Patent Publication Number: US-2020285432-A1

Title: Image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-038964 filed Mar. 4, 2019. 
     BACKGROUND 
     (i) Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus. 
     (ii) Related Art 
     To print contents in an image forming apparatus (printer), it is necessary to provide print data that meets specifications of the image forming apparatus. A program called printer driver is required to generate print data that meets specifications. The printer driver is provided for each image forming apparatus. A printer driver of an image forming apparatus for daily use is installed in an information processing apparatus by a user. 
     Contents are not always printed in daily situations. For example, a person may desire to print contents on a trip or at an outside place. In many cases, a printer driver of an image forming apparatus available at a place on a trip or the like is not installed in the information processing apparatus of the user. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-106362 is an example of related art. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following circumstances. In many cases, the information processing apparatus to be operated by the user is not connectable to the same network as that for an image forming apparatus installed in a public place. A format conversion service to be provided by a dedicated server may be used but user registration is required for the conversion service and the user&#39;s registration work is bothersome. The user also needs to give an instruction on a service screen to the image forming apparatus to be used for printing contents. 
     It is also desirable to reduce a burden on a person who installed the image forming apparatus compared with a case in which there is a need to install a server that converts the format of contents into a data format printable by the image forming apparatus. 
     Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above disadvantages and/or other disadvantages not described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not overcome any of the disadvantages described above. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising an acquirer that accesses a storage area on an Internet, which is specified by a user and has no limit for access authority, and acquires first data formats providable by an information processing apparatus as print data, a writer that writes, in the storage area, a second data format processable by the image forming apparatus among the acquired first data formats, and a downloader that downloads print data in the second data format when the print data in the second data format is stored in the storage area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a conceptual configuration of an information processing system for use in a first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus for use in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the functional configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus for use in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of format-request.txt; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example of format-response.txt; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the image forming apparatus for use in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the configuration of a terminal apparatus for use in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the functional configuration of a control unit of the terminal apparatus for use in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the terminal apparatus for use in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a processing sequence to be executed in the information processing system of the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a conceptual configuration of an information processing system for use in a second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the functional configuration of a control unit of an image forming apparatus for use in the second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the image forming apparatus for use in the second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates the functional configuration of a control unit of a terminal apparatus for use in the second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the terminal apparatus for use in the second exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an example of a processing sequence to be executed in the information processing system of the second exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. 
     First Exemplary Embodiment 
     &lt;Overall System Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a conceptual configuration of an information processing system  1  for use in a first exemplary embodiment. The information processing system  1  includes the Internet  10 , an image forming apparatus  20 , a local area network (LAN)  25 , a router  27 , a terminal apparatus  30  that may be carried by a user, and a cloud storage  40 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one image forming apparatus  20 , one terminal apparatus  30 , and one cloud storage  40 . The information processing system  1  may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses  20 , a plurality of terminal apparatuses  30 , and a plurality of cloud storages  40 . The cloud storage  40  is provided for a cloud service. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus  20  is installed in a place different from an organization or house to which the user of the terminal apparatus  30  belongs. Examples of the place may include an outside place, a place on a trip, and a public place. 
     The image forming apparatus  20  and the router  27  are connected to the LAN  25 . In other words, the image forming apparatus  20  and the router  27  belong to the same network. 
     The router  27  has a firewall function. The router  27  discards connection requests from the Internet  10  but requests to be output to the Internet  10  and responses to the requests are allowed to pass through the router  27 . Thus, the image forming apparatus  20  may read and write data between the image forming apparatus  20  and the cloud storage  40 . No access point of a wireless LAN is connected to the LAN  25 . Therefore, the terminal apparatus  30  is not connectable to the image forming apparatus  20  via a wireless network. 
     The terminal apparatus  30  of this exemplary embodiment is a portable terminal. Examples of the portable terminal include a smartphone, a wearable terminal, and a notebook computer. The terminal apparatus  30  may read and write data between the terminal apparatus  30  and the cloud storage  40  via the Internet  10  but is not connectable to the image forming apparatus  20  via a network. The terminal apparatus  30  is an example of an information processing apparatus. 
     The cloud storage  40  is a storage area present on the Internet  10  and is used for storing or sharing data files. In this exemplary embodiment, the storage area to be used for storing or sharing data files for printing in an external environment is referred to as a folder  41 . Examples of the cloud storage  40  may include DROPBOX (registered trademark), One Drive (registered trademark), and Google Drive (trademark). 
     &lt;Configurations of Apparatuses&gt; 
     &lt;Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus&gt; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus  20  for use in the first exemplary embodiment. 
     The image forming apparatus  20  includes an image reading unit  201  that reads an image of a document, an image forming unit  202  that forms an image on paper that is an example of a recording medium, an image processing unit  203  that performs processing such as color correction and gray level correction for an image indicated by image data, a control unit  204  that controls an overall operation of the apparatus, a storage unit  205  that stores image data and the like, a display unit  206  to be used for displaying a user interface screen and the like, an operation receiving unit  207  that receives a user&#39;s operation, and a communication interface (communication IF)  208  that implements communication via the LAN  25  and the like. 
     The image reading unit  201  is a so-called scanner and may have a mechanism that automatically transports a document. 
     The image forming unit  202  forms an image on the recording medium by using an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, or the like and has a mechanism specific to the image forming system. 
     The image processing unit  203  is a dedicated processor or processing circuit that processes image data. 
     The control unit  204  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  211 , a read only memory (ROM)  212  that stores firmware, a basic input/output system (BIOS), and the like, and a random access memory (RAM)  213  to be used as a working area. The control unit  204  functions as a so-called computer. 
     For example, the storage unit  205  is a hard disk drive (HDD) that is a non-volatile storage apparatus. The storage unit  205  stores image data obtained by reading an image by the image reading unit  201 , image data provided from the outside through communication, image data received through FAX communication, and the like. 
     For example, the display unit  206  is a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display surface of the display unit  206  is an example of a display part. 
     The operation receiving unit  207  is a touch sensor, a switch, a button, or the like arranged on the surface of the display unit  206 . 
     The control unit  204  and the respective units are connected through a bus  210  and signal lines (not illustrated). 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the functional configuration of the control unit  204  of the image forming apparatus  20  for use in the first exemplary embodiment. Functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 3  are implemented through execution of a program by the CPU  211  (see  FIG. 2 ). The functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 3  are examples of functional modules provided by the control unit  204 . 
     The control unit  204  of this exemplary embodiment functions as a storage area information receiving module  221  that receives information related to the location of the folder  41  (see  FIG. 1 ) specified by the user, a providable data format acquiring module  222  that acquires, from the folder  41 , information on data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 , a printable data format registering module  223  that registers, in the folder  41 , data formats printable by the image forming apparatus  20 , a download module  224  that downloads print data from the folder  41 , and a printing control module  225  that controls printing (image formation) that uses the downloaded print data. 
     The storage area information receiving module  221  receives information indicating the location of the folder  41  on the Internet, which is generated or specified by the user on the cloud storage  40  (see  FIG. 1 ). For example, the information indicating the location on the Internet is a uniform resource locator (URL). 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the information indicating the location of the folder  41  on the Internet is represented by a two-dimensional code. Examples of the two-dimensional code include a quick response (QR) code. The two-dimensional code may be printed in advance on a recording medium such as paper. In this exemplary embodiment, the two-dimensional code is displayed on a display screen of the terminal apparatus  30  operated by the user. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the storage area information receiving module  221  receives the location of the folder  41  generated on the Internet by processing an image of the two-dimensional code read by the image reading unit  201  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     The providable data format acquiring module  222  accesses the folder  41  on the Internet that is specified by the user and acquires a file that describes data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30  as print data. In this exemplary embodiment, the providable data format is described in a text file format. The text file is assigned a predetermined file name such as “format-request.txt”. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30  as print data include a format that may be output as an image and a format that may be output as application software (hereinafter referred to as “application”). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of format-request.txt. In the case of the text file illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the terminal apparatus  30  may output an image in a PNG format or a JPEG format and may output a document application in a Word format or a PDF format. The four formats described in format-request.txt are examples of a first data format. The providable data format acquiring module  222  is an example of an acquirer. 
     Description is made again with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     The printable data format registering module  223  registers data formats processable by the image forming apparatus  20  among the acquired data formats in the folder  41  from which the file of format-request.txt is acquired. The processable data format is also described in a text file format. The text file is assigned a predetermined file name such as “format-response.txt”. If a plurality of processable data formats are present, the plurality of data formats are described. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the printable data format registering module  223  keeps descriptions of the processable data formats in format-request.txt (that is, deletes non-printable data formats) and then changes the file name. Equivalently, the text file registered by the terminal apparatus  30  is deleted. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of format-response.txt. In the case of the text file illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an image may be processed in the PNG format and a document application may be processed in the PDF format. The two formats described in format-response.txt are examples of a second data format. The printable data format registering module  223  is an example of a writer. 
     Description is made again with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     When print data is stored in the folder  41  specified by the user, the download module  224  downloads the stored print data. The download module  224  is an example of a downloader. 
     The printing control module  225  controls operations of the image forming unit  202  (see  FIG. 2 ) and the image processing unit  203  (see  FIG. 2 ) to print an image on paper. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the image forming apparatus  20  for use in the first exemplary embodiment. The processing operation illustrated in  FIG. 6  is implemented by cooperation between the modules described above. The symbol S in  FIG. 6  represents a step. 
     The processing illustrated in  FIG. 6  is started when the image reading unit  201  (see  FIG. 2 ) reads the display screen of the terminal apparatus  30  (see  FIG. 1 ) that displays an image of a QR code (registered trademark) indicating the location of the folder  41  (see  FIG. 1 ) generated on the cloud storage  40  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The image forming apparatus  20  acquires information indicating the location of the folder  41  on the cloud storage  40  that is specified by the user based on the image of the read two-dimensional code (Step  1 ). The folder  41  is set as a shared area. Therefore, anyone may access the folder  41  as well as the user who is operating the apparatus. 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20  acquires, from the folder  41 , a text file that describes data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30  (Step  2 ). As described above, the text file is assigned the file name “format-request.txt”. 
     Then, the image forming apparatus  20  registers, in the folder  41 , a text file that describes data formats printable by the image forming apparatus  20  among the acquired data formats (Step  3 ). As described above, the text file is assigned the file name “format-response.txt”. 
     Then, the image forming apparatus  20  determines whether the folder  41  stores print data (Step  4 ). 
     When the result is “NO” in Step  4 , the image forming apparatus  20  periodically accesses the folder  41  and determines whether print data is stored. 
     When the result is “YES” in Step  4 , the image forming apparatus  20  downloads the print data from the folder  41  (Step  5 ). 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20  executes printing processing based on the downloaded print data (Step  6 ). 
     When the printing is finished, the image forming apparatus  20  deletes the folder  41  (Step  7 ). When the folder  41  used for data exchange is deleted, the print data and format-response.txt are also deleted together. The deletion is complete deletion by which corresponding files are not left even in a recycle bin. Thus, the confidentiality of the print data is maintained. 
     &lt;Configuration of Terminal Apparatus&gt; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the configuration of the terminal apparatus  30  for use in the first exemplary embodiment. 
     The terminal apparatus  30  includes a control unit  301  that controls an overall operation of the apparatus, a storage unit  302  that stores image data and the like, a display unit  303  to be used for displaying a user interface screen and the like, an operation receiving unit  304  that receives a user&#39;s operation, and a communication interface (communication IF)  305  that implements communication via the Internet  10 . 
     The control unit  301  of this exemplary embodiment includes a CPU  311 , a ROM  312  that stores firmware, a BIOS, and the like, and a RAM  313  to be used as a working area. The control unit  301  functions as a so-called computer. 
     For example, the storage unit  302  is a non-volatile rewritable semiconductor memory. For example, the storage unit  302  stores image data and document data as printing targets. 
     For example, the display unit  303  is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit  303  displays the two-dimensional code described above. 
     The operation receiving unit  304  is a touch sensor, a switch, a button, or the like arranged on the surface of the display unit  303 . 
     The control unit  301  and the respective units are connected through a bus  306  and signal lines (not illustrated). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the functional configuration of the control unit  301  of the terminal apparatus  30  for use in the first exemplary embodiment. Functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 8  are implemented through execution of a program by the CPU  311  (see  FIG. 7 ). The functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 8  are examples of functional modules provided by the control unit  301 . 
     The control unit  301  of this exemplary embodiment functions as a QR code generating module  321  that converts, into a two-dimensional code, a URL indicating the location of the folder  41  generated on the Internet by the user, a providable data format registering module  322  that registers, in the folder  41 , data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 , a printable data format acquiring module  323  that acquires printable data formats stored in the folder  41 , a print data format setting module  324  that sets one of the acquired data formats as the format of print data, and an upload module  325  that uploads the generated print data to the folder  41 . 
     The QR code generating module  321  converts, into a two-dimensional code, a URL indicating the location of the folder  41  generated on the cloud storage  40  through an operation for the terminal apparatus  30  and displays the two-dimensional code on the display screen of the terminal apparatus  30 . 
     The providable data format registering module  322  detects data formats of document data and image data that are convertible from the data format of a file specified as a printing target in the terminal apparatus  30  and registers a text file that describes the detected data formats (format-request.txt) in the folder  41  identified by the URL described above. The providable data format registering module  322  is an example of the writer. 
     The printable data format acquiring module  323  periodically accesses the folder  41  that stores the text file that describes the providable data formats and monitors registration of format-response.txt, which is a response from the image forming apparatus  20 . When the registration is detected, the printable data format acquiring module  323  acquires printable data formats from format-response.txt. 
     The print data format setting module  324  sets one of the acquired printable data formats as the data format of current print data. 
     The upload module  325  is an example of an uploader. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the terminal apparatus  30  for use in the first exemplary embodiment. The processing operation illustrated in  FIG. 9  is implemented by cooperation between the modules described above. The symbol S in  FIG. 9  represents a step. 
     First, the terminal apparatus  30  receives an operation of specifying a file as a printing target (Step  11 ). The operation of specifying the file is received via an operation screen of the terminal apparatus  30 . 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30  determines data formats convertible from the data format of the file specified as the printing target (Step  12 ). As described above, the convertible data format is a data format providable by the terminal apparatus  30 . 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30  generates the folder  41  on the cloud storage  40  in response to a user&#39;s operation (Step  13 ). 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30  uploads, to the folder  41 , a text file that describes information on the convertible data formats (Step  14 ). Specifically, the terminal apparatus  30  uploads format-request.txt. 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30  generates a QR code indicating a URL of the folder  41  and displays the QR code on the display screen (Step  15 ). 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30  determines whether the folder  41  stores a text file that describes printable data formats (Step  16 ). The folder  41  is identical to the folder  41  generated in Step  13 . Specifically, the terminal apparatus  30  determines whether format-response.txt is stored. 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30  converts the file specified as the printing target into print data in a data format printable by the image forming apparatus  20  (Step  17 ). The file specified as the printing target is the file specified in Step  11 . When a plurality of data formats are described in the text file whose storage has been confirmed in Step  16 , one data format is determined in accordance with a predetermined rule. 
     The print data is a data file having a specified data format. If the data format of the specified file is the printable data format, the terminal apparatus  30  does not convert the data again. 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30  uploads the print data to the folder  41  (Step  18 ). 
     &lt;Example of Processing Sequence&gt; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a processing sequence to be executed in the information processing system  1  of the first exemplary embodiment. The symbol P in  FIG. 10  represents a process. 
     The processing sequence is started when a user who desires printing at an outside place or the like operates the terminal apparatus  30  to generate the folder  41  on the cloud storage  40  (Process  1 ). For example, the necessity of the operation may be presented by a printing application started by the user. The folder  41  is set so as not to limit users having accessibility (that is, disclosed to public). 
     The terminal apparatus  30  that has acquired a URL of the generated folder  41  generates a QR code indicating the URL (Process  2 ). 
     When the QR code is generated, the terminal apparatus  30  registers a file for data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30  in the folder  41  on the cloud storage  40  (Process  3 ). As a result, format-request.txt is registered in the folder  41  on the cloud storage  40 . 
     The processing sequence described above is executed independently in the terminal apparatus  30 . 
     The image forming apparatus  20  reads the QR code displayed on the display screen of the terminal apparatus  30  in response to a user&#39;s operation (Process  11 ) to acquire the URL from the QR code. 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20  accesses the acquired URL (Process  12 ). The access is periodically executed until format-request.txt is registered in the folder  41  indicated by the URL. 
     When the corresponding file is registered in the folder  41 , the image forming apparatus  20  acquires the file that describes the providable data formats (Process  13 ). The file is format-request.txt described above. 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20  selects data formats processable by the image forming apparatus  20  from among the data formats described in the acquired file (Process  14 ). 
     Then, the image forming apparatus  20  registers, in the folder  41 , a file that describes the selected data formats (Process  15 ). The file is format-response.txt. 
     The processing sequence described above is executed independently in the image forming apparatus  20 . 
     The terminal apparatus  30  that has executed Process  3  periodically accesses the folder  41  and waits for registration of the file that describes the processable data formats. 
     When the corresponding file is registered in the folder  41 , the terminal apparatus  30  acquires the file that describes the processable data formats (Process  4 ). 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30  determines the data format of print data based on descriptions in the acquired file (Process  5 ). 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30  registers the print data in the determined data format in the folder  41  (Process  6 ). 
     The image forming apparatus  20  that has executed Process  15  periodically accesses the folder  41  and waits for registration of the print data. 
     When the registration of the print data is detected, the image forming apparatus  20  downloads the print data from the folder  41  (Process  16 ). Then, the image forming apparatus  20  executes printing based on the downloaded print data. 
     When the printing is finished, the image forming apparatus  20  deletes the folder  41  from the cloud storage  40  (Process  17 ). The deletion is complete deletion. 
     As shown in the processing sequence, the cloud storage  40  is used only for data exchange. In this exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus  20  makes a response via the cloud storage  40  about the processable data formats among the data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 . Thus, a data format conversion service is unnecessary. 
     Second Exemplary Embodiment 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a conceptual configuration of an information processing system  1 A for use in a second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 11 , parts corresponding to those in  FIG. 1  are represented by corresponding reference symbols. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, description is made of the information processing system  1 A in which the confidentiality of print data is improved compared with the first exemplary embodiment. 
     The basic configuration of the information processing system  1 A illustrated in  FIG. 11  is identical to that in FIG.  1 . The configuration differs in that two folders  41 A and  41 B generated on the cloud storage  40  are used for information exchange. 
     The folder  41 A is generated by a user of a terminal apparatus  30 A. The folder  41 B is generated by an image forming apparatus  20 A that has read a QR code from the terminal apparatus  30 A. The folder  41 A is set so as not to limit users having accessibility (that is, disclosed to public). The folder  41 B is set so as to limit users having accessibility to the user of the terminal apparatus  30 A and a user who installed the image forming apparatus  20 A (that is, disclosed to limited users). 
     In this exemplary embodiment, expressions “image forming apparatus  20 A” and “terminal apparatus  30 A” are used to show that applications for data exchange that uses the two folders  41 A and  41 B are executed. The folder  41 A is an example of a first storage area. The folder  41 B is an example of a second storage area. 
     &lt;Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus&gt; 
     The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus  20 A for use in this exemplary embodiment is identical to that of the image forming apparatus  20  (see  FIG. 2 ) described in the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the functional configuration of the control unit  204  of the image forming apparatus  20 A (see FIG.  11 ) for use in the second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 12 , parts corresponding to those in  FIG. 3  are represented by corresponding reference symbols. 
     Functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 12  are implemented through execution of a program by the CPU  211  (see  FIG. 2 ). The functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 12  are examples of the functional modules provided by the control unit  204 . 
     The control unit  204  of this exemplary embodiment functions as a storage area information and account information receiving module  221 A that receives information on the folder  41 A (see  FIG. 11 ) provided from the user and account information of the user who operates the terminal apparatus  30 A, a folder generating module  226  that generates the folder  41 B to be disclosed to limited users, a folder location registering module  227  that registers locational information of the folder  41 B in the folder  41 A, a providable data format acquiring module  222 A that acquires, from the folder  41 B, information on data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 A, a printable data format registering module  223 A that registers, in the folder  41 B, data formats printable by the image forming apparatus  20 A, a download module  224 A that downloads print data from the folder  41 B, and the printing control module  225  that controls printing (image formation) that uses the downloaded print data. 
     The storage area information and account information receiving module  221 A receives, from a QR code read by the image reading unit  201  (see  FIG. 2 ), a URL indicating the location of the folder  41 A on the Internet, which is specified by the user and disclosed to public, and account information for identifying the user who operates the terminal apparatus  30 A. Examples of the account information include an account name and a mail address. 
     The folder generating module  226  generates, on the cloud storage  40 , the folder  41 B that is only accessible to the terminal apparatus  30 A and the image forming apparatus  20 A. The folder generating module  226  is a functional module unique to this exemplary embodiment. 
     The folder location registering module  227  registers a URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B on the Internet, which is generated by the image forming apparatus  20 A, in the folder  41 A received via the QR code. The folder location registering module  227  is also a functional module unique to this exemplary embodiment. The folder location registering module  227  is an example of a first writer. 
     The providable data format acquiring module  222 A differs from the providable data format acquiring module  222  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the first exemplary embodiment in that a text file that describes data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 A is acquired from the folder  41 B disclosed to limited users. 
     The printable data format registering module  223 A differs from the printable data format registering module  223  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the first exemplary embodiment in that a text file that describes data formats processable by the image forming apparatus  20 A is registered in the folder  41 B disclosed to limited users. The printable data format registering module  223 A is an example of a second writer. 
     The download module  224 A differs from the download module  224  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the first exemplary embodiment in that print data is downloaded from the folder  41 B disclosed to limited users. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the image forming apparatus  20 A for use in the second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 13 , parts corresponding to those in  FIG. 6  are represented by corresponding reference symbols. The processing operation illustrated in  FIG. 13  is implemented by cooperation between the modules described above. The symbol S in  FIG. 13  represents a step. 
     The processing illustrated in  FIG. 13  is also started when the image reading unit  201  (see  FIG. 2 ) reads the display surface of the terminal apparatus  30 A that displays an image of a QR code indicating the location of the folder  41 A (see  FIG. 11 ) generated on the cloud storage  40  (see  FIG. 11 ) and account information indicating the user of the terminal apparatus  30 A. 
     First, the image forming apparatus  20 A acquires information indicating the location of the folder  41 A on the cloud storage  40  that is specified by the user and the account information of the user based on the image of the read two-dimensional code (Step  21 ). As described above, anyone may access the folder  41 A as well as the user who is operating the apparatus. 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20 A generates the folder  41 B on the cloud storage  40  and makes settings so that the folder  41 B is only accessible to account information associated with the image forming apparatus  20 A and the account information of the user that is read from the QR code (Step  22 ). 
     Then, the image forming apparatus  20 A stores information indicating the location of the folder  41 B in the folder  41 A read from the QR code (Step  23 ). 
     The image forming apparatus  20 A determines whether the folder  41 B stores a text file that describes data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 A (Step  24 ). 
     When the result is “NO” in Step  24 , the image forming apparatus  20 A periodically accesses the folder  41 B and determines whether format-request.txt is present. 
     When the result is “YES” in Step  24 , the image forming apparatus  20 A acquires, from the folder  41 B, the text file that describes the data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 A (Step  25 ). 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20 A stores, in the folder  41 B, a text file that describes data formats printable by the image forming apparatus  20 A among the acquired data formats (Step  26 ). 
     Then, the image forming apparatus  20 A determines whether the folder  41 B stores print data (Step  27 ). 
     When the result is “NO” in Step  27 , the image forming apparatus  20 A periodically accesses the folder  41 B and determines whether print data is stored. 
     When the result is “YES” in Step  27 , the image forming apparatus  20 A downloads the print data from the folder  41 B (Step  5 ). 
     Next, the image forming apparatus  20 A executes printing processing based on the downloaded print data (Step  6 ). 
     When the printing is finished, the image forming apparatus  20 A deletes the folder  41 B (Step  28 ). When the folder  41 B used for data exchange is deleted, the print data and format-response.txt are also deleted together. Thus, the confidentiality of the print data is maintained. The folder  41 A may also be deleted together with the folder  41 B. 
     &lt;Configuration of Terminal Apparatus&gt; 
     The hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus  30 A for use in this exemplary embodiment is identical to that of the terminal apparatus  30  (see  FIG. 7 ) described in the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the functional configuration of the control unit  301  of the terminal apparatus  30 A (see  FIG. 11 ) for use in the second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 14 , parts corresponding to those in  FIG. 8  are represented by corresponding reference symbols. 
     Functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 14  are implemented through execution of a program by the CPU  311  (see  FIG. 7 ). The functional modules illustrated in  FIG. 14  are examples of the functional modules provided by the control unit  301 . 
     The control unit  301  of this exemplary embodiment functions as a QR code generating module  321 A that converts, into a two-dimensional code, a URL indicating the location of the folder  41 A generated on the Internet by the user and account information of the user, a storage area information acquiring module  326  that acquires a URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B that is registered in the folder  41 A by the image forming apparatus  20 A, a providable data format registering module  322 A that registers, in the acquired folder  41 B, data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 A, a printable data format acquiring module  323 A that acquires printable data formats stored in the folder  41 B, the print data format setting module  324  that sets one of the acquired data formats as the format of print data, and an upload module  325 A that uploads the generated print data to the folder  41 B. 
     The QR code generating module  321 A differs from the QR code generating module  321  of the first exemplary embodiment in that account information of the user is added to information converted into a QR code. 
     The storage area information acquiring module  326  periodically accesses the folder  41 A and monitors writing of a URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B by the image forming apparatus  20 A. When the writing of the URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B is detected, the storage area information acquiring module  326  acquires the written URL. 
     The providable data format registering module  322 A detects data formats of document data and image data that are convertible from the data format of a file specified as a printing target in the terminal apparatus  30 A and registers a text file that describes the detected data formats (format-request.txt) in the folder  41 B identified by the URL described above. There is a difference from the first exemplary embodiment in that the text file is registered in the folder  41 B reported from the image forming apparatus  20 A. The providable data format registering module  322 A is an example of the writer. 
     The printable data format acquiring module  323 A periodically accesses the folder  41 B that stores the text file that describes the providable data formats and monitors storage of a response from the image forming apparatus  20 A. Specifically, the printable data format acquiring module  323 A waits for registration of format-response.txt in the folder  41 B described above. When the registration is detected, the printable data format acquiring module  323 A acquires printable data formats from format-response.txt. There is a difference from the first exemplary embodiment in that the folder  41 B reported from the image forming apparatus  20 A is monitored. 
     There is a difference from the first exemplary embodiment in that the upload module  325 A uploads print data to the folder  41 B. The upload module  325 A is also an example of the uploader. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart for describing a processing operation to be executed by the terminal apparatus  30 A for use in the second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 15 , parts corresponding to those in  FIG. 9  are represented by corresponding reference symbols. The processing operation illustrated in  FIG. 15  is implemented by cooperation between the modules described above. The symbol S in  FIG. 15  represents a step. 
     First, the terminal apparatus  30 A receives an operation of specifying a file as a printing target (Step  11 ). The operation of specifying the file is received via an operation screen of the terminal apparatus  30 A. 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30 A generates the folder  41 A on the cloud storage  40  in response to a user&#39;s operation (Step  31 ). The folder  41 A is disclosed to public and anyone may access the folder  41 A. 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30 A generates a QR code indicating a URL of the folder  41 A and account information and displays the QR code on the screen (Step  32 ). 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30 A determines whether the folder  41 A stores a URL of the folder  41 B (Step  33 ). Anyone may acquire information indicating the location of the folder  41 B but fails to access the folder  41 B unless the person knows the account information of the user who operates the terminal apparatus  30 A. That is, the folder  41 B is kept in a state in which the confidentiality is high. 
     When the result is “NO” in Step  33 , the terminal apparatus  30 A periodically accesses the folder  41 A and monitors registration of the URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B. 
     When the result is “YES” in Step  33 , the terminal apparatus  30 A determines (providable) data formats convertible from the data format of the file specified as the printing target (Step  34 ). 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30 A uploads, to the generated folder  41 B, a text file that describes information on the convertible data formats (Step  35 ). Specifically, the terminal apparatus  30 A uploads format-request.txt. 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30 A determines whether the folder  41 B stores a text file that describes printable data formats (Step  36 ). The folder  41 B is only disclosed to the image forming apparatus  20 A and the terminal apparatus  30 A. Specifically, the terminal apparatus  30 A determines whether format-response.txt is stored. 
     Next, the terminal apparatus  30 A converts the file specified as the printing target into print data in a data format printable by the image forming apparatus  20 A (Step  37 ). The file specified as the printing target is the file specified in Step  11 . When a plurality of data formats are described in the text file whose storage has been confirmed in Step  36 , one data format is determined in accordance with a predetermined rule. 
     The print data is a data file having a specified data format. If the data format of the specified file is the printable data format, the terminal apparatus  30 A does not convert the data again. 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30 A uploads the print data to the folder  41 B (Step  38 ). 
     &lt;Example of Processing Sequence&gt; 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an example of a processing sequence to be executed in the information processing system  1 A of the second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 16 , parts corresponding to those in  FIG. 10  are represented by corresponding reference symbols. The symbol P in  FIG. 16  represents a process. 
     The processing sequence is started when a user who desires printing at an outside place or the like operates the terminal apparatus  30 A to generate the folder  41 A on the cloud storage  40  (Process  1 ). 
     When the folder  41 A is generated, the terminal apparatus  30 A generates a QR code indicating a URL of the folder  41 A and account information of the user who operates the terminal apparatus  30 A (Process  21 ). There is a difference from the first exemplary embodiment in that the QR code includes the account information of the user. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus  20 A reads the QR code displayed on the screen of the terminal apparatus  30 A in this phase (Process  11 ). The URL of the folder  41 A and the account information of the user who operates the terminal apparatus  30 A are acquired from the QR code. 
     When the QR code is read, the image forming apparatus  20 A generates, on the cloud storage  40 , the folder  41 B that is only accessible to the image forming apparatus  20 A and the terminal apparatus  30 A (Process  31 ). Then, the image forming apparatus  20 A registers a URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B in the folder  41 A read from the QR code (Process  32 ). 
     At this time, the processing proceeds to the operation of the terminal apparatus  30 A again. After the QR code has been generated, the terminal apparatus  30 A monitors writing of a URL in the folder  41 A. The terminal apparatus  30 A receives the URL of the folder  41 B written in the folder  41 A (Process  22 ). 
     Then, the terminal apparatus  30 A registers a file for data formats providable by the terminal apparatus  30 A in the folder  41 B on the cloud storage  40  (Process  23 ). That is, format-request.txt is registered. 
     After the URL indicating the location of the folder  41 B has been registered in the folder  41 A, the image forming apparatus  20 A monitors the folder  41 B. When the file registration in Process  23  is detected, the image forming apparatus  20 A executes Processes  13  to  15  of the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the image forming apparatus  20 A selects data formats processable by the image forming apparatus  20 A from among the acquired data formats and registers, in the folder  41 B, a text file that describes the selected data formats. That is, format-response.txt is registered in the folder  41 B. 
     The registration of format-response.txt in the folder  41 B is detected by the terminal apparatus  30 A. After the detection, the terminal apparatus  30 A executes Processes  4  to  6  of the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the terminal apparatus  30 A generates print data in the data format reported from the image forming apparatus  20 A and registers the print data in the folder  41 B. 
     When the registration of the print data in the folder  41 B is detected, the image forming apparatus  20 A downloads the print data from the folder  41 B (Process  16 ). Then, the image forming apparatus  20 A executes printing based on the downloaded print data. 
     When the printing is finished, the image forming apparatus  20 A deletes the folder  41 B from the cloud storage  40  (Process  17 ). 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the access to the folder  41 B to be used substantially for data exchange is limited to the image forming apparatus  20 A and the terminal apparatus  30 A. Therefore, the print data is not disclosed to arbitrary users even temporarily. The folder  41 B is created every time a new printing request is made and is completely deleted after the printing has been finished. Even if another user executes printing by using the image forming apparatus  20 A, the confidentiality of contents printed by a previous user is maintained. 
     Other Exemplary Embodiments 
     In the exemplary embodiments described above, the image forming apparatus  20  includes the image reading unit  201 . An external QR code reader may be connected to the image forming apparatus  20 . 
     In the exemplary embodiments described above, the terminal apparatus  30  (see  FIG. 1 ) or  30 A (see  FIG. 11 ) presents, by using the QR code, the URL indicating the location of the folder  41  (see  FIG. 1 ) or  41 A (see  FIG. 11 ) generated on the cloud storage  40 . The URL may be presented by using a barcode, which is one type of one-dimensional code. When the barcode is used, it is appropriate that the terminal apparatus  30  or the like be provided with a barcode generating module and the image forming apparatus  20  or the like be provided with a barcode reader or a barcode reading module. 
     The URL indicating the location of the folder  41  (see  FIG. 1 ) or  41 A (see  FIG. 11 ) may directly be input manually by the user to the image forming apparatus  20  (see  FIG. 1 ) or  20 A (see  FIG. 11 ). In this case, the QR code generating module  321  (see  FIG. 8 ) and the storage area information receiving module  221  (see  FIG. 3 ) that supports the QR code are unnecessary. 
     The URL indicating the location of the folder  41  (see  FIG. 1 ) or  41 A (see  FIG. 11 ) may be reported from the terminal apparatus  30  or  30 A to the image forming apparatus  20  or  20 A by using near field communication (NFC), which is one type of close proximity wireless communication technology. For example, in NFC conforming to ISO/IEC 14443, direct communication may be performed by bringing antennas of apparatuses closer to each other within a range of about 10 cm. The portion where the antenna is provided is an example of a specific portion of an apparatus body. Although the communication performed by using NFC is communication based on a wireless connection system, the communication is direct communication that does not require login and is not therefore wireless network communication. 
     Also in the case of using the reporting by NFC, the QR code generating module  321  (see  FIG. 8 ) and the storage area information receiving module  221  (see  FIG. 3 ) that supports the QR code are unnecessary. 
     The exemplary embodiments described above are directed to the case in which the information exchange via the cloud storage  40  automatically proceeds based on the program executed by the terminal apparatus  30  or the like and the program executed by the image forming apparatus  20  or the like. The individual steps may be executed after waiting for user&#39;s operations in response to instructions from the programs. 
     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.