Patent ID: 12229457

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Embodiment

System Overview

FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An information processing system1includes, for example, an image forming apparatus9and a cloud storage service3that are connected to a communication network2such as the Internet. The information processing system1may also include a peripheral device5connected to the image forming apparatus9, and an information terminal4such as a smartphone that communicates with the image forming apparatus9.

The image forming apparatus9displays, for example, a selection screen that allows a user to select an output pattern of printing on the basis of output information of printing and a setting condition. The output information is included in image information such as a two-dimensional code. The setting condition includes information related to a printing function usable in the image forming apparatus9and information related to a privilege of the user to use a function (or functions). The image information and the output information include a plurality of output patterns each including a storage location of a file such as a document file to be printed, a to-be-printed page (or to-be-printed pages) of the file, and information related to print settings such as color printing and duplex printing. The selection screen displays two kinds of output patterns to be selected by the user. The output patterns include, for example, a simple output pattern for performing printing to view a document file simply and a detailed output pattern for performing printing to view the document file in detail. The settings included in the output information may include a required setting depending on content of the document to be printed. For example, in the case of a document using a graph with different colors, printing the document in monochrome makes the colors no longer be distinguished from each other and thus makes the graph useless. Therefore, color printing is a required setting. For example, in the case of data that is to be printed in a defined size recommended by a provider, such as map data including small symbols and text, data for a poster, and data of a resume format, a requested printing sheet size (A3 size, for example) is a required setting. The cloud storage service3stores a file to be printed by the image forming apparatus9, and transmits the file to the image forming apparatus9in response to a request from the image forming apparatus9. Note that in the present embodiment, the file to be printed is not limited to a file stored in the cloud storage service3and may be, for example, a file stored in a storage device of the image forming apparatus9or an external storage device connected to the image forming apparatus9.

The peripheral device5is a device connected to the image forming apparatus9. The peripheral device5provides printing-related functions such as a staple function, a punch function, a sheet folding function, and a duplex printing function. The peripheral device5may also provide a function related to charging for printing.

The information terminal4is connected to the image forming apparatus9via, for example, short-range communication such as Bluetooth®. In response to a user operation, the information terminal4transmits, to the image forming apparatus9, image information such as a two-dimensional code captured by a camera. The information terminal4displays, on a screen of the information terminal4, the selection screen for selecting a printing output pattern on the basis of the information received from the image forming apparatus9, and transmits a result selected by the user to the image forming apparatus9. In other words, the user can use the information terminal4instead of a touch panel of the image forming apparatus9to perform an operation for printing.

As described above, the information processing system1allows the user to select an output pattern displayed on the selection screen displayed by the image forming apparatus9to perform printing without the user making detailed print settings.

Note that the system configuration of the information processing system1illustrated inFIG.1is an example. For example, the communication network2may include a connection section based on mobile communication or wireless communication such as a wireless local area network (LAN). Instead of the peripheral device5providing some functions, the image forming apparatus9may have all the functions and the peripheral device5may not be used. One of or both of the cloud storage service3and the information terminal4may be omitted in the information processing system1.

Example of Hardware Configuration (Image Forming Apparatus9)

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus9according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.2, the image forming apparatus9(or called a multifunction peripheral/product/printer (MFP)) includes a controller910, a short-range communication circuit920, an engine controller930, an operation panel940, and a network interface (I/F)950.

The controller910includes a central processing unit (CPU)901as a main processor, a system memory (MEM-P)902, a north bridge (NB)903, a south bridge (SB)904, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)906, a local memory (MEM-C)907, a hard disk drive (HDD) controller908, and an a hard disk (HD)909. The NB903and the ASIC906are connected by an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus921.

The CPU901controls the entire image forming apparatus9. The NB903connects the CPU901to the MEM-P902, the SB904, and the AGP bus921. The NB903includes a memory controller for controlling reading or writing of various data from or to the MEM-P902, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) master, and an AGP target.

The MEM-P902includes a read-only memory (ROM)902aas a memory that stores a program and data for implementing various functions of the controller910. The MEM-P902further includes a random access memory (RAM)902bas a memory to which the program and data are loaded or as a rendering memory that stores data rendered for printing. The program stored in the RAM902bmay be stored in any computer-readable recording medium, such as a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc-recordable (CD-R), or digital versatile disc (DVD), in an installable or executable file format for distribution.

The SB904connects the NB903to a PCI device or a peripheral device. The ASIC906is an integrated circuit (IC) dedicated to an image processing use and including hardware elements for image processing, and connects the AGP bus921, a PCI bus922, the HDD controller908, and the MEM-C907to each other. The ASIC906includes a PCI target, an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) as a central processor of the ASIC906, a memory controller, a plurality of direct memory access controllers (DMACs), and a PCI unit. The memory controller controls the MEM-C907. The DMACs perform rotation of image data with a hardware logic. The PCI unit transfers data to a scanner unit931and a printer unit932through the PCI bus922. The ASIC906may be connected to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers1394(IEEE1394) interface. The engine controller930includes the scanner unit931that controls a scanner, and the printer unit932that controls a plotter such as a printer. The engine controller930controls a device (referred to as an image forming device) related to various image forming functions of the image forming apparatus9. The image forming device is, for example, a general scanner or printer.

The short-range communication circuit920includes a card reader920afor reading authentication information of a user stored in an IC card.

The operation panel940includes a touch panel940aand a numeral keypad940bthat receive input from the user. The touch panel940adisplays a screen of an application executed by the image forming apparatus9.

Example of Hardware Configuration (Information Terminal4)

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information terminal4according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.3, the information terminal4such as the smartphone includes a CPU401, a ROM402, a RAM403, an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM)404, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor405, an imaging element I/F406, an acceleration and orientation sensor407, a medium I/F409, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver411.

The CPU401controls operations of the entire information terminal4. The ROM402stores a program such as an initial program loader (IPL) used for driving the CPU401. The RAM403is used as a work area for the CPU401. The EEPROM404reads or writes various kinds of data such as a program for the information terminal4under control of the CPU401. The CMOS sensor405is an example of a built-in imaging element that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-image) under control of the CPU401to obtain image data. Note that an alternative to the CMOS sensor405may be an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor. The imaging element I/F406is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor405. Examples of the acceleration and orientation sensor407include an electromagnetic compass or gyrocompass that detects geomagnetism and an acceleration sensor. The medium I/F409controls reading or writing (storing) of data from or to a recording medium408such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver411receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite.

The information terminal4further includes a long-range communication circuit412, a CMOS sensor413, an imaging element I/F414, a microphone415, a speaker416, an audio input/output I/F417, a display418, an external device connection I/F419, a short-range communication circuit420, an antenna420afor the short-range communication circuit420, and a touch panel421.

The long-range communication circuit412is a circuit that enables the information terminal4to communicate with another device via the communication network2. The CMOS sensor413is an example of a built-in imaging element that captures a subject under control of the CPU401to obtain image data. The imaging element I/F414is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor413. The microphone415is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electric signal. The speaker416is a built-in circuit that generates sound such as music or voice by converting an electric signal into physical vibration. The audio input/output I/F417is a circuit that inputs and outputs an audio signal between the microphone415and the speaker416under control of the CPU401. The display418is an example of a display device that displays an image of the subject, various icons, etc. Examples of the display418include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The external device connection I/F419is an interface that connects various external devices to the information terminal4. The short-range communication circuit420is a communication circuit that is compliant with Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth®, or the like. The touch panel421is an example of an input device that allows a user to operate the information terminal4by pressing the display418.

The information terminal4also includes a bus line410. The bus line410is, for example, an address bus or a data bus for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU401illustrated inFIG.3to one another.

Functions

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing system1according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus9includes an information acquisition unit10, a condition acquisition unit11, a determination unit12, a correction unit13, a generation unit14, a communication unit15, a display control unit16, an operation receiving unit17, an execution unit18, and a storage unit19. These functional units are functions or units that are implemented as a result of the CPU901executing commands included in one or more programs installed on the image forming apparatus9. The storage unit19may be implemented by, for example, a storage device such as the HD909included in the image forming apparatus9.

The information acquisition unit10acquires output information of printing from image information such as a two-dimensional code scanned by the image forming apparatus9or captured by the camera of the information terminal4.

The condition acquisition unit11acquires setting conditions related to printing functions of the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5connected to the image forming apparatus9. The condition acquisition unit11also acquires information related to a privilege of a logged-in user of the image forming apparatus9to use the printing functions. The condition acquisition unit11further acquires setting conditions related to printing functions of another image forming apparatus9connected to the communication network2and a peripheral device5connected to the other image forming apparatus9.

The determination unit12determines whether to correct the output information (whether correction is to be made) on the basis of the output information of printing acquired by the information acquisition unit10and the setting conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit11. The determination unit12checks whether the output information includes a required print setting (referred to as a required setting), checks whether the user has a privilege to use a function related to the required setting, and checks whether the required setting is settable in the image forming apparatus9.

The correction unit13corrects the output information of printing acquired by the information acquisition unit10on the basis of the setting conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit11and a determination result obtained by the determination unit12.

The generation unit14generates, on the basis of the output information, screen information such as a selection screen that allows the user to select an output pattern.

The communication unit15is a communication function of the image forming apparatus9and performs transmission and reception of information between the image forming apparatus9and the information terminal4via the communication network2.

The display control unit16causes the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9to display the selection screen that allows the user to select an output pattern on the basis of the screen information generated by the generation unit14.

The operation receiving unit17receives a user operation such as input of text or pressing of a button via the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9. For example, the operation receiving unit17receives a user operation of inputting a user ID and a password when the user logs into the image forming apparatus9. The operation receiving unit17receives a user operation of selecting an output pattern on the selection screen for selecting an output pattern of printing. Alternatively, in the case of a single output pattern, the operation receiving unit17receives a user operation of requesting execution of printing.

The execution unit18executes printing on the basis of a print setting corresponding to the output pattern selected by the user.

The storage unit19stores, as setting conditions, identifiers indicating printing functions of the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5and information related to a privilege of a user who can log into the image forming apparatus9to use the printing functions in the storage device of the image forming apparatus9. The storage unit19also stores a file such as a document file to be printed in the storage device of the image forming apparatus9.

The information terminal4includes a communication unit20, a display control unit21, and an operation receiving unit22. These functional units are functions or units that are implemented as a result of the CPU401executing commands included in one or more programs installed on an information processing apparatus that serves as the information terminal4.

The communication unit20is a communication function of the information terminal4and performs transmission and reception of information with the image forming apparatus9via the communication network2.

The display control unit21causes the touch panel421of the information terminal4to display the selection screen that allows the user to select an output pattern on the basis of the screen information received from the image forming apparatus9.

The operation receiving unit22receives a user operation such as input of text or pressing of a button via the touch panel421of the information terminal4. For example, the operation receiving unit22receives a user operation of inputting a user ID and a password when the user logs into the image forming apparatus9. The operation receiving unit22receive a user operation of selecting an output pattern on the selection screen for selecting an output pattern of printing.

An external storage device6includes a communication unit30and a storage unit31.

The communication unit30is a communication function of the external storage device6and performs transmission and reception of information with the image forming apparatus9via the communication network2.

The storage unit31stores a file such as a document file to be printed in a storage device such as a hard disk of the external storage device6.

Printing Execution Process Based on Acquired Image Information

FIG.5is a flowchart of a printing execution process based on the acquired image information according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. Each processing step inFIG.5will be described below.

Step S40: The operation receiving unit17of the image forming apparatus9receives, via the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9, a user operation of inputting a user ID and a password, which is performed by a user to log into the image forming apparatus9. After the login is completed, the operation receiving unit17receives a user operation to use a function of easily executing printing.

Step S41: The display control unit16of the image forming apparatus9causes the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9to display a screen that prompts the user to use the scan function of the image forming apparatus9to scan the image information including the output information of printing.FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an image information acquisition screen (acquisition screen) for acquiring the image information according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. An acquisition screen55ofFIG.6displays a message (“Please place the document and press [Scan].”) that prompts the user to use the scan function of the image forming apparatus9to scan the image information including the output information of printing. The acquisition screen55also displays a button56to be pressed to start a scan. The operation receiving unit17of the image forming apparatus9receives a user operation of pressing the button56. The information acquisition unit10of the image forming apparatus9acquires the output information of printing from the image information obtained by scanning.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating the image information (two-dimensional code) according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. Image information57illustrated inFIG.7is a two-dimensional code including the output information of printing. Alternatively, the image information may be a one-dimensional code (barcode).

FIGS.8A and8Bare diagrams for describing the output information included in the image information according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. Output information60ofFIG.8Ahas a structure including repeated sets of a “key” indicating a type of information and a value corresponding to the “key” that are separated by comma “,”. One or more values may correspond to one type of “key.” As illustrated in an explanatory table61of the output information inFIG.8B, the types of the “key” include “url” indicating the storage location of a file to be printed, “pattern” indicating an output pattern, “required” indicating a required print setting, and “setting” indicating a recommended print setting. The value of the key “url” is a uniform resource locator (URL) indicating the storage location of a document file. The values of the key “pattern” include “simple” which is a pattern of printing the document simply and “detail” which is a pattern of printing the document in detail. The values of the key “required” include “prn_color” indicating color printing and “duplex” indicating duplex printing. The values of the key “setting” include “prn_mono” indicating monochrome printing, “prn_color” indicating color printing, “duplex” indicating duplex printing, “staple” indicating execution of stapling, and a value designating pages to be printed. For example, the pages to be printed are indicated such that pages 1 to 2 are printed in the case of the value of “1-2” and all pages are printed in the case of the value “1-. Referring back toFIG.5, the description is continued.

Step S42: The condition acquisition unit11of the image forming apparatus9acquires setting conditions related to printing functions of (i.e., usable in) the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5connected to the image forming apparatus9. Specifically, for example, the storage unit19of the image forming apparatus9stores in advance, in the storage device of the image forming apparatus9, information including identifiers indicating printing functions usable in the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5as part of the setting conditions. Alternatively, the storage unit19may store, for each function, information indicating whether the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5have the function instead of storing the identifiers of the usable functions.

The condition acquisition unit11reads the setting conditions stored in the storage device of the image forming apparatus9to acquire the setting condition related to the printing function. Identifiers indicating the printing function and other functions of the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5will be described below.

FIG.9is a diagram for describing functions of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. A function list62illustrated inFIG.9includes items of functions of the image forming apparatus9, a decryption about each function, and an identifier indicating each function. As indicated by the function list62, the functions of the image forming apparatus9includes, as large categories, “print,” “copy,” “fax,” and “scanner.” “Print” includes a function “color” that enables color printing and a function “monochrome” that enables monochrome printing. “Copy” also includes four types of functions according to usable colors. Each of the functions is assigned an identifier indicating the function. For example, an identifier indicating the “color” printing function is “prn_color,” and an identifier indicating the “monochrome” printing function is “prn_mono.”

FIG.10is a diagram for describing functions of the peripheral device according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. A function list63illustrated inFIG.10includes items of functions of the peripheral device5, a decryption about each function, and an identifier indicating each function. As indicated by the function list63, the functions of the peripheral device5include “staple,” “punch,” “sheet folding,” “single-sided printing,” “duplex printing,” and “charging.” Identifiers indicating these functions are “staple,” “punch,” “fold,” “single-sided,” “duplex,” and “charge.” The “charging” function is a function displaying information related to the use of each function set for the function. The information related to the use of each function is, for example, an amount charged for the use. The setting condition for the “charging” function may include, in addition to an identifier indicating that a function is usable, information related to a charge for printing such as 20 yen per page for color printing or 10 yen per page for monochrome printing, for example, as the information related to the use of the function. The storage unit19of the image forming apparatus9may store the information related to a charge for printing such that the information is appended to the identifier indicating the function, for example, “prn_mono:10.” Referring back toFIG.5, the description is continued.

Step S43: The condition acquisition unit11of the image forming apparatus9acquires information related to a privilege of the logged-in user of the image forming apparatus9to use a function. Specifically, for example, the storage unit19of the image forming apparatus9stores in advance, as part of the setting condition in the storage device of the image forming apparatus9, information related to a privilege of a user who can log into the image forming apparatus9to use a function. The condition acquisition unit11reads the setting condition stored in the storage device of the image forming apparatus9to acquire the information related to the privilege of the user to use the function.FIG.11is a diagram illustrating the information related to the privilege of the user to use a function according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. Use privilege information64illustrated inFIG.11presents the information related to the privilege of a user who can log into the image forming apparatus9to use a function. The use privilege information64displays, as a privilege of a user with a user ID “user1” to use a function, identifiers “prn_color,” “cpy_color,” and “scan” indicating usable functions, for example. That is, the user with the user ID “user1” has a privilege to use color printing, color copy, and scan functions. The condition acquisition unit11may acquire the privilege of the logged-in user to use of the function related to printing (printing function). That is, the condition acquisition unit11acquires information related to functions such as “prn_color” and “cpy_color” but does not acquire information related to functions such as “fax” and “scan.” Referring back toFIG.5, the description is continued.

Step S43-1: The determination unit12of the image forming apparatus9checks whether the output information acquired by the information acquisition unit10in step S41includes the required print setting (referred to as required setting) of which the key illustrated inFIG.8Bis “required.” If the output information includes the required setting, the process proceeds to step S43-2. If the output information does not include the required setting, the process proceeds to step S44.

Step S43-2: The determination unit12of the image forming apparatus9checks whether the user has a privilege to use the function related to the required setting included in the output information, on the basis of the information related to the use privilege acquired by the condition acquisition unit11in step S43. If the user has a privilege to use the function, the process proceeds step S43-3. If the user does not have a privilege to use the function, the process proceeds to step S43-6.

Step S43-3: The determination unit12of the image forming apparatus9checks whether the required setting included in the output information is settable in the image forming apparatus9, on the basis of the setting condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit11in step S42. If the required setting is settable, the process proceeds to step S44. If the required setting is not settable, the process proceeds to step S43-4.

Step S43-4: The condition acquisition unit11of the image forming apparatus9acquires a setting condition (referred to as an additional setting condition) related to the printing functions of at least one other image forming apparatus9connected to the communication network2and a peripheral device5connected to the at least one other image forming apparatus9. An application programming interface (API) for sharing the setting condition among the plurality of image forming apparatuses9via the communication network2may be defined.

Step S43-5: The determination unit12of the image forming apparatus9checks whether the required setting included in the output information is settable in the other image forming apparatus9, on the basis of the additional setting condition. If the required setting is settable, the process proceeds to step S43-7. If the required setting is not settable, the process proceeds to step S43-6.

Step S43-6: The generation unit14of the image forming apparatus9generates a notification screen that notifies the user that printing is not executable because the required print setting is not settable in the image forming apparatus9to which the user has logged in. The display control unit16of the image forming apparatus9causes the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9to display the notification screen generated by the generation unit14.

Step S43-7: The generation unit14of the image forming apparatus9generates a notification screen that notifies the user that printing is not executable because the required print setting is not settable in the image forming apparatus9to which the user has logged in and notifies the user of information on another image forming apparatus9that is connected to the communication network2and in which printing is executable. The display control unit16of the image forming apparatus9causes the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9to display the notification screen generated by the generation unit14.FIG.15is a diagram illustrating a notification screen that provides a notification about image forming apparatuses in which the required setting is settable according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. A notification screen83ofFIG.15displays a message (“Output is not executable because the required setting is not settable.”) notifying the user that printing is not executable because the required print setting is not settable in the image forming apparatus9to which the user has logged in. The notification screen83also displays a message “Output is executable in the following devices in the network.”) notifying the user that other image forming apparatuses9in which the required print setting is settable and thus printing is executable are usable. The notification screen83further displays, as apparatus information related to the usable image forming apparatuses9, device names (shared printer1and shared printer3) and installed locations (3F Center, Building A and 2F Entrance, Building A).

Step S44: The determination unit12of the image forming apparatus9determines whether to correct the output information (whether correction is to be made) on the basis of the output information of printing acquired by the information acquisition unit10and the setting condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit11.FIGS.12A,12B, and12Care diagrams for describing a determination of whether to correct the output information according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. A setting condition70ofFIG.12Ais a setting condition related to the printing function and acquired by the condition acquisition unit11in step S42. The setting condition70includes identifiers of functions related to printing (usable functions) of the image forming apparatus9and the peripheral device5, which are “prn_color,” “prn_mono,” “staple,” and “single-sided.” Use privilege information71ofFIG.12Bis information related to a privilege of the logged-in user of the image forming apparatus9to use a function, acquired by the condition acquisition unit11in step S43. The use privilege information71includes identifiers of functions which a user with a user ID “user2” has a privilege to use, which are “prn_mono,” “single_sided,” “cpy_twin,” “fax,” and “scan.” Among these identifiers, identifiers of functions related to printing are “prn_mono” and “single_sided.”

Output information72ofFIG.12Cdisplays the “key,” the “means of key,” and the value corresponding to the “key” in the output information acquired by the information acquisition unit10in step S41. The determination unit12checks whether both the setting condition70and the use privilege information71include the printing function indicated by the value corresponding to “setting” which is the type of “key” in the output information72to determine that whether to correct the output information72. That is, both the setting condition70and the use privilege information71include the printing function included in the output information72, the determination unit12determines that the output information72is not to be corrected. Otherwise, the determination unit12determines that the output information72is to be corrected. Referring back toFIG.5, the description is continued.

Step S45: If the determination unit12of the image forming apparatus9determines in step S44that the output information72is to be corrected, the process proceeds to step S46. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S47.

Step S46: The correction unit13of the image forming apparatus9corrects the output information of printing acquired by the information acquisition unit10, on the basis of the setting condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit11. For example, the correction unit13corrects the value corresponding to the “key” which indicates the type of the printing function in the output information72and is not included in either the setting condition70or the use privilege information71ofFIG.12Bor is included in neither the setting condition70nor the use privilege information71. Specifically, the correction unit13corrects duplex printing (with the identifier “duplex”) and color printing (with the identifier “prn_color”) in the output information72to single-sided printing (with the identifier “single-sided”) and monochrome printing (with the identifier “prn_mono”), respectively.FIG.13is a diagram for describing correction of the output information according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. In corrected output information73ofFIG.13, the values “duplex” and “prn_color” of the original output information72ofFIG.12Care corrected to “single-sided” and “prn_mono,” respectively. As described above, in terms of the printing function in the output information73, the correction unit13corrects a function not usable in the image forming apparatus9or the peripheral device5or a function which the user does not have a privilege to use, to a function that is usable in the image forming apparatus9or the peripheral device5and which the user has a privilege to use. Alternatively, if the function such as punch and sheet folding is not usable in the image forming apparatus9or the peripheral device5or the user has not have a privilege to use such a function, the correction unit13may delete the “key” and the value corresponding to the “key” from the output information73to correct the output information73. Referring back toFIG.5, the description is continued.

Step S47: The generation unit14of the image forming apparatus9generates, on the basis of the output information, screen information of a selection screen that allows the user to select an output pattern.

Step S48: The display control unit16of the image forming apparatus9causes the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9to display the selection screen that allows the user to select an output pattern, on the basis of the screen information generated by the generation unit14in step S47.FIG.14is a diagram illustrating a selection screen of an output pattern of printing according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. A selection screen80ofFIG.14displays buttons81and82which allow a user to select one of two output patterns to execute simple printing or detailed printing. The selection screen80also displays settings related to printing and a charge for printing in the respective output patterns below the buttons81and82. The selection screen80also displays a message (“(Note) Output is executable in devices in which the setting marked with an asterisk is settable.”) indicating that printing is executable in the image forming apparatus9in which the setting of “duplex” or “color” is settable. Referring back toFIG.5, the description is continued.

Step S49: The operation receiving unit17of the image forming apparatus9receives a user operation of selecting an output pattern (e.g., an operation of pressing the button81or82ofFIG.14).

Step S50: The execution unit18of the image forming apparatus9executes printing, on the basis of the print settings corresponding to the output pattern selected by the user in step S49. When the storage device of the external storage device6stores a file to be printed, the communication unit15of the image forming apparatus9receives the file to be printed from the communication unit30of the external storage device6before execution of printing.

As a result of the process described above, the information processing system1allows the user to select an output pattern displayed in the selection screen displayed by the image forming apparatus9, and thus can execute printing without the user making detailed print settings. Alternatively, when one type of output pattern is present, the image forming apparatus9may allow the user to request execution of printing with the one type of output pattern instead of displaying the selection screen. When the output information includes a required print setting and the required print setting is not settable in the image forming apparatus9, namely, when the required print setting is unavailable in the image forming apparatus9, the information processing system1may cause the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9to display a notification screen including a message notifying the user that the required print setting is not settable and information on other image forming apparatuses9in which the required print setting is settable and printing is executable.

Modification

A case where the user performs an operation via the touch panel421of the information terminal4instead of the touch panel940aof the image forming apparatus9will be described as a modification of the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure. The description is given mainly of processing different from the processing described in the flowchart ofFIG.5. The information terminal4is connected to and ready to communicate with the image forming apparatus9by, for example, short-range communication such as Bluetooth®.

Step S40: The operation receiving unit22of the information terminal4receives, via the touch panel421of the information terminal4, a user operation of inputting a user ID and a password, which is performed by a user to log into the image forming apparatus9. The communication unit20of the information terminal4transmits a login request including the user ID and the password to the communication unit15of the image forming apparatus9. After the completion of the login, the operation receiving unit22receives a user operation of using the simple printing function on a menu screen.

Step S41: The display control unit21of the information terminal4causes the touch panel421of the information terminal4to display a screen that prompts the user to use the camera of the information terminal4to capture the image information printed on a sheet. The operation receiving unit22of the information terminal4receives an operation of capturing the image information printed on the sheet with the camera of the information terminal4, in accordance with an instruction given on the screen from the user. The communication unit20of the information terminal4transmits the image information to the communication unit15of the image forming apparatus9. The information acquisition unit10of the image forming apparatus9acquires the output information of printing from the received image information. Note that the image information may be image information acquired by another method such as the user downloading the image information with the information terminal4instead of the image information captured by the user with the camera of the information terminal4.

Processing of steps S42to S47is the same as that of the embodiment described above.

Step S48: The display control unit16of the image forming apparatus9transmits the screen information generated by the generation unit14in step S47to the communication unit20of the information terminal4. The display control unit16of the information terminal4causes the touch panel421of the information terminal4to display the selection screen that allows the user to select an output pattern, on the basis of the received screen information.

Step S49: The operation receiving unit22of the information terminal4receives a user operation of selecting an output pattern. The communication unit20of the information terminal4transmits information related to the output pattern selected by the user to the communication unit15of the image forming apparatus9.

Processing of step S50is the same as that in the embodiment described above. In the procedure similar to that of steps S48and S49, the notification screen displayed in steps S43-6and S43-7may be displayed on the touch panel421of the information terminal4.

As a result of the process described above, the information processing system1allows the user to select an output pattern displayed in the selection screen displayed on the touch panel421of the information terminal4, and thus can execute printing without the user making detailed print settings. When the output information includes a required print setting and the required print setting is not settable (unavailable) in the image forming apparatus9, the information processing system1may cause the touch panel421of the information terminal4to display a notification screen including a message notifying the user that the required print setting is not settable and information on other image forming apparatuses9in which the required print setting is settable and printing is executable.

While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, such embodiments do not limit the present disclosure in any way. Various modifications and replacements may be made within a scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, an example of the block diagram of the functional configuration illustrated inFIG.4presents blocks obtained by dividing major functions to make it easier to understand the processes performed by the information processing system1and the image forming apparatus9. No limitation is intended by how the functions are divided by process or by the name of the functions. The processes implemented by the information processing system1and the image forming apparatus9may be divided to a larger number of processes depending on the contents of processes. In addition, the division may be performed so that one processing unit contains more processing.

Each of the functions of the embodiment described above may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuitry. As used herein, the term “processing circuit or circuitry” includes a processor programmed to implement each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices designed to implement the functions described above, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and existing circuit modules.

The apparatuses or devices described in the embodiment are merely one example of plural computing environments that implement the embodiment disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the information processing system1and the image forming apparatus9include multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The plural computing devices communicate with one another through any type of communication link including a network, shared memory, etc., and perform the processes disclosed herein.

For example, aspects of the present disclosure are as described below.

In Aspect 1, an image forming apparatus includes an information acquisition unit, a condition acquisition unit, a determination unit, a correction unit, an operation receiving unit, and an execution unit. The information acquisition unit acquires output information of printing from image information. The condition acquisition unit acquires a setting condition related to a usable printing function. The determination unit determines whether to correct the output information, based on the setting condition. The correction unit corrects the output information, based on a determined result of the determination unit and the setting condition. The operation receiving unit receives an operation of requesting execution of printing from a user. The execution unit executes printing, based on the output information and a request from the user.

According to Aspect 2, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 1, the image information includes information related to a storage location of a file to be printed, and the information acquisition unit acquires, as part of the output information, the information related to the storage location of the file from the image information.

According to Aspect 3, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 1 or 2, the image information includes information related to a plurality of output patterns of printing, and the information acquisition unit acquires, as part of the output information, the information related to the plurality of output patterns from the image information. The image forming apparatus further includes a display control unit. The display control unit causes a selection screen to be displayed that allows selection of an output pattern among the plurality of output patterns. The operation receiving unit receives an operation of selecting an output pattern among the plurality of output patterns from the user on the selection screen. The execution unit executes printing, based on the output pattern selected by the user.

According to Aspect 4, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 3, the image information includes information related to a printing function to be used in each of the plurality of output patterns.

According to Aspect 5, in the image forming apparatus of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the usable printing function includes a function of a peripheral device connected to the image forming apparatus.

According to Aspect 6, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 3 or 4, the usable printing function includes a function related to charging, and the display control unit displays, for each of the plurality of output patterns, a charge for printing.

According to Aspect 7, in the image forming apparatus of any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the setting condition includes information related to a privilege of the user to use a printing function.

According to Aspect 8, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 1, the output information includes information indicating a required setting for which correction of the output information is prohibited.

According to Aspect 9, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 8, in a case where the required setting is unavailable in the image forming apparatus, the condition acquisition unit acquires an additional setting condition related to a printing function usable in another image forming apparatus, the determination unit determines whether the required setting is settable in said another image forming apparatus, based on the additional setting condition. The image forming apparatus further includes a display control unit. The display control unit causes apparatus information to be displayed in a notification screen for the user, the apparatus information being for identifying said another image forming apparatus in which the required setting is settable.

According to Aspect 10, in the image forming apparatus of Aspect 9, the apparatus information includes information related to an installed location of said another image forming apparatus in which the required setting is settable.

In the related art, detailed settings in an image forming apparatus are made according to a user operation when printing is executed with the image forming apparatus.

According to one or more embodiments, printing can be executed with an image forming apparatus without making detailed settings according to a user operation.

The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention. Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above.

The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry which includes general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), conventional circuitry and/or combinations thereof which are configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functionality. Processors are considered processing circuitry or circuitry as they include transistors and other circuitry therein. In the disclosure, the circuitry, units, or means are hardware that carry out or are programmed to perform the recited functionality. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known which is programmed or configured to carry out the recited functionality. When the hardware is a processor which may be considered a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or units are a combination of hardware and software, the software being used to configure the hardware and/or processor.