Information processing device, print system, print control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing print control program

An information processing device connecting to a print server via a network and connectable to a printing device is provided. The information processing device determines whether the printing device is a compatible printing device compatible with the print server or an incompatible printing device incompatible with the print server, and causes registration processing corresponding to a result of the determination to be executed.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2022-083629, filed May 23, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a print system, a print control method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a print control program.

2. Related Art

A cloud print service providing a print function via a network is known. A system described in JP-A-2015-92394 has a cloud print server, a cloud-aware printer, and a legacy printer. The cloud print server provides a cloud print service. The cloud-aware printer can directly communicate with the cloud print server and print. The cloud-aware printer connects to the cloud print server via a network. The legacy printer is not compatible with the communication with the cloud print server. The legacy printer connects to a router or a device. The router or the device connects to the cloud print server via a network. In the system described in JP-A-2015-92394, the cloud-aware printer and the legacy printer are configured to be able to print.

The cloud-aware printer and the legacy printer employ different connection formats from each other with the cloud print server. However, it is difficult for a user to determine whether a printer which the user wants to register with the cloud print system is compatible with the cloud print service or not.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device connecting to a print server via a network and connectable to a printing device is provided. The information processing device includes a communication unit receiving a result of acquisition of identification information identifying the printing device from the printing device, and a registration processing unit causing the print server to execute registration processing of registering the printing device. The registration processing unit determines whether the printing device is a compatible printing device compatible with the print server or an incompatible printing device incompatible with the print server, based on the result of acquisition, and causes the registration processing corresponding to a result of the determination to be executed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a print system including a printing device, an information processing device, and a print server is provided. The printing device includes a print storage unit storing identification information, and a print communication unit communicatively connecting to the information processing device. The information processing device includes a communication unit communicatively connecting to the printing device, a connection unit communicatively connecting to the print server via a network, and a registration processing unit causing the print server to execute registration processing of registering the printing device. The print server includes a server communication unit communicatively connecting to the information processing device via the network. The communication unit of the information processing device receives a result of acquisition of the identification information of the printing device. The registration processing unit of the information processing device determines whether the printing device is a compatible printing device compatible with the print server or an incompatible printing device incompatible with the print server, based on the result of acquisition, and causes the registration processing corresponding to a result of the determination to be executed.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a print control method for causing registration processing of registering a printing device with a print server to be executed is provided. The print control method includes receiving a result of acquisition of identification information of the printing device, determining whether the printing device is a compatible printing device compatible with the print server or an incompatible printing device incompatible with the print server, based on the result of acquisition, and causing the registration processing corresponding to a result of the determination to be executed.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a print control program is provided. The print control program operates in an information processing device causing registration processing of registering a printing device with a print server to be executed. The print control program causes the information processing device to receive a result of acquisition of identification information of the printing device, determine whether the printing device is a compatible printing device compatible with the print server or an incompatible printing device incompatible with the print server, based on the result of acquisition, and cause the registration processing corresponding to a result of the determination to be executed.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1shows a schematic configuration of a cloud print system10. The cloud print system10is a system providing a service for printing to a user. The cloud print system10shown inFIG.1has a print control device20, a router30, a multifunction peripheral40, a printer50, and a cloud print server60. In the cloud print system10shown inFIG.1, one multifunction peripheral40and one printer50are illustrated. However, this is not limiting. The cloud print system10may have a plurality of multifunction peripherals40. The cloud print system10may have a plurality of printers50. The cloud print system10is equivalent to an example of a print system.

The print control device20shown inFIG.1communicatively connects to the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50. The print control device20may communicatively connect to at least one of the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50. The print control device20communicatively connects to the cloud print server60via a communication network NW. The print control device20causes the cloud print server60to execute registration processing of registering the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50with the cloud print server60. The print control device20may be coupled to a display80. The display80displays various screens under the control of the print control device20. The display80may be unified with the print control device20. The print control device20is equivalent to an example of an information processing device.

The router30connects a LAN (local area network) to the communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a WAN (wide area network). The LAN is, for example, a communication line constructed in an office or a floor. The router30shown inFIG.1connects the print control device20and the multifunction peripheral40in such a way that the print control device20and the multifunction peripheral40can communicate with each other via the LAN. The router30connects the print control device20and the cloud print server60in such a way that the print control device20and the cloud print server60can communicate with each other via the communication network NW. The router30connects the multifunction peripheral40and the cloud print server60in such a way that the multifunction peripheral40and the cloud print server60can communicate with each other via the communication network NW. The communication network NW is equivalent to an example of a network.

The multifunction peripheral40has a print function of printing on a print medium and a copy function of copying an original document. The multifunction peripheral40may have a fax function of sending and receiving a fax. The multifunction peripheral40can print print data including a general-purpose print command such as PWG-Raster, PDF, JPEG, or PostScript. The multifunction peripheral40is configured to be able to communicate with the cloud print server60via the communication network NW. When registered with the cloud print server60, the multifunction peripheral40can print print data transmitted from the cloud print server60. The function of printing print data transmitted from the cloud print server60is referred to as a cloud print function. A device having the cloud print function is referred to as a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral40shown inFIG.1is a compatible printer. When not registered with the cloud print server60, the multifunction peripheral40cannot receive print data from the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral40communicatively connects to the print control device20via the router30. The multifunction peripheral40is an example of a printing device. The compatible printer is equivalent to an example of a compatible printing device.

The printer50prints on a print medium. The printer50is, for example, an inkjet printer. The printer50ejects an ink onto a print medium and thus prints thereon. The printer50communicatively connects to the print control device20. The printer50may be able or unable to print print data including a general-purpose print command. When unable to print print data including a general-purpose print command, the printer50cannot print print data transmitted from the cloud print server60. A device that cannot print print data transmitted from the cloud print server60is referred to as an incompatible printer. The printer50may be not communicatively connected to the cloud print server60. When not communicatively connected to the cloud print server60, the printer50cannot receive print data from the cloud print server60. A device that is not communicatively connected to the cloud print server60is referred to as an incompatible printer. The printer50shown inFIG.1is locally connected to the print control device20and is not connected in such a way as to be able to communicate with the cloud print server60. The printer50shown inFIG.1is an incompatible printer. The printer50is an example of the printing device. The incompatible printer is equivalent to an example of an incompatible printing device.

The cloud print server60provides a cloud print service. The cloud print service, for example, transmits print data stored in the cloud print server60directly to a device having the cloud print function. The transmitted print data includes a general-purpose print command such as PWG-Raster, PDF, JPEG, or PostScript. The device having the cloud print function can print the print data transmitted from the cloud print server60. The user transmits image data from a portable terminal such as a smartphone to the cloud print server60. The cloud print server60converts the received image data into print data. When the cloud print server60has received a print instruction, the cloud print server60transmits the print data to the device having the cloud print function. The device having the cloud print function prints the print data transmitted from the cloud print server60. The user can print the image data saved in the portable terminal. The user can print the image data by remote control.

The cloud print server60connects to the communication network NW. The cloud print server60communicatively connects to the router30via the communication network NW. The cloud print server60is connected in such a way as to be able to communicate with the print control device20and the multifunction peripheral40, which are connected to the LAN. The cloud print server60shown inFIG.1is formed of one server device. However, this is not limiting. The cloud print server60may be formed of a plurality of server devices. The cloud print server60is equivalent to an example of a print server.

FIG.2shows the block configuration of the cloud print system10.FIG.2shows the print control device20, the multifunction peripheral40, the printer50, and the cloud print server60. InFIG.2, the router30is omitted. InFIG.2, an interface is referred as I/F.

The print control device20has a storage unit121, a control unit123, and a communication interface129. The print control device20is a computer performing various kinds of processing. The print control device20may have an input/output unit or the like, not illustrated. The print control device20may be coupled to an input device such as a mouse.

The storage unit121stores various data and various programs. The storage unit121shown inFIG.2stores a control program AP and an app device list26. The storage unit121may store a printer driver or the like. The storage unit121is formed of a ROM (read-only memory) and a RAM (random-access memory) or the like. The storage unit121may have a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive), and a semiconductor memory or the like. The storage unit121is equivalent to an example of a storage unit.

The control program AP operates in the control unit123. The control program AP causes the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing of the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. As the user causes the control program AP to operate, the control unit123executes a print control application. The control program AP is equivalent to an example of a print control program.

The app device list26has device information compatible with the cloud print server60providing a cloud print service. The app device list26is stored in the storage unit121when the control program AP operates. The app device list26is equivalent to an example of an identification information list.

When the print control device20has received a device list66, described later, from the cloud print server60, the print control device20may store the received device list66as the app device list26in the storage unit121. The communication interface129, described later, receives the device list66from the cloud print server60. The storage unit121stores the device list66received by the communication interface129, as the app device list26. Alternatively, when the print control device20has received the device list66from the cloud print server60, the print control device20may update the app device list26with the device list66.

The communication interface129may receive the device list66from the cloud print server60, and the storage unit121may store the device list66received by the communication interface129.

The print control device20acquires the device list66from the cloud print server60and therefore can securely determine whether the device is compatible with the cloud print server60or not.

The control unit123is a controller controlling the print control device20. The control unit123is, for example, a processor having a CPU (central processing unit). The control unit123may be formed of one processor or a plurality of processors. The control unit123may have a memory such as a RAM or a ROM. The memory functions as a work area for the control unit123.

As the control program AP is made to operate, the control unit123functions as an app execution unit125. The app execution unit125is a functional unit operating in the control unit123. As the user causes the control program AP to operate, the print control application starts up. The user operates the print control application and thus causes the app execution unit125to operate.

The app execution unit125transmits, to the cloud print server60, an instruction command giving an instruction to register the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. The instruction command is transmitted to the cloud print server60, based on an operation input by the user. By transmitting the instruction command to the cloud print server60, the app execution unit125causes the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing. The cloud print server60executes the registration processing of the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50in response to the instruction command. The instruction command is equivalent to a registration request, described later. The app execution unit125is equivalent to an example of a registration processing unit. The app execution unit125transmits the instruction command via the communication interface129. Therefore, it can also be understood that the communication interface129transmits the instruction command.

The app execution unit125operates as a virtual printer. The app execution unit125receives print data from the cloud print server60. The app execution unit125transmits the received print data to the printer50. The app execution unit125operates as a virtual printer corresponding to the printer50in relation to the cloud print server60. By operating as a virtual printer, the app execution unit125can register the printer50with the cloud print server60. The registration of the virtual printer with the cloud print server60is equivalent to the registration of the printer50with the cloud print server60.

The app execution unit125transmits various data to devices such as the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50connected to the print control device20. The app execution unit125transmits data of a general-purpose protocol and data of a dedicated protocol to devices such as the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50. The general-purpose protocol is a standard command of Zeroconf (Bonjour, Avahi), USB Printer Class or the like. The dedicated protocol is a protocol set by the vendor providing the control program AP. The app execution unit125transmits various data to the device connected to the print control device20, and searches for a device and acquires various kinds of information about the device. Each of the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50is an example of the device.

The app execution unit125transmits the data of the general-purpose protocol or the data of the dedicated protocol, as send data, to the multifunction peripheral40. The send data includes data inquiring about a multifunction peripheral identification number46of the multifunction peripheral40. The multifunction peripheral identification number46will be described later. The app execution unit125acquires a reply result corresponding to the send data, from the multifunction peripheral40. The reply result is reply data transmitted from the multifunction peripheral40or the presence or absence of reply data. The reply data includes the multifunction peripheral identification number46. The reply result is equivalent to an example of a result of acquisition of the multifunction peripheral identification number46. Based on the reply result, the app execution unit125determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60. Based on the reply result, the app execution unit125can determine that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer.

The app execution unit125transmits the data of the general-purpose protocol or the data of the dedicated protocol, as send data, to the printer50. The send data includes data inquiring about a printer identification number56of the printer50. The printer identification number56will be described later. The app execution unit125acquires a reply result corresponding to the send data, from the printer50. The reply result is reply data transmitted from the printer50or the presence or absence of reply data. The reply data includes the printer identification number56. The reply result is equivalent to an example of a result of acquisition of the printer identification number56. Based on the reply result, the app execution unit125determines whether the printer50is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60. Based on the reply result, the app execution unit125can determine that the printer50is an incompatible printer.

The app execution unit125differentiates the registration processing to be executed by the cloud print server60, based on the result of determining whether the device is a compatible printer or an incompatible printer. The app execution unit125causes the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing corresponding to the result of the determination. Details of the registration processing will be described later.

The app execution unit125may suitably convert the print data received from the cloud print server60. The app execution unit125may transmit the print data received from the cloud print server60, to a print control unit127. The app execution unit125may transmit data received from the print control unit127, as print data, to the printer50.

As the printer driver is made to operate, the control unit123functions as the print control unit127. The print control unit127is a functional unit operating in the control unit123. The printer driver is a program provided by the vendor of the printer50.

The print control unit127converts image data or the like into dedicated print data which the printer50is compatible with. The print control unit127transmits the dedicated print data to the printer50. The printer50prints, based on the dedicated print data.

The communication interface129transmits and receives various data such as image data and print data. The communication interface129communicatively connects to an external device such as the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. The communication interface129connects to the external device via a wire or wirelessly in conformity with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface129has a first communication port131, a second communication port133, and a third communication port135. The first communication port131, the second communication port133, and the third communication port135are connection connectors or logical ports.

The first communication port131shown inFIG.2communicatively connects to the cloud print server60via the communication network NW. The first communication port131is a logical port. The first communication port131communicatively connects to the cloud print server60in conformity with a protocol compatible with the communication network NW. The first communication port131is communicatively connected via a wire or wirelessly via the router30. The first communication port131is equivalent to an example of a connection unit.

The second communication port133shown inFIG.2communicatively connects to the multifunction peripheral40via a LAN. The second communication port133receives multifunction peripheral identification number46, described later, from the multifunction peripheral40. The second communication port133may receive setting information48, described later, or the like, from the multifunction peripheral40. The second communication port133is a logical port. The second communication port133communicatively connects to the multifunction peripheral40in conformity with a protocol compatible with the LAN. The second communication port133is communicatively connected via a wire or wirelessly via the router30. The second communication port133is equivalent to an example of a communication unit.

The third communication port135shown inFIG.2communicatively connects to the printer50via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. The third communication port135locally connects to the printer50. The third communication port135receives the printer identification number56, described later, from the printer50. The third communication port135may receive specification information58, described later, or the like, from the printer50. The third communication port135is a USB connection connector. The third communication port135communicatively connects to the printer50in conformity with a protocol compatible with USB. The third communication port135is not limited to the USB connection connector. When the printer50is communicatively connected via a LAN, the third communication port135may be a logical port. The third communication port135is equivalent to an example of the communication unit.

The multifunction peripheral40has a multifunction peripheral storage unit41and a multifunction peripheral communication interface43. The multifunction peripheral40may have a multifunction peripheral control unit, not illustrated, or the like. The multifunction peripheral control unit controls the print function, the copy function and the like of the multifunction peripheral40. The multifunction peripheral control unit has a cloud print function.

The multifunction peripheral storage unit41stores various data, various programs and the like. The multifunction peripheral storage unit41stores the multifunction peripheral identification number46and the setting information48. The multifunction peripheral storage unit41is formed of a ROM, a RAM or the like. The multifunction peripheral storage unit41may have a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, or a semiconductor memory or the like. The multifunction peripheral storage unit41is equivalent to an example of a print storage unit.

The multifunction peripheral identification number46is a number unique to the multifunction peripheral40. The multifunction peripheral identification number46includes at least one or more of the serial number, the model name, the name of the manufacturer that has manufactured the multifunction peripheral40, and the like. The multifunction peripheral identification number46may be any information that can specify the multifunction peripheral40. The multifunction peripheral identification number46is a device identification number and is equivalent to an example of identification information.

The setting information48is information about various settings of the multifunction peripheral40. The setting information48is support information, registration information, network information and the like. The support information is information such as a print command, a sheet size, a sheet type, a resolution, automatic double-sided printing or the like that can be supported by the multifunction peripheral40. The registration information is information representing whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not. The registration information may include information representing whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with a server, a service or the like other than the cloud print server60, or not. The network information is information such as the IP address, the email address, or the MAC address. The setting information48is equivalent to an example of registration information.

The multifunction peripheral communication interface43communicatively connects to an external device such as the print control device20and the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral communication interface43connects via a wire or wirelessly in conformity with a predetermined protocol. The multifunction peripheral communication interface43transmits the multifunction peripheral identification number46, the setting information48and the like to the print control device20. The multifunction peripheral communication interface43receives data of various protocols from the print control device20. The multifunction peripheral communication interface43can receive print data from the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral communication interface43is equivalent to an example of a print communication unit.

The printer50has a printer storage unit51and a printer communication interface53. The printer50may have a printer control unit, not illustrated. The printer control unit controls printing based on print data.

The printer storage unit51stores various data, various programs and the like. The printer storage unit51stores the printer identification number56and the specification information58. The printer storage unit51is formed of a ROM, a RAM or the like. The printer storage unit51is equivalent to an example of the print storage unit.

The printer identification number56is a number unique to the printer50. The printer identification number56is the serial number, the model name, the name of the manufacturer that has manufactured the printer50, or the like. The printer identification number56may be any information that can specify the printer50. The printer identification number56is a device identification number and is equivalent to an example of the identification information.

The specification information58is information representing the specifications of the printer50. The specification information58includes a print data format that can be processed by the printer50. The print data format is a format of print data including a dedicated print command unique to the manufacturer of the printer50, a format of print data including a general-purpose print command such as PWG-Raster, PDF, JPEG, or PostScript, or the like. The specification information58may include color/monochrome printing compatibility, print resolution, single-sided/double-sided printing compatibility, the size of a print medium that can be supported, a communication standard or the like. The specification information58is equivalent to an example of compatibility information.

The printer communication interface53transmits various data such as printer identification number56and the specification information58to the print control device20. The printer communication interface53receives print data or the like from the print control device20. The printer communication interface53communicatively connects to an external device such as the print control device20. The printer communication interface53connects to the external device via a wire or wirelessly in conformity with a predetermined communication protocol. The printer communication interface53shown inFIG.2connects in such a way as to be able to communicate with the third communication port135of the print control device20in conformity with the USB communication standard. The printer communication interface53is equivalent to an example of the print communication unit.

The cloud print server60has a server storage unit61and a server communication interface63. The cloud print server60has a server control unit, not illustrated. The server control unit performs the registration processing of registering the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50with the cloud print server60in response to a registration request from the print control device20. The server control unit transmits print data to the multifunction peripheral40or the like for which the registration processing is performed.

The server storage unit61stores various data and various programs. The server storage unit61shown inFIG.2stores the device list66. The server storage unit61may store a registered device list, not illustrated. The server storage unit61may store the control program AP or the like. The server storage unit61is formed of a ROM, a RAM or the like. The server storage unit61may have a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, or a semiconductor memory or the like.

The device list66has device information compatible with the cloud print server60. The device list66is prepared in advance by the provider of the cloud print service. The device list66has the device identification number including the model name or the like of a device that can directly transmit and receive data such as print data to and from the cloud print server60. The device that can directly transmit and receive data can transmit and receive data without using the print control device20. The device list66includes the device identification number about a compatible printer. The device list66may include the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer. The device list66is equivalent to an example of the identification information list.

The registered device list stores information about a device for which the registration processing with the cloud print server60is performed. The registered device list stores the device identification number of the device for which the registration processing is performed. The registered device list may store information about various specifications of the device for which the registration processing is performed or information set on the device. The registered device list may store a combination of the ID of the user who has caused the registration processing to be executed and the device identification number.

The server communication interface63communicatively connects to the print control device20via the communication network NW. The server communication interface63receives the multifunction peripheral identification number46, the printer identification number56and the like via the print control device20. The server communication interface63can transmit the device list66and the like to the print control device20. The server communication interface63communicatively connects to the first communication port131of the print control device20. The server communication interface63is connected in such a way as to be able to communicate with the multifunction peripheral communication interface43of the multifunction peripheral40. The server communication interface63is communicatively connected in such a way as to be able to transmit print data to the multifunction peripheral40without using the print control device20. The server communication interface63is equivalent to an example of a server communication unit.

The print control device20connects to the cloud print server60via the communication network NW and is connectable to the multifunction peripheral40. The print control device20has the second communication port133receiving a reply result of the multifunction peripheral identification number46identifying the multifunction peripheral40from the multifunction peripheral40, and the app execution unit125causing the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing of registering the multifunction peripheral40. The app execution unit125determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60, based on the replay result, and causes the registration processing corresponding to the result of the determination to be executed.

Since the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, the user need not check whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, before the registration processing.

Also, the print control device20connects to the cloud print server60via the communication network NW and is connectable to the printer50. The print control device20has the third communication port135receiving a reply result of the printer identification number56identifying the printer50from the printer50, and the app execution unit125causing the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing of registering the printer50. The app execution unit125determines whether the printer50is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60, based on the replay result, and causes the registration processing corresponding to the result of the determination to be executed.

Since the print control device20determines whether the printer50is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, the user need not check whether the printer50is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, before the registration processing.

The cloud print system10includes the multifunction peripheral40, the print control device20, and the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral40has the multifunction peripheral storage unit41storing the multifunction peripheral identification number46, and the multifunction peripheral communication interface43communicatively connecting to the print control device20. The print control device20has the second communication port133communicatively connecting to the multifunction peripheral40, the first communication port131communicatively connecting to the cloud print server60via the communication network NW, and the app execution unit125causing the cloud print server60to execute registration processing of registering the multifunction peripheral40. The cloud print server60has the server communication interface63communicatively connecting to the print control device20via the communication network NW. The second communication port133of the print control device20receives a reply result of the multifunction peripheral identification number46of the multifunction peripheral40. The app execution unit125of the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60, based on the reply result, and causes the registration processing corresponding to the result of the determination to be executed.

Since the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, the user need not check whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, before the registration processing.

FIG.3shows the sequence of the registration processing in the cloud print system10.FIG.3shows the sequence of the registration processing performed by the user, the print control device20, the multifunction peripheral40, and the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral40is a device compatible with the cloud print server60.FIG.3shows the sequence in the cloud print system10including the multifunction peripheral40, which is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60.

In step S11, the user gives the print control device20an instruction to start up the print control application. Based on the startup instruction, the print control device20executes the control program AP. By executing the control program AP, the print control device20starts up the print control application. The print control application causes the control unit123to operate as the app execution unit125.

After starting up the print control application, the print control device20in step S13searches for a device connected to the print control device20. The app execution unit125causes each communication port of the communication interface129to transmit a predetermined signal. The predetermined signal is data of a general-purpose protocol. The app execution unit125receives a reply to the transmitted predetermined signal, as a search result. The reply is the presence or absence of reply data to the transmitted predetermined signal. Based on the reply, the app execution unit125acquires a search result of the device connected to the print control device20.FIG.3shows a case where the multifunction peripheral40is connected to the print control device20. Based on the search result, the print control device20acquires a search result to the effect that the multifunction peripheral40is communicatively connected to the second communication port133.

After detecting the multifunction peripheral40, the print control device20acquires various data from the multifunction peripheral40. The print control device20acquires the multifunction peripheral identification number46from the multifunction peripheral40. The print control device20collates the acquired multifunction peripheral identification number46with the app device list26. As a result of the collation, the print control device20determines that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer.

After determining that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer, the print control device20in step S15checks whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not. The app execution unit125transmits a predetermined inquiry command to the multifunction peripheral40. The inquiry command is a dedicated protocol predetermined by the provider of the cloud print service. The app execution unit125receives a check result to the inquiry command, from the multifunction peripheral40. Based on the check result, the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not. The inquiry command is equivalent to an example of an acquisition request. The check result is equivalent to an example of registration information.

The print control device20causes the search result and the check result to be displayed to the user. The print control device20causes the display80to display the search result and the check result. The user views the display80and thus grasps the search result and the check result. Based on the search result, the user can grasp that the device connected to the print control device20is the multifunction peripheral40. Based on the check result, the user can grasp whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not. When the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60, the registration processing ends. When the multifunction peripheral40is not yet registered with the cloud print server60, the user determines that the multifunction peripheral40is registrable with the cloud print server60.

After determining that the multifunction peripheral40is registrable with the cloud print server60, the user in step S17gives a registration instruction to the print control device20. The app execution unit125accepts, from the user, the registration instruction to register the multifunction peripheral40with the cloud print server60.

After accepting the registration instruction, the print control device20in step S19transmits a registration request to the cloud print server60. The app execution unit125transmits the registration request, the multifunction peripheral identification number46, and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40to the cloud print server60. The registration request, the multifunction peripheral identification number46, and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40may be simultaneously transmitted to the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral identification number46and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40may be transmitted to the cloud print server60after the registration request is transmitted to the cloud print server60. The communication address may be the IP address, the email address, the MAC address or the like. The communication address may be included in the setting information48of the multifunction peripheral40and thus transmitted to the cloud print server60.

The cloud print server60performs the registration processing of the multifunction peripheral40. The registration processing includes establishing a communication connection and saving the registration information. The cloud print server60establishes a communication connection with the multifunction peripheral40, using the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40received from the print control device20. After establishing the communication connection with the multifunction peripheral40, the cloud print server60is in a state of being able to directly transmit print data to the multifunction peripheral40. The cloud print server60also saves a combination of the multifunction peripheral identification number46and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40into the registered device list, as the registration information. The cloud print server60may save the setting information48of the multifunction peripheral40in the registered device list.

After performing the registration processing of the multifunction peripheral40, the cloud print server60transmits a registration result to the print control device20. The registration result is information indicating that the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60. In step S21, the print control device20stores the registration result in the storage unit121. The print control device20causes the display80to display the registration result. The user views the display80and thus checks the registration result.

FIG.4shows the sequence of the registration processing in the cloud print system10.FIG.4shows the sequence of the registration processing performed by the user, the print control device20, the printer50, and the cloud print server60. The printer50is a device incompatible with the cloud print server60.FIG.4shows the sequence in the cloud print system10including the printer50, which is an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60.

In step S31, the user gives the print control device20an instruction to start up the print control application. Based on the startup instruction, the print control device20executes the control program AP. By executing the control program AP, the print control device20starts up the print control application. The print control application causes the control unit123to operate as the app execution unit125.

After starting up the print control application, the print control device20in step S33searches for a device connected to the print control device20. The app execution unit125causes each communication port of the communication interface129to transmit a predetermined signal. The predetermined signal is data of a general-purpose protocol. The app execution unit125receives a reply to the transmitted predetermined signal, as a search result. The reply is the presence or absence of reply data to the transmitted predetermined signal. Based on the reply, the app execution unit125acquires a search result of the device connected to the print control device20.FIG.4shows a case where the printer50is connected to the print control device20. Based on the search result, the print control device20acquires a search result to the effect that the printer50is communicatively connected to the third communication port135.

After acquiring the search result, the print control device20causes the display80to display the search result. The user views the display80and thus checks the search result. The user can acquire the search result to the effect that the printer50is connected to the print control device20.

After checking the search result, the user in step S35gives the print control device20an instruction to register the printer50. The app execution unit125accepts, from the user, the registration instruction to register the printer50with the cloud print server60.

After accepting the registration instruction, the print control device20in step S37acquires the printer identification number56from the printer50. The app execution unit125transmits an identification number request that asks for the printer identification number56, to the printer50. The identification number request is data of a protocol which the printer50is compatible with. The print control device20receives the printer identification number56from the printer50as a result of the transmission of the identification number request.

After receiving the printer identification number56, the print control device20in step S39converts the printer identification number56. The app execution unit125acquires the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer from the app device list26. The app device list26stores the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer from the device list66in advance. The app execution unit125converts the printer identification number56, referring to the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer. The app execution unit125converts the printer identification number56into a converted printer number. The converted printer number is the device identification number recognized as the compatible printer by the cloud print server60. The converted printer number includes, for example, information representing the same model name as the compatible printer. The print control device20stores the converted printer number in association with the printer identification number56in the storage unit121. The data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer is equivalent to an example of a format compatible with the cloud print server60. The converted printer number is equivalent to an example of identification information converted into the format compatible with the cloud print server60.

After converting the printer identification number56, the print control device20in step S41transmits a registration request to the cloud print server60. The app execution unit125transmits the registration request, the converted printer number, and the communication address of the print control device20to the cloud print server60. The registration request, the converted printer number, and the communication address of the print control device20may be simultaneously transmitted to the cloud print server60. The converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device20may be transmitted to the cloud print server60after the registration request is transmitted to the cloud print server60. The communication address may be included in the specification information58of the printer50and thus transmitted to the cloud print server60.

The cloud print server60performs the registration processing of the printer50. The registration processing includes establishing a communication connection and saving the registration information. The cloud print server60establishes a communication connection, using the communication address of the print control device20as the connection destination of the printer50. After establishing the communication connection using the print control device20as the connection destination of the printer50, the cloud print server60is in a state of being able to transmit print data to the print control device20. The cloud print server60is in a stable of being able to transmit print data to the print control device20as a virtual printer corresponding to the printer50. The cloud print server60also saves a combination of the converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device20into the registered device list, as the registration information. The cloud print server60may save the specification information58of the printer50in the registered device list. The cloud print server60performs the registration processing, using the print control device20as a virtual printer having the converted printer number. The print control device20, instead of the printer50, is enabled to receive print data from the cloud print server60.

After performing the registration processing, the cloud print server60transmits a registration result to the print control device20. The registration result is information indicating that the virtual printer having the converted printer number is already registered with the cloud print server60. In step S43, the print control device20stores the registration result in the storage unit121. Based on the registration result, the print control device20generates display data to the effect that the printer50is registered with the cloud print server60. The print control device20causes the display80to display the display data. The user views the display80and thus checks the registration result to the effect that the printer50is registered with the cloud print server60.

FIG.5shows a control flow in the print control device20for the registration processing.FIG.5shows a first control example by the print control device20.FIG.5shows a control flow executed as the control program AP operates in the print control device20.FIG.5shows a control flow executed when one device of the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50is connected to the print control device20.FIG.5shows a control flow in the case where compatibility information about whether the device is compatible with the cloud print server60or not is acquired, using data of a dedicated protocol.

In step S101, the print control device20searches for a device connected to the print control device20. The app execution unit125transmits a predetermined signal from each communication port of the communication interface129. The predetermined signal is data of a general-purpose protocol. The print control device20receives a response to the transmitted predetermined signal. When the print control device20has received the response, the print control device20determines that the device is connected to the communication port that has received the response.

After searching for the device, the print control device20in step S103acquires compatibility information of the device connected to the communication interface129. The compatibility information is information representing whether the device is compatible with the cloud print server60or not. The app execution unit125transmits a compatibility information request for the dedicated protocol and receives a reply result to the compatibility information request, from the device. The reply result is the presence or absence of reply data and the content included in the reply data. Based on the reply result, the app execution unit125acquires the compatibility information. The app execution unit125also acquires a device type. The app execution unit125transmits the data of the genera-purpose protocol and acquires the device type. The device type represents whether the device has a print function or not.

After acquiring the compatibility information, the print control device20in step S105determines whether the device is a device compatible with the cloud print server60or not. When the app execution unit125has determined that the device connected to the communication interface129is the multifunction peripheral40(YES in step S105), the print control device20proceeds to step S107. The multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer. When the app execution unit125has determined that the device connected to the communication interface129is the printer50(NO in step S105), the print control device20proceeds to step S109. The printer50is an incompatible printer.

When the print control device20has determined that the connected device is the multifunction peripheral40, the print control device20in step S107determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not. The app execution unit125transmits a predetermined inquiry command to the multifunction peripheral40via the second communication port133. The print control device20receives a check result to the inquiry command, from the multifunction peripheral40via the second communication port133. Based on the check result, the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not.

When the print control device20has determined that the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60(YES in step S107), the print control device20ends the registration processing control. When the print control device20has determined that the multifunction peripheral40is not registered with the cloud print server60yet (NO in step S107), the print control device20determines that the multifunction peripheral40is registrable with the cloud print server60. The print control device20proceeds to step S113.

When the print control device20has determined that the connected device is the printer50, the print control device20in step S109acquires the printer identification number56and the specification information58. The app execution unit125transmits an identification number request inquiring about the printer identification number56to the printer50via the third communication port135. The app execution unit125transmits a specification information request inquiring about the specification information58to the printer50via the third communication port135. The app execution unit125acquires the printer identification number56as a response result to the identification number request via the third communication port135. The app execution unit125acquires the specification information58as a response result to the specification information request via the third communication port135.

After acquiring the printer identification number56and the specification information58, the print control device20in step S111determines whether the printer50is registrable with the cloud print server60or not. The app execution unit125determines whether the printer50is registrable or not, based on the specification information58. In an example, the app execution unit125determines whether the printer50is registrable or not, based on a data format printable by the printer50included in the specification information58. When the printer50can support print data including a general-purpose print command such as PDF, the app execution unit125determines that the printer50is registrable. When the app execution unit125has determined, based on the specification information58, that the printer50is registrable with the cloud print server60(YES in step S111), the print control device20proceeds to step S113. When the app execution unit125has determined, based on the specification information58, that the printer50is not registrable with the cloud print server60(NO in step S111), the print control device20ends the registration processing control.

In step S113, the print control device20performs the creation and display of a device list. The device list shows the device registrable with the cloud print server60in the form of a list. In the control flow shown inFIG.5, a case where the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50is connected as the device is illustrated. The device list shows the device name of the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. When a plurality of registrable devices are connected to the print control device20, the device list shows the device names of the plurality of registrable devices. The app execution unit125creates a device list and causes the display80to display the created device list.

After displaying the device list, the print control device20accepts a registration instruction in step S115. When the user has selected a device from the device list, the print control device20accepts a registration instruction for the device.

When the print control device20has determined in step S117that the device for which the registration instruction is given is the multifunction peripheral40, which is a compatible printer (YES in step S117), the print control device20proceeds to step S121. When the print control device20has determined in step S117that the device for which the registration instruction is given is the printer50, which is an incompatible printer (NO in step S117), the print control device20proceeds to step S119.

In step S119, the print control device20converts the printer identification number56into a converted printer number corresponding to the cloud print server60. The app device list26stores the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer from the device list66in advance. The app execution unit125converts the printer identification number56into the converted printer number, referring to the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer. The print control device20stores the converted printer number in association with the printer identification number56in the storage unit121. After converting the printer identification number56into the converted printer number, the print control device20proceeds to step S121.

In step S121, the print control device20requests the cloud print server60to register the device. The print control device20causes the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing of the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. The print control device20causes the cloud print server60to execute different registration processing between the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50.

When requesting the cloud print server60to register the multifunction peripheral40, the print control device20transmits a registration request for the multifunction peripheral40to the cloud print server60. The print control device20transmits the registration request, the multifunction peripheral identification number46, and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40to the cloud print server60. The cloud print server60establishes a communication connection with the multifunction peripheral40and saves registration information, using the multifunction peripheral identification number46and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40thus received. The cloud print server60saves the multifunction peripheral identification number46and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40in association with each other.

When requesting the cloud print server60to register the printer50, the print control device20transmits a registration request for the printer50to the cloud print server60. The print control device20transmits the registration request, the converted printer number, and the communication address of the print control device20to the cloud print server60. The cloud print server60establishes a communication connection with the print control device20as a virtual printer and saves registration information, using the converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device20thus received. The cloud print server60saves the converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device20in association with each other.

The print control device20receives a registration result to the registration request, from the cloud print server60. On receiving the registration result, the print control device20ends the registration processing control. The multifunction peripheral40or the printer50is registered with the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral40or the printer50can print print data transmitted from the cloud print server60.

The print control method for causing the registration processing of registering the multifunction peripheral40with the cloud print server60to be executed is provided. The print control method includes receiving a reply result of the multifunction peripheral identification number46of the multifunction peripheral40, determining whether the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60, based on the reply result, and causing the registration processing corresponding to the result of the determination to be executed.

Since the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, the user need not check whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, before the registration processing.

The control program AP operating in the print control device20for causing the registration processing of registering the multifunction peripheral40with the cloud print server60to be executed is provided. The control program AP causes the print control device20to receive a reply result of the multifunction peripheral identification number46of the multifunction peripheral40, determine whether the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer compatible with the cloud print server60or an incompatible printer incompatible with the cloud print server60, based on the reply result, and cause the registration processing corresponding to the result of the determination to be executed.

Since the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, the user need not check whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, before the registration processing.

When the app execution unit125has determined that the printer50is an incompatible printer, the app execution unit125causes the third communication port135to receive the specification information58representing whether registration with the cloud print server60can be achieved from the printer50or not. The app execution unit125determines whether to perform the registration processing or not, based on the specification information58.

The print control device20can acquire the information about whether compatibility with the cloud print server60can be achieved from the printer50or not.

The third communication port135receives the printer identification number56of the printer50from the printer50. When the app execution unit125has determined that the printer50is an incompatible printer, the app execution unit125converts the printer identification number56into a data format compatible with the cloud print server60and performs the registration processing of the printer50, using the converted printer number.

The print control device20can register the printer50, which is an incompatible printer, with the cloud print server60.

When the app execution unit125has determined that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer, the app execution unit125transmits an inquiry command for registration information representing whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not, to the multifunction peripheral40. The second communication port133receives a check result to the inquiry command.

When it is determined that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer, the print control device20inquires of the multifunction peripheral40about whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered or not, and thus can prevent the execution of unnecessary registration processing.

FIG.6shows a control flow in the print control device20for the registration processing.FIG.6shows a second control example by the print control device20.FIG.6shows a control flow executed as the control program AP operates in the print control device20.FIG.6shows a control flow executed when one device of the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50is connected to the print control device20.FIG.6shows a control flow in the case where whether the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50is compatible with the cloud print server60or not is determined, using the device list66or the app device list26.

In step S201, the print control device20searches for a device connected to the print control device20. The app execution unit125transmits a predetermined signal from each communication port of the communication interface129. The predetermined signal is data of a general-purpose protocol. The print control device20receives a response to the transmitted predetermined signal. When the print control device20has received the response, the print control device20determines that the device is connected to the communication port that has received the response.

After searching for the device, the print control device20in step S203acquires the device identification number of the device connected to the communication interface129. The device identification number is the multifunction peripheral identification number46or the printer identification number56. The app execution unit125transmits data inquiring about the identification number to the communication port to which the device is connected. The data inquiring about the identification number is the data of the general-purpose protocol. The app execution unit125acquires the device identification number as a reply result to the data inquiring about the identification number.

After acquiring the device identification number, the print control device20in step S205collates the acquired device identification number with the device list66or the app device list26. By collating the device identification number, the print control device20determines whether the device connected to the communication port is a compatible printer or an incompatible printer. The app execution unit125collates the acquired device identification number with the app device list26. The app execution unit125reads out the app device list26from the storage unit121and collates the device identification number. In step S205, the app execution unit125may download the device list66from the cloud print server60and collate the device identification number with the device list66. The app execution unit125may transmit the acquired device identification number to the cloud print server60. The cloud print server60collates the received device identification number with the device list66. The cloud print server60transmits a collation result of the collation to the first communication port131of the print control device20. The app execution unit125acquires the collation result via the first communication port131.

When the device identification number corresponds to the data in the app device list26or the device list66, the app execution unit125determines that the device having the device identification number is a compatible printer. When the device identification number is the multifunction peripheral identification number46, the app execution unit125determines that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer. The app execution unit125stores information that the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer, as the result of the determination, in the storage unit121. When the device identification number corresponds to the data in the app device list26or the device list66(compatible in step S205), the print control device20proceeds to step S207.

The print control device20in step S207determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not. The app execution unit125transmits a predetermined inquiry command to the multifunction peripheral40via the second communication port133. The print control device20receives a check result to the inquiry command, from the multifunction peripheral40via the second communication port133. Based on the check result, the print control device20determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60or not.

When the print control device20has determined that the multifunction peripheral40is already registered with the cloud print server60(YES in step S207), the print control device20ends the registration processing control. When the print control device20has determined that the multifunction peripheral40is not registered with the cloud print server60yet (NO in step S207), the print control device20determines that the multifunction peripheral40is registrable with the cloud print server60. The print control device20proceeds to step S209.

When the device identification number does not correspond to the data in the app device list26or the device list66, the app execution unit125determines that the device having the device identification number is an incompatible printer. When the device identification number is the printer identification number56, the app execution unit125determines that the printer50is an incompatible printer. The app execution unit125stores information that the printer50is an incompatible printer, as the result of the determination, in the storage unit121. When device identification number does not correspond to the data in the app device list26or the device list66(incompatible in step S205), the print control device20proceeds to step S209.

In step S209, the print control device20performs the creation and display of a device list. The device list shows the device connected to the print control device20in the form of a list. In the control flow shown inFIG.6, a case where the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50is connected as the device is illustrated. The device list shows the device name of the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. When a plurality of registrable devices are connected to the print control device20, the device list shows the device names of the plurality of devices. The device list shows the device name of the compatible printer and the device name of the incompatible printer in parallel. The app execution unit125creates a device list and causes the display80to display the created device list.

After displaying the device list, the print control device20accepts a registration instruction in step S211. When the user has selected a device from the device list, the print control device20accepts a registration instruction for the device. The print control device20determines whether the device for which the registration instruction is given is a compatible printer or an incompatible printer. The print control device20determines whether the device for which the registration instruction is given is the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50.

When the print control device20has determined in step S213that the device for which the registration instruction is given is the multifunction peripheral40, which is a compatible printer (YES in step S213), the print control device20proceeds to step S217. When the print control device20has determined in step S213that the device for which the registration instruction is given is the printer50, which is an incompatible printer (NO in step S213), the print control device20proceeds to step S215.

In step S215, the print control device20converts the printer identification number56into a converted printer number corresponding to the cloud print server60. The app device list26stores the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer from the device list66in advance. The app execution unit125converts the printer identification number56into the converted printer number, referring to the data format of the device identification number about the compatible printer. The print control device20stores the converted printer number in association with the printer identification number56in the storage unit121. After converting the printer identification number56into the converted printer number, the print control device20proceeds to step S217.

In step S217, the print control device20requests the cloud print server60to register the device. The print control device20causes the cloud print server60to execute the registration processing of the multifunction peripheral40or the printer50. The print control device20causes the cloud print server60to execute different registration processing between the multifunction peripheral40and the printer50.

When requesting the cloud print server60to register the multifunction peripheral40, the print control device20transmits a registration request for the multifunction peripheral40. The print control device20transmits the registration request, the multifunction peripheral identification number46, and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40to the cloud print server60. The cloud print server60establishes a communication connection with the multifunction peripheral40and saves registration information, using the multifunction peripheral identification number46and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40thus received. The cloud print server60saves the multifunction peripheral identification number46and the communication address of the multifunction peripheral40in association with each other.

When requesting the cloud print server60to register the printer50, the print control device20transmits a registration request for the printer50. The print control device20transmits the registration request, the converted printer number, and the communication address of the print control device20to the cloud print server60. The cloud print server60establishes a communication connection with the print control device20as a virtual printer and saves registration information, using the converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device20thus received. The cloud print server60saves the converted printer number and the communication address of the print control device20in association with each other.

The print control device20receives a registration result to the registration request, from the cloud print server60. On receiving the registration result, the print control device20ends the registration processing control. The multifunction peripheral40or the printer50is registered with the cloud print server60. The multifunction peripheral40or the printer50can print print data transmitted from the cloud print server60.

The print control device20has the storage unit121storing the app device list26about the compatible printer. The app execution unit125collates the multifunction peripheral identification number46received via the second communication port133with the app device list26and thus determines whether the multifunction peripheral40is a compatible printer or an incompatible printer.

By collating whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not, with the app device list26, the print control device20can determine whether the multifunction peripheral40is compatible with the cloud print server60or not.

In the first control example, whether the device connected to the print control device20is a compatible printer or not is determined, using the data of the dedicated protocol. In the second control example, whether the device connected to the print control device20is a compatible printer or not is determined, using the app device list26or the device list66. The method for determining whether the connected device is a compatible printer or not is not limited to these examples. The print control device20may determine whether the device is a compatible printer or not, by combining the first control example and the second control example according to need.