JP2018069546A - Image forming apparatus, system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program capable of printing with an appropriate printing setting by registering a printable setting for an image forming apparatus according to a user's authority in a cloud print service. The purpose is. When the cloud print service use button 1002 on the usage start screen 1000 displayed on the MFP 106 is pressed, the role information and e-mail address of the logged-in user are acquired from the user information table and shared with the role information. The cloud print service is obtained by acquiring the link from the setting information table, sending an email with the shared link to the email address, and pressing the shared link attached to the email received by the client PC 104. Access 108. [Selection diagram] Fig. 7

Description

  The present invention relates to print control in an image forming apparatus that issues a print instruction from an information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, cloud print services installed on the Internet, such as Google Cloud Print, have been provided. In the cloud print service, generally, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP designated as an output destination needs to be registered on the service in advance. At the time of registration, by passing print setting information (also referred to as capability information) (see FIG. 17) possessed by the MFP, it is possible to specify the print setting function of the MFP to be output when a job is submitted.

  On the other hand, for the purpose of cost reduction in the operation of the MFP, there are cases where the print settings that can be used by the user are restricted depending on the authority of the user who has logged into the MFP.

  At this time, for example, when printing document data from a client PC (hereinafter referred to as local printing), a user who is permitted only monochrome printing performs color printing when printing document data from a cloud print service (hereinafter referred to as cloud printing). The problem of becoming possible occurs.

  Therefore, there is a technology that enables print settings that can be specified by local printing to be specified by cloud printing even when print setting information that can be used by local printing and cloud printing is different (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-97434 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of users having different authorities share and use a printer object registered in the cloud print service, the print setting information is updated every time the user uses the printer object. Because it is necessary to do so, it is not a practical usage.

  Therefore, when users having different authorities use cloud printing, it is desired that printing can be performed without appropriately updating print setting information for cloud printing.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program capable of performing printing with appropriate print settings by registering in the cloud print service a printable setting corresponding to the user's authority for the image forming apparatus. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention for solving the above-described problems is an image forming apparatus that performs printing connected to a server that stores a job that has been input by designating a printer object, the print setting corresponding to the print authority in the image forming apparatus And creating means for creating a printer object for the server, and notifying means for notifying access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform printing with appropriate print settings by registering printable settings corresponding to the user's authority for the image forming apparatus in the cloud print service.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of administrator PC or client PC. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an administrator PC or a client PC and an MFP. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for registering information about an MFP in a cloud print service. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of a share setting. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a use setting process of a user's cloud print service. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which a user implements use setting at the time of a user invitation. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a share setting screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a share setting screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a use setting start screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a use setting completion screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an account information input screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a use setting completion screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a use setting error screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each table. It is a figure which shows an example of print setting information.

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

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system in a printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 100 includes an administrator PC 102, a client PC 104, an MFP 106, and a cloud print service 108.

  The administrator PC 102, the client PC 104, and the MFP 106 are configured such that the cloud print service 108 is connected via the LAN 110.

  The administrator PC 102 communicates with the cloud print service 108 and the MFP 106 from a Web browser provided in the PC, and performs various information registration and setting processes.

  The client PC 104 submits a job to the cloud print service 108 by uploading print data to the printer object designated from the Web browser.

  In response to a registration request from the administrator PC 102, the MFP 106 communicates with the cloud print service 108 and performs various registration processes. Also, setting information of the printer object registered in the cloud print service 108 is managed, and usage setting is performed for the user.

  The cloud print service 108 is a cloud type print service provided on the Internet.

  In response to a registration request from the MFP 106, a printer object whose administrator is an account logged in to the MFP 106 is created in the cloud print service 108.

  The job is stored in the printer object, and a notification (job submission notification) indicating that the job has been submitted is transmitted to the MFP 106 by XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) communication.

  After receiving the job submission notification, the MFP 106 downloads the job from the cloud print service 108 and outputs it.

  In addition, in order for each user to use the cloud print service 108, a sharing setting of a printer object must be performed by an administrator.

  In the case of GoogleCloudPrint (registered trademark), there are two methods: a method of publishing a shared link and a method of inviting users and groups.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the administrator PC 102 and the client PC 104 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the administrator PC 102 and the client PC 104 are connected via a system bus 204 to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an input controller 205, A video controller 206, a memory controller 207, and a communication I / F controller 208 are connected.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204.

  The ROM 202 or the external memory 211 includes a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and an OS (Operating System) that are control programs executed by the CPU 201, and a computer-readable program and various necessary programs for realizing the information processing method. Holds data (including data table).

  The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for executing the processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  The input controller 205 controls input from an input device such as a keyboard 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown).

  When the input device is a touch panel, the user can perform various instructions by pressing (touching with a finger or the like) in accordance with an icon, a cursor, or a button displayed on the touch panel.

  The touch panel may be a touch panel capable of detecting a position touched with a plurality of fingers, such as a multi-touch screen.

  The video controller 206 controls display on an external output device such as the display 210. The display includes a display of a notebook computer integrated with the main body.

  The external output device is not limited to a display, and may be a projector, for example. An input device is also provided for the device that can accept the touch operation described above.

  Note that the video controller 206 can control a video memory (VRAM) for display control, and a part of the RAM 203 can be used as a video memory area, or a dedicated video memory can be provided separately. Is possible.

  The memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211. The external memory is connected via an adapter to an external storage device (hard disk), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot that stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, and various data. A compact flash (registered trademark) memory or the like can be used.

  The communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network.

  For example, communication using TCP / IP, telephone lines such as ISDN, and communication using 3G lines of mobile phones are possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the MFP 106 as the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the MFP 106 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner unit 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 110 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line ( (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. An external storage device (hard disk drive (HDD)) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308.

  The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  An external interface (external I / F) 318 is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, and the like. A card reader 319 for reading an IC card required for authentication is provided. It is connected to the external I / F 318.

  The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card.

The storage medium is not limited to an IC card, and may be a storage medium that can specify a user. In this case, identification information for identifying the user is stored in the storage medium. This identification information may be a production number of the storage medium or a user code given by the user within the company.
The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

  A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the user of the apparatus gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used.

  The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via

  The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used.

  Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of a functional configuration of various apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Details of each function will be described together with a flowchart described later.

  The administrator PC 102 and the client PC 104 include a web browser 400 and a mail receiving unit 402.

  A web browser 400 is a browser for use of the World Wide Web (WWW), displays a screen generated by the MFP 106, supports uploading print data to the cloud print service 108, and the like.

  A mail receiving unit 402 receives mail transmitted from the MFP 106 or an external system.

  The MFP 106 includes an HTTPS communication unit 404, a setting information management unit 406, a display control unit 408, a web control unit 410, and a mail transmission unit 412.

  The HTTPS communication unit 404 transmits a request for requesting a desired process to another apparatus such as the cloud print service 108, and receives a processing result and print data (job) for the request.

  The setting information management unit 406 manages information related to the print settings of the cloud print service 108 according to the user's authority (role), and the display control unit 408 instructs the operation unit 308 of the MFP to operate the user. Or a screen for displaying the result of the operation instruction is displayed.

  The web control unit 410 generates a screen for a user to give an operation instruction to the operation unit 308, and the mail transmission unit 412 transmits mail to other devices such as the client PC 104.

  Next, processing executed by the printing system 100 using the cloud print service 108 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing for registering information regarding the MFP 106 in the cloud print service 108 from the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102.

  In step S501, the web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 displays a registration screen (not shown) generated by the web control unit 410 of the MFP 106.

  The registration screen (not shown) includes a registration button, and when the registration button is pressed, the MFP 106 transmits a registration request for information (for example, a printer name) regarding the MFP 106 to the cloud print service 108.

  In step S <b> 502, when the registration button on the registration screen (not shown) is pressed, the web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 transmits a request for a registration request to the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106.

  In step S503, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 acquires a list of role information and a list of print setting information restricted by the role from the authentication destination (see FIG. 16).

  The authentication destination indicates an authentication server (not shown) that can communicate with the MFP 106, but may be various information provided in the MFP 106 itself (not shown) instead of the authentication server (not shown).

  16 shows a user information table for storing user information. The user information table includes a user ID for uniquely identifying a user, a user role, and a user. The email address is included.

  The bottom row of FIG. 16 shows a role information list table that stores roles registered in the authentication destination and print setting information associated with the roles, and the role information list table includes the user's roles and the roles. Print settings that can be used (color settings that indicate color printing, monochrome printing, or both print settings, the number of copies that can be printed, the paper size and layout that can be used, and single-sided, double-sided, or both printing methods Etc.).

  In this step, the print setting function of the printer object to be registered is determined based on the print setting information acquired from the roll information list table.

  In step S504, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 creates print setting information for the printer object to be registered based on the print setting information stored in the roll information list table acquired in step S503 (see FIG. 17).

  FIG. 17 shows print setting information (Capability information) transmitted as a request when registering in the cloud print service 108. A printer object having a print setting function designated here is displayed on the cloud print service 108. Will be registered.

  Thereafter, from step S505 to step S512, processing is sequentially performed for each roll.

  In step S505, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 generates a / register request to be transmitted to the cloud print service 108 based on the print setting information created in step S504.

  In step S506, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 transmits a / register request to the cloud print service 108.

  In step S507, the cloud print service 108 receives the / register request.

  In step S508, the cloud print service 108 generates a printer object in response to the / register request.

  In step S509, the cloud print service 108 issues printer information such as the printer ID and access token of the printer object generated in step S508, and transmits the printer information to the MFP 106.

  In step S510, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 receives the printer information.

  In step S511, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 associates the currently processed roll with the printer information and stores them in the setting information table (FIG. 16).

  The upper part of FIG. 16 shows a setting information table for storing printer information related to the printer object corresponding to the role registered in the authentication destination. The setting information table includes a role, a printer object name, a printer ID, and Has a shared link.

  In step S512, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 determines whether printer information has been set for all the roles acquired in step S503 (that is, whether printer objects associated with all the roles have been registered on the cloud print service 108). judge.

  If it is determined that all are set, the process proceeds to step S513. If it is determined that all are set, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S513, the Web control unit 410 of the MFP 106 generates a registration completion screen (not shown).

  In step S514, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 displays a registration completion screen (not shown).

  The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sharing setting process performed by an administrator when sharing a printer object using a shared link.

  In step S601, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 logs in to the cloud print service 108 and displays a printer list screen (not shown) provided by the cloud print service 108.

  In step S602, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 selects a printer object from a printer list screen (not shown) and presses a share button in order to issue a printer object shared link.

  In addition, since the setting method for sharing setting differs depending on the cloud print service, an example of processing is shown here.

  In step S603, the cloud print service 108 issues a shared link for the selected printer object (issues corresponding to the printer object name or printer ID).

  In step S604, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 acquires the issued shared link and displays it on the Web browser.

  In step S605, the web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 accesses the sharing setting screen 900 (see FIG. 9) generated by the web control unit 410 of the MFP 106.

  9 and 10 show a sharing setting screen 900 for setting a sharing link. The sharing setting screen 900 displays a message indicating a setting status, a result of setting processing, and the like. And an input area 904 for inputting a shared link of each printer object, and a setting button 906 to be pressed when confirming the shared link displayed in the input area 904.

  In step S <b> 606, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 registers a shared link corresponding to the printer object from the sharing setting screen 900 generated by the Web control unit 410 of the MFP 106.

  In step S607, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 stores the shared link set in step S606 in the setting information table (corresponding to the printer object name or printer ID).

  In step S608, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 determines whether all the shared links of the registered printer objects have been set, and determines that the shared links have been set for all the printer objects. If the process proceeds to step S609 and it is determined that the setting has not been made, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S609, the Web control unit 410 of the MFP 106 sets a sharing completion message on the sharing setting screen 900.

  In step S610, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 displays a sharing setting screen 900 (FIG. 10) in which a sharing completion message is set.

  In step S611, the Web control unit 410 of the MFP 106 sets a sharing incomplete message on the sharing setting screen 900.

  In step S612, the Web browser 400 of the administrator PC 102 displays the sharing setting screen 900 (FIG. 9) in which the sharing incomplete message is set, and the processing from step S602 is performed until the sharing link is set for all the printer objects. Repeat the sharing setting process.

  The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting the use of the cloud print service 108 by the user when the printer object is shared by a shared link.

  After the user logs in to the MFP 106, in step S701, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 determines whether or not the cloud print service use button 1002 on the use start screen 1000 (FIG. 11) has been pressed. If it is determined that the print service use button 1002 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 11 shows a use start screen 1000 for the user to make use settings, and the use start screen 1000 is a cloud print that is pressed when the use setting of the cloud print service 108 is started for the login user. A service use button 1002 is provided.

  In step S702, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 acquires the role and mail address of the login user from the user information table.

  In step S703, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 acquires a shared link of the printer object corresponding to the role acquired in step S702 from the setting information table.

  In step S704, the mail transmission unit 412 of the MFP 106 creates a shared link notification mail for notifying the shared link acquired in step S703.

  In step S705, the mail transmission unit 412 of the MFP 106 transmits a shared link notification mail to the mail address acquired in step S702.

  In step S706, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 generates and displays a use setting completion screen 1100 (see FIG. 12).

  FIG. 12 shows a usage setting completion screen 1100 for notifying that the usage setting is completed when using the shared link. After the usage setting is completed, the shared link is notified to the login user's mail. A message to that effect is displayed.

  In step S707, the mail receiving unit 402 of the client PC 104 receives the shared link notification mail.

  In step S708, the Web browser 400 of the client PC 104 accepts and accesses the click operation of the shared link from the shared link notification mail.

  In step S709, the web browser 400 of the client PC 104 displays the login screen of the cloud print service 108. If the accessing user has not registered an account, the process proceeds to step S710, and if registered, the process proceeds to step S711.

  In step S <b> 710, the web browser 400 of the client PC 104 accepts a new registration of an account for the cloud print service 108.

  In step S711, the Web browser 400 of the client PC 104 inputs account information, performs login, accesses the cloud print service 108, and displays a printer object corresponding to the clicked shared link.

  Then, the user submits a job by uploading print data to the displayed printer object.

  The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting the use of the cloud print service 108 by the user when the printer object is shared by the user's invitation.

  In step S801, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 determines whether the cloud print service use button 1002 on the use start screen 1000 has been pressed. If it is determined that the cloud print service use button 1002 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S802. Proceed with the process.

  In step S802, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 displays an account information input screen 1200 (see FIG. 13).

  FIG. 13 shows an account information input screen 1200 for inputting account information necessary for the user to make use settings when inviting the user.

  An account information input screen 1200 is displayed when an input content display area 1202 for inputting account information, a keyboard 1204 indicating a keyboard prepared on the touch panel for inputting account information, and confirming the input account information. The OK button 1206 is configured to be included.

  A printer object sharing request is transmitted to the account information input from the account information input screen 1200.

  However, in the subsequent processing, when an unregistered account is specified for the cloud print service 108 when sharing is requested, the cloud print service 108 cannot accept the request, so the cloud print service 108 account is registered in advance. Prepare it.

  Here, the account information of the cloud print service 108 may not be notified by user input. For example, you may acquire from the authentication server (not shown) etc. which manage account information.

  In step S803, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 determines whether the OK button 1206 on the account information input screen 1200 has been pressed. If it is determined that the OK button 1206 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 acquires the login user role from the user information table.

  In step S805, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 acquires the printer ID of the printer object corresponding to the login user role acquired in step S804 from the setting information table.

  In step S806, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 generates a / share request that requests the account input on the account information input screen 1200 to permit sharing of the printer object specified by the printer ID.

  In step S807, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 transmits a / share request to the cloud print service 108.

  In step S <b> 808, the cloud print service 108 receives a / share request from the MFP 106.

  In step S809, the cloud print service 108 performs account sharing settings for the printer object included in the request.

  In step S810, the cloud print service 108 returns the sharing setting processing result to the MFP 106.

  In step S811, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 receives the processing result from the cloud print service 108.

  In step S812, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 analyzes the processing result returned in step S811, determines whether the sharing setting is successful, and proceeds to step S813 if it is determined that the sharing setting is successful. If it is determined that the process has failed, the process proceeds to step S815.

  When the sharing setting is made in the cloud print service 108, an e-mail notifying the sharing notification from the cloud print service 108 is automatically transmitted to the account.

  In step S813, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 generates a use setting completion screen 1300 (see FIG. 14).

  In step S814, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 displays a use setting completion screen 1300.

  FIG. 14 shows a usage setting completion screen 1300 for notifying that usage setting at the time of user invitation is completed, and is displayed when the account sharing process entered on the usage setting completion screen 1300 is successful. .

  In step S815, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 analyzes the error content from the processing result returned in step S811.

  In step S816, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 sets an error message based on the error analyzed in step S815, and generates a usage setting error screen 1400 (see FIG. 15).

  In step S817, the display control unit 408 of the MFP 106 displays a usage setting error screen 1400 (see FIG. 15).

  FIG. 15 shows a usage setting error screen 1400 for notifying that usage setting by user invitation has failed.

The usage setting error screen 1400 includes an error message display area 1402 for displaying an appropriate error message by analyzing a response returned after sending a / share request, an input content display area 1404 for inputting account information, and account information. A keyboard 1406 indicating a keyboard prepared on the touch panel for input and an OK button 1408 pressed when confirming the input account information are configured.
[Modification]

  In a modified example of the embodiment, as a printed matter output method in the MFP, an implementation when a so-called deferred printing output method is performed in which only an authenticated user makes a print request to print data temporarily stored on the server. An example will be described.

  In addition, in a modification, since the structure and process similar to embodiment are provided, it demonstrates using the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  When the user points the IC card in which information related to the user is recorded to the card reader 319 of the MFP 106, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 indicates that the user ID specified from the IC card is the user information table. If it is determined that it exists, login is performed.

  Then, the setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 acquires the user role from the user information table, and acquires the printer ID corresponding to the role in the setting information table corresponding to the acquired role.

  The HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 uses the printer ID to inquire the job of the corresponding printer object to the cloud print service 108.

  Then, the HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 receives information on the job input to the printer object, and the Web control unit 410 generates and displays a list screen (not shown) for displaying a list of job information. The control unit 408 displays this list screen (not shown).

  The user outputs a job by selecting a job displayed on a list screen (not shown) and giving a print instruction.

  As another mode, an account of the cloud print service 108 and a user ID managed by the MFP 106 are stored in association with each other. For example, an account is stored in the user information table corresponding to the user ID.

  The setting information management unit 406 of the MFP 106 acquires the role and account of the logged-in user from the user information table, and acquires the printer ID corresponding to the role in the setting information table corresponding to the acquired role.

  The HTTPS communication unit 404 of the MFP 106 uses the printer ID and account to make an inquiry to the cloud print service 108 for a job including the account among jobs of the corresponding printer object.

  By taking such an aspect, only the job of the logged-in user is displayed on the list screen (not shown).

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform printing with appropriate print settings by registering printable settings in accordance with the user's authority for the image forming apparatus in the cloud print service.

  Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing method of each flowchart, and the storage medium of the present invention stores a program that allows the computer to execute the processing method of each flowchart. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in each flowchart.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium recording the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 Printing system 102 Administrator PC
104 client PC
106 MFP
108 Cloud Print Service 110 LAN

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that performs printing connected to a server that stores a job input by designating a printer object,
Creating means for creating, on the server, a printer object related to print settings in accordance with print authority in the image forming apparatus;
A notification means for notifying access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creating unit creates a printer object for each print setting corresponding to a plurality of print authorities in the server. Receiving means for receiving account information of the server;
The account information received by the receiving unit is associated with the printer object corresponding to the print authority of the logged-in user so that the user can specify the printer object accessible by the print authority of the user who submits the job. Storage means for storing,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A printing system in which a client terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are connected so as to communicate with each other,
The server
Creating means for creating a printer object related to print settings in accordance with the printing authority instructed to create by the creation instructing means of the image forming apparatus;
Generating means for generating access information to the printer object created by the creating means;
Server transmission means for transmitting the access information generated by the generation means to the image forming apparatus;
With
The image forming apparatus includes:
Creation instruction means for instructing the server to create a printer object related to print settings in accordance with the printing authority in the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus receiving means for receiving the access information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Storage means for storing access information received by the image forming apparatus receiving means corresponding to the print authority in the creation instruction means;
An acquisition unit that acquires, from the storage unit, access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user;
Image forming apparatus transmitting means for transmitting the access information acquired by the acquiring means to the client terminal;
With
The client terminal is
Client terminal receiving means for receiving access information transmitted by the image forming apparatus transmitting means;
A print instruction means for performing a print instruction by accessing a printer object using the access information received by the client terminal reception means;
A printing system characterized by comprising: A control method of an image forming apparatus that performs printing connected to a server that stores a job that is input by specifying a printer object,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A creation step of creating, for the server, a printer object related to print settings in accordance with print authority in the image forming apparatus;
A notification step for notifying access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user;
And a control method for an image forming apparatus. A control method of a printing system in which a client terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are connected so as to communicate with each other,
The server
A creation step for creating a printer object according to print settings in accordance with the print authority instructed to create by the creation instruction step of the image forming apparatus;
A generating step for generating access information to the printer object created by the creating step;
A server transmission step of transmitting the access information generated by the generation step to the image forming apparatus;
Run
The image forming apparatus includes:
A creation instruction step for instructing the server to create a printer object related to print settings in accordance with the print authority in the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus receiving step for receiving the access information transmitted by the transmitting step;
A storage step for storing the access information received in the image forming apparatus reception step corresponding to the print authority in the creation instruction step;
An acquisition step of acquiring from the storage means access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user;
An image forming apparatus transmitting step of transmitting the access information acquired by the acquiring step to the client terminal;
Run
The client terminal is
A client terminal receiving step for receiving the access information transmitted by the image forming apparatus transmitting step;
A print instruction step for accessing the printer object using the access information received by the client terminal reception step and issuing a print instruction;
A control method for a printing system, characterized in that A program that can be read and executed by an image forming apparatus that performs printing connected to a server that stores a job input by designating a printer object,
The image forming apparatus;
A creation step of creating, for the server, a printer object related to print settings in accordance with print authority in the image forming apparatus;
A notification step for notifying access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user;
Program to make it function. A program that can be read and executed by a printing system in which a client terminal, a server, and an image forming apparatus are connected so as to communicate with each other,
The server,
Creating means for creating a printer object related to print settings in accordance with the printing authority instructed to create by the creation instructing means of the image forming apparatus;
Generating means for generating access information to the printer object created by the creating means;
Server transmission means for transmitting the access information generated by the generation means to the image forming apparatus;
To function,
The image forming apparatus;
Creation instruction means for instructing the server to create a printer object related to print settings in accordance with the printing authority in the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus receiving means for receiving the access information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Storage means for storing access information received by the image forming apparatus receiving means corresponding to the print authority in the creation instruction means;
An acquisition unit that acquires, from the storage unit, access information to the printer object corresponding to the printing authority of the logged-in user;
Image forming apparatus transmitting means for transmitting the access information acquired by the acquiring means to the client terminal;
To function,
The client terminal is
Client terminal receiving means for receiving access information transmitted by the image forming apparatus transmitting means;
A print instruction means for performing a print instruction by accessing a printer object using the access information received by the client terminal reception means;
Program to make it function.

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