JP6620450B2 - Information processing system, information processing apparatus, program, and communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a communication method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Input / output devices such as printers that accept input of various data and output input data are known. Further, there is a conventional PC (Personal Computer) as a device for inputting various data to the input / output device. However, it has been desired that data can be input to the input / output device from a smart device such as a smart phone.

  When inputting data from the smart device to the input / output device, it is desired to enable wireless communication by a simple method in order to omit the work of connecting the smart device and the input / output device with a wire. In response to such a demand, a technology for establishing communication between a smart device and an input / output device has been devised (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes an information processing apparatus that acquires connection information for performing communication between an image processing apparatus and a second communication unit using a first communication unit. The information processing apparatus can establish communication by the second communication unit according to the acquired connection information.

  However, since the smart device also wirelessly acquires connection information for wireless communication with the input / output device, it is difficult for the smart device to specify from which input / output device the connection information is received. For example, when there are a plurality of input / output devices, the smart device communicates with all input / output devices that can receive and communicate with radio waves. Even if data is transmitted from the smart device to the input / output device, it is difficult for the user to specify the input / output device because it is unknown to which input / output device the data is transmitted.

  In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses that a smart device communicates with a specific image processing apparatus when an operator selects a desired image processing apparatus from image processing apparatuses within a communicable range. It is stated that it can be done.

  However, Patent Literature 1 has a problem that it does not describe how a user determines an input / output device that can communicate with a smart device. For example, there is no guarantee that the input / output device selected by the user is communicating wirelessly with the smart device. Further, when another user who passes by chance operates the image processing apparatus, the smart device may erroneously detect that the user has selected the image processing apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system in which a user can determine an input / output device that can communicate with a smart device.

The present invention is an information processing system in which a first information processing apparatus can communicate with one or more second information processing apparatuses, and the first information processing apparatus sends a request source to the one or more second information processing apparatuses . A first communication unit that transmits first information including information, an information acquisition unit that receives second information from the second information processing device, and a job execution to the second information processing device that transmits the second information A second communication means for requesting ,
The second information processing apparatus is a screen including the request source information in response to the reception of the first information, and the second information processing apparatus executes the job received from the request source. Display control means for controlling the second information processing apparatus to display a screen for accepting an input of whether or not, and executing the job from the request source via the screen displayed by the display control means Transmitting means for transmitting the second information to the first information processing apparatus.

  It is possible to provide an information processing system in which a user can determine an input / output device that can communicate with a smart device.

It is an example of the figure explaining schematic operation | movement of an information processing system. 1 is an example of a system configuration diagram of an information processing system. It is an example of the hardware block diagram of a smart device. It is an example of the hardware block diagram of an input / output device. It is an example of a functional block diagram of an information processing system. It is an example of the figure which shows an attribute typically. It is an example of the flowchart figure which shows the procedure in which an apparatus selection part selects an input / output apparatus. It is an example of the sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement procedure of an information processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection reception screen displayed on the operation part. FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing system (second embodiment). FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing system (third embodiment).

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram illustrating a schematic operation of the information processing system 300 according to the present embodiment.
(1) A smart device 10 (an example of a first information processing device) carried by a user is an input / output device 30 (an example of a second information processing device) and, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark; hereinafter, omitted). Communication is possible according to the communication standard. The smart device 10 transmits execution preparation information (an example of first information) for requesting job execution preparation to the input / output device 30. By this communication, the smart device 10 acquires connection information for performing communication via a wireless LAN, for example.
(2) In the smart device 10, application software (hereinafter referred to as an application) is operating. The input / output device 30 that has communicated with the smart device 10 displays a selection reception screen 501 on the operation unit. In FIG. 1, all three input / output devices 30 display a selection acceptance screen 501. That is, it is displayed that the device is a device to be selected by the user.
(3) The selection reception screen 501 has a print start button 503, and the user 9 presses the print start button 503 of the input / output device 30 used by the user 9.
(4) The input / output device 30 whose print start button 503 has been pressed transmits a device selection notification (an example of second information) to the smart device 10.
(5) The smart device 10 communicates with the input / output device 30 that has transmitted the device selection notification using the connection information, and executes the job.

  As described above, in the information processing system 300 according to the present embodiment, the input / output device 30 communicating with the smart device 10 displays the selection reception screen 501, so that the user selects the input / output device 30 with which the smart device 10 is communicating. Easy to judge. When another user operates the input / output device 30 in communication with the smart device 10, it can be easily determined that the user 9 is communicating with the smart device 10 of the user 9 from the selection reception screen 501 (in this case, a release button) Pressing 504 allows another user to use it.) Therefore, even if another user operates the input / output device 30 that is communicating with the smart device 10, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the smart device 10 may erroneously detect the input / output device 30.

  Further, the smart device 10 notifies the smart device 10 that the input / output device 30 communicated with the smart device 10 has accepted the selection by the user, so that the smart device 10 uses the input / output device used by the user from the plurality of input / output devices 30. 30 can be selected.

<Configuration example>
FIG. 2 shows an example of a system configuration diagram of the information processing system 300. A projector 30b, an MFP 1 (Multifunction Peripheral) (reference numeral 30C), a printer 30d, an AP (access point) 7 and a router 8 are connected to the network N. Although the network N is described as a wired LAN or other wired communication network, a part of the network N may be constructed wirelessly.

  The MFP 2 (reference numeral 30a) is not connected to the network N by wire, but has a wireless LAN_AP 6. In this embodiment, the MFP 2 will be described as not connected to the network N. However, the MFP 2 can connect to the network N by accessing the AP 7 using the wireless LAN function of the wireless LAN_AP 6.

  The smart device 10 has a wireless communication device 5 (for example, a wireless LAN) connected to the network N via the AP 7. The smart device 10 can also communicate with the MFP 2 via the wireless LAN_AP 6. However, in principle, the smart device 10 cannot communicate with a projector or the like via the AP 7 or communicate with the MFP 2 via the wireless LAN_AP 6 until the connection information is acquired using the BLE module 7 described below. Can not. Exceptionally, when the smart device 10 has connection information in advance, the smart device 10 can communicate with the MFP 2 via the projector or the wireless LAN_AP 6 without acquiring the connection information.

  The example of FIG. 2 is an example of the input / output device 30 in which the MFP 1, the projector 30b, the MFP 2, and the printer 30d accept data input and output data. In addition to the devices listed in FIG. 2, an electronic blackboard, a video conference terminal, a digital camera, a game machine, a PC, a smart phone, a handheld printer, a tablet terminal, or a television receiver can be the input / output device 30. The input / output device 30 may be any device that can input and output data.

  The smart device 10 and the input / output device 30 have a BLE module 7. BLE is an abbreviation for Bluetooth LE, and is an extended Bluetooth standard that can communicate over distances of up to several tens of meters (not compatible with conventional Bluetooth 3.0). BLE will be briefly described later. When the smart device 10 approaches the input / output device 30 to the extent that communication by the BLE module 7 is possible, the smart device 10 communicates to acquire connection information.

  Although the smart device 10 is not clearly defined, the smart device 10 may be any portable information processing apparatus. Examples include, but are not limited to, smart phones, tablet terminals, wearable terminals (head-up displays, wristwatch-type terminals, etc.), mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), notebook PCs, and digital cameras.

<Terminology>
Data transmitted from the smart device 10 to the input / output device 30 is, for example, image data. However, audio data, moving images, etc. may be transmitted. Also, a document (a PDF file, a word file, etc.) may be transmitted, or print data described in PDL (Printer Description Language) such as Postscript may be transmitted. The data may be any data that the input / output device 30 can accept and store or output.

<Hardware configuration>
<< Smart device >>
FIG. 3 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the smart device 10. The smart device 10 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, an input device 103, an external I / F 104, a camera 105, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 106, a ROM 107, a display device 108, a wireless communication device 5, a short-range wireless communication device 109, and BLE. Modules 7 and the like are provided, and each is connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 101 is an arithmetic unit that realizes control and functions of the entire smart device 10 by reading a program and various data from a storage device such as the ROM 107 and the SSD 106 onto the RAM 102 and executing processing.

  The RAM 102 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and various data.

  The input device 103 is a keyboard or a touch panel, for example, and is used to input each operation signal to the smart device 10. Note that the input device 103 may include a mouse pointer and a voice input device.

  The external I / F 104 is an interface with an external device. An example of the external device is a storage medium 104a. The storage medium 104a can store an application for realizing the functions of the present embodiment. The smart device 10 can read and / or write to the storage medium 104a via the external I / F 104.

  The storage medium 104a is a recording medium such as an SD memory card, for example. The storage medium 104a may be a recording medium such as a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disk), or a flexible disk.

  The camera 105 is an image pickup apparatus including a lens for forming an image, a diaphragm, an image pickup element such as a CMOS or a CCD. It can capture moving images as well as still images.

  The SSD 106 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and various data. The stored programs and various data include, for example, an OS (Operating System) that is basic software for controlling the entire smart device 10 and an application that provides various functions on the OS. The smart device 10 may include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like instead of the SSD 106 or in combination with the SSD 106.

  The ROM 107 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 107 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed when the smart device 10 is activated, an OS setting, a network setting, and the like.

  The display device 108 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays the processing result by the smart device 10. The display device 108 includes a touch panel.

  The wireless communication device 5 is an interface for performing wireless communication, and communicates with the input / output device 30 according to a communication standard such as a wireless LAN. In addition to communication via AP7 or wireless LAN_AP6, communication using Wi-Fi (registration number) Direct, ad hoc mode or the like without using an access point is also possible. The wireless communication device 5 may be an interface for connecting to a mobile phone network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

  The short-range wireless communication device 109 performs communication according to a communication standard using an IC chip such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or TransferJet (registered trademark), for example. That is, it is a reader / writer for the RF tag.

  The BLE module 7 is a communication device that performs communication according to the BLE communication standard.

<< Input / output equipment >>
FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the input / output device 30. In the hardware configuration diagram of FIG. 4, the MFP 1 is assumed as the input / output device 30.

  The input / output device 30 has a controller 320. The controller 320 includes a CPU 301, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 305, an SDRAM 302, a flash memory 303, an HDD 304, and a network interface card (NIC) 306.

  The ASIC 305 is a multifunction device board including a CPU interface, an SDRAM interface, a local bus interface, a PCI bus interface, a MAC (Media Access Controller), an HDD interface, and the like.

  The CPU 301 reads and executes various programs (for example, device programs described later) from the HDD 304 via the ASIC 305.

  The SDRAM 302 functions as a program memory that stores various programs, a work memory that is used when the CPU 301 executes various programs, and the like. Note that a DRAM or SRAM may be used instead of the SDRAM 302.

  The flash memory 303 is a non-volatile memory, and stores a boot loader (boot program) that activates the input / output device 30 and an OS. It also functions as an application memory that stores each program. The flash memory 303 functions as a service memory that stores software for each service (copy service, print service, facsimile service). Further, the flash memory 303 functions as a firmware memory that stores firmware, and a data memory that stores network addresses, model numbers, and the like.

  Instead of the flash memory 303, another nonvolatile memory such as a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery is integrated or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) may be used.

  The HDD 304 is a non-volatile recording medium that stores data regardless of whether the input / output device 30 is powered on or off. The HDD 304 records programs and data other than the programs and data stored in the flash memory 303. The HDD 304 may be used as a farm memory.

  The NIC 306 is an interface for communicating with the smart device 10 via the network N (for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card).

  An operation unit 307 is connected to the controller 320. The operation unit 307 includes various operation keys, an LCD (Liquid crystal display) or CRT character display as a display unit, and a touch panel, and is used when the user 9 inputs various instructions to the input / output device 30.

  Furthermore, the controller 320 is connected to the fax control unit 308, the USB 309 to which the storage medium 309 a can be attached, the IEEE 1394 (310), the plotter engine 311, the scanner engine 312, and the BLE module 7 via the PCI bus 330. As a result, the input / output device 30 can provide services such as a copy service, a print service, and a facsimile service. The plotter engine 311 may employ either an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system.

  The illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the hardware configuration of the input / output device 30 is not limited to the configuration of FIG. For example, the NIC 306 may be connected to the PCI bus 330. Further, the NIC 306 may be connected to the network N by wire, or may be connected wirelessly such as a wireless LAN.

  Further, instead of the NIC 306 or together with the NIC 306, a DSU (Digital Service Unit) or modem connected to the telephone line network may be included. You may have a communication apparatus connected to a mobile telephone network.

<About functions>
FIG. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing system 300. Hereinafter, functions of the input / output device 30 and the smart device 10 will be described.

<< Input / output equipment >>
The input / output device 30 includes a UI generation unit 31, an operation input reception unit 32, a first communication unit 33, a second communication unit 34, a job execution unit 35, and a storage / readout unit 39. Each of these functional units is realized by any one of the constituent elements shown in FIG. 4 operating according to a command from the CPU 301 according to the device program 3002 stored in the HDD 304, the flash memory 303, or the SDRAM 302. It is a function or means.

  Further, the input / output device 30 includes a storage unit 3000 constructed by one or more of the HDD 304, the flash memory 303, and the SDRAM 302 shown in FIG. The storage unit 3000 stores a function DB 3001 and a device program 3002. The device program 3002 is distributed while being stored in the storage medium 309a or downloaded from a server that distributes the program.

  First, the function DB 3001 stored in the storage unit 3000 will be described.

（機能ＤＢ）
記憶部３０００には、表１に示されるような機能管理テーブルによって構成される機能ＤＢ３００１が構築されている。表１（ａ）はＭＦＰ１の機能管理テーブルの一例であり、表１（ｂ）はＭＦＰ２の機能管理テーブルの一例であり、表１（ｃ）はプリンタ３０ｄの機能管理テーブルの一例であり、表１（ｄ）はプロジェクタ３０ｂの機能管理テーブルの一例である。各機能管理テーブルは、「ＩＤ」、「利用中」、「接続情報」、「能力情報」の項目を有している。
・ＩＤ…「ＩＤ」は入出力機器３０を一意に識別するための識別情報である。ＩＤは機種をスマートデバイス１０が判別可能なように付与されていることが好ましい。例えば、ＭＦＰ１のＩＤはＭＦＰ−０１、ＭＦＰ２のＩＤはＭＦＰ−０２であるので、ＩＤには機種を特定する情報（この例ではＭＦＰ）Pが含まれる。
・利用中…「利用中」は入出力機器３０が現在、他のジョブを実行している状態にあるかどうかを示す（利用中情報の一例）。「利用中」がＹｅｓの場合、入出力機器３０はスマートデバイス１０のジョブを実行できない。
・接続情報…「接続情報」はスマートデバイス１０が入出力機器３０と接続するために必要又は十分な情報である。例えば、ＩＰアドレスや使用するポート番号を含む。また、表１（ｂ）に示すように、無線ＬＡＮ_AP６を持つＭＦＰ２は、無線ＬＡＮ_AP６のＳＳＩＤ、暗号方式、パスワード等、スマートデバイス１０が無線ＬＡＮ_AP６に接続するために必要又は十分な情報も含む。なお、少なくともパスワードは暗号化されていることが好ましい。この場合、アプリはユーザ認証を認証サーバなどから受けることで暗号キーを取得してアプリがパスワードを復号する。
・能力情報…「能力情報」は入出力機器３０が保持する機能や能力を示す。例えば、「機能一覧」（機能情報の一例）には実行可能なジョブの種類「プリント、スキャン、ＦＡＸ、コピー、投影」などが登録されている。更に、好ましくは詳細な能力を含んでいる。例えば入出力機器３０がプリンタ３０ｄの場合、カラー出力、両面印刷、ステープル及びパンチなどが可能かどうかの情報を含む。

(Function DB)
In the storage unit 3000, a function DB 3001 configured by a function management table as shown in Table 1 is constructed. Table 1 (a) is an example of the function management table of the MFP 1, Table 1 (b) is an example of the function management table of the MFP 2, and Table 1 (c) is an example of the function management table of the printer 30d. 1 (d) is an example of a function management table of the projector 30b. Each function management table has items of “ID”, “in use”, “connection information”, and “capability information”.
ID ... “ID” is identification information for uniquely identifying the input / output device 30. The ID is preferably assigned so that the smart device 10 can distinguish the model. For example, since the MFP 1 ID is MFP-01 and the MFP 2 ID is MFP-02, the ID includes information (MFP in this example) P specifying the model.
In use: “In use” indicates whether the input / output device 30 is currently executing another job (an example of in-use information). When “in use” is Yes, the input / output device 30 cannot execute the job of the smart device 10.
Connection information: “Connection information” is information necessary or sufficient for the smart device 10 to connect to the input / output device 30. For example, an IP address and a port number to be used are included. As shown in Table 1 (b), the MFP 2 having the wireless LAN_AP 6 also includes information necessary or sufficient for the smart device 10 to connect to the wireless LAN_AP 6 such as the SSID, encryption method, and password of the wireless LAN_AP 6. Note that at least the password is preferably encrypted. In this case, the application obtains an encryption key by receiving user authentication from an authentication server or the like, and the application decrypts the password.
Capability information: “Capability information” indicates the functions and capabilities held by the input / output device 30. For example, in the “function list” (an example of function information), the types of jobs that can be executed “print, scan, fax, copy, projection” and the like are registered. Furthermore, it preferably includes detailed capabilities. For example, when the input / output device 30 is the printer 30d, information on whether color output, double-sided printing, stapling, punching, or the like is possible is included.

(I / O device functions)
The UI generation unit 31 is realized by the CPU 301, the operation unit 307, and the like illustrated in FIG. 4 and displays a GUI on the operation unit 307. A selection acceptance screen 501 is displayed as an example of GUI.

  The operation input reception unit 32 is realized by the CPU 301, the operation unit 307, and the like illustrated in FIG. 4 and receives an operation from the user. The operation input receiving unit 32 receives a press of a hard key of the operation unit 307 or a soft key displayed on the GUI. That is, the operation input accepting unit 32 accepts pressing of a soft key on the selection accepting screen 501 displayed on the operation unit 307.

  The first communication unit 33 is realized by the CPU 301 and the BLE module 7 shown in FIG. 4 and communicates with the smart device 10 according to a communication standard called BLE. This “communication” includes communication for discovery of a device and communication after a communication connection after discovery.

  The second communication unit 34 is realized by the CPU 301 and the NIC 306 shown in FIG. 4 and communicates with the smart device 10 via the network N. Note that the second communication unit 34 of the MFP 2 is realized by the wireless LAN_AP 6.

  The job execution unit 35 is realized by the CPU 301, the ASIC 305, the plotter engine 311, the fax control unit 308, the scanner engine 312 and the like shown in FIG. 4 and executes a job requested from the smart device 10.

  The storage / reading unit 39 is realized by the HDD 304, the flash memory 303, the SDRAM 302, and the like shown in FIG. 4, and stores various data in the storage unit 3000 and reads various data stored in the storage unit 3000. Process.

<< Smart device >>
Next, the smart device 10 will be described. The smart device 10 includes a UI generation unit 11, an operation input reception unit 12, a first communication unit 13, a second communication unit 14, a device selection unit 15, a selection notification acquisition unit 16, a disconnection unit 17, a job control unit 18, and A storage / reading unit 19 is provided. Each of these functional units is a function or means realized by any one of the constituent elements shown in FIG. 3 operating according to a command from the CPU 101 according to an application stored in the SSD 106, the ROM 107, or the RAM 102. .

  Further, the smart device 10 has a storage unit 1000 constructed by one or more of the SSD 106, the ROM 107, and the RAM 102 shown in FIG. The storage unit 1000 stores data 1001, execution preparation information 1002, and an application (application software 1003). The application is distributed by being stored in the storage medium 104a or downloaded from a server that distributes the program. Data 1001 and execution preparation information 1002 (an example of first information) stored in the storage unit 1000 are transmitted to the input / output device 30 as a job target.

  First, the execution preparation information 1002 stored in the storage unit 1000 will be described.

（実行準備情報）
記憶部１０００には、表２に示されるような実行準備情報１００２が記憶されている。実行準備情報１００２は、ユーザがスマートデバイス１０に対し設定した情報であり、入出力機器３０に対しジョブの実行準備を要求する際の情報である。実行準備情報１００２には「ジョブ設定」及び「クライアント情報」が含まれている。「ジョブ設定」はジョブを実行するための設定（処理内容）であり、初期設定の値が使用される他、ユーザが任意に設定する。「クライアント情報」はスマートデバイス１０の名称などであり、入出力機器３０が操作部３０７に表示することができる。ユーザは操作部３０７に自分のスマートデバイス１０の名称が表示されることで、操作すべき入出力機器３０を特定しやすくなる。

(Execution preparation information)
The storage unit 1000 stores execution preparation information 1002 as shown in Table 2. Execution preparation information 1002 is information set by the user for the smart device 10 and information when requesting the input / output device 30 to prepare for job execution. The execution preparation information 1002 includes “job setting” and “client information”. “Job setting” is a setting (processing content) for executing a job, and an initial setting value is used, and a user arbitrarily sets it. “Client information” is the name of the smart device 10 or the like, and can be displayed on the operation unit 307 by the input / output device 30. The user can easily specify the input / output device 30 to be operated by displaying the name of his / her smart device 10 on the operation unit 307.

  The job settings in Table 2 are job settings for image formation. If the job is FAX transmission, a destination FAX number or the like is set. Further, when the input / output device 30 is the projector 30b, brightness, a scaling factor, and the like are set.

(Smart device functions)
The UI generation unit 11 is realized by the CPU 101 and the display device 108 illustrated in FIG. 3 and displays the GUI on the display device 108.

  The operation input receiving unit 12 is realized by the CPU 101, the display device 108, the input device 103, and the like shown in FIG. 3, and receives an operation from the user. In other words, it accepts pressing of hard keys and soft keys by the user.

  The first communication unit 13 is realized by the CPU 101 and the BLE module 7 shown in FIG. 3 and communicates with the input / output device 30 in accordance with a communication standard called BLE. The first communication unit 13 receives the function management table stored in the function DB 3001 of the input / output device 30 from the input / output device 30.

  The second communication unit 14 is realized by the CPU 101 and the wireless communication device 5 shown in FIG. 3 and communicates with the input / output device 30 via the network N. Specifically, the second communication unit 14 communicates with the input / output device 30 via the network N using the connection information acquired by the first communication unit 13 from the input / output device 30 and transmits data 1001. In addition, it communicates with the MFP 2 via the wireless LAN_AP 6.

  The device selection unit 15 is realized by the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 3, and compares the function management table received by the first communication unit 13 from the input / output device 30 with the execution preparation information 1002, and can be used by the user. Select 30. As a result, the device selection unit 15 determines a use candidate device, which will be described in detail later.

  The selection notification acquisition unit 16 is realized by the CPU 101 illustrated in FIG. 3, and acquires a device selection notification from the input / output device 30 where the user has pressed the print start button 503 on the selection reception screen 501. The device selection notification is received by the first communication unit 13.

  The cutting unit 17 is realized by the CPU 101 and the BLE module 7 illustrated in FIG. 3, and cuts off communication with the input / output device 30 by the first communication unit 13. That is, since the user does not use the input / output device 30 determined by the device selection unit 15 that the user cannot execute the job to be executed and the input / output device 30 that does not transmit the device selection notification, the disconnection unit 17 The communication with the input / output device 30 is disconnected. Note that the input / output device 30 that has transmitted the device selection notification is also disconnected because communication by the first communication unit 13 is not necessary.

  The job control unit 18 is realized by the CPU 101 and the like shown in FIG. 3, and performs overall control related to job execution. That is, the job sequence is started based on the user's execution start operation received by the operation input receiving unit 12 of the smart device 10, and the job status and result are displayed on the display device 108. Further, it controls communication by the first communication unit 13 and the second communication unit 14, selection of the input / output device 30 by the device selection unit 15, disconnection by the cutting unit 17, and the like.

  The storage / reading unit 19 is realized by the SSD 106, the ROM 107, the RAM 102, and the like shown in FIG. 3, and stores various data in the storage unit 1000 and reads various data stored in the storage unit 1000. Do.

<About BLE>
BLE will be described. BLE is a communication standard added in “Bluetooth 4.0” and is also called “Bluetooth LE (Low Energy)”. In order to unify the communication procedure between devices, Bluetooth defines various profiles. However, in BLE, devices communicate with each other according to communication specifications called attributes. The device communicates by reading information with respect to the attribute, setting (writing) information, and notification with the operation unit.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a diagram schematically showing attributes. One attribute 41 has “UUID”, “characteristic”, “type”, and the like. Items other than these three were omitted. “UUID” is identification information of the attribute 41 and is managed by a Bluetooth standardization management organization. A value to be communicated is set in “characteristic”. The “type” stores a type of a “characteristic” value (for example, an integer type, a time type, a date type, etc.).

  In BLE, the service 42 is described by a combination of attributes 41, and such a description system is called “GATT (Generic Attribute Profile)”. In BLE, GATT corresponds to a profile. The service 42 is also given a UUID.

  In BLE, devices that communicate are divided into peripherals and central. Generally, a peripheral has information required by other devices, and the central uses information provided from the peripheral. The input / output device 30 of this embodiment corresponds to a peripheral (service providing side), and the smart device 10 corresponds to a central (service using side).

  The peripheral periodically transmits the UUID of the service provided in the form of an advertisement packet. The central receives the advertisement packet and scans for peripherals that provide the desired service. The central, which has detected the peripheral by the advertisement packet, requests a communication connection to the sending peripheral. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 determines whether to establish communication connection based on whether a predetermined UUID matches the UUID of the service provided by the input / output device 30. In this way, the smart device 10 and the input / output device 30 are connected for communication.

  There are mainly four types of communication using attributes: request (response), indication (confirmation), command, and notification. When a central makes a request to a peripheral, a request / response pair is used, and when a notification is sent from the peripheral to the central, an indication / confirmation pair is used. The command is an arbitrary communication from the central to the peripheral, and the notification is an arbitrary communication from the peripheral to the central.

  The smart device 10 writes information to the characteristic of one or more predetermined attributes, and the input / output device 30 writes information to the characteristic of one or more predetermined attributes. By these, both communicate by BLE.

<Selection of equipment>
As described above, the device selection unit 15 compares the function management table with the execution preparation information 1002 to select an available input / output device 30.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the device selection unit 15 selects the input / output device 30. The procedure of FIG. 7 starts when the first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 receives the function management table, and is repeatedly executed for each input / output device 30.

  First, the device selection unit 15 refers to the function management table to determine whether the input / output device 30 is “in use (S10). The user cannot use the input / output device 30 being used. In this embodiment, it is determined that the MFP 1 is in use.

  Next, the device selection unit 15 determines whether the input / output device 30 has a desired function (S20). When the value of “job execution function” in the execution preparation information 1002 is read, “print” is described. On the other hand, the functions described in the “function list” are acquired from the function management table. That is, “print, scan, FAX, copy” is acquired from the MFPs 1 and 2, “print” is acquired from the printer 30d, and “projection” is acquired from the projector 30b. Since printing includes MFPs 1 and 2 (where MFP1 is in use) and printer 30d, the determination in step S20 is Yes for these.

  It is determined that the device selection unit 15 cannot be used for the input / output device 30 determined as Yes in step S10 or No in S20 (S60).

  Next, the device selection unit 15 determines the input / output device 30 determined as Yes in step S20 as a use candidate device (S30). As a result, only the input / output device 30 having the function of executing the job set by the user can be determined as the use candidate device.

  Next, the device selection unit 15 determines whether the use candidate device can execute all the job settings (S40). According to the “job execution function” of the execution preparation information 1002, “monochrome, double-sided” is described. Therefore, it is determined whether the input / output device 30 can execute a print job with these job settings. For the MFP 2 in which “color output” and “double-sided printing” are set to “Yes” in the “capability information” of the function management table, the device selection unit 15 determines that all the job setting contents can be executed. On the other hand, for the printer 30d, the device selection unit 15 determines that “double-sided printing” cannot be executed.

  The device selection unit 15 records “unusable job setting” in association with a use candidate device (printer 30d) having an unusable job setting (S50).

  The use candidate device in which the unusable job setting is recorded cannot be printed as it is with the job setting desired by the user. However, there are cases where the user wants to print even if the job settings are slightly different. Therefore, the use candidate device in which the unusable job setting is recorded displays that there is an unusable job setting on the selection reception screen 501 as described later. The user can determine whether or not to execute the job by checking the unusable job setting.

<Operation procedure>
FIG. 8 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the information processing system 300 according to the present embodiment. The procedure of FIG. 8 starts when the user executes a job using the smart device 10.

  S1: The user activates the application, specifies data 1001, and sets a job for printing. As an example, the “color output method” is set to monochrome and the “double-sided printing method” is set to double-sided. The contents of the job setting are stored as execution preparation information 1002 in the storage unit 1000.

  S2: The user performs an operation to start job execution.

  S3: The first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 starts scanning the advertisement packet transmitted by each input / output device 30. The first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 detects a received signal strength indication (RSSI) at the time of receiving an advertisement packet, and determines whether or not a predetermined threshold is exceeded, to each input / output device 30. Estimate the distance.

  S4: And the 1st communication part 13 performs communication connection by BLE with respect to the apparatus discriminate | determined within the fixed distance (or predetermined distance). The threshold value is predetermined for each type of input / output device 30 (because the radio wave intensity varies depending on the input / output device 30 even at the same distance depending on the location of the BLE module 7). Alternatively, it may be determined dynamically based on the radio wave intensity when the user is operating the input / output device 30 (for example, half the radio wave intensity when the user is operating the input / output device 30) To determine the threshold).

  S5: Next, the first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 specifies an available device based on the UUID transmitted by the input / output device 30. Alternatively, at this stage, an ID of the function management table may be acquired to identify a usable device.

  S6: Next, the first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 acquires a function management table from each input / output device 30.

  S7: Next, the device selection unit 15 of the smart device 10 executes the process of FIG. 7 and determines use candidate devices.

  S8: Since the item “in use” of MFP 1 is Yes, the disconnecting unit 17 of the smart device 10 disconnects communication with the MFP 1.

  S9: Since the MFP 2 is determined as a use candidate device, the job control unit 18 of the smart device 10 requests execution preparation by transmitting execution preparation information 1002 to the MFP 2.

  S10: The UI generation unit 31 of the MFP 2 generates a selection acceptance screen 501 and displays it on the operation unit 307. The selection reception screen 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  S11: Since the printer 30d is also determined as a use candidate device, the job control unit 18 of the smart device 10 requests execution preparation by transmitting execution preparation information 1002 to the printer 30d. At this time, the job control unit 18 can transmit an unusable job setting. Note that the input / output device 30 may determine the unusable job setting. If the execution preparation information 1002 is acquired from the smart device 10, the unusable job setting can be determined by comparison with the function management table.

  S12: The UI generation unit 31 of the printer 30d generates a selection reception screen 501 and displays it on the operation unit 307. The selection reception screen 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  S13: Since the projector 30b is not determined as a use candidate device, the disconnecting unit 17 of the smart device 10 disconnects communication with the projector 30b.

  S14: Next, the user selects the input / output device 30 that the user wants to use from the input / output device (use candidate device) 30 on which the selection acceptance screen 501 is displayed, and presses the print start button 503. Here, MFP 2 is selected.

  S15: The operation input reception unit 32 of the input / output device 30 (MFP 2) receives the user's operation, and the first communication unit 33 notifies the smart device 10 of device selection. The first communication unit 33 performs notification using the above notification. The device selection notification includes the function management table ID and IP address. Thereby, the smart device 10 can specify the input / output device 30 selected by the user.

  S16: Upon receiving the device selection notification, the disconnection unit 17 of the smart device 10 disconnects communication with all the input / output devices 30 by the first communication unit 13. This is because the smart device 10 can identify the input / output device 30 used by the user by the device selection notification. Note that the UI generation unit 31 of the input / output device 30 whose communication has been disconnected deletes the selection reception screen 501.

  S17, S18: The second communication unit 14 of the smart device 10 refers to the “connection information” of the input / output device 30 that transmitted the device selection notification, and transmits information necessary for job execution based on the network information. That is, data 1001 and job settings are transmitted. For the input / output device 30 having the wireless LAN_AP 6 like the MFP 2, the second communication unit 14 first switches the connected access point to the wireless LAN_AP 6 and then executes the job based on the network information. Send necessary information to

  When the release button 504 is pressed in step S14, the UI generation unit 31 of the input / output device 30 deletes the selection reception screen 501 and transmits a release notification to the smart device 10. The disconnecting unit 17 of the smart device 10 disconnects communication with the input / output device 30 that has sent the cancellation notification.

<Selection acceptance screen 501>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection reception screen 501 displayed on the operation unit 307. FIG. 9A shows a selection reception screen 501 displayed on the operation unit 307 of the MFP 2. The selection reception screen 501 has client information 505, job settings 502, a print start button 503, and a cancel button 504. The client information 505 displays the user who is going to execute the job. Therefore, by outputting such a selection reception screen 501 to the operation unit 307, the user can determine that the MFP 2 is a selection target of the user.

  Further, by displaying the job setting 502, the user can confirm the job setting set by the smart device 10. A print start button 503 is a button for the user to select the input / output device 30, and a cancel button 504 is a button for the user to input that the input / output device 30 is not selected.

  FIG. 9B shows a selection reception screen 501 displayed on the operation unit 307 of the printer 30d. Job settings are displayed as in FIG. 9A, but “unusable job settings” are displayed in the job settings 502. That is, according to the function management table of the printer 30d, “double-sided printing” is No, so “double-sided setting is canceled” is displayed. The user can determine whether or not to use the printer 30d by looking at this.

  When “unusable job setting” is displayed in FIG. 9B, the UI generation unit 31 of the input / output device 30 may display “There are other devices that can execute all job settings”. . When the smart device 10 detects that there is another input / output device 30 that has no unusable job setting, the fact is transmitted to the input / output device 30 together with the unusable job setting. Accordingly, if the user moves to another input / output device 30, it can be determined that the job according to his / her job setting can be executed.

  Further, in the case of the input / output device 30 that does not have a display such as the operation unit 307, it can be used by means such as LED lighting (substitution of the print start button 503), and there is an unusable job setting. In addition, it may be displayed that there is another input / output device 30 with no unusable job setting.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the smart device 10 notifies the smart device 10 that the input / output device 30 that has communicated with the smart device 10 has accepted the selection by the user, so that the smart device 10 includes a plurality of input / output devices 30. The input / output device 30 used by the user can be specified from the inside. Since the input / output device 30 communicating with the smart device 10 displays the selection acceptance screen 501, the user can easily determine the input / output device 30 with which the smart device 10 is communicating.

  In this embodiment, an information processing system 300 that can suppress the smart device 10 from occupying the input / output device 30 by communication will be described. In the first embodiment, the smart device 10 and the input / output devices 30 within a certain distance are connected for communication. However, in BLE, while the input / output device 30 (peripheral) and the smart device 10 (central) are communicating, the input / output device 30 cannot communicate with other devices. For this reason, it is preferable that the input / output device 30 to which the smart device 10 communicates is only the one that the user may use.

  The functional block diagram of the present embodiment may be the same as that of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the differences between the present embodiments will be mainly described.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing system 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  S1: The first communication unit 33 of the input / output device 30 always transmits an advertisement packet. The advertisement packet has a field of about 20 bytes that can be arbitrarily defined by the manufacturer of the input / output device 30. In this embodiment, the first communication unit 33 sets and transmits (advertises) information equivalent to the “function list” of the “capability information” property in the advertisement packet. Thereby, the smart device 10 can acquire the “function list” without establishing communication connection with the input / output device 30 by BLE. That is, the smart device 10 does not need to be connected to the input / output device 30 that cannot execute the job set by the user by BLE.

  Note that not all 20 bytes of the advertisement packet can be used by the input / output device 30, so the amount of usable data is reduced by using a bit flag or the like. For example, printing, scanning, FAX, copying, and projection are assigned in order from the first bit of a field that can be arbitrarily used, and the input / output device 30 does not have the bit of the function that it has in “1”. Set the function bit to "0". Similarly, the input / output device 30 preferably includes information on “in use” in the advertisement packet. Also in this case, “1” or “0” is set to a specific bit of a field that can be arbitrarily used.

  S2: The user activates the application, specifies data 1001, and sets a job for printing.

  S3: The user performs an operation to start job execution.

  S4: The first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 receives the advertisement packets in order. In the figure, first, an advertisement packet is received from the MFP 1. The first communication unit 13 determines whether the input / output device 30 is within a certain distance.

  S5: Since the advertisement packet includes “function list” and “in use” information, the device selection unit 15 executes the processing of FIG. 7 and determines whether or not the device is a candidate device for use. If the advertisement packet does not include “in use” information, it may be determined whether the device is a candidate for use after step S7. In the procedure of FIG. 10, it is assumed that the MFP 1 is not in use.

  S6: If it is determined that the device is a use candidate device, the first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 establishes communication connection with the use candidate device (MFP 1) by BLE.

  S7: The first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 acquires the function management table from the input / output device 30 connected for communication.

  S8: At this stage, the device selection unit 15 determines whether or not an unusable job is set based on the function management table. The job control unit 18 of the smart device 10 requests execution preparation by transmitting execution preparation information 1002 to the input / output device 30. Unusable job settings are also sent if necessary.

  S9: The UI generation unit 31 of the input / output device 30 generates a selection acceptance screen 501 and displays it on the operation unit 307.

  S10: Next, the first communication unit 13 of the smart device 10 also receives the advertisement packet from the projector 30b.

  S11: The device selection unit 15 determines whether or not the projector 30b is a use candidate device. Since the advertisement packet of the projector 30b includes the function list of “projection”, it is determined that the device is not a use candidate device. If it is not a use candidate device, the device selection unit 15 ignores the advertisement packet of the input / output device 30 and does not perform communication connection by BLE.

  S12 to S15: The user presses the print start button 503 of the MFP 1. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When there are a plurality of use candidate devices within a certain distance from the smart device 10, the smart device 10 performs communication connection by BLE with each device. However, the possibility of communication connection is reduced as compared to the case where the input / output device 30 that is not a candidate device is connected for communication as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the information processing system 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment acquires the “function list” of “capability information” before communication connection with the input / output device 30 as in the first exemplary embodiment. The possibility of communication connection with the input / output device 30 can be reduced.

  Since the data communication speed of BLE is not so high, it is not suitable for communication of data 1001 in which the amount of data is often large. For example, communication takes time in transmission of data 1001 used for printing and projection and reception of data 1001 scanned by the input / output device 30. For this reason, in the first and second embodiments, after disconnecting communication by BLE, the smart device 10 transmits data (job) 1001 to the input / output device 30 via the network N or the wireless LAN_AP 6.

  However, when communication of the data 1001 does not occur between the smart device 10 and the input / output device 30 such as execution of copying, the smart device 10 can communicate with BLE. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an information processing system 300 that communicates only by BLE when the smart device 10 transmits only job settings without transmitting / receiving data 1001 will be described.

  The functional block diagram of the present embodiment may be the same as that of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the differences between the present embodiments will be mainly described.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing system 300 according to the present embodiment.

  S1 to S4: The processes from the transmission of the execution preparation information 1002, the display of the selection reception screen 501, the pressing of the print start button 503, and the transmission of the device selection notification are the same as in the first and second embodiments.

  S5: The job control unit 18 of the smart device 10 determines whether to disconnect BLE communication or to continue BLE communication. If the type (for example, copy) of a job execution function capable of executing a job by BLE communication is determined in advance and the job setting set by the user corresponds to this job execution function, it is determined that BLE communication is continued.

  For example, when the job execution function is copy, data 1001 is not transmitted / received between the smart device 10 and the input / output device 30. In addition, although the user can set aggregation and scaling with the copy job execution function, the user can execute the job with the usual settings by transmitting the job settings set in the smart device 10. Further, since the data amount of the job setting is not large, it does not take much time to communicate with BLE.

  The job setting is transmitted by writing a predetermined attribute of the service provided by the input / output device 30 to the characteristic.

  S6: The first communication unit 13 transmits a job start instruction and a job setting to the input / output device 30 while communicating by BLE. The job start instruction is an instruction for requesting the start of a job by job setting.

  S7: The job execution unit 35 of the input / output device 30 executes the job.

  S8: Further, the disconnection unit 17 of the smart device 10 disconnects the communication by the first communication unit 13.

  As described above, the information processing system 300 or the communication method performed by the information processing system 300 according to the present embodiment can execute a job while maintaining communication by BLE depending on job settings.

<Other application examples>
The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above by using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, when the print start button 503 displayed on the selection reception screen 501 is pressed, the input / output device 30 transmits a device selection notification to the smart device 10. However, for example, when the user logs in, the input / output device 30 may transmit a device selection notification to the smart device 10. Since the input / output device 30 can identify the user by logging in, the device selection notification can be transmitted to the smart device 10 only when the user matches the user of the smart device 10. In addition, the user may hold an IC card or NFC chip at the time of login.

  In the present embodiment, the smart device 10 and the input / output device 30 are described as communicating by BLE. However, communication by Bluetooth, ZigBee (registered trademark), infrared communication, Z-Wave, ABT, wireless LAN, or the like that is not BLE is performed. May be.

  In addition, the configuration example in FIG. 5 is divided according to main functions in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the smart device 10 and the input / output device 30. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the smart device 10 and the input / output device 30 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  The data 1001 included in the smart device 10 may exist on the network. In this case, the smart device 10 transmits data 1001 downloaded from the network to the input / output device 30 or directly from the network to the input / output device 30.

  The function DB 3001 included in the input / output device 30 may exist on the network.

  The smart device 10 is an example of a first information processing apparatus, the input / output device 30 is an example of a second information processing apparatus, the first communication unit 13 is an example of a first communication unit, and a selection notification acquisition unit 16 is an example of an information acquisition unit, the second communication unit 14 is an example of a second communication unit, the UI generation unit 31 is an example of an output unit, and the operation input reception unit 32 is an example of a selection reception unit. The first communication unit 33 is an example of a transmission unit. The cutting unit 17 is an example of a cutting unit, the storage unit 1000 that stores the execution preparation information 1002 is an example of a function storage unit, and the device selection unit 15 is an example of a selection unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Wireless communication apparatus 7 BLE module 10 Smart device 11, 31 UI production | generation part 12, 32 Operation input reception part 13, 33 First communication part 14, 34 Second communication part 15 Device selection part 16 Selection notification acquisition part 17 Cutting part 18 Job control unit 30 Input / output equipment

JP 2008-193265 A

Claims (11)

An information processing system capable of communicating with a first information processing device and one or more second information processing devices,
The first information processing apparatus
First communication means for transmitting first information including request source information to the one or more second information processing devices;
Information acquisition means for receiving second information from the second information processing apparatus;
Second communication means for requesting execution of a job to the second information processing apparatus that has transmitted the second information,
The second information processing apparatus
In response to receiving the first information, the screen includes information on the request source, and accepts an input as to whether or not the job received from the request source is to be executed in the second information processing apparatus. Display control means for performing control to display a screen on the second information processing apparatus ;
Transmitting means for transmitting the second information to the first information processing apparatus when receiving an input indicating that the job is to be executed from the request source via the screen displayed by the display control means; Information processing system. The first information processing apparatus
The function storage means storing functions necessary for processing the job is compared with the function information of the one or more second information processing devices acquired by the first communication means and the function, and the job Selecting means for selecting the one or more second information processing apparatuses having the function necessary for the processing of
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit transmits the first information to the one or more second information processing devices selected by the selection unit. The function storage means stores the job processing content in addition to the function,
The selection means compares the function information of the one or more second information processing devices with the processing content, and determines the processing content that cannot be handled by the function information of the one or more second information processing devices. ,
The first communication means transmits the processing content that cannot be handled by the function information to the one or more second information processing devices,
The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the processing content that cannot be handled by the function information of the one or more second information processing devices on a display device. The first communication means acquires in-use information indicating whether the one or more second information processing devices are in use from the one or more second information processing devices,
The selecting means selects the one or more second information processing devices that are not in use with reference to the in-use information,
The first communication means transmits the first information to the one or more second information processing devices that are not in use, and does not transmit the first information to the one or more second information processing devices that are in use. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3. The first communication means is for communication connection with the one or more second information processing devices within a predetermined distance,
The first information processing apparatus
5. A disconnecting unit that disconnects communication with the one or more second information processing devices not selected by the selecting unit as the one or more second information processing devices to which the first information is transmitted. The information processing system according to any one of the above. The first communication unit is configured to acquire the function information of the one or more second information processing devices without communication connection with the one or more second information processing devices within a predetermined distance.
The selection unit compares the function information of the one or more second information processing apparatuses acquired by the first communication unit with the function, and includes the function necessary for processing the job . Select the second information processing device,
5. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the first communication unit transmits the first information to the one or more second information processing devices selected by the selection unit. The first information processing apparatus
When the function required for processing the job is a predetermined function, the processing content is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus using the first communication means without using the second communication means. The information processing system according to claim 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the request source information is identification information of the first information processing apparatus or a user . In response to the reception of the first information from the information processing apparatus , a screen including request source information for receiving an input as to whether or not the job received from the request source is executed in the second information processing apparatus Display control means for performing control to display the screen of the second information processing apparatus ;
One or more transmission means for transmitting second information to the information processing apparatus when receiving an input indicating that the job is to be executed from the request source via the screen displayed by the display control means The information processing apparatus that communicates with the second information processing apparatus of
First communication means for transmitting the first information including request source information to the one or more second information processing devices;
Information acquisition means for receiving the second information from the second information processing apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a second communication unit configured to request the second information processing apparatus that has transmitted the second information to execute a job . In response to the reception of the first information from the information processing apparatus , a screen including request source information for receiving an input as to whether or not the job received from the request source is executed in the second information processing apparatus Display control means for performing control to display the screen of the second information processing apparatus ;
One or more transmission means for transmitting second information to the information processing apparatus when receiving an input indicating that the job is to be executed from the request source via the screen displayed by the display control means The information processing apparatus that communicates with the second information processing apparatus of
First communication means for transmitting the first information including request source information to the one or more second information processing devices;
Information acquisition means for receiving the second information from the second information processing apparatus;
A program for causing the second information processing apparatus that has transmitted the second information to function as a second communication unit that requests execution of a job . A communication method of an information processing system in which a first information processing device and one or more second information processing devices communicate with each other,
Performed by the first information processing apparatus,
A step of transmitting first information including request source information to the one or more second information processing devices;
Receiving second information from the second information processing apparatus;
A second communication means requesting execution of a job to the second information processing apparatus that has transmitted the second information,
Performed by the one or more second information processing devices,
In response to the reception of the first information from the information processing apparatus, whether the second information processing apparatus executes the job received from the request source, the screen including the request source information Performing a control to display a screen for receiving an input on the second information processing apparatus ;
A step of transmitting the second information to the first information processing apparatus when an input indicating that the job is to be executed is received from the request source via the screen displayed by the step of performing the display control ; ,
A communication method.

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