JP6705246B2 - Printing system, printing device, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a computer program that print an image based on image data received via the Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, cloud printing is known in which a printer executes printing via a server on the Internet. Specifically, the user first registers printer information (for example, printer name) in the server in association with login information. This establishes a communication session between the printer and the server. After that, the user uses the terminal to specify the printer that should execute printing, send the print data including the file to be printed from the terminal to the server, and associate the print data with the printer information of the printer to store the print data in the server. To memorize. After storing the print data, the server uses the communication session to send a predetermined notification to the designated printer. Upon receiving the predetermined notification, the printer requests the server to send print data. As a result, the printer receives print data from the server and executes printing according to the print data.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-242242 discloses a technique for realizing storage printing in cloud printing. Stored printing does not start printing an image immediately according to the image data sent from the terminal, but temporarily stores the image data in the memory, and when the printer receives a print execution instruction from the user, the image This is a method of acquiring data from a memory and printing an image. In Patent Document 1, the printer stores the image data in the server when the PIN code is added to the print data, and the PIN code added to the print data when the PIN code is input by the user. It is determined whether or not The printer requests the server to send the corresponding print data when the PIN codes match, and executes printing according to the print data received from the server.

JP, 2013-92886, A

According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-115, when printer information is registered in a server and a user instructs execution of accumulated printing to a printer designated in advance when storing print data, the printer prints. Acquire data and print an image according to the print data. Here, in the server, a plurality of printer information may be associated with one user information. In the technique of Patent Document 1, even when a plurality of pieces of printer information are associated with one piece of user information, accumulated printing can be executed only by a printer designated in advance when storing print data. There wasn't.

The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and when one user information is associated with a plurality of printer information, printing can be executed by a specific printing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for printing an indicated image on a printing device different from a specific printing device.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above problems, and can be realized as the following application examples.

Application Example 1 A printing system including an intermediary device, a terminal device, a first printing device, and a second printing device, wherein the terminal device is a first printing device to be printed by the first printing device. A target data transmission unit that transmits first target data representing an image to the intermediary device and second target data representing a second image to be printed by the second printing device to the intermediary device. The intermediary device identifies the intermediary device-side memory, a target data receiving unit that receives the first target data and the second target data from the terminal device, and the first printing device. Device information for identifying the second printing device, second device information for identifying the second printing device, first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored, and the second device information. Is stored in the intermediary device-side memory, the second position information indicating a position at which the target data is stored, and the first device information and the second device. The information is stored in the intermediary device side memory in association with the user information for identifying the user, and the first position information is stored in the intermediary device side memory in association with the first device information. The second position information is stored in the intermediary device-side memory in association with the second device information from the first storage control unit and the first printing device to the intermediary device. The user information corresponding to the first device information in response to receiving a predetermined information request for transmitting the position information to the second device information corresponding to the specified user information. Specifying unit that specifies the second position information corresponding to the second device information, and a position information transmitting unit that transmits the specified second position information to the first printing device. And the first printing device uses a printing unit, a first position information receiving unit that receives the first position information from the intermediary device, and the first position information, A first acquisition unit that acquires first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device, and causes the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data. A first print control unit; an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction of an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device from the user; A predetermined request transmitting unit for transmitting an information request, and a predetermined request for transmitting the predetermined information request A second image based on the second target data from the intermediary device using a second position information receiving unit that receives the second position information from the intermediary device and the second position information. A second acquisition unit that acquires data, and a second printing that causes the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the second printing device according to the acquired second image data. A printing system comprising: a control unit.

According to the above configuration, in the printing system of the present invention, the first printing device receives from the intermediary device the first position information stored in association with the first device information for identifying the first printing device. .. Further, when the printing apparatus transmits the predetermined information request to the intermediary apparatus, the intermediary apparatus is the second device information associated with the user information corresponding to the first device information, and is the first printing apparatus. Receives second position information stored in association with second device information for identifying a different second printing device. Thereby, the first printing device prints the first image to be printed by the first printing device by using the first position information, and the second printing device by the second printing device by using the second position information. Print the second image to be printed. Therefore, when the plurality of device information is associated with the user information in the intermediary device, the first printing device not only prints the first image to be printed by the first printing device but also the second image. It is also possible to print a second image to be printed on this printing device.

[Application example 2] A printing device capable of communicating with an intermediary device, the first position receiving a first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the printing unit and the intermediary device. In the information receiving unit, the first position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with first device information for identifying the printing device, and the first target data is the printing device. A first image based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information receiving unit, which is data representing a first image to be printed by Stored in the intermediary device, a first acquisition unit that acquires image data of the first image, a first print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the first image in accordance with the acquired first image data, An instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction of an image represented by image data, and, when receiving the print instruction, transmits a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary apparatus to transmit position information to the intermediary apparatus. A predetermined request transmission unit, wherein the predetermined information request is user information for identifying a user to the intermediary device, and the user information stored in the intermediary device in association with the first device information. The second device information stored in the intermediation device in association with the identified user information, and stored in the intermediation device in association with the identified second device information. And transmitting the predetermined information request, which is a request for specifying the specified second position information and transmitting the specified second position information to the printing apparatus. In response to the request, the second position information receiving unit receives the second position information indicating the position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the second position information is , The second target data is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data should be printed by the other printing device. A second position information receiving unit, which is data representing a second image, and a second image data based on the second target data is acquired from the intermediary device by using the second position information. And a second print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the second printing device according to the acquired second image data. , Printing equipment.

According to the above configuration, the printing apparatus of the present invention receives the first position information stored in association with the first device information for identifying the printing apparatus from the intermediary apparatus, similarly to the application example 1. Further, when the printing apparatus transmits the predetermined information request to the intermediary apparatus, the intermediary apparatus is the second device information associated with the user information corresponding to the first device information, and is different from the printing apparatus. The second position information stored in association with the second device information for identifying the printing apparatus is received. Accordingly, the printing device prints the first image to be printed by the printing device using the first position information and the second image to be printed by another printing device using the second position information. Print the image. Therefore, when a plurality of device information is associated with user information in the intermediary device, the printing device prints not only the first image to be printed by the printing device but also another printing device. A second image to be printed can also be printed.

Application Example 3 In a printing apparatus, the predetermined request transmission unit communicates with the intermediation apparatus by using a token stored in the intermediation apparatus in association with the first device information, The predetermined information request is transmitted to the mediation device, and the predetermined information request causes the mediation device to identify the user information stored in association with the first device information corresponding to the token. The printing device that is the request.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4 In the printing apparatus, the predetermined information request is specified by causing the intermediary apparatus to further specify the first device information stored in association with the specified user information. The first position information receiving unit is a request for specifying the first position information corresponding to the first device information and transmitting the specified first position information to the printing apparatus. Is a printing device that receives the first position information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request. With this, the printing apparatus can receive the first position information and the second position information in response to transmitting the predetermined information request to the intermediary device.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5 In a printing apparatus, further, after the first image data is stored in the printing apparatus side memory and the intermediary apparatus, the intermediary apparatus may be provided with the first image data. A position request transmitting unit that transmits a position information request for transmitting position information, wherein the first position information receiving unit is configured to transmit the position information request from the intermediary device to the first position information in response to the position information request. The printing device further includes a second storage control unit that stores the received first position information in the printing device-side memory, and the first acquisition unit is the printing device side. A printing apparatus, which acquires the first image data using the first position information stored in a memory. As a result, the printing apparatus acquires the first image data by using the first position information stored in advance in the printing apparatus-side memory without receiving the first position information in response to the transmission of the predetermined information request. can do.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6 In the printing apparatus, the second position information receiving unit may further include the first position information, the first device information associated with the first position information, and the first device information. The second device information associated with the second position information is received, and further, the first device information associated with the first device information for identifying the printing device is received from the received position information. A position information extraction unit that extracts the second position information that is associated with the second device information that identifies the other printing device without extracting the position information is provided, and the second acquisition unit extracts the position information. A printing apparatus that acquires the second image data based on the acquired second position information.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7 A printing apparatus, further comprising: a device request transmission unit for transmitting, to the intermediary device, a device information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit device information associated with the user information. And a device information receiving unit that receives the first device information and the second device information associated with the user information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the device information request. , Device information extraction that does not extract the first device information that identifies the printing device from the received device information, but extracts the second device information that identifies the other device different from the printing device The predetermined request transmission unit does not include a request for position information associated with the unextracted first device information, and is associated with the extracted second device information. Transmitting the predetermined information request, including a request for position information, the second position information receiving unit does not receive the first position information associated with the first device information, A printing apparatus which receives the second position information associated with the second device information. As a result, the printing apparatus does not receive the first position information again in response to the transmission of the predetermined information request, so that the amount of communication with the intermediary apparatus can be reduced.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 8 The printing device, wherein the predetermined request transmission unit transmits the predetermined information request after the first image is printed by the first print control unit. Accordingly, the printing apparatus can print the first image to be printed by the printing apparatus first and the second image to be printed by another printing apparatus later.

Application Example 9 A printing apparatus, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the printing unit is allowed to print an image represented by image data to be printed by the other printing device. The second print control unit is configured to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device, when the printing unit is allowed to print the image. Is printed on the printing unit, and when it is not permitted to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device on the printing unit, the second image is printed on the printing unit. The print control unit that does not let the user print. Thereby, the printing device can prevent the second image to be printed by another printing device from being printed by the printing device.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 10 In a printing apparatus, the second print control unit is permitted to cause the printing unit to print an image represented by image data to be printed by the other printing apparatus. In this case, the second image should be printed by the other printing device by causing the printing unit to print the second image by obtaining the second image data from the intermediary device by the second obtaining unit. When the image represented by the image data is not permitted to be printed by the printing unit, the second image data is not obtained from the intermediary device by the second obtaining unit, and thus the second image data is obtained. A printing device that does not allow the printing unit to print the image.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 11 In a printing apparatus, the first print control unit is configured to cause the printing unit to respond to the first image data being acquired from the intermediary device by the first acquisition unit. The first acquisition unit prints the first image, the second acquisition unit acquires the second image data from the intermediary device after the printing unit prints the first image, and the second acquisition unit acquires the second image data. The print control unit causes the print unit to print the second image in response to the second image data being acquired from the intermediary device by the second acquisition unit. As a result, the printing apparatus accepts the print instruction, as compared with the case where the first image data and the second image data are first acquired and then the first image and the second image are collectively printed. It is possible to shorten the period from the start of printing to the printing of the first image.

Application Example 12 In a printing apparatus, further, after the first image data is stored in the intermediary device, the first image is accepted by the instruction accepting unit from the intermediary device. A specific request transmitting unit that transmits a specific information request for receiving specific information indicating that the image is to be printed in response to the request, and the specific information is stored in the intermediate device. When the specific information is received, the specific information receiving unit that receives the specific information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the specific information request, and the first acquisition unit, when the specific information is not received, The instruction receiving unit receives the first image data using the first position information received by the first position information receiving unit without receiving the print instruction, and the specific information is received. In this case, after the print instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit, the first image data is acquired using the first position information received by the first position information receiving unit. , Printing equipment. With this, the printing apparatus can print an image other than the image to be printed in response to the reception of the print instruction by the reception unit without receiving the print instruction.

Application Example 13 In a printing apparatus, further, an input unit, an input receiving unit that receives an input of input authentication information from a user to the input unit, and the first image data is stored in the intermediary device. After that, the first authentication request transmission for transmitting the first authentication information request for transmitting the first authentication information for causing the printing unit to print the first image to the intermediary device to the intermediary device is transmitted. Unit, a first authentication information receiving unit that receives the first authentication information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the first authentication information request, and the second image data to the intermediary device. Is stored, a second authentication information request for transmitting the second authentication information for causing the printing unit to print the second image to the intermediary device is transmitted to the intermediary device. An authentication request transmitting unit; and a second authentication information receiving unit that receives the second authentication information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the second authentication information request. The print control unit causes the printing unit to print the first image when the input authentication information matches the first authentication information, and when the input authentication information does not match the first authentication information. The second print control unit does not print the first image on the printing unit, and the second print control unit prints the second image on the printing unit when the input authentication information matches the second authentication information. A printing apparatus that does not allow the printing unit to print the second image when the input authentication information does not match the second authentication information. This allows the printing device to print an image to be printed by successful authentication.

Application Example 14 In a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus-side memory, and the first authentication information is received in response to the first authentication information being received by the first authentication information receiving unit. A third storage control unit for storing in the printing device-side memory, wherein the second authentication request transmission unit stores in the intermediary device in the printing device-side memory in response to receiving the print instruction. The second authentication information that is not stored in the printing device-side memory without requesting the first authentication information that is stored, and the second authentication information receiving unit is configured such that the second authentication information receiving unit receives the second authentication information from the intermediary device. The first print control unit receives the second authentication information without receiving the first authentication information, and the first print control unit sets the input authentication information to the first authentication information stored in the printing apparatus side memory. When they match, the first image is printed by the printing unit, and the second print control unit causes the second authentication information receiving unit to receive the input authentication information. A printing device that causes the printing unit to print the second image if As a result, the printing apparatus can authenticate using the first authentication information stored in advance in the memory on the printing apparatus side, even if the first authentication information is not requested by the second authentication request transmission unit.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 15 In a printing apparatus, the print control unit causes the printing unit to print the first image in response to the input authentication information matching the first authentication information. A printing of the second image by the printing unit in response to the input authentication information matching the second authentication information without the input from the user being received again by the input receiving unit. apparatus. As a result, the printing apparatus can print the successfully authenticated image without accepting the selection of the image to be printed by the user.

Further, a control method for realizing the functions of the printing system and the printing apparatus of the present invention, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

It is a block diagram of a printing system. It is a sequence diagram of registration processing. It is a sequence diagram of a storage process. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of storage processing continued from FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a printing process of the first embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of a printing process of the second and third embodiments. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a printing process of the second embodiment following FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a printing process of the third embodiment continued from FIG. 6.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration of printing system 2)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system 2 according to the first embodiment. The printing system 2 includes a PC (abbreviation of Personal Computer) 100, a mediation server 200, and a plurality of printers 300 and 400. The PC 100 and the printers 300 and 400 belong to the same LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) 4. Therefore, the PC 100 and the printers 300 and 400 can communicate with each other via the LAN 4 without using the Internet 6. The PC 100 and the printers 300 and 400 can communicate with the mediation server 200 via the LAN 4 and the Internet 6.

(Structure of PC100)
The PC 100 is a terminal such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC used by a user to cause the printers 300 and 400 to print an image. In addition, in a modification, the PC 100 may be a user terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. The PC 100 includes a network interface (hereinafter referred to as a network I/F) 110, a control unit 120, an operation unit 130, and a display unit 140. The network I/F 110 is an I/F for transmitting and receiving signals via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

The control unit 120 includes a CPU 122 and a memory 124. A program 126 is stored in the memory 124. The memory 124 is, for example, a RAM, ROM, HDD or the like. The CPU 122 executes various processes according to the program 126 such as the browser program 128 stored in the memory 124. The browser program 128 is a program for interpreting web page data having an HTML format and displaying the web page on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. The browser program 128 is, for example, Google Chrome (registered trademark).

The operation unit 130 includes a keyboard and a mouse. The user can input various instructions to the PC 100 by operating the operation unit 130. The display unit 140 is a display for displaying various information.

The PC 100 can cause the printers 300 and 400 to execute printing (hereinafter referred to as “server printing”) according to a server printing instruction. The server print instruction is an instruction received from the intermediary server 200 via the Internet 6 when the PC 100 uses the browser program 128 to send a print execution request to the intermediary server 200. Server printing is realized by the user of the PC 100 using the browser program 128 and receiving the cloud service provided from the mediation server 200. Specifically, even if the PC 100 does not include a driver program for the printers 300 and 400, when accepting a predetermined operation for printing, the PC 100 uses the browser program 128 to issue a print execution request to a mediation server. Send to 200. In this case, the server printing instruction is transmitted from the mediation server 200 to the printers 300 and 400, and the server printing can be executed by the printers 300 and 400. That is, the server printing is a cloud service mechanism provided by the mediation server 200. The server printing can be executed by the printers 300 and 400 by using not only the browser program 128 but also an application adapted to the cloud service.

The PC 100 may include a driver program provided by the vendor of the printer 300 or 400, for example. In this case, when the printers 300 and 400 receive the normal print instruction transmitted from the PC 100 using the driver program without going through the Internet 6, printing according to the normal print instruction (hereinafter referred to as “normal print”). Call). That is, the PC 100 can cause the printers 300 and 400 to execute not only server printing but also normal printing. Normal printing is realized even if the user of the PC 100 does not use the browser program 128 or receives the service provided by the vendor of the intermediation server 200.

(Configuration of Mediation Server 200)
The mediation server 200 is a server for mediating the communication for the PC 100 to cause the printers 300 and 400 to perform printing, and is installed on the Internet 6 by a company different from the vendor of the printers 300 and 400. The business operator is, for example, Google (registered trademark). The service provided by the print server 200 is, for example, Google Cloud Print (registered trademark). In a modification, the mediation server 200 may be a server installed by a vendor of the printers 300 and 400.

The mediation server 200 includes a network I/F 210 and a control unit 220. The network I/F 210 is an I/F for transmitting and receiving signals via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

The control unit 220 includes a CPU 222 and a memory 224. A program 226, an account table 227, a job management table 228, and screen data 229 are stored in the memory 224. The memory 224 is, for example, a RAM, ROM, HDD or the like. The CPU 222 executes various processes according to the program 226 stored in the memory 224.

User information, printer information, and a token are stored in the account table 227 by executing a registration process described later. The user information is information corresponding to a plurality of users and is information for logging in to the mediation server 200. Specifically, the user information u1 and u2 respectively include user IDs us1 and us2 for identifying the user and a password for authenticating the user. The printer information is information related to a plurality of printers. Specifically, the printer information p1 and p2 include the printer names pr1 and pr2 of the printers 300 and 400, the device IDs dv1 and dv2 for identifying the printers 300 and 400, and the capability of the print function that each printer can execute. And capability information to indicate. The printer name and capability information are information received from each printer, and the device ID is information uniquely issued to the printer when the printer is registered in the mediation server 200. The tokens tk1 and tk2 are information for the printers 300 and 400 to communicate with the mediation server 200, respectively, and are issued when the printers 300 and 400 are registered in the mediation server 200. The account table 227 shows a state in which, in addition to the above information, printer information p3 (printer name pr3, device ID dv3) and a token tk3 of a printer (not shown) are stored in association with the user information u2. ..

Further, by executing a storage process described later, the image data and the ticket are stored in the memory 224, and the job ID, the device ID, the data address, and the ticket address are stored in the job management table 228. The job includes a device ID, a data address, and a ticket address. The job IDs jb1 to jb4 are information for identifying jobs respectively generated in response to a request from an external device such as the PC 100. The data addresses iURL1 to 4 are URLs (abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the storage positions in the memory 224 in which the image data img1 to img4 transmitted from the external device are stored. The ticket addresses tURL1 to tURL4 are URLs indicating storage locations in the memory 224 where the tickets tc1 to tc4 are stored, respectively. The tickets tc1 to tc4 include print conditions for printing the images represented by the image data img1 to img4 and PIN codes pin1 to pin3, respectively. The PIN code is, for example, an arbitrary 4-digit number. As will be described in detail later, the printer 300 receives a PIN code corresponding to print data from the user via the operation unit 330 and the display unit 340, and stores the input PIN code and the job table management 227. When the received PIN code matches, the secure print can be executed in which the image represented by the image data is printed according to the print condition designated in advance.

The screen data 229 is screen data indicating each screen SC2, 3 (details will be described later) displayed on the PC 100.

(Configuration of printers 300 and 400)
The printer 300 is a peripheral device that can execute a print function (that is, a peripheral device of the PC 100) and has a printer name pr1. The printer 100 includes a network I/F 310, a control unit 320, an operation unit 330, a display unit 340, and a print execution unit 350.

The network I/F 310 is an I/F for transmitting and receiving signals via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. The control unit 320 includes a CPU 322 and a memory 324. A program 326 and another job setting st are stored in the memory 324. The memory 324 is, for example, a RAM, ROM, HDD or the like. The CPU 322 executes various processes according to the program 326 stored in the memory 324. In the second and third embodiments described later, the job table 327 is stored in the memory 324. Since the job table 327 does not appear in the first embodiment, it will be described in the second and third embodiments described later.

The other job setting st is “ON”, which means that the printer 300 permits printing of an image according to the image data associated with the device ID of the printer different from the printer 300 in the intermediary server 200. The value indicates either "OFF", which means prohibiting printing. The printer 300 sets the other job setting st to “ON” when the power is turned on for the first time after shipment. Further, the printer 300 sets the other job setting st to “ON” when the initialization process is performed due to the initialization operation being performed on the operation unit 330. In this embodiment, the other job setting st is set to “ON”.

The operation unit 330 includes a plurality of keys. The display unit 340 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 340 also functions as a touch panel for receiving a user operation. The user can input various instructions to the printer 300 by operating the display unit 340 and the operation unit 330. For example, the user can change the other job setting st from “ON” to “OFF” or from “OFF” to “ON” by operating the display unit 340 and the operation unit 330. The print execution unit 350 executes processing for printing an image represented by externally acquired data on a print medium by a known electrophotographic method such as an inkjet method or a laser method.

The printer 400 has the same configuration as the printer 300 and has a printer name pr2.

(Operation of printing system 2)
(registration process)
A registration process performed by the printing system 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of registration processing. The registration process is a process for registering printer information related to the printer in the mediation server. User information corresponding to a user who operates the PC 100 is registered in advance in the mediation server 200.

At T10, the PC 100 activates the browser program 128 in response to the user's operation. Each process after T12 (and each process after FIG. 3) executed by the PC 100 is realized by the browser program 128 and an OS program (not shown). At T12, the PC 100 displays a login screen for logging in to the mediation server 200, and accepts a login operation for inputting the user information u1. In this case, in T14, the PC 100 uses the user information u1 to log in to the mediation server 200 via the Internet 6.

At T16, the PC 100 accepts a registration operation for registering the printer information in the mediation server 200. In response to accepting the registration operation, the PC 100 searches for the printers 300 and 400 belonging to the LAN 4. Specifically, the PC 100 broadcasts a search signal to the LAN 4 at T20A and T20B, and receives a response to the search signal from each of the printers 300 and 400 at T22A and T22B. The responses from the printers 300 and 400 include printer names pr1 and pr2, respectively. Then, at T24, the PC 100 displays the selection screen SC1 indicating the two printer names pr1 and pr2 which are the search results.

At T26, the PC 100 accepts the selection of the printer 300 (that is, the printer name pr1) from the printers 300 and 400 (that is, the printer names pr1 and pr2) via the selection screen SC1. In this case, in T28, the PC 100 transmits the user information u1 to the printer 300 via the LAN 4 without using the Internet 6.

At T30, the printer 300 transmits a registration request to the mediation server 200 via the Internet 6. The printer 300 stores the address of the mediation server 200 in the memory 324 in advance, and transmits the registration request to the mediation server 200 with the address as the destination. The registration request includes the user information u1 received in T28 and the printer information p1 of the printer 300 (that is, the printer name pr1 and the capability information). The capability information of the printer 300 includes information indicating that the printer 300 can perform secure printing.

At T32, when the authentication of the user information u1 included in the registration request is successful, the mediation server 200 registers the printer information p1 and the token tk1 included in the registration request in association with the user information u1. The token tk1 is communication information for the printer 300 to communicate with the mediation server 200, and is generated by the mediation server 200 when the printer 300 is registered in the mediation server 200. The mediation server 200 can recognize the printer 300 as a printer for which registration processing has been completed by being accessed from the printer 300 using the token tk1. Further, the mediation server 200 generates a device ID dv1 for uniquely identifying the registered printer 300, adds it to the printer information p1 and stores it. At T34, the mediation server 200 transmits the device ID dv1 and the token tk1 to the printer 300.

At T36, when the printer 300 receives the token tk1 from the intermediary server 200, the printer 300 establishes an XMPP (abbreviation of Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) connection between the printer 300 and the intermediary server 200 via the Internet 6. The XMPP connection is called a constant connection, and the state in which the connection is established is maintained until the power of the printer 300 is turned off. As a result, the printer 300 can receive requests, notifications, and the like from the intermediary server 200 on the Internet 6 using the XMPP connection. Then, the printer 300 is ready to execute server printing.

Note that the registration processing is executed for the printer 400 as in T10 to T36. Therefore, for example, the PC 100 searches for the printers 300 and 400 by logging in to the mediation server 200 using the user information u1 in a state where the browser is activated and accepting a registration operation from the user (T16B). When the PC 100 displays the selection screen SC1 and accepts the selection of the printer 400 from the user (T26B), the PC 100 transmits the account information u1 to the printer 400 (T28B). When the printer 400 transmits a registration request including the user information u1 and the printer information p2 including the printer name pr2 and the printing capability information to the mediation server 200 (T30B), the printer 400 associates the user information u1 with the user information u1. The printer information p2 and the token tk2 are registered (T32B), and the XMPP connection is established between the printer 400 and the mediation server 200 (T36B). That is, by executing T32 and T32B, in the intermediary server 200, the printer information p1 and the token tk1, and the printer information p2 and the token tk2 are respectively associated with the user information u1 as shown in FIG. be registered.

(Memory processing)
The storage process performed by the printing system 2 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 are sequence diagrams of the storage process. The storage process is a process for storing the image data instructed by the PC 100 and the information regarding the printing conditions in the mediation server 200. Note that T100 will be described later because it is the process of the second and third embodiments.

In T50 to T54 of FIG. 3, the PC 100 logs in to the mediation server 200 according to the user's operation. The specific method is the same as T10 to 14. When the storage process is executed subsequent to the registration process of FIG. 2, the PC 100 has already logged in to the mediation server 200, and therefore the processes of T50 to 54 are omitted.

At T56, the PC 100 accepts a server print operation for executing server print. In this case, the PC 100 requests screen data representing the selection screen SC2 from the intermediary server 200 via the Internet 6 and receives the screen data at T58. At T60, the PC 100 displays the selection screen SC2 represented by the screen data. Two pieces of printer information p1 and p2 are registered in the mediation server 200 in association with the user information u1 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the selection screen SC2 includes the two printer names pr1 and pr2 included in the two printer information p1 and p2. At T62, the PC 100 accepts the selection of the printer 300 (that is, the printer name pr1) from the printers 300 and 400 (that is, the printer names pr1 and pr2) via the selection screen SC2. In this case, in T64, the PC 100 transmits the selection result including the printer name pr1 to the mediation server 200 via the Internet 6.

At T66, the PC 100 receives screen data representing the selection screen SC3 from the intermediation server 200 via the Internet 6. At T68, the PC 100 displays the selection screen SC3 represented by the screen data. The selection screen SC3 is a screen for selecting image data to be printed, printing conditions, and a PIN code. This allows the user to select desired image data from the plurality of image data stored in the PC 100. Further, the selection screen SC3 is configured to be able to select printing conditions such as a paper size and the number of copies within the range of the capability information of the printer 300. Therefore, the user can select desired printing conditions. The printing conditions may also include the number of printing colors, printing resolution, paper size, presence/absence of double-sided printing, and the like.

Further, as described above, the capability information of the printer 300 includes information indicating that the printer 300 can execute secure printing. Therefore, the selection screen SC3 includes a text box for inputting a PIN code. As a result, the user can cause the printer 300 to print a desired image by server printing and secure printing. The user does not have to input the PIN code. In this case, the image is printed according to the image data transmitted to the printer 300 without PIN code authentication in accordance with the image data being stored in the mediation server 200, as in normal server printing. In the modification, the selection screen SC3 may include a check box for instructing secure printing, and when the check box is checked, a text box may be input.

At T70, the PC 100 accepts selection of image data, printing conditions, and PIN code via the selection screen SC3. Since the PIN code is highly confidential information, it is displayed as “***” when input. In T72, the PC 100 transmits a print execution request including the selected image data img1, the print condition and the PIN code pin1 to the mediation server 200 via the Internet 6. The print execution request is a command for requesting the printer 300 to execute printing of the image represented by the image data img1 in accordance with the print condition when the PIN code pin1 is input to the printer 300.

At T74, the mediation server 200 stores the image data img1, the printing condition, and the PIN code pin1 included in the print execution request in the memory 224. The printing condition and the PIN code pin1 are stored together as a ticket tc1. Further, the mediation server 200 generates a job ID jb1 and indicates the device ID dv1 that identifies the printer 300 (that is, the printer 300 selected in T62) that should print the image based on the image data img1, and the storage location of the image data img1. The data address iURL1 and the ticket address tURL1 indicating the storage location of the ticket tc1 are stored in the job management table 228 in association with each other.

At T76, the intermediary server 200 sends a storage notification to the printer 300 via the Internet 6 using the XMPP connection at T36 (FIG. 2). The storage notification is a command for notifying that the image data img1 and the ticket tc1 for which server printing should be executed are stored. In T78, the printer 300 transmits an address request to the mediation server 200 in response to receiving the storage notification. The address request is a command for requesting the mediation server 200 to transmit the data address iURL1 and the ticket address tURL1. At T80, the printer 300 transmits the data address iURL1 and the ticket address tURL1 to the mediation server 200.

At T82, the printer 300 transmits a ticket request to the intermediation server 200 by accessing the intermediation server 200 using the ticket address tURL1. The ticket request is a request for causing the mediation server 200 to transmit the ticket tc1 stored in the storage location indicated by the ticket address tURL1. At T84, the mediation server 200 transmits the ticket tc1 to the printer 300.

At T86 in FIG. 4, the printer 300 determines whether the ticket tc1 includes a PIN code. As a result, the printer 300 determines whether or not the image based on the image data img1 should be securely printed. Here, since the ticket tc1 includes the PIN code pin1 (YES in T86), the printer 300 ends the storage process. In the storage process of the first embodiment, the printer 300 does not store the information (that is, the data address iURL1, the ticket address tURL1, and the ticket tc1) received from the mediation server 200 in the memory 324.

Although not shown, the PC 100 sends a print request including the selected image data (hereinafter referred to as image data img0) and print conditions at T72 when the PIN code is not input by the user at T70. , A print request not including the PIN code is transmitted to the printer 300. The print request is a command for requesting the printer 300 to print the image represented by the image data img0 according to the print condition without inputting the PIN code. In this case, the intermediary server 200 stores in the memory 224 the image data img0 and the ticket 0 that includes the printing conditions and does not include the PIN code at T74. Further, the printer 300 generates the job ID jb0, and identifies the device ID dv1 that identifies the printer 300 that should print the image based on the image data img0, the data address iURL0 that indicates the storage location of the image data img0, and the storage location of the ticket 0. It is stored in the job management table 228 in association with the indicated ticket address tURL0.

Further, the intermediary server 200 transmits the ticket address tURL0 and the data address iURL0 to the printer 300 in T76 to T80, and transmits the ticket tc0 to the printer 300 in T82 to 84. At this time, at T86, the printer 300 determines that the ticket tc0 does not include the PIN code (NO at T86) and proceeds to T88.

Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. At T88, the printer 300 sends a print data request to the mediation server 200 by accessing the mediation server 200 using the data address iURL0. The print data request is a request for transmitting the print data pimg0 based on the image data img0 stored in the storage position indicated by the data address tURL0 to the mediation server 200.

At T90, the intermediary server 200 generates the print data pimg0 by converting the image data img0 according to the print condition included in the ticket tc0 in response to the print data request. The printing condition is a printing condition selected by the user at T70 (FIG. 3), and is a condition of the paper size to be printed and the number of copies. Therefore, the mediation server 200 generates the print data pimg0 of the paper size. However, the number of print copies is the number of copies of the image that the printer 300 prints according to the print data pimg0, and thus is a condition that is not used when the intermediary server 200 generates the print data pimg0. Therefore, the mediation server 200 generates the print data pimg0 according to the print size condition included in the print condition. At T92, the mediation server 200 transmits the generated print data pimg0 to the printer 300 via the Internet 6.

In T94, the printer 300 supplies the print data pimg0 to the print execution unit 350, and causes the print execution unit 350 to print the image represented by the print data pimg0. The printer 300 causes the print execution unit 350 to print the image for the designated number of copies according to the condition of the number of print copies included in the ticket tc0 transmitted at T84. As a result, the user can cause the printer 300 to print the image represented by the image data stored in the PC 000 (that is, server printing) via the intermediary server 200 on the Internet 6.

At T96, the printer 300 transmits a completion notification indicating that printing of the image represented by the print data pimg0 has been completed, to the mediation server 200. In T98, the intermediation server 200 deletes the corresponding job in response to receiving the completion notification. That is, the mediation server 200 deletes the job ID jb0, the device ID dv1, the data address iURL0, and the ticket address tURL0 from the job management table 228. Further, the mediation server 200 deletes the ticket tc0 and the image data img0 from the memory 224. The storage process ends in response to the completion of the process of T98.

The storage process is executed for other jobs in the same manner as T50 to T96. Therefore, for example, the PC 100 logs in the mediation server 200 using the user information u1 in a state where the browser is activated, accepts a server print operation (T56B), accepts the selection of the printer 400 (T62B), and outputs the image data img2. In response to the selection of the print condition and the PIN code pin1 (T70B), the print execution request is transmitted to the mediation server 200 (T72B). Here, it is assumed that the user specifies the PIN code pin1 similar to the PIN code for printing the image data img1 in order to print the image data img2 at T70B. The intermediary server 200 stores the image data img2 included in the print execution request and the ticket tc2 including the print condition and the PIN code pin1 in the memory 224 (T74B), and sends a storage notification to the printer 400 (T76B). .. Since the ticket tc2 received based on the storage notification includes the PIN code pin1, the printer 400 ends the storage process without printing the image based on the image data img2. The job management table 228 shows a state in which four jobs including the jobs stored by the above processing are stored.

(Printing process)
The printing process performed by the printing system 2 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the printing process. The printing process is a process for causing the printer 300 to execute secure printing according to the image data stored in the mediation server 200.

In T110, the printer 300 displays an input screen for inputting a PIN code and accepts the PIN code input from the user. The input screen may be displayed by the user operating the display unit 340 and the operation unit 330, or when the ticket received from the intermediary server 200 includes the PIN code (T86 (FIG. 4). YES) and may be displayed following receipt of the ticket. The case where the PIN code pin1 is input to the input screen at T110 will be described below.

In T112, the printer 300 uses the token tk1 to send a job list request to the mediation server 200. The job list request is a command for requesting the mediation server 200 to transmit a list of jobs related to the user ID us1 corresponding to the token tk1. In T113, the mediation server 200 specifies the job to be transmitted to the printer 300 in response to receiving the job list. Specifically, the mediation server 200 identifies the user ID us1 from the user information u1 stored in the account table 227 in association with the token tk1. Next, the mediation server 200 identifies the device IDs dv1 and dv2 from the printer information p1 and p2 corresponding to the user ID us1. Further, the mediation server 200 identifies the job IDs jb1, jb2, jb4 corresponding to the device IDs dv1, dv2 in the job management table 228. However, the job ID jb3 is not specified because it is a job ID related to the user IDus2 different from the user IDus1. Then, the mediation server 200, in the job management table 228, the data address iURL1 and the ticket address tURL1 corresponding to the job ID jb1, the data address iURL2 and the ticket address tURL2 corresponding to the job ID jb2, and the data address iURL4 and the ticket address tURL2 corresponding to the job ID jb4. The ticket address tURL4 is specified.

In T114, the mediation server 200 transmits the job list to the printer 300. The job list includes jobs including the specified job ID, device ID, data address, and ticket address. Here, the job list includes a job including job ID jb1, device ID dv1, data address iURL1, and ticket address tURL1, a job including job ID jb2, device ID dv2, data address iURL2, and ticket address tURL2, and job ID jb4 and device ID dv1. A job including the data address iURL4 and the ticket address tURL4 is included. Therefore, even if the printer 300 does not store the job (T80, 84 (FIG. 4)) received in response to the storage of the image data img1 in the mediation server 200, in T126 and T134 described later, T114 is executed. The ticket tc1 and the print data pimg1 can be acquired in accordance with the job received at.

In T116, the printer 300 determines whether the job list includes one or more job IDs. Here, since the job list includes job IDs jb1, jb2, jb4 (YES in T116), the printer 300 proceeds to T118. However, if the job list does not include the job ID (NO in T116), the printer 300 ends the printing process.

In T118, the printer 300 selects one job ID from the job IDs included in the job list. As a selection method, for example, there is a method of selecting the youngest job ID among the job IDs that have not been selected. Here, it is assumed that the job ID jb1 is first selected at T118.

At T120, the printer 300 determines whether the job identified by the selected job ID is a job for the printer 300 itself (that is, whether the image represented by the image data of the job is an image to be printed by the printer 300). Or not). Here, since the job identified by the job ID jb1 includes the device ID dv1 as described above (YES in T120), the printer 300 determines that the job is for the printer 300 (self printer), and proceeds to T124. However, if the job identified by the selected job ID includes a device ID other than the device ID dv1 (NO in T120), the printer 300 determines that the job is for a printer other than the printer 300 (another printer), and the printer determines in T122. Go to.

In T124 to 126, the printer 300 acquires the ticket tc1 from the mediation server 200. The specific processing is the same as T82 to 84 (FIG. 3). In the first embodiment, the printer 300 does not store the ticket tc1 acquired in the storage process (FIG. 3) in the memory 324. Therefore, the printer 300 needs to acquire the ticket tc1 from the intermediary server 200 again in the printing process.

In T128, the printer 300 determines whether the PIN code input in T110 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc1 transmitted from the intermediary server 200 in T126 match. Here, the PIN code input in T110 is the PIN code pin1 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc1 is also pin1, so the printer 300 determines that the PIN codes match (YES in T128), and proceeds to T130. .. However, if the input PIN code and the PIN code included in the received ticket do not match (NO in T128), the printer 300 proceeds to T142.

In T130 to 140, the printer 300 acquires the print data pimg1 from the mediation server 200 and prints it. The specific processing is the same as T88 to 98 (FIG. 4). As a result, the printer 300 can print the image of the job for the printer 300 itself by server printing and secure printing.

In T142, the printer 300 determines whether or not there is a job ID not selected in T118 among the job IDs received in T114. Here, the printer 300 determines that the job IDs jb2 and jb4 are not selected, and thus the job ID remains (YES in T142), and returns to T118. However, if no unselected job ID remains (NO in T142), the printer 300 ends the printing process.

After returning to T118, the printer 300 selects the job ID jb2. As described above, the job identified by the job ID jb2 includes the job ID jb2, the device ID dv2, the data address iURL2, and the ticket address tURL2. At T120, the printer 300 determines that the job is not for the printer 300 itself because the job includes the device ID dv2, and proceeds to T122.

In T122, the printer 300 determines whether or not the printing of the image according to the job to the printer other than the printer 300 (other printer) is permitted. As described above, the printer 300 determines that the other job setting st stored in the memory 324 is permitted when the value is “ON”, and is prohibited when the value is “OFF”. Determine that For example, when the printer 300 is used by a large number of other users other than the user identified by the user ID us1, the PIN code input by the other user happens to be coincident, and the image data stored in the mediation server 200 causes The represented image may be printed. At this time, if the other job setting is “OFF”, the image to be printed can be limited to the image according to the job for the printer 300. Here, since the other job setting st is set to “ON” (YES in T122), the printer 300 proceeds to T124. However, if the other job setting st is set to “OFF” (NO in T122), the printer 300 proceeds to T142.

In T124 to 126, the printer 300 acquires the ticket tc2 from the intermediary server 200. As a result, the printer 300 can receive a job ticket for a printer other than the printer 300 from the mediation server 200.

At T128, it is determined whether the PIN code input at T110 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc2 transmitted from the intermediary server 200 match. Here, the PIN code input in T110 is the PIN code pin1 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc2 is also pin1, so it is determined that they match (YES in T128) and the process proceeds to T130.

In T130 to 140, the printer 300 acquires from the intermediary server 200 the print data pimg2 obtained by converting the image data img2 according to the print conditions included in the ticket tc2, and prints it. As a result, the printer 300 can print an image of a job for a printer other than the printer 300 by server printing and secure printing. Further, the printer 300 prints the image according to the print data pimg1, then acquires the print data pimg2, and prints the image according to the print data pimg2. As a result, the printer 300 obtains the print data pimg1 and the print data pimg2, and then at T110, compared with the case of collectively printing the image represented by the print data pimg1 and the image represented by the print data pimg2. It is possible to shorten the period from receiving the input of the PIN code to printing the image represented by the print data pimg1.

In T142, the printer 300 determines that the job ID jb4 has not been selected and therefore the job ID remains (YES in T142), and returns to T118.

After returning to T118, the printer 300 selects the job ID jb4. As described above, the job identified by the job ID jb4 includes the job ID jb4, the device ID dv1, the data address iURL4, and the ticket address tURL4. At T120, the printer 300 determines that the job is for the printer 300 itself because the job includes the device ID dv1, and the process proceeds to T124.

In T124 to 126, the printer 300 acquires the ticket tc4 from the intermediary server 200. At T128, it is determined whether the PIN code input at T110 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc4 transmitted from the intermediary server 200 match. Here, since the PIN code input at T110 is the PIN code pin1 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc4 is pin3, it is determined that they do not match (NO at T128), and the process proceeds to T142. At T142, the printer 300 determines that all the jobs received at T114 have been selected, and thus determines that there are no jobs remaining, and ends the printing process.

(Second embodiment)
Subsequently, the printing system 2 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the printing system 2 of the second embodiment, the following configuration is added to the printing system 2 of the first embodiment. The other structure is similar to that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of Printer 300)
The printer 300 includes a job table 327 in the memory 324. A job ID, a data address, a ticket address, and a ticket are stored in the job table 327 by executing a storage process described later.

(registration process)
The registration processing of the second embodiment is the same as the registration processing of the first embodiment, so description will be omitted.

(Memory processing)
A storage process performed by the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 are sequence diagrams of the storage process of the second embodiment. In the storage process of the second embodiment, unlike the storage process of the first embodiment, the printer 300 stores the ticket and the data address received from the mediation server 200 in the job table 327. Specifically, it is as follows.

As described above, when the PC 100 transmits a print execution request to the intermediary server 200 according to the user's operation (T72), the intermediary server 200 transmits the ticket address tURL1 and the data address iURL1 to the printer 300 (T80). The printer 300 acquires the ticket tc1 from the intermediation server 200 according to the ticket address tURL1 (T84).

At T86, the printer 300 determines whether the ticket tc1 includes a PIN code. Here, since the ticket tc1 includes the PIN code pin1 (YES in T86), the printer 300 proceeds to T100. If the ticket tc1 does not include the PIN code (NO in T86), the same processing as that in the first embodiment is executed, and the description thereof will be omitted.

At T100, the printer 300 stores the data address iURL1 received at T80 and the ticket tc1 received at T84. However, since the printer 300 does not request the ticket tc1 to the intermediary server 200 again in the printing process described later, the ticket address tURL1 is not stored. The storage process ends in response to the completion of the process in T100. The job table 327 shows a state in which two combinations including the combination of the job ID, the ticket, and the data address stored by the above processing are stored.

(Printing process)
A printing process performed by the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams of the printing process of the second embodiment. In the print processing of the second embodiment, unlike the print processing of the first embodiment, the printer 300 uses the ticket stored in the job table 327 without reacquiring the ticket of the job for the printer 300 itself. Print the image. Specifically, it is as follows.

In T210 of FIG. 6, the printer 300 displays an input screen for inputting the PIN code and accepts the input of the PIN code from the user. The specific process is the same as T110 (FIG. 5). The case where the PIN code pin1 is input to the input screen at T210 will be described below.

In T212, the printer 300 determines whether or not one or more job IDs are stored in the job table 327. Here, since the job IDs jb1 and jb4 are stored in the job table 327 (YES in T212), the printer 300 proceeds to T214. However, if the job ID is not stored in the job table 327 (NO in T212), the printer 300 proceeds to T310.

In T214, the printer 300 selects one job ID from the job IDs stored in the job table 327. The specific processing is the same as T118 (FIG. 5). Here, it is assumed that the job ID jb1 is selected.

In T220, the printer 300 determines whether the PIN code input in T210 matches the PIN code included in the ticket tc1 stored in the job table 327. Here, the PIN code input in T210 is the PIN code pin1 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc1 is pin1, so the printer 300 determines that the PIN codes match (YES in T220) and proceeds to T222. .. However, if the input PIN code and the PIN code included in the received ticket do not match (NO in T220), the printer 300 proceeds to T234.

In T222 to 232, the printer 300 acquires the print data pimg1 from the intermediary server 200 and prints it. The specific processing is the same as T88 to 98 (FIG. 4).

In the second embodiment, the printer 300 selects the job identified by the job ID stored in the job table 327 at T214, and executes printing according to the corresponding print data at T228. Therefore, the printer 300 acquires again the job identified by the job ID stored in the job table 327 at T314, but the job ID is not extracted at T316 described below. That is, the printer 300 prints an image using the ticket stored in the job table 327 without reacquiring the ticket for the job for the printer 300 itself. Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, the printer 300 can reduce the number of tickets acquired in the printing process, and thus the amount of communication with the intermediary server 200 can be reduced.

When the printer 300 transmits a completion notice to the intermediary server 200 in T230, the printer 300 deletes the job ID jb1, the ticket tc1, and the data address iURL1 from the job table 327 in T233.

In T234, the printer 300 determines whether, among the job IDs stored in the job table 327, job IDs not selected in T1214 remain. Here, the printer 300 determines that the job ID jb4 has not been selected and therefore the job ID remains (YES in T234), and returns to T214. However, if there is no unselected job ID (NO in T234), the printer 300 proceeds to T310.

Returning to T214, the printer 300 selects the job ID jb4 from the job IDs stored in the job table 327. At T234, it is determined whether the PIN code input at T210 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc4 stored in the job table 327 match. Here, the PIN code input in T110 is the PIN code pin1 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc4 is pin3. Therefore, it is determined that they do not match (NO in T220), and the process proceeds to T234. At T234, the printer 300 determines that all the job IDs stored in the T job table 327 have been selected, and thus determines that no job ID remains, and proceeds to T310 in FIG.

In T310, the printer 300 determines whether or not the printer 300 is permitted to print an image according to a job to a printer (other printer) other than the printer 300. The specific process is the same as T122 (FIG. 5). Here, since the other job setting st is set to “ON” (YES in T310), the printer 300 proceeds to T312. However, the printer 300 ends the printing process when the other job setting st is set to “OFF” (NO in T310).

In T312 to 314, the printer 300 receives the job list from the mediation server 200 using the token tk1. The specific processing is the same as T112 to 114 (FIG. 5). Here, the job list includes a job including job ID jb1, device ID dv1, data address iURL1, ticket address tURL1, a job including job ID jb2, device ID dv2, data address iURL2, ticket address tURL2, job ID jb4, device ID dv1. A job including the data address iURL4 and the ticket address tURL4 is included.

In T316, the printer 300 extracts the job ID of the job for another printer from the job list. Specifically, the printer 300 first extracts, from the device IDs dv1 and dv2 included in the job list, a device ID dv2 different from the device ID dv1 that identifies the printer 300. Subsequently, the printer 300 extracts the job ID jb2 of the job including the device ID dv2. If the job list does not include one or more device IDs, or if only the device ID dv1 is included, the printer 300 does not extract the job ID at T316.

In T318, the printer 300 determines whether the job ID of the job for another printer is extracted in T316. Here, since the job ID jb2 is extracted at T316 (YES at T318), the printer 300 proceeds to T320. However, if the job ID is not extracted (NO in T318), the printer 300 ends the printing process.

In T320, the printer 300 selects one job ID from the extracted job IDs. Here, since the extracted job ID is only the job ID jb2, the job ID jb2 is selected. If there are a plurality of extracted job IDs, the job ID is selected in the same manner as T118 (FIG. 5).

In T322 to 324, the printer 300 acquires the ticket tc2 from the intermediation server 200. The specific processing is the same as T82 to 84 (FIG. 3).

In T326, it is determined whether or not the PIN code input in T210 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc2 transmitted from the intermediary server 200 match. Here, the PIN code input in T210 is the PIN code pin1 and the PIN code included in the ticket tc2 is also pin1, so the printer 300 determines that the PIN codes match (YES in T326), and proceeds to T328. However, if the input PIN code and the PIN code included in the received ticket do not match (NO in T326), the printer 300 proceeds to T340.

In T328 to 338, the printer 300 acquires the print data pimg2 obtained by converting the image data img2 according to the print condition included in the ticket tc2 from the intermediary server 200 and prints it. The specific processing is the same as T88 to 98 (FIG. 4). As a result, the printer 300 can print an image of a job for a printer other than the printer 300 by server printing and secure printing.

In T340, the printer 300 determines whether or not there is a job ID not selected in T320 among the job IDs extracted in T316. Here, since all the job IDs extracted in T316 have been selected, the printer 300 determines that there are no unselected job IDs (NO in T340) and ends the printing process. However, if there are unselected job IDs, the printer 300 returns to T320, and executes the processes from T320 onward in accordance with the unselected job IDs.

(Third embodiment)
Subsequently, a third embodiment will be described. The configuration of the printing system 2 according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(registration process)
The registration processing of the third embodiment is the same as the registration processing of the first and second embodiments, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Memory processing)
The storage processing of the third embodiment is similar to the storage processing of the second embodiment, so description will be omitted.

(Printing process)
A printing process performed by the printing system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the print processing of the third embodiment, unlike the print processing of the second embodiment, the printer 300 uses the ticket stored in the job table 327 without reacquiring the job stored in the job table 327. Print the image. The process from T210 to T234 of the print process of the third embodiment is the same as the print process of the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

When the printing of the image according to the job for the printer 300 itself is completed (that is, the processes of T210 to 234 of FIG. 6 are completed), the printer 300 proceeds to T410 of FIG. In T410, the printer 300 determines whether or not the printing of the image according to the job to the printer other than the printer 300 (other printer) is permitted. The specific process is the same as T122 (FIG. 5). Here, since the other job setting st is set to “ON” (YES in T410), the printer 300 proceeds to T412. However, the printer 300 ends the printing process when the other job setting st is set to “OFF” (NO in T410).

In T412, the printer 300 uses the token tk1 to send a printer list request to the mediation server 200. The printer list request is a command for requesting the mediation server 200 to transmit the printer list associated with the user ID us1 corresponding to the token tk1. The printer list includes all device IDs corresponding to the user ID us1. In T413, the mediation server 200 specifies the device ID to be transmitted to the printer 300 in response to receiving the printer list request. Specifically, the mediation server 200 identifies the user ID us1 from the user information u1 stored in the account table 227 in association with the token tk1. Next, the mediation server 200 identifies the device IDs dv1 and dv2 from the printer information p1 and p2 corresponding to the user ID us1. The device ID dv3 is a device ID corresponding to a user IDus2 different from the user IDus1 and thus is not specified. In T414, the mediation server 200 transmits the printer list including the device IDs dv1 and dv2 to the printer 300.

In T416, the printer 300 determines whether or not the device IDs of printers (other printers) other than the printer 300 are included in the printer list. Here, since the device IDs dv1 and dv2 are included in the printer list, the printer 300 determines that the device IDs of other printers are included (YES in T416), and proceeds to T418. However, if only the device ID dv1 is included in the printer list, the printer 300 determines that the device IDs of other printers are not included (NO in T416), and ends the printing process.

In T418, the printer 300 selects the device ID of another printer from the device IDs included in the printer list. Here, among the device IDs included in the printer list, the device IDs of printers other than the printer 300 are only the device ID dv2, so the device ID dv2 is selected. When the printer list includes device IDs of a plurality of other printers, a selection method is, for example, a method of selecting the youngest device ID among the device IDs that have not been selected.

In T420, the printer 300 uses the token tk1 to send a job list request to the mediation server 200. The job list request is a command for requesting the mediation server 200 to transmit a list of jobs related to the user ID us1 corresponding to the token tk1. However, unlike the first and second embodiments, the job list request of the third embodiment includes the device ID dv2 selected in T418. As a result, the printer 300 can request the list of jobs associated with the device ID dv2 among the jobs related to the user IDus1 to the mediation server 200.

In T421, the intermediary server 200 identifies the job associated with the device ID dv2 in response to receiving the job list request. Specifically, the mediation server 200 identifies the user ID us1 from the user information u1 stored in association with the token tk1. Next, the mediation server 200 identifies the device IDs dv1 and dv2 from the printer information p1 and p2 corresponding to the user ID us1. Next, when the mediation server 200 confirms that the device ID dv2 included in the job list request is included in the specified device IDs dv1 and dv2, it identifies the job ID jb2 corresponding to the device ID dv2 in the job management table 228. To do. Then, the mediation server 200 identifies the data address iURL2 and the ticket address tURL2 corresponding to the job ID jb2 in the job management table 228. Note that the job IDs jb1 and jb4 correspond to the device ID dv1, and the job ID jb3 corresponds to the device ID dv3, so they are not specified. That is, in the third embodiment, the printer 300 does not acquire the job for the printer 300 itself in the print processing. Therefore, compared to the first and second embodiments, the printer 300 can reduce the jobs acquired in the print processing, and thus the communication amount with the intermediary server 200 can be reduced.

In T442, the mediation server 200 transmits the job list to the printer 300. The job list includes jobs including the specified job ID, data address, and ticket address. Here, the job list includes jobs including the job ID jb2, the data address iURL2, and the ticket address tURL2.

In T424 to 446, the printer 300 executes image printing according to the jobs included in the job list. The specific processing is the same as T318 to 340 (FIG. 7). As a result, the printer 300 can print an image of a job for a printer other than the printer 300 by server printing and secure printing.

In T448, the printer 300 determines whether or not there is a job ID not selected in T418 among the device IDs included in the printer list received in T414. Here, since all the device IDs included in the printer list have been selected, it is determined that there is no unselected device ID (NO in T448), and the printing process ends. However, if the device IDs that have not been selected remain (YES in T448), the printer 300 returns to T418 and executes the processes of T418 and subsequent steps in accordance with the device IDs that have not been selected.

As described above, in the first to third embodiments, the printer 300 receives from the intermediary server 200 the data address iURL1 stored in association with the device ID dv1 identifying the printer 300. Further, when the printing apparatus transmits the job list request to the intermediary server 200, the intermediary server 200 identifies the printer 400 which is the device ID dv2 associated with the user IDus1 corresponding to the device ID dv1 and different from the printer 300. The data address iURL2 stored in association with the device ID dv2 is received. As a result, the printer 300 prints the first image to be printed by the printer 300 using the data address iURL1 and the second image to be printed by the printer 400 using the data address iURL2. Therefore, the printer 300 should print not only the first image to be printed by the printer 300 but also the printer 400 when a plurality of device IDs are associated with the user ID us1 in the mediation server 200. It is possible to print the second image which was

When a large number of printer information is associated with one user information in the server, there is a possibility that the correspondence between the printer name and the printer body may not be remembered. Therefore, even if the user specifies a printer to execute printing from the printer name displayed on the PC 100 and stores the image data in the mediation server 200 (corresponding to T62 to T74), the printer is identified from the printer name. It is difficult to specify and input an instruction for obtaining the image data from the mediation server 200 by going to the front of the printer (corresponding to T110 and T210 (FIG. 6)). However, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the user can print any printer as long as the printer is associated with the user. That is, in the above-described first to third embodiments, even when the user does not remember the correspondence between the printer name and the printer body, the mediation is performed to any one of the plurality of printers associated with the user. By inputting an instruction for acquiring image data from the server 200, a desired image can be printed.

(Correspondence relationship)
The PC 100 is an example of a “terminal device”. The mediation server 200 is an example of a “mediation device”. The printer 300 is an example of the “first printing device” and the “printing device”. The printer 400 is an example of the “second printing device” and the “other printing device”.

The image data img1 is an example of “first target data”, and the image data img2 is an example of “second target data”. The print data pimg1 is an example of “first image data”, and the print data pimg2 is an example of “second image data”. The device ID dv1 is an example of “first device information”, and the device ID dv2 is an example of “second device information”. The data address iURL1 is an example of “first position information”, and the data address iURL2 is an example of “second position information”. The PIN code pin1 included in the ticket tc1 is an example of “specific information” and “first authentication information”, and the PIN code pin1 included in the ticket tc2 is an example of “second authentication information”. The PIN code pin1 input at T110 of FIG. 5 and T210 of FIG. 6 is an example of “input authentication information”.

The print execution unit 350 is an example of a “print unit”. The operation unit 330 and the display unit 340 are examples of the “input unit”. The memory 224 is an example of the “mediation device side memory”. The memory 324 is an example of a “printer-side memory”.

T72 of FIG. 3 and T72B of FIG. 4 are examples of processes executed by the “target data transmitting unit” and the “target data receiving unit”. T32 and 32B in FIG. 2 are an example of processing executed by the “first storage control unit”. T113 of FIG. 5, T313 of FIG. 7, and T413 and T421 of FIG. 8 are examples of processing executed by the “identifying unit”. T114 of FIG. 6, T314 of FIG. 7, and T422 of FIG. 8 are examples of processing executed by the “positional information transmission unit”.

T80 of FIG. 3 and T114 of FIG. 5 are examples of the process executed by the “first position information receiving unit”. T88 and T92 of FIG. 4, T130 and T134 of FIG. 5, and T222 and T226 of FIG. 6 are examples of the processing executed by the “first acquisition unit”. T94 of FIG. 4, T136 of FIG. 5, and T228 of FIG. 6 are examples of processing executed by the “first print control unit”. T110 of FIG. 5 and T210 of FIG. 6 are examples of processes executed by the “instruction receiving unit” and the “input receiving unit”. T114 of FIG. 5, T314 of FIG. 7, and T422 of FIG. 8 are examples of processing executed by the “second position information receiving unit”. T130 and T134 of FIG. 5, T328 and T332 of FIG. 7, and T434 and T438 of FIG. 8 are examples of the processing executed by the “second acquisition unit”. T334 in FIG. 7 and T440 in FIG. 8 are an example of processing executed by the “second print control unit”.

T78 of FIG. 3 is an example of a process executed by the “position request transmission unit”. T100 of FIG. 4 is an example of a process executed by the “second storage control unit” and the “third storage control unit”. T412 in FIG. 8 is an example of processing executed by the “device request transmission unit”. T414 in FIG. 8 is an example of processing executed by the “device information receiving unit”. T418 in FIG. 8 is an example of the process executed by the “device information extraction unit”.

T122 of FIG. 5, T310 of FIG. 7, and T410 of FIG. 8 are examples of processing executed by the “determination unit”. T82 of FIG. 3 and T124 of FIG. 5 are examples of the processing executed by the “first authentication request transmission unit”. T84 of FIG. 3 and T126 of FIG. 5 are examples of the process executed by the “first authentication information receiving unit”. T124 of FIG. 5, T322 of FIG. 7, and T428 of FIG. 8 are examples of processing executed by the “second authentication request transmission unit”. T126 of FIG. 5, T324 of FIG. 7, and T430 of FIG. 8 are examples of processing executed by the “second authentication information receiving unit”.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

(Modification 1)
In the first to third embodiments described above, the intermediary server 200 converts the image data img1 and img2 received from the PC 100 into print data pimg1 and pimg2, respectively, at T90 to 92 in FIG. There is. However, instead of this, the intermediary server 200 transmits the image data img1 and img2 received from the PC 100 to the printer 300 without conversion, and the printer 300 converts the image data img1 and img2 into print data pimg1 and img2, respectively. Good. In this case, the image data img1 is an example of the “first target data” and the “first image data”, and the image data img2 is an example of the “second target data” and the “second image data”. is there.

(Modification 2)
In the first to third embodiments described above, the printer 300 changes “ON” and “OFF” of the other job setting st in response to the user operating the display unit 340 and the operation unit 330. However, instead of this, the printer 300 may change the other job setting st in response to the change screen displayed on the display unit 140 of the PC 100 being operated. In this case, the printer 300 functions as a web server and stores change screen data which is web page data having an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format. The printer 300 transmits the change screen data to the PC 100, and causes the display unit 140 of the PC 100 to display the change screen indicated by the change screen data. When the user changes the other job setting st on the change screen displayed on the display unit 140 of the PC 100, the PC 100 notifies the printer 300 of the change. The printer 300 changes the other job setting st from “ON” to “OFF” or from “OFF” to “ON” according to the notified information.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described first to third embodiments, the printer 300 displays the print data of the PIN code that matches the input PIN code at T136 of FIG. 5, T228 of FIG. 6, T334 of FIG. 7, and T440 of FIG. Print all the images that are printed. However, instead of this, the printer 300 may print only the image represented by the print data selected by the user among the print data having the matching PIN code. Specifically, the printer 300 of the first embodiment adds a flag as a matching job when the PIN codes match at T128 in FIG. 5 (YES at T128). The printer 300 proceeds to T142 without executing the processes of T130 to 140. That is, the printer 300 first determines whether or not the PIN codes match for all the jobs included in the job list, and displays a screen for accepting the selection of the job to be executed among the matched jobs to which the flag is added. .. The printer 300 collects print data corresponding to the selected job from the mediation server 200, and prints an image. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

Further, the printer 300 may display a list screen of print data stored in the mediation server 200 and print according to the print data selected by the user on the list screen. Specifically, the printer 300 receives a print execution instruction for secure printing instead of receiving a PIN code input at T110. Upon receiving the print execution instruction, the printer 300 acquires the job list in T112 to T114, and acquires the ticket in T124 to 126. The printer 300 displays a list screen including information that is included in the ticket and that can identify the print data (for example, the file name of the print data), and accepts the selection from the user. When print data is selected by the user, the printer 300 displays a reception screen for accepting the input of the PIN code corresponding to the selected print data. In addition, when a plurality of print data is selected, a reception screen in which a plurality of PIN codes can be input is displayed. When the PIN code is input on the reception screen, the printer 300 determines whether the PIN codes match at T128, and if they match, prints an image according to the corresponding print data. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

Generally, when the input authentication information matches the first authentication information, the first print control unit causes the printing unit to print the first image, and when the input authentication information matches the second authentication information, the second print control unit prints the first image. The print control unit may cause the printing unit to print the second image.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described first to third embodiments, the printer 300 determines at T86 in FIG. 4 whether storage printing (secure printing) should be performed depending on whether the ticket received from the PC 100 includes a PIN code. There is. However, instead of this, the printer 300 may determine whether or not the accumulation printing should be performed according to information other than the PIN code. Specifically, in T68 of FIG. 3, the PC 100 includes a selection box including a check box for inputting an instruction to cause the printer 300 to print a desired image by cumulative printing instead of the text box for inputting a PIN code. The screen SC3 is displayed. The PC 100 sends a print execution request including a stored print instruction to the mediation server 200 at T72 by checking the check box in T70, and the mediation server 200 stores the print condition and the storage condition included in the print execution request. The print instruction and the ticket are stored as a ticket. At T86, the printer 300 determines whether or not the ticket includes an accumulated print instruction, and if it does, the printer 300 ends the storage process without printing the corresponding image. In the printing process, the printer 300 prints all the images selected by the user without determining whether the PIN codes match. That is, the printer 300 does not execute T128 of FIG. 5, T220 of FIG. 6, T326 of FIG. 7, and T432 of FIG. In general, the first print control unit causes the printing unit to print the first image regardless of whether the input personal identification information matches the first authentication information, and the second print control unit causes the input personal identification information to be printed. The second image may be printed on the printing unit regardless of whether the information matches the second authentication information.

(Modification 5)
In the above-described first to third embodiments, the mediation server 200 responds to the completion notification indicating that the printing of the image represented by the print data is completed from the printer 300 at T140 in FIG. The job, ticket, and image data to be deleted are deleted. However, instead of this, the intermediary server 200 may not delete the corresponding job, ticket, and image data even if the completion notification is received. As a result, for example, in the intermediary server 200, the printer 400 can also acquire the image data img2 stored in association with the device ID dv2 that identifies the printer 400, and the image represented by the image data img2 can also be printed by the printer 400. it can. That is, the “image to be printed by the printing device” is an image represented by the image data stored by designating the printer to be printed (that is, selecting the printer at T62 and T62B). However, the image is not necessarily printed by the printer. Therefore, the image represented by the stored image data may be printed by a printer different from the printer scheduled to execute printing, or may be printed by a printer scheduled to execute printing.

(Modification 6)
The CPU 122 of the PC 100, the CPU 222 of the intermediary server 200, and the CPU 322 of the printer 300 execute the processes of the above-described first to third embodiments according to software (that is, the programs 126, 226, 326). However, instead of this, it may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Further, the technique illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes has technical utility.

100: PC, 200: Mediation server, 300, 400: Printer, u1, u2: User information, us1, us2: User ID, p1, p2, p3: Printer information, pr1, pr2, pr3: Printer name, dv1, dv2 , Dv3: device IDs, tk1, tk2. tk3: token, jb1, jb2, jb3, jb4: job ID, img1, img2, img3, img4: image data, tc1, tc2, tc3, tc4: ticket, pin1, pin2, pin3: PIN code, iURL1, iURL2, iURL3 , IURL4: data address, tURL1, tURL2, tURL3, tURL4: ticket address, st: other job setting

Claims (17)

A printing system including an intermediary device, a terminal device, a first printing device, and a second printing device,
The terminal device,
A second target data representing a first image to be printed by the first printing device is transmitted to the intermediary device, and a second image representing a second image to be printed by the second printing device. A target data transmission unit for transmitting target data to the intermediary device,
The intermediary device is
Memory of the mediation device side,
A target data receiving unit that receives the first target data and the second target data from the terminal device;
First device information for identifying the first printing device, second device information for identifying the second printing device, and a first device information indicating a position where the first target data is stored. a first position information, the second target data to a first storage control unit for storing a second location information indicating a location to be stored, the prior SL mediation device-side memory, the first The device information and the second device information are respectively stored in the intermediary device-side memory in association with user information for identifying a user, and the first position information is associated with the first device information. And the second position information is stored in the intermediary device-side memory in association with the second device information.
The user information corresponding to the first device information is specified in response to receiving a predetermined information request from the first printing device for causing the intermediary device to transmit the position information, and the specified user information is specified. A specifying unit that specifies the second device information corresponding to the user information and specifies the second position information corresponding to the second device information;
A position information transmission unit that transmits the specified second position information to the first printing device;
Equipped with
The first printing device is
Printing department,
A first position information receiving unit that receives the first position information from the intermediary device;
A first acquisition unit that acquires first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to print an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device from the user;
A predetermined request transmission unit that transmits the predetermined information request to the intermediary device when receiving the print instruction,
A second position information receiving unit that receives the second position information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request;
A second acquisition unit that acquires second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the second printing device according to the acquired second image data;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the printing unit is permitted to print an image represented by image data to be printed by the second printing device;
The second print control unit is
Causing the printing unit to print the second image when the printing unit is allowed to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the second printing device;
A printing system that does not allow the printing unit to print the second image when the printing unit is not permitted to print an image represented by image data to be printed by the second printing device . A printing device capable of communicating with an intermediary device,
Printing department,
A first position information receiving unit that receives first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Are in correspondence with the device information stored in the mediation device, the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing apparatus, before Symbol first position information receiving Department,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to print an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device;
A predetermined request transmitting unit that transmits a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit the position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is received, and the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. the second device information that has been stored is identified, to identify the second position information that is stored in the mediation device in association with the second device information is identified, the identified second A predetermined request transmission unit, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing apparatus ,
In response to transmitting the pre-Symbol predetermined information request from the intermediary device, the second target data to a second position information receiving unit that receives the second location information indicating a location to be stored, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information that identifies another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other target data. The second position information receiving unit, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the printing device;
A second acquisition unit that acquires second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control unit for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
Printing device side memory,
Position request transmission for transmitting a position information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit the first position information to the intermediary device after the first image data is stored in the intermediary device
And a section,
The first position information receiving unit receives the first position information from the intermediary device in response to the position information request,
The printing apparatus further includes a second storage control unit that stores the received first position information in the printing apparatus-side memory,
The first acquisition unit acquires the first image data using the first position information stored in the printing device-side memory,
The second position information receiving unit is further configured to correspond to the first position information, the first device information associated with the first position information, and the second device associated with the second position information. 2 device information and received,
The printing device further identifies the other printing device without extracting the first position information associated with the first device information for identifying the printing device from the received position information. A position information extraction unit that extracts the second position information associated with the second device information,
The printing apparatus , wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the second image data based on the extracted second position information . The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The predetermined request transmission unit transmits the predetermined information request to the intermediary device by communicating with the intermediary device using a token stored in the intermediary device in association with the first device information. ,
The predetermined information request is a request for causing the intermediary device to identify the user information stored in association with the first device information corresponding to the token. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The predetermined information request is further transmitted to the intermediary device,
The first device information stored in association with the specified user information is specified,
Causing the first position information corresponding to the specified first device information to be specified,
A request for transmitting the specified first position information to the printing device,
The printing device, wherein the first position information receiving unit receives the first position information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising:
A device request transmission unit that transmits, to the intermediation device, a device information request for causing the intermediation device to transmit device information associated with the user information.
A device information receiving unit that receives the first device information and the second device information associated with the user information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the device information request;
A device information extraction unit that does not extract the first device information that identifies the printing device from the received device information and extracts the second device information that identifies the other device different from the printing device. And
The predetermined request transmission unit does not include a request for position information associated with the unextracted first device information, but does not include a request for position information associated with the extracted second device information. Including transmitting the predetermined information request,
The second position information receiving unit does not receive the first position information associated with the first device information, and the second position associated with the second device information. A printing device that receives information. The printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 ,
The printing apparatus, wherein the predetermined request transmission unit transmits the predetermined information request after the first image is printed by the first print control unit. A printing device capable of communicating with an intermediary device,
Printing department,
A first position information receiving unit that receives first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Stored in the intermediary device in association with the device information, and the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing device. When,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to print an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device;
A predetermined request transmitting unit that transmits a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit the position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is received, and the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. The stored second device information is specified, the second position information stored in the intermediary device in association with the specified second device information is specified, and the specified second device information is specified. A predetermined request transmission unit, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing apparatus,
A second position information receiving unit that receives the second position information indicating a position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other printing data. The second position information receiving unit, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the device;
A second acquisition unit that acquires second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control unit for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
And a determination unit that determines whether it to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing apparatus in the printing unit is allowed,
The second print control unit is
Causing the printing unit to print the second image when the printing unit is allowed to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device,
A printing apparatus that does not allow the printing unit to print the second image when the printing unit is not permitted to print an image represented by image data to be printed by the other printing device . The printing device according to claim 7 ,
The second print control unit is
When it is permitted to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device in the printing unit, the second image is acquired from the intermediary device in the second acquisition unit. By acquiring the data, the second image is printed on the printing unit,
When it is not permitted to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device in the printing unit, the second image is acquired from the intermediary device in the second acquisition unit. A printing apparatus that does not allow the printing unit to print the second image by not acquiring data. The printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 ,
The first print control unit causes the printing unit to print the first image in response to the first image data being acquired from the intermediary device by the first acquisition unit,
The second acquisition unit acquires the second image data from the intermediary device after the first image is printed by the printing unit,
The second printing control unit causes the printing unit to print the second image in response to the second image data being acquired from the intermediary device by the second acquisition unit. .. A printing device capable of communicating with an intermediary device,
Printing department,
A first position information receiving unit that receives first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Stored in the intermediary device in association with the device information, and the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing device. When,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to print an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device;
A predetermined request transmitting unit that transmits a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit the position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is received, and the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. The stored second device information is specified, the second position information stored in the intermediary device in association with the specified second device information is specified, and the specified second device information is specified. A predetermined request transmission unit, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing apparatus,
A second position information receiving unit that receives the second position information indicating a position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other printing data. The second position information receiving unit, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the device;
A second acquisition unit that acquires second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control unit for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
After the first image data is stored in the intermediary device, the first image is an image to be printed in response to the print instruction being accepted by the instruction accepting unit from the intermediary device. A specific information request for receiving specific information indicating, a specific request transmission unit for transmitting to the intermediary device,
A specific information receiving unit that receives the specific information from the intermediate device in response to transmitting the specific information request when the specific information is stored in the intermediate device ,
The first acquisition unit is
When the specific information is not received, the first image is received using the first position information received by the first position information receiving unit without receiving the print instruction in the instruction receiving unit. Get the data,
When the specific information is received, the instruction receiving unit receives the print instruction and then uses the first position information received by the first position information receiving unit to use the first position information. A printing device that acquires image data. A printing device capable of communicating with an intermediary device,
Printing department,
A first position information receiving unit that receives first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Stored in the intermediary device in association with the device information, and the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing device. When,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to print an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device;
A predetermined request transmitting unit that transmits a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit the position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is received, and the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. The stored second device information is specified, the second position information stored in the intermediary device in association with the specified second device information is specified, and the specified second device information is specified. A predetermined request transmission unit, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing apparatus,
A second position information receiving unit that receives the second position information indicating a position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other printing data. The second position information receiving unit, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the device;
A second acquisition unit that acquires second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control unit for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
Input part,
An input receiving unit that receives input of input authentication information from the user to the input unit,
A first authentication information request for transmitting the first authentication information for causing the printing unit to print the first image after the first image data is stored in the intermediary device to the intermediary device. A first authentication request transmission unit for transmitting the authentication request to the intermediary device;
A first authentication information receiving unit that receives the first authentication information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the first authentication information request;
A second authentication information request for transmitting the second authentication information for causing the printing unit to print the second image after the second image data is stored in the intermediary device, to the intermediary device. A second authentication request transmission unit for transmitting the authentication request to the intermediary device;
A second authentication information receiving unit that receives the second authentication information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the second authentication information request,
The first print control unit causes the printing unit to print the first image when the input authentication information matches the first authentication information, and the input authentication information is the first authentication information. If they do not match, the first image is not printed on the printing unit,
The second print control unit causes the printing unit to print the second image when the input authentication information matches the second authentication information, and the input authentication information is the second authentication information. A printing apparatus that does not allow the printing unit to print the second image when they do not match. The printing apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising:
Printing device side memory,
A third storage control unit that stores the first authentication information in the printing device-side memory in response to the first authentication information receiving unit receiving the first authentication information;
In response to receiving the print instruction, the second authentication request transmission unit does not request the first authentication information stored in the printing device-side memory from the intermediary device, and the printing device side Requesting said second authentication information not stored in memory,
The second authentication information receiving unit receives the second authentication information from the intermediary device without receiving the first authentication information,
The first print control unit causes the print unit to print the first image when the input authentication information matches the first authentication information stored in the printing device-side memory,
The second print control unit causes the printing unit to print the second image when the input authentication information matches the second authentication information received by the second authentication information receiving unit. , Printing equipment. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 1 or claim 1 2,
The second print control unit is
After the first image in response to the input authentication information matches the first authentication information is printed on the printing unit, without input from the user is accepted again by the input receiving unit A printing device that causes the printing unit to print the second image when the input authentication information matches the second authentication information. A can communicate with the intermediary, and the printing apparatus memory and printing unit, the printing apparatus comprising,
A first position information receiving process of receiving first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. is stored in the mediation device in association with the first device information, the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing apparatus, before Symbol first position Information reception processing,
A first acquisition process of acquiring the first image data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control process for causing the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving process for receiving a print instruction of an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device,
A predetermined request transmission process of transmitting a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is accepted, wherein the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. the second device information that has been stored is identified, to identify the second position information that is stored in the mediation device in association with the second device information is identified, the identified second The predetermined request transmission process, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing device ,
In response to transmitting the pre-Symbol predetermined information request from the intermediary device, a second position information reception processing by the second target data to receive said second location information indicating a location to be stored, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information that identifies another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other target data. The second position information receiving process, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the printing device;
A second acquisition process for acquiring second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control process for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
A position request transmission process of transmitting a position information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit the first position information to the intermediary device after the first image data is stored in the intermediary device; Run
The first position information receiving process receives the first position information from the intermediary device in response to the position information request,
Causing the printing device to further execute a second storage control process of storing the received first position information in the printing device side memory;
The first acquisition process acquires the first image data using the first position information stored in the printing device-side memory,
The second position information receiving process further includes: the first position information, the first device information associated with the first position information, and the first device information associated with the second position information. 2 device information and received,
In the printing apparatus, the first position information associated with the first device information for identifying the printing apparatus is not extracted from the received position information, and the other printing apparatus is identified. A position information extraction process for extracting the second position information associated with the second device information is executed,
The second acquisition process is a computer program that acquires the second image data based on the extracted second position information . A printing device that can communicate with the intermediary device and that includes a printing unit,
A first position information receiving process of receiving first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Stored in the intermediary device in association with the device information of the first target data, the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing device. When,
A first acquisition process of acquiring first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control process for causing the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving process for receiving a print instruction of an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device,
A predetermined request transmission process of transmitting a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is accepted, wherein the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. The stored second device information is specified, the second position information stored in the intermediary device in association with the specified second device information is specified, and the specified second device information is specified. The predetermined request transmission process, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing device,
A second position information receiving process of receiving the second position information indicating the position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other printing data. The second position information reception process, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the device;
A second acquisition process for acquiring second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control process for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
A determination process for determining whether or not it is permitted to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device on the printing unit,
The second print control process is
Causing the printing unit to print the second image when the printing unit is allowed to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device,
A computer program that prevents the printing unit from printing the second image when the printing unit is not permitted to print the image represented by the image data to be printed by the other printing device. A printing device that can communicate with the intermediary device and that includes a printing unit,
A first position information receiving process of receiving first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Stored in the intermediary device in association with the device information of the first target data, the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing device. When,
A first acquisition process of acquiring first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control process for causing the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving process for receiving a print instruction of an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device,
A predetermined request transmission process of transmitting a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is accepted, wherein the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. The stored second device information is specified, the second position information stored in the intermediary device in association with the specified second device information is specified, and the specified second device information is specified. The predetermined request transmission process, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing device,
A second position information receiving process of receiving the second position information indicating the position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other printing data. The second position information reception process, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the device;
A second acquisition process for acquiring second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control process for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
After the first image data is stored in the intermediary device, the first image is an image to be printed in response to the print instruction being accepted by the instruction accepting unit from the intermediary device. A specific information request for receiving specific information indicating the specific request transmission process for transmitting to the intermediary device,
When the specific information is stored in the intermediary device, in response to transmitting the specific information request, a specific information reception process of receiving the specific information from the intermediary device,
The first acquisition process is
When the specific information is not received, the first image is received by the instruction receiving process using the first position information received by the first position information receiving process without receiving the print instruction. Get the data,
When the specific information is received, in the instruction receiving process, the first position information received by the first position information receiving process is used after the print instruction is received, and then the first position information is received. A computer program that acquires image data. In a printing device that is capable of communicating with the intermediary device and that includes a printing unit and an input unit,
A first position information receiving process of receiving first position information indicating a position where the first target data is stored from the intermediary device, wherein the first position information identifies the printing device. First
Stored in the intermediary device in association with the device information of the first target data, the first target data is data representing a first image to be printed by the printing device. When,
A first acquisition process of acquiring first image data based on the first target data from the intermediary device using the first position information;
A first print control process for causing the printing unit to print the first image according to the acquired first image data;
An instruction receiving process for receiving a print instruction of an image represented by image data stored in the intermediary device,
A predetermined request transmission process of transmitting a predetermined information request for causing the intermediary device to transmit position information to the intermediary device when the print instruction is accepted, wherein the predetermined information request is transmitted to the intermediary device. , User information for identifying a user, the user information stored in the intermediation device in association with the first device information is specified, and the intermediation device is associated with the specified user information. The stored second device information is specified, the second position information stored in the intermediary device in association with the specified second device information is specified, and the specified second device information is specified. The predetermined request transmission process, which is a request for transmitting position information to the printing device,
A second position information receiving process of receiving the second position information indicating the position where the second target data is stored from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the predetermined information request, The second position information is stored in the intermediary device in association with second device information for identifying another printing device different from the printing device, and the second target data is the other printing data. The second position information reception process, which is data representing a second image to be printed by the device;
A second acquisition process for acquiring second image data based on the second target data from the intermediary device using the second position information;
A second print control process for causing the printing unit to print the second image to be printed by the other printing device according to the acquired second image data;
An input receiving process for receiving input of input authentication information from the user to the input unit,
A first authentication information request for transmitting the first authentication information for causing the printing unit to print the first image after the first image data is stored in the intermediary device to the intermediary device. A first authentication request transmission process for transmitting the authentication request to the intermediary device;
A first authentication information receiving process of receiving the first authentication information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the first authentication information request;
A second authentication information request for transmitting the second authentication information for causing the printing unit to print the second image after the second image data is stored in the intermediary device, to the intermediary device. A second authentication request transmission process for transmitting the authentication request to the intermediary device;
A second authentication information receiving process of receiving the second authentication information from the intermediary device in response to transmitting the second authentication information request,
The first print control process causes the printing unit to print the first image when the input authentication information matches the first authentication information, and the input authentication information is the first authentication information. If they do not match, the first image is not printed on the printing unit,
The second print control process causes the printing unit to print the second image when the input authentication information matches the second authentication information, and the input authentication information is the second authentication information. A computer program that does not allow the printing unit to print the second image if they do not match.

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