JP2016207025A - Image printing system, image printing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printing system that is low in cost and easy in operation.SOLUTION: An image printing system comprises: a printing device 20 that transmits setting information to a mobile terminal 10 via a first radio network, receives image data from the mobile terminal 10 via a second radio network established based on the setting information, and prints image data in response to the reception of exchange slip data from the mobile terminal 10 via the first radio network; and a card 30 that includes a storage unit 32 for storing data used in generation processing of the exchange slip data at the mobile terminal 10, and transmits the data to the mobile terminal 10 via a third radio network. Communication via the second radio network is longer in communication distance than communication via the first radio network, and higher in communication speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image print system, an image print method, and a program for printing out image data stored in a mobile terminal owned by a user.

  Image printing apparatuses that read digital data of images taken with a digital camera, a smartphone, or the like and print them out are installed in various places. For example, a user brings a storage medium storing image data taken with a digital camera, and causes the image printing apparatus to read the image data in the storage medium. The image printing apparatus displays thumbnail images of the image data read from the storage medium and presents them to the user. When the user selects an image to be printed and designates the number of prints, the image printing apparatus prints out the image.

  An image printing system in which a plurality of reception-only terminals and print-only terminals are connected via a communication network has also been put into practical use (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The print dedicated terminal includes a server and a printer, and prints image data sent from a plurality of reception dedicated terminals. The reception-only terminal does not have a billing function and outputs a first receipt on which a fee is printed. The user pays a fee by showing the first receipt to the store clerk at the cashier counter. After payment of the fee, a second receipt on which a barcode indicating order identification information is printed is output from a receipt printer connected to the reception-only terminal. When the user holds the barcode of the second receipt over the barcode reader of the print-dedicated terminal, the barcode scanner of the print-dedicated terminal starts reading by reading the barcode and can receive the printed matter.

  In the conventional image printing system, a dedicated reception terminal for receiving a print order and outputting the first receipt is required separately from the dedicated print terminal. In addition, a receipt printer that outputs the second receipt after payment of the fee has been required. As described above, the conventional image printing system is provided with various devices, and the installation cost is high.

JP 2013-18120 A JP 2013-84043 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image printing system that can be easily operated at low cost, an image printing method in the image printing system, and a program.

  An image printing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a printing apparatus that receives image data from a portable terminal and prints the image data in response to the receipt of exchange ticket data from the portable terminal, and the exchange ticket data in the portable terminal. And a non-contact communication medium that transmits the data to the portable terminal.

  In the image printing system according to an aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits setting information to the portable terminal via a first wireless network, and the second information is established via the second wireless network established based on the setting information. Receiving the image data from a mobile terminal;

  In the image print system according to an aspect of the present invention, the communication via the second wireless network has a longer communication distance and a higher communication speed than the communication via the first wireless network.

  In the image printing system according to one aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits the setting information to the portable terminal via the first wireless network, and receives the exchange slip data from the portable terminal. And a second communication unit that receives the image data from the portable terminal via the second wireless network, and a printer that prints the image data.

  In the image printing system according to one aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus generates the setting information in response to a request from the portable terminal, and when there is a connection request based on the setting information from the portable terminal, An authentication unit that permits communication connection via the second wireless network by the second communication unit is provided.

  In the image printing method according to one aspect of the present invention, a portable terminal transmits image data to a printing apparatus, and after transmitting the image data, communicates with a non-contact communication medium to generate exchange slip data, to the printing apparatus. Transmitting the exchange slip data; and the printing apparatus printing the image data upon receiving the exchange slip data.

  An image printing method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a step in which the printing apparatus transmits setting information to the portable terminal via a first wireless network, and between the portable terminal and the printing apparatus based on the setting information. Establishing communication via the second wireless network, wherein the portable terminal transmits the image data to the printing device via the second wireless network.

  In the image printing method according to the aspect of the present invention, the portable terminal transmits the exchange slip data to the printing apparatus via the first wireless network.

  A program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a process of transmitting image data to a printing apparatus, a process of communicating with a non-contact communication medium after the transmission of the image data, and generating exchange slip data; Processing for transmitting the voucher data and instructing the printing apparatus to print the image data is executed by a computer of the portable terminal.

  A program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a process of receiving setting information from the printing apparatus via a first wireless network, and communication via the second wireless network with the printing apparatus based on the setting information. A process of establishing and a process of transmitting the image data to the printing apparatus via the second wireless network are executed by a computer of the portable terminal.

  According to the present invention, the cost of the image print system can be reduced and the operation can be facilitated.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the portable terminal which concerns on the same embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus according to the embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the voucher issuance card according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of IC chip of the exchange ticket issue card which concerns on the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for describing image print processing according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the image selection screen of a portable terminal. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating print order processing. It is a sequence diagram explaining exchange ticket data generation processing. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating print start instruction processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image printing system includes a mobile terminal 10, a printing device 20, and a voucher issuance card 30.

  The mobile terminal 10 is a smartphone or tablet device owned by the user. The exchange voucher issuance card 30 is an IC card that can be read by the mobile terminal 10. The printing device 20 and the voucher issuance card 30 are installed and prepared in a store or the like that provides a print service.

  The mobile terminal 10 transmits image data to the printing apparatus 20 via the wireless network, and instructs the number of prints, print size, and the like to place a print order. The transmitted image data is, for example, taken with a digital camera mounted on the mobile terminal 10.

  When the printing apparatus 20 receives the image data from the portable terminal 10 and accepts the print order, the printing apparatus 20 transmits the order form data and the apparatus ID of the own apparatus to the portable terminal 10. This order form data includes information on the order contents and charges of the print order, an order ID for specifying the print order, and the like. The device ID is identification information that identifies the printing device 20. The device ID may include a store ID of a store where the printing device 20 is installed. The printing apparatus 20 stores the image data, the order contents, and the order ID in association with each other.

  The user displays the order form on the display screen of the mobile terminal 10 and presents it to the store clerk. The user holds the portable terminal 10 over the voucher issuance card 30 provided by the store clerk after paying the fee according to the contents of the order voucher. When the mobile terminal 10 performs data communication with the exchange voucher issuance card 30 and determines that the exchange voucher data can be generated, the mobile terminal 10 generates voucher data including the order ID.

  The portable terminal 10 transmits the generated exchange slip data to the printing apparatus 20 via the wireless network, and instructs to start printing. Based on the order ID included in the received exchange slip data, the printing apparatus 20 specifies the print order contents and image data from this user (mobile terminal 10), and prints the image data. The user can receive a printed matter output from the printing apparatus 20.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mobile terminal 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an input / output unit 13, an authentication unit 14, a storage unit 15, a first communication unit 16, and a second communication unit 17. The display unit 12 is a display that presents various screens. The input / output unit 13 receives an instruction input from a user. For example, the display unit 12 and the input / output unit 13 are composed of touch panels.

  The first communication unit 16 performs short-range wireless communication with the printing apparatus 20 and the voucher issuance card 30. As a data transmission method, Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as BLE), NFC (Near) Field Communication) is used. The communication distance of short-range wireless communication by the first communication unit 16 is, for example, about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

  The first communication unit 16 searches and detects a device that performs short-range wireless communication, and performs connection. For example, in BLE communication, a master device performs scanning as a device search, and a slave device receives advertisement data broadcast. After determining the device information from the advertisement data of the slave device and determining that the device is a BLE device to be connected, the master device issues a connection request, shifts to a connected state, and starts communication. In this way, the first communication unit 16 establishes a communication connection with a device in the communicable area.

  When communication with the printing apparatus 20 is established, the first communication unit 16 performs short-distance wireless communication with the printing apparatus 20 to acquire setting information used for authentication at the time of wireless LAN connection, or transmits exchange slip data described later. To do.

  When communication with the exchange voucher issuance card 30 is established, the first communication unit 16 performs near field communication with the voucher issuance card 30 and receives the authentication device ID. This authentication device ID is used for authentication processing for generating exchange slip data, and is the device ID of (all) printing devices 20 installed in the store. The authentication device ID is written in advance on the voucher issuance card 30 by a store clerk using a management terminal (not shown).

  The second communication unit 17 performs data communication with the printing apparatus 20 via a wireless network. The second communication unit 17 performs wireless communication using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark). The wireless communication by the second communication unit 17 has a longer communication distance and a higher communication speed than the wireless communication by the first communication unit 16. The second communication unit 17 performs wireless communication with the printing apparatus 20 and transmits image data. Further, the second communication unit 17 receives order form data and the device ID of the printing device 20 from the printing device 20.

  The authentication unit 14 performs an authentication process for communication connection between the first communication unit 16, the printing apparatus 20, and the voucher issuance card 30. In addition, the authentication unit 14 performs authentication processing of wireless LAN connection by the second communication unit 17 using the setting information received by the first communication unit 16. The setting information includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier) and a password that the printing apparatus 20 has. By using this setting information, the wireless LAN connection between the second communication unit 17 and the printing apparatus 20 is established.

  Further, the authentication unit 14 performs an authentication process for generating exchange voucher data, and compares the device ID received from the printing device 20 that has placed the print order with the authentication device ID received from the voucher issuance card 30. . If the comparison results match, the authentication unit 14 determines that the exchange slip data may be generated, and generates the replacement slip data.

  The storage unit 15 includes a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read -Only Memory (EEPROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disc. The storage unit 15 stores a control program, an application program for placing an image print order, image data, and the like.

  The control unit 11 controls each unit of the mobile terminal 10. The CPU functions as the control unit 11 by executing the control program. In addition, the CPU executes the application program to cause the mobile terminal 10 to function as a print ordering terminal for transmitting image data to the printing apparatus 20 and instructing the start of printing. The device ID for authentication can be acquired from the server, and an authentication process for generating the exchange slip data can be executed to function as an exchange slip generation terminal for generating the replacement slip data.

  Next, the printing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printing apparatus 20. The printing apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, an input / output unit 23, an authentication unit 24, a storage unit 25, a first communication unit 26, a second communication unit 27, and a printer 28.

  The display unit 22 is a display that presents various screens. The input / output unit 23 receives an instruction input from the user. For example, the display unit 22 and the input / output unit 23 include a touch panel 210 installed on the top of the housing 200 as shown in FIG.

  The first communication unit 26 performs data communication with the first communication unit 16 of the mobile terminal 10 via the wireless network. The first communication unit 26 performs short-range wireless communication and uses BLE, NFC, or the like as a data transmission method. The communication distance of short-distance wireless communication by the first communication unit 26 is, for example, about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

  When the printing apparatus 20 and the mobile terminal 10 approach each other and enter a communicable area, the first communication unit 26 establishes communication with the first communication unit 16 of the mobile terminal 10 by the method described above. After the communication is established, the first communication unit 26 transmits setting information used for authentication at the time of wireless LAN connection or receives exchange slip data. The setting information includes the SSID and password of the device itself. The setting information may be fixed or generated every time a request is received from the mobile terminal 10.

  The second communication unit 27 performs data communication with the mobile terminal 10 via a wireless network. The second communication unit 27 performs wireless communication using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. The wireless communication by the second communication unit 27 has a longer communication distance and a higher communication speed than the wireless communication by the first communication unit 26. The second communication unit 27 performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 10 to receive image data and accept print orders such as print size and number of prints. When the second communication unit 27 receives a print order, the second communication unit 27 transmits order form data including information such as an order ID of the print order, order contents, and a charge. Moreover, the 2nd communication part 27 transmits the apparatus ID of an own apparatus with order form data.

  The authentication unit 24 performs an authentication process for communication connection between the first communication unit 26 and the mobile terminal 10. The authentication unit 24 can dynamically generate setting information. Further, when there is a wireless LAN connection request from the mobile terminal 10, the authentication unit 24 performs authentication processing. When the wireless LAN connection request from the portable terminal 10 corresponds to the setting information transmitted by the first communication unit 26, a wireless LAN connection permission response is performed. Thereby, the wireless LAN connection between the second communication unit 27 and the mobile terminal 10 is established.

  The storage unit 25 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM, SRAM, ROM, EEPROM, PROM, magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk Including at least one type of storage medium. The storage unit 25 stores a control program, image data received from the mobile terminal 10, and the like.

  The printer 28 is a high resolution color printer such as a sublimation type or an ink jet type. When the first communication unit 26 receives the exchange slip data from the mobile terminal 10, the printer 28 prints and outputs the image data based on the order contents received from the mobile terminal 10 in advance. The printer 28 is accommodated in the housing 200. A plurality of printers 28 may be installed. As shown in FIG. 1, a transparent opening / closing door 220 is provided on the front side of the housing 200 so as to be freely opened and closed. On the back side of the door 220, there is provided a stacking unit (not shown) in which printed products printed by the printer 28 are collected. When the door 220 is opened, the printed products collected in the stacking unit can be taken out. It is like that.

  The control unit 21 controls each unit of the printing apparatus 20. The CPU functions as the control unit 21 by executing the control program. When receiving a print order from the mobile terminal 10, the control unit 21 assigns an order ID, calculates a fee, and creates order form data.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the voucher issuance card 30. The voucher issuance card 30 is a non-contact type IC card, and is formed by covering both surfaces of an inlet sheet 30a on which an IC chip 30c and an antenna coil 30d are arranged with overlay sheets 30b and 30b. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. are used as the material of the sheet.

  When the antenna coil 30d passes through the magnetic field generated from the mobile terminal 10, power is generated in the antenna coil 30d and the IC chip 30c is activated.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip 30c is provided with a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31 controls processing in the voucher issuance card 30 and is realized by the CPU executing a control program stored in the storage unit 32. The storage unit 32 includes a RAM, a ROM that stores a control program, an EEPROM that stores an authentication device ID written in advance by the management terminal, and the like. The communication unit 33 controls communication between the voucher issuance card 30 and an external device (the mobile terminal 10 or the management terminal).

  The communication unit 33 performs data communication via the wireless network with the first communication unit 16 of the mobile terminal 10 via the antenna coil 30d. The communication unit 33 performs short-range wireless communication and uses BLE, NFC, or the like as a data transmission method. The communication distance of short-distance wireless communication by the communication unit 33 is, for example, about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

  When the portable terminal 10 is held over the voucher issuance card 30, power is generated in the antenna coil 30d, and the IC chip 30c is activated. When the IC chip 30c is activated, mutual authentication is performed to confirm that the voucher issuance card 30 and the portable terminal 10 are valid. For example, the exchange voucher issuance card 30 and the mobile terminal 10 each create a ciphertext, and the other checks the ciphertext. Thereby, the voucher issuance card 30 can confirm that the mobile terminal 10 is a valid terminal. Further, the mobile terminal 10 can confirm that the voucher issuance card 30 is a valid card.

  After mutual authentication, the mobile terminal 10 requests an authentication device ID from the voucher issuance card 30. In response to a request from the mobile terminal 10, the control unit 31 transmits the authentication device ID stored in the storage unit 32 to the mobile terminal 10.

  In order for the mobile terminal 10 to acquire the authentication device ID from the voucher issuance card 30, it is necessary to hold the mobile terminal 10 close to the voucher issuance card 30. The voucher issuance card 30 is small in size, can be held by a store clerk, and can be easily stored in a cash register. Therefore, it is difficult for a user who has not paid the fee to hold the mobile terminal 10 over the voucher issuance card 30, and the authentication device ID can be prevented from being illegally acquired.

  Next, image printing processing by such an image printing system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that steps S102, S103, S106, and S107 in FIG. 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  (Step S101) The user activates an image print ordering application on the portable terminal 10 and selects an image to be ordered for printing, or inputs order contents such as a print size and the number of prints. For example, the control unit 11 displays a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data stored in the storage unit 15 on the display unit 12. The user confirms the thumbnail image and selects an image to be printed. The control unit 11 receives an image selection from the user via the input / output unit 13. For example, an image selection screen as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is displayed on the display unit 12 (touch panel).

  (Step S <b> 102) The mobile terminal 10 receives setting information necessary for wireless LAN connection from the printing apparatus 20 through short-range wireless communication.

  (Step S103) The mobile terminal 10 establishes a wireless LAN connection with the printing apparatus 20 using the setting information received in Step S102. Then, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the image data selected in step S101 and the order details to the printing apparatus 20 via the wireless LAN. When receiving the print order, the printing apparatus 20 transmits the order form data including the order ID and the apparatus ID of the own apparatus to the portable terminal 10.

  (Step S104) The user moves to the cash register of the store, displays the order form data on the display unit 12 of the portable terminal 10, and presents it to the store clerk.

  (Step S105) The clerk collects a fee according to the order contents displayed on the display unit 12 of the portable terminal 10.

  (Step S106) The clerk takes out the voucher issuance card 30 and presents it to the user. When the user holds the mobile terminal 10 over the voucher issuance card 30, the mobile terminal 10 receives the authentication device ID from the voucher issuance card 30 by short-range wireless communication. Since the voucher issuance card 30 is possessed by a store clerk or stored in a cash register, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such that an authentication device ID is acquired before payment of a fee. After acquiring the authentication device ID, the portable terminal 10 generates authentication slip data through an authentication process.

  (Step S <b> 107) The user moves to the vicinity of the printing apparatus 20 with the portable terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 transmits the exchange slip data to the printing apparatus 20 by short-range wireless communication.

  (Step S108) When the first communication unit 26 receives the exchange slip data, the control unit 21 of the printing apparatus 20 specifies a print order for which a fee has been paid based on the order ID, and the image data with the size and number corresponding to the order contents. The printer 28 is controlled so as to print out.

  The processing in steps S102 and S103 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  (Step S <b> 201) The user gives a short-distance wireless communication connection instruction to the mobile terminal 10. For example, the connection button 72 is pressed on the screen of FIG. The first communication unit 16 starts searching for a device that performs short-range wireless communication. When the user holds the portable terminal 10 over a predetermined portion of the printing apparatus 20 and the printing apparatus 20 (first communication unit 26) is detected, the first communication unit 16 issues a connection request.

  Note that the display unit 22 of the printing apparatus 20 preferably displays a guidance screen. For example, the guidance screen is displayed so that the connection button 72 is pressed on the portable terminal 10 and the portable terminal 10 is held over a predetermined portion of the printing apparatus 20. The predetermined place where the portable terminal 10 is held is in the vicinity of the position where the first communication unit 26 is installed, and is preferably marked so as to be easily understood by the user.

  (Step S202) The first communication unit 26 of the printing apparatus 20 responds to the connection request. Thereby, the 1st communication part 16 of the portable terminal 10 and the 1st communication part 26 of the printing apparatus 20 transfer to a connection state, and can perform near field communication.

  (Step S <b> 203) The mobile terminal 10 requests setting information used for authentication at the time of wireless LAN connection to the printing apparatus 20 via the first communication unit 16.

  (Step S204) The printing apparatus 20 returns a text file describing setting information used for authentication at the time of wireless LAN connection via the first communication unit 26. The setting information may be dynamically generated by the authentication unit 24 of the printing apparatus 20 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 10. The setting information includes the SSID and password of the printing apparatus 20.

  (Step S205) The authentication unit 14 of the mobile terminal 10 uses the setting information acquired in step S204 to request a connection via the wireless LAN to the printing apparatus 20 via the second communication unit 17.

  (Step S206) The authentication unit 24 of the printing apparatus 20 performs an authentication process for wireless LAN connection. Since the connection request from the portable terminal 10 includes the legitimate password transmitted from the printing apparatus 20 in step S204, the authentication unit 24 authenticates the wireless LAN connection and connects via the second communication unit 27. Perform authorization response. Thereby, the 2nd communication part 17 of the portable terminal 10 and the 2nd communication part 27 of the printing apparatus 20 transfer to a connection state, and can communicate now via wireless LAN.

  (Step S <b> 207) The second communication unit 17 of the mobile terminal 10 transmits image data to be printed and the details of the order to the second communication unit 27 of the printing apparatus 20.

  (Step S <b> 208) Upon receiving the image data and the order details, the printing apparatus 20 creates order form data and transmits it to the portable terminal 10 via the second communication unit 27. The order form data includes an order ID, the number of prints, a fee, and the like. The print order accepted by the printing apparatus 20 can be specified by the order ID. Further, the printing apparatus 20 transmits the apparatus ID of the own apparatus to the mobile terminal 10.

  Next, the exchange slip data generation processing in step S106 of FIG. 6 will be described using the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  (Step S301) When the user holds the portable terminal 10 over the voucher issuance card 30, power is generated in the antenna coil 30d of the voucher issuance card 30, the IC chip 30c is activated, and the first communication of the portable terminal 10 is performed. The unit 16 and the communication unit 33 of the voucher issuance card 30 can communicate with each other, and the mutual authentication process is started.

  (Step S <b> 302) The mobile terminal 10 requests the exchange card issue card 30 to generate a random number.

  (Step S <b> 303) The control unit 31 of the voucher issuance card 30 generates a random number and transmits it to the mobile terminal 10.

  (Step S <b> 304) The mobile terminal 10 generates a ciphertext from the received random number using a predetermined encryption algorithm, and transmits it to the voucher issuance card 30.

  (Step S305) The control unit 31 of the voucher issuance card 30 generates a ciphertext from the random number generated in step S303 using a predetermined encryption algorithm. Then, the control unit 31 collates the generated ciphertext with the ciphertext received from the mobile terminal 10. When the collation results match, the control unit 31 authenticates that the mobile terminal 10 is a valid terminal.

  (Step S <b> 306) The control unit 31 of the voucher issuance card 30 transmits the collation result of step S <b> 305 to the mobile terminal 10.

  (Step S307) The mobile terminal 10 generates a random number, transmits it to the voucher issuance card 30, and requests a ciphertext.

  (Step S <b> 308) The control unit 31 of the voucher issuance card 30 generates a ciphertext from the received random number using a predetermined encryption algorithm and transmits it to the mobile terminal 10.

  (Step S309) The mobile terminal 10 generates a ciphertext from the random number generated in Step S307 using a predetermined encryption algorithm. Then, the mobile terminal 10 collates the generated ciphertext with the ciphertext received from the mobile terminal 10. When the collation results match, the mobile terminal 10 authenticates that the voucher issuance card 30 is a valid card.

  (Step S <b> 310) The mobile terminal 10 requests an authentication device ID from the voucher issuance card 30.

  (Step S <b> 311) In response to a request from the mobile terminal 10, the control unit 31 of the voucher issuance card 30 extracts the authentication device ID from the storage unit 32 and transmits it to the mobile terminal 10.

  (Step S312) The authentication unit 14 of the portable terminal 10 collates the authentication device ID received in step S311 with the device ID received together with the order form data from the printing device 20 in step S208.

  (Step S313) If the collation results in Step S312 match, the authentication unit 14 generates exchange voucher data. The exchange slip data includes an order ID of the print order.

  (Step S314) The mobile terminal 10 displays the generated exchange slip data on the display unit 12. As a result, the user knows that the voucher has been generated. The display unit 12 may display a guide for holding the portable terminal 10 over the printing apparatus 20 and starting the printing process.

  Next, the print start instruction process in step S107 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  (Step S <b> 401) The user gives a connection instruction for short-range wireless communication to the mobile terminal 10. For example, a print button displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 10 is pressed. The first communication unit 16 starts searching for a device that performs short-range wireless communication. When the user holds the portable terminal 10 over a predetermined portion of the printing apparatus 20 and the printing apparatus 20 (first communication unit 26) is detected, the first communication unit 16 issues a connection request.

  (Step S402) The first communication unit 26 of the printing apparatus 20 responds to the connection request. Thereby, the 1st communication part 16 of the portable terminal 10 and the 1st communication part 26 of the printing apparatus 20 transfer to a connection state, and can perform near field communication.

  (Step S <b> 403) The portable terminal 10 transmits the exchange slip data to the printing apparatus 20 via the first communication unit 16.

  (Step S404) When the printing apparatus 20 receives the exchange slip data via the first communication unit 26, the print order of the user is specified from the order ID included in the exchange slip data, and the image data in the printer 28 is identified. Start printing. Further, the printing apparatus 20 notifies the mobile terminal 10 of the start of the printing process. As a result, the user knows that the exchange slip data has been transmitted and the print start has been instructed.

  In the image printing system according to the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 acquires wireless LAN connection setting information from the printing apparatus 20 through short-range wireless communication such as BLE, and performs wireless LAN connection setting using the connection setting information. . Therefore, the printing apparatus 20 does not need to fix the SSID and password of the connection setting information and can be changed according to the setting information request from the user, so that security can be improved.

  In a normal wireless LAN connection, wireless LAN compatible devices in a wide range (for example, within about 300 m) are displayed in a list. A connection destination is searched from this list and a password is input as necessary. It took time and effort. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, connection setting information is directly acquired from the printing apparatus 20 by short-range wireless communication and a wireless LAN connection is established, so that wireless LAN connection setting is easy.

  In the present embodiment, a print order is made directly from the mobile terminal 10 to the printing apparatus 20, and the user pays a fee by presenting an order form screen to a store cashier. Then, the device ID for authentication is acquired by holding the portable terminal 10 over the voucher issuance card 30 provided from the store clerk, and the device ID received from the printing device 20 is compared with the device ID for authentication. If the comparison results match, the mobile terminal 10 is held over the legitimate voucher issuance card 30 and determines that the fee has been paid, and determines that the voucher may be issued. Generate voucher data. Then, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the exchange slip data to the printing apparatus 20 to start the printing process.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to omit a reception-only terminal that outputs a receipt on which a fee is printed as in the prior art. Also, the receipt printer connected to the reception-only terminal via the network can be omitted by generating the voucher data by the portable terminal 10 and having the voucher issuance card 30 have an authentication device ID necessary for generating the voucher data. can do. Further, since the printing apparatus 20 starts printing upon receipt of the exchange slip data, a barcode scanner that reads the barcode printed on the receipt is not necessary.

  Thus, the image printing system according to the present embodiment is easy to operate at low cost.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the printing apparatus 20 creates order form data and transmits the order form data to the mobile terminal 10 has been described. However, the mobile terminal 10 may create order form data. The mobile terminal 10 creates an order ID for the print order and notifies the printing apparatus 20 of it. By creating this order ID using its own terminal ID, the order ID becomes unique. Even when the printing apparatus 20 receives print orders from a plurality of users (mobile terminals 10), each order ID is used. The print order of the person can be specified. Information on the unit price for printing image data may be held by an application program in the mobile terminal 10 or may be notified by the printing apparatus 20.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the authentication device ID is transmitted from the voucher issuance card 30 to the mobile terminal 10 has been described. However, a signal permitting the generation of voucher data is transmitted from the voucher issuance card 30 to the mobile terminal 10. May be. For example, after the mutual authentication processing of the mobile terminal 10 and the voucher issuance card 30, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the order ID of the print order to the voucher issuance card 30. The exchange voucher issuance card 30 creates an exchange voucher data generation permission signal including the received order ID and transmits it to the mobile terminal 10. When receiving the exchange slip data generation permission signal, the authentication unit 14 of the mobile terminal 10 generates the exchange slip data corresponding to the order ID included in this signal.

  The original data for creating the voucher data generation permission signal is written in advance on the voucher issuance card 30. The control unit 31 creates an exchange slip data generation permission signal by combining the original data with the order ID received from the mobile terminal 10.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example using the exchange card issuing card 30 made of an IC card has been described. However, other non-passive RFID tags or the like embedded with information necessary for generating exchange card data such as an authentication device ID are used. A contact communication medium may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the mobile terminal 10 acquires setting information from the printing apparatus 20 by short-range wireless communication and establishes a wireless LAN connection using this setting information. However, short-range wireless communication is sufficient communication. If it has a speed, the image data and the order contents may be transmitted to the printing apparatus 20 by short-range wireless communication.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

10 mobile terminal 20 printing device 30 voucher issuance card

Claims (10)

A printing apparatus that receives image data from a portable terminal and prints the image data in accordance with receipt of exchange ticket data from the portable terminal;
A non-contact communication medium having a storage unit for storing data used for the generation process of the voucher data in the portable terminal, and transmitting the data to the portable terminal;
An image printing system comprising:   The printing apparatus transmits setting information to the portable terminal via a first wireless network, and receives the image data from the portable terminal via a second wireless network established based on the setting information. 2. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein   The image printing system according to claim 2, wherein the communication via the second wireless network has a longer communication distance and a higher communication speed than the communication via the first wireless network. The printing apparatus includes:
A first communication unit that transmits the setting information to the mobile terminal via the first wireless network and receives the exchange slip data from the mobile terminal;
A second communication unit that receives the image data from the portable terminal via the second wireless network;
A printer for printing the image data;
The image print system according to claim 2, further comprising:   The printing apparatus generates the setting information in response to a request from the portable terminal, and when there is a connection request based on the setting information from the portable terminal, the second communication unit uses the second wireless network. The image print system according to claim 4, further comprising an authentication unit that permits communication connection via the network. A portable terminal transmits image data to a printing device, communicates with a non-contact communication medium after transmitting the image data, generates exchange slip data, and transmits the exchange slip data to the printing device;
The printing device printing the image data upon receipt of the voucher data;
An image printing method comprising: The printing device transmitting setting information to the mobile terminal via a first wireless network;
Establishing communication via a second wireless network between the portable terminal and the printing device based on the setting information;
Further comprising
The image printing method according to claim 6, wherein the portable terminal transmits the image data to the printing apparatus via the second wireless network.   The image printing method according to claim 7, wherein the portable terminal transmits the voucher data to the printing apparatus via the first wireless network. Processing to send image data to the printing device;
After transmitting the image data, communicating with a non-contact communication medium, generating a voucher data;
Processing to send the voucher data to the printing device and instruct the printing device to print the image data;
Is a program that causes the computer of the mobile terminal to execute the program. Processing for receiving setting information from the printing device via a first wireless network;
Processing for establishing communication with the printing apparatus via a second wireless network based on the setting information;
Processing for transmitting the image data to the printing device via the second wireless network;
The program according to claim 9, wherein the program is executed by a computer of the portable terminal.

Images