JP6146322B2 - Relay server, communication system, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an online storage service that transmits content, an image forming apparatus that can form an image of content, a relay server that performs communication via a network, and the like.

  A communication system that includes an online storage service for transmitting content and an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of the content. The image forming apparatus acquires content from the online storage service and executes predetermined processing based on the content. Technology has been developed. For example, the following patent document describes a technique in which a printer acquires image data from an online storage service and performs an image printing process based on the acquired image data.

JP 2008-229933 A

  According to the technique described in the above-mentioned patent document, it is possible to acquire various contents from an online storage service and perform image printing or the like. However, there are various online storage services online, and various online storage services have contents of a plurality of types of data formats. On the other hand, the data formats that can be supported by the image forming apparatus are limited, and the image forming apparatus cannot support all types of data formats. For this reason, for example, when content in a data format that cannot be handled by the image forming apparatus is acquired from an online storage service, it is inconvenient because images cannot be printed. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the image forming apparatus uses the content stored in the online storage service regardless of the format of the content stored in the online storage service. A technique for executing a predetermined process is provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the relay server described as an embodiment of the present specification can communicate via an online storage service that transmits content, and an image forming apparatus that can image content. A relay server comprising a communication unit capable of processing and a processor, wherein the processor stores first information for specifying a format of content that can be subjected to predetermined processing by the image forming apparatus, Via the first information acquisition means for acquiring from the image forming apparatus, second information acquisition means for acquiring second information for specifying the format of the content transmitted from the online storage service, and the first information A processing content format which is a content format specified based on the first information acquired by the acquisition means, A determination unit that determines whether or not a transmission content format that is a content format specified based on the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit is the same; and the processing content format by the determination unit If the transmission content format is determined to be the same, the acquisition information for acquiring the content of the transmission content format from the online storage service is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit. When the determination unit determines that the processed content format is different from the transmitted content format, the converted content obtained by converting the content transmitted by the relay server from the transmitted content format to the processed content format is acquired. Information to be sent to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit. And a content sending unit for, characterized in that it is capable of functioning in.

  In the relay server, the communication system, and the image forming apparatus described as the embodiment of the present specification, a processing content format that is a content format that can be executed by the image forming apparatus and a content that is transmitted from the online storage service When the transmission content format is the same as the above-described format, acquisition information for acquiring content from the online storage service is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the processing content formation and the transmission content formation are different, acquisition information for acquiring the converted content converted into the processing content format is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. As a result, regardless of the format of the content stored in the online storage, it is possible to execute a predetermined process by the image forming apparatus using the content stored in the online storage service.

  Further, in the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, the content format specified in the image forming apparatus can be a transmission content format. As a result, it is possible to acquire content in a format desired by the user of the image forming apparatus from the online storage service.

  Further, in the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, it is possible to specify the transmission content format based on the acquisition information for acquiring the content from the online storage service. This makes it possible to acquire the transmission content format without forcing the user to send and receive data.

  In addition, the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification can communicate with a plurality of image forming apparatuses via the Internet, and the first information is disclosed on the Internet as a URL for using the relay server. It is included in the HTTP request using the URL. When the processing content format and the transmission content format are the same, the URL for transmitting the HTTP request for requesting the content to the online storage is set to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information. It is included in the HTTP response and transmitted to the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information. When the processed content format and the transmitted content format are different, an HTTP request for requesting the converted content converted into the processed content format is transmitted. It is possible to include the URL to be included in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information, and transmit it to the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information. As a result, the contents of the online storage service existing on the Internet can be used by a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  In the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, information for specifying the format of content that can form an image by the image forming apparatus can be the first information. As a result, it is possible to appropriately ensure image formation by the image forming apparatus.

  In the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, the model number of the image forming apparatus can be first information, and the processing content format can be acquired based on the model number of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the effects of the present invention can be obtained in various types of image forming apparatuses.

  In addition, the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification can output a conversion command for converting the content in the transmission content format into the content in the processing content format. As a result, the converted content can be generated by a predetermined device.

  Further, in the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, the content in the transmission content format can be converted into the content in the processing content format by the conversion device. As a result, the content format can be converted in a device different from the online storage service, and various online storage services can be supported.

  Further, in the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, it is possible to output a processing instruction command based on a set value for image formation together with a conversion command. Accordingly, it is possible to set the image formation as well as the conversion of the content format, which is convenient.

  Further, in the relay server described as the embodiment of the present specification, the processing to be performed by the conversion device among the image formation setting values is output to the conversion device together with the exchange command, and the image forming device among the image formation setting values. The processing to be performed can be output to the image forming apparatus. This makes it possible to change the apparatus for processing according to the set value for image formation, which is convenient.

1 is a block diagram of a communication system 1. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communication system 1. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the communication system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the panel 16 with which the file selection screen 80 was displayed. It is a figure which shows the panel 16 on which the copy selection screen 88 was displayed. It is a figure which shows the panel 16 on which the setting screen 100 was displayed. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the relay apparatus 50. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the relay apparatus 50. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the relay apparatus 50. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart of the relay apparatus 50. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation flowchart of the MFP 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation flowchart of the MFP 10. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the communication system 1 of a modification.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a communication system 1 exemplified as the first embodiment according to the present application. The communication system 1 includes an MFP (abbreviation of Multifunction Peripheral) 10, a relay device 50, an online storage 70, and a conversion device 72. The online storage 70 is a device that provides image data and the like possessed by the client device to the client device via the network 76. The conversion device 72 is a device that converts the data format of the image data, and is connected to the network 76.

  The MFP 10 mainly includes a CPU (abbreviation of Central Processing Unit) 12, a storage unit 14, a panel 16, a button input unit 18, a printer 20, a scanner 22, and a network I / F 24. These components can communicate with each other via the input / output port 30.

  The CPU 12 executes processing according to the program 34 in the storage unit 14. Hereinafter, the CPU 12 that executes a program, such as the print program 34a or the operating system 34b, may be simply described as a program name. For example, the description “print program 34a” may mean “the CPU 12 executing the print program 34a”. The storage unit 14 is configured by combining a RAM (abbreviation of random access memory), a ROM (abbreviation of read only memory), a flash memory, an HDD (abbreviation of hard disk), a buffer provided in the CPU 12, and the like.

  The storage unit 14 stores a program 34. The program 34 includes a print program 34a and an operating system 34b (sometimes abbreviated as OS 34b). The print program 34 a is a program for printing an image based on the image data provided from the online storage 70. The storage unit 14 may be a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium such as a ROM, RAM, flash memory, or hard disk. Electric signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are not included in non-transitory media.

  The operating system 34b is a program that provides basic functions used for the print program 34a. The OS 34b includes a program for controlling the storage unit 14, the panel 16, the button input unit 18, and the like.

  The storage unit 14 includes a data storage area 14a. The data storage area 14a is an area for storing image data and the like. The print program 34a outputs various data to be stored in the data storage area 14a via the OS 34b, thereby storing the various data in the data storage area 14a. Alternatively, the print program 34a acquires various data stored in the data storage area 14a through the OS 34b.

  The network I / F 24 communicates with an external device via the network 76, and is connected to the relay device 50, the online storage 70, and the conversion device 72 via the network 76. Thereby, the MFP 10 can transmit / receive various data to / from the relay device 50, the online storage 70, and the conversion device 72.

  The panel 16 includes a display surface that displays various functions of the MFP 10. The print program 34a outputs JPEG image data and causes the panel 16 to display an image via the OS 34b. The button input unit 18 includes a touch sensor and is configured integrally with the panel 16. The button input unit 18 detects the approach / contact of the input medium to the panel 16 and accepts a button operation by the user. The print program 34a acquires data indicating the button operation content by the user via the OS 34b. The printer 20 is a part that executes printing. The print program 34a outputs JPEG or original image data, and causes the printer 20 to print an image via the OS 34b. The original method is an original data method determined by the vendor of the MFP 10. The scanner 22 is a part that executes scanning.

  The relay device 50 mainly includes a CPU 52, a storage unit 54, and a network I / F 56. These components can communicate with each other via the input / output port 58.

  The CPU 52 executes processing according to the program 60 in the storage unit 54. Hereinafter, the CPU 52 that executes a program such as the communication program 60a and the operating system 60b may be simply described by a program name. For example, the description “communication program 60a” may mean “the CPU 52 that executes the communication program 60a”. The storage unit 54 is configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer provided in the CPU 52, and the like.

  The storage unit 54 stores the program 60. The program 60 includes a communication program 60a and an operating system 60b (sometimes abbreviated as OS 60b). The communication program 60a is a program for transmitting / receiving data to / from the MFP 10, the online storage 70, and the conversion device 72. The operating system 60b is a program that provides basic functions used for the communication program 60a. The OS 60b includes a program for controlling the storage unit 54 and the like.

  The storage unit 54 includes a data storage area 54a. The data storage area 54a is an area for storing various data. The communication program 60a stores various data in the storage area 54a by outputting data for storing various data in the data storage area 54a via the OS 60b. Alternatively, the communication program 60a acquires various data stored in the data storage area 54a via the OS 60b.

  The network I / F 56 communicates with an external device via the network 76, and is connected to the MFP 10, the online storage 70, and the conversion device 72 via the network 76. Accordingly, the relay device 50 can transmit and receive various data to and from the MFP 10, the online storage 70, and the conversion device 72.

  Here, the definition of the words “data” and “information” will be described. In this specification, “data” and “information” use “information” as a superordinate concept of “data”. Therefore, “A data” may be rephrased as “A information”. Further, “information” is treated as the same information as long as it is recognized as the same meaning content even if the format as “data” (for example, text format, binary format, flag format, etc.) is different. For example, as long as the apparatus handles the information indicating that the number of copies is two, the text format data “COPY = 2” and the binary format data “10” are the same information. However, the distinction between the above “data” and “information” is not strict, and exceptional handling is allowed.

<Operation of communication system>
An example of the operation of the communication system 1 will be described. In the communication system 1, the image data stored in the online storage 70 is downloaded by the MFP 10, and an image is printed based on the downloaded image data. Hereinafter, an image printing method in the communication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and a sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  In the communication system 1, first, when a process for printing an image based on image data stored in the online storage 70 is selected in the MFP 10, a transmission request for a file selection screen is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the relay device 50. (M100). The file selection screen transmission request is an HTTP request using a URL (abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator). When receiving the file selection screen transmission request, the relay device 50 transmits a file list transmission request corresponding to the request to the online storage 70 (M102).

  Then, the online storage 70 transmits a file list corresponding to the request to the relay device 50 as a reply to the file list transmission request (M104). The file list includes a plurality of individual file information, and each individual file information includes thumbnail specifying information and file specifying information. The thumbnail specifying information is configured by a thumbnail URL for acquiring thumbnail data from the online storage 70 and a thumbnail data format acquired by the thumbnail URL. The file specifying information is information for specifying a file including image data for printing corresponding to the thumbnail data.

  When receiving the file list, the relay device 50 extracts the thumbnail data format from the thumbnail specifying information of each individual file information of the file list, and whether the thumbnail data format is a data format corresponding to the MFP 10 or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the data format can be displayed by the MFP 10. Then, depending on whether or not the data format of the extracted thumbnail and the data format corresponding to the MFP 10 are the same, the text of the file selection screen is created (M106). Specifically, the file selection screen transmission request transmitted from the MFP 10 includes format specifying information for specifying the data format corresponding to the MFP 10. The format specifying information includes first format specifying information that is information related to the model number of the MFP 10 and second format specifying information that is information related to the data format corresponding to the MFP 10.

  In the data storage area 54a of the relay device 50, the model number of the MFP 10 and the data format corresponding to the MFP 10 are stored in association with each other as map data. When the relay device 50 receives the transmission request for the file selection screen, and the transmission request includes the first format specifying information, that is, information regarding the model number of the MFP 10, the map data is used, A data format corresponding to the MFP 10 is specified. The data format corresponding to the specified MFP 10 is stored in the data storage area 54a of the relay device 50. On the other hand, when the relay device 50 receives the transmission request for the file selection screen, and the transmission request includes the second format specifying information, that is, the information related to the data format corresponding to the MFP 10, it corresponds to the MFP 10. The data format to be stored is stored in the data storage area 54a of the relay device 50. Incidentally, the data format corresponding to the MFP 10, that is, the data format that can be displayed by the MFP 10 is a JPEG system.

  Next, when the relay device 50 acquires the file list from the online storage 70, the data format of the thumbnail of each individual file information in the file list is compared with the data format corresponding to the MFP 10 stored in the data storage area 54a. To do. If the data format of the thumbnail and the data format corresponding to the MFP 10 are the same, the relay device 50 writes the individual file information including the thumbnail URL in the text of the file selection screen. That is, when the thumbnail data format is JPEG, individual file information including the thumbnail URL is written in the text of the file selection screen.

  On the other hand, if the thumbnail data format and the data format corresponding to the MFP 10 are different, the relay device 50 converts the thumbnail URL of the individual file information into a converted thumbnail URL, and converts the individual file information including the converted thumbnail URL into Write to text on file selection screen. That is, when the thumbnail data format is different from the JPEG format, for example, in the PDF format, individual file information including the converted thumbnail URL is written in the text of the file selection screen. The converted thumbnail URL is a URL destined for the relay device 50, and the converted thumbnail URL includes information for specifying the thumbnail URL before conversion.

  Note that the text on the file selection screen includes designation information for designating the MFP 10 with display contents such as the number of buttons displayed on the file selection screen and a character string displayed on the screen. In other words, the relay device 50 creates a text including in-screen information and a URL necessary for the MFP 10 to download a thumbnail in M106.

  When the relay device 50 creates the text of the file selection screen, the relay device 50 transmits the text of the file selection screen to the MFP 10 (M108). Next, upon receiving the text on the file selection screen, the MFP 10 accesses the URL written in the text and acquires thumbnail data from the access destination apparatus. Specifically, if the thumbnail URL is written in the text of the file selection screen, the MFP 10 transmits a thumbnail data transmission request to the online storage 70 using the thumbnail URL (M110). Then, the online storage 70 transmits the thumbnail data stored in the online storage 70 to the MFP 10 as a reply to the transmission request (M112). That is, JPEG thumbnail data is transmitted to the MFP 10.

  On the other hand, when the converted thumbnail URL is written in the text of the file selection screen, the MFP 10 transmits a thumbnail data transmission request to the relay device 50 using the converted thumbnail URL (M114). Upon receiving the thumbnail data transmission request, the relay device 50 extracts the thumbnail URL before conversion from the converted thumbnail URL, and transmits the thumbnail data transmission request to the online storage 70 using the thumbnail URL (M116). Then, the online storage 70 transmits the thumbnail data stored in the online storage 70 to the relay device 50 as a reply to the transmission request (M118). That is, thumbnail data of a format different from the JPEG format, for example, thumbnail data of the PDF format is transmitted to the relay device 50. When the relay apparatus 50 receives the thumbnail data of the PDF format, the relay apparatus 50 converts the data format of the data into a data format corresponding to the MFP 10, that is, the JPEG format (M120). Then, the relay device 50 transmits the thumbnail data converted in the data format to the MFP 10 (M122). Accordingly, JPEG thumbnail data is transmitted to the MFP 10.

  Upon receiving the JPEG thumbnail data, the MFP 10 displays the file selection screen on the panel 16 based on the text of the file selection screen and the received thumbnail data (M124). Then, the user selects an image to be printed from the file selection screen (M126). Specifically, the file selection screen 80 includes a plurality of thumbnail images 82, an image advance button 84, and an OK button 86 as shown in FIG. The thumbnail image 82 is an image based on the received thumbnail data, and the image advance button 84 is a button for sequentially changing the thumbnail image 82 displayed on the panel 16. The user selects a thumbnail image 82 to be printed by bringing an input medium, for example, a finger, close to an arbitrary thumbnail image 82 among the thumbnail images 82 displayed on the panel 16. Then, by operating the OK button 86, a copy selection screen 88 is displayed on the panel 16 as shown in FIG. 5 instead of the file selection screen 80.

  The copy selection screen 88 includes an enlarged image 90 of the selected thumbnail image, a copy selection button 92, and an OK button 96. The user selects the number of copies by operating the number of copies selection button 92. Note that the selected number of copies is displayed above the number of copies selection button 92. Then, when the OK button 96 is operated after the number of copies is selected, print data corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is requested. Specifically, file specifying information is extracted from the individual file information corresponding to the selected thumbnail image, and a request for file information for acquiring a file specified by the file specifying information is as shown in FIG. To the relay device 50 (M128). The file information request to be transmitted includes not only information related to the file specified by the file specifying information but also information related to the number of copies and format specifying information.

  When receiving the file information request, the relay device 50 extracts the format specifying information from the file information request. Then, as described above, the data format corresponding to the MFP 10, that is, the data format that can be printed by the MFP 10 is specified from the format specifying information, and the specified data format (hereinafter referred to as “specific data format”) is specified. Is stored in the data storage area 54a. Incidentally, the specific data format is the JPEG method or the original method. Further, when receiving the file information request, the relay device 50 transmits the text of the setting screen to the MFP 10 (M130). Upon receiving the text of the setting screen, the MFP 10 displays the setting screen on the panel 16 (M132). Then, the setting value at the time of printing is selected from the setting screen by the user (M134). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting screen 100 includes a color selection button 102, a size selection button 104, a print state selection button 106, and an OK button 108.

  The color selection button 102 is a button for setting a print color. By operating the color selection button 102, a color and monochrome pull-down list is displayed, and the user can set an arbitrary color setting from these two lists. select. The size selection button 104 is a button for setting the size of the printed document. By operating the size selection button 104, a pull-down list such as A3, A4, A5, etc. is displayed. Select any size. The print state selection button 106 is a button for setting the resolution at the time of printing. By operating the print state selection button 106, a pull-down list such as Fine or Normal is displayed. Select any item. When the OK button 108 is operated after the print settings are selected by operating the selection buttons 102, 104, 106, information about the selected setting value is relayed from the MFP 10 as shown in FIG. It is transmitted to the device 50 (M136).

  Next, the relay device 50 transmits the file information request received from the MFP 10 to the online storage 70 (M138). Upon receiving the file information request, the online storage 70 extracts the file specified by the file specifying information from the file information request, and transmits the URL information including the file URL for acquiring the file to the relay device 50. (M140). When receiving the URL information, the relay device 50 extracts the file URL from the URL information, and describes the data format of the file acquired by the file URL (hereinafter referred to as “acquired file data format”) from the extension of the file URL. Specific).

  Then, the relay device 50 compares the acquired file data format with the specific data format. At this time, if the acquired file data format and the specific data format are the same, the relay device 50 transmits URL information to the MFP 10 as shown in FIG. 3 (M142). Upon receiving the URL information, the MFP 10 transmits a file request to the online storage 70 using the file URL of the URL information (M144). Then, the online storage 70 transmits the file stored in the online storage 70 to the MFP 10 as a reply to the transmission request (M146). That is, a JPEG format or original format file is transmitted to the MFP 10.

  On the other hand, when the acquired file data format and the specific data format are different, the relay device 50 transmits a file request to the online storage 70 using the file URL of the URL information (M148). The online storage 70 transmits the file stored in the online storage 70 to the relay device 50 as a reply to the transmission request (M150). That is, a file of a format different from the JPEG format or the original format, for example, a PDF format file is transmitted to the relay device 50. When receiving the PDF file, the relay device 50 transmits the file to the conversion device 72 (M152). Furthermore, the relay device 50 transmits a conversion instruction for converting the file format of the transmitted file from the PDF format to the JPEG format or the original format to the conversion device 72 (M154). Note that the conversion instruction includes information related to the print setting selected on the setting screen 100.

  Upon receiving the file and the conversion instruction, the conversion device 72 converts the data format of the received file (M156). Specifically, the conversion device 72 converts image data for printing a file from the PDF format to the original format. Further, a print command corresponding to the print setting is created from the information regarding the print setting included in the conversion instruction. Then, a conversion file is created by using the original image data for printing and a print command corresponding to the print setting. When the conversion device 72 creates the conversion file, the conversion device 72 transmits the conversion URL information including the conversion file URL for acquiring the conversion file to the relay device 50 (M158).

  Upon receiving the converted URL information, the relay device 50 adds information related to the number of copies to the converted URL information, and transmits the converted URL information to which information related to the number of copies is added to the MFP 10 (M160). Upon receiving the conversion URL information, the MFP 10 transmits a file request to the conversion device 72 using the conversion file URL of the conversion URL information (M162). Then, the conversion device 72 transmits the conversion file created by the conversion device 72 to the MFP 10 as a reply to the transmission request (M164). That is, the file converted into the original format by the conversion device 72 is transmitted to the MFP 10.

  When the MFP 10 receives the JPEG format or original format file, the printer 20 performs an image printing process based on the print image data included in the file (M166). If there are a plurality of print copies added to the conversion URL, a request for a file is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the conversion device 72 a number of times corresponding to the plurality of print copies, and print processing is performed each time a file is received. Is called.

  As described above, in the communication system 1, when the data format of the file stored in the online storage 70 is a data format that can be printed by the MFP 10, the MFP 10 acquires the file directly from the online storage 70, The file is being printed. On the other hand, if the data format of the file stored in the online storage 70 is not a data format that can be printed by the MFP 10, the file in the online storage 70 is transmitted to the conversion device 72 via the relay device 50 and converted. In the device 72, the file is converted into a data format that can be printed by the MFP 10. Then, the MFP 10 acquires the converted file from the conversion device 72 and performs a file printing process. As a result, the MFP 10 can perform print processing of the file stored in the online storage 70 without considering the data format of the file stored in the online storage 70.

  When the data format of the file is converted by the conversion device 72, a command related to print settings is added to the converted data format file. As a result, it is possible to perform print processing according to print settings simply by performing print processing based on the converted file, and the operability of the MFP 10 is improved.

<Print program and communication program>
The printing process of the file stored in the online storage 70 by the MFP 10 is performed by the CPU 12 of the MFP 10 executing the print program 34 a and the CPU 52 of the relay device 50 executing the communication program 60 a. The flow when the communication program 60a is executed by the CPU 52 of the relay device 50 will be described below using FIGS. 7 to 10, and the print program 34a is executed by the CPU 12 of the MFP 10 using FIGS. The flow when being performed will be described.

  When the relay device 50 is turned on and the communication program 60a is activated, the processing of the flow shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is started. In S <b> 100, the CPU 52 determines whether a transmission request for a file selection screen has been received from the MFP 10. When the transmission request for the file selection screen is received (S100: YES), the process proceeds to S102. In S102, the CPU 52 outputs data for storing in the data storage area 54a a data format that can be displayed by the MFP 10 specified by the format specifying information, via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S104.

  In S104, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting a request for transmitting the file list to the relay device 50 to the online storage 70 via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S106. In S <b> 106, the CPU 52 acquires a plurality of individual file information of the file list from the online storage 70 as a response to the file list transmission request. Then, the process proceeds to S108.

  In S108, the CPU 52 executes a file selection screen creation subroutine. In the file selection screen creation subroutine, as shown in FIG. 9, in S200, the CPU 52 determines whether or not writing of all individual files has been completed. If all the individual files have been written (S200: YES), the file selection screen creation subroutine ends. On the other hand, if writing of all the individual files has not been completed (S200: NO), the process proceeds to S202.

  In S <b> 202, the CPU 52 specifies the thumbnail data format from the thumbnail specifying information of the individual file information, and determines whether the thumbnail data format is a data format corresponding to the MFP 10. When the data format of the thumbnail is a data format corresponding to the MFP 10 (S202: YES), the process proceeds to S204. In S204, the CPU 52 writes the individual file information including the thumbnail URL in the text of the file selection screen. Then, the file selection screen creation subroutine process ends.

  On the other hand, when the data format of the thumbnail is not a data format corresponding to the MFP 10 (S202: NO), the process proceeds to S206. In S206, the CPU 52 writes the individual file information including the converted thumbnail URL in the text of the file selection screen. Then, the file selection screen creation subroutine process ends.

  When the file selection screen creation subroutine ends, the process proceeds to S110 of the main routine shown in FIG. In S110, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting the text of the created file selection screen to the MFP 10 via the OS 60b. Thereby, the process of the communication program 60a is complete | finished.

  If the transmission request for the file selection screen is not received in S100 (S100: NO), the process proceeds to S112. In S <b> 112, the CPU 52 determines whether a thumbnail data transmission request is received from the MFP 10. If a thumbnail data transmission request has been received (S112: YES), the process proceeds to S114. In S114, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting a thumbnail data transmission request to the online storage 70 via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S116.

  In S <b> 116, the CPU 52 acquires thumbnail data from the online storage 70 as a reply to the thumbnail data transmission request. Then, the process proceeds to S118. In S <b> 118, the CPU 52 converts the thumbnail data into a data format corresponding to the MFP 10. Then, the process proceeds to S120. In S120, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting the converted thumbnail data to the MFP 10 via the OS 60b. Thereby, the process of the communication program 60a is complete | finished.

  If the thumbnail data transmission request is not received in S112 (S112: NO), the process proceeds to S122. In S <b> 122, the CPU 52 determines whether a file information transmission request is received from the MFP 10. If the file information transmission request has not been received (S122: NO), the processing of the communication program 60a ends. On the other hand, when the file information transmission request is received (S122: YES), the process proceeds to S124.

  In S124, the CPU 52 specifies the data format corresponding to the MFP 10, that is, the data format that can be printed by the MFP 10 from the format specifying information included in the file information transmission request, and stores data to be stored in the data storage area 54a. And output via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S126. In S126, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting the text on the setting screen to the MFP 10 via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S128.

  In S <b> 128, the CPU 52 acquires information regarding print settings from the MFP 10. Then, the process proceeds to S130. In S130, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting a request for transmitting file information to the relay device 50 to the online storage 70 via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S132. In S <b> 132, the CPU 52 acquires URL information from the online storage 70. Then, the process proceeds to S134.

  In S <b> 134, the CPU 52 specifies the acquired file data format from the file URL of the URL information, and determines whether or not the acquired file data format is a data format corresponding to the MFP 10. If the acquired file data format is not a data format corresponding to the MFP 10 (S134: NO), the process proceeds to S136. In S136, the CPU 52 executes a file data format conversion subroutine.

  In the file data format conversion subroutine, as shown in FIG. 10, in S300, the CPU 52 uses the file URL to output data for transmitting a file request to the online storage 70 via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S302. In S <b> 302, the CPU 52 acquires a file from the online storage 70. Then, the process proceeds to S304. In S304, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting the file to the conversion device 72 via the OS 60b. Then, the process proceeds to S306.

  In S <b> 306, the CPU 52 outputs, via the OS 60 b, data for transmitting an instruction to convert the file data format to the data format corresponding to the MFP 10 to the conversion device 72. Then, the process proceeds to S308. In S <b> 308, the CPU 52 acquires conversion URL information from the conversion device 72. Then, the processing of the file data format conversion subroutine ends.

  When the file data format conversion subroutine ends, the process proceeds to S138 of the main routine shown in FIG. If the acquired file data format is a data format corresponding to the MFP 10 in S134 (S134: YES), the process also proceeds to S138. In S138, the CPU 52 outputs data for transmitting the URL information or the converted URL information to the MFP 10 via the OS 60b. Thereby, the process of the communication program 60a is complete | finished.

  In addition, in the MFP 10, when a process for printing an image based on the image data stored in the online storage 70 is selected, the process of the flow illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is started. In S400, the CPU 12 outputs, via the OS 34b, data for transmitting a request for transmitting the file selection screen to the MFP 10 to the relay device 50. Then, the process proceeds to S402. In S <b> 402, the CPU 12 determines whether the text on the file selection screen has been acquired from the relay device 50.

  When the text of the file selection screen has not been acquired from the relay device 50 (S402: NO), the process of S402 is repeated. On the other hand, when the text of the file selection screen has been acquired from the relay device 50 (S402: YES), the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the CPU 12 extracts a thumbnail URL or a converted thumbnail URL from the text on the file selection screen, and acquires thumbnail data using the thumbnail URL or the converted thumbnail URL. Then, the process proceeds to S406.

  In S406, the CPU 12 determines whether or not all thumbnail data has been acquired. If not all thumbnail data has been acquired (S406: NO), the process returns to S404. On the other hand, if all thumbnail data have been acquired (S406: YES), the process proceeds to S408. In S408, the CPU 12 outputs data for displaying the file selection screen on the panel 16 via the OS 34b. Then, the process proceeds to S410. In S410, the CPU 12 acquires data generated by button operation on the file selection screen via the OS 34b. That is, the file selected on the file selection screen is accepted. Then, the process proceeds to S412.

  In S412, the CPU 12 outputs data for transmitting a request for transmitting file information to the MFP 10 to the relay device 50 via the OS 34b. Then, the process proceeds to S414. In S <b> 414, the CPU 12 acquires the text of the setting screen from the relay device 50. Then, the process proceeds to S416. In S416, the CPU 12 outputs data for displaying the setting screen on the panel 16 via the OS 34b. Then, the process proceeds to S418.

  In S418, the CPU 12 acquires data generated by button operation on the setting screen via the OS 34b. That is, the printing setting selected on the setting screen is accepted. Then, the process proceeds to S420. In S420, the CPU 12 outputs data for transmitting the setting at the time of printing to the relay device 50 via the OS 34b. Then, the process proceeds to S422. In step S422, the CPU 12 determines whether URL information or converted URL information has been received. When the URL information or the converted URL information is not received (S422: NO), the process of S422 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if URL information or converted URL information is received (S422: YES), the process proceeds to S424. In S424, the CPU 12 outputs data for downloading the file via the OS 34b using the URL information or the converted URL information. Then, the process proceeds to S426. In S426, the CPU 12 outputs data for performing the printing process of the downloaded file via the OS 34b. Thereby, the process of the printing program 34a is completed.

<Modification>
In this embodiment, the data format of the file to be printed is converted by the conversion device 72, and the data format of the thumbnail to be displayed is converted by the relay device 50. However, the data format of the thumbnail to be displayed is converted. The conversion can also be performed by the device 72. Even if the acquired file data format is a data format that can be printed by the MFP 10, it can be converted into a data format with a high processing level. Specifically, for example, when there are data formats with different versions, if the acquired file data format is an old version of a predetermined data format, the file data format can be converted to a new version of the predetermined data format. It is. As a result, the MFP 10 can process a new version of the data format file.

  In the above embodiment, the acquired file data format is specified by information transmitted from the online storage 70, specifically, an individual file and URL information, but the acquired file data format is based on the information transmitted from the MFP 10. It is also possible to specify the data format. This will be specifically described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. First, when processing for printing an image based on the image data stored in the online storage 70 is selected in the MFP 10, a transmission request for a file format selection screen is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the relay device 50 (M200). ). When receiving the transmission request for the file format selection screen, the relay device 50 transmits the text of the file format selection screen to the MFP 10 (M202). Upon receiving the text on the file format selection screen, the MFP 10 displays the file format selection screen on the panel 16 based on the text (M204).

  The file format selection screen is a screen for selecting the data format of the file acquired from the online storage 70, and a selection button (not shown) for selecting the data format of the file is displayed on the file selection screen. . The selection button is a button for selecting various data formats, for example, a button for selecting a JPEG format, a button for selecting a PDF format, and the like, and the data format of a file desired by the user is determined by a user operation. Selected (M206). That is, a data format that cannot be printed by the MFP 10 may be selected by a user operation. Then, the data format of the selected file is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the relay device 50 (M208). When receiving the data format of the file, the relay device 50 stores the data format in the data storage area 54a as the acquired file data format (M210). Subsequently, the transmission request for the file selection screen is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the relay device 50 (M212). Since the subsequent processing is the same as the processing of the sequence diagrams in FIGS. Description is omitted. As described above, the acquired file data format can also be specified based on the information transmitted from the MFP 10.

  In the above embodiment, the setting at the time of printing is transmitted to the conversion device 72, and the conversion device 72 forms the conversion file by the data format converted file and the data regarding the setting at the time of printing. The settings at the time of printing can be transmitted to the MFP 10. In this case, the MFP 10 performs print settings by itself at the time of printing.

  In the above embodiment, the format specifying information is included in the screen request transmitted from the MFP 10 to the relay device 50. However, the MFP 10 transmits the format specifying information to the relay device 50 in response to a request from the relay device 50. It is also possible to do.

  In the above embodiment, the conversion of the file data format is performed by the conversion device 72, but can be performed by the online storage 70. That is, the processing in the online storage 70 and the processing in the conversion device 72 can be performed by one device.

  In the MFP 10 of the present embodiment, the case where the CPU 12 executed based on the print program 34a performs various processes has been described. However, it is not limited to this form. The CPU 12 executed based on the print program 34a may issue an instruction to perform various processes to the OS 34b, other systems, and hardware configurations. Moreover, in the relay apparatus 50 of this embodiment, the case where CPU52 performed based on the communication program 60a performed various processes was demonstrated. However, it is not limited to this form. The CPU 52 executed based on the communication program 60a may issue an instruction to perform various processes to the OS 60b, other systems, and hardware configurations.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the flow shown in FIG. 7 thru | or FIG. 10 is performed by execution of the communication program 60a, it is also possible not to perform the process of S100-S120, S126-S132, S136 in the flow. . It should be noted that not all the processes of the above steps are performed, but a flow in which the process of any one of the steps is arbitrarily added may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the flow shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed by executing the print program 34a. However, in the flow, the processes of S400 to S410 and S414 to S420 may not be performed. It should be noted that not all the processes of the above steps are performed, but a flow in which the process of any one of the steps is arbitrarily added may be used.

  In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  The communication system 1 is an example of a communication system. The MFP 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The CPU 12 is an example of an image forming apparatus processor and a processor. The network I / F 24 is an example of a communication unit. The relay device 50 is an example of a relay server. The CPU 52 is an example of a server processor and a processor. The data storage area 54a is an example of a storage unit. The network I / F 56 is an example of a communication unit. The online storage 70 is an example of an online storage service. The conversion device 72 is an example of a conversion device. The network 76 is an example of a network. The format specifying information is an example of first information. URL information is an example of second information. The specific data format is an example of a processing content format. The acquisition file format is an example of a transmission content format.

  The CPU 52 that executes S122 is an example of a first information acquisition unit and an information acquisition unit. The CPU 52 that executes S128 is an example of a setting value acquisition unit. The CPU 52 that executes S130 is an example of a transmission request transmission unit. The CPU 52 that executes S132 is an example of a second information acquisition unit. The CPU 52 that executes S134 is an example of a determination unit. The CPU 52 that executes S138 is an example of a content acquisition information transmission unit and a setting value transmission unit. The CPU 52 that executes S304 is an example of a content transmission unit. The CPU 52 that executes S306 is an example of a conversion command output unit. The CPU 12 that executes S412 is an example of a first information transmission unit and an information transmission unit. The CPU 12 that executes S422 is an example of content acquisition information acquisition means. The CPU 12 that executes S424 is an example of a content acquisition unit. The CPU 12 that executes S426 is an example of a process execution unit.

  Each program may be composed of a single program module, or may be composed of a plurality of program modules. In addition, each example may have another replaceable configuration and is within the scope of the present invention. It may be a computer (CPU 12, CPU 52) that executes processing based on a program (print program 34a, communication program 60a, etc.), or executes processing based on a program other than a print program, such as an operating system or other applications or programs. The computer may be a hardware configuration (panel 16 or the like) that operates according to instructions from the computer, or may be a configuration in which the computer and the hardware configuration are linked. Of course, it may be a computer that executes processes by linking processes based on a plurality of programs, or may have a hardware configuration that operates according to instructions from a computer that executes processes by linking processes based on a plurality of programs. Good.

  Furthermore, the program that is the category of the present invention may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a storage unit mounted on a server device that can be connected to the MFP 10 and the relay device 50 via a communication network, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and the like. And the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server apparatus may be delivered via communication networks, such as the internet, as the information or signal which shows the said program.

1: Communication system, 10: MFP, 12: CPU, 24: Network I / F, 50: Relay device, 52: CPU, 54a: Data storage area, 56: Network I / F, 70: Online storage, 72: Conversion apparatus

Claims (15)

An online storage service for transmitting content, a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of forming images of content, a communication unit capable of communicating via the Internet ,
A processor;
A relay server comprising:
The processor is
The first information contained in the HTTP request using the URL that is published on the Internet as a URL for using the relay server, to identify the type of executable content predetermined processing by the image forming apparatus as information, via the communication unit, the first information acquiring means for acquiring from the one of the plurality of image forming apparatus,
Second information acquisition means for acquiring second information for specifying a format of content transmitted from the online storage service;
The processing content format that is the format of the content specified based on the first information acquired by the first information acquisition means, and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition means Determination means for determining whether or not the transmission content format that is the content format is the same;
When the determination unit determines that the processing content format and the transmission content format are the same, a URL for transmitting an HTTP request for requesting the content of the transmission content format to the online storage service is As acquisition information for acquiring the content in the transmission content format from the online storage service, it is included in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information, and the first information is transmitted via the communication unit . transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 information transmission source, when said transmitting content type and the processing content type is determined to differ by the determining means, the content of the relay server is transmitted from the transmission content type Processing content type Requesting conversion content converted to a URL to send an HTTP request, as the acquisition information for acquiring a converted content converted into the processing content type content in which the relay server is transmitted from the transmission content type, wherein included in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus which is the source of the first information, via the communication unit, and a content sending unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus which is the source of the first information,
A relay server characterized by being able to function as The processor is
The relay according to claim 1, wherein the relay command can function as a conversion command output unit that outputs a conversion command for converting the content in the transmission content format into the content in the processing content format. server. An online storage service for transmitting content; an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of the content; a conversion device capable of converting the format of the content; a communication unit capable of communicating via a network;
A processor;
A relay server comprising:
The processor is
First information acquisition means for acquiring, from the image forming apparatus, first information for specifying a format of content that can be subjected to predetermined processing by the image forming apparatus;
Second information acquisition means for acquiring second information for specifying a format of content transmitted from the online storage service;
The processing content format that is the format of the content specified based on the first information acquired by the first information acquisition means, and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition means Determination means for determining whether or not the transmission content format that is the content format is the same;
Content transmitting means for transmitting content in the transmission content format to the conversion device via the communication unit ;
A conversion command output means for outputting a conversion command for converting the content in the transmission content format to the content in the processing content format to the conversion device via the communication unit;
When the determination means determines that the processing content format and the transmission content format are the same, acquisition information for acquiring the content of the transmission content format from the online storage service is transmitted via the communication unit. And acquiring the content converted into the processed content format by the conversion device when the determination unit determines that the processed content format is different from the transmitted content format. Content acquisition information transmitting means for transmitting the acquired information to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit ;
Relay server in you characterized by to be able to function. The communication unit is capable of communicating with the online storage service and the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the Internet,
The first information acquisition means includes
The first information included in the HTTP request using a URL published on the Internet as a URL for using the relay server is acquired from any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication unit. ,
The content acquisition information transmitting means includes
When the determination unit determines that the processing content format and the transmission content format are the same, a URL for transmitting an HTTP request for requesting the content of the transmission content format to the online storage service is It is included in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information, and is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information via the communication unit. URL for transmitting an HTTP request for requesting converted content obtained by converting the content transmitted by the relay server from the transmitted content format to the processed content format when it is determined that the content format is different from the transmitted content format At the source of the first information To include in an HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus, through the communication unit, the relay server according to claim 3, characterized in that transmitted to the image forming apparatus which is the source of the first information. The processor is
It is possible to function as a setting value acquisition unit that acquires a setting value for image formation from the image forming apparatus via the communication unit;
The conversion command output means includes
The information that instructs the conversion device to perform processing based on the setting value acquired by the setting value acquisition unit is output to the conversion device together with the conversion command via the communication unit. The relay server according to 3 or 4 . The conversion command output means includes
Among the setting values acquired by the setting value acquisition means, information for instructing the conversion device to perform processing based on setting values for processing to be performed by the conversion device, together with the conversion command, via the communication unit Output to the converter,
The processor is
Among the setting values acquired by the setting value acquisition unit, information for instructing the image forming apparatus to perform processing based on setting values for processing to be performed by the image forming apparatus via the communication unit. The relay server according to claim 5 , wherein the relay server can function as a set value transmission unit that transmits to the forming apparatus. The second information acquisition means includes
Among the plurality of content formats stored in the online storage service, information indicating which format of the content is requested of the online storage service is used as the second information via the communication unit. the relay server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that for obtaining from the image forming apparatus. The second information acquisition means includes
Wherein the acquisition information for acquiring a content from the online storage service, as the second information, via the communication unit, any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that to get from the online storage service The relay server described in. The first information acquisition means includes
The first information for specifying the type of formable contents image by the image forming apparatus, through the communication unit, any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that for obtaining from the image forming apparatus 2. The relay server according to item 1. The relay server is
A storage unit that stores related information in which a model number of the image forming apparatus and a content format that can be executed by the image forming apparatus of the model number are associated;
The first information acquisition means includes
As the first information, information on the model number of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the image forming apparatus via the communication unit,
The determination means includes
The processing content format specified based on the related information stored in the storage unit and the information regarding the model number of the image forming apparatus acquired by the first information acquisition unit is the same as the transmission content format. The relay server according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein it is determined whether or not it exists. A plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of forming content images;
An online storage service to send content,
A relay server having a communication processor that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the online storage service via the Internet, and a server processor;
A communication system comprising:
The server processor
The first information contained in the HTTP request using the URL that is published on the Internet as a URL for using the relay server, to identify the type of executable content predetermined processing by the image forming apparatus as information, via the communication unit, the first information acquiring means for acquiring from the one of the plurality of image forming apparatus,
Second information acquisition means for acquiring second information for specifying a format of content transmitted from the online storage service;
The processing content format that is the format of the content specified based on the first information acquired by the first information acquisition means, and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition means Determination means for determining whether or not the transmission content format that is the content format is the same;
When the determination unit determines that the processing content format and the transmission content format are the same, a URL for transmitting an HTTP request for requesting the content of the transmission content format to the online storage service is As acquisition information for acquiring the content in the transmission content format from the online storage service, it is included in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the first information, and the first information is transmitted via the communication unit . transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 information transmission source, when said transmitting content type and the processing content type is determined to differ by the determining means, the content of the relay server is transmitted from the transmission content type Processing content type Requesting conversion content converted to a URL to send an HTTP request, as the acquisition information for acquiring a converted content converted into the processing content type content in which the relay server is transmitted from the transmission content type, wherein included in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus which is the source of the first information, via the communication unit, and a content sending unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus which is the source of the first information,
Can function and
The image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus processor;
The image forming apparatus processor includes:
Content acquisition means for acquiring content using the acquisition information transmitted by the content acquisition information transmission means;
Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing based on the content acquired by the content acquisition means;
A communication system characterized in that the communication system can function.   An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of content;
  An online storage service to send content,
  A conversion device capable of converting the content format;
  A relay server having a communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus, the online storage service, and the conversion apparatus; and a server processor;
  A communication system comprising:
  The server processor
  First information acquisition means for acquiring, from the image forming apparatus, first information for specifying a format of content that can be subjected to predetermined processing by the image forming apparatus;
  Second information acquisition means for acquiring second information for specifying a format of content transmitted from the online storage service;
  The processing content format that is the format of the content specified based on the first information acquired by the first information acquisition means, and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition means Determination means for determining whether or not the transmission content format that is the content format is the same;
  Content transmitting means for transmitting content in the transmission content format to the conversion device via the communication unit;
  A conversion command output means for outputting a conversion command for converting the content in the transmission content format to the content in the processing content format to the conversion device via the communication unit;
  When the determination means determines that the processing content format and the transmission content format are the same, acquisition information for acquiring the content of the transmission content format from the online storage service is transmitted via the communication unit. And acquiring the content converted into the processed content format by the conversion device when the determination unit determines that the processed content format is different from the transmitted content format. Content acquisition information transmitting means for transmitting the acquired information to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit;
  Can function and
  The image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus processor;
  The image forming apparatus processor includes:
  Content acquisition means for acquiring content using the acquisition information transmitted by the content acquisition information transmission means;
  Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing based on the content acquired by the content acquisition means;
  A communication system characterized in that the communication system can function. The server processor
Information acquisition means for acquiring, from the image forming apparatus, information indicating which of the plurality of contents stored in the online storage service is to be transmitted to the online storage service via the communication unit When,
When the information is acquired by the information acquisition means, a request to transmit the acquisition information for acquiring the content corresponding to the information from the online storage service to the relay server is sent to the online storage via the communication unit. A transmission request transmission means for transmitting to the service;
Can function and
The second information acquisition means includes
Acquiring information for acquiring content from the online storage service is acquired as the second information from the online storage service via the communication unit as a response to the transmission request by the transmission request transmitting unit. The communication system according to claim 11 or 12 . An image forming apparatus that includes an online storage service that transmits content, a communication unit that communicates with a relay server via the Internet, and a processor, and is capable of forming an image of the content,
The processor is
The first information contained in the HTTP request using the URL that is published on the Internet as a URL for using the relay server, to identify the type of executable content predetermined processing by the image forming apparatus as information, via the communication unit, the first information transmitting means for transmitting to the relay server,
Information transmitting means for transmitting information indicating which of the plurality of contents stored in the online storage service is to be requested to the online storage service to the relay server via the communication unit; ,
A processing content format, which is a content format specified based on the first information transmitted by the first information transmission means, and a transmission content format, which is a content format corresponding to the information transmitted by the information transmission means , The URL for transmitting the HTTP request for requesting the content in the transmission content format to the online storage service, and the acquisition information for acquiring the content in the transmission content format from the online storage service. as the state contained in the HTTP response to the HTTP request from the image forming apparatus, through the communication unit acquires from the relay server, when said processing content type and the content transmission format is different, the Copies sent by the relay server The URL to send an HTTP request for the converted content converted into the processing content format Ceiling from the transmission content format, and converts the content to the relay server sent from the transmission content type to the processing content format conversion Content acquisition information acquisition means for acquiring from the relay server via the communication unit in a state included in an HTTP response to an HTTP request from the image forming apparatus as acquisition information for acquiring content;
Content acquisition means for acquiring content using the acquisition information acquired by the content acquisition information acquisition means;
Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing based on the content acquired by the content acquisition means;
Functioning as an image forming apparatus.   An image forming apparatus that has an online storage service that transmits content, a relay server, a communication unit that communicates with a conversion device that can convert the content format, and a processor, and is capable of forming an image of the content,
  The processor is
  First information transmitting means for transmitting, to the relay server via the communication unit, first information for specifying a content format that can be executed by the image forming apparatus;
  Information transmitting means for transmitting information indicating which of the plurality of contents stored in the online storage service is to be requested to the online storage service to the relay server via the communication unit; ,
  A processing content format, which is a content format specified based on the first information transmitted by the first information transmission means, and a transmission content format, which is a content format corresponding to the information transmitted by the information transmission means Are acquired from the relay server via the communication unit, and the processing content format and the transmission content are acquired from the online storage service via the communication unit. When the format is different, the acquisition information for acquiring the content converted into the processing content format by the conversion device based on the content of the transmission content format transmitted from the relay server to the conversion device, Content acquisition acquired from the relay server via the communication unit And information acquisition means,
  Content acquisition means for acquiring content using the acquisition information acquired by the content acquisition information acquisition means;
  Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing based on the content acquired by the content acquisition means;
  Functioning as an image forming apparatus.

Images