JP7357479B2 - Print server and its control method, printing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print server, a control method thereof, a printing system, and a program.

In recent years, systems have appeared that allow attachment files attached to emails to be printed without going through an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) by linking external services such as the cloud with image forming devices. . Specifically, this is a system that allows printing to be executed by sending an email together with an attached file in advance to a specified email address of an external service such as a cloud, and accessing the service directly from the image forming device. There is.

For example, in the image forming apparatus collaboration service disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, when an email is sent with an attached file added to a predetermined email address of the service, a job code for executing the job is issued. The user can instruct printing of the file by inputting the job code into the operation unit on the image forming apparatus.

Canon Inc. and 1 other company, “uniFLOW online”, [online], September 2018, [searched on July 2, 2020], Internet <URL: https://cweb.canon.jp/pdf- catalog/dm/pdf/uniflow-online.pdf＞

However, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, when multiple emails are sent to the service, a job is registered and a job code is issued corresponding to each email. In order to print multiple jobs, the user must input multiple job codes individually, which is a hassle for the user.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the user's effort to input job codes when printing a plurality of jobs, and also to enable printing of only individual jobs.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the print server includes a receiving unit that receives data to be printed from an external device, a management unit that manages a print job corresponding to the data received by the receiving unit, and a job code corresponding to the print job. an issuing unit for issuing a job code; a notification unit for notifying the external device of a job code issued by the issuing unit; and a notification unit for notifying the external device of a job code issued by the issuing unit; a first transmitting means for transmitting information on the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and when a print instruction is received based on the print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitting means for transmitting a print job specified by a user to the image forming apparatus; the managing means manages print jobs in association with data transmitted from the same transmission source; When the first sending unit receives a job code from the image forming apparatus, the first sending unit sends information on a print job corresponding to the job code and information on another print job associated with the print job.

According to the present invention, when printing a plurality of jobs, it is possible to reduce the user's effort to input job codes, and also to print only individual jobs.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC and a print service according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an MFP and a print service according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an email related to a job code notification according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI displayed on an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job management table according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of job registration processing of the print service according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart of job information transmission processing of the print service according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart of print information transmission processing of the print service according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a job management table according to the second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart of job registration processing of a print service according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a job management table according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of job registration processing of a print service according to a third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

<First embodiment>
[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this system, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 101 and a PC (Personal Computer) 102 are connected via a LAN 110. Devices on LAN 110 can communicate with each other. Further, the LAN 110 is connected to the Internet, and each device within the LAN 110 is connected to the print service 103 via the WAN 120.

The MFP 101 is an image forming apparatus having functions such as a scanner and a printer. The PC 102 is an information processing device that performs settings, printing, etc. for the MFP 101, and generates e-mails (hereinafter simply referred to as "mails") to be sent to the print service 103, and sends e-mails to a mail server (email server). (as shown in the figure).

The print service 103 has a function of receiving an email and controlling execution of printing of a document attached to the email using the MFP 101. Note that in FIG. 1, a description of a mail server (not shown) for mediating transmission and reception of mail is omitted. The print service 103 may be composed of one or more server devices (print servers). Further, the PC 102 may be a mobile terminal equipped with an email sending/receiving function. Further, more devices may be included within the LAN 110.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment. Control unit 210 controls the overall operation of MFP 101 . A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 reads a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 214 and executes various control processes such as read control and transmission control. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 213 is a volatile storage area, and is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 211. The HDD 214 is a nonvolatile storage area, and stores image data, print control programs, and the like.

The operation unit I/F 215 is an interface for connecting the operation unit 219 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 219 includes a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like. The printer I/F 216 is an interface for connecting the printer 220, which is a printing unit, and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed by the printer 220 is transferred from the control unit 210 to the printer 220 via the printer I/F 216, and is printed on a recording medium by the printer 220. The scanner I/F 217 is an interface for connecting the scanner 221, which is a reading unit, and the control unit 210. The scanner 221 reads an image on a document, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I/F 217 . Network I/F 218 is an interface for connecting control unit 210 (MFP 101) to LAN 110. Network I/F 218 transmits and receives various information to and from other devices on LAN 110 or WAN 120.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the PC 102 and print service 103 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the PC 102. The control unit 310 controls the overall operation of the PC 102. The CPU 311 reads control programs stored in the ROM 312 and HDD 314 and executes various control processes. The RAM 313 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 311. The HDD 314 stores various programs and data.

Display unit I/F 315 is an interface for connecting display unit 318 and control unit 310. Keyboard I/F 316 is an interface for connecting keyboard 319 and control unit 310. The CPU 311 recognizes instructions from the user via the keyboard 319, and changes the screen displayed on the display unit 318 in accordance with the recognized instructions. Network I/F 317 is an interface for connecting control unit 310 (PC 102) to LAN 110. Network I/F 317 transmits and receives various information to and from other devices on LAN 110. In this embodiment, an e-mail is sent to the print service 103 via the network I/F 317.

FIG. 3B shows an example of the hardware configuration of the print service 103. A control unit 320 including a CPU 321 controls the overall operation of the print service 103. The CPU 321 reads control programs stored in the ROM 322 and HDD 324 and executes various control processes. The RAM 323 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 321. The HDD 324 stores various programs and data such as email software. Network I/F 325 is an interface for connecting control unit 320 to WAN 120. The network I/F 325 transmits and receives various information to and from other devices connected via the WAN 120.

[Software configuration]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the MFP 101 and print service 103 according to this embodiment. The print service 103 includes a job control unit 401, a print control unit 405, and a request control unit 406. The job control unit 401 is a module that controls a series of processes related to print jobs. The job control unit 401 further includes a mail control unit 402, a job management unit 403, and a job management table 404, and performs tasks such as issuing job codes for printing jobs, receiving print jobs, and managing jobs.

The mail control unit 402 has a function of receiving mail sent from another terminal and a function of notifying the user of the job code. In this embodiment, the job code is notified to the user by email, and the email control unit 402 realizes the notification. A job management unit 403 manages documents to be printed specified by a job. The job management unit 403 stores jobs in the HDD 324 and registers, updates, deletes, etc. information in a job management table 404 that manages job information. The job management table 404 is a table for managing job information. As job information, information for identifying the job, a job code issued by the job management unit, and the like are managed.

The print control unit 405 controls execution of print processing for a job in response to a print request from the MFP 101. Specifically, the print control unit 413 of the MFP 101 converts the print job managed by the job management unit 403 into information in a printable format. The request control unit 406 processes requests from the MFP 101. The request control unit 406 analyzes the content of a request such as a job information acquisition request or a print request, and provides information to the job control unit 401.

The MFP 101 includes a display control section 411, a print service request processing section 412, and a print control section 413. The display control unit 411 provides various UI screens. Specifically, the display control unit 411 receives a job code input from the user via the operation unit 219. Further, the display control unit 411 presents the job information received from the print service 103 to the user, and receives instructions regarding job operations from the user.

The print service request processing unit 412 transmits the job code input by the user via the display control unit 411 to the print service 103, and receives job information related to the job code. Further, the print service request processing unit 412 receives instructions for printing or deleting a job from the user via the display control unit 411, and sends a request for the processing to the print service 103. After the print service request processing unit 412 transmits a job print request to the print service 103, the print job data is transmitted to the MFP 101. The print control unit 413 receives a print job transmitted from the print service 103 and causes the printer 220 to print the job.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a text example of an email 500 related to job code notification sent to the user by the print service 103 according to the present embodiment. In response to the user attaching a document to be printed to an email and sending it to the print service 103, the print service 103 issues a job code. The issued job code is notified to the user's email address with the content shown in FIG. 5. In the email, the job code is notified along with a message 501 indicating that the job submission reception has been completed, the submission date and time 502, and the document name 503 of the document to be printed. An example is shown in which the job codes include a job code 504 and a common job code 505. The purpose of each job code will be described later. Note that information other than the job code is arbitrary and is not a feature of the present invention. Furthermore, this email may be a reply to the email sent at the time of submission.

FIG. 6 is an example of a UI (User Interface) displayed on the operation unit 219 of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment. A main menu 600 shown in FIG. 6A is a main menu that is displayed when using the functions of the MFP 101. When the user presses an icon 601 provided on the main menu 600, an input screen 610 is displayed. An input screen 610 shown in FIG. 6B shows a configuration example of a job code input screen, and is controlled by the display control unit 411. The input field 611 is a job code input field. Further, when the user presses the OK button 612, the job code input in the input field 611 is transmitted to the print service 103 by the print service request processing unit 412. In response to this transmission process, the print service 103 provides job information, and the MFP 101 acquires the job information.

The print job selection screen 620 shown in FIG. 6C is a selection screen for selecting a print job, and is controlled by the display control unit 411. The job information acquired from the print service 103 is presented to the user by the job list 621 on the print job selection screen 620. Further, when the user selects a job in the job list 621 and then presses the delete button 622 or the print button 623, a request to delete or print the job is sent to the print service 103 via the print service request processing unit 412. Sent.

[Job management table]
FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the job management table 404 according to this embodiment. Job ID 701 is a number for uniquely identifying a job. When the attached file received by the mail control unit 402 is registered as a job in the job management unit 403, the job management unit 403 issues a job ID. Job code A702 is a code issued when a job is registered. When the user inputs a job code, the job control unit 401 refers to the value of the job code A702 and provides the MFP 101 with information about a job whose input job code and the value of the job code A702 match. In the job code B703, in addition to the job indicated by the job code A702, if there are other related jobs, the job code of the related job is registered. When the user inputs a job code, the job control unit 401 refers to the value of the job code B 703 and provides the MFP 101 with information on jobs whose values match the input job code and job code B.

In the document name 704, the name (file name) of the document to be printed (file attached to the email) is registered. In the submission date and time 705, the date and time when the attached file of the email received by the email control unit 402 was registered in the job management unit 403 is registered. In the sender address 706, the sender's e-mail address of the relevant job is registered. As described above, information regarding jobs registered via the mail control unit 402 is managed in the job management table 404.

[Processing flow]
(Job registration process)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of processes from when the print service 103 receives a job via email to registering job information in the job management table 404 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, this processing flow is started when the job control unit 401 of the print service 103 receives an email sent from a user's terminal (for example, the PC 102), which is an external device.

In S801, the email control unit 402 receives an email sent from a user's terminal.

In S802, the email control unit 402 determines whether the received email includes an attached file. The attached file here is assumed to be a document to be printed. If there is an attached file (YES in S802), the process advances to S803, and if there is no attached file (NO in S802), the process advances to S809.

In S803, the email control unit 402 determines whether the attached file has a file format that can be printed by the print service 103. For example, if the print service 103 supports only file printing in PDF (Portable Document Format) format, it is determined that printing is not possible if the attached file is in any other file format. If it is determined that printing is possible (YES in S803), the process advances to S804, and if it is determined that printing is not possible (NO in S803), the process advances to S809. Note that in this embodiment, the objects to be printed are limited to attached files, but if the main text of the email is to be printed, steps S802 and S803 may be skipped. The user may be able to specify whether to print the attached file or the email body when sending the email to the print service 103. The method of specification at this time is not particularly limited, but may be specified by, for example, including a character string indicating the specification in the subject or body of the email.

In S804, the job management unit 403 issues a new job code for printing the target attached file. The specifications (number of digits, characters used, etc.) and issuing method of the job code issued here are not particularly limited.

In S805, the job management unit 403 registers the file name of the attached file, the date and time of receipt of the email, the sender address of the email, and the job code issued in S804 in the job management table 404. At this time, the job code issued in S804 is registered in job code A702 of the job management table 404.

In S806, the job management unit 403 determines whether the sender address (email address) of the job registered in S805 already exists in the job management table 404. If the same source address exists (YES in S806), the process advances to S807, and if the same source address does not exist (NO in S806), the process advances to S808.

In S807, the job management unit 403 registers the job code of the job associated with the same transmission source address in the job code B703 of the job management table 404. To explain using the example shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that a job with job ID "56789" is newly registered in a state where a job with job ID "12345" is registered. At this time, since these sender addresses "xyze@caon.co.jp" match, the value of job code A702 issued for job ID "56789" is the job code of job ID "12345". Registered in B703. Similarly, the value of job code A702 issued for job ID "12345" is registered as job code B703 of job ID "56789". As a result, the value of job code B703 in job management table 404 is updated. Note that if there are multiple jobs associated with the same sender address, multiple job codes may be registered for job code B703.

In S808, the email control unit 402 notifies the user of the job code registered in the job management table 404 by email. In this embodiment, the value of the job code A702 is shown in the job code 504 shown in FIG. 5 as the value of the job code notified by email. Note that in this embodiment, the common job code 505 is not displayed. Then, this processing flow ends.

In S809, the email control unit 402 notifies the user of the error by email. The contents of the error notification here include, for example, the result or cause of failure in job reception, such as an attached file that cannot be printed by the MFP 101 or no attached file attached. Then, this processing flow ends.

(Job information transmission process)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes until the request control unit 406 of the print service 103 transmits job information to the MFP 101 in response to a job information acquisition request from the MFP 101. In this embodiment, when a job code is input to an input screen 610 displayed on the operation unit 219 of the MFP 101 and an OK button 612 is pressed, job information is acquired from the print service request processing unit 412 to the print service 103. Request is sent. The present processing flow starts when the print service 103 receives a job information acquisition request.

In step S901, the request control unit 406 receives a job information acquisition request sent from the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101.

In S902, the request control unit 406 acquires job code information from the job information acquisition request received in S901, and notifies the job control unit 401 of the job code. The job management unit 403 creates (initializes) a job list (not shown) for job information. Furthermore, the job management unit 403 determines whether or not there is a job whose acquired job code matches job code A702 among the jobs registered in the job management table 404. If there is a job whose acquired job code matches job code A702 (YES in S902), the process advances to S903, and if it does not exist (NO in S902), the process advances to S904. Note that if the job codes A702 of a plurality of jobs match the acquired job code, the plurality of jobs are specified as targets.

In S903, the job management unit 403 adds information about the job specified in S902 to the job list created in S902. Then, the process advances to S904.

In S904, the job management unit 403 determines whether there is a job whose job code acquired in S902 matches job code B703 among the jobs registered in the job management table 404. If there is a job whose acquired job code matches job code B703 (YES in S904), the process advances to S905, and if there is not (NO in S904), the process advances to S906.

In S905, the job management unit 403 adds the job specified in S904 to the job list created in S902. If multiple jobs are identified, each job information is added to the job list. Then, the process advances to S906.

In S906, the job management unit 403 determines whether the job list is empty. If the job code does not match either job code A 702 or job code B 703 of the job registered in the job management table 404, there is no job corresponding to the job code, and the job list becomes empty. . If the job list is empty (YES in S906), the process advances to S908, and if job information exists in the job list (NO in S906), the process advances to S907.

In S907, the request control unit 406 transmits the job list generated by the job management unit 403 to the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101 as a response to the job information acquisition request received in S901. Then, this processing flow ends.

In S908, the request control unit 406 notifies the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101 of an error since there is no job information corresponding to the job code. Then, this processing flow ends. Note that when the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101 receives a job list, it generates a print job selection screen 620 based on the contents of the job list and displays it to the user via the operation unit 219.

(Print information transmission process)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes until the request control unit 406 of the print service 103 transmits job information to the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101 in response to a job print request from the MFP 101. In this embodiment, when one or more jobs are selected from the job list 621 on the print job selection screen 620 displayed on the operation unit 219 of the MFP 101 and the print button 623 is pressed, the print service request processing unit 412 A print request is sent to the print service 103. The present processing flow starts when the print service 103 receives a print request. At this time, the print request includes a job ID for identifying the job to be printed.

In S1001, the request control unit 406 notifies the job control unit 401 of the print instruction and job ID based on the received print request.

In step S1002, the job control unit 401 refers to the job management table 404 managed by the job management unit 403 and determines whether a job corresponding to the job ID specified in the print request exists. If the job exists (YES in S1002), the process advances to S1003, and if the job does not exist (NO in S1002), the process advances to S1005.

In step S1003, the print control unit 405 generates print information for printing by the MFP 101 based on the print job corresponding to the job ID specified in the print request. Specifically, the print control unit 405 converts the print settings and the image (document) to be printed into information in a format that can be processed by the print control unit 413 of the MFP 101.

In S1004, the request control unit 406 transmits the print information generated in S1003 to the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101. Then, this processing flow ends. Note that the print information sent to the MFP 101 is passed from the print service request processing unit 412 to the print control unit 413, and print processing is executed by the printer 220.

In S1005, the request control unit 406 transmits an error notification to the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101. This error notification informs that the print process cannot be executed because the job to be printed corresponding to the job ID that is the target of the print request does not exist in the job management table 404. Then, this processing flow ends. Note that when the print service request processing unit 412 of the MFP 101 receives an error notification, it displays on the operation unit 219 that printing cannot be performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can handle a plurality of jobs by inputting any one of the job codes issued for each job into the image forming apparatus. That is, by inputting one job code, in addition to the job corresponding to the job code, related jobs can be displayed in a selectable manner. This reduces the effort required to input all job codes issued for multiple jobs. It is also possible to issue print instructions for individual jobs.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which job code 1 is notified when the job code is notified has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the job code of the related job may also be notified based on the job code B703 of the job management table 404.

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As a second embodiment of the present invention, a mode will be described in which a job code that can be used in common is issued to a plurality of jobs having the same sender email address. Note that the explanation of the configurations common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences will be explained.

[Job management table]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the job management table 404 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the handling of job code B1103 is different from the first embodiment. As job code B1103, commonly usable job codes are registered. The rest of the configuration is the same as the configuration of FIG. 7 described in the first embodiment, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[Job registration process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a series of processes from when the print service 103 according to this embodiment receives a job via email to registering job information in the job management table 404. In this embodiment, this processing flow is started when the job control unit 401 of the print service 103 receives an email sent from a user's terminal (for example, the PC 102). This process is performed in place of the process shown in FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. Note that the same processes as in FIG. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In S1201, the job management unit 403 determines whether the sender address of the job registered in S805 already exists in the job management table 404. If the same source address exists (YES in S1201), the process advances to S1202, and if the same source address does not exist (NO in S1201), the process advances to S1204.

In S1202, the job management unit 403 issues a new common job code. This common code is used to enable the job registered in S805 and the job corresponding to the same transmission source address specified in S1201 to be handled with the same job code. The specifications (number of digits, characters used, etc.) and issuing method of the common job code issued here are not particularly limited, and may have the same specifications as the normal job code (job code A), or may be different. You can leave it there.

In S1203, the job management unit 403 registers the common job code issued in S1202 in the job code B1103 of the job registered in S805 and the job corresponding to the same sender address specified in S1201. do. To explain using the example shown in FIG. 11, assume that job ID "56789" is newly registered in a state where job ID "12345" is registered. At this time, since these sender addresses "xyze@caon.co.jp" match, the common job code "dddee" is issued. Then, the issued common job code "dddee" is registered for the job code B1103 of each job with job ID "12345" and job ID "56789". Note that if there are more jobs associated with the same sender address, a common code is also registered for the job code B1103 of those jobs.

In S1204, the email control unit 402 notifies the user of the job code registered in the job management table 404 by email. In this embodiment, the value of the job code A1102 is shown in the job code 504 shown in FIG. 5 as the value of the job code notified by email. Further, the common job code 505 shown in FIG. 5 shows the value of job code B1103. Then, this processing flow ends.

Then, by inputting a common job code issued for multiple jobs into the input screen 610, the user can handle multiple jobs. In other words, by inputting one job code, it is possible to selectably display a plurality of jobs corresponding to the job code. On the other hand, by inputting a normal job code (corresponding to job code 504), it is also possible to handle a single job individually. This reduces the effort required to input all job codes issued for multiple jobs. It is also possible to handle each job individually.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As a third embodiment of the present invention, job information management is performed by reusing the job code of the issuance notification, depending on whether the e-mail to which the attached file to be printed is attached is a reply e-mail of the job code issuance notification. The form of registration in the table will be explained. Note that the explanation of the configurations common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences will be explained.

[Job management table]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the job management table 404 according to this embodiment. The job ID 1301, document name 1303, and submission date and time 1304 in the job management table 404 of this embodiment are the same as the job ID 701, document name 704, and submission date and time 705 of the job management table 404 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will be omitted. The job code 1302 is a job code used when a user performs an operation on a job. The mail identifier 1305 is a message ID issued to the mail notifying the user of the job code 1302, and is registered here as a mail identifier for uniquely identifying the mail.

[Job registration process]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a series of processes from when the print service 103 according to this embodiment receives a job via email to registering job information in the job management table 404. In this embodiment, this processing flow is started when the job control unit 401 of the print service 103 receives an email sent from a user's terminal (for example, the PC 102). This process is performed in place of the process shown in FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. Note that the same processes as in FIG. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In S1401, the job management unit 403 registers the file name of the attached file, the date and time of email reception, and the job code issued in S804 in the job management table 404.

In step S1402, the job management unit 403 determines whether the email received in step S801 is a reply email to an already issued job code notification email. Specifically, the value of the Reference attribute of the email received in S801 is referred to, and it is determined whether this value matches the email identifier 1305 of the job managed in the job management table 404 shown in FIG. do. If the value of the Reference attribute and the value of the mail identifier 1305 of the job management table 404 match, it is determined that the mail is a reply to a notification mail of a job code that has already been issued. If there is a mail identifier 1305 that matches the value of the Reference attribute (YES in S1402), the process advances to S1403, and if there is no mail identifier 1305 that matches the value of the Reference attribute (NO in S1402), the process advances to S1405.

In S1403, the job management unit 403 specifies, as a reused job code, the job code assigned to the job with the matching Reference attribute specified in S1402.

In S1404, the job management unit 403 updates the value of the job code 1302 of the job registered in the job management table 404 in S1401 with the value of the job code specified in S1403. This allows multiple jobs to be associated with the same job code.

In S1405, the email control unit 402 notifies the user of the job code registered in the job management table 404 by email. At this time, a mail identifier for uniquely identifying the mail is issued, and the mail identifier is included in the value of the Reference attribute of the mail. The issued e-mail identifier will be held in association with the job code in the e-mail identifier 1305 of the job management table 404. The specifications (number of digits, characters used, etc.) and issuing method of the e-mail identifier issued here are not particularly limited. Further, in this embodiment, the value of the job code 1302 is shown in the job code 504 shown in FIG. 5 as the value of the job code notified by email. Note that in this embodiment, the common job code 505 is not displayed. Then, this processing flow ends.

As described above, the user can control whether or not a plurality of jobs are handled together with one job code, depending on whether or not to send a reply email to the notification email. Therefore, more detailed control such as handling only specific jobs at once becomes possible. By inputting one job code into the input screen 610, one or more jobs corresponding to the job code can be displayed in a selectable manner.

In the process flow of FIG. 14, after the job code is once issued (S804), it is determined whether the email is a reply email (S1402). However, the flow is not limited to this, and it is possible to determine whether or not the email is a reply before issuing a job code, and if it is a reply, identify the diverted job code without issuing a job code. It may be a flow. This makes it possible to omit unnecessary job code issuing processing.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a job code is to be used, based on whether the e-mail is a reply to a notification e-mail or not. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be determined whether or not a job code is to be used based on whether or not predetermined information is attached to the email. For example, if the already notified job code is specified in the email received in S801, the configuration may be such that the job code is used.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention provides a process in which a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. But it is possible. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are hereby appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

101...MFP, 102...PC, 103...Print service, 401...Job control unit, 402...Mace control unit, 403...Job management unit, 404...Job management table, 405...Print control unit, 406...Request control unit, 411 ...Display control unit, 412...Print service request processing unit, 413...Print control unit

Claims (12)

a receiving means for receiving data to be printed from an external device;
a management means for managing a print job corresponding to the data received by the receiving means;
issuing means for issuing a job code corresponding to the print job;
notification means for notifying the external device of the job code issued by the issuing means;
a first transmitting means for transmitting information of a print job corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitter transmits the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus. and a transmission means;
The management means manages print jobs corresponding to data transmitted from the same transmission source in association with each other,
When the first sending unit receives a job code from the image forming apparatus, the first sending unit sends information on a print job corresponding to the job code and information on another print job associated with the print job. A print server characterized by: a receiving means for receiving data to be printed from an external device;
a management means for managing a print job corresponding to the data received by the receiving means;
a first issuing unit that issues a first job code corresponding to the print job;
When a plurality of print jobs corresponding to data transmitted from the same transmission source are managed by the management means, a second issuing means for issuing a second job code in association with the plurality of print jobs. and,
notification means for notifying the external device of the first job code and the second job code;
a first transmitting means for transmitting information of a print job corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitter transmits the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus. and a transmission means;
The first transmitting means includes:
If the first job code is received from the image forming apparatus, transmitting information on one print job corresponding to the first job code;
A print server characterized in that, when receiving the second job code from the image forming apparatus, the print server transmits information on a plurality of print jobs corresponding to the second job code. Transmission and reception of information by the receiving means and the notification means is performed by e-mail,
3. The print server according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission source is the e-mail transmission source. 4. The print server according to claim 3, wherein the data to be printed is a file attached to the e-mail or a body of the e-mail. a receiving means for receiving data to be printed via email from an external device;
a management means for managing a print job corresponding to the data received by the receiving means;
issuing means for issuing a job code corresponding to the print job;
notification means for notifying the external device of the job code issued by the issuing means by e-mail;
a first transmitting means for transmitting information of a print job corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitter transmits the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus. a transmission means;
has
The issuing means determines whether the first data e-mail received by the receiving means is a reply mail to the e-mail already sent when the notification means notifies the first job code. If it is determined that the mail is the reply mail, the job code of the print job corresponding to the first data is set as the first job code, and if it is determined that the mail is not the reply mail, a job code of a print job corresponding to the first data as a newly issued second job code;
The print server is characterized in that, when the first sending unit receives a job code from the image forming apparatus, the first sending unit sends information on one or more print jobs corresponding to the job code. A printing system comprising the print server according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
an input means for accepting input of a job code;
acquisition means for transmitting a job code input by the input means to the print server and acquiring information on a print job corresponding to the job code;
a selection means for displaying the print job information acquired by the acquisition means and accepting a selection of a print target;
instruction means for transmitting a print instruction to the print server according to the selection of the print target received by the selection means;
A printing system comprising: a printing unit that performs printing processing using a print job received as a response to the print instruction. a receiving step of receiving data to be printed from an external device;
a management step in which a management means manages a print job corresponding to the data received in the reception step;
an issuing step of issuing a job code corresponding to the print job;
a notification step of notifying the external device of the job code issued in the issuing step;
a first sending step of transmitting print job information corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on the print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in the first sending step, a second print job that sends the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus; and a sending step,
The management means manages print jobs corresponding to data transmitted from the same transmission source in association with each other,
In the first sending step, when a job code is received from the image forming apparatus, information on a print job corresponding to the job code and information on another print job associated with the print job are sent. A method for controlling a print server, characterized in that: a receiving step of receiving data to be printed from an external device;
a management step in which a management means manages a print job corresponding to the data received in the reception step;
a first issuing step of issuing a first job code corresponding to the print job;
If a plurality of print jobs corresponding to data transmitted from the same transmission source are managed by the management means, a second issuing step of issuing a second job code in association with the plurality of print jobs. and,
a notification step of notifying the external device of the first job code and the second job code;
a first sending step of transmitting print job information corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on the print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in the first sending step, a second print job that sends the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus; and a sending step,
In the first transmission step,
When the first job code is received from the image forming apparatus, information on one print job corresponding to the first job code is transmitted;
A method for controlling a print server, characterized in that when the second job code is received from the image forming apparatus, information on a plurality of print jobs corresponding to the second job code is transmitted. a receiving step of receiving data to be printed via email from an external device;
a management step in which a management means manages a print job corresponding to the data received in the reception step;
an issuing step of issuing a job code corresponding to the print job;
a notification step of notifying the external device of the job code issued in the issuing step by e-mail;
a first sending step of transmitting print job information corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on the print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus in the first sending step, a second print job that sends the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus; a sending process;
has
In the issuing step, it is determined whether the first data email received in the receiving step is a reply email to the email already sent when notifying the first job code in the notification step. If it is determined that the mail is the reply mail, the job code of the print job corresponding to the first data is set as the first job code, and if it is determined that the mail is not the reply mail, a job code of a print job corresponding to the first data as a newly issued second job code;
In the first sending step, when a job code is received from the image forming apparatus, information on one or more print jobs corresponding to the job code is sent. computer,
receiving means for receiving data to be printed from an external device;
management means for managing print jobs corresponding to data received by the receiving means;
issuing means for issuing a job code corresponding to the print job;
notification means for notifying the external device of the job code issued by the issuing means;
a first transmitting means for transmitting information on a print job corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitter transmits the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus. function as a means of transmission,
The management means manages print jobs corresponding to data transmitted from the same transmission source in association with each other,
When the first sending unit receives a job code from the image forming apparatus, the first sending unit sends information on a print job corresponding to the job code and information on another print job associated with the print job. A program characterized by: computer,
receiving means for receiving data to be printed from an external device;
management means for managing print jobs corresponding to data received by the receiving means;
first issuing means for issuing a first job code corresponding to the print job;
When a plurality of print jobs corresponding to data transmitted from the same transmission source are managed by the management means, a second issuing means for issuing a second job code in association with the plurality of print jobs. ,
notification means for notifying the external device of the first job code and the second job code;
a first transmitting means for transmitting information on a print job corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitter transmits the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus. function as a means of transmission,
The first transmitting means includes:
If the first job code is received from the image forming apparatus, transmitting information on one print job corresponding to the first job code;
A program characterized in that, when the second job code is received from the image forming apparatus, information on a plurality of print jobs corresponding to the second job code is transmitted. computer,
a receiving means for receiving data to be printed via email from an external device;
management means for managing print jobs corresponding to data received by the receiving means;
issuing means for issuing a job code corresponding to the print job;
notification means for notifying the external device of the job code issued by the issuing means by e-mail;
a first transmitting means for transmitting information on a print job corresponding to the job code to the image forming apparatus when the job code is received from the image forming apparatus;
When a print instruction is received based on print job information transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the first transmitting means, a second transmitter transmits the print job specified in the print instruction to the image forming apparatus. transmission means,
function as
The issuing means determines whether the first data e-mail received by the receiving means is a reply mail to the e-mail already sent when the notification means notifies the first job code. If it is determined that the mail is the reply mail, the job code of the print job corresponding to the first data is set as the first job code, and if it is determined that the mail is not the reply mail, a job code of a print job corresponding to the first data as a newly issued second job code;
A program characterized in that, when the first transmitting means receives a job code from the image forming apparatus, the first transmitting means transmits information on one or more print jobs corresponding to the job code.

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