtains the corresponding PDL information of the own device (second printing apparatus 20) acquired in step 1002 and the IP address (source IP address) on the network 30 of the own device. Incompatible machine information is created (step 1003). Then, the device registration request unit 26 creates a registration request in which the transmission destination IP address identified in step 1001 and the non-compliant device information created in step 1003 are associated with each other, and includes the obtained non-compliant device information. The request is transmitted to the destination IP address of the corresponding device via the network input / output unit 21 and the network 30 (step 1004), and this processing is completed.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of non-compliant machine registration processing (step 2) in the third embodiment. This incompatible machine registration process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the registration request transmitted via the network 30 from the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) in step 1004 shown in FIG. Is received (step 2001). Subsequently, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 extracts non-compliant machine information from the received registration request (step 2002), and supports the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) based on the extracted non-compliant machine information. A logical printer for job reception is created (step 2003), and the created logical printer is stored in the logical printer storage unit 15. Further, the non-compliant device registration unit 14 determines whether or not the corresponding PDL information is included in the non-compliant device information extracted in Step 2002 (Step 2004).

  If an affirmative determination (YES) is made in step 2004, the non-compliant device registration unit 14 and the non-compliant device (included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer) and the logical printer name created in step 2003 are displayed. Proxy response information (with corresponding PDL information) that associates the IP address (source IP address) of the second printing apparatus 20) and the corresponding PDL information is created and registered in the non-compatible device proxy response DB 16 (step 2005). This process is completed.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination (NO) is made in step 2004, the non-compliant device registration unit 14 and the non-compliant device included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer and the logical printer name created in step 2003. Proxy response information (no corresponding PDL information) associated with the IP address (source IP address) of the printer (second printing device 20) is created and registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 (step 2006). Complete the process.

  Since steps 3 to 5 are basically the same as those described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here (see FIGS. 10 to 13).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the job transfer process (step 6) in the third embodiment. This job transfer process is executed by the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3), which is a compatible machine.

  In this process, first, the job receiving unit 12 receives the print job data transmitted from the portable terminal 40 via another network in step 57 shown in FIG. 13 via the network input / output unit 11 (step 6001). . Subsequently, the job receiving unit 12 specifies a printing apparatus (logical printer) as a transfer destination from the received print job data (step 6002).

  Next, the job transfer unit 18 determines whether the transmission destination specified in step 6002 is its own device (first printing apparatus 10) or is registered (stored) as a logical printer in the logical printer storage unit 15. It is determined whether it is a machine (second printing apparatus 20) or does not exist (no registration) (step 6003).

  If it is determined in step 6003 that the transfer destination is the own device, the job transfer unit 18 outputs the print job data received in step 6001 to the RIP unit / printing unit 13 of the own device (first printing apparatus 10). The RIP unit / printing unit 13 executes printing by the own machine based on the print job data (step 6004), and this processing is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 6003 that the transfer destination is an incompatible device, the job transfer unit 18 acquires the corresponding PDL information associated with the incompatible device registered in the incompatible device proxy response DB 16. (Step 6005). Next, the job transfer unit 18 determines whether or not the print job data acquired in step 6001 is described in the corresponding PDL acquired in step 6005 (step 6006).

  If a negative determination (NO) is made in step 6006, the job transfer unit 18 converts the PDL of the print data in the print job data acquired in step 6001 to the corresponding PDL acquired in step 6005 (step 6007). It progresses to step 6008 mentioned later. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination (YES) is made in step 6006, the job transfer unit 18 proceeds to step 6008 as it is.

  Then, the job transfer unit 18 creates transfer job data from the print job data (step 6008), and transmits the obtained transfer job data to the corresponding non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 600). 6009), and this processing is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 6003 that the transfer destination does not exist (i.e., neither the own machine nor the non-compatible machine), the job transfer unit 18 deletes the print job data received in step 6001 (step 6010) and executes this process. Complete.

  Here, FIG. 27A shows the contents of the registration request created in step 1004 shown in FIG. 24, FIG. 27B shows the contents of the proxy response information created in step 2005 shown in FIG. (C) is a diagram showing the contents of the job data for transfer created in step 6008 shown in FIG.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 27A, the registration request is associated with the transmission destination IP address (the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10) and non-compliant machine information, and the non-compliant machine information is transmitted. The original IP address (the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and the corresponding PDL information are included. In this example, the corresponding PDL information includes “PCL (Printer Command Language)” and “TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)”, and does not include “PDF” and “URF”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 27B, the proxy response information (with corresponding PDL information) associates the logical printer name with the non-compatible device information in the registration request. The non-compatible machine information includes (transmission source) IP address as an example of discrimination information and corresponding PDL information as an example of format information. In addition, in the proxy response information (no corresponding PDL information) registered in step 2006 when the negative determination is made in step 2004 shown in FIG. 25, the corresponding PDL information column in the non-compatible device information is empty. .

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 27C, the transfer job data includes a transfer destination IP address (IP address of the second printing apparatus 20), print instruction data (one copy, color, one side), and print data. This is associated with PDL (TIFF format).

  In the present embodiment, print job data sent from the portable terminal 40 is described in PDF (see FIG. 16A). On the other hand, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine can interpret print job data described in PCL or TIFF, but cannot interpret print job data described in PDF. For this reason, even if the first printing apparatus 10 directly transfers the print job data sent from the portable terminal 40 to the second printing apparatus 20 as transfer job data, the second printing apparatus 20 does not transfer the transfer job data ( Printing based on print job data) cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when a registration request is made from the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine, the registration request is sent to the own machine (second printing apparatus 20). ) To include PDL information (corresponding PDL information) that can be handled, and the first printing apparatus 10 creates proxy response information that associates the logical printer name with the corresponding PDL information based on the registration request. did. Then, when there is a print instruction using the second printing apparatus 20 on the mobile terminal 40, print job data corresponding to the print instruction is sent from the mobile terminal 40 to the first printing apparatus 10 via another network. When the first printing apparatus 10 that has transmitted and received the print job data uses the print job data as transfer job data, the second printing apparatus 20 can handle the print job data based on the corresponding PDL information of the second printing apparatus 20. I converted to a PDL. As a result, the second printing apparatus 20 that has received the transfer job data can suppress printing defects caused by being unable to support PDL.

<Embodiment 4>
In the first to third embodiments, the first printing apparatus 10 as a compatible machine and the second printing apparatus 20 as a non-compliant machine can both form a monochrome image and a color image. However, the types of images that can be formed may differ between the first printing apparatus 10 and the second printing apparatus 20. In particular, when the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine has a function of forming a color image, while the first printing apparatus 10 that is a non-compliant machine does not have a function of forming a color image, the mobile terminal 40 Transfer obtained when PDL conversion is performed on the print job data (color image data) sent to the first printing apparatus 10 using the image processing function (monochrome image processing function) of the first printing apparatus 10 The job data is converted into monochrome image data, and the image printed by the second printing apparatus 20 is also a monochrome image.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when AirPrint is performed on a non-compatible device via a compatible device or the like, an image that should originally be output by the non-compatible device cannot be printed due to the image processing function of the compatible device. Suppress. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the fourth embodiment. In the case of the present embodiment, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine can form only a monochrome (monochrome) image, and the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine is a color image in addition to a monochrome image. Can also be formed. As shown in FIG. 28, in the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including the image processing capability of the self machine, and in step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine is non-compliant. The non-compliant machine registration including the image processing capability of the printing machine (second printing device 20) is performed, and in step 6, the first printing device 10 performs a job in the PDL corresponding to the non-compliant machine image processing capability. The transfer is different from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, in step 5, the mobile terminal 40 transmits print job data including print data described in PDF to the first printing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 16A). The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that print job data including print data described in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is transmitted to the first printing apparatus 10.

  In the present embodiment, in the device registration request processing in step 1, the non-compliant machine information generation unit 25 of the second printing apparatus 20 corresponds to the image processing capability information of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) and the own machine. Incompatible device information including PDL information and an IP address (source IP address) on the own device's network is created. Then, the device registration request unit 26 of the second printing apparatus 20 creates a registration request associating the identified transmission destination IP address with the created non-compatible device information, and uses the obtained registration request as a network input / output. The data is transmitted to the destination IP address of the corresponding device via the unit 21 and the network 30.

  In the present embodiment, in the non-compliant machine registration process in step 2, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 of the first printing apparatus 10 extracts the non-compliant machine information from the received registration request, and the extracted non-compliant machine Based on the information, a logical printer for job reception corresponding to the incompatible machine (second printing apparatus 20) is created, and the created logical printer is stored in the logical printer storage unit 15. Further, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 determines whether the extracted non-compliant machine information includes image processing capability information.

  If it is determined that the non-compliant machine information includes image processing capability information, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 creates the logical printer name and the non-compliant machine (the first one included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer). 2) The proxy response information (with image processing capability information) that associates the IP address (source IP address) of the printing apparatus 20), the corresponding PDL information, and the image processing capability information is created and registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the non-compliant machine information does not include the image processing capability, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 creates the logical printer name and the non-compliant machine included in the registration request that is the basis of the logical printer. Proxy response information (no image processing capability information) associated with the IP address (source IP address) of the machine (second printing device 20) is created and registered in the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the job transfer process of step 6, the job receiving unit 12 of the first printing apparatus 10 specifies a printing apparatus (logical printer) as a transfer destination from the received print job data. When the identified transmission destination is a non-compliant machine, the job transfer unit 18 of the first printing apparatus 10 performs image processing associated with this non-compliant machine registered in the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16. Get capability information. Next, the job transfer unit 18 compares the content (color or monochrome) of the print data in the acquired print job data with the image processing capability information of the non-compatible machine.

  If it is determined that the acquired print job data includes a color image that is not supported by the own machine (first printing apparatus 10) but is supported by the non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20), job transfer is performed. The unit 18 converts the PDL of the print data in the acquired print job data according to the image processing capability of the non-compatible machine. However, in this embodiment, instead of performing simple PDL conversion as in the third embodiment, the PDL of the base print data is wrapped with another PDL (for example, JPEG is wrapped in PDF). ). Then, the job transfer unit 18 creates transfer job data from the print job data, and transmits the obtained transfer job data to the corresponding non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20).

  Here, FIG. 29A shows the contents of the registration request in the fourth embodiment, FIG. 29B shows the contents of the proxy response information in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 29C shows the transfer in the fourth embodiment. It is the figure which each showed the content of job data.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 29A, the registration request is associated with the transmission destination IP address (the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10) and non-compliant machine information, and the non-compliant machine information is transmitted. In addition to the original IP address (the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and the corresponding PDL information, the image processing capability information is further included. In this example, it is assumed that the corresponding PDL information is “PDF” and “TIFF”. In this example, the image processing capability information is “color”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 29B, the proxy response information (with image processing capability information) associates the logical printer name with the non-compatible device information in the registration request, and is an example of unique information. The non-compatible device information includes (transmission source) IP address as an example of discrimination information, corresponding PDL information, and image processing capability information as an example of capability information. In the proxy response information (no image processing capability information), the image processing capability information column in the non-compatible device information is empty.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 29C, the transfer job data includes a transfer destination IP address (IP address of the second printing apparatus 20), print instruction data (one copy, color, one side), and print data. This is associated with PDL (PDF format).

  In the present embodiment, print job data sent from the portable terminal 40 is described in, for example, JPEG (color output). On the other hand, since the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine has only a function of printing a monochrome image, it can perform image processing on the monochrome image in its own machine (first printing apparatus 10). Image processing relating to color images cannot be performed. For this reason, when the print job data sent from the portable terminal 40 is converted into transfer job data by the image processing function of the first printing apparatus 10, the color image in the base print job data is The transfer job data is converted into a monochrome image, and the image printed by the second printing apparatus 20 based on the transfer job data is also a monochrome image.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when a registration request is made from the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine, the registration request is sent to the own machine (second printing apparatus 20). ) Image processing capability information (image processing capability information) is included, and the first printing apparatus 10 creates proxy response information that associates the logical printer name with the image processing capability information based on the registration request. I made it. Then, when there is a print instruction using the second printing apparatus 20 on the mobile terminal 40, print job data corresponding to the print instruction is sent from the mobile terminal 40 to the first printing apparatus 10 via another network. When the first printing apparatus 10 that has transmitted and received the print job data uses the print job data as transfer job data, the color of the image in the print job data is based on the image processing capability information of the second printing apparatus 20. While the information is held as it is, it is converted into PDL that can be handled by the second printing apparatus 20. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress missing color information in the second printing apparatus 20 that has received the transfer job data.

<Embodiment 5>
In the first to fourth embodiments, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine and the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine are both post-processing apparatuses (finishers) that perform various post-processing on a printed recording medium. I did not prepare. However, the presence or absence of the post-processing device may be different between the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20. In particular, when the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine has a post-processing apparatus and the first printing apparatus 10 that is a non-compliant machine does not have a post-processing apparatus, the first printing apparatus 10 performs the second printing. When it is impossible to grasp that the post-processing device is attached to the device 20 and when the mobile terminal 40 issues a print instruction to the second printing device 20 via the first printing device 10, the second printing device 20. In this case, post-processing cannot be executed together with printing.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when AirPrint is performed on a non-compliant machine via a compatible machine or the like, post-processing can be executed in addition to printing on the non-compliant machine. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the fifth embodiment. In the case of the present embodiment, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine does not have a post-processing apparatus, that is, a finisher, and the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine has a finisher. To do. As shown in FIG. 30, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including the post-processing capability of its own machine. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a non-compliant machine is non-compliant. The non-compliant machine registration including the post-processing capability of the machine (second printing apparatus 20) is performed, and in step 6, the first printing apparatus 10 performs job transfer in consideration of the non-compliant machine post-processing ability. This is different from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, in step 4, the first printing apparatus 10 transmits a response message including the respective printing apparatus capability information. In the present embodiment, the first printing apparatus capability information. In addition to the above, a response message including post-processing capability information is transmitted, which is different from the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in step 5, the portable terminal 40 can specify only options related to printing as print options, whereas in the present embodiment, in addition to options related to printing, The difference from the first embodiment is that an option related to post-processing can be specified.

  In the present embodiment, in the device registration request process in step 1, the non-compliant machine information generation unit 25 of the second printing apparatus 20 performs the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) image processing capability information and the post-processing of the own machine. Non-compatible device information including capability information and an IP address (source IP address) on the network of the own device is created. Then, the device registration request unit 26 of the second printing apparatus 20 creates a registration request associating the identified transmission destination IP address with the created non-compatible device information, and uses the obtained registration request as a network input / output. The data is transmitted to the destination IP address of the corresponding device via the unit 21 and the network 30.

  In the present embodiment, in the non-compliant machine registration process in step 2, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 of the first printing apparatus 10 extracts the non-compliant machine information from the received registration request, and the extracted non-compliant machine Based on the information, a logical printer for job reception corresponding to the incompatible machine (second printing apparatus 20) is created, and the created logical printer is stored in the logical printer storage unit 15. In addition, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 determines whether or not post-processing capability information is included in the extracted non-compliant machine information.

  If it is determined that the non-compliant machine information includes the post-processing capability information, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 creates the logical printer name and the non-compliant machine (the first one included in the registration request based on this logical printer). 2) Proxy response information (with post-processing capability information) that associates the IP address (source IP address) of the printing device 20) and post-processing capability information is created and registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the non-compliant machine information does not include the post-processing capability information, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 and the non-compliant machine name included in the registration request that is the basis of the logical printer are created. Proxy response information (without post-processing capability information) associated with the IP address (source IP address) of the corresponding machine (second printing apparatus 20) is created and registered in the non-compatible machine proxy response DB 16.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the search response process of step 4, the search response unit 17 of the first printing apparatus 10 determines the logical printer name of the own apparatus (first printing apparatus 10), the IP address of the own apparatus, and the own apparatus. A response message of the own device in which the printing device capability information and the post-processing capability information of the own device are associated with each other is generated and transmitted to the mobile terminal 40. Further, in the search response process of step 4, the search response unit 17 of the first printing device 10 further specifies a non-compatible device (for example, the second printing device) for each non-compatible device registered in the non-compatible device proxy response DB 16. 20) Create a response message of the non-compliant machine in which the logical printer name, the IP address of the non-compliant machine, the printing device capability information of the non-compliant machine, and the post-processing capability information of the non-compliant machine are associated with each other. To send.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the printing device search request process in step 3, the printing device search unit 44 of the portable terminal 40 receives the response message of the own device received from the corresponding device (first printing device 10) and the non-correspondence. Based on the response message of the printer, a printable printer list is created for each printing device (logical printer) in which the printing device name, IP address, printing device capability information, and post-processing capability information are associated with each other, and the printable printer list storage unit 45 is stored.

  In this embodiment, in the print job transmission process in step 5, post-processing capability information is displayed as a printing option in addition to the printing device capability information of the printing device from the read printable printer list. Settings are made.

  In the present embodiment, in the job transfer process of step 6, the job receiving unit 12 of the first printing apparatus 10 specifies a printing apparatus (logical printer) as a transfer destination from the received print job data. When the identified transmission destination is a non-compliant machine, the job transfer unit 18 of the first printing apparatus 10 performs post-processing associated with the non-compliant machine registered in the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16. Get capability information. Next, the job transfer unit 18 compares the contents of the print option (more specifically, post-processing information) in the acquired print job data with the post-processing capability information of the non-compatible machine.

  If the post-processing information included in the acquired print job data is determined to be usable by the non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20), the job transfer unit 18 prints including the acquired post-processing information. Transfer job data including post-processing information is created from the job data, and the obtained transfer job data is transmitted to the corresponding non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20).

  Here, FIG. 31 (a) shows the contents of the registration request in the fifth embodiment, FIG. 31 (b) shows the contents of the proxy response information in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 31 (c) shows the contents in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 31D shows the contents of the response message of the non-compliant machine in the fifth embodiment, FIG. 31E shows the contents of the printable printer list in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 31F shows the contents of the print job data in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 31G shows the contents of the transfer job data in the fifth embodiment.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 31A, the registration request associates the transmission destination IP address (the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10) with the non-compatible device information. The transmission source IP address (the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and post-processing capability information are included. In this example, the post-processing capability information is “punch (drilling)” and “staple”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 31 (b), the proxy response information (with post-processing capability information) includes the logical printer name and the non-compatible device information in the registration request. The non-compatible device information includes (transmission source) IP address as an example of discrimination information and post-processing capability information as an example of function information. In the proxy response information (no post-processing capability information), the post-processing capability information column in the non-compatible device information is empty.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 31C, the response message of the own machine (first printing apparatus 10) includes the logical printer name (printer A) of the first printing apparatus 10 and the IP address (first printing apparatus 10). XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX), the printing device capability information of the first printing device 10 (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable), and post-processing capability information of the first printing device 10 (none: empty) It has become.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 31D, the response message of the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) includes the logical printer name (printer B) of the second printing apparatus 20 and the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10. (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX), printing device capability information (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable) of the second printing device 20, post-processing capability information (punch / staple) of the second printing device 20 Are associated with each other.

  In the example shown in FIG. 31E, the printable printer list includes a printing apparatus name (logical printer name), an IP address of the printing apparatus, printing apparatus capability information of the printing apparatus, and post-processing capability of the printing apparatus. Information is associated with it. In this example, two printing apparatuses (printer A (logical printer) corresponding to the first printing apparatus 10 and printer B (logical printer) corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20) are registered in the printable printer list. The printer A corresponding to the first printing apparatus 10 includes the IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) of the first printing apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus capability information (monochrome / color available, one side of the first printing apparatus 10). / Double-side acceptable) and post-processing capability information (none) of the first printing apparatus 10 are associated, and the printer B corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 has an IP address (XXX.XXX. XXX.XXX), printing device capability information (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable) of the second printing device 20, and post-processing capability information (punch / staple) of the second printing device 20 are associated with each other.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 31F, the print job data includes a destination IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX: the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10), a logical printer name (printer B), Print instruction data (one copy, color, double-sided, punch) and print data (PDF format) are associated with each other.

  Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 31G, the transfer job data includes a transfer destination IP address (YYY.YYY.YYY.YYY: IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and print instruction data (one copy, Color, double-sided, punch) and print data (PDF format) are associated with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine includes a post-processing apparatus, while the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine does not include a post-processing apparatus. For this reason, the first printing apparatus 10 cannot know that the second printing apparatus 20 includes a post-processing apparatus and what functions the post-processing apparatus includes.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when a registration request is made from the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine, the registration request is sent to the own machine (second printing apparatus 20). In the first printing apparatus 10, proxy response information that associates the logical printer name with the post-processing capability information based on the registration request is included. I made it. When there is a printing device search request from the portable terminal 40, the first printing device 10 transmits a response message of its own device including post-processing capability information and a response message of a non-compatible device. Thereby, in the portable terminal 40, when it is desired to grasp the post-processing capability of the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine and to execute printing using the second printing apparatus 20, the second printing apparatus 20 It is possible to select a post-processing function of the.

<Embodiment 6>
In the fifth embodiment, the case where the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine includes a post-processing apparatus, while the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine does not include the post-processing apparatus has been described as an example. Here, post-processing functions that can be executed in the printing apparatus include post-processing functions that can be executed by general commands such as punching and stapling described in the fifth embodiment, and post-processing such as case binding. There are some that require special commands to execute processing. In particular, when the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine has a post-processing apparatus that requires such a special command, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine does not have a post-processing function. After the first printing apparatus 10 cannot recognize that the second printing apparatus 20 is equipped with a post-processing apparatus that requires a special command, and the second printing apparatus 20 requires a special command In the case where the special command cannot be issued when the process is to be executed, and the second printing apparatus 20 is instructed to print from the portable terminal 40 via the first printing apparatus 10, the second printing apparatus 20 This makes it impossible to execute post-processing that requires special commands together with printing.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when AirPrint is performed on a non-compliant machine via a compatible machine or the like, post-processing that requires a special command in addition to printing on the non-compliant machine can be executed. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the sixth embodiment. In the case of the present embodiment, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine does not have a post-processing apparatus, that is, a finisher, and the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine has a finisher that requires a special command ( Here, it is assumed that a case binding machine is included. In this example, the case binding machine installed in the second printing apparatus 20 uses XPJL (printer job control language (PJL) developed by Hewlett-Packard) as a special command when executing case binding. Command set with extended functions) is required. As shown in FIG. 32, in the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 which is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including the additional command information of the own machine. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 which is a non-compliant machine is non-compliant. The non-compliant machine registration including the additional command information of the machine (second printing apparatus 20) is performed, and in step 6, the first printing apparatus 10 performs job transfer in consideration of the additional command information of the non-compliant machine. This is different from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, in step 4, the first printing apparatus 10 transmits a response message including the respective printing apparatus capability information. In the present embodiment, the first printing apparatus capability information. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that a response message including additional command information is transmitted in addition to. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in step 5, the portable terminal 40 can specify only options related to printing as print options, whereas in the present embodiment, in addition to options related to printing, The difference from the first embodiment is that an option (case binding) related to post-processing can be specified.

  In the present embodiment, in the device registration request process in step 1, the non-compliant machine information generation unit 25 of the second printing apparatus 20 adds the image processing capability information of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) and the own machine. Incompatible device information including command information and an IP address (source IP address) on the own device's network is created. Then, the device registration request unit 26 of the second printing apparatus 20 creates a registration request associating the identified transmission destination IP address with the created non-compatible device information, and uses the obtained registration request as a network input / output. The data is transmitted to the destination IP address of the corresponding device via the unit 21 and the network 30.

  In the present embodiment, in the non-compliant machine registration process in step 2, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 of the first printing apparatus 10 extracts the non-compliant machine information from the received registration request, and the extracted non-compliant machine Based on the information, a logical printer for job reception corresponding to the incompatible machine (second printing apparatus 20) is created, and the created logical printer is stored in the logical printer storage unit 15. Further, the non-compliant device registration unit 14 determines whether or not the additional command information is included in the extracted non-compliant device information.

  If it is determined that the non-compliant machine information includes the additional command information, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 creates the logical printer name and the non-compliant machine (second) included in the registration request that is the basis of this logical printer. Proxy response information (with additional command information) that associates the IP address (source IP address) of the printing apparatus 20) and additional command information is created and registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the non-compliant machine information does not include the additional command information, the non-compliant machine registration unit 14 creates the logical printer name and the non-compliant machine included in the registration request that is the basis of the logical printer. Proxy response information (no additional command information) associated with the IP address (source IP address) of the machine (second printing apparatus 20) is created and registered in the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the search response process of step 4, the search response unit 17 of the first printing apparatus 10 determines the logical printer name of the own apparatus (first printing apparatus 10), the IP address of the own apparatus, and the own apparatus. A response message of the own device in which the printing device capability information and the additional command information of the own device are associated with each other is created and transmitted to the portable terminal 40. Further, in the search response process of step 4, the search response unit 17 of the first printing device 10 further specifies a non-compatible device (for example, the second printing device) for each non-compatible device registered in the non-compatible device proxy response DB 16. 20) creates a response message of the non-compliant machine in which the logical printer name, the IP address of the non-compliant machine, the printing device capability information of the non-compliant machine, and the additional command information of the non-compliant machine are associated with each other. Send.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the printing device search request process in step 3, the printing device search unit 44 of the portable terminal 40 receives the response message of the own device received from the corresponding device (first printing device 10) and the non-correspondence. Based on the response message of the printer, a printable printer list in which the printing device name, IP address, printing device capability information, and additional command information are associated with each printing device (logical printer) is created, and the printable printer list storage unit 45 Remember me.

  In the present embodiment, in the print job transmission process in step 5, additional command information is displayed as a print option in addition to the printing apparatus capability information of the printing apparatus from the read printable printer list. Settings are made.

  In the present embodiment, in the job transfer process of step 6, the job receiving unit 12 of the first printing apparatus 10 specifies a printing apparatus (logical printer) as a transfer destination from the received print job data. When the specified transmission destination is a non-compliant machine, the job transfer unit 18 of the first printing apparatus 10 adds the additional command associated with this non-compliant machine registered in the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16. Get information. Next, the job transfer unit 18 compares the contents of the print option (more specifically, the presence / absence of case binding) in the acquired print job data with the additional command information of the incompatible machine.

  Here, when it is determined that the additional command information included in the acquired print job data can be used by the non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20), the job transfer unit 18 prints including the acquired additional command information. Transfer job data including additional command information is created from the job data, and the obtained transfer job data is transmitted to the corresponding non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20).

  Here, FIG. 33 (a) shows the contents of the registration request in the sixth embodiment, FIG. 33 (b) shows the contents of the proxy response information in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 33 (c) shows the contents in the sixth embodiment. 33 (d) shows the contents of the response message of the non-compliant machine in the sixth embodiment, FIG. 33 (e) shows the contents of the printable printer list in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 33F shows the contents of the print job data in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 33G shows the contents of the transfer job data in the sixth embodiment.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 33 (a), the registration request associates the transmission destination IP address (the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10) with the non-compatible device information. The transmission source IP address (the IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and additional command information are included. In this example, the post-processing capability information is assumed to be an “XPJL command”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33B, the proxy response information (with additional command information) includes the logical printer name and the non-compatible device information in the registration request. The corresponding machine information includes (transmission source) IP address as an example of discrimination information and additional command information as an example of command information. In the proxy response information (no additional command information), the additional command information column in the non-compatible device information is empty.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 33C, the response message of the own machine (first printing apparatus 10) includes the logical printer name (printer A) of the first printing apparatus 10 and the IP address (first printing apparatus 10). XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX), the printing apparatus capability information of the first printing apparatus 10 (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable), and additional command information (none: empty) of the first printing apparatus 10 associated with each other. It has become a thing.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 33D, the response message of the non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20) includes the logical printer name (printer B) of the second printing apparatus 20 and the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10. (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX), the printing apparatus capability information of the second printing apparatus 20 (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable), and additional command information (XPJL command) of the second printing apparatus 20 are associated with each other. It has become.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33E, the printable printer list includes a printing apparatus name (logical printer name), an IP address of the printing apparatus, printing apparatus capability information of the printing apparatus, and additional command information of the printing apparatus. Are related to each other. In this example, two printing apparatuses (printer A (logical printer) corresponding to the first printing apparatus 10 and printer B (logical printer) corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20) are registered in the printable printer list. The printer A corresponding to the first printing apparatus 10 includes the IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) of the first printing apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus capability information (monochrome / color available, one side of the first printing apparatus 10). / Addable command information (none) of the first printing apparatus 10 is associated, and the printer B corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 has an IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX) of the first printing apparatus 10 .XXX), printing device capability information (monochrome / color acceptable, single-sided / double-sided acceptable) of the second printing device 20 and additional command information (XPJL command) of the second printing device 20 are associated with each other.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 33F, the print job data includes a transmission destination IP address (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX: the IP address of the first printing apparatus 10), a logical printer name (printer B), Print instruction data (one copy, color, duplex, case binding (XPJL command)) and print data (PDF format) are associated with each other.

  Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 33 (g), the transfer job data includes a transfer destination IP address (YYY.YYY.YYY.YYY: IP address of the second printing apparatus 20) and print instruction data (one copy, Color, double-sided, case binding (XPJL command)) and print data (PDF format) are associated with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine includes a post-processing apparatus that requires a special command, while the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine does not include a post-processing apparatus. For this reason, the first printing apparatus 10 cannot know that the second printing apparatus 20 includes a post-processing apparatus and that the post-processing apparatus requires a special command.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when a registration request is made from the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine to the first printing apparatus 10, a special request of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) is included in the registration request. The first printing apparatus 10 includes proxy command information that associates the logical printer name with the additional command information based on the registration request so that special command information (additional command information) necessary for post-processing (for example, case binding) is included. Information was created. When there is a printing device search request from the mobile terminal 40, the first printing device 10 transmits a response message of its own device including additional command information and a response message of a non-compatible device. Thereby, in the portable terminal 40, when it is desired to grasp the post-processing capability of the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine and to execute printing using the second printing apparatus 20, the second printing apparatus 20 It is possible to select a post-processing function of the.

  In the present embodiment, the first printing apparatus 10 that receives the print job data from the portable terminal 40 when the second printing apparatus 20 causes the second printing apparatus 20 to execute printing including post-processing that requires a special command. Then, transfer job data in which necessary special commands are added to the print job data is created, and the obtained transfer job data is transferred from the first printing apparatus 10 to the second printing apparatus 20. As a result, the second printing apparatus 20 can be used to execute post-processing that requires special commands as well as printing.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the non-compatible device information includes (source) IP address, login user information (second embodiment), corresponding PDL information (third embodiment), and image processing capability information (implementation). Embodiment 4), post-processing capability information (Embodiment 5), and additional command information (Embodiment 6) are combined as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the non-compatible device information, a (source) IP address may be combined with a plurality of pieces of information selected from login user information, corresponding PDL information, image processing capability information, post-processing capability information, and additional command information. Absent.

<Embodiment 7>
In the first to sixth embodiments, in the first step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine requests the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine to register its own machine (second printing apparatus 20). (Device registration request).
In the present embodiment, the timing for starting such a registration request is specified. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIGS. 34A and 34B are diagrams for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the seventh embodiment. Here, FIG. 34 (a) illustrates a first mode for starting a registration request, and FIG. 34 (b) illustrates a second mode for starting a registration request.

First, the first aspect of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 34 (a) will be described.
In this first mode, the device registration request in step 1 and the non-compliant device registration in step 2 are executed when the user operating the mobile terminal 40 logs into the second printing apparatus 20 (step 0). Is done. The login of the user in step 0 is performed, for example, by holding a card possessed by the user over a card reader (not shown) provided in the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine.

Subsequently, the second aspect of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 34 (b) will be described.
In the second mode, the device registration request in step 1 and step 2 are triggered by the touch of the user operating the mobile terminal 40 on the operation panel 105 provided in the second printing apparatus 20 (step 0). Is registered.

  In the present embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to easily execute a device registration request of the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine, and the user performs device registration of the second printing apparatus 20. The complexity of the operation when requesting the execution of is suppressed.

<Eighth embodiment>
In the seventh embodiment, the device registration request is started when the user performs a direct operation on the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a device registration request is started when a printing device search request by the mobile terminal 40 is executed. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the second printing apparatus 20 is configured to be compatible with Bonjour although it is not compatible with AirPrint itself. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the eighth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, first, the portable terminal 40 makes a search request for a printing apparatus via another network (step 01). In step 01, the portable terminal 40 broadcasts a search packet for a discovery protocol such as Bonjour.

  At this time, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compatible machine receives a search request for a printing apparatus from the portable terminal 40 via another network, and the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine is received based on the search request. Then, a request for device registration of the own machine (second printing apparatus 20) is made via the network 30 (step 02). Subsequently, the first printing apparatus 10 registers the non-compliant machine (second printing apparatus 20) based on the device registration request received from the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30 (step 03).

  Subsequently, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine makes a search response to the search request received from the portable terminal 40 via another network (step 04). At this time, the first printing apparatus 10 sends a search response related to its own machine (first printing apparatus 10) via another network and the other machine (second machine) registered in step 03 as a non-compliant machine. And a search response related to the printing apparatus 20).

  Then, the mobile terminal 40 creates print job data and sends a print job to send the created print job data to the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine via another network (step 05). ). When the print job data received via another network is destined for the own machine (first print apparatus 10), the first printing apparatus 10 performs printing based on the print job data on the own machine. . On the other hand, when the print job data received via another network is destined for a non-compliant machine (second printing device 20), the first printing device 10 creates transfer job data based on the print job data. At the same time, the created job data for transfer is transferred to the second printing apparatus 20 via the network 30 (step 06).

  Then, the second printing apparatus 20 performs printing based on the received transfer job data (print job data) (step 07) and completes this process.

  In this embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, when the user operating the mobile terminal 40 makes a search request for a printing device, the second printing device 20 that is a non-compliant machine executes the registration request. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user himself / herself to visit the second printing apparatus 20 in order to make a registration request.

<Embodiment 9>
In Embodiments 1 to 8, after the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine performs the non-compliant machine registration process of the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine, the first printing apparatus 10 keeps the registration contents as it is. I was trying to hold it. However, when the first printing apparatus 10 registers an unlimited number of non-compliant machines, a large number of printing apparatuses are displayed on the mobile terminal 40 side as many logical printers are generated in the first printing apparatus 10. It will be.

  Therefore, in Embodiments 9 to 12 described below, when a predetermined condition is satisfied for a non-compatible machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20) registered in the first printing apparatus 10 that is a compatible machine, Delete the registration. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 36, in the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including a registration deadline. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a non-compliant machine is a non-compliant machine (second Embodiment 1 is that non-compliant machine registration including the registration deadline of the printing apparatus 20) is performed, and that the first printing apparatus 10 deletes non-compliant machines that have reached the registration deadline after registration. Is different.

  In the example shown in FIG. 36, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request with 10:00 as the registration deadline. It is assumed that the time at this time is, for example, 9:00. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10, which is a corresponding machine, creates a logical printer (printer B) corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 and substitute response information based on the device registration request from the second printing apparatus 20. Register. At this time, the proxy response information includes the registration time limit (up to 10:00). Then, the first printing apparatus 10 monitors the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16 and deletes information on the non-compliant machine that has reached the registration deadline. For example, the second printing apparatus 20 (printer B) is registered until 10:00, but is deleted after 10:00 (step 8).

  Next, in step 3, a printing device search request is made from the portable terminal 40. Here, if the printing device search request in step 3 is made at 9:30, for example, the first printing device 10 determines in step 4 that the two printers registered in the incompatible device proxy response DB 16 (in its own device). A search response relating to a certain printer A (first printing apparatus 10) and a non-compatible machine B (second printing apparatus 20) is performed. On the other hand, when the printing device search request in step 3 is made at, for example, 10:30, the first printing device 10 receives one printer registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 (the printer A (the first device) (the first device). 1 Search device 10)) for search response. This is because the printer B corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 has been deleted at 10:00. Accordingly, the portable terminal 40 displays (understands) two printers (printer A and printer B) in the former case, and displays (understands) one printer (printer A) in the latter case. Become.

<Embodiment 10>
In the ninth embodiment, a registration time limit is set according to time. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an upper limit is set based on the number of times of use (transfer count) of non-compatible devices. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 37, in the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including the upper limit of the number of transfers, and in step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 that is a non-compliant machine is a non-compliant machine ( The non-compliant machine registration including the upper limit of the transfer count of the second printing apparatus 20) and the first printing apparatus 10 deleting the non-compliant machine that has reached the upper limit of the transfer count after registration. However, this is different from the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 37, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request with the upper limit of the number of transfers being one. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10, which is a corresponding machine, creates a logical printer (printer B) corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 and substitute response information based on the device registration request from the second printing apparatus 20. Register. At this time, the proxy response information includes the above-described upper limit (one time) of the transfer count. The first printing apparatus 10 sets the upper limit of the transfer count to 1 each time print job data destined for the printer B (second printing apparatus 20) is transferred to the second printing apparatus 20 as transfer job data. Subtraction is performed one by one, and when the upper limit of the number of transfers reaches 0, the second printing apparatus 20 (printer B) is deleted (step 9). In this example, since the upper limit of the number of transfers is 1, the second printing device 20 (printer B) is deleted when the first transfer is completed.

<Embodiment 11>
In the ninth embodiment, an absolute registration time limit is set according to the time, and the non-compliant machine is deleted when the registration time limit is reached. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the registration deadline according to the time can be extended. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the eleventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 38, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a device registration request (step 1), a non-compatible device registration (step 2), a printing device search request (step 3), a search response ( Step 4), print job transmission (step 5), job transfer (step 6), and transfer job reception (step 7) are performed in this order. However, in step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 which is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request including an idling time. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 which is a non-compliant machine is a non-compliant machine (second The point that the non-compliant machine registration including the idling time of the printing apparatus 20) is performed, and the point that the first printing apparatus 10 extends the registration time limit as necessary after the registration is the same as in the first embodiment. Is different.

  In the example shown in FIG. 38, in Step 1, the second printing apparatus 20 that is a non-compliant machine makes a device registration request with an idle time of 10 minutes. In addition, the time at this time shall be 9:30, for example. In step 2, the first printing apparatus 10, which is a corresponding machine, creates a logical printer (printer B) corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 and substitute response information based on the device registration request from the second printing apparatus 20. Register. At this time, the proxy response information includes the job reception upper limit time (9:40) in which the idling time (10 minutes) is added to the current time (9:30). Then, the first printing apparatus 10 monitors the non-compliant machine proxy response DB 16 and deletes information on the non-compliant machine that has reached the job reception upper limit time. For example, the second printing apparatus 20 (printer B) is registered until at least 9:40, but if there is nothing before 9:40, it is deleted at 9:40.

  Next, in step 3, a printing device search request is made from the portable terminal 40. Here, if the printing device search request in step 3 is made at 9:35, for example, the first printing device 10 determines in step 4 that the two printers registered in the incompatible device proxy response DB 16 (on its own device). A search response relating to a certain printer A (first printing apparatus 10) and a non-compatible machine B (second printing apparatus 20) is performed. When a search response related to the printer B is made, the first printing apparatus 10 adds the idling time (10 minutes) to the current job reception upper limit time (9:40), and creates a new job reception upper limit time (9:40). By updating to 50), the registration deadline is extended (step 10). On the other hand, when the printing device search request in step 3 is made at 9:45, for example, the first printing device 10 receives one printer registered in the non-compliant device proxy response DB 16 (the printer A (the first device) (the first device). 1 Search device 10)) for search response. This is because the printer B corresponding to the second printing apparatus 20 has been deleted at 9:40. Accordingly, the portable terminal 40 displays (understands) two printers (printer A and printer B) in the former case, and displays (understands) one printer (printer A) in the latter case. Become.

<Embodiment 12>
In the ninth to eleventh embodiments, the registered non-compliant machine is deleted based on the registration time limit or the upper limit of the number of transfers. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a device registration request is made when a user logs in, and a device deletion request is made when a user logs out. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the printing system according to the twelfth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 39, in the present embodiment, as in the first aspect of the seventh embodiment, the user operating the portable terminal 40 logs in to the second printing apparatus 20 in step 0 (step 0). As a trigger, the second printing apparatus 20 makes a device registration request (step 1), and in step 2, the first printing apparatus 10 executes non-compliant machine registration (step 2). In this example, the second printing apparatus 20 is a device of the own apparatus (second printing apparatus 20) when the user operating the portable terminal 40 logs out from the second printing apparatus 20 (step 001). A deletion request is made (step 002), and the first printing apparatus 10 deletes the non-compatible machine (second printing apparatus 20) (step 003).

  As described above, according to the ninth to twelfth embodiments, it is possible to delete a non-compliant machine (for example, the second printing apparatus 20) registered in the first printing apparatus 10 that is a corresponding machine. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the number of printers in the print printer list acquired by the mobile terminal 40 increases without limit.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the first printing apparatus 10 having a printing function is used as a corresponding machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the corresponding machine has a printing function. It does not have to be. That is, the corresponding machine may be configured by a computer device such as a server.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... 1st printing apparatus, 11 ... Network input / output part, 12 ... Job receiving part, 13 ... RIP part / printing part, 14 ... Non-corresponding machine registration part, 15 ... Logical printer memory | storage part, 16 ... Non-corresponding machine proxy response DB, 17 ... Search response unit, 18 ... Job transfer unit, 20 ... Second printing device, 21 ... Network input / output unit, 22 ... Job reception unit, 23 ... RIP unit / printing unit, 24 ... Corresponding machine specifying unit, 25 ... Unsupported machine information generation unit 26... Device registration request unit 30... Network 40. Mobile terminal 41. Network input / output unit 42 Input reception unit 43 Display unit 44 Printing device search unit 45 ... printable printer list storage unit, 46 ... print data creation unit, 47 ... print job transmission unit, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... RAM, 103 ... ROM, 104 ... HDD, 105 ... operation panel, 106 ... image Forming unit, 107 ... communication I / F

Claims (16)

A non-compatible device is forming an image on a recording medium not perform communication using a specific protocol,
Including a compatible device that communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with the terminal device using the specific protocol,
The corresponding machine is
Registration means for registering the unique specific information to the non-corresponding machine including discrimination information for discriminating the non-corresponding machine,
Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
When there is an image forming instruction using the non-corresponding machine from the terminal device, it has a transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compliant device,
The non-compliant machine outputs an registration request when a user using the non-compliant machine logs in to the non-compliant machine . A non-compliant machine that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol;
Including a compatible device that communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with the terminal device using the specific protocol,
The corresponding machine is
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Have
The non-compatible machine, the user has operated the non-compatible device, an image forming system and outputs a registration request. A non-compliant machine that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol;
Including a compatible device that communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with the terminal device using the specific protocol,
The corresponding machine is
A registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compliant device including discrimination information for identifying the non-compliant device;
Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Have
The non-compliant device outputs a registration request when receiving an inquiry from the terminal device. A non-compliant machine that forms an image on a recording medium but cannot communicate using a specific protocol;
Including a compatible device that communicates with the non-compliant device and communicates with the terminal device using the specific protocol,
The corresponding machine is
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
A response means for responding to the inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol with respect to the registered incompatible device;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Have
The corresponding machine further has a function of forming an image on a recording medium,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the response unit provided in the compatible device further responds to the inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol. A communication unit that forms an image on a recording medium but performs communication with a non-compatible device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Registration means for registering the unique specific information to the non-corresponding machine including discrimination information for discriminating the non-corresponding machine,
Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
When there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-corresponding machine, seen including a transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compliant device,
The registration unit acquires a registration request including user specifying information for specifying a user who uses the non-compatible device, and includes the determination information and the user specifying information based on the acquired registration request. Register unique information,
When the image forming instruction using the non-compatible device is received from the terminal device, the transfer unit transfers the image forming instruction with the user identification information added to the non-compatible device.
A relay device characterized by A communication unit that forms an image on a recording medium but performs communication with a non-compatible device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Including
The registration means acquires the registration request including a format type information about the non-corresponding machine by interpretation possible data, registers the unique information including the identification information and the format information,
The transfer means, when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device , converts the image formation instruction based on the format information, and then transfers the image formation instruction to the non-compatible device. Relay device to do. A communication unit that forms an image on a recording medium but performs communication with a non-compatible device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
Response means for responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Including
The registration means acquires the registration request including the capability information about the capability of the image processing in the non-corresponding machine, registers the unique information including the discrimination information and the capability information,
The transfer means, when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device , converts the image formation instruction based on the capability information, and then transfers the image formation instruction to the non-compatible device. Relay device to do. A communication unit that forms an image on a recording medium but performs communication with a non-compatible device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
A response means for responding to the inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol with respect to the registered incompatible device;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Including
The registration means acquires the registration request including the function information about the features of the additional devices that are attached to the non-compliant device, registers the unique information including the identification information and the function information,
It said response means, a relay apparatus characterized by a response to an inquiry from the terminal apparatus using the specific protocol. A communication unit that forms an image on a recording medium but performs communication with a non-compatible device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
A response means for responding to the inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol with respect to the registered incompatible device;
A transfer means for transferring the image forming instruction to the non-compatible device when there is an image forming instruction from the terminal device to the non-compatible device;
Including
The registration means acquires the registration request including command information related to special instructions used by the non-corresponding machine, registers the unique information including the discrimination information and the instruction information,
When the image forming instruction using the non-compatible device is received from the terminal device, the transfer unit transfers the image forming instruction with the command information added to the non-compatible device based on the unique information. A relay device characterized by A communication unit that forms an image on a recording medium but performs communication with a non-compatible device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performs communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Registration means for registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device, including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
Response means for responding to the inquiry from the terminal device according to the specific protocol with respect to the registered incompatible device;
When there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant device, transfer means for transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device;
When this condition is satisfied predetermined condition, the relay device comprising <br/> and deleting means for deleting the unique information registered by the registration means. On the computer,
While forming an image on a recording medium to communicate with the non-corresponding machine can not perform communication using a specific protocol, a function of performing communication using the particular protocol between the terminal device,
Obtains the registration request of the non-corresponding machine including user identification information for identifying a user who uses the non-corresponding machine, based on the obtained the registration request, identification information for discriminating the non-corresponding machine And a function for registering unique information including the user identification information ,
In response to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, a function for responding to the registered incompatible device;
A function of transferring the image forming instruction with the user identification information added to the non-compliant device based on the unique information when an image forming instruction using the non-compliant device is received from the terminal device; program. On the computer,
A function of forming an image on a recording medium but performing communication with a non-compliant device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performing communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Acquiring a registration request for the non-compliant device including format information on the format of data that can be interpreted by the non-compliant device, and the non-compliant device including identification information for identifying the non-compliant device and the format information A function to register unique information unique to,
A function of responding to an inquiry from the terminal device according to the specific protocol;
A function of converting the image formation instruction based on the format information and then transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant device;
A program that realizes On the computer,
A function of forming an image on a recording medium but performing communication with a non-compliant device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performing communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
A function for acquiring a registration request for the non-compatible device including capability information regarding image processing capability in the non-compatible device, and for registering identification information for determining the non-compatible device and unique information including the capability information; ,
In response to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol, a function for responding to the registered incompatible device;
A function of converting the image formation instruction based on the capability information and transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device when there is an image formation instruction from the terminal device to the non-compliant device;
A program that realizes On the computer,
A function of forming an image on a recording medium but performing communication with a non-compliant device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performing communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
Acquires a registration request for the non-compliant device including function information regarding the function of the additional device attached to the non-compliant device, and registers identification information for identifying the non-compliant device and unique information including the function information Function to
A function of responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
A function of transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device based on the unique information when an image formation instruction using the non-compliant device is received from the terminal device;
A program that realizes On the computer,
A function of forming an image on a recording medium but performing communication with a non-compliant device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performing communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
A function of acquiring a registration request including instruction information relating to a special instruction used in the non-compliant machine, and registering identification information for identifying the non-compliant machine and unique information including the command information,
In response to an inquiry from the terminal device according to the specific protocol, a function for responding to the registered incompatible device;
A function of transferring the image formation instruction with the command information added to the non-compliant device based on the unique information when an image formation instruction is given from the terminal device to the non-compliant device;
A program that realizes On the computer,
A function of forming an image on a recording medium but performing communication with a non-compliant device that cannot perform communication using a specific protocol, and performing communication using the specific protocol with a terminal device;
A function of registering unique information unique to the non-compatible device including determination information for determining the non-compatible device;
A function of responding to an inquiry from the terminal device using the specific protocol;
A function of transferring the image formation instruction to the non-compliant device when there is an image formation instruction using the non-compliant device from the terminal device;
A function of deleting the registered unique information when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A program that realizes

Images