JP2018005761A - Information processing system, firmware update method, information processing apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system in which firmware installed in an image forming apparatus can be easily updated. An information processing system including a service providing system and an image forming apparatus that executes printing based on a print command from the service providing system, the print including data to be printed or firmware update data Means for accepting registration of instructions; means for issuing identification information; means for delivering a print command associated with the identification information to the image forming apparatus based on a print command acquisition request specifying the identification information; If the data to be printed is included in the printed command, the printing unit executes printing of the data to be printed. If the data for firmware update is included, the image forming apparatus uses the data for firmware update. Means for causing the update control unit to update the firmware installed in the computer. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses that use a web service implemented on a cloud computing environment and provide a wide variety of print services are already known.

  In such an image forming apparatus, it is known that there is a case where the firmware is updated in accordance with the update of each Web service implemented on the cloud computing environment. Firmware update includes a method in which a user downloads firmware from a distribution server and updates, and a method in which download is instructed from the distribution server to the image forming apparatus (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  However, there is a problem that the method for the user to download and update the firmware from the distribution server is time-consuming for the user. Also, the method of updating firmware by instructing the download from the distribution server to the image forming apparatus has a problem that a new function must be provided in the distribution server and the image forming apparatus.

  An embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing system in which firmware installed in an image forming apparatus can be easily updated.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a service providing system that stores a print command received from a terminal device and returns identification information associated with the print command to the terminal device; and An image forming apparatus that executes printing based on the print command that is specified and acquired from the service providing system, wherein the data to be printed or the image formation to be printed by the image forming apparatus Registration acceptance means for accepting registration of the print command including firmware update data installed in the apparatus from the terminal device, authentication management means for issuing the identification information associated with the print command, and returning to the terminal device The print command is stored in association with the identification information, and the print command acquisition request specifying the identification information is made. Therefore, a print command distribution unit that distributes the print command associated with the identification information to the image forming apparatus, and the print command if the distributed print command includes the data to be printed. If the data for updating the firmware included in the print command is included in the print command distributed to the print unit, the data to be printed included in the print command is included in the print command. And a print control unit that causes an update control unit to update firmware installed in the image forming apparatus.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, firmware installed in an image forming apparatus can be easily updated.

It is a lineblock diagram of an example of an information processing system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the computer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of the information processing system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a print command input process. It is a block diagram of an example of the job execution request input into a service provision system. It is a block diagram of an example of the job execution request containing the data for firmware update thrown into a service provision system. It is a data flow figure of an example between each component. It is a data flow figure of an example between each component. It is a block diagram of an example of the print command data registered into a command delivery part. It is a block diagram of an example of the processed printing command data. It is a figure explaining an example of the preservation | save format of print command data. It is a screen transition diagram of an example of an external application. It is a screen image figure of an example of an external application. It is an image figure of an example of the result screen which displays a temporary code. It is a figure explaining the content delivery from a service provision system to an image forming apparatus. 6 is a transition diagram of an example of a UI displayed on a browser of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a sequence diagram of an example of print command data acquisition by temporary code input. It is a block diagram of an example of the print command data in which the state was changed during processing. It is a block diagram of an example of the print command data containing an access token. It is a block diagram of an example of the print command data in which the state was changed to completion. It is a sequence diagram of an example of print command data acquisition by user authentication. It is a block diagram of an example of a list of print command data returned from the command distribution unit to the print job processing unit. It is a state transition diagram of print command data. It is an image figure of an example of the command selection screen which can delete printing command data. 2 is a module configuration diagram of an example of a controller in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram of an example of the job execution request containing the data for firmware update thrown into a service provision system. It is a block diagram of an example of a fixed code table. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a procedure for checking the presence / absence of firmware update data. It is a block diagram of an example of the print command data which became the completion state.

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

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. An information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a service providing environment E1, a user environment E2, and a manufacturer environment E3, and these environments are connected to be communicable via a wide area network N1 such as the Internet.

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

  The service provision environment E1 includes a service provision system 10 and a firmware distribution apparatus 40 that are realized by one or more information processing apparatuses. The service providing system 10 provides a service (cloud print service) for printing the stored electronic file with the image forming apparatus 20 in the user environment E2. The firmware distribution device 40 distributes firmware update data for updating to the latest firmware.

  All or part of the service providing system 10 may be installed in the user environment E2. In other words, all or part of the information processing apparatus constituting the service providing system 10 may be included in the user environment E2.

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

  The manufacturer environment E3 is a system environment of a manufacturer that provides the image forming apparatus 20, for example. In the manufacturer environment E3, the terminal device 35 is connected to the network N1. The terminal device 35 is a device that can be operated by a person in charge of the manufacturer, such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet PC on which a general OS is installed.

  The configuration of the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 is an example, and may be another configuration. For example, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 may be provided. Further, the terminal device 30 may be connected to the network N1. Furthermore, the firmware distribution apparatus 40 may be configured by one or more information processing apparatuses.

<Hardware configuration>
≪Computer≫
One or more information processing apparatuses for realizing the service providing system 10 of FIG. 1 are realized by a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 1 are also realized by a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. The firmware distribution apparatus 40 is also realized by a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer according to the first embodiment.

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

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

  The communication I / F 17 is an interface that connects the computer 500 to the network N1 or N2. Thereby, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 17. The HDD 18 is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS that is basic software for controlling the entire computer 500, and application software that provides various functions on the OS.

  The computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 108. The HDD 108 manages stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB.

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

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

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

  One or more information processing apparatuses that implement the service providing system 10 can implement various processes described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500. In addition, the terminal devices 30 and 35 can also implement various processes to be described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500. Further, the firmware distribution apparatus 40 can also realize various processes described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500.

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

  The controller 21 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a ROM 213, an NVRAM 214, and an HDD 215. The ROM 213 stores various programs and data. The RAM 212 temporarily stores programs and data. The NVRAM 214 stores, for example, setting information. The HDD 215 stores various programs and data.

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

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

  The communication I / F 24 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 20 to the network N2. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 20 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 24.

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

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

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

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

  Further, the image forming apparatus 20 realizes an image forming function including a printing function. When the print job is executed, the image forming apparatus 20 checks data of a job execution request described later, and if it is firmware update data, updates the firmware.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The authentication management unit 104 performs user account authentication management. The authentication management unit 104 issues and verifies a temporary code for executing printing without performing user login. The device service unit 105 includes an instruction distribution unit 115 and an application distribution unit 116.

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

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

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

  The terminal devices 30 and 35 are equipped with an external application 31. The external application 31 of the terminal device 30 uses the API of the input / output service processing unit 103 to request the service providing system 10 to print a document. The external application 31 of the terminal device 35 receives distribution of firmware update data from the firmware distribution device 40. The external application 31 of the terminal device 35 uses the API of the input / output service processing unit 103 to request the service providing system 10 for a print command including firmware update data. That is, the external application 31 of the terminal device 35 inputs firmware update data to the service providing system 10 as a print job.

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

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

  In order to update the firmware in the information processing system 1, a print command workflow including firmware update data is executed from the external application 31 of the terminal device 35 and a print command is input to the service providing system 10. Thereafter, in the information processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires a print command from the service providing system 10 and executes firmware update.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a print command input process. FIG. 5 shows print command input processing based on the job execution request shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 11, the external application 31 inputs a job execution request shown in FIG. 6 or 7 to the service providing system 10. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an example of a job execution request input to the service providing system. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an example of a job execution request including firmware update data input to the service providing system.

  The job execution request shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is sent in the format of multipart / formdata in order to send the flow setting and parameters, the data of the file to be printed, or the data for firmware update at the same time. In the job execution request of FIGS. 6 and 7, JSON-type flow settings and parameters are described in the first part, and the file data or firmware update data to be printed is described in the next part.

  Even in the case of the job execution request in FIG. 7 in which the firmware update data is described, the service providing system 10 proceeds in the same manner as the job execution request in FIG. 6 in which the data of the file to be printed is described. If the job execution request does not include a file, the external application 31 may transmit the flow setting and the parameter in the application / json format.

  The job execution request flow settings of FIGS. 6 and 7 are expressed as an array of objects having components, params, and next fields. component is the name of the component. The name of the print conversion component 121 is “print_convert” in the job execution request of FIG.

  The name of the authentication component 122 is “auth” in the job execution requests of FIGS. 6 and 7. The name of the file input component 123 is “file_input” in the job execution requests of FIGS. 6 and 7. The name of the print command component 124 is “print_command” in the job execution requests of FIGS. 6 and 7.

  params is a parameter setting for a component, and varies depending on the component. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a user name (username) and a password (password) used for user login are set as parameters for the authentication component 122. In FIGS. 6 and 7, a file name (name) is set as a parameter for the file input component 123.

  In FIG. 6, PDL type and print setting parameters are set as parameters for the print conversion component 121. The PDL type (pdl) indicates the type of print data format. The print setting parameters include the number of copies (copy), color / monochrome setting (colormode), paper size (papersize), duplex setting (2sided), and aggregation setting (layout).

  6 and 7, the description (description) of the print command to be displayed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 and the job execution request input date and time (created_at) are set as parameters for the print command component 124.

  Next is the name of the component to be processed next. The processing result is passed to the component to be processed next. That is, the parameters specified by the job execution request at the time of executing the process and the processing result of the component that has been processed before are passed to each component.

  For example, when the flow based on the job execution request of FIG. 6 is executed, the data flow between the components is as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an example data flow diagram between components.

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

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 8, components having no dependency relationship can be executed in parallel. In the example of FIG. 8, the authentication component 122 is executed in parallel with the file input component 123 and the print conversion component 121.

  In the case of the job execution request in FIG. 6, the flow control unit 113 executes processing in the order of the authentication component 122, the file input component 123, the print conversion component 121, and the print command component 124, for example, as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 5.

  When the flow based on the job execution request in FIG. 7 is executed, the data flow between the components is as shown in FIG. 9, for example. FIG. 9 is an example data flow diagram between components.

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

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, components having no dependency relationship can be executed in parallel. In the example of FIG. 9, the authentication component 122 is executed in parallel with the file input component 123. In the case of the job execution request in FIG. 7, the flow control unit 113 executes processing in the order of the authentication component 122, the file input component 123, and the print command component 124.

  Here, an example in which the external application 31 inputs the job execution request shown in FIG. 6 to the service providing system 10 in step S11 will be described. Returning to FIG. 5, the flow control unit 113 reads the user name and password used for user login for parameter setting of the authentication component 122 described in the job execution request of FIG. 6. In step S12, the flow control unit 113 passes the user name and password used for user login to the authentication component 122 to instruct execution.

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

  The flow control unit 113 reads a file to be printed from the job execution request based on the file name of the parameter setting of the file input component 123 described in the job execution request of FIG. In step S14, the flow control unit 113 passes the file to be printed to the file input component 123 to instruct execution. In step S 15, the file input component 123 temporarily stores the received file, and returns the file path to the flow control unit 113.

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 113 reads the PDL type and print setting of the parameter setting of the print conversion component 121 described in the job execution request of FIG. In step S 16, the flow control unit 113 passes the PDL type and print setting of the parameter setting of the print conversion component 121 and the file path that is the processing result of the file input component 123 to the print conversion component 121 to instruct execution.

  In step S 17, the print conversion component 121 passes the PDL type and print setting of the parameter settings of the print conversion component 121 and the file path that is the processing result of the file input component 123 to the print conversion unit 111 and instructs conversion. .

  In step S18, the print conversion unit 111 acquires a file temporarily stored using the file path. Then, the print conversion unit 111 converts the acquired file into print data based on the print settings. In step S19, the print conversion unit 111 temporarily stores the converted print data. In step S 20, the print conversion unit 111 returns the file path of the print data and the PDL type to the flow control unit 113.

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 113 reads the parameter setting of the print command component 124 described in the job execution request of FIG. In step S 21, the flow control unit 113 passes the read parameter setting, the processing result of the authentication component 122, and the processing result of the print conversion component 121 to the print command component 124 to instruct execution. Note that the processing result of the authentication component 122 is authentication information. The processing result of the print conversion component 121 is the print data file path and PDL type.

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

  In step S 23, the print command component 124 uses the authentication management unit 104 to issue a temporary code. This temporary code is used when printing is executed by inputting a temporary code from the image forming apparatus 20 instead of user login. For example, the temporary code is disabled after a predetermined time.

  In step S24, the print command component 124 designates a temporary code, authentication information, and print command data shown in FIG. 10, and instructs the command distribution unit 115 to issue a print command. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an example of print command data registered in the command distribution unit.

  description and created_at are included in the parameter settings of the print command component 124. pdl is included in the processing result of the print conversion component 121. “filel” is a save destination URL. “type” is information added to indicate a print command.

  The command distribution unit 115 queues the received print command data, and returns the print command data to the image forming device 20 in response to a request from the image forming device 20. The command distribution unit 115 processes and stores the received print command data as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an example of processed print command data.

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

  Next, an example in which the external application 31 inputs the job execution request shown in FIG. 7 to the service providing system 10 in step S11 will be described. The flow control unit 113 reads the user name and password used for user login for parameter setting of the authentication component 122 described in the job execution request of FIG. Then, the flow control unit 113 passes the user name and password used for user login to the authentication component 122 to instruct execution.

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

  Based on the parameter setting file name of the file input component 123 described in the job execution request of FIG. 7, the flow control unit 113 reads firmware update data instead of the file to be printed from the job execution request. The flow control unit 113 passes the firmware update data to the file input component 123 to instruct execution.

  The file input component 123 temporarily stores the firmware update data and returns the file path to the flow control unit 113. Subsequently, the flow control unit 113 reads the parameter setting of the print command component 124 described in the job execution request of FIG. The flow control unit 113 passes the read parameter setting, the processing result of the file input component 123, and the processing result of the authentication component 122 to the print command component 124 to instruct execution.

  The print command component 124 designates the passed authentication information and the file path of the firmware update data, and instructs the data management unit 112 to save. The data management unit 112 issues a storage destination URL indicating the storage location of the firmware update data and returns it to the print command component 124.

  Thereby, in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the firmware update data can be accessed from the outside of the service providing system 10 by the user's authority. The print command component 124 uses the authentication management unit 104 to issue a temporary code. The temporary code is used when updating the firmware by inputting the temporary code instead of the user login from the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the temporary code is disabled after a predetermined time.

  The print command component 124 designates print command data corresponding to the temporary code, authentication information, and firmware update data, and instructs the command distribution unit 115 to issue a print command.

  The command distribution unit 115 queues print command data corresponding to the received firmware update data, and returns the print command data to the image forming device 20 in response to a request from the image forming device 20. The command distribution unit 115 processes the received print command data by adding id, updated_at, and status, and stores the processed data. id is an example of identification information for uniquely identifying an instruction. updated_at is the date and time when the state of the print command was last changed. status is the status of the print command corresponding to the firmware update data.

  The command distribution unit 115 manages the processed print command data in association with the authentication information and the temporary code as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage format of print command data. As shown in FIG. 12, each print command data is uniquely associated with a temporary code. Each print command data and user ID are associated with each other n: 1. With the association shown in FIG. 12, the command distribution unit 115 can uniquely retrieve print command data corresponding to the temporary code, or retrieve a list of print command data corresponding to the user ID.

  In step S 25, the print command component 124 returns a temporary code to the flow control unit 113. When the execution of all the components is completed, the flow control unit 113 returns a temporary code, which is the execution result of the print command component 124, which is the last component, to the external application 31 of the terminal device 30 or 35. In step S26, the external application 31 presents the temporary code to the user by some means (for example, display or e-mail).

  The external application 31 installed in the terminal device 30 in the user environment performs screen transition as shown in FIG. 13, for example. FIG. 13 is a screen transition diagram of an example of an external application.

  The user transitions from the top screen 1000 to the document selection screen 1001 and selects a document to be printed from the document selection screen 1001. The user also selects print settings from the top screen 1000.

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

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

  The external application 31 installed in the terminal device 35 in the manufacturer environment displays, for example, the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a screen image diagram of an example of an external application.

  “Device ID” and “Current Version” displayed on the screen of FIG. 14 are the Device ID and the current firmware version of the image forming apparatus 20 acquired by the external application 31 via the service providing system 10. Further, the “latest version” displayed on the screen of FIG. 14 is the latest firmware version acquired from the firmware distribution apparatus 40 by the external application 31.

  Further, the “update command” displayed on the screen of FIG. 14 indicates the state of a print command (update command) including firmware update data, “latest” that does not require an update command, or “currently issuing” Is shown.

  When the “current version” is not “latest version”, the external application 31 generates a job execution request including the firmware update data in FIG. 7 and inputs it to the service providing system 10. When the temporary code is returned as a response from the service providing system 10, the external application 31 displays the temporary code on a result screen as shown in FIG. 15, for example. FIG. 15 is an image diagram of an example of a result screen displaying a temporary code.

  The result screen of FIG. 15 is displayed to guide the user that the firmware can be updated to the latest version by inputting a temporary code to the image forming apparatus 20. Further, the external application 31 may notify the contents of the result screen of FIG. 15 to the person in charge or user of the manufacturer by mail. 15 may be stored in the external application 31 or acquired from the authentication component 122 of the service providing system 10.

<Print execution, firmware update execution>
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating content distribution from the service providing system to the image forming apparatus. The browser 51 mounted on the image forming apparatus 20 holds the URL of the application distribution unit 116 of the service providing system 10 as a default URL. When the browser 51 is activated, it makes a download request for the device application information 132 to the application distribution unit 116.

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

  The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured such that the device application information 132 arranged on the service providing system 10 is downloaded and displayed / executed by the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20. The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment may be configured such that a device application is arranged in a local storage on the image forming apparatus 20 and the device application uses an API of each service.

  FIG. 17 is a transition diagram of an example of a UI displayed on the browser of the image forming apparatus. The UI shown in FIG. 17 is displayed based on the screen definition of the device application information 132. The top screen 1501 is provided with an “execute with temporary code” button 1511 and an “log in and execute” button 1512.

  When the “execute with temporary code” button 1511 is pressed by the user, the browser 51 displays a temporary code screen 1502. The temporary code screen 1502 has a field for inputting a temporary code. The user inputs the temporary code displayed on the result screen 1002 of FIG. 13 or the result screen of FIG. 15 to the temporary code screen 1502 and presses the OK button.

  If the temporary code is correct, the image forming apparatus 20 can download the print command data corresponding to the temporary code from the service providing system 10. The image forming apparatus 20 checks the print command data and determines whether the print command data includes file data to be printed or firmware update data.

  If the print command data includes file data to be printed, the image forming apparatus 20 displays a printing screen 1503 and executes printing. If any of the firmware update data is included in the print command data, the image forming apparatus 20 displays a firmware update screen 1506 and executes the firmware update.

  When the “login and execute” button 1512 is pressed by the user, the browser 51 displays a user authentication screen 1504. The user authentication screen 1504 has fields for entering a user name and a password. The user inputs the user name and password on the user authentication screen 1504 and presses the login button.

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

  The user selects print command data to be executed from the list on the command selection screen 1505 and presses an OK button. The image forming apparatus 20 downloads the print command data selected by the user from the service providing system 10. The image forming apparatus 20 checks the print command data, and determines whether the print command data includes file data to be printed or firmware update data.

  If the print command data includes file data to be printed, the image forming apparatus 20 displays a printing screen 1503 and executes printing. If any of the firmware update data is included in the print command data, the image forming apparatus 20 displays a firmware update screen 1506 and executes the firmware update.

  The UI transition diagram shown in FIG. 17 is an example in which an “execute with temporary code” button 1511 and an “log in and execute” button 1512 are provided on the top screen 1501, but “log in and execute” on the top screen. The specification without the button 1512 may be used. For example, in a low-end machine or the like, the top screen without the “login and execute” button 1512 may be used.

  FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of an example of print command data acquisition by temporary code input. FIG. 18 shows a sequence diagram in the case where the print command data includes file data to be printed.

  In step S31, the user inputs a temporary code on the temporary code screen 1502 displayed on the browser 51, and presses an OK button.

  In step S32, the browser 51 requests the print job processing unit 52 executed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 to execute a job using a temporary code. In step S33, the print job processing unit 52 designates a temporary code and requests the command distribution unit 115 of the service providing system 10 to acquire the command.

  In step S34, the instruction distribution unit 115 requests the authentication management unit 104 to verify whether the temporary code is valid. Here, it is assumed that the temporary code is valid. If the temporary code is valid, the command distribution unit 115 returns the print command data of FIG. 11 stored in association with the temporary code to the print job processing unit 52 in step S35.

  In order to start the print job, the print job processing unit 52 needs to change the status (status) of the print command data to “processing” as shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of print command data whose status has been changed during processing. In the print command data shown in FIG. 19, status is changed to processing, and updated_at is changed to the time at that time.

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

  The access token can be temporarily used, and is necessary for accessing the print data of the storage destination URL. The access token is valid for the print data of the storage destination URL, and becomes invalid after a certain period of time. The data management unit 112 returns the issued access token to the instruction distribution unit 115.

  In step S38, the command distribution unit 115 returns to the print job processing unit 52 the print command data as shown in FIG. 20 including the access token in the print command data as shown in FIG. . FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an example of print command data including an access token. In the print command data of FIG. 20, an access token (accessToken) is added to the field.

  In step S39, the print job processing unit 52 designates a print data storage destination URL and an access token, and issues a file acquisition request to the data management unit 112. If the access token is valid, the data management unit 112 returns the print data of the storage destination URL to the print job processing unit 52.

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

  Upon receiving the request to change the command state to completion, the command distribution unit 115 changes the status of the print command data shown in FIG. 20 to complete as shown in FIG. 21, and changes updated_at to the current time. To do. The command distribution unit 115 returns to the print job processing unit 52 the print command data as shown in FIG.

  If the print command data includes firmware update data in step S40, the print job processing unit 52 inputs the print command data to the controller 21 and executes the firmware update.

  FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of print command data acquisition by user authentication. In step S51, the user inputs a user name and password on the user authentication screen 1504 shown in FIG. 17 displayed on the browser 51, and presses an OK button.

  In step S52, the browser 51 requests the print job processing unit 52 running on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 to execute a job by login. In step S 53, the print job processing unit 52 requests user authentication from the authentication management unit 104 of the service providing system 10. If the user authentication is successful, the authentication management unit 104 returns authentication information to the print job processing unit 52.

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

  If the authentication information is OK, the command distribution unit 115 proceeds to step S56, and acquires a list of print command data stored in the service providing system 10 in association with the user ID of the user who has been successfully authenticated. In step S <b> 57, the command distribution unit 115 returns a list of acquired print command data to the print job processing unit 52.

  FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram of an example of a list of print command data returned from the command distribution unit to the print job processing unit. In the list of print command data in FIG. 23, the print command data associated with the user is sorted in ascending order of time stamps. The list of print command data includes print command data whose status has been generated or is being interrupted.

  In step S58, the print job processing unit 52 displays a list of print command data on the browser 51 as in the command selection screen 1505 in FIG. 17, and allows the user to select print command data from the print command data list.

  In step S59, the user selects print command data to be executed from the list on the command selection screen 1505 and presses an OK button. In step S60, the browser 51 designates the id (command ID) of the selected print command data, and requests the print job processing unit 52 to execute the command. Since the print job processing unit 52 starts the print job, it is necessary to change the status (status) of the print command data to “processing”.

  In step S61, the print job processing unit 52 requests the command distribution unit 115 to change the command status to change the status of the print command data while processing by specifying authentication information. When the authentication information is designated, the instruction distribution unit 115 does not issue an access token because access by the authentication information is possible. Therefore, the print command data returned from the command distribution unit 115 to the print job processing unit 52 has the same format as that in FIG.

  In step S62, the print job processing unit 52 designates a print data storage destination URL and authentication information, and issues a file acquisition request to the data management unit 112. If the authentication information is valid, the data management unit 112 returns the print data of the storage destination URL to the print job processing unit 52.

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

  Upon receiving the request for changing the command state to completion, the command distribution unit 115 changes the status of the print command data to completed and changes updated_at to the time at that time. The command distribution unit 115 returns the print command data whose status is changed to complete to the print job processing unit 52.

  In the case of print command data including firmware update data, the print job processing unit 52 inputs the print command data to the controller 21 in step S63 and executes firmware update.

  FIG. 24 is a state transition diagram of print command data. The state of the print command data immediately after being input to the command distribution unit 115 is “created” as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the state of the print command data is changed to “processing” like the print command data shown in FIG. 19 when the job execution is started.

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

  In addition, it is possible to delete print command data whose status has been generated or suspended. For example, deletion of print command data whose status has been generated or is interrupted can be executed by providing a delete button in the list of the command selection screen 1601 as shown in FIG. FIG. 25 is an image diagram of an example of an instruction selection screen capable of deleting print instruction data.

  Note that the print command data that can be acquired from the command distribution unit 115 by the print job processing unit 52 is the print command data that has been generated or is being interrupted, so that the print command data that is already being processed is another image forming apparatus 20. Can be prevented from being processed at the same time. In addition, the print command data that can be acquired from the command distribution unit 115 by the print job processing unit 52 is the print command data whose state has been generated or suspended, so that the print command data whose state has been completed or deleted is processed again. Can be prevented. The status of the print command data can also be used for managing the usage log on the service providing system 10 side.

  Further, the status of the print command data may be acquired by the external application 31 of the terminal device 35. The external application 31 of the terminal device 35 can detect the completion of the firmware update by acquiring the status of the print command data.

  The controller 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 to which the print command data including the firmware update data is input performs the firmware update with a module configuration as shown in FIG. 26, for example.

  FIG. 26 is a module configuration diagram of an example of a controller in the image forming apparatus. The controller 21 shown in FIG. 26 includes a controller mode control unit 55, a print execution unit 56, a print engine 57, and an update control unit 58.

  Print command data input to the controller 21 by the print job processing unit 52 executed on the browser 51 of the image forming apparatus 20 is received by the print execution unit 56. The print execution unit 56 determines whether the received print command data includes file data to be printed or firmware update data.

  For example, the print execution unit 56 can determine whether the data of the file to be printed is included or the data for firmware update is included according to the parameters in the PJL. If the data is a file to be printed, the print execution unit 56 renders the image and requests the print engine 57 to print. On the other hand, if it is firmware update data, the print execution unit 56 transfers the firmware update data to the update control unit 58.

  The update control unit 58 confirms the validity and completeness of the transferred firmware update data, and if there is no problem, requests the controller mode control unit 55 to shift to the update mode.

  The controller mode control unit 55 shifts to the update mode. During the update mode, the image forming apparatus 20 does not accept the print command data and does not shift to the energy saving mode. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 notifies the user that the firmware is being updated by displaying that the update is being performed on the operation panel 22.

  After shifting to the update mode, the update control unit 58 updates (updates) the firmware stored in the NVRAM 214, for example, using the transferred firmware update data. After the firmware update is completed, the update control unit 58 notifies the print execution unit 56 of the completion of the update. The print execution unit 56 notifies the print job processing unit 52 of the completion of printing. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 is rebooted by the updated firmware after the reboot process is executed.

[Second Embodiment]
The job execution request of FIG. 7 shown in the first embodiment may be, for example, the job execution request shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a configuration diagram of an example of a job execution request including firmware update data input to the service providing system.

  In the job execution request, a description (description) of a print command displayed on the browser 51 as a parameter for the print command component 124, a model name (update), and a job execution request submission date and time (created_at) are set. The job execution request shown in FIG. 27 can be determined from the model name (update) as a job execution request including firmware update data.

  The authentication management unit 104 in the second embodiment has a fixed code table as shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram of an example of a fixed code table. In the fixed code table of FIG. 28, model names and fixed codes are associated with each other. The service providing system 10 returns a fixed code corresponding to the model name (update) included in the job execution request of FIG. 27 to the terminal device 35 as a temporary code.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus 20 is activated, the image forming apparatus 20 checks the presence or absence of firmware update data according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram of an example of a procedure for checking the presence / absence of firmware update data.

  In step S <b> 71, the print job processing unit 52 is first activated on the browser 51 by the activation of the image forming apparatus 20. The print job processing unit 52 confirms the model with respect to the controller 21 and acquires model information. The print job processing unit 52 also has the fixed code table of FIG. Then, the print job processing unit 52 acquires a fixed code corresponding to the acquired model information (model name).

  In step S72, the print job processing unit 52 designates the acquired fixed code as a temporary code, and requests the command distribution unit 115 of the service providing system 10 to acquire the command. The subsequent processing is the same as the sequence diagram of FIG. The service providing system 10 creates new print command data from the print command data shown in FIG. 30 at the timing of shifting to “complete” in the state transition of FIG. The new print command data is updated to the newly created id and access token.

<Summary>
In the information processing system 1 according to the first and second embodiments, a print command component 124 that issues a print command to the image forming apparatus 20 is added to the service providing system 10 that can configure a document workflow by linking components. Yes.

  The print command component 124 can handle the print command data including the file data to be printed and the firmware update data including the firmware update data in the same manner, and can issue a temporary code.

  The image forming apparatus 20 acquires the print command data associated with the temporary code from the service providing system 10, and executes firmware update if the print command data includes firmware update data. As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the first and second embodiments uses a series of processing (cloud print service) for printing performed in cooperation between the service providing system 10 and the image forming apparatus 20. Firmware update can be performed.

  For example, in the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1, a person in charge of a manufacturer can store print command data including firmware update data in the service providing system 10 from the terminal device 35 in the manufacturer environment E3. Therefore, the user who uses the image forming apparatus 20 can update the firmware by inputting the temporary code. In addition, the person in charge of the manufacturer can detect that the firmware has been updated in the image forming apparatus 20 by confirming the state of the print command data including the firmware update data from the terminal device 35 in the manufacturer environment E3.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The input / output service processing unit 103 is an example of a registration receiving unit. The authentication management unit 104 is an example of an authentication management unit. The command distribution unit 115 is an example of a print command distribution unit. The print execution unit 56 is an example of a print control unit. The print engine 57 is an example of a printing unit. The update control unit 58 is an example of an update control unit. The print job processing unit 52 is an example of a processing unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 10 Service provision system 11 Input device 12 Display device 13 External I / F
13a recording medium 14 RAM
15 ROM
16 CPU
17 Communication I / F
18 HDD
20 Image forming apparatus 21 Controller 22 Operation panel 23 External I / F
23a Recording medium 24 Communication I / F
25 Printer 26 Scanner 30, 35 Terminal device 31 External application 40 Firmware distribution device 51 Browser 52 Print job processing unit 55 Controller mode control unit 56 Print execution unit 57 Print engine 58 Update control unit 101 Document service unit 102 File service unit 103 Input / output Service processing unit 104 Authentication management unit 105 Device service unit 106 Print data file storage unit 107 Device application information storage unit 111 Print conversion unit 112 Data management unit 113 Flow control unit 114 Component group 115 Command distribution unit 116 Application distribution unit 121 Print conversion component 122 Authentication Component 123 File Input Component 124 Print Command Component 131 Print Data File 1 32 Device application information 211 CPU
212 RAM
213 ROM
214 NVRAM
215 HDD
500 Computer 1000, 1501 Top screen 1001 Document selection screen 1002 Result screen 1502 Temporary code screen 1503 Printing screen 1504 User authentication screen 1505, 1601 Command selection screen 1506 Firmware update screen 1511 “Execute with temporary code” button 1512 “Log in” Execute button B Bus E1 Service provision environment E2 User environment E3 Manufacturer environment N1, N2 Network

JP 2014-232512 A

Claims (7)

Based on the service providing system that stores the print command received from the terminal device and returns identification information associated with the print command to the terminal device, and the print command acquired from the service providing system by specifying the identification information An information processing system having an image forming apparatus that executes printing,
Registration acceptance means for accepting registration of the print command including data to be printed to be printed by the image forming apparatus or data for updating firmware installed in the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
Authentication management means for issuing the identification information associated with the print command;
The print command is stored in association with the identification information returned to the terminal device, and the print command associated with the identification information is stored based on the print command acquisition request specifying the identification information. Print command distribution means for distributing to the image forming apparatus;
If the data to be printed is included in the distributed print command, the printing unit executes printing of the data to be printed included in the print command, and the firmware update is added to the distributed print command. Print control means for causing the update control unit to update the firmware installed in the image forming apparatus with the firmware update data included in the print command,
An information processing system having 2. The print command distribution unit, according to an acquisition request from the terminal device, provides the terminal device with information indicating the status of the print command held by the print command. Information processing system.   The print command distribution unit newly creates the print command including the firmware update data when the information indicating the status of the print command including the firmware update data is completed. The information processing system according to claim 2. Storage means for storing information on the model of the image forming apparatus and the identification information set for each model of the image forming apparatus in association with each other;
Information on the model of the image forming apparatus is acquired, the identification information corresponding to the information on the model is acquired from the storage unit, and the print command acquisition request designating the identification information is sent to the print command distribution unit. Processing means to perform;
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Based on the service providing system that stores the print command received from the terminal device and returns identification information associated with the print command to the terminal device, and the print command acquired from the service providing system by specifying the identification information A firmware update method executed in an information processing system having an image forming apparatus that executes printing,
A registration accepting step for accepting registration of the print command including data to be printed to be printed by the image forming apparatus or data for updating firmware installed in the image forming apparatus;
An authentication management step of issuing the identification information associated with the print command;
The print command is stored in association with the identification information returned to the terminal device, and the print command associated with the identification information is stored based on the print command acquisition request specifying the identification information. A print command delivery step for delivering to the image forming apparatus;
If the data to be printed is included in the distributed print command, the printing unit executes printing of the data to be printed included in the print command, and the firmware update is added to the distributed print command. If the data is included, a print control step for causing the update control unit to update the firmware installed in the image forming apparatus using the firmware update data included in the print command;
A method for updating firmware. The print command received from the terminal device is stored, identification information associated with the print command is returned to the terminal device, and the print command is acquired based on the print command acquisition request from the image forming apparatus that designates the identification information. An information processing apparatus that provides instructions to the image forming apparatus,
Registration acceptance means for accepting registration of the print command including data to be printed to be printed by the image forming apparatus or data for updating firmware installed in the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
Authentication management means for issuing the identification information associated with the print command;
The print command is stored in association with the identification information returned to the terminal device, and the print command associated with the identification information is stored based on the print command acquisition request specifying the identification information. Print command distribution means for distributing to the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus. The print command received from the terminal device is stored, identification information associated with the print command is returned to the terminal device, and the print command is acquired based on the print command acquisition request from the image forming apparatus that designates the identification information. An information processing apparatus for providing an instruction to the image forming apparatus;
Registration accepting means for accepting registration of the print command including data to be printed to be printed by the image forming apparatus or data for updating firmware installed in the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
Authentication management means for issuing the identification information associated with the print command;
The print command is stored in association with the identification information returned to the terminal device, and the print command associated with the identification information is stored based on the print command acquisition request specifying the identification information. A print command delivery means for delivering to the image forming apparatus;
Program to function as.

Images