阅读说明：本技术 印刷系统、印刷装置以及服务器 (Printing system, printing apparatus, and server ) 是由 古田泰大 于 2021-05-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种能够抑制印刷系统中的通信量的印刷系统、印刷装置以及服务器。印刷系统(1000)具有第一复合机(1A)、能够与第一复合机进行通信的第二复合机(1B)和能够与第一复合机及第二复合机进行通信的服务器(3),第一复合机从终端装置(2)接收印刷任务数据(1131),并对所接收到的印刷任务数据进行存储,服务器将与基于印刷任务数据的印刷相关的印刷用画面的HTML文件发送至第二复合机,第二复合机基于从服务器接收到的印刷用画面的HTML文件来显示印刷用画面,在所显示的印刷用画面中印刷指示操作被实施了的情况下,从第一复合机接收第一复合机所存储的印刷任务数据,并执行基于所接收到的印刷任务数据的印刷。(The invention provides a printing system, a printing device and a server capable of suppressing communication traffic in the printing system. A printing system (1000) comprises a first multifunctional machine (1A), a second multifunctional machine (1B) capable of communicating with the first multifunctional machine, and a server (3) capable of communicating with the first multifunctional machine and the second multifunctional machine, wherein the first multifunctional machine receives print job data (1131) from a terminal device (2) and stores the received print job data, the server transmits an HTML file of a printing screen related to printing based on the print job data to the second multifunctional machine, the second multifunctional machine displays the printing screen based on the HTML file of the printing screen received from the server, and when a printing instruction operation is performed on the displayed printing screen, the second multifunctional machine receives the print job data stored by the first multifunctional machine from the first multifunctional machine and executes printing based on the received print job data.)

1. A printing system having a first printing apparatus, a second printing apparatus capable of communicating with the first printing apparatus, and a server capable of communicating with the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus,

the first printing device receives print job data from a terminal device and stores the received print job data,

the server transmits screen information, which is information on a screen related to printing based on the print job data, to the second printing apparatus,

the second printing device displays the screen based on the screen information received from the server, and when a print instruction operation is performed on the displayed screen, receives the print job data stored in the first printing device from the first printing device, and executes printing based on the received print job data.

2. The printing system of claim 1,

the second printing device transmits print instruction request information requesting a print instruction to the server when a print instruction operation is performed on the screen displayed,

the server transmits print instruction information indicating a print instruction to the second printing apparatus when receiving the print instruction request information from the second printing apparatus,

the second printing device receives the print job data stored in the first printing device from the first printing device and executes printing based on the received print job data, when receiving the print instruction information from the server.

3. The printing system of claim 1,

when the print instruction operation is performed on the screen displayed, the second printing device receives the print job data stored in the first printing device from the first printing device based on print instruction information indicating a print instruction generated by a program included in the screen information, and executes printing based on the received print job data.

4. The printing system of any of claims 1 to 3,

the screen is a selection screen for selecting the print job data,

the server receives, from the terminal device, print job related information relating to the print job data transmitted by the terminal device, and,

generating the selection screen based on the received print job related information, and transmitting the screen information of the generated selection screen to the second printing apparatus.

5. The printing system of any of claims 1 to 3,

the screen is a selection screen for selecting the print job data,

the first printing device transmits print job related information on the print job data received from the terminal device to the server,

the server generates the selection screen based on the received print job related information, and transmits the screen information of the generated selection screen to the second printing apparatus.

6. The printing system of claim 5,

the printing apparatus is provided with a plurality of the first printing devices,

the plurality of first printing devices transmit print job related information on the print job data received from the terminal device to the server,

the second printing device transmits print job related information on the print job data received from the terminal device to the server,

the server generates the selection screen based on the received print job related information, and transmits the screen information of the generated selection screen to the second printing apparatus.

7. The printing system of claim 1,

the second printing device receives an input of authentication information from a user and transmits the received authentication information to the server,

the server performs user authentication based on the received authentication information, transmits the screen information to the second printing apparatus when the user authentication is successful, and does not transmit the screen information to the second printing apparatus when the user authentication is failed.

8. The printing system of claim 7,

the server transmits the screen information of the screen related to printing of the print job data based on the user whose user authentication has succeeded to the second printing apparatus,

the second printing device receives, from the first printing device, the print job data of a user whose user authentication has succeeded, from among the print job data stored in the first printing device, and executes printing based on the received print job data, when a print instruction operation is performed on the screen displayed.

9. A printing apparatus includes a printing apparatus communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal apparatus, a first printing apparatus storing print job data received from the terminal apparatus, and a server, a printing unit, a display unit, and a printing apparatus control unit,

the printing device control part

Receiving screen information, which is information on a screen related to printing based on the print job data, from the server via the printing apparatus communication unit,

the screen is displayed on the display unit based on the received screen information, and when a print instruction operation is performed on the screen displayed on the display unit, the print job data stored in the first printing device is received from the first printing device via the printing device communication unit, and printing based on the received print job data is executed by the printing unit.

10. A server is provided with:

a server communication unit that communicates with a first printing device that stores print job data received from a terminal device and a second printing device;

a server control unit that transmits screen information, which is information on a screen related to printing based on the print job data, to the second printing apparatus via the server communication unit,

the screen information includes a program that, when a print instruction operation is performed on the screen, causes the second printing apparatus to receive the print job data stored in the first printing apparatus from the first printing apparatus and to execute printing based on the received print job data.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a server.

Background

Conventionally, a technique has been known in which a printing device performs printing by communicating with a server. For example, patent document 1 discloses a technique in which, in a process management system including a multifunction peripheral having a printing function and a management server, when a request for a print job is received from the multifunction peripheral, the management server transmits the print job received from an information terminal to the multifunction peripheral, and the multifunction peripheral performs printing based on the print job received from the management server.

However, in patent document 1, there is a problem that the management server performs the reception and transmission of the print job until the multifunction printer performs the printing, and therefore, the communication amount in the system is large.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2016-

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect to solve the above problems is a printing system including a first printing apparatus that receives print job data from a terminal apparatus and stores the received print job data, a second printing apparatus that can communicate with the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus, and a server that can communicate with the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus, the server transmitting screen information that is information of a screen related to printing based on the print job data to the second printing apparatus, the second printing apparatus displaying the screen based on the screen information received from the server, and receiving the print job data stored in the first printing apparatus from the first printing apparatus when a print instruction operation is performed on the displayed screen, and performing printing based on the received print job data.

Another aspect to solve the above problem is a printing apparatus including a printing apparatus communication unit that is capable of communicating with a terminal apparatus, a first printing apparatus that stores print job data received from the terminal apparatus, and a server, a printing unit that receives screen information, which is information on a screen related to printing based on the print job data, from the server via the printing apparatus communication unit, displays the screen on the display unit based on the received screen information, and a printing apparatus control unit that receives the print job data stored in the first printing apparatus from the first printing apparatus via the printing apparatus communication unit when a print instruction operation is performed on the screen displayed on the display unit, and executing printing based on the received print job data by the printing section.

Another aspect to solve the above problem is a server including: a server communication unit that communicates with a first printing device that stores print job data received from a terminal device and a second printing device; and a server control unit that transmits screen information, which is information on a screen related to printing based on the print job data, to the second printing device via the server communication unit, wherein the screen information includes a program that, when a print instruction operation is performed on the screen, causes the second printing device to receive the print job data stored in the first printing device from the first printing device and to execute printing based on the received print job data.

Another aspect of the present invention is a printing method performed by a first printing apparatus that receives print job data from a terminal apparatus and stores the received print job data, a second printing apparatus that can communicate with the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus, and a server that can communicate with the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus, the server transmitting screen information that is information on a screen related to printing based on the print job data to the second printing apparatus, the second printing apparatus displaying the screen based on the screen information received from the server, and receiving the print job data stored in the first printing apparatus from the first printing apparatus when a print instruction operation is performed on the displayed screen, and performing printing based on the received print job data.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the multifunction device, the terminal device, and the server.

Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the multifunction device, the terminal device, and the server.

Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the printing system.

Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 1000.

As shown in fig. 1, the printing system 1000 includes: a plurality of multifunction machines 1, a terminal device 2, and a server 3. The plurality of multifunction devices 1 and the terminal device 2 are connected to a local area network LN. The server 3 is connected to the global network GN.

The printing system 1000 has a function of authenticating printing.

The authentication printing is a printing process in which the multifunction device 1 receives an operation related to user authentication from the user P, the server 3 performs user authentication based on the received operation related to user authentication, and when the user authentication is successful, the multifunction device 1 that has received the operation related to user authentication performs printing based on a print job desired by the user P. By the authentication printing, the printing system 1000 can prevent the printing based on the print job desired by the user P from being executed in the multifunction peripheral 1 installed at a place distant from the user P, and the information printed on the printed matter from being leaked to the third person. Further, since printing based on a print job desired by the user P can be performed by any of the multifunction devices 1, the printing system 1000 is highly convenient for the user P.

One print job is a series of operations for generating one or more printed materials by printing. When a plurality of printed materials are generated, one print job refers to a series of operations for generating printed materials having the same print content. For example, when ten printed materials having the same content are generated, one print job is a series of operations for generating ten printed materials. In the following description, data for executing a print job is referred to as "print job data" and denoted by a "1131" symbol.

The multifunction peripheral 1 is called an mfp (multi Function peripherals), and is a device capable of executing various processes such as printing and scanning. The multifunction peripheral 1 executes various processes based on the print job data 1131 received from the terminal device 2, or based on operations performed by the user P on an input section such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided in the multifunction peripheral 1.

When the multifunction peripheral 1 receives the print job data 1131 generated by the terminal device 2 from the terminal device 2, the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 described later stores the received print job data 1131. When the multifunction device 1 accepts an operation related to user authentication and user authentication is successful in the server 3, printing is performed based on the print job data 1131 of the user P stored in another multifunction device 1. Further, the multifunction device 1 can perform printing based on the print job data 1131 of the user P stored in the multifunction device itself even when an operation related to user authentication is accepted and the user authentication is successful in the server 3.

The terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer). Although fig. 1 illustrates the terminal device 2 as being of a desktop type, it may be of a notebook type or a tablet type. The terminal apparatus 2 generates print job data 1131, and transmits the generated print job data 1131 to the multifunction peripheral 1.

The server 3 is a server device that provides a screen related to printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the multifunction peripheral 1 to the multifunction peripheral 1. In the following description, this screen is referred to as a "printing screen". The server 3 functions as a Web server and transmits an HTML file for displaying a printing screen to the multifunction device 1. An HTML file displayed with a printing screen corresponds to one example of screen information. The server 3 is connected to a global network GN, and communicates with each device connected to a local area network LN via a communication device 4 connected to the global network GN. The global network GN includes the internet, telephone networks, and other communication networks.

The communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting equipment connected to the local area network LN and the global network GN. The communication device 4 has functions related to a modem, a firewall function, a router function, an NAT (Network Address Translation) function, and the like. The communication device 4 transfers data transmitted and received between the multifunction peripheral 1 connected to the local area network LN and the server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 4 transfers data transmitted and received between the terminal device 2 connected to the local network LN and the server 3 connected to the global network GN.

In the present embodiment, the case where the printing system 1000 includes 1 terminal device 2 is exemplified, but the number of terminal devices 2 included in the printing system 1000 is not limited to 1, and may be a plurality of terminal devices.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 1, the terminal device 2, and the server 3.

First, the multifunction device 1 will be explained.

The multifunction peripheral 1 includes a multifunction peripheral control unit 10, a multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, a multifunction peripheral input unit 12, a multifunction peripheral display unit 13, a printing unit 14, and a scanner unit 15. The composite machine control section 10 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus control section. The multifunction printer communication unit 11 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus communication unit. The multifunction device display unit 13 corresponds to an example of a display unit.

The multifunction peripheral control unit 10 includes a multifunction peripheral processor 110 and a multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 as processors for executing programs, such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral 1. The multifunction peripheral control unit 10 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the multifunction peripheral processor 110 reads the control program 121 stored in the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 and executes the processes. The mfp processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121, and the mfp controller 10 functions as the print controller 111. The mfp processor 110 reads and executes the browser program 122, and the mfp control unit 10 functions as the browser program executing unit 112.

The multifunction device storage unit 120 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the multifunction device processor 110 and data processed by the multifunction device processor 110. The multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 stores a control program 121, a browser program 122, a print job data management DB (DataBase) 123, and other various data executed by the multifunction peripheral processor 110. The multifunction device storage unit 120 has a nonvolatile storage area for storing programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The multifunction device storage unit 120 may include a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the multifunction device processor 110 and data to be processed.

The print job data management DB123 is a database for storing the print job data 1131. As shown in fig. 2, the print job data management DB123 includes 1 record including print job data 1131, a print job ID1132, and a user ID 1133.

The print job ID1132 is identification information for identifying a print job. The print job ID1132 also corresponds to identification information for identifying the print job data 1131.

The user ID1133 is identification information for identifying the user P in the authentication printing. A user ID1133 is assigned to each user P in advance.

Returning to the description of fig. 2, the mfp communication unit 11 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the terminal device 2 and the server 3 conforming to the predetermined communication standard under the control of the mfp control unit 10.

The multifunction peripheral input unit 12 includes input means such as operation switches and a touch panel provided in the multifunction peripheral 1, detects an operation of the input means by the user P, and outputs the detected operation to the multifunction peripheral control unit 10. The mfp control unit 10 executes processing corresponding to an operation on the input section based on an input from the mfp input unit 12. The multifunction peripheral input unit 12 includes an input section for the user P to input the authentication information NJ to the multifunction peripheral 1. As an example of the input means, a card reader that reads an IC card or the like storing authentication information NJ of the user P may be cited. Note that, as an input method of the user P, for example, the user P may input the combination of the user ID1133 and the password 3221 as the authentication information NJ to the operation switch or the touch panel, or may input the authentication information NJ by fingerprint authentication. Although the combination of the user ID1133 and the password 3221 is exemplified as the authentication information NJ in the present embodiment, the authentication information NJ is not limited thereto, and may be information indicating a fingerprint in the case of fingerprint authentication, for example.

The mfp display unit 13 includes a plurality of LEDs and a display panel, and performs, under the control of the mfp control unit 10, lighting on/off/blinking of the LEDs in a predetermined manner, display of information on the display panel, and the like.

The printing unit 14 includes an ink jet head that forms dots by ejecting ink onto a print medium, a carriage that scans the ink jet head in a scanning direction, a carriage drive motor that drives the carriage, a transport unit that transports the print medium, an ink supply unit that supplies ink to the ink jet head, and other components related to printing. The printing unit 14 performs printing on the printing medium by ejecting ink from nozzles of an inkjet head and forming dots on the printing surface of the conveyed printing medium under the control of the mfp control unit 10.

The scanner unit 15 has a configuration related to reading, such as a scanner that reads characters and images recorded on a document. The scanner unit 15 reads recorded characters and images by irradiating light emitted from a light source onto a document, for example, and outputs image data obtained by the reading to the multifunction peripheral control unit 10. The composite machine control unit 10 performs data processing such as RGB conversion and compression processing on the image data input from the scanner unit 15 to generate data in a predetermined format. Then, the multifunction device control unit 10 causes the multifunction device storage unit 120 to store the generated data of the predetermined format.

Next, the terminal device 2 will be explained.

The terminal device 2 includes: a terminal control unit 20, a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal input unit 22, and a terminal display unit 23.

The terminal control unit 20 includes a terminal processor 210, which is a processor for executing programs, such as a CPU and an MPU, and a terminal storage unit 220, and controls each unit of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 20 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the terminal processor 210 reads the control program 221 stored in the terminal storage unit 220 and executes the processes. The terminal control unit 20 functions as an application execution unit 211 by the terminal processor 210 executing the application 222 stored in the terminal storage unit 220. The terminal control unit 20 functions as the driver execution unit 212 by the terminal processor 210 executing the printer driver 223 stored in the terminal storage unit 220.

The terminal storage unit 220 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the terminal processor 210 and data processed by the terminal processor 210. The terminal storage unit 220 stores a control program 221 executed by the terminal processor 210, an application program 222, a printer driver 223, a user ID1133, and other various data. The terminal storage unit 220 has a nonvolatile storage area for storing programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The terminal storage unit 220 may include a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the terminal processor 210 and data to be processed.

The terminal communication unit 21 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the multifunction peripheral 1 and the server 3 under the control of the terminal control unit 20.

The terminal input unit 22 includes input means such as an operation switch, a touch panel, a mouse, and a keyboard provided in the terminal device 2, detects an operation of the input means by the user P, and outputs a detection result to the terminal control unit 20. The terminal control section 20 executes processing corresponding to an operation on the input unit based on an input from the terminal input section 22.

The terminal display unit 23 includes an LED, a display panel, and the like, and performs lighting/blinking/turning off of the LED in a predetermined manner, display of information on the display panel, and the like according to control of the terminal control unit 20.

Next, the server 3 will be explained.

The server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

The server control unit 30 includes a server processor 310 and a server storage unit 320, which are processors for executing programs, such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls each unit of the server 3. The server control unit 30 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the server processor 310 reads and executes the control program 321 stored in the server storage unit 320.

The server storage unit 320 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the server processor 310 and data processed by the server processor 310. The server storage unit 320 stores a control program 321 executed by the server processor 310, an authentication information DB322, print job related information DB323, and other various data. The server storage unit 320 has a nonvolatile storage area for storing programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The server storage unit 320 may include a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the server processor 310 and data to be processed.

The authentication information DB322 is a database that stores the authentication information NJ as a record. The authentication information DB322 stores 1 record having a combination of a user ID1133 and a password 3221.

The print job related information DB323 is a database storing the print job related information IKJ as a record. Print job association information IKJ includes print job ID1132, user ID1133, name information 3231, and access information 3232. That is, 1 record stored in the print job related information DB323 has the print job ID1132, the user ID1133, the name information 3231, and the access information 3232.

The name information 3231 is information indicating a data name of the print job data 1131 indicated by the corresponding print job ID1132 in the same record. The data name indicated by the name information 3231 is, for example, a data name set by the user P as appropriate, a data name set automatically by the application execution unit 211, or the like.

The access information 3232 is information for accessing the multifunction peripheral 1 that stores the print job data 1131 indicated by the print job ID1132 associated with the same record. The access information 3232 is, for example, address information in a local area network LN.

The print job related information IKJ may include at least the print job ID1132, the user ID1133, and the access information 3232, and may include information different from the name information 3231 instead of or in addition to the name information 3231.

The server communication unit 31 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the multifunction peripheral 1 and the terminal device 2 under the control of the server control unit 30.

Next, the operation of the printing system 1000 will be described with reference to the printing control unit 111, the viewer program execution unit 112, the application program execution unit 211, and the driver program execution unit 212.

First, the operation of the printing system 1000 until the multifunction peripheral 1 stores the print job data 1131 in the print job data management DB123 will be described.

Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. At the start time of the sequence diagram shown in fig. 3, the terminal apparatus 2 generates the print job data 1131 based on the operation of the user P.

Here, generation of the print job data 1131 will be described.

The application execution unit 211 of the terminal control unit 20 generates image data of an image printed by the multifunction peripheral 1 based on an operation of the terminal device 2 by the user P by the function of the application 222 installed in advance in the terminal device 2. The driver execution unit 212 generates the print job data 1131 based on the image data generated by the application execution unit 211 by the function of the printer driver 223 installed in advance in the terminal device 2. The print job data 1131 includes image data generated by the application program executing unit 211, various instructions for printing an image shown by the image data, information indicating the number of generated printed matters, and the like. The various commands included in the print job data 1131 are commands corresponding to the command specification of the multifunction peripheral 1.

The user P instructs the terminal device 2 to transmit the print job data 1131 generated by the terminal device 2 to the multifunction peripheral 1 (step SK 11).

Upon receiving a transmission instruction from the user P (step SK12), the driver execution unit 212 of the terminal device 2 determines one multifunction peripheral 1 that transmits the generated print job data 1131 (step SK 13).

The driver execution unit 212 may determine, in step SK13, a predetermined multifunction printer 1, or may determine one multifunction printer 1 from among a plurality of multifunction printers 1 connected to the local area network LN, based on a predetermined reference and in a predetermined order.

When determining one multifunction peripheral 1 that transmits the print job data 1131, the driver execution unit 212 generates the print job related information IKJ (step SK 14).

For example, the driver execution unit 212 generates the print job ID1132 and the name information 3231 at step SK 14. Then, the driver execution unit 212 associates the print job ID1132, the name information 3231, the user ID1133 stored in the terminal storage unit 220, and the access information 3232 of the multifunction peripheral 1 determined in step SK13 with each other, and generates print job related information IKJ. When the print job ID1132 is generated before the execution of step SK14, the driver execution unit 212 may not generate the print job ID1132 in step SK 14. The same applies to the name information 3231.

Next, the driver execution unit 212 transmits the generated print job related information IKJ to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21 (step SK 15).

When the server control unit 30 of the server 3 receives the print job related information IKJ via the server communication unit 31, it stores the received print job related information IKJ as one record in the print job related information DB323 (step SK 16).

Returning to the description of the terminal device 2, the driver execution unit 212 transmits the generated print job data 1131, the print job ID1132 and the user ID1133 to the multifunction peripheral 1 determined in step SK13 through the terminal communication unit 21 (step SK 17).

Upon receiving the print job data 1131, the print job ID1132, and the user ID1133, the mfp control unit 10 of the mfp 1 stores a record including the received pieces of information in the print job data management DB123 (step SK 18).

In the operation of the terminal device 2 shown in fig. 3, the terminal device 2 is configured to transmit information to the multifunction peripheral 1 after transmitting information to the server 3, but the order of transmitting information may be reversed. The terminal 2 may transmit information to the server 3 and the multifunction peripheral 1 simultaneously.

Next, the operation of the printing system 1000 after the multifunction peripheral 1 stores the print job data 1131 in the print job data management DB123 will be described. In the description of the operation of the printing system 1000, the case where the multifunction peripheral 1 performs printing with respect to all of the print job data 1131 related to the user P and the case where the multifunction peripheral 1 performs printing with respect to the print job data 1131 selected by the user P in the print job data 1131 related to the user P will be described.

In the following description, the former case is referred to as a "first case", and the latter case is referred to as a "second case".

In the following description, the multifunction peripheral 1 operated by the user P to generate a printed matter is referred to as a "second multifunction peripheral" and denoted by a "1B" symbol, and the multifunction peripheral 1 other than the second multifunction peripheral 1B is referred to as a "first multifunction peripheral" and denoted by a "1A" symbol. The first multifunction peripheral 1A corresponds to an example of a first printing apparatus. The second multifunction peripheral 1B corresponds to a second printing apparatus and an example of the printing apparatus.

First case

First, the operation of the printing system 1000 in the first case will be described. In the first case, the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A.

Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000.

The viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the authentication screen request information to the server 3 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 101). The authentication screen request information is information of an HTML document requesting display of an authentication screen, which is a screen related to user authentication.

When receiving the authentication screen request information via the server communication unit 31, the server control unit 30 transmits an HTML file for displaying the authentication screen to the second multifunctional apparatus 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 102).

When the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the HTML file for displaying the authentication screen from the server 3 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, the authentication screen is displayed via the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 (step SK 103).

The authentication screen includes information urging the input of the authentication information NJ, such as "please place the IC card on the card reader", "please input the user ID and the password".

The user P inputs authentication information NJ to the second multifunction peripheral 1B based on the authentication screen displayed by the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 104).

The browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the authentication information NJ input by the user P (step SK 105).

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the operation screen request information to the server 3 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 106). The operation screen request information is information requesting an HTML file for displaying a print instruction operation screen, which is a screen on which the user P performs a print instruction operation. The operation screen request information includes authentication information NJ input by the user P. The print instruction operation screen is a screen for printing that the server 3 provides to the multifunction peripheral 1. Therefore, the HTML file displayed on the print instruction operation screen is associated with one example of the screen information.

Upon receiving the operation screen request information, the server control unit 30 performs user authentication based on the authentication information NJ included in the received operation screen request information (step SK 107).

In step SK107, the server control unit 30 refers to the authentication information DB322, and determines whether or not the authentication information NJ included in the received operation screen request information is stored as one record in the authentication information DB 322. The server control unit 30 determines that the user authentication has failed when it determines that the storage has not been made, and determines that the user authentication has succeeded when it determines that the storage has been made.

When determining that the user authentication has succeeded, the server control unit 30 transmits an HTML file for displaying the print instruction operation screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 108). When determining that the user authentication has failed, the server control unit 30 does not transmit the HTML file for displaying the print instruction operation screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B.

When the browser program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the HTML file for displaying the print instruction operation screen via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 displays the print instruction operation screen (step SK 109).

The print instruction operation screen includes, for example, a software button for the user P to perform a print instruction operation on the print instruction operation screen.

The user P performs a print instruction operation on the print instruction operation screen displayed by the multifunction peripheral 1 (step SK 110).

The viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives a print instruction operation by the user P (step SK 111).

Upon accepting the print instruction operation, the viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits print instruction request information requesting a print instruction to the server 3 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 112). The print instruction request information includes a user ID1133 for which user authentication is successful.

Upon receiving the print instruction request information, the server control unit 30 transmits print instruction information indicating a print instruction to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 113). The print instruction information transmitted in step SK113 includes the user ID1133 included in the print instruction request information and the access information 3232 corresponding to the user ID1133 in the print job related information DB 323.

When transmitting the print instruction information to the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the server control unit 30 transmits, to the second multifunction peripheral 1B, an HTML file for displaying a reception completion screen, which is a screen for notifying completion of reception of the print instruction (step SK 114).

The reception completion screen includes, for example, that reception of the "print instruction" is completed. Information notifying a print instruction such as start of printing and a print start.

When the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the HTML file for displaying the reception completion screen via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, the reception completion screen is displayed via the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 (step SK 115).

Next, the print control unit 111 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits data request information requesting the print job data 1131 to the first multifunction peripheral 1A via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, based on the access information 3232 included in the print instruction information received from the server 3 by the viewer program execution unit 112 (step SK 116). The data request information includes the user ID1133 included in the print instruction information, that is, the user ID1133 with which the user authentication is successful.

The print control unit 111 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A specifies, from the print job data management DB123, all the print job data 1131 corresponding to the user ID1133 included in the data request information received from the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 117).

Next, the print control unit 111 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A transmits all of the print job data 1131 specified in step SK117 to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 118).

Upon receiving the print job data 1131 from the first multifunction peripheral 1A, the print control unit 111 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B executes printing based on the received print job data 1131 (step SK119), and generates a printed matter based on the received print job data 1131 for the user P (step SK 120).

Although the sequence diagram shown in fig. 4 is a configuration in which the printing control unit 111 performs printing based on the printing instruction information transmitted from the server 3, the browsing-program execution unit 112 may generate the printing instruction information and the printing control unit 111 may perform printing based on the printing instruction information. This structure will be described with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. In fig. 5, steps identical to those in the sequence diagram shown in fig. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

When determining that the user authentication has succeeded, the server control section 30 transmits an HTML file for displaying the print instruction operation screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the server communication section 31 (step SK 201). When determining that the user authentication has failed, the server control unit 30 does not transmit the HTML file for displaying the print instruction operation screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B.

The HTML file transmitted in step SK201 includes a user ID1133 for which user authentication is successful, and access information 3232 corresponding to the user ID1133 in the print job related information DB 323.

When the print instruction operation is accepted (step SK111), the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B displays the acceptance screen on the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the print instruction operation screen (step SK 202). A script included in an HTML file for displaying a print instruction operation screen is associated with one example of a program included in screen information.

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunctional device 1B generates print instruction information by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the print instruction operation screen (step SK 203). The print instruction information generated in step SK203 includes the user ID1133 and the access information 3232 included in the HTML file for displaying the print instruction operation screen received from the server 3.

When generating the print instruction information, the browsing-program executing section 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B outputs the generated print instruction information to the print control section 111 (step SK 204).

The print control unit 111 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits data request information requesting the print job data 1131 to the first multifunction peripheral 1A via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, based on the access information 3232 included in the print instruction information output from the viewer program execution unit 112 (step SK 205). The data request information transmitted in step SK205 includes the user ID1133 included in the print instruction information output by the viewer program executing unit 112, that is, the user ID1133 for which the user authentication has succeeded.

Second case

Next, the operation of the printing system 1000 in the second case will be described. In the description of the second case, the case where the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A is exemplified.

Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. In fig. 6, the same steps as those in the sequence diagram shown in fig. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Upon reception of the authentication information NJ input by the user P (step SK105), the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the selection screen request information to the server 3 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 301).

The selection screen request information is information requesting an HTML file to be displayed as a selection screen of a screen for selecting the print job data 1131. The selection screen request information includes authentication information NJ input by the user P. The selection screen is a screen for printing. Therefore, the HTML file displayed by the selection screen is made to correspond to one example of the screen information.

Upon receiving the selection screen request information, the server control unit 30 performs user authentication based on the authentication information NJ included in the received selection screen request information (step SK 302).

In step SK302, the server control unit 30 refers to the authentication information DB322, and determines whether or not the authentication information NJ included in the received selection screen request information is stored as one record in the authentication information DB 322. The server control unit 30 determines that the user authentication has failed when it determines that the storage has not been made, and determines that the user authentication has succeeded when it determines that the storage has been made.

When the user authentication is successful, the server control unit 30 specifies all the print job related information IKJ including the user ID1133 of the user authentication success from the print job related information DB323 (step SK 303).

When the print job related information IKJ is specified, the server control unit 30 generates a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 indicated by the print job ID1132 included in the specified print job related information IKJ, based on the specified print job related information IKJ (step SK 304).

The selection screen is, for example, a screen for displaying a list of data names of the print job data 1131 as a list of the print job data 1131 of the user P who has succeeded in the user authentication. The selection screen includes, for example, a software button for selecting one or a plurality of print job data 1131 from a list of print job data 1131 of the user P who has succeeded in user authentication. The selection screen includes, for example, a software button for the user P to perform a print instruction operation on the selection screen.

Next, the server control unit 30 transmits the HTML file for displaying the generated selection screen to the second multifunctional apparatus 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 305). The HTML file for displaying the selection screen includes the print job ID1132 included in the print job related information IKJ specified in step SK 303.

In addition, when the user authentication at step SK302 fails, the server control unit 30 does not generate the selection screen and does not transmit the HTML file for displaying the selection screen to the multifunction device 1.

When the browser program executing unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the HTML file for displaying the selection screen via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, the selection screen is displayed via the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 (step SK 306).

The user P selects one or a plurality of pieces of print job data 1131 to be executed by the second multifunction peripheral 1B on the selection screen displayed by the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 307).

Next, the user P performs a print instruction operation on the selection screen displayed by the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 308).

The viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the print instruction operation performed by the user P (step SK 309).

Upon accepting the print instruction operation, the viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the print instruction request information to the server 3 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 310). The print instruction request information transmitted in step SK310 includes the print job IDs 1132 of all the print job data 1131 selected by the user P in step SK 307.

Upon receiving the print instruction request information, the server control unit 30 transmits the print instruction information to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 311). The print instruction information transmitted in step SK311 includes the print job ID1132 included in the received print instruction request information and the access information 3232 corresponding to the print job ID1132 in the print job related information DB 323.

When transmitting the print instruction information to the multifunction peripheral 1, the server control unit 30 transmits an HTML file for displaying the reception completion screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 312).

When the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the HTML file for displaying the reception completion screen via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, the reception completion screen is displayed via the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 (step SK 313).

Next, the print control unit 111 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits data request information requesting the print job data 1131 to the first multifunction peripheral 1A via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, based on the access information 3232 included in the print instruction information received from the server 3 by the viewer program execution unit 112 (step SK 314). The data request information includes the print job ID1132 included in the print instruction information.

The print control unit 111 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A specifies, from the print job data management DB123, all the print job data 1131 corresponding to the print job ID1132 included in the data request information received from the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 315).

Next, the print control unit 111 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A transmits all of the print job data 1131 specified in step SK315 to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SK 316).

Although the sequence diagram shown in fig. 6 is configured such that the printing control unit 111 performs printing based on the printing instruction information transmitted from the server 3, the browsing-program executing unit 112 may generate the printing instruction information and the printing control unit 111 may perform printing based on the printing instruction information. This structure will be described with reference to fig. 7.

Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. In fig. 7, steps identical to those in the sequence diagram shown in fig. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

When the server control unit 30 generates the selection screen (step SK304), the HTML file for displaying the generated selection screen is transmitted to the second multifunctional apparatus 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 401).

The HTML file transmitted in step SK401 includes the print job ID1132 identified in step SK303 and the access information 3232 corresponding to the print job ID1132 in the print job related information DB 323.

When the print instruction operation is accepted (step SK309), the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B displays the acceptance screen on the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the selection screen (step SK 402). The script included in the HTML file of the selection screen display is made to correspond to one example of the program included in the screen information.

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B generates print instruction information by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the selection screen (step SK 403). The print instruction information generated in step SK403 includes the print job ID1132 of the print job data 1131 selected by the user P in step SK307, and the access information 3232 corresponding to the print job ID 1132.

When generating the print instruction information, the browsing-program executing section 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B outputs the generated print instruction information to the print control section 111 (step SK 404).

As described above, the printing system 1000 includes the first multifunction peripheral 1A, the second multifunction peripheral 1B capable of communicating with the first multifunction peripheral 1A, and the server 3 capable of communicating with the first multifunction peripheral 1A and the second multifunction peripheral 1B. The first multifunction peripheral 1A receives the print job data 1131 from the terminal device 2, and stores the received print job data 1131. The server 3 transmits an HTML file of a printing screen, which is a screen related to printing based on the print job data 1131, to the second multifunction peripheral 1B. When the second multifunction peripheral 1B displays the print screen based on the HTML file of the print screen received from the server 3 and the print instruction operation is performed on the displayed print screen, the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A from the first multifunction peripheral 1A and executes printing based on the received print job data 1131.

The second multifunction peripheral 1B includes a multifunction peripheral communication unit 11, a printing unit 14, a multifunction peripheral display unit 13, and a multifunction peripheral control unit 10 that can communicate with the terminal device 2, the first multifunction peripheral 1A, and the server 3. The mfp control unit 10 receives the HTML file of the printing screen from the server 3 via the mfp communication unit 11, and displays the printing screen on the mfp display unit 13 based on the received HTML file of the printing screen. When the print instruction operation is performed on the print screen displayed on the mfp display unit 13, the mfp control unit 10 receives the print job data 1131 stored in the first mfp 1A from the first mfp 1A via the mfp communication unit 11, and executes printing based on the received print job data 1131 via the printing unit 14.

The server 3 includes a server communication unit 31 and a server control unit 30, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the first multifunction peripheral 1A and the second multifunction peripheral 1B that store the print job data 1131 received from the terminal device 2, and the server control unit 30 transmits the HTML file of the printing screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B through the server communication unit 31. The HMTL file of the printing screen includes a script that, when a printing instruction operation is performed on the printing screen, causes the second multifunction peripheral 1B to receive the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A from the first multifunction peripheral 1A and to execute printing based on the received print job data 1131.

In the printing method performed by the first multifunction peripheral 1A, the second multifunction peripheral 1B, and the server 3, the first multifunction peripheral 1A receives the print job data 1131 from the terminal device 2 and stores the received print job data 1131, the server 3 transmits the HTML file of the print screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the second multifunction peripheral 1B displays the print screen based on the HTML file of the print screen received from the server 3, and when the print instruction operation is performed on the displayed print screen, receives the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A from the first multifunction peripheral 1A and performs printing based on the received print job data 1131.

According to the printing system 1000, the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the server 3, and the printing method, when the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A by communication with the server 3, the server 3 does not transmit or receive the print job data 1131. Therefore, according to the printing system 1000, the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the server 3, and the printing method, when the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A, the amount of communication in the printing system 1000 can be suppressed. Since the server 3 does not transmit or receive the print job data 1131, the print job data 1131 does not pass through the global network GN. Therefore, the printing system 1000, the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the server 3, and the printing method can improve the security for the print job data 1131, and can suppress an increase in communication cost in the printing system 1000.

When the print instruction operation is performed on the displayed print screen, the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits print instruction request information requesting a print instruction to the server 3. Upon receiving the print instruction request information from the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the server 3 transmits print instruction information indicating a print instruction to the second multifunction peripheral 1B. Upon receiving the print instruction information from the server 3, the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A from the first multifunction peripheral 1A, and executes printing based on the received print job data 1131.

With this configuration, the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing in response to a print instruction from the server 3. Therefore, when the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A, the second multifunction peripheral 1B can perform printing in response to a print instruction from the server 3 while suppressing the traffic volume in the printing system 1000.

When the print instruction operation is performed on the displayed print screen, the second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A from the first multifunction peripheral 1A based on the print instruction information indicating the print instruction generated by the script included in the HTML file of the print screen, and executes printing based on the received print job data 1131.

According to this configuration, the second multifunction peripheral 1B can execute printing based on the print job data 1131 without performing communication with the server 3 after receiving the HTML file of the print screen from the server 3, and therefore, the amount of communication in the printing system 1000 can be further suppressed.

The print screen is a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131. The server 3 receives the print job related information IKJ concerning the print job data 1131 transmitted from the terminal device 2, generates a selection screen based on the received print job related information IKJ, and transmits an HTML file of the generated selection screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B.

With this configuration, the second multifunction peripheral 1B can display a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 stored in the multifunction peripheral 1. Therefore, even when the print job data 1131 desired by the user P is stored in the multifunction peripheral 1 different from the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing, the user P can easily select the desired print job data 1131 in the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing. When the selection screen is displayed, the server 3 does not transmit or receive the print job data 1131. Therefore, according to this configuration, even when the print job data 1131 desired by the user P is stored in the multifunction peripheral 1 different from the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing while suppressing the traffic of the printing system 1000, the user P can easily select the desired print job data 1131 in the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing.

The second multifunction peripheral 1B receives the input of the authentication information NJ from the user P, and transmits the received authentication information NJ to the server 3. The server 3 performs user authentication based on the received authentication information NJ, and transmits the HTML file of the printing screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B when the user authentication is successful, and does not transmit the HTML file of the printing screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B when the user authentication is failed.

According to this configuration, the HTML file of the printing screen is transmitted to the second multifunction peripheral 1B when the user authentication is successful, and the HTML file is not transmitted to the second multifunction peripheral 1B when the user authentication is unsuccessful. Therefore, the printing system 1000 can prevent the printing based on the print job data 1131 from being executed by a person other than the user P who has succeeded in the user authentication.

The server 3 transmits an HTML file of a print screen related to printing of the print job data 1131 by the user P who has succeeded in the user authentication to the second multifunction peripheral 1B. The second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 of the user P whose user authentication has succeeded in the print job data 1131 stored by itself.

According to this configuration, since the print job data 1131 based on the user P who has succeeded in the user authentication can be printed, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the user P performs printing based on the print job data 1131 of a person other than the user P. Therefore, the printing system 1000 can improve security for the print job data 1131.

Second embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be explained.

In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the multifunction peripheral 1, the terminal device 2, and the server 3 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the multifunctional apparatus 1, the terminal device 2, and the server 3 according to the second embodiment.

As is clear from a comparison between fig. 8 and fig. 2, in the second embodiment, the server 3 does not have the print job related information DB 323. In the second embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 1 stores the print job related information IKJ in the print job data management DB 123.

The print job data 1131 and the print job related information IKJ are included in 1 record stored in the print job data management DB123 according to the second embodiment.

Next, the operation of the printing system 1000 according to the second embodiment will be described.

First, the operation of the printing system 1000 until the multifunction peripheral 1 stores the print job data 1131 in the print job data management DB123 will be described.

Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. At the start time of the sequence diagram shown in fig. 9, the terminal apparatus 2 generates print job data 1131 based on the operation of the user P.

The user P instructs the terminal device 2 to transmit the print job data 1131 generated by the terminal device 2 to the multifunction peripheral 1 (step SK 21).

Upon receiving a transmission instruction from the user P (step SK22), the driver execution unit 212 of the terminal device 2 determines one multifunction peripheral 1 that transmits the generated print job data 1131 (step SK 23). The driver execution unit 212 may determine, in step SK23, a predetermined multifunction printer 1, or may determine one multifunction printer 1 from among the multifunction printers 1 connected to the local area network LN in accordance with a predetermined reference and a predetermined procedure.

When determining one multifunction peripheral 1 that transmits the print job data 1131, the driver execution unit 212 generates the print job related information IKJ (step SK 24). For example, the driver execution unit 212 executes the same processing as the exemplary processing described in step SK14, and generates the print job related information IKJ.

Next, the driver execution unit 212 associates the generated print job data 1131 with the generated print job related information IKJ through the terminal communication unit 21, and transmits the associated information to the multifunction peripheral 1 determined in step SK23 (step SK 25).

Upon receiving the print job data 1131 and the print job related information IKJ, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1 stores a record including the received print job data 1131 and print job related information IKJ in the print job data management DB123 (step SK 26).

Next, an operation of the printing system 1000 according to the second embodiment in which the multifunction peripheral 1 stores the print job data 1131 in the print job data management DB123 will be described. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the operation of the printing system 1000 will be described separately in the first and second cases.

First case

First, the operation of the printing system 1000 in the first case will be described. In the first case, the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A.

In the first case, the printing system 1000 of the second embodiment executes the operations shown in the sequence diagram of fig. 4 or 5.

Second case

Next, the operation of the printing system 1000 in the second case will be described. In the description of the second case, the case where the second multifunction peripheral 1B performs printing based on the print job data 1131 stored in the first multifunction peripheral 1A is exemplified.

Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. In fig. 10, steps that are the same as those in the sequence diagram shown in fig. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

When the user authentication is successful, the server control unit 30 transmits the related information request information to the second multifunction peripheral 1B via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 501).

The related information request information is information requesting print job related information IKJ including the user ID1133 for which the user authentication has succeeded. The association information request information includes a user ID1133 for which user authentication is successful. In addition, when the user authentication fails, the server control unit 30 does not transmit the related information request information to the multifunction device 1.

Upon receiving the related information request information from the server 3, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B specifies all the print job related information IKJ including the user ID1133 included in the received related information request information from the print job data management DB123 (step SK 502).

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the print job related information IKJ identified in step SK502 to the server 3 (step SK 503).

When the user authentication is successful, the server control unit 30 transmits the related information request information to the first multifunction peripheral 1A via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 504). In step SK504, when there are a plurality of first multifunction machines 1A, the server control unit 30 transmits the related information request information to all the first multifunction machines 1A.

Upon receiving the related information request information from the server 3, the browser execution unit 112 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A specifies all the print job related information IKJ including the user ID1133 included in the received related information request information from the print job data management DB123 (step SK 505).

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A transmits the print job related information IKJ identified in step SK505 to the server 3 (step SK 506).

The server control unit 30 generates a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 of the user P based on the print job related information IKJ received from one or more of the first multifunction peripheral 1A and the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 507). The selection screen generated in step SK507 is the same screen as the selection screen described in the first embodiment.

Next, the server control unit 30 transmits the HTML file for displaying the generated selection screen to the multifunction device 1 via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 508). The HTML file for displaying the selection screen includes all the print job IDs 1132 included in the print job related information IKJ received from the first multifunction peripheral 1A and the second multifunction peripheral 1B. The HTML file displayed by the selection screen transmitted in step SK508 is made to correspond to one example of the screen information.

Although the sequence diagram shown in fig. 10 is a configuration in which the server 3 generates a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 of the user ID1133 for which the user authentication has succeeded, the viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B may generate the selection screen. This structure will be described with reference to fig. 11.

Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. In fig. 11, steps that are the same as those in the sequence diagram shown in fig. 10 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

When the user authentication is successful, the server control unit 30 transmits the HTML file for displaying the selection screen to the multifunction device 1 via the server communication unit 31 (step SK 601). The HTML file displayed on the selection screen includes a user ID1133 for successful user authentication. The HTML file displayed on the selection screen is made to correspond to one example of image information. In addition, when the user authentication fails, the server control unit 30 does not transmit the HTML file for displaying the selection screen to the multifunction device 1.

When receiving the HTML file for displaying the selection screen, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunctional device 1B specifies the print job related information IKJ including the user ID1133 included in the HTML file from the print job data management DB123 by the function of the script included in the received HTML file (step SK 602).

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the related information request information to the first multifunction peripheral 1A by the function of the script included in the HTML which displays the selection screen (step SK 603). In step SK603, when there are a plurality of first multifunction machines 1A, the viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction machine 1B transmits the related information request information to all the first multifunction machines 1A.

Upon receiving the related information request information from the second multifunction peripheral 1B, the browser program executing unit 112 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A specifies all the print job related information IKJ including the user ID1133 included in the received related information request information from the print job data management DB123 (step SK 604).

Next, the viewer program execution unit 112 of the first multifunction peripheral 1A transmits the print job related information IKJ identified in step SK604 to the second multifunction peripheral 1B (step SK 605).

Next, the viewer program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B generates a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 of the user P by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the received selection screen, based on the identified print job related information IKJ and the print job related information IKJ received from one or more first multifunction peripherals 1A (step SK 606). The script included in the HTML file of the selection screen display is made to correspond to one example of the program included in the screen information.

Next, the browsing program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B causes the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 to display the generated selection screen by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the selection screen received from the server 3 (step SK 607).

Although the sequence diagrams shown in fig. 10 and 11 are configured such that the printing control unit 111 performs printing based on the printing instruction information transmitted from the server 3, the browsing-program execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B may generate the printing instruction information, and the printing control unit 111 may perform printing based on the printing instruction information. This structure will be described with reference to fig. 12.

Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system 1000. In fig. 12, steps that are the same as those in the sequence diagram shown in fig. 11 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

When the print instruction operation is accepted (step SK309), the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B displays the acceptance screen on the multifunction peripheral display unit 13 by the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the selection screen received from the server 3 (step SK 701). The script included in the HTML file of the selection screen display is made to correspond to one example of the program included in the screen information.

Next, the browser execution unit 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B generates print instruction information by using the function of the script included in the HTML file displayed on the selection screen received from the server 3 (step SK 702). The print instruction information generated in step SK702 includes the print job ID1132 of the print job data 1131 selected by the user P in step SK307 and the access information 3232 corresponding to the print job ID 1132.

When generating the print instruction information, the browsing-program executing section 112 of the second multifunction peripheral 1B outputs the generated print instruction information to the print control section 111 (step SK 703).

As described above, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the print screen is a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131. The first multifunctional device 1A transmits print job related information IKJ relating to the print job data 1131 received from the terminal apparatus 2 to the server 3. The server 3 generates a selection screen based on the received print job related information IKJ, and transmits an HTML file of the generated selection screen to the second multifunction peripheral 1B.

With this configuration, the second multifunction peripheral 1B can display a selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 stored in the multifunction peripheral 1. Therefore, even when the print job data 1131 desired by the user P is stored in the multifunction peripheral 1 different from the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing, the user P can easily select the desired print job data 1131 in the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing. When the selection screen is displayed, the server 3 does not transmit and receive information after transmitting the HTML file for displaying the selection screen. Therefore, according to this configuration, even when the print job data 1131 desired by the user P is stored in the multifunction peripheral 1 different from the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing, the user P can easily select the desired print job data 1131 in the multifunction peripheral 1 that performs printing while the traffic of the printing system 1000 is further suppressed.

The printing system 1000 includes a plurality of first multifunction machines 1A. The plurality of first multifunctional apparatuses 1A transmit the print job related information IKJ related to the print job data 1131 received from the terminal device 2 to the server 3. The second multifunction peripheral 1B transmits the print job related information IKJ related to the print job data 1131 received from the terminal device 2 to the server 3. The server 3 generates a selection screen based on the received print job related information IKJ, and transmits an HTML file of the generated selection screen to the second multifunctional apparatus 1B.

According to this configuration, since the second multifunction peripheral 1B displays the selection screen for selecting the print job data 1131 stored in the plurality of first multifunction peripherals 1A, the user P can easily select the print job data 1131 to be executed by the second multifunction peripheral 1B regardless of the multifunction peripheral 1 in which the print job data 113 that the user P desires to execute is stored. Therefore, according to this configuration, regardless of the multifunction printer 1 in which the print job data 1131 is stored, the user P can easily select the print job data 1131 to be executed by the second multifunction printer 1B while suppressing the traffic of the printing system 1000.

The above embodiments are only one embodiment of the present invention, and can be modified and applied arbitrarily within the scope of the present invention.

For example, although the serial inkjet method is exemplified as the printing method of the multifunction device 1 in the above embodiments, the printing method of the multifunction device 1 may be a line inkjet method. The printing method of the multifunction device 1 is not limited to the inkjet method, and may be another printing method. Although the multifunction peripheral 1 is shown as an example of a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus is not limited to the multifunction peripheral 1, and may be a printing apparatus such as a printer without a scanner function. The multifunction device 1 may also have various functions such as a facsimile function.

The functions of the multifunction device control unit 10, the terminal control unit 20, and the server control unit 30 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

Each of the portions shown in fig. 2 and 8 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware individually corresponding to each unit, and it is needless to say that a single processor may execute a program to realize the functions of each unit. In the above-described embodiments, a part of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. The specific details of the other parts of the multifunction peripheral 1, the terminal device 2, and the server 3 may be changed arbitrarily without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the step units of the operations shown in fig. 3 to 7 and 9 to 12 are units obtained by dividing the printing system 1000 according to the main processing content in order to easily understand the operations of the devices, and the present invention is not limited by the dividing method and name of the processing unit. The processing may be further divided into more step units according to the processing content. Further, the division may be performed so that more processes are included in one step unit. The order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range not to impair the gist of the present invention.

Description of the symbols

1 … compounding machine; 1a … first multifunction machine (first printing device); 1B … second multifunction peripheral (second printing device, printing device); 2 … terminal device; 3 … server; 4 … a communication device; 10 … multifunction peripheral control section (printing device control section); 11 … multifunction peripheral communication unit (printing device communication unit); 12 … input unit of the compound machine; 13 … multifunction device display unit (display unit); 14 … printing section; 15 … scanning part; 20 … terminal control part; 21 … terminal communication part; 22 … terminal input; 23 … terminal display part; 30 … server control part; 31 … server communication part; 110 … complex machine processor; 111 … printing control part; 112 … browsing program execution section; 120 … multifunction machine storage unit; 121 … control program; 122 … browsing programs; 123 … print job data management DB; 210 … end processor; 211 … application program executing part; 212 … driver execution unit; 220 … terminal storage section; 221 … control program; 222 … application programs; 223 … printer driver; 310 … server processor; 320 … server storage; 321 … control program; 322 … authentication information DB; 323 … print job association information DB; 1000 … printing system; 1131 … printing the job data; 1132 … print job ID; 1133 … user ID; 3221 … password; 3231 … name information; 3232 … access information; GN … world Wide Web; IKJ … printing the task related information; LN … local area network; NJ … authentication information; p … user.