JP6801265B2 - Service provision system, information processing device, program, information processing system and cooperative processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a service providing system, an information processing device, a program, an information processing system, and a cooperative processing method.

In recent years, a wide variety of services have come to be provided due to technological advances such as cloud computing. For example, a printing system in which print jobs received from a PC or the like are stored in an information processing device such as a print server, and after the user logs in, the print job selected by the user from the list of print jobs is printed by the image forming device. Is conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

As described above, a technique in which an image forming apparatus and a service such as a cloud service perform processing in cooperation with each other has been conventionally known.

However, in order for the image forming apparatus and services such as cloud services to perform processing in cooperation with each other, it is necessary to develop an application to be mounted on the image forming apparatus. Development of an application to be mounted on an image forming apparatus may be difficult for a general Web developer or the like.

One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a service providing system capable of supporting the development of a service that performs processing in cooperation with an image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is a service providing system that provides a service for performing a series of processing for printing in cooperation with an image forming apparatus, and the printing performed by the image forming apparatus. By receiving the printing execution request to be performed by the image forming apparatus from the terminal device and a plurality of processing means for performing a series of processing for printing, and based on the flow setting and parameter setting of the series of processing for printing, by the flow setting. Based on the flow control means for causing the plurality of specified processing means to issue print commands to be provided to the image forming apparatus in the order specified by the flow setting, and the acquisition request of the print instructions from the image forming apparatus. The plurality of processing means include a print command distribution means for delivering the print command of print data in which a series of processes are executed by the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting to the image forming apparatus. Includes a print command means that issues the print command and stores the issued print command in the print command distribution means, the print command being generated, interrupted, completed, or as a state of the print command. The print command distribution means holds information indicating that the print has been deleted, updates the state of the print command based on the command state change request from the image forming device, and acquires the print command from the image forming device. the state of the print command is already generated or by selecting the print command is being interrupted, characterized that you distributed to the image forming apparatus when receiving the request.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to support the development of a service that performs processing in cooperation with an image forming apparatus.

It is a block diagram of an example of an information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the computer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a print instruction input process. It is a block diagram of an example of a job execution request submitted to a service providing system. It is an example data flow diagram between each component. It is a block diagram of an example of print instruction data registered in an instruction distribution part. It is a block diagram of an example of processed print instruction data. It is a figure explaining an example of the storage format of print instruction data. It is a screen transition diagram of an example of an external application. It is a figure explaining the content distribution from a service providing system to an image forming apparatus. It is a transition diagram of an example of UI displayed on the browser of the image forming apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of an example of printing execution by inputting a temporary code. It is a block diagram of an example of print instruction data whose state was changed during processing. It is a block diagram of an example of print instruction data including an access token. It is a block diagram of an example of print instruction data whose state was changed to completion. It is a state transition diagram of print instruction data. It is an image diagram of an example of the instruction selection screen which can delete the print instruction data. It is a transition diagram of another example of UI displayed on the browser of the image forming apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of an example of printing execution by user authentication. It is a block diagram of an example of a list of print instruction data returned from an instruction distribution unit to a print job processing unit. It is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a print job registration process. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a file registration request and a file registration response. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a command registration request and a command registration response. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a print job execution process. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a command state acquisition process. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a command state acquisition request and a command state acquisition response. It is a flowchart of an example of the processing procedure of a command processing part. It is explanatory drawing which "Conent-Type" of a file registration request shows the example of JPEG and the example of PDL. It is a block diagram of an example of an information processing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the registration and execution processing of a print job. It is a block diagram of an example of a print job to be registered. It is a block diagram of an example of a keyword table. It is a block diagram of an example of the association information. It is a flowchart of an example of an output destination determination process. It is a flowchart of an example of an output destination change process. It is a sequence diagram of another example of the registration and execution processing of a print job.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a service providing environment E1 and a user environment E2, and is communicably connected via a wide area network N1 such as the Internet.

The service providing environment E1 is a system environment that provides services such as cloud services via the network N1. In the present embodiment, a cloud service will be adopted as an example of the service, but the service may be a service provided by an ASP (Application Service Provider), a Web service, or the like.

The service providing environment E1 has a service providing system 10 realized by one or more information processing devices. The service providing system 10 provides a predetermined service via the network N1.

For example, the service providing system 10 provides a service (cloud print service) for printing a stored electronic file with the image forming apparatus 20 of the user environment E2. In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the service providing system 10 will be described as providing such a cloud print service.

In addition, all or a part of the service providing system 10 may be installed in the user environment E2. That is, all or a part of the information processing devices constituting the service providing system 10 may be included in the user environment E2.

The user environment E2 is, for example, a system environment of a company or the like that is a user who uses the image forming apparatus 20. In the user environment E2, the image forming device 20 and the terminal device 30 are connected to each other via a network N2 such as a LAN. The image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment is an apparatus having a printing function. The image forming apparatus 20 may be an electronic device such as a multifunction device having a scanning function, a copying function, a fax (FAX) communication function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment is a device that can be operated by a user, such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet PC equipped with a general OS or the like.

The configuration of the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 is an example, and may be another configuration. For example, there may be a plurality of image forming devices 20. Further, the terminal device 30 may be connected to the network N1.

<Hardware configuration>
≪Computer≫
One or more information processing devices that realize the service providing system 10 of FIG. 1 are realized by a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. Further, the terminal device 30 of FIG. 1 is also realized by a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to the first embodiment.

The computer 500 shown in FIG. 2 has an input device 11, a display device 12, an external I / F 13, a RAM 14, a ROM 15, a CPU 16, a communication I / F 17, and an HDD 18. Each of these hardware is connected by bus B.

The input device 11 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and is used by the user to input each operation signal. The display device 12 includes a display and the like, and displays the processing result by the computer 500. The input device 11 and the display device 12 may be connected and used when necessary.

The communication I / F 17 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to the network N1. As a result, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I / F17. The HDD 18 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS, which is basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and application software that provides various functions on the OS.

The computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 18. The HDD 18 manages the stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB.

The external I / F 13 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 13a and the like. As a result, the computer 500 can read and / or write to the recording medium 13a via the external I / F 13. The recording medium 13a includes a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

The ROM 15 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) capable of holding programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 15 stores programs and data such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 500 is started. The RAM 14 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

The CPU 16 is an arithmetic unit that realizes control and functions of the entire computer 500 by reading programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 15 and the HDD 18 onto the RAM 14 and executing processing.

One or more information processing devices that realize the service providing system 10 can realize various processes as described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500. Further, the terminal device 30 can also realize various processes described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500.

≪Image forming device≫
The image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1 has, for example, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 3 includes a controller 21, an operation panel 22, an external I / F 23, a communication I / F 24, a printer 25, and a scanner 26.

Further, the controller 21 has a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a ROM 213, an NVRAM 214, and an HDD 215. The ROM 213 stores various programs and data. The RAM 212 temporarily holds programs and data. NVRAM 214 stores, for example, setting information and the like. In addition, various programs and data are stored in the HDD 215.

The CPU 211 realizes control and functions of the entire image forming apparatus 20 by reading a program, data, setting information, etc. from the ROM 213, NVRAM 214, HDD 215, etc. onto the RAM 212 and executing processing.

The operation panel 22 includes an input unit for receiving input from the user and a display unit for displaying. The external I / F 23 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 23a and the like. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can read and / or write to the recording medium 23a via the external I / F 23. The recording medium 23a includes an IC card, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

The communication I / F 24 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 20 to the network N2. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 24.

The printer 25 is a printing device for printing print data on an object to be transported. For example, the object to be transported is not limited to paper such as paper, coated paper, cardboard, OHP, plastic film, prepreg, and copper foil. The scanner 26 is a scanning device for reading image data (electronic data) from a document and generating an image file (electronic file).

The image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment can realize various processes as described later by having the above-mentioned hardware configuration.

<Software configuration>
The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment can be realized by, for example, a processing block as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a processing block diagram of an example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 20 is equipped with a browser 51. The user of the image forming apparatus 20 can use the service provided by the service providing system 10 via the browser 51. As described above, the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment may be equipped with the browser 51. The browser 51 can display, for example, the Web content acquired from the service providing system 10.

The service providing system 10 includes a document service unit 101, a file service unit 102, an input / output service processing unit 103, an authentication management unit 104, a device service unit 105, a print data file storage unit 106, and a device application information storage unit 107. The print data file storage unit 106 and the device application information storage unit 107 may be realized by a storage device or the like connected to the service providing system 10 via a network.

The document service unit 101 is a group of programs (modules) for realizing the service provided by the service providing system 10. The document service unit 101 includes, for example, a print conversion unit 111 that converts a document in each format into a data format that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 20. In addition to the print conversion unit 111, the document service unit 101 includes a program that executes various processes such as a program for compressing or decompressing an electronic file and a program for executing OCR processing on the electronic file. You may. The file service unit 102 has a data management unit 112. The data management unit 112 manages access to files used from the outside.

The input / output service processing unit 103 includes a flow control unit 113 and a component group 114. The flow control unit 113 realizes a document workflow by connecting and executing a plurality of components having input, output, and conversion functions related to the document. Here, a component is a module or the like for executing various processes, and is defined by, for example, a class or a function. The flow control unit 113 provides an API that can specify the connection of components and parameters to the external application 31 described later.

The component group 114 is a set of components. The component group 114 includes a print conversion component 121, an authentication component 122, a file input component 123, and a print instruction component 124.

The print conversion component 121 converts an electronic file into print data in a printable format by using the print conversion unit 111 of the document service unit 101. The authentication component 122 authenticates the service. In addition to the authentication of the service providing system 10, the authentication component 122 also performs proxy authentication of the external service when using the external service.

The file input component 123 receives a file input directly from the external application 31 described later. The file input component 123 may be a component that specifies a file on an external file storage service and inputs the file. The print instruction component 124 inputs a print instruction described in a predetermined format including the location of the file to be printed to the instruction distribution unit 115 described later.

The authentication management unit 104 manages the authentication of the user account. In addition, the authentication management unit 104 issues and verifies a temporary code for executing printing without logging in as a user. The device service unit 105 has an instruction distribution unit 115 and an application distribution unit 116.

The command distribution unit 115 queues the print command input from the print command component 124, and transmits the print command to the image forming device 20 in response to a request from the image forming device 20.

The application distribution unit 116 distributes the Web content of the device application information 132 displayed and executed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the application distribution unit 116 returns a screen based on the screen definition included in the device application information 132 in response to a request from the browser 51. As a result, the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 displays a screen for using the service provided by the service providing system 10.

The print data file storage unit 106 stores the print data file 131. The device application information storage unit 107 stores the device application information 132. The device application information 132 describes a definition of a screen layout described in HTML, CSS, or the like, and a processing content indicating an example process for realizing a service. The processing content of the device application information 132 includes a print job processing unit. The print job processing unit issues a print command and executes a print job.

The terminal device 30 is equipped with an external application 31. The external application 31 uses the API of the input / output service processing unit 103 to request the service providing system 10 to print a document.

<Details of processing>
Next, the details of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

《Print command input》
In order to perform printing in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, first, a workflow including a print command is executed from an external application 31 of the terminal device 30 to input a print command to the service providing system 10. After that, in the information processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires a print command from the service providing system 10 and executes printing.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of an example of the print instruction input process. In step S11, the external application 31 submits the job execution request shown in FIG. 6 to the service providing system 10. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an example of a job execution request submitted to the service providing system.

The job execution request of FIG. 6 is transmitted in the format of multipart / formdata in order to simultaneously send the flow setting, the parameters, and the file to be printed. In the job execution request of FIG. 6, the JSON format flow setting and parameters are described in the first part, and the file data is described in the second part. If the job execution request does not include a file, the flow settings and parameters may be sent in the format of application / json.

The flow setting of the job execution request of FIG. 6 is expressed as an array of objects having fields of component, parameters and next. component is the name of the component. The name of the print conversion component 121 is "print_convert" in the job execution request of FIG. The name of the authentication component 122 is "out" in the job execution request of FIG.

The name of the file input component 123 is "file_input" in the job execution request of FIG. The name of the print instruction component 124 is "print_comand" in the job execution request of FIG.

parameters are parameter settings for components and differ depending on the component. For example, in FIG. 6, a user name (username) and a password (password) used for user login are set as parameters for the authentication component 122. Further, in FIG. 6, a file name (name) is set as a parameter for the file input component 123. Further, in FIG. 6, the PDL type and the print setting parameters are set as the parameters for the print conversion component 121.

The PDL type (pdl) indicates the type of print data format. Further, the parameters of the print setting include the number of copies (copyes), the color / monochrome setting (color mode), the paper size (papersize), the double-sided setting (2sided), and the aggregation setting (layout).

Further, in FIG. 6, as parameters for the print instruction component 124, a description of the print instruction to be displayed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 and an input date and time (created_at) of the job execution request are set.

next is the name of the component to be processed next. The processing result is passed to the component to be processed next. That is, the parameters specified by the job execution request when executing the process and the process result of the previously processed component are passed to each component.

For example, when the flow based on the job execution request of FIG. 6 is executed, the data flow between each component is as shown in FIG. 7, for example. FIG. 7 is an example data flow diagram between each component.

The flow control unit 113 builds the dependency between the components by referring to the next of the flow setting of the job execution request in FIG. Then, the flow control unit 113 passes the parameter setting of the job execution request and the processing result of the previously processed component, and executes the components one after another.

As shown in FIG. 7, components having no dependency can be executed in parallel. In the example of FIG. 7, the authentication component 122 is executed in parallel with the file input component 123 and the print conversion component 121.

In the case of the job execution request of FIG. 6, the flow control unit 113 executes processing in the order of the authentication component 122, the file input component 123, the print conversion component 121, and the print instruction component 124, for example, as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG.

Returning to FIG. 5, the flow control unit 113 reads out the user name and password used for user login of the parameter setting of the authentication component 122 described in the job execution request of FIG. Then, in step S12, the flow control unit 113 passes the user name and password used for user login to the authentication component 122 to instruct execution.

Proceeding to step S13, the authentication component 122 specifies the user name and password used for user login, and requests the authentication management unit 104 for user authentication. When the authentication is successful, the authentication management unit 104 returns the authentication information to the authentication component 122. The authentication information includes a user name and an authentication token. Then, the authentication information is returned from the authentication component 122 to the flow control unit 113.

The flow control unit 113 reads the file to be printed from the job execution request based on the file name of the parameter setting of the file input component 123 described in the job execution request of FIG. Then, in step S14, the flow control unit 113 passes the file to be printed to the file input component 123 and instructs execution. Then, the process proceeds to step S15, the file input component 123 temporarily saves the received file, and returns the file path to the flow control unit 113.

Subsequently, the flow control unit 113 reads out the PDL type and the print setting of the parameter setting of the print conversion component 121 described in the job execution request of FIG. Proceeding to step S16, the flow control unit 113 passes the PDL type and print setting of the parameter setting of the print conversion component 121 and the file path which is the processing result of the file input component 123 to the print conversion component 121 to instruct execution.

Proceeding to step S17, the print conversion component 121 passes the PDL type and print settings of the parameter settings of the print conversion component 121 and the file path which is the processing result of the file input component 123 to the print conversion unit 111 to instruct the conversion. ..

Proceeding to step S18, the print conversion unit 111 acquires a file temporarily stored by using the file path. Then, the print conversion unit 111 converts the acquired file into print data based on the print settings. Proceeding to step S19, the print conversion unit 111 temporarily saves the converted print data. Then, the process proceeds to step S20, and the print conversion unit 111 returns the print data file path and the PDL type to the flow control unit 113.

Subsequently, the flow control unit 113 reads out the parameter settings of the print instruction component 124 described in the job execution request of FIG. Proceeding to step S21, the flow control unit 113 passes the read parameter setting, the processing result of the authentication component 122, and the processing result of the print conversion component 121 to the print instruction component 124 to instruct execution. The processing result of the authentication component 122 is the authentication information. The processing result of the print conversion component 121 is the file path of the print data and the PDL type.

Proceeding to step S22, the print command component 124 specifies the authentication information passed from the flow control unit 113 and the file path of the print data, and instructs the data management unit 112 to save the print data. The data management unit 112 issues a storage destination URL indicating the storage location of the print data and returns it to the print instruction component 124. As a result, in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the print data can be accessed from the outside of the service providing system 10 with the authority of the user.

Proceeding to step S23, the print instruction component 124 issues a temporary code using the authentication management unit 104. This temporary code is used when printing is executed from the image forming apparatus 20 by inputting the temporary code instead of the user login. The temporary code becomes unusable after a predetermined time has passed, for example.

Proceeding to step S24, the print instruction component 124 specifies a temporary code, authentication information, and print instruction data shown in FIG. 8 and instructs the instruction distribution unit 115 to issue a print instruction. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an example of print instruction data registered in the instruction distribution unit.

The description and created_at are included in the parameter settings of the print instruction component 124. The pdl is included in the processing result of the print conversion component 121. fileur is the save destination URL. Type is information added to indicate that it is a print instruction.

The command distribution unit 115 queues the received print command data, and returns the print command data to the image forming device 20 in response to a request from the image forming device 20. The command distribution unit 115 processes the received print command data as shown in FIG. 9 and stores it. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example of processed print instruction data.

id is an example of identification information for uniquely identifying an instruction. updated_at is the date and time when the state of the print instruction was last changed. The initial value of updated_at is the same as created_at. status is the state of the print instruction. The initial value of status is created. The subsequent state change of the status print command will be described later.

The instruction distribution unit 115 manages the processed print instruction data in association with the authentication information and the temporary code as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print instruction data storage format. As shown in FIG. 10, each print instruction data is uniquely associated with the temporary code. Further, each print instruction data and the user ID are associated with each other on an n-to-1 basis. By the correspondence shown in FIG. 10, the instruction distribution unit 115 can uniquely extract the print instruction data corresponding to the temporary code, and can extract the list of the print instruction data corresponding to the user ID.

The process proceeds to step S25, and the print instruction component 124 returns the temporary code to the flow control unit 113. When the execution of all the components is completed, the flow control unit 113 returns the temporary code which is the execution result of the print instruction component 124 which is the last component to the external application 31 of the terminal device 30. Then, in step S26, the external application 31 presents the temporary code to the user by some means (for example, display).

FIG. 11 is a screen transition diagram of an example of an external application. The user transitions from the top screen 1000 to the document selection screen 1001, and selects a document to be printed from the document selection screen 1001. In addition, the user selects a print setting from the top screen 1000.

When the OK button on the top screen 1000 is pressed by the user, the external application 31 submits the job execution request shown in FIG. 6 to the service providing system 10 by the process of step S11 in FIG.

For example, the document selected from the document selection screen 1001 becomes the file name (name) of the parameter setting of the file input component 123. Further, the print setting selected from the document selection screen 1001 becomes the print setting of the parameter setting of the print conversion component 121. When the temporary code is returned as a response from the service providing system 10, the external application 31 displays the temporary code on the result screen 1002. The result screen 1002 displays a display prompting the user to print the document to be printed by inputting the temporary code into the image forming apparatus 20.

《Print execution》
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating content distribution from the service providing system to the image forming apparatus. The browser 51 mounted on the image forming apparatus 20 holds the URL of the application distribution unit 116 of the service providing system 10 as the default URL. When the browser 51 is started, it makes a download request for the device application information 132 to the application distribution unit 116.

The device application information 132 is configured to include content such as a screen definition described in HTML or CSS and a print job processing unit described in a script language such as Javascript (registered trademark). The downloaded device application information 132 is executed / displayed on the browser 51 on the image forming apparatus 20. Further, the application distribution unit 116 of the service providing system 10 corresponds to the application cache. Therefore, the re-downloading of the device application information 132 downloaded to the image forming apparatus 20 does not occur until the device application information 132 is updated.

The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 downloads and displays / executes the device application information 132 arranged on the service providing system 10. The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment may be configured such that the device application is arranged in the local storage on the image forming apparatus 20 and the device application uses the API of each service.

FIG. 13 is a transition diagram of an example of a UI displayed on the browser of the image forming apparatus. The UI shown in FIG. 13 is displayed based on the screen definition of the device application information 132. The top screen 1501 is provided with a "execute with temporary code" button 1511. When the user presses the "execute with temporary code" button 1511, the browser 51 displays the temporary code screen 1502.

The temporary code screen 1502 is provided with a field for inputting a temporary code. The user inputs the temporary code displayed on the result screen 1002 of FIG. 11 on the temporary code screen 1502 and presses the OK button. If the temporary code is correct, the image forming apparatus 20 displays the printing screen 1503 and executes printing according to the procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of an example of printing execution by inputting a temporary code. In step S31, the user inputs the temporary code on the temporary code screen 1502 displayed on the browser 51 and presses the OK button.

Proceeding to step S32, the browser 51 requests the print job processing unit 52 executed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 to execute the job by the temporary code. Proceeding to step S33, the print job processing unit 52 specifies a temporary code and requests the instruction distribution unit 115 of the service providing system 10 to acquire an instruction.

Proceeding to step S34, the instruction distribution unit 115 requests the authentication management unit 104 to verify whether or not the temporary code is valid. Here, it is assumed that the temporary code is valid. If the temporary code is valid, the instruction distribution unit 115 returns the print command data of FIG. 9 stored corresponding to the temporary code to the print job processing unit 52 in step S35.

Since the print job processing unit 52 starts the print job, it is necessary to change the status of the print instruction data to processing as shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an example of print instruction data whose state is changed during processing. In the print instruction data shown in FIG. 15, status is changed to processing, and updated_at is changed to the time at that time.

Proceeding to step S36, the print job processing unit 52 requests the instruction distribution unit 115 to change the instruction state during processing in order to change the state of the print instruction data during processing as shown in FIG. In step S37, the instruction distribution unit 115 that has received the request for changing the instruction state during processing requests the data management unit 112 to issue an access token by designating the URL for storing the print data.

The access token is temporarily available and is required to access the print data of the save destination URL. The access token is valid for the print data of the save destination URL, and becomes invalid after a certain period of time. The data management unit 112 returns the issued access token to the instruction distribution unit 115.

Proceeding to step S38, the instruction distribution unit 115 returns the print instruction data as shown in FIG. 16 including the access token to the print instruction data as shown in FIG. 15 whose state was changed during processing to the print job processing unit 52. .. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an example of print instruction data including an access token. An access token (accessToken) is added to the field in the print instruction data of FIG.

Proceeding to step S39, the print job processing unit 52 specifies a URL for saving the print data and an access token, and requests the data management unit 112 to acquire the file. If the access token is valid, the data management unit 112 returns the print data of the save destination URL to the print job processing unit 52.

Proceeding to step S40, the print job processing unit 52 inputs the print data to the controller 21 and executes printing. Proceeding to step S41, the print job processing unit 52 requests the instruction distribution unit 115 to change the instruction state to complete in order to change the state of the print instruction data as shown in FIG. The instruction distribution unit 115 determines that the processing of the print instruction data has been completed in response to the request for changing the instruction state to complete.

The instruction distribution unit 115, which has received the request for changing the instruction status to complete, changes the status of the print instruction data shown in FIG. 16 to completed as shown in FIG. 17, and changes updated_at to the time at that time. To do. The instruction distribution unit 115 returns the print instruction data as shown in FIG. 17 whose state has been changed to completion to the print job processing unit 52.

FIG. 18 is a state transition diagram of print instruction data. The state of the print instruction data immediately after being input to the instruction distribution unit 115 is created as shown in FIG. After that, the state of the print instruction data is changed to processing as shown in FIG. 15 when the job execution is started.

If the job is completed normally, the state of the print instruction data is changed to completed as in the print instruction data shown in FIG. When an interruption occurs in the image forming apparatus 20 during job execution due to an error that cannot be continued, or when a cancellation occurs by the user, the print job processing unit 52 changes the state of the print command data to "cancelled". The print instruction data whose state is suspended can be transferred to processing again.

In addition, the print instruction data whose state has been generated or is suspended can be deleted. For example, deletion of print instruction data whose state has been generated or is interrupted can be executed by providing a delete button in the list of the instruction selection screen 1601 as shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is an image diagram of an example of an instruction selection screen in which print instruction data can be deleted.

The print instruction data that the print job processing unit 52 can acquire from the instruction distribution unit 115 is the print instruction data whose state has been generated or is interrupted, so that the print instruction data that is already being processed can be the other image forming apparatus 20. Can be prevented from being processed at the same time. Further, the print instruction data that the print job processing unit 52 can acquire from the instruction distribution unit 115 is the print instruction data whose state has been generated or is suspended, so that the print instruction data whose state has been completed or deleted is processed again. Can be prevented. The state of the print instruction data can also be used to manage the usage log on the service providing system 10.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 fetches the print instruction data from the service providing system 10 by the temporary code. In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 retrieves print instruction data from the service providing system 10 by logging in. Since the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a part, the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 20 is a transition diagram of another example of the UI displayed on the browser of the image forming apparatus. The UI shown in FIG. 20 is also displayed based on the screen definition of the device application information 132. The top screen 1501 is provided with a "execute with temporary code" button 1511 and a "login and execute" button 1512. When the "execute with temporary code" button 1511 is pressed by the user, the process described in the first embodiment is performed.

Further, when the user presses the "login and execute" button 1512, the browser 51 displays the user authentication screen 1504. The user authentication screen 1504 is provided with a field for inputting a user name and a password. The user inputs the user name and password on the user authentication screen 1504 and presses the login button.

If the authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 20 transitions to the instruction selection screen 1505. On the instruction selection screen 1505, a list of print instruction data stored in the service providing system 10 in association with the user ID of the user who succeeded in authentication is displayed. In the list of print command data displayed on the command selection screen 1505, a description of the print command set in the description of the print command data is displayed for specifying the print command data.

The user selects the print command data to be executed from the list of the command selection screen 1505 and presses the OK button. The image forming apparatus 20 displays the printing screen 1503, and prints by the procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram of an example of printing execution by user authentication. In step S51, the user inputs the user name and password on the user authentication screen 1504 of FIG. 20 displayed on the browser 51, and presses the OK button.

Proceeding to step S52, the browser 51 requests the print job processing unit 52 executed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 to execute a job by logging in. Proceeding to step S53, the print job processing unit 52 requests user authentication from the authentication management unit 104 of the service providing system 10. When the authentication management unit 104 succeeds in user authentication, the authentication management unit 104 returns the authentication information to the print job processing unit 52.

Proceeding to step S54, the print job processing unit 52 specifies the authentication information and requests the instruction distribution unit 115 of the service providing system 10 to acquire the instruction list. Proceeding to step S55, the instruction distribution unit 115 requests the authentication management unit 104 to verify the authentication information. Here, it is assumed that the verification result of the authentication information is OK.

If the authentication information is OK, the command distribution unit 115 proceeds to step S56 and acquires a list of print command data stored in the service providing system 10 associated with the user ID of the user who succeeded in the authentication. In step S57, the instruction distribution unit 115 returns the list of acquired print instruction data to the print job processing unit 52.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of an example of a list of print instruction data returned from the instruction distribution unit to the print job processing unit. In the list of print instruction data of FIG. 22, the print instruction data input by the user from the terminal device 30 is sorted in the order of the newest time stamp. The list of print instruction data includes print instruction data whose state has been generated or is suspended.

Proceeding to step S58, the print job processing unit 52 displays a list of print command data on the browser 51 as shown in the command selection screen 1505 of FIG. 20, and causes the user to select print command data from the print command data list.

In step S59, the user selects the print instruction data to be executed from the list of the instruction selection screen 1505 and presses the OK button. Proceeding to step S60, the browser 51 specifies the id (instruction ID) of the selected print instruction data, and requests the print job processing unit 52 to execute the instruction. In order to start the print job, the print job processing unit 52 needs to change the state of the print instruction data (status) to processing (processing).

Proceeding to step S61, the print job processing unit 52 requests the instruction distribution unit 115 to change the instruction state by designating the authentication information and changing the state of the print instruction data during processing. When the authentication information is specified, the command distribution unit 115 does not issue an access token because it can be accessed by the authentication information. Therefore, the print instruction data returned from the instruction distribution unit 115 to the print job processing unit 52 has the same format as in FIG.

Proceeding to step S62, the print job processing unit 52 specifies a URL for saving the print data and the authentication information, and requests the data management unit 112 to acquire the file. Then, if the authentication information is valid, the data management unit 112 returns the print data of the save destination URL to the print job processing unit 52.

Proceeding to step S63, the print job processing unit 52 inputs the print data to the controller 21 and executes printing. Proceeding to step S64, the print job processing unit 52 requests the instruction distribution unit 115 to change the instruction state to complete in order to change the state of the print instruction data to complete. The instruction distribution unit 115 determines that the processing of the print instruction data has been completed in response to the request for changing the instruction state to complete.

The instruction distribution unit 115 that has received the request for changing the instruction state to complete changes the status of the print instruction data to completed, and changes updated_at to the time at that time. The instruction distribution unit 115 returns the print instruction data whose state has been changed to completion to the print job processing unit 52.

<Summary>
As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the print command component 124 that issues a print command to the image forming apparatus 20 is provided to the service providing system 10 that can configure the document workflow by linking the components. I'm adding.

The print instruction data input through the API of the service providing system 10 is stored in the service providing system 10. The image forming apparatus 20 acquires print instruction data from the service providing system 10 and prints the print data to be output according to the print instruction data.

Therefore, in the information processing system 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the service providing system 10 that can realize the service that can be output to the image forming apparatus 20 without developing the image forming apparatus 20 side. Can provide a platform.

According to the information processing system 1 according to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to provide a service providing system 10 that supports the development of a service that performs processing in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 20.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the cloud print flow is performed using the service providing system API301 prepared in the service providing system 10. Since the third embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments except for a part, the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

<Software configuration>
The information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment can be realized by, for example, the processing block shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a processing block diagram of an example of the information processing system according to the third embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 20 is equipped with a browser 51. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 is provided with the device SDK API331. The browser 51 can use the scan execution unit 332, the print execution unit 333, the event detection unit 334, and the device information storage unit 335 via the device SDK API 331. Further, the browser 51 can acquire and display Web contents from the service providing system 10.

The service providing system 10 is a system environment for providing services such as cloud services via the network N1. The service providing system 10 includes a file service unit 102, an input / output service processing unit 103, an authentication management unit 104, a device service unit 105, a print data file storage unit 106, a device application information storage unit 107, and a service providing system API 301.

The service providing system API 301 has a job API 302 and an authentication API 303. The external application 31 of the terminal device 30 can use the input / output service processing unit 103 via the job API 302. Further, the external application 31 can use the authentication management unit 104 via the authentication API 303.

The input / output service processing unit 103 of FIG. 23 has a file conversion unit 311 and a command processing unit 312. The file conversion unit 311 performs processing related to file conversion. The command processing unit 312 performs processing related to the command. The device service unit 105 has an instruction distribution unit 115, an application distribution unit 116, and a usage history unit 321. The usage history unit 321 performs processing related to registration and acquisition of usage history information. The device application information storage unit 107 stores the device application information 132. The device application information 132 describes a definition of a screen layout described in HTML, CSS, or the like, and a processing content indicating an example process for realizing a service. The processing content of the device application information 132 includes a job processing unit, a device information transmission unit, and a device information management unit.

<Details of processing>
Next, the details of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

《Print job registration》
FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram of an example of the print job registration process. In step S101, the user specifies the user ID and password on the external application 31 of the terminal device 30 and requests sign-in.

Proceeding to step S102, the external application 31 specifies a user ID and a password in the authentication API 303 of the service providing system API 301 prepared in the service providing system 10 and requests sign-in. The authentication API 303 requests authentication from the authentication management unit 104. If the authentication is successful, the authentication management unit 104 issues an authentication token and returns it to the external application 31 via the authentication API 303.

In step S104, the user requests the registration of the print job on the external application 31. Proceeding to step S105, the external application 31 requests the job API 302 of the service providing system API 301 prepared in the service providing system 10 to register the file by the file registration request of FIG. FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a file registration request and a file registration response.

In step S106, the job API 302 passes the file to be printed to the data management unit 112 and instructs the data management unit 112 to save the file. The data management unit 112 issues a save destination URL indicating the save location of the file to be printed and returns it to the job API 302. Further, in step S107, the job API 302 requests the authentication management unit 104 to verify the authentication token. The authentication management unit 104 verifies the authentication token requested to be verified, and returns a temporary code to the job API 302 if the verification result is correct.

Proceeding to step S108, the external application 31 requests the job API 302 of the service providing system API 301 prepared in the service providing system 10 to register the command by the command registration request of FIG. FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a command registration request and a command registration response.

In step S109, the job API 302 specifies a temporary code and requests command registration to the command processing unit 312 of the input / output service processing unit 103. The processing procedure of the command processing unit 312 will be described later.

Proceeding to step S110, the command processing unit 312 makes a file processing request with or without conversion to the data management unit 112. In the case of a file processing request with conversion, the data management unit 112 causes the file conversion unit 311 to perform file conversion. When the file conversion process is required, the file conversion unit 311 performs the process asynchronously in order to speed up the response for returning the temporary code.

In step S112, the command processing unit 312 specifies a temporary code and requests the command distribution unit 115 to register the command. The instruction distribution unit 115 stores the command in association with the temporary code. Proceeding to step S113, the command distribution unit 115 requests the usage history unit 321 to register the history of job registration completion. The usage history unit 321 registers the usage history information of the job registration completion.

Further, in step S114, the command processing unit 312 returns a command registration response as shown in FIG. 26 including a temporary code saved in association with the command from the job API 302 to the external application 31. The external application 31 displays a temporary code when a command registration response as shown in FIG. 26 is returned.

Therefore, the user operating the terminal device 30 can know the temporary code associated with the registered print job. Although the sequence diagram of FIG. 24 shows an example in which the user operates the external application 31, it may be a PC (including a driver), an e-mail, or another system.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of an example of the processing procedure of the command processing unit. The command processing unit 312 that has received the command registration request performs processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. Proceeding to step S201, the command processing unit 312 determines whether or not the file registration request "Conent-Type" is supported.

If it is not supported, the command processing unit 312 proceeds to step S205 and returns an error response to job API 302. If it is a support target, the command processing unit 312 proceeds to step S202 and determines whether or not the "Conent-Type" of the file registration request is PDL.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of JPEG and an example of PDL in which "Conent-Type" of the file registration request shows an example of JPEG. If it is a PDL, the command processing unit 312 proceeds to step S203 and makes a file processing request without conversion to the data management unit 112. If it is not PDL, the command processing unit 312 proceeds to step S204 and makes a file processing request with conversion to the data management unit 112.

《Print job execution》
FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram of an example of the print job execution process. In step S121, the user inputs a temporary code into the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 and instructs the execution of the print job by the temporary code.

Proceeding to step S122, the browser 51 requests the job processing unit 341 executed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 to execute the job by the temporary code. In step S123, the job processing unit 341 specifies a temporary code and requests the instruction distribution unit 115 to acquire an instruction. Proceeding to step S124, the instruction distribution unit 115 requests the authentication management unit 104 to verify the temporary code. If the temporary code requested for verification is correct, the authentication management unit 104 returns the permission to the instruction distribution unit 115.

The instruction distribution unit 115 that has returned the permission returns the command associated with the temporary code to the job processing unit 341. Proceeding to step S125, the job processing unit 341 specifies that processing is in progress to the instruction distribution unit 115 and requests the instruction state change. In step S126, the instruction distribution unit 115 that has received the request for changing the instruction state during processing requests the data management unit 112 to issue an access token by designating the URL for storing the print data. The data management unit 112 returns the issued access token to the instruction distribution unit 115. Proceeding to step S127, the command distribution unit 115 requests the usage history unit 321 to register the history during processing. The usage history unit 321 changes the usage history information during processing from the completion of job registration.

Proceeding to step S128, the job processing unit 341 specifies a print data storage destination and an access token, and requests the data management unit 112 to acquire the file. If the access token is valid, the data management unit 112 returns the print data file of the save destination to the job processing unit 341.

Proceeding to step S129, the job processing unit 341 prints the print data file using the device SDK API 331. Proceeding to step S130, the job processing unit 341 specifies the job completion to the instruction distribution unit 115 and requests the instruction status change. Proceeding to step S131, the command distribution unit 115 requests the usage history unit 321 to register the history of job completion. Then, the usage history unit 321 changes the usage history information from the process being processed to the job completion.

<< Get command status >>
FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram of an example of the command state acquisition process. In step S151, the external application 31 requests the authentication API 303 of the service providing system API 301 prepared in the service providing system 10 for authentication. Proceeding to step S152, the authentication API 303 requests the authentication management unit 104 for authentication. If the authentication is successful, the authentication management unit 104 issues an authentication token and returns it to the external application 31 via the authentication API 303.

Proceeding to step S153, the external application 31 requests the job API 302 to acquire the command state by, for example, a command state acquisition request as shown in FIG. 29 (A). FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a command state acquisition request and a command state acquisition response.

Proceeding to step S154, the job API 302 specifies the command ID and acquires the command status from the usage history unit 321. Further, the process proceeds to step S155, and the job API 302 requests the authentication management unit 104 to verify the authentication token. The authentication management unit 104 verifies the authentication token requested to be verified, and returns the verification result to the job API 302. If the verification result of the authentication token is correct, the job API 302 returns the command status acquired from the usage history unit 321 to the external application 31 by the command status acquisition response as shown in FIG. 29 (B).

As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment prepares the service providing system API 301 for operating the image forming apparatus 20 in the service providing system 10. The service providing system 10 can cooperate with an external storage system and have contents to be displayed on the operation panel 22 of the image forming apparatus 20.

Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to improve the flexibility of cooperation with the external storage system and the development efficiency of the external application 31 using the image forming apparatus 20. The service providing system API 301 is provided with APIs such as job command registration, status acquisition, print target file upload, and print target file download.

Since this is not the development of an application mounted on the image forming apparatus 20, the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment is an external application that uses the image forming apparatus 20 without knowing the internal specifications and behavior of the image forming apparatus 20. 31 can be developed. Further, by simplifying the service providing system API301 to the extent that it can be operated by HTML + Javascript, the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment facilitates the development of a Web application for operating the image forming apparatus 20. Further, in the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment, printing by PDL direct input becomes possible.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the image forming apparatus 20 for printing is specified by the image forming apparatus 20 for inputting a temporary code or logging in by the user. In the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 for printing is specified by the keyword set in the file information (for example, the file name) of the file to be printed. The fourth embodiment is the same as the first to third embodiments except for a part, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

<System configuration>
FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an example of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 32 is obtained by replacing one image forming device 20 of the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 with two image forming devices 20A and 20B. When any of the image forming apparatus 20A and 20B may be used, it is simply referred to as the image forming apparatus 20. Further, an external storage system may be connected to the information processing system 1 of FIG. 32.

<Software configuration>
The information processing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment can be realized by, for example, the processing block shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a processing block diagram of an example of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment.

The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 33 has a configuration in which an information storage unit 411 and a status check unit 421 are added to the information processing system 1 of FIG. The association information storage unit 411 stores the association information. The linking information is information for linking the keyword and the image forming apparatus 20. The details of the linking information will be described later. Further, the status check unit 421 makes a status check request inquiring the image forming apparatus 20 whether the image is ready for printing.

<Details of processing>
Next, the details of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

<< Registration and execution of print jobs >>
FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram of an example of print job registration and execution processing. In step S301, the user specifies a file to be printed on the external application 31 of the terminal device 30 and requests registration of a print job. The user sets a keyword associated with the image forming apparatus 20 to be printed as the file name of the file to be printed.

FIG. 35 is a configuration diagram of an example of a registered print job. The print job of FIG. 35 has file information, print settings, and print data. File information is information as a file such as a file name. The print setting is information on the print setting required for printing. The print data is the data actually used for printing.

In step S302, the external application 31 checks whether a specific keyword is included in the file name of the file to be printed of the print job requested to be registered in step S301 (keyword check). The external application 31 uses, for example, the keyword table shown in FIG. 36 for keyword checking. FIG. 36 is a configuration diagram of an example of a keyword table.

If the file name of the file to be printed contains a specific keyword, the external application 31 proceeds to step S303, specifies the keyword, and requests the service providing system 10 to acquire information of the image forming apparatus 20. Do. The information acquisition request of the image forming apparatus 20 for which the keyword is specified is performed by using, for example, the job API 302 of the service providing system API 301 prepared in the service providing system 10.

Proceeding to step S304, the job API 302 passes the keyword specified in the information acquisition request of the image forming apparatus 20 to the input / output service processing unit 103, and the information of the image forming apparatus 20 associated with the keyword (for example, the image forming apparatus ID). Etc.). For example, the command processing unit 312 of the input / output service processing unit 103 acquires the information of the image forming apparatus 20 associated with the keyword by checking the association information of FIG. 37.

FIG. 37 is a configuration diagram of an example of associative information. In the linking information of FIG. 37, the information of the image forming apparatus 20, the keyword, the position information of the image forming apparatus 20, and the information of the alternative device are linked. The information of the alternative device is the information of the image forming apparatus 20 which is a candidate for printing instead when the image forming apparatus 20 associated with the keyword cannot be printed.

For example, in the example of FIG. 37, when the image forming apparatus 20 of "Abcdefg1002" cannot print, the image forming apparatus 20 of "Abcdefg1001" is a candidate for printing instead. Further, in the example of FIG. 37, when the image forming apparatus 20 of "Abcdefg1001" cannot print, the image forming apparatus 20 of "Abcdefg1000" is a candidate for printing instead.

In the example of FIG. 37, the alternative device of the image forming apparatus 20 of "Abcdefg1000" is not set. In the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 20 for which no alternative device is set, such as the image forming apparatus 20 of the "Abcdefg 1000", cannot print, the printing is changed to the above-mentioned temporary code.

Further, the position information included in the association information of FIG. 37 is used to present to the user another image forming device 20 near the image forming device 20 as a candidate for an alternative device at the time of registering the image forming device 20. It will be used.

Proceeding to step S305, the service providing system 10 returns the information of the image forming apparatus 20 associated with the keyword to the external application 31 of the terminal apparatus 30. Following step S305, the process proceeds to step S306, and the external application 31 gives the information of the image forming apparatus 20 returned in step S305 to the print job as the information of the candidate image forming apparatus 20 for printing. Proceeding to step S307, the external application 31 requests the service providing system 10 to execute a print job.

Proceeding to step S308, the status check unit 421 of the service providing system 10 makes a status check request to the candidate image forming apparatus 20 for printing. Upon receiving the status check request, the image forming apparatus 20 performs a status check for checking whether or not the image is ready for printing, and responds with the result. Here, it is assumed that a response indicating that printing is possible has been received. Since it has been confirmed that the service providing system 10 is ready for printing, the process proceeds to step S309, and the image forming apparatus 20 as a candidate for printing is requested to execute the print job. Proceeding to step S310, the image forming apparatus 20 executes printing of a print data file based on the requested print job.

In step S302 of FIG. 34, if the file name of the file to be printed does not include a specific keyword as a result of the keyword check, the external application 31 changes to printing with the temporary code described above.

The output destination determination process shown in steps S308 to S309 of FIG. 34 is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 38. FIG. 38 is a flowchart of an example of the output destination determination process. In step S401, the service providing system 10 makes a status check request to the candidate image forming apparatus 20 for printing. Then, in step S402, the service providing system 10 waits for a response as a result of the status check.

When there is a response as a result of the status check, the service providing system 10 proceeds to step S403, and determines whether or not the candidate image forming apparatus 20 for printing is ready to print from the response of the result of the status check. If the candidate image forming apparatus 20 is in a printable state, the service providing system 10 proceeds to step S404 and requests the candidate image forming apparatus 20 to print to execute a print job. If the candidate image forming apparatus 20 is not in a printable state, the service providing system 10 proceeds to step S405, performs an output destination change process described later, and then returns to step S401 to continue the process.

According to the output destination determination process of FIG. 38, the service providing system 10 can request the image forming apparatus for printing, which is in a printable state, to execute a print job.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of an example of the output destination change process. The service providing system 10 refers to the associative information of FIG. 37 in step S411, and determines whether or not an alternative device is set. If the alternative device is set, the service providing system 10 proceeds to step S412, changes the alternative device to the output destination (candidate image forming apparatus 20 for printing), and returns to the output destination determination process of FIG. 38. If no alternative device is set, the service providing system 10 proceeds to step S413 and shifts to printing using the temporary code described above.

FIG. 40 is a sequence diagram of another example of the registration and execution process of the print job. FIG. 40 shows the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 34 when a response indicating that the printer is not ready for printing is received.

The processing of steps S321 to S327 is the same as the processing of steps S301 to S307 shown in FIG. 34. Proceeding to step S328, the service providing system 10 makes a status check request to the candidate image forming apparatus 20A for printing. Upon receiving the status check request, the image forming apparatus 20A performs a status check and responds with the result. Here, it is assumed that a response indicating that the printer is not ready for printing has been received.

Since it is confirmed that the service providing system 10 is not in a printable state, the output destination change process shown in FIG. 39 is performed, and the image forming apparatus 20B set as an alternative device of the image forming apparatus 20A is changed to the output destination. Proceeding to step S329, the service providing system 10 requests the external application 31 of the terminal device 30 to change the output destination to the image forming device 20B. The external application 31 confirms the change of the output destination with the user if necessary.

Proceeding to step S330, the external application 31 gives the information of the image forming apparatus 20B, which is the changed output destination, to the print job as a candidate for printing. Proceeding to step S330, the external application 31 requests the service providing system 10 to execute a print job. Proceeding to step S331, the service providing system 10 makes a status check request to the candidate image forming apparatus 20B for printing. Upon receiving the status check request, the image forming apparatus 20B performs a status check for checking whether or not the image is ready for printing, and responds with the result. Here, it is assumed that a response indicating that printing is possible has been received.

The service providing system 10 proceeds to step S332 and requests the image forming apparatus 20B, which is a candidate for printing, to execute a print job. Proceeding to step S333, the image forming apparatus 20B executes printing of the print data file based on the requested print job.

As described above, according to the information processing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the user provides the service by adding a specific keyword associated with the image forming apparatus 20 to the file information of the file to be printed. The image forming apparatus 20 to be printed by the system 10 can be specified.

Further, according to the information processing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether or not the image forming apparatus 20 specified by a specific keyword can be printed. If the information processing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is not in a printable state, it can be changed to an alternative device or printed by the temporary code described above.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment disclosed specifically, and various modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of claims. The component group 114 is an example of a plurality of processing means.

The flow control unit 113 is an example of the flow control means. The command distribution unit 115 is an example of a print command distribution means. The print instruction component 124 is an example of the print instruction means. The authentication management unit 104 is an example of the authentication management means. The print conversion component 121 is an example of the print conversion means. The data management unit 112 is an example of data management means.

1 Information processing system 10 Service providing system 20, 20A, 20B Image forming device 30 Terminal device 31 External application 51 Browser 52 Print job processing department 101 Document service department 102 File service department 103 Input / output service processing department 104 Authentication management department 105 Device service Unit 106 Print data file storage unit 107 Device application information storage unit 111 Print conversion unit 112 Data management unit 113 Flow control unit 114 Component group 115 Command distribution unit 116 App distribution unit 121 Print conversion component 122 Authentication component 123 File input component 124 Print command Component 131 Print data file 132 Device application information 301 Service provision system API
302 Job API
303 Authentication API
311 File conversion unit 312 Command processing unit 321 Usage history unit 411 Linked information storage unit 421 Status check unit N1, N2 Network

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-242848

Claims (10)

It is a service providing system that provides a service that performs a series of processing for printing in cooperation with an image forming apparatus.
A plurality of processing means for performing a series of processing for printing performed in the image forming apparatus, and
A printing execution request to be performed by the image forming apparatus is received from the terminal device, and based on the flow setting and parameter setting of a series of processing for printing, the flow setting is applied to the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting. A flow control means for issuing print commands provided to the image forming apparatus in a specified order, and
Printing that delivers the print command of print data in which a series of processes are executed by the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting based on the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Command delivery means and
Have,
The plurality of processing means include a print command means that issues the print command and stores the issued print command in the print command distribution means .
The print instruction holds information indicating that the print instruction has been generated, suspended, completed, or deleted as the state of the print instruction.
The print command distribution means updates the state of the print command based on the command state change request from the image forming apparatus, and receives the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus, the state of the print command. service providing system characterized that you distributed to the image forming apparatus but by selecting an already generated or suspended the print command. It further has an authentication management means that issues unique code information in response to a request from the print instruction means.
The print command means returns the code information issued by the authentication management means to the terminal device that has received the print execution request, and issues the print command to the print command distribution means in association with the code information. Save and
The print command distribution means distributes the print command associated with the code information to the image forming device based on the acquisition request of the print command designating the code information from the image forming device. The service providing system according to claim 1, which is characterized. It further has an authentication management means that authenticates the user who has made the print execution request from the terminal device and issues authentication information indicating the result of the authentication.
The print command means causes the print command distribution means to store the print command in association with the authentication information.
The print command distribution means distributes the print command associated with the authentication information to the image forming device based on a request from the image forming apparatus to acquire a list of the printing instructions designating the authentication information. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the service is provided. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of processing means includes a print conversion means for converting the format of electronic data subject to the print command based on the flow setting and the parameter setting. The service provision system described in paragraph 1. Further, it has a data management means for storing electronic data subject to the print command in association with the code information in response to a request from the print command means.
The data management means obtains the electronic data associated with the code information based on the acquisition request of the electronic data to be the target of the printing command specifying the code information from the image forming apparatus. The service providing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the data is returned to. Further, it has a data management means for storing electronic data subject to the print command in association with the authentication information at the request of the print command means.
The data management means obtains the electronic data associated with the authentication information based on the acquisition request of the electronic data to be the target of the printing command designating the authentication information from the image forming apparatus. The service providing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the data is returned to. An information processing device that provides a service that performs a series of processing for printing in cooperation with an image forming device.
A plurality of processing means for performing a series of processing for printing performed in the image forming apparatus, and
A printing execution request to be performed by the image forming apparatus is received from the terminal device, and based on the flow setting and parameter setting of a series of processing for printing, the flow setting is applied to the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting. A flow control means for issuing print commands provided to the image forming apparatus in a specified order, and
Printing that delivers the print command of print data in which a series of processes are executed by the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting based on the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Command delivery means and
Have,
The plurality of processing means include a print command means that issues the print command and stores the issued print command in the print command distribution means .
The print instruction holds information indicating that the print instruction has been generated, suspended, completed, or deleted as the state of the print instruction.
The print command distribution means updates the state of the print command based on the command state change request from the image forming apparatus, and receives the request for acquiring the print command from the image forming apparatus, the state of the print command. There generated or the information processing apparatus in a which selects the print command interruption characterized that you distributed to the image forming apparatus. An information processing device that provides a service that performs a series of processing for printing in cooperation with an image forming device.
A plurality of processing means for performing a series of processing for printing performed in the image forming apparatus,
A printing execution request to be performed by the image forming apparatus is received from the terminal device, and based on the flow setting and parameter setting of a series of processing for printing, the flow setting is applied to the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting. A flow control means for issuing print commands provided to the image forming apparatus in a specified order.
Printing that delivers the print command of print data in which a series of processes are executed by the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting based on the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Command delivery method,
To function as
The plurality of processing means include a print command means that issues the print command and stores the issued print command in the print command distribution means .
The print instruction holds information indicating that the print instruction has been generated, suspended, completed, or deleted as the state of the print instruction.
The print command distribution means updates the state of the print command based on the command state change request from the image forming apparatus, and receives the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus, the state of the print command. program characterized that you distributed to the image forming apparatus but by selecting an already generated or suspended the print command. An information processing system including an image forming apparatus and a service providing system that provides a service for performing a series of processing for printing in cooperation with the image forming apparatus.
A plurality of processing means for performing a series of processing for printing performed in the image forming apparatus, and
A printing execution request to be performed by the image forming apparatus is received from the terminal device, and based on the flow setting and parameter setting of a series of processing for printing, the flow setting is applied to the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting. A flow control means for issuing print commands provided to the image forming apparatus in a specified order, and
Printing that delivers the print command of print data in which a series of processes are executed by the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting based on the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Command delivery means and
Have,
The plurality of processing means include a print command means that issues the print command and stores the issued print command in the print command distribution means .
The print instruction holds information indicating that the print instruction has been generated, suspended, completed, or deleted as the state of the print instruction.
The print command distribution means updates the state of the print command based on the command state change request from the image forming apparatus, and receives the request for acquiring the print command from the image forming apparatus, the state of the print command. the information processing system characterized that you distributed to the image forming apparatus but by selecting an already generated or suspended the print command. It is a cooperative processing method executed in a service providing system that provides a service that performs a series of processing for printing in cooperation with an image forming apparatus.
For printing performed by the image forming apparatus specified by the flow setting based on a flow setting and parameter setting of a series of processes for printing by receiving a printing execution request performed by the image forming apparatus from the terminal device. A flow control step of causing a plurality of processing means for performing a series of processes to issue print commands to be provided to the image forming apparatus in the order specified by the flow setting.
Based on the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus, the print command distribution means forms the image of the print data of the print data in which a series of processes is executed by the plurality of processing means specified by the flow setting. The print instruction delivery step to be delivered to the device and
Have,
The plurality of processing means include a print command means that issues the print command and stores the issued print command in the print command distribution means .
The print instruction holds information indicating that the print instruction has been generated, suspended, completed, or deleted as the state of the print instruction.
The print command distribution means updates the state of the print command based on the command state change request from the image forming apparatus, and receives the acquisition request of the print command from the image forming apparatus, the state of the print command. cooperative processing method characterized that you distributed to the image forming apparatus but by selecting an already generated or suspended the print command.

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