JP2006048299A - Information print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To directly use a conventional network-ready household electronic appliance for printing information on a network without using a PC or newly installing a print controlling program and the like to the network-ready household electronic appliance. <P>SOLUTION: This information print system is constructed of an information providing server device and a printer device. The information providing server device has an information display device having an appliance identification information transmission part, an authentication part authenticating appliance identification information, and a print information transmission part transmitting print information based on the authentication in the authentication part. The printer device has a print information receipt part receiving the print information from the information providing server device and a printer identification information transmission part transmitting the printer device identification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for printing information on a network.

  Currently, as a network-compatible home appliance, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, etc. are being researched and developed one after another, mainly digital TV. If these network-compatible home appliances are televisions, for example, they display various types of information provided from information provision server devices on the Internet as information display devices for information provision services operated by home appliance manufacturers and ISPs (Internet service providers). , Has the ability to browse. In addition, the microwave oven and the refrigerator have a function of downloading and displaying a cooking menu and performing automatic cooking according to the cooking menu.

On the other hand, with the spread of such network-compatible home appliances and the expansion of services, there are increasing opportunities to print out information on the Internet acquired by network-compatible home appliances. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically printing such information on the Internet.
Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-510732

  Here, a conventional electronic information printing mechanism will be described. Normally, text, images, and other electronic information to be printed are data described in a format that cannot be printed by the arithmetic unit of the printer apparatus as it is. Therefore, it is necessary to convert these various data into a printer control language that can be processed by the printer device using a PC (personal computer) or the like. In addition, data such as typeface settings, pages, number of copies, and print direction are also added as information for printing. Then, data described in a control language that can be processed by the printer device is output to the printer device together with the printing information, and printing is executed.

  However, there are cases where the network-compatible home appliances are not as high in processing capacity as a PC whose main business is data processing, or a program for conversion to a control language is not incorporated. Therefore, there is a problem that the process of converting the data for printing into the control language is impossible, or even if possible, it takes too much time.

  In addition, specifications such as “XSLT” and “XHTML-Print” have now been released as technologies for enabling printing on network-compatible home appliances having features such as not having a high processing capability as described above. Yes. This is a specification for printing information on the network, for example, on the network described in XHTL. Network-compatible home appliances and printers that meet this specification have also been developed.

  However, if various information on the network can be easily printed on network-compatible home appliances in this way, it will be necessary to protect the copyrights possessed by the information, portrait rights etc. if it is human image information There are also challenges.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information printing system including an information display device, an information providing server device, and a printer device is provided. The information display device includes a device identification information transmission unit, and the information providing server device associates device identification information of the information display device with device authentication information authenticated by the authentication unit. A print information transmission unit that transmits print information to the received printer device, and the printer device transmits print device identification information to the print information reception unit that receives the print information from the information providing server device A printer identification information transmission unit.

  According to the present invention having the above configuration, the print information converted into the control language by the information providing server device is directly output from the information providing server device to the printer device. That is, instead of an information display device with low information processing capability, a server device with high information processing capability converts print information into a control language. Therefore, it is possible to print information on the network by using the conventional network-compatible home appliance as it is, without using a PC or the like, or without newly installing a printing control program or the like in the network-compatible home appliance.

  In addition, by associating the device identification information and the printer apparatus identification information and transmitting them to the information providing server apparatus, the information providing server apparatus can also authenticate the printer apparatus. As a result, a business model that can protect these rights from the viewpoint of property rights, for example, by authorizing only the user's printer device that paid considerable consideration for copyright and portrait rights and permitting printing. It can also be constructed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, claims 1 and 14 will be mainly described.

  In the second embodiment, claims 2 and 15 will be mainly described.

  In the third embodiment, claims 3 and 15 will be mainly described.

  In the fourth embodiment, claims 4 and 16 will be mainly described.

  In the fifth embodiment, claims 5 and 17 will be mainly described.

  In the sixth embodiment, claims 6 and 18 will be mainly described.

  In the seventh embodiment, claims 7 and 18 will be mainly described.

  In the eighth embodiment, claim 8 will be mainly described.

  In the ninth embodiment, claims 9 and 19 will be mainly described.

  In the tenth embodiment, claims 10 and 20 will be mainly described.

  Claims 11, 12, and 13 are described in the information display device, the information providing server device, and the printer device in the respective embodiments.

  Example 1

    (Concept of Example 1)

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the concept of the information printing system in the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, for example, tomorrow's weather information provided from an information providing server device on the network is displayed on an information display device such as a digital television. When the user wants to print out the weather information displayed on the digital TV, the user presses the “print button” on the remote control. Then, the information providing server device receives, for example, a device ID (an identification number uniquely assigned to a product) of a digital television or a printer ID of a printer device, and performs authentication and identification of the printer device. The information providing server device converts text data, image data, and the like to be printed into a control language that can be processed by the printer device, and directly transmits the print data to the printer device. The printer device prints weather information according to the received print information.

  As described above, the information printing system according to the present invention is characterized in that print information is first transmitted directly from the information providing server device on the network to the printer device. In this embodiment, the print information transmission process will be described in detail.

  It should be noted that the printed matter that is directly transmitted from the information providing server device to the printer device and printed is of high quality. This is because the resolution of an object to be printed is generally higher than the resolution of a digital television or the like. Therefore, unlike a conventional technique such as hard copy that prints a television screen as it is, in the printing system of the present invention, a literary work and a portrait are printed in a form close to the original. For this reason, the present invention secondly performs authentication processing of information display devices and printer devices using device IDs (device identification information) and printer IDs (printer identification information) for the purpose of protecting copyrights and portrait rights, or ensuring security. It also features a point. However, this authentication process will not be described in detail in this embodiment. This second characteristic authentication process will be described in detail in Embodiments 2 to 5 based on this embodiment.

    (Configuration of Example 1)

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system of this embodiment includes an “information display device” (0200), an “information providing server device” (0210), and a “printer device” (0220).

  Note that the functional blocks of each device described below can be realized as hardware, software that is developed on a memory and controlled by controlling the hardware, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, hardware such as a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive, a reading drive such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, a transmission / reception port for various communications, an interface, and other peripheral devices A configuration unit, a driver program for controlling the hardware, and other application programs are included.

  Further, the present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus or a system but also as a method. In addition, a part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used to cause a computer to execute such software and a recording medium in which the product is fixed to a recording medium are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention. (The same applies throughout this specification.)

  First, the “information display device” (0200) will be described. The information display device has a function for displaying information. However, due to the characteristics of the present invention, it is assumed that this information display device can be connected to an information communication network such as the Internet. For example, an Internet-compatible digital TV, microwave oven, refrigerator, washing machine, and the like can be given. The information display device does not need to be a single device. For example, a DVD, hard disk, or video recorder without an information display function has a connection function to the information communication network, and a TV without a connection function to the information communication network. Even when acting as a display function for the information acquired by the recorder, the TV and the recorder are collectively regarded as an information display device.

  The information display device includes a “device identification information transmission unit” (0201).

  The “device identification information transmitting unit” (0201) has a function for transmitting device identification information. “Device identification information” refers to information for uniquely identifying itself to the information providing server device. For example, device identification information such as a device ID or a network-compatible home appliance that is uniquely assigned to a product at the time of product shipment. An IP address that is uniquely assigned. Using this device identification information, the information providing server device performs identification and authentication when the information display device requests information provision for information display. The processing relating to the identification and authentication will be described later with a specific example.

  Next, the “information providing server device” (0210) will be described. The information providing server device has a function of providing information to be displayed on the information display device (0200). If the information providing server device is on an information communication network such as the Internet, the information providing server device is specified by a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) and transmits / receives information to / from a printer device or an information display device. Further, the information to be provided may be information customized according to, for example, the user's hobbies and attributes of the information display device, regardless of the content content or data format. The “providing” may be a form in which the information providing server device provides information held in its own hard disk or the like, and this information providing server device is used as a portal (entrance). The form which provides the information hold | maintained by the other information provision server apparatus on the top may be sufficient.

  The information providing server apparatus includes an “authentication unit” (0211) and a “print information transmission unit” (0212).

  The “authentication unit” (0211) has a function of authenticating the device identification information of the information display device (0200). “Authentication” refers to a determination as to whether or not the information display device identified by the device identification information is eligible to receive information from the information providing server device. For example, if the information providing service by the information providing server is a registration-based service operated by a company, the information display device that requests information provision may register to receive the service and the registration information may be accumulated. It becomes a criterion for qualification to receive information. In the information providing server device, when a certain information display device transmits device identification information asking for provision of information, whether the device identification information is compared with the registrant data held by the information display device. Judgment is given.

  Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not information provision such as age-restricted sites can be received based on the age information of the user associated with the device identification information included in the registrant data. .

  As described above, by authenticating the information display device in the authentication unit, it is possible to prevent information from being extracted from the information providing server device due to illegal access and accompanying illegal information printing.

  The “print information transmission unit” (0212) has a function of transmitting print information to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated by the authentication unit (0211). The “printer identification information” refers to information for uniquely identifying the printer apparatus itself to the information providing server apparatus (0210), as with the apparatus identification information, and includes, for example, a product unique number and an IP address. “Print information” refers to information for printing, for example, information to be printed or information such as print range specification, character font and size settings, etc., written in a control language that can be processed by the printer. Information converted into data can be listed.

  In addition, the information providing server device has a function of converting print information into a format that can be processed by the printer device and transmitting it directly to the printer device as described above, so it can be converted into various formats compatible with printer devices manufactured by various companies. It is desirable to be possible. That is, it is desirable that a conversion program for each company or product, a so-called printer driver, be incorporated in the information providing server. The selection of the printer driver may be performed based on information included in the transmitted printer identification information. Of course, a function may be provided in which a corresponding printer driver is searched from the information communication network based on the transmitted printer identification information, downloaded, and installed by itself.

  Alternatively, if the printer device is a printer device compatible with XHTML-Print, print information that conforms to this specification may be transmitted.

  Details of the “association of device identification information and printer identification information” will be described later in the second to fifth embodiments. As an example of association, there is a method in which device identification information and printer identification information already associated from a printer device or an information display device are transmitted when a print request is made. Alternatively, when this information printing system is a registration-based information providing service, there is a method of registering the printer identification information in association with the device identification information in advance and holding it in the information providing server device.

  In this way, by associating the device identification information with the printer identification information, it is possible to reject a print request by a printer device associated with an unauthenticated information display device.

  Further, as a method for transmitting print information from the information providing server device to the printer device, for example, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.264, or the like. Examples include a method using a protocol such as H.323, and a method of uniquely connecting the two using P2P technology. Further, so-called push type print information may be transmitted using a protocol such as SIP.

  Finally, the “printer device” (0220) will be described. The printer device has a function of performing printing regardless of the printing method, and examples thereof include an impact printer, a thermal transfer printer, a monochrome or color laser printer, and an ink jet printer.

  The printer apparatus includes a “print information receiving unit” (0221) and a “printer identification information transmitting unit” (0222).

  The “print information receiving unit” (0221) has a function of receiving print information from the information providing server device (0210). As described above, the information printing system according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the print information transmitted from the information providing server apparatus is directly received by the print information receiving unit of the printer apparatus without using the information processing apparatus such as a PC. .

  The printer apparatus develops the received print information described in the control language or the like on the memory and processes it by the central processing unit to generate an image in which dots are gathered. Then, the image is output to the printing engine unit and printing is executed.

  The “printer identification information transmission unit” (0222) has a function of transmitting printer identification information. The printer identification information is a product unique number, an IP address, or the like as described above, and is an authentication by the information providing server device whether or not it is qualified to receive print information, and is a transmission destination of print information on the network. Used to identify printer devices. Note that authentication and identification processing of these printer apparatuses will be described later in Embodiments 2 to 5.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the outline of the information printing system according to the present embodiment with a specific example. The flow of the information printing system of this embodiment including an example of authentication processing will be briefly described with reference to this figure. First, Company P provides a service for providing various information to the digital TV, which is an “information display device”, via the Internet. For this purpose, Company P installs an “information providing server device” as a portal, and grants access rights to the information providing server device to registered user members and provides information. Here, Mr. α, who purchased a digital TV with an Internet connection function, immediately decided to receive this information provision service. Therefore, Mr. α accessed the information providing server device on the digital television and performed member registration work. At this time, a device ID: 0041 that is device identification information is transmitted from the “device identification information transmission unit” of the digital television to the information providing server device (1). When the member registration is completed successfully, the device ID: 0041 is added to the registrant list held by the information providing server device (2). In addition, by registering a printer ID to be used together when registering the device ID, printing authentication is performed in this embodiment as will be described later.

  When there is an access (3) from the digital TV having this device ID from the next time, the “registration section” refers to the registrant list and performs authentication. When authentication is performed, information can be provided to the digital television, and the information is displayed on the digital television (4).

  Here, Mr. α thought about printing the information confirmed on the digital TV with the “printer device”, specified the print range and font with the digital TV remote control, and then pressed the “Print” button. . Then, for example, the print request information including the designation information and the device ID are transmitted from the digital television to the printer device (5). In the printer apparatus, this device ID: 0041 is associated with its own printer ID: AA01, which is printer identification information, and the print request information is transmitted from the “printer identification information transmitting unit” to the information providing server apparatus ( 6). The “authentication unit” of the information providing server device authenticates from the associated device ID and printer ID that the printer device that transmitted the print request information is a request from a registered user. Therefore, the printing information described in the printing language is transmitted from the “printing information transmitting unit” to the printer device specified by the printer identification information (7). In the printer apparatus, the print information is received by the print information receiving unit, printing is performed, and Mr. α can print out the desired information.

    (Processing flow of Example 1)

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. The processing flow shown below can be implemented as a method, a program for causing a computer to execute, or a readable recording medium on which the program is recorded (this is the flow of other processing in this specification). Is the same).

  As shown in this figure, first, device identification information is transmitted (step S0401). Also, the printer device identification information is transmitted (step S0402). Further, the device identification information of the information display device is authenticated (step S0403). Subsequently, print information is transmitted from the information providing server device to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in step S0403 (step S0404). Finally, the printer apparatus receives the print information transmitted in step S0404 (step S0405).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 1)

  As described above, instead of the information display device with low information processing capability, the print information converted into the description language for the printer device by the information providing server device is transferred from the information providing server device to the printer. Output directly to the device. Therefore, information on the Internet can be printed by adding minimum functions to conventional network-compatible home appliances without using a PC or the like, or without newly installing a control program for printing in the network-compatible home appliances. It becomes possible.

  << Example 2 >>

    (Concept of Example 2)

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the concept of the information printing system in the present embodiment. The information printing system according to the present embodiment is an information printing system characterized by the authentication process and the association between the device identification information and the printer identification information for the authentication process based on the first embodiment. Regarding the association, as shown in this figure, the device ID of the information display device is output to the printer device, and the printer device performs an association process with the printer ID. Then, by transmitting the associated device ID and printer ID from the printer device to the information providing server device, the printer device is authenticated and specified, and the print information is transmitted.

  In this way, by associating the device identification information with the printer identification information in the printer device, the processing load of the information display device such as a network-compatible home appliance can be reduced. Therefore, the original television display function or Processing such as cooking functions can be enhanced.

  The second embodiment is an information printing system characterized by the association between the device identification information and the printer identification information and the authentication process based on the first embodiment as described above. Therefore, the following description of the configuration of the present embodiment will focus on the association process and the authentication process.

    (Configuration of Example 2)

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and includes an “information display device” (0600), an “information providing server device” (0610), and a “printer device” (0620). The information display device has a “device identification information transmission unit” (0601), and the information providing server device has an “authentication unit” (0611) and a “print information transmission unit” (0612). The printer device includes a “print information receiving unit” (0621) and a “printer identification information transmitting unit” (0622).

  As a feature point, the printer apparatus further includes a “first association processing unit” (0623). The “device identification information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “print information transmission unit”, “print information reception unit”, and “printer identification information transmission unit” are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment. The explanation is omitted as it is. However, the “apparatus identification information transmission unit” and the “printer identification information transmission unit” will be described below in addition to their functions.

  The “device identification information transmission unit” (0601) transmits device identification information to the printer device (0620). As described above, in this embodiment, since association is performed in the printer apparatus, it is necessary to transmit the device identification information to the printer apparatus.

  The “first association processing unit” (0623) has a function of performing association processing between the device identification information transmitted by the device identification information transmission unit (0601) and its own printer identification information. This association may be associated with device identification information transmitted each time a print request is made (such as when a digital TV print button is pressed). For example, this association is associated with registration with an information providing service. After that, it may be configured to be held by the holding unit.

  The “printer identification information transmission unit” (0622) transmits the device identification information and the printer identification information associated by the first association processing unit (0623) to the information providing server (0610).

  In this manner, the information providing server device performs authentication processing as follows using the device identification information and the printer identification information transmitted in association with each other from the printer device. For example, the corresponding device identification information is authenticated with reference to a registration list as described with reference to FIG. When the authentication is performed, the printer device identified by the associated printer identification information is also authenticated as a registered service user printer device. A printer device is specified using the authenticated printer identification information, print information is transmitted from the information providing server device to the transmission destination, and printing is executed in the printer device.

  Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, when there is an information provision request from the information display device, the information provision server device has already been authenticated for the information display device. Therefore, it is also possible to perform authentication processing of the associated printer identification information by referring to the device identification information of the information display device that is currently accessed without referring to the registrant list.

  As described above, the information printing system according to the present embodiment also performs the authentication process for the printer device in order to prevent illegal access and information printing by the printer device. For example, when this information providing service transmits customized information for each user, the customized information is stolen and printed due to illegal access, which leads to leakage of personal information. Accordingly, authentication of the printer device associated with such an information display device is required.

    (Processing flow of Example 2)

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, first, device identification information is transmitted to the printer apparatus (step S0701). Next, a process for associating the device identification information transmitted in step 0701 with the printer identification information is performed (step S0702). Subsequently, the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information in step S0702 is transmitted (step S0703). Further, the device identification information transmitted in step S0703 is authenticated (step S0704). Subsequently, print information is transmitted from the information providing server device to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in step S0704 (step S0705). Finally, the printer apparatus receives the print information transmitted in step S0705 (step S0706).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 2)

  As described above, the information printing system according to the present embodiment allows the information on the Internet to be converted to the conventional network-compatible home appliance without using a high-performance PC for converting the printing data into the processing language for the printer. Can be used for printing. At the same time, by performing authentication processing using printer identification information and device identification information, information leakage due to illegal access can be avoided.

  In addition, the association processing between the device identification information and the printer identification information is performed in the printer device, so that the processing load of the information display device such as a network-compatible home appliance can be reduced. And processing such as cooking functions can be enhanced.

  Example 3

    (Concept of Example 3)

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the concept of the information printing system in the present embodiment. The information printing system according to the present embodiment is an information printing system based on the first embodiment and characterized by the authentication process and the association between the device identification information and the printer identification information for the authentication process as in the second embodiment. . As shown in this figure, the difference from the second embodiment is that the printer ID of the printer device is output to the information display device, and the information display device performs an association process with the device ID. The authentication process is generally the same as in the second embodiment, and when the print request is made, the associated device ID and printer ID are transmitted from the information display device to the information providing server device. The printer apparatus is authenticated and specified in the same manner as described above, and print information is transmitted.

  As described above, the association processing between the device identification information and the printer identification information is performed in the information display device, so that the conventional printer can be used as it is without preparing a special mechanism or program for the association processing in the printer device. The information printing system of the present embodiment can be realized.

    (Configuration of Example 3)

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and includes an “information display device” (0900), an “information providing server device” (0910), and a “printer device” (0
920), and the information display device has a “device identification information transmission unit” (0901), and the information providing server device includes an “authentication unit” (0911) and a “print information transmission unit” ( The printer apparatus includes a “print information receiving unit” (0921) and a “printer identification information transmitting unit” (0922).

  As a feature point, the information display device further includes a “second association processing unit” (0902). The “device identification information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “print information transmission unit”, “print information reception unit”, and “printer identification information transmission unit” are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment. The explanation is omitted as it is. However, the “apparatus identification information transmission unit” and the “printer identification information transmission unit” will be described below in addition to their functions.

  The “printer identification information transmission unit” (0922) transmits printer identification information to the information display device (0900). As described above, in the present embodiment, since the association is performed in the information display device as opposed to the second embodiment, it is necessary to transmit the printer identification information to the information display device.

  The “second association processing unit” (0902) has a function of performing association processing between the device identification information transmitted by the device identification information transmission unit (0601) and its own printer identification information. Of course, as in the second embodiment, this association may be performed by associating the device identification information with the printer identification information each time a print request is made, or is associated with the information providing service and held in the holding unit. It may be a form.

  Then, the “device identification information transmission unit” (0901) transmits the device identification information and the printer identification information associated by the second association processing unit (0902) to the information providing server (0910).

  In this way, the information providing server device uses the device identification information and the printer identification information in the same manner as in the second embodiment, refers to the registered list held, the device identification information of the information display device being accessed, and the like, and the corresponding printer. Authenticate the device. Then, print information is transmitted from the information providing server device to the authenticated printer device, and printing is executed in the printer device.

    (Processing flow of Example 3)

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, first, printer identification information is transmitted to the information display device (step S1001). Next, a process for associating the printer identification information transmitted in step 1001 with the device identification information is performed (step S1002). Subsequently, the device identification information associated with the printer identification information in step S1002 is transmitted (step S1003). Further, the device identification information transmitted in step S1003 is authenticated (step S1004). Subsequently, print information is transmitted from the information providing server device to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in step S1004 (step S1005). Finally, the print information transmitted in step S1005 is received by the printer device (step S1006).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 3)

  As described above, according to the information printing system of the present embodiment, the print information converted into the description language for the printer device by the information providing server device can be directly output from the information providing server device to the printer device. At the same time, by performing authentication processing using printer identification information and device identification information, information leakage due to illegal access can be avoided.

  In addition, since the association process between the device identification information and the printer identification information is performed in the information display apparatus, the conventional printer can be used as it is without preparing a special mechanism or program for the association process in the printer apparatus. An information printing system can be realized.

  Example 4

    (Concept of Example 4)

  An example of the concept of the information printing system in the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and is characterized by the authentication process and the association between the device identification information and the printer identification information for the authentication process as in the second and third embodiments. This is an information printing system. The difference from the second and third embodiments is that the information providing server device holds both of them in advance. This can be realized, for example, by registering the printer identification information together with the device identification information when registering the user of the information providing service. That is, the user registers the information printing service at the same time as the information providing service registration.

  By registering and holding the information display device and the printer device to be used in advance in the information providing server device as described above, the information display device and the printer device such as a network-compatible home appliance can be associated with each other as in the second and third embodiments. Even without adding a function, the information printing system of the present embodiment can be realized by using a conventional information display device and printer.

    (Configuration of Example 4)

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and includes an “information display device” (1100), an “information providing server device” (1110), and a “printer device” (1120). The information display device has a “device identification information transmission unit” (1101), and the information providing server device includes an “authentication unit” (1111) and a “print information transmission unit” (1112). The printer device includes a “print information receiving unit” (1121) and a “printer identification information transmitting unit” (1122).

  As a feature point, the information providing server device further includes a “user registration information holding unit” (1113), a “printer identification information receiving unit” (1114), and a “printer identification information authentication unit” (1115). Have. The “device identification information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “print information transmission unit”, “print information reception unit”, and “printer identification information transmission unit” are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment. The explanation is omitted as it is.

  The “user registration information holding unit” (1113) has a function of holding user registration information in which device identification information authenticated by the authentication unit (1111) is associated with printer identification information. The user registration information is acquired by, for example, registering the information printing service when registering the information providing service. When the information printing service is registered, the printer identification information is transmitted to the information providing server manually or automatically, the device identification information from the same registrant is associated with the printer identification information, and the user registration information is stored in the information providing server device. It is held in the user registration information holding unit.

  By associating and holding the two in advance, first, after receiving an information provision request, authentication of the information display device is performed by the authentication unit, and then a print request is made regarding the information displayed on the information display device. It is possible to easily perform authentication and identification of the performed printer device.

  Of course, the user registration information is acquired after the registration of the information providing service, the printer identification information is associated with the device identification information sent for authentication when actually receiving the information providing service. The form acquired by hold | maintaining in a registration information holding part may be sufficient.

  The “printer identification information receiving unit” (1114) has a function of receiving printer identification information transmitted from the printer apparatus. Specifically, after the registration, a user who wants to actually print information provided by the information providing service presses a print button on a remote control of a digital television which is an information display device, for example. Then, the printer identification information is transmitted from the printer identification information transmission unit of the printer apparatus to the printer identification information receiving unit together with each designation information for printing such as the printing range, font, and size designation. Using this received printer identification information and user registration information, authentication processing for the following printer identification information is performed.

  The “printer identification information authentication unit” (1115) is configured so that the printer identification information received by the printer identification information receiving unit (1114) is based on the user registration information held in the user registration information holding unit. It has a function of authenticating that it is associated with authenticated device identification information. In this way, it is referred to whether the printer identification information transmitted at the time of the information print request is included in the user registration information. As a result, it is possible to authenticate whether or not the user is currently receiving the information providing service.

  In this way, the information providing server device can easily authenticate whether or not it is a printer device of the user of the current information providing service by using user registration information held in advance. Then, print information is transmitted from the information providing server device to the authenticated printer device, and printing is executed in the printer device.

    (Processing flow of Example 4)

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, first, device identification information is transmitted (step S1201). Next, the device identification information transmitted in step S1201 is authenticated (step S1202). Subsequently, user registration information in which the device identification information authenticated in step S1202 is associated with the printer identification information is held (step S1203). Thereafter, the printer device identification information is transmitted (step S1204). Subsequently, the printer identification information transmitted in step S1204 is received (step S1205). Next, it is authenticated that the printer identification information received in step S1205 is associated with the authenticated device identification information based on the user registration information held in step S1203 (step S1206). ). Further, print information is transmitted to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information authenticated in step S1206 (step S1207). Finally, the print information transmitted in step S1207 is received by the printer device (step S1208).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 4)

  As described above, the information printing system according to the present embodiment allows the information on the Internet to be converted to the conventional network-compatible home appliance without using a high-performance PC for converting the printing data into the processing language for the printer. Can be used for printing. At the same time, by performing authentication processing using printer identification information and device identification information, information leakage due to illegal access can be avoided.

  Also, by holding the user registration information in advance, the information printing system of this embodiment can be used by using a conventional information display device and printer device.

  Example 5

    (Concept of Example 5)

  An example of the concept of the information printing system in the present embodiment is that the information providing server device holds user registration information in advance as in the fourth embodiment, based on the first embodiment. The difference from the fourth embodiment is that device identification information is transmitted instead of printer identification information when an information print request is made.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the information printing system of the present embodiment can be used by using a conventional information display device and printer device.

    (Configuration of Example 5)

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and includes an “information display device” (1300), an “information providing server device” (1310), and a “printer device” (1320). The information display device has a “device identification information transmission unit” (1301), and the information providing server device includes an “authentication unit” (1311) and a “print information transmission unit” (1312). The printer apparatus includes a “print information receiving unit” (1321) and a “printer identification information transmitting unit” (1322).

  As a feature point, the information providing server device further includes a “user registration information holding unit” (1313), a “device identification information receiving unit” (1314), and a “printer identification information acquisition unit” (1315). . The “device identification information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “print information transmission unit”, “print information reception unit”, and “printer identification information transmission unit” are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment. The explanation is omitted as it is. Further, since the “user registration information holding unit” is the same as that described in the fourth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The “device identification information receiving unit” (1314) has a function of receiving device identification information transmitted from the information display device (1300).

  The “printer identification information acquisition unit” (1315) is based on the user registration information held by the user registration information holding unit (1313) and the device identification information received by the device identification information receiving unit (1314). A function of acquiring printer identification information to which print information should be transmitted.

  As described above, in the information printing system according to this embodiment, the printer identification information is acquired by referring to the user registration information from the device identification information transmitted when the print button is pressed, for example. Since the device identification information has already been authenticated when receiving the information providing service, the printer identification information associated with the device identification information is of course also authenticated. Therefore, the printer device identified by the printer identification information acquired by the printer identification information acquisition unit can print information, and transmits print information to the specified printer device.

    (Processing flow of Example 5)

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, first, the device identification information of the information display device is authenticated (step S1401). Next, the printer apparatus identification information is transmitted (step S1202). Subsequently, user registration information in which the device identification information authenticated in step S1401 and the printer identification information transmitted in step S1402 authenticated based on the authenticated device identification information are associated with each other is obtained. Hold (step S1403). Thereafter, a step of transmitting device identification information (step S1404). Subsequently, the device identification information transmitted in step S1404 is received (step S1405). Next, based on the user registration information held in step S1403 and the device identification information received in step S1405, printer identification information to which print information should be transmitted is acquired (step S1406). Further, the printing information is transmitted to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information acquired in step S1406 (step S1407). Finally, the print information transmitted in step S1407 is received by the printer device (step S1408).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 5)

  As described above, the information printing system according to the present embodiment allows the information on the Internet to be converted to the conventional network-compatible home appliance without using a high-performance PC for converting the printing data into the processing language for the printer. Can be used for printing. At the same time, by performing authentication processing using printer identification information and device identification information, information leakage due to illegal access can be avoided.

  In addition, by holding user registration information in advance, the information printing system of this embodiment can be used by using a conventional information display device and printer as in the fourth embodiment.

  Example 6

    (Concept of Example 6)

  The information printing system according to the present embodiment is an information printing system based on any one of the first to fifth embodiments, for example, using an information display device as a user interface (UI) for printing. That is, the information display device has a function of acquiring a print range specification, font specification, page number, print size specification, etc. as a user interface, and transmitting the information to the information providing server device. And

    (Configuration of Example 6)

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment and includes an “information display device” (1500), an “information providing server device” (1510), and a “printer device” (1520). The information display device has a “device identification information transmission unit” (1501), and the information providing server device includes an “authentication unit” (1511) and a “print information transmission unit” (1512). The printer device includes a “print information receiving unit” (1521) and a “printer identification information transmitting unit” (1522).

  As a feature point, the information display device further includes a “print instruction information acquisition unit” (1502) and a “print instruction information transmission unit” (1503). The “device identification information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “print information transmission unit”, “print information reception unit”, and “printer identification information transmission unit” are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment. The explanation is omitted as it is. Of course, you may have a "first association process part" etc. on the basis of either Example 2, 3, 4, or 5.

  The “print instruction information acquisition unit” (1502) has a function of acquiring print instruction information. “Print instruction information” refers to information for causing a printer to execute printing based on information provided for display on an information display device. For example, not only information for directly instructing execution of printing, but also information indicating a printing range from information displayed on the information display device, fonts for printing displayed characters (typefaces and characters) Information indicating the size of the printing paper, information indicating the size of the paper to be printed, information indicating the printing direction, information indicating the number of copies to be printed, information indicating enlargement / reduction, and the like.

  The acquisition of the print instruction information by the print instruction information acquisition unit may be realized, for example, by installing a print instruction button on an operation device such as an operation panel of an information display device or a remote controller. . Alternatively, since the information display device is usually a digital television or the like, it can be considered that the information display device normally has a high capability in its display function, and therefore, it is preferable that the information display device is a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of visually inputting information. . Therefore, buttons can be displayed on the information display section such as the display using a touch panel method, or print instruction information can be displayed on the display so that it can be selected. You may get it.

  In addition, since it is expected that the specification process with a fine print range is difficult for household appliances with low information processing capabilities, for example, the displayed information is divided into categories in advance, and the category is specified. Thus, there is a method of acquiring printing range designation information by setting a portion including information desired to be printed as a printing range.

  The “print instruction information transmission unit” (1503) has a function of transmitting the print instruction information acquired by the print instruction information acquisition unit (1502) to the information providing server device.

  When the print instruction information acquired in this way is transmitted to the information providing server apparatus, the information providing server apparatus converts the print instruction information into print information described in a control language that can be processed by the printer apparatus. Send to the printer.

    (Processing flow of Example 6)

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, first, print instruction information is acquired (step S1601). Subsequently, the print instruction information acquired in step S1601 is transmitted (step S1602). Next, the print instruction information transmitted in step S1602 is received (step S1603). Further, the device identification information is transmitted (step S1604). Also, the printer device identification information is transmitted (step S1605). Next, the device identification information of the information display device is authenticated (step S1606). Subsequently, for the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in step S1606, print information based on the print instruction information received in step S1603 is sent to the information providing server device. (Step S1607). Finally, the print information transmitted in step S1607 is received by the printer device (step S1608).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 6)

  As described above, by using the information display device as a user interface according to the present embodiment, the user can easily input print instruction information and execute printing in a desired printing form.

  Example 7

    (Concept of Example 7)

  As in the sixth embodiment, the information printing system according to the present embodiment acquires print instruction information in an information display device that is a user interface. The difference from the sixth embodiment is that the acquired print instruction information is not transmitted to the information providing server apparatus, but is transmitted to the printer apparatus and then transferred from the printer apparatus to transmit the print instruction information to the information providing server apparatus. It is said.

    (Configuration of Example 7)

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information printing system of the present embodiment is based on the sixth embodiment, and includes an “information display device” (1700), an “information providing server device” (1710), and a “printer device” (1720). Each of the information display devices includes a “device identification information transmission unit” (1701), a “print instruction information acquisition unit” (1702), and a “print instruction information transmission unit” (1703). The information providing server device includes an “authentication unit” (1711) and a “print information transmission unit” (1712), and the printer device includes a “print information reception unit” (1721) and a “printer”. An identification information transmission unit ”(1722).

  As a feature point, the print instruction information transmission unit of the information display device further includes a “transmission unit via printer” (1704), and the printer device further includes a “transfer unit” (1723). It should be noted that “device identification information transmission unit”, “print instruction information acquisition unit”, “print instruction information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “print information transmission unit”, “print information reception unit”, “printer identification” The “information transmitting unit” and the “transfer unit” are substantially the same as those described in the first and sixth embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

  “Transmitter via printer” (1704) has a function for transmitting print instruction information via the printer.

  The “transfer unit” (1723) has a function of transferring the print instruction information transmitted by the printer transmission unit (1704) to the information providing server device (1710). As described above, by transmitting the print instruction information via the printer device, when transmitting the printer identification information from the printer device at the time of the print request, for example, as in the information printing system of the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment, Therefore, authentication processing and print information conversion processing can be performed in association with each other in the information providing server device.

    (Processing flow of Example 7)

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, first, print instruction information is acquired (step S1801). Subsequently, the print instruction information acquired in step S1801 is transmitted to the printer apparatus (step S1802). Next, the print instruction information transmitted in step S1802 is transferred to the information providing server device (step S1803). Subsequently, the print instruction information transferred in step S1803 is received (step S1804). Further, the device identification information is transmitted (step S1805). Also, the printer device identification information is transmitted (step S1806). Next, device identification information of the information display device is authenticated (step S1807). Subsequently, for the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in step S1807, print information based on the print instruction information received in step S1804 is sent to the information providing server device. (Step S1808). Finally, the print information transmitted in step S1808 is received by the printer device (step S1809).

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 7)

  As described above, by using the information display device as a user interface according to the present embodiment as in the sixth embodiment, the user can easily input print instruction information and execute printing in a desired printing form. It becomes possible.

  In addition, by transmitting the print instruction information via the printer device, when the printer identification information is transmitted from the printer device at the time of the print request, since it can be transmitted in a batch, the authentication processing in the information providing server device and the print information The conversion process can be performed in association with each other.

  Example 8

    (Concept of Example 8)

  The information printing system according to the present embodiment, for example, in the case where the text of the printing range includes kanji that the printer user has not yet learned, for example, on the kanji so that printing can be performed by rubying the text. This is an information printing system that transmits text information with added ruby as print information. As described above, the information printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment can convert the print information to be transmitted according to the attribute of the printer user and the attribute information of the printer itself.

    (Configuration of Example 8)

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system of the present embodiment. The information printing system according to the present embodiment is based on any one of the first to seventh embodiments, and includes an “information display device” (1900), an “information providing server device” (1910), and a “printer device” (1920). ). However, the illustration and description of each “apparatus identification information transmission unit”, “authentication unit”, “printer identification information transmission unit” (1722) and the like described in the first embodiment are omitted.

  In the information printing system of the present embodiment, the information providing server device further includes an “information holding unit” (1911), a “printer attribute information holding unit” (1912), and a “conversion unit” (1913) as feature points. Have. The “print information transmitting unit” and the “print information receiving unit” are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The “information holding unit” (1911) has a function of holding information to be displayed on the information display device in association with attribute information indicating the attribute. Examples of the “attribute information” include information indicating categorization of each information such as political information, economic information, and entertainment information. Another example is information indicating the data format of information such as whether the information for printing is image information or text information. Alternatively, if the information to be displayed is information customized according to the user's hobby preferences, attribute information indicating the hobby preferences can be cited. Alternatively, information indicating age, sex, and the like for which the information is used may be used as attribute information.

  The “printer attribute information holding unit” (1912) has a function of associating and holding the printer identification information and printer attribute information which is information indicating an attribute of the printer device identified by the printer identification information. The “printer attribute information” includes attribute information of the printer itself, for example, information such as the printer printing method and the number of colors used. Or the attribute information of the person who uses a printer, for example, information, such as sex and age, is mentioned.

  The “conversion unit” (1913) associates the information held in the information holding unit (1911) with the attributes associated with the information and the printer identification information of the printer that is to perform printing with respect to the information. The printer attribute information is converted based on the printer attribute information. As a specific example of this conversion, for example, based on the age level necessary for reading kanji included in the information that is attribute information as described above and the age information of the printer user that is printer attribute information. The printing information is converted into a form in which ruby is added to kanji. In addition, when the attribute information of the information is an image data format and the printer printing format indicated by the printer attribute information is monochrome printing instead of color, the image is deleted or text is used to reduce the amount of data. A conversion process may be performed.

    (Simple explanation of effect of Example 8)

  As described above, printing information according to the printer and the person using the printer, such as applying ruby to difficult kanji characters according to this embodiment, deleting the color image to the monochrome printer, and transmitting the printing information. Can be provided.

  Example 9

    (Concept and configuration of Example 9)

  The information printing system of the present embodiment is characterized in that the information display device constituting the information printing system described above is a digital television.

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 9)

  As described above, since the information display device is a digital television, the following effects can be obtained. Since the digital television is originally a device for displaying information, the information provided from the information providing server device can be efficiently displayed. For this reason, it is possible to easily specify printing. Therefore, it can be said that this is an information display device having a higher affinity with the information printing system of the present invention than other network-compatible home appliances.

  Example 10

    (Concept and configuration of Example 10)

  In the information printing system of the present embodiment, the information provided by the information providing server device includes information provided via the Internet, and the information display device acquires information from the Internet network only via this information providing server device. It is characterized by what it can do. This means that the information providing server device that provides information provides various information held by other server devices on the Internet as a so-called portal (entrance), and the information display device is the portal. This means that information cannot be obtained from other than a certain information providing server device.

    (Simple explanation of the effect of Example 10)

  In this way, the information display device is provided with information only from the information providing server device, so that companies that provide the information providing server device can enclose the user and send advertisement information there for efficiency. Can conduct creative advertising activities.

1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a concept of an information printing system in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the information printing system according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of an outline of an information printing system according to a first embodiment with a specific example. The flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a concept of an information printing system according to a second embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 2. The flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a concept of an information printing system according to a third embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 3 The flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process of Example 3. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 4 The flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process of Example 4. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 5 Flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing of the fifth embodiment The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 6. Flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing of the sixth embodiment The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 7 The flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process of Example 7. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the information printing system of Example 8.

Explanation of symbols

0200 Information display device 0201 Device identification information transmission unit 0210 Information providing server device 0211 Authentication unit 0212 Print information transmission unit 0220 Printer device 0221 Print information reception unit 0222 Printer identification information transmission unit

Claims (20)

An information printing system comprising an information display device for displaying information, an information providing server device for providing information to be displayed on the information display device, and a printer device,
The information display device includes:
A device identification information transmission unit for transmitting device identification information for uniquely identifying itself to the information providing server device;
The information providing server device includes:
An authentication unit for authenticating device identification information of the information display device;
A printing information transmitting unit that transmits printing information that is printing information to a printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated by the authentication unit. The device
A print information receiving unit that receives the print information from the information providing server device;
An information printing system comprising: a printer identification information transmitting unit that transmits printer apparatus identification information for uniquely identifying itself to the information providing server apparatus. A device identification information transmission unit of the information display device transmits the device identification information to the printer device;
The printer device includes:
A first association processing unit for performing an association process between the transmitted device identification information and its own printer identification information;
The information printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer identification information transmission unit transmits the device identification information and the printer identification information associated by the first association processing unit to the information providing server. A printer identification information transmitting unit of the printer device transmits printer identification information to the information display device;
The information display device includes:
A second association processing unit that performs an association process between the transmitted printer identification information and its own device identification information;
The information printing system according to claim 1, wherein the device identification information transmission unit transmits the device identification information and printer identification information associated by the second association processing unit to the information providing server. The information providing server device includes:
A user registration information holding unit for holding user registration information in which device identification information authenticated by the authentication unit and printer identification information are associated;
A printer identification information receiving unit for receiving printer identification information transmitted from the printer device;
The authentication unit associates the printer identification information received by the printer identification information receiving unit with the authenticated device identification information based on the user registration information held by the user registration information holding unit. The information printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a printer identification information authenticating unit that authenticates that the printer is authentic. The information providing server device includes:
A user registration information holding unit for holding user registration information in which the device identification information authenticated by the authentication unit and the printer identification information authenticated based on the authenticated device identification information are associated;
A device identification information receiving unit for receiving device identification information transmitted from the information display device,
The print information transmission unit includes printer identification information acquisition means for acquiring printer identification information to which print information should be transmitted based on the held user registration information and the received device identification information. The information printing system described in 1. The information display device includes:
A print instruction information acquisition unit that acquires print instruction information, which is information for causing the printer to execute printing based on information provided for the display;
A print instruction information transmission unit for transmitting the print instruction information acquired by the print instruction information acquisition unit to the information providing server device;
An information printing system according to claim 1, comprising: The print instruction information transmission unit of the information display device
A printer transmission means for transmitting the print instruction information via the printer device;
The printer device includes:
The information printing system according to claim 6, further comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the print instruction information transmitted by the transmission unit via the printer of the information display device to the information providing server device. The information providing server device includes:
An information holding unit for holding information to be displayed on the information display device in association with attribute information indicating the attribute;
A printer attribute information holding unit that holds the printer identification information in association with printer attribute information that is information indicating an attribute of the printer device identified by the printer identification information;
The information held in the information holding unit is converted on the basis of the attribute associated with the information and the printer attribute information associated with the printer identification information of the printer to be printed with respect to the information. And a conversion unit
The information printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the print information transmission unit transmits a conversion result in the conversion unit to the printer device as print information.   The information printing system according to claim 1, wherein the information display device is a digital television. The information to be displayed includes information provided via the Internet network,
The information printing system according to claim 1, wherein the information display device can acquire the information from the Internet network only through the information providing server device.   An information display device for an information printing system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10.   The information provision server apparatus of the information printing system as described in any one of Example 1 thru | or 10.   A printer apparatus for an information printing system according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments. An information printing method comprising: an information display device for displaying information; an information providing server device that provides information to be displayed on the information display device; and a printer device,
A device identification information transmission step, which is a step of transmitting device identification information for uniquely identifying the information display device itself to the information providing server device;
A printer identification information transmission step which is a step of transmitting printer device identification information for uniquely identifying the printer device itself to the information providing server device;
An authentication step which is a step of authenticating device identification information of the information display device;
Print information, which is a step of transmitting print information, which is information for printing, from the information providing server device to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in the authentication step Sending step;
A print information receiving step which is a step of receiving the print information transmitted in the print information transmitting step;
An information printing method comprising: An information printing method comprising: an information display device for displaying information; an information providing server device that provides information to be displayed on the information display device; and a printer device,
A step of associating the device identification information for uniquely identifying the information display device itself with the information providing server device and the printer identification information for uniquely identifying the printer device itself with the information providing server device An association processing step which is
A related identification information transmitting step which is a step of transmitting the device identification information and the printer device identification information associated in the association processing step;
An authentication step for authenticating the device identification information transmitted in the related identification information transmission step;
Printing is a step of transmitting print information, which is information for printing, from the information providing server device to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in the authentication step. An information transmission step;
A print information receiving step which is a step of receiving the print information transmitted in the print information transmitting step;
An information printing method comprising: An information printing method comprising: an information display device for displaying information; an information providing server device that provides information to be displayed on the information display device; and a printer device,
A device identification information transmission step, which is a step of transmitting device identification information for uniquely identifying the information display device itself to the information providing server device;
An authentication step for authenticating the device identification information transmitted in the device identification information transmission step;
User registration is a step of holding user registration information in which device identification information authenticated in the authentication step is associated with printer identification information for uniquely identifying the printer device itself in the information providing server device An information retention step;
A printer identification information transmission step which is a step of transmitting printer device identification information;
A printer identification information receiving step which is a step of receiving the printer identification information transmitted in the printer identification information transmitting step;
Authentication that the printer identification information received in the printer identification information receiving step is associated with the authenticated device identification information based on the user registration information held in the user registration information holding step. A printer identification information authentication step,
A print information transmitting step, which is a step of transmitting print information, which is information for printing, to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information authenticated in the printer identification information authentication step;
A print information receiving step which is a step of receiving the print information transmitted in the print information transmitting step;
An information printing method comprising: An information printing method comprising: an information display device for displaying information; an information providing server device that provides information to be displayed on the information display device; and a printer device,
An authentication step which is a step of authenticating device identification information of the information display device for uniquely identifying itself to the information providing server device;
A printer identification information transmission step which is a step of transmitting printer device identification information;
User registration information associating the device identification information authenticated in the authentication step with the printer identification information transmitted in the printer identification information transmission step authenticated based on the authenticated device identification information. A user registration information holding step as a holding step;
A device identification information transmission step which is a step of transmitting device identification information;
A device identification information receiving step which is a step of receiving the device identification information transmitted in the device identification information transmitting step;
Acquire printer identification information to which printing information, which is information for printing, is transmitted based on the user registration information held in the user registration information holding step and the device identification information received in the device identification information receiving step. Printer identification information acquisition step,
A print information transmission step, which is a step of transmitting print information to the printer device identified by the printer device identification information acquired in the printer identification information acquisition step;
A print information receiving step which is a step of receiving the print information transmitted in the print information transmitting step;
An information printing method comprising: An information printing method comprising: an information display device for displaying information; an information providing server device that provides information to be displayed on the information display device; and a printer device,
A print instruction information acquisition step which is a step of acquiring print instruction information which is information for causing the printer device to execute printing based on the information provided for the display;
A print instruction information transmitting step which is a step of transmitting the print instruction information acquired in the print instruction information acquiring step;
A print instruction information receiving step for receiving the print instruction information transmitted in the print instruction information transmitting step;
A device identification information transmission step, which is a step of transmitting device identification information for uniquely identifying the information display device itself to the information providing server device;
A printer identification information transmission step which is a step of transmitting printer device identification information for uniquely identifying the printer device itself to the information providing server device;
An authentication step which is a step of authenticating device identification information of the information display device;
Printing that is information for printing based on the print instruction information received in the print instruction information receiving step with respect to the printer apparatus identified by the printer apparatus identification information associated with the device identification information authenticated in the authentication step A print information transmission step which is a step of transmitting information from the information providing server device;
A print information receiving step which is a step of receiving the print information transmitted in the print information transmitting step;
An information printing method comprising:   19. The information printing method according to claim 13, wherein the information display device is a digital television. The information to be displayed includes information provided via the Internet network,
20. The information printing method according to claim 14, wherein the information display device can acquire the information from the Internet network only through the information providing server device.

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