JP2017220705A - System and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system including an image forming apparatus that can receive desired image data from a server with a small number of user operations.SOLUTION: An MFP 10 constituting a system executes: a scanning instruction processing (S11) of causing a scanner to execute a scanning operation to create scanning data including information for acquiring print data; first transmission processing (S17) of transmitting transmission request information including the scanning data and authentication information to a server 80; first reception processing of receiving the print data from the server 80 determined by the MFP 10 to have the acquisition authority from the authentication information (S18: Yes); and print instruction processing of causing a printer to execute a print operation to record an image shown in the print data in a sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that records an image indicated by image data received from a server on a sheet.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a server that transmits image data to a multi-function device authenticated by a serial number, and a multi-function device that records an image indicated by image data received from the server on a sheet. Yes.

JP2015-41342A

  However, in the system of Patent Document 1, many operations are requested from the user in order to receive image data from the server through the screens shown in FIGS. That is, there is a problem that a user operation for receiving image data from the server is complicated.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a system including an image forming apparatus that can receive desired image data from a server with few user operations.

Various disclosures are provided herein. A system which is one of disclosed examples includes an image forming apparatus and a server. The image forming apparatus includes a scanner, a printer, a first communication interface, and a first controller. The first controller includes a scan instruction process for causing the scanner to perform a scan operation of reading a document on which information for acquiring print data is recorded and generating scan data;
A first acquisition process for acquiring authentication information indicating the authority to acquire the print data and a first transmission process for transmitting transmission request information to the server through the first communication interface are executed. The transmission request information is information for requesting transmission of the print data, and includes the scan data generated by the scan instruction process and the authentication information acquired by the first acquisition process. The first controller performs a first reception process for receiving the print data from the server through the first communication interface as a response to the transmission request information, and a printing operation for recording an image indicated by the print data on a sheet. And a print instruction process to be executed by the printer. The server includes a second communication interface and a second controller. The second controller receives a second reception process for receiving the transmission request information from the image forming apparatus through the second communication interface, and an authority to acquire the print data corresponding to the scan data included in the transmission request information Is determined by the first determination process using the authentication information included in the transmission request information and the first determination process determines that the image forming apparatus has authority. Accordingly, a second acquisition process for acquiring the print data using the scan data included in the transmission request information, and a second transmission for transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus through the second communication interface. Process.

  According to the above configuration, since the information for acquiring the print data is acquired by the scanner and transmitted to the server together with the authentication information, the print data requiring the acquisition authority is compared with the case where the user inputs the information. It can be received from the server with few user operations.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. 2A is a block diagram of the MFP 10, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the portable terminal 50. 3A is a block diagram of the server 80, FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a document on which the thumbnail image 111 and the QR image 112 are recorded, and FIG. 3C is a diagram in which the destination image 141 is recorded. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the system 100 after it is determined that the MFP 10 has the acquisition authority. 6A and 6B show display examples of the displays 23 and 53, where FIG. 6A shows a confirmation screen and FIG. 6B shows a preview screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described below can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. A system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an MFP 10, a portable terminal 50, and a server 80. The MFP 10, the portable terminal 50, and the server 80 can communicate with each other via a communication network. Although the specific example of a communication network is not specifically limited, For example, the internet 101, wired LAN, wireless LAN102, or these combination may be sufficient.

  The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the wireless LAN 102. That is, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can communicate with each other via an access point (not shown) of the wireless LAN 102. The wireless LAN 102 is connected to the Internet 101 through the router 102A. Further, the server 80 is connected to the Internet 101. That is, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can communicate with the server 80 from the router 102A via the Internet 101.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the MFP 10 includes a printer 11, a scanner 12, a display 23, an input I / F 24, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance) communication I / F 25, It mainly includes an NFC communication I / F 26, a CPU 31, a memory 32, and a communication bus 33. Each component constituting the MFP 10 is connected to each other through the communication bus 33. The MFP 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus.

  The printer 11 executes a printing operation for recording an image indicated by the image data on a sheet. As a recording method of the printer 11, a known method such as an ink jet method or an electrophotographic method can be employed. The scanner 12 executes a scan operation for reading an image recorded on a document and generating image data (hereinafter referred to as “scan data”). The MFP 10 may further include a FAX unit that can execute a FAX transmission operation and a FAX reception operation.

  The input I / F 24 is a user interface that receives an input operation by a user. Specifically, the input I / F 24 includes a button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pressed button to the CPU 31. Further, the input I / F 24 may include a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display surface of the display 23. An operation for designating an object displayed on the display surface of the display 23 and an operation for inputting a character string or a numeric string are examples of user operations. The “object” is, for example, a character string, icon, button, link, radio button, check box, pull-down menu, or the like displayed on the display 23.

  The input I / F 24 implemented as a touch sensor outputs position information indicating the position on the display surface touched by the user. Note that “touch” in this specification includes all operations for bringing an input medium into contact with a display surface. In addition, even if the input medium is not touching the display surface, “hover” or “floating touch” that brings the input medium close to a position where the distance to the display surface is very small is based on the concept of “touch” described above. May be included. Furthermore, the input medium may be a user's finger or a touch pen. The user operation of tapping the position of the icon displayed on the display 23 is an example of a specifying operation for specifying the icon.

  The Wi-Fi communication I / F 25 is an example of a first communication interface that can communicate with an external device. The MFP 10 transmits various information to the mobile terminal 50 and the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 25 and receives various information from the mobile terminal 50 and the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 25. The Wi-Fi communication I / F 25 performs wireless communication compliant with the Wi-Fi standard (hereinafter referred to as “Wi-Fi communication”).

  The NFC communication I / F 26 is an example of a first near field communication interface that can perform wireless communication using a near field wireless method. That is, the MFP 10 transmits various types of information to the portable terminal 50 through the NFC communication I / F 26 and receives various types of information from the portable terminal 50 through the NFC communication I / F 26. The NFC communication I / F 26 performs wireless communication conforming to the NFC standard (hereinafter referred to as “NFC communication”). The communication range of NFC communication is narrower than the communication range of Wi-Fi communication. Further, the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of Wi-Fi communication.

  The NFC standard is, for example, a standard of ISO / IEC21481 or 18092. NFC communication is an example of close proximity wireless communication, and the NFC standard is an example of close proximity wireless communication protocol. The NFC communication I / F 26 is mounted with an IC chip having a memory for storing information to be exchanged with an external device. Further, as a communication standard for the first proximity communication interface, a TransferJet (registered trademark of TransferJet Consortium) standard may be adopted instead of the NFC standard.

  The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 31 acquires and executes various programs, which will be described later, from the memory 32 based on various information output from the input I / F 24, various information received from an external device through the communication I / Fs 25 and 26, and the like. The CPU 31 and the memory 32 constitute an example of a first controller.

  The memory 32 stores an OS 34 and a device program 35. The device program 35 may be a single program or a collection of a plurality of programs. The memory 32 stores data or information necessary for executing the device program 35. The memory 32 is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an HDD, a portable storage medium such as a USB memory attached to and detached from the MFP 10, a buffer provided in the CPU 31, or a combination thereof.

  The memory 32 may be a computer readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM in addition to the above examples. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet 101 is a computer-readable signal medium that is a kind of computer-readable medium, but can be read by a non-transitory computer. Not included in storage media. The same applies to the memory 62 of the portable terminal 50 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the portable terminal 50 communicates with a display 53, an input I / F 54, a Wi-Fi communication I / F 55, an NFC communication I / F 56, a CPU 61, a memory 62, and the like. A bus 63 is mainly provided. The display 53, the input I / F 54, the Wi-Fi communication I / F 55, the NFC communication I / F 56, the CPU 61, the memory 62, and the communication bus 63 included in the portable terminal 50 are the display 23, the input I / F 24 included in the MFP 10. , Wi-Fi communication I / F 25, NFC communication I / F 26, CPU 31, memory 32, and communication bus 33, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. More specifically, the display 53 of the mobile terminal 50 desirably has a display screen size of 12 inches or less, more preferably 8 inches or less. The input I / F 54 of the portable terminal 50 is preferably a touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display 53. The Wi-Fi communication I / F 55 is an example of a third communication interface, the NFC communication I / F 56 is an example of a second proximity communication interface, the CPU 61 and the memory 62 are examples of a third controller, and the memory 62 is a terminal. It is an example of a memory.

  The memory 62 stores an OS 64 and a terminal program 65. The OS 64 may be, for example, Android (registered trademark of Google Inc.) OS, iOS (registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc.), Windows Phone (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation) Operating System, or the like.

  Although not shown, the memory 62 stores authentication information. The authentication information is information for indicating the authority to acquire print data (to be described later) from the server 80 (hereinafter referred to as “acquisition authority”). The authentication information includes, for example, account information issued by the server 80 in association with personal information (for example, name and email address) registered in the server 80, and payment information (for example, payment for paid print data). , Credit card number) or both.

  The NFC communication I / F 56 of the mobile terminal 50 in the present embodiment executes a poll operation. The poll operation is an operation of repeatedly outputting a polling signal at a predetermined time interval and monitoring a response signal that is a response to the polling signal. On the other hand, the NFC communication I / F 26 of the MFP 10 in the present embodiment executes a Listen operation. The Listen operation is an operation of monitoring a polling signal and outputting a response signal on condition that the polling signal is received. However, the MFP 10 may execute the poll operation, and the portable terminal 50 may execute the listen operation.

  Due to the proximity of the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50, the NFC communication I / F 26 of the MFP 10 receives the polling signal output from the NFC communication I / F 56 of the mobile terminal 50, and the response signal output from the NFC communication I / F 26 of the MFP 10 Is received by the NFC communication I / F 56 of the portable terminal 50. Thus, an NFC communication link (hereinafter referred to as “NFC link”) is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 in a predetermined procedure according to the NFC standard. Thereafter, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 transmit and receive information and the like through this NFC link.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the server 80 mainly includes a display 83, an input I / F 84, a communication I / F 85, a CPU 91, a memory 92, and a communication bus 93. The display 83, input I / F 84, CPU 91, memory 92, and communication bus 93 included in the server 80 have the same configuration as the display 23, input I / F 24, CPU 31, memory 32, and communication bus 33 included in the MFP 10. Since there is, explanation is omitted. The communication I / F 85 is an example of a second communication interface to which a LAN cable can be attached and detached. The CPU 91 and the memory 92 are an example of a second controller, and the memory 92 is an example of a server memory.

  The memory 92 includes an OS 94 and a server program 95. Although not shown, the memory 92 stores personal information acquired from the user of the mobile terminal 50 and account information issued to the user of the mobile terminal 50 in association with each other. Further, although not shown, the memory 92 stores a plurality of template data. For example, the template data is data indicating a template image recorded on the communication surface of a New Year's card.

  The server 80 may be configured by one piece of hardware, or may be an aggregate of a plurality of servers. For example, the server 80 may include a communication server that communicates with the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50, a data server that stores or generates print data, and an authentication server that authenticates the MFP 10 using authentication information. Further, the server 80 may be able to communicate with the settlement server that settles the price of the print data by the credit card number included in the authentication information through the communication I / F 85.

[Operation of System 100]
With reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, operation | movement of the system 100 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. 4, it is assumed that the NFC communication I / F 26 of the MFP 10 is not executing the Listen operation and the NFC communication I / F 56 of the portable terminal 50 is executing the Poll operation at the start of the processing illustrated in FIG. .

  The flowchart in this specification basically shows the processing of the CPUs 31 and 61 in accordance with the instructions described in the program. That is, processes such as “determination”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, “decision”, “specification”, and “control” in the following description represent processes of the CPUs 31 and 61. The processing by the CPU 61 includes hardware control via the OS 64. Further, “data” in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. Data having substantially the same semantic content but different formats are handled as the same data. The same applies to “information” in this specification.

  The apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 starts the processing shown in FIG. 4 in response to receiving a user operation for instructing acquisition of print data through the input I / F 24. First, the apparatus program 35 causes the scanner 12 to perform a scan operation on the document shown in FIG. 3B, for example (S11). The scanner 12 reads a document set on contact glass or ADF, and generates scan data indicating an image recorded on the document. The process of S11 is an example of a scan instruction process.

  A thumbnail image 111 and a QR image 112 are recorded on the original shown in FIG. Also, it is assumed that a plurality of originals each having different thumbnail images 111 and QR images 112 recorded therein are prepared in advance. For example, the user may select a document on which a desired thumbnail image 111 is recorded from a plurality of documents prepared in advance, and cause the scanner 12 to read the selected document. That is, the scan data is image data indicating the thumbnail image 111 and the QR image 112.

  The thumbnail image 111 corresponds to one of a plurality of template data stored in the memory 92 of the server 80, for example. However, the resolution of the thumbnail image 111 may be lower than that of the template image indicated by the corresponding template data. The QR image 112 indicates, for example, a QR code (registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.) that includes, as text data, a data ID that identifies template data corresponding to the thumbnail image 111. The data ID is an example of identification information, and the QR code is an example of information for acquiring print data. However, the image including the authentication information is not limited to a QR image, and may be, for example, a barcode or a character string image described in a predetermined format.

  Next, the device program 35 determines whether the template data to be received from the server 80 is premium data or standard data (S12). For example, the premium data is data that can be received only by the MFP 10 having the acquisition authority among a plurality of template data stored in the memory 92. On the other hand, the standard data is, for example, data that can be received by all MFPs 10 regardless of whether or not the user has an acquisition authority among a plurality of template data stored in the memory 92.

  The device program 35 determines whether the template data identified by the data ID included in the QR image 112 read in S11 is premium data or standard data. Therefore, the apparatus program 35 extracts the QR image 112 from the scan data generated in S11. Then, the device program 35 acquires the data ID by analyzing the extracted QR image 112 by a known method.

  Then, for example, when the acquired data ID is “Premium-xxxx”, the device program 35 determines that the template data identified by the data ID is premium data. On the other hand, for example, when the acquired data ID is “standard-yyyy”, the device program 35 determines that the template data identified by the data ID is standard data. “Xxxx” and “yyyy” are serial numbers that uniquely identify the template data. That is, the apparatus program 35 determines whether authentication information is necessary for acquiring print data based on the scan data generated in S11. The process of S12 is an example of a second determination process.

  Next, in response to determining that the data ID identifies premium data (S12: Yes), the device program 35 causes the NFC communication I / F 26 to start a Listen operation (S13). That is, the NFC communication I / F 26 can receive a polling signal transmitted from the NFC communication I / F 56 of the mobile terminal 50. Further, the device program 35 displays a proximity instruction screen (not shown) on the display 23 (S14). The proximity instruction screen is, for example, a screen for instructing the user to bring the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 closer to a range in which the MFP 10 can receive a polling signal transmitted from the portable terminal 50.

  The NFC communication I / F 26 that is performing the Listen operation is an example of a connectable state in which an NFC link can be established with the mobile terminal 50. On the other hand, the NFC communication I / F 26 that is not executing the Listen operation is an example of a connection impossible state in which an NFC link cannot be established with the mobile terminal 50. The process of S13 is an example of a first switching process for switching the NFC communication I / F 26 from the inaccessible state to the connectable state.

  Next, the apparatus program 35 receives a polling signal from the portable terminal 50 through the NFC communication I / F 26 that is executing the Listen operation, for example, when the user brings the portable terminal 50 close to the MFP 10. Next, the device program 35 transmits a response signal to the portable terminal 50 that is the transmission source of the polling signal through the NFC communication I / F 26. Thereby, an NFC link is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. The establishment of the NFC link is an example of the proximity wireless connection between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50.

  Then, the terminal program 65 of the mobile terminal 50 transmits the authentication information stored in the memory 62 to the MFP 10 through the NFC communication I / F 56 in which the NFC link is established (S15). This process is an example of a third transmission process. Further, the device program 35 of the MFP 10 receives the authentication information from the portable terminal 50 through the NFC communication I / F 26 with the NFC link established (S15). This process is an example of a third reception process. Note that the authentication information may be transmitted and received by Wi-Fi communication. In this case, the processes of S13, S14, and S16 are omitted.

  Next, in response to receiving the authentication information from the portable terminal 50, the device program 35 causes the NFC communication I / F 26 to end the Listen operation (S16). That is, the NFC communication I / F 26 cannot receive the polling signal transmitted from the NFC communication I / F 56 of the portable terminal 50. The process of S16 is an example of a second switching process for switching the NFC communication I / F 26 from a connectable state to a non-connectable state. The processes of S13 to S16 are an example of an acquisition process and a first acquisition process.

  Next, the device program 35 transmits transmission request information to the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 25 (S17). The transmission request information is information for requesting transmission of print data. The transmission request information includes, for example, scan data generated in S11 and authentication information received in S15. In other words, the transmission request information includes a data ID in the format of the QR image 112 indicated by the scan data. This process is an example of a first transmission process.

  Next, the server program 95 of the server 80 receives transmission request information from the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 85 (S17). This process is an example of a second reception process. Next, the server program 95 determines whether the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the transmission request information has the acquisition authority based on the authentication information included in the transmission request information (S18). The process of S18 is an example of a first determination process. Although the specific example of the process of S18 is not specifically limited, For example, one or both of the following two examples are employable.

  As an example, the server program 95 determines that the MFP 10 has the acquisition authority in response to the fact that the same account information as the account information included in the authentication information is stored in the memory 92. On the other hand, the server program 95 determines that the MFP 10 has no acquisition authority in response to the fact that the same account information as the account information included in the authentication information is not stored in the memory 92. As another example, the server program 95 determines that the MFP 10 has the acquisition authority in response to the payment of the template data using the payment information included in the authentication information. On the other hand, the server program 95 determines that the MFP 10 does not have the acquisition authority in response to the fact that the price of the template data cannot be settled using the settlement information included in the authentication information.

  Next, the server program 95 transmits error information to the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 85 in response to determining that the MFP 10 from which the transmission request information is acquired has no acquisition authority (S18: No) (S19). . The error information is information for notifying that the MFP 10 does not have acquisition authority. The error information includes, for example, an error code indicating that the account information is not stored in the memory 92 or that the price cannot be settled. On the other hand, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 receives error information from the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 25 (S19). Then, the apparatus program 35 displays an error screen (not shown) on the display 23 (S20). The error screen includes, for example, a message corresponding to the error code included in the error information.

  On the other hand, the server program 95 transmits the confirmation request information to the portable terminal 50 through the communication I / F 85 in response to determining that the MFP 10 that is the acquisition source of the transmission request information has the acquisition authority (S18: Yes) (S21). ). The confirmation request information is information for allowing the user of the portable terminal 50 to confirm whether the MFP 10 receives print data. The confirmation request information includes, for example, a data ID included in the transmission request information and price information indicating the price of the template data indicated by the data ID. For example, the server program 95 may transmit the confirmation request information as an e-mail addressed to an e-mail address included in the personal information. This process is an example of a fourth transmission process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 of the portable terminal 50 receives the confirmation request information from the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 55 (S21). This process is an example of a fifth reception process. Next, the terminal program 65 displays a confirmation screen shown in FIG. 6A on the display 53 (S22). The confirmation screen displays a message “Do you want to download the following template data?”, Data ID “premium-0001”, price “¥ 500 yen” indicated by the price information, [OK] icon 121, [Cancel] icon 122. Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation for the confirmation screen through the input I / F 54 (S23). The process of S23 is an example of a reception process.

  When the terminal program 65 receives the designation of the [OK] icon 121 through the input I / F 54 (S23), the terminal program 65 sends the reception permission information to the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 55 as a response to the confirmation request information. Transmit (S24). The reception permission information is information indicating that the user of the portable terminal 50 has permitted the MFP 10 to receive print data. This process is an example of a fifth transmission process. The designation of the [OK] icon 121 is an example of a user operation that instructs the MFP 10 to receive print data.

  On the other hand, although illustration is omitted, the terminal program 65 requests confirmation of reception refusal information from the server 80 via the Wi-Fi communication I / F 55 in response to accepting the designation of the [Cancel] icon 122 via the input I / F 54. Sent as an information response. The reception refusal information is information for indicating that the user of the portable terminal 50 refuses the MFP 10 to receive print data. And the server program 95 of the server 80 skips the process after S25 according to having received reception refusal information from the portable terminal 50 through communication I / F85, and complete | finishes the process shown by FIG.4 and FIG.5. To do.

  Next, the server program 95 of the server 80 receives the reception permission information from the portable terminal 50 through the communication I / F 85 (S24). This process is an example of a fourth reception process. Next, the server program 95 reads the template data identified by the data ID included in the transmission request information from the memory 92 as print data in response to receiving the reception permission information (S25). The process of S25 is an example of a second acquisition process for acquiring print data. The server program 95 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 85 as a response to the transmission request information received in S17 (S26). This process is an example of a second transmission process.

  Next, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 receives print data from the server 80 through the Wi-Fi communication I / F 25 (S26). This process is an example of a first reception process. Next, the apparatus program 35 displays the preview screen shown in FIG. 6B on the display 23 (S27). The preview screen includes a message “Do you want to print the template on a postcard?”, A preview image 131 corresponding to the image indicated by the print data, an [OK] icon 132, and a [Cancel] icon 133. Then, the device program 35 accepts a user operation for the preview screen through the input I / F 24 (S28).

  Next, in response to accepting the designation of the [OK] icon 132 through the input I / F 24 (S28: OK), the apparatus program 35 executes the printing operation for the print data received in S26 on the printer 11. (S29). That is, the printer 11 records the template image indicated by the template data received as print data on the communication surface of the postcard. The process of S29 is an example of a print instruction process. On the other hand, the apparatus program 35 skips the process of S29 in response to accepting the designation of the [Cancel] icon 133 through the input I / F 24 (S28: Cancel), and performs the processes shown in FIGS. finish.

  On the other hand, in response to determining that the data ID identifies standard data (S12: No), the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 skips steps S13 to S16 and executes step S17. In this case, the transmission request information includes, for example, scan data and does not include authentication information. Further, in response to receiving the transmission request information including the data ID of the standard data (S17), the server program 95 of the server 80 skips the processes of S18 to S24 and executes the processes after S25. That is, the server program 95 transmits the standard data indicated by the data ID to the MFP 10 as print data (S25 & S26). The processing after S26 is common to the case of premium data. However, the processing of S13 to S16 and the processing of S18 to S24 may be executed regardless of premium data or standard data.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
According to the above embodiment, among the information included in the transmission request information, the scan data including the data ID is generated by the scanner, and the authentication information is acquired from the portable terminal 50 by the proximity wireless communication. Therefore, the information is input to the user. Compared with the case of making it possible, print data that requires acquisition authority can be received from the server 80 with fewer user operations. However, the acquisition source of the authentication information is not limited to the portable terminal 50 and may be stored in the memory 32 or may be input by the user through the input I / F 24.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, since the authentication information is acquired from the portable terminal 50 possessed by each user, the presence / absence of authority is appropriately determined even when the MFP 10 is shared by a plurality of users. . In addition, the NFC communication I / F 26 is set in a connectable state only during a necessary period (S13 to S16), and the NFC communication I / F 26 is set in a non-connectable state during other periods. It is possible to prevent the authentication information from being transmitted unintentionally.

  The device program 35 may determine whether or not the authentication information received in S15 includes payment information. Then, the apparatus program 35 may execute the process of S17 in response to determining that the authentication information includes payment information. On the other hand, the apparatus program 35 may display an error screen on the display 23 in response to determining that the authentication information does not include payment information. The error screen is, for example, a screen for notifying that the print data cannot be downloaded unless payment information is input, and instructing the user to input the payment information through the input I / F 24 or the NFC communication I / F 26. Then, the apparatus program 35 may execute the process of S17 in response to the payment information being acquired through the input I / F 24 or the NFC communication I / F 26. The same applies to whether or not the authentication information includes account information.

  Moreover, the payment information may be included in personal information registered in advance in the server 80. That is, the server 80 may store the payment information acquired from the user of the mobile terminal 50 and the issued account information in the memory 92 in association with each other. In this case, the authentication information transmitted and received in S15 and S17 includes account information and does not need to include settlement information. In S18, the server program 95 of the server 80 may determine whether or not the payment information associated with the account information received in S17 is stored in the memory 92.

  And the server program 95 should just perform the process after S21, when it is judged that the payment information is memorize | stored. On the other hand, the server program 95 may transmit error information for requesting transmission of payment information to the MFP 10 in response to determining that the payment information is not stored (S19). Furthermore, the server program 95 may execute the process of S18 again in response to receiving payment information from the MFP 10 after transmitting error information.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, since the user of the portable terminal 50 confirms beforehand whether or not the print data can be downloaded through the confirmation screen, the print data can be downloaded using the authentication information registered in the portable terminal 50. It is possible to suppress the execution of the mobile terminal 50 against the user's intention. For example, when trying to download paid print data, there is an extraordinary effect that charging against a user's intention is suppressed.

  Note that what the scanner 12 reads in step S11 is not limited to the document illustrated in FIG. Hereinafter, another example of the document read in S11 and another example of the method for acquiring print data in S25 will be described.

  For example, the apparatus program 35 may cause the scanner 12 to read a document on which a plurality of QR images are recorded in S11. In step S <b> 17, the apparatus program 35 includes scan data including a plurality of QR images in transmission request information and transmits the transmission data to the server 80. In addition, for example, in S25, the server program 95 acquires a data ID from each of a plurality of QR images, reads out image data identified by each of the plurality of data IDs from the memory 92, and combines the plurality of read image data. According to this, print data may be generated.

  In this way, by specifying a combination of a plurality of image data constituting the print data, the number of print data variations that can be acquired increases. Further, since the QR image is read by the scanner 12, it is possible to prevent the user operation from being complicated even if the number of data IDs is large. One of the plurality of data IDs is an example of first identification information, and the other is an example of second identification information.

  Further, for example, in S11, the apparatus program 35 may cause the scanner 12 to read a document on which the destination image 141 is recorded, as shown in FIG. The destination image 141 is an example of a character string image indicating a postcard destination. More specifically, the destination image 141 is an image in which a postal code, name, and address indicating a postcard destination are written by a user in a frame recorded in advance on a document. In step S <b> 17, the apparatus program 35 includes the scan data indicating the destination image 141 and the authentication information in the transmission request information, and transmits the transmission request information to the server 80. On the other hand, the transmission request information in this case may not include the data ID.

  Next, in S25, for example, the server program 95 extracts an image indicating the zip code, name, and address from the scan data included in the transmission request information. The server program 95 may extract the destination image 141 with the layout as it is, or may separately extract an image indicating the postal code, an image indicating the name, and an image indicating the address. The server program 95 reads from the memory 92 template data indicating an address plane image indicating the layout of the postcard address plane. Then, print data may be generated by synthesizing an image indicating the extracted zip code, name, and address at a predetermined position on the address plane image.

  Further, for example, in S11, the apparatus program 35 may cause the scanner 12 to read a document on which a QR image is recorded and a document on which an image used as a background image on a postcard communication surface is recorded. In step S <b> 17, the device program 35 includes scan data indicating the QR image and the background image and authentication information in the transmission request information and transmits the transmission request information to the server 80. On the other hand, the server program 95 acquires the data ID from the QR image indicated by the scan data, for example, in S25, reads out the template data identified by the acquired data ID from the memory 92, and adds the template to the background image indicated by the scan data. Print data may be generated by synthesizing the foreground image indicated by the data.

  A specific example of the background image is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a photograph taken by the user, an English newspaper, or the like. Moreover, the specific example of a foreground image is not specifically limited, For example, the fixed form etc. which are recorded on the communication surface of a New Year's card and a summer greeting may be sufficient, and the zodiac symbol etc. may be sufficient. Further, in S25, the foreground image indicated by the scan data may be combined with the background image indicated by the template data.

  As described above, the print data is received from the server 80 by causing the scanner 12 to read one or both of the document on which the QR image for identifying the template data is recorded and the document on which the image to be combined with the template data is recorded. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the user operation. One or both of the QR image and the image to be combined with the template data is an example of information for acquiring print data.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, an example in which print data indicating an image to be recorded on the communication surface or address surface of a postcard has been described. However, specific examples of the image indicated by the print data are not limited thereto. The print data may be, for example, a member-only flyer or coupon, a concert or sports watching ticket, or any other image.

  In the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 according to the above-described embodiment, an example in which each process executed by the controller of the present invention is realized by the CPUs 31 and 61 executing various programs stored in the memories 32 and 62. explained. However, the configuration of the controller is not limited to this, and part or all of the configuration may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be realized not only as the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 but also as a program that causes the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to execute processing. Then, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a storage unit mounted on a server that can be connected to the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 through a communication network, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and the like. And the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server may be distributed through communication networks, such as the internet 101, as the information or signal which shows the said program.

10 ... MFP
11 ... Printer 12 ... Scanner 23, 53 ... Display 24, 54 ... Input I / F
25, 55 ... Wi-Fi communication I / F
26, 56 ... NFC communication I / F
31, 61, 91 ... CPU
32, 62, 92 ... Memory 35 ... Device program 50 ... Mobile terminal 65 ... Terminal program 80 ... Server 95 ... Server program

Claims (10)

A system comprising an image forming apparatus and a server,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A scanner,
A printer,
A first communication interface;
A first controller,
The first controller includes:
A scan instruction process for causing the scanner to execute a scan operation for generating scan data by reading a document on which information for acquiring print data is recorded;
A first acquisition process for acquiring authentication information indicating that the user has authority to acquire the print data;
A first transmission process for transmitting transmission request information to the server through the first communication interface, wherein the transmission request information is information for requesting transmission of the print data, and the scan instruction process Including the generated scan data and the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition process,
The first controller includes:
A first reception process for receiving the print data from the server as a response to the transmission request information through the first communication interface;
A print instruction process for causing the printer to execute a print operation for recording an image indicated by the print data on a sheet;
The server
A second communication interface;
A second controller,
The second controller is
A second reception process for receiving the transmission request information from the image forming apparatus through the second communication interface;
First determination for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus has an authority to acquire the print data corresponding to the scan data included in the transmission request information using the authentication information included in the transmission request information Processing,
A second acquisition process for acquiring the print data using the scan data included in the transmission request information in response to the first determination process determining that the image forming apparatus has authority;
And a second transmission process for transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus through the second communication interface. The system includes a mobile terminal,
The image forming apparatus includes a first proximity communication interface that performs proximity wireless communication.
In the first acquisition process, the first controller executes a third reception process for receiving the authentication information from the portable terminal through the first proximity communication interface,
The portable terminal is
Terminal memory,
A second proximity communication interface for performing proximity wireless communication;
A third controller,
The third controller sends the authentication information stored in the terminal memory through the second proximity communication interface when the second proximity communication interface is in proximity wireless connection with the image forming apparatus. The system according to claim 1, wherein a third transmission process for transmitting to the apparatus is executed. The first proximity communication interface includes:
A connectable state in which close proximity wireless connection is possible, and
It is possible to switch to a connection impossible state where close proximity wireless connection is impossible,
The first controller includes:
Executing a second determination process for determining whether the authentication information is necessary for acquiring the print data based on the scan data generated in the scan instruction process;
In the first acquisition process,
A first switching process for switching the first proximity communication interface from the inaccessible state to the connectable state in response to the determination in the second determination process that the authentication information is necessary;
The system according to claim 2, wherein a second switching process for switching the first proximity communication interface from the connectable state to the non-connectable state is executed in response to the execution of the third reception process. In response to determining in the first determination process that the image forming apparatus has authority, the second controller sends confirmation request information to the portable terminal that is the transmission source of the authentication information through the second communication interface. The transmission request is transmitted, and the confirmation request information is information for allowing the user of the portable terminal to confirm whether or not the image forming apparatus receives the print data.
The second controller executes a fourth reception process for receiving reception permission information from the mobile terminal as a response to the confirmation request information through the second communication interface, and the reception permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. It is information for indicating that the user of the mobile terminal is allowed to receive print data,
The portable terminal includes a third communication interface and an input interface,
The third controller
A fifth reception process for receiving the confirmation request information from the server through the third communication interface;
An accepting process for accepting, through the input interface, a user operation for instructing whether or not to cause the image forming apparatus to receive the print data in response to receiving the confirmation request information;
A fifth transmission process for transmitting the reception permission information to the server through the third communication interface in response to receiving the user operation instructing the image forming apparatus to receive the print data in the reception process; The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first controller causes the scanner to read a document on which an image including identification information for identifying the print data is recorded in the scan instruction process;
The server includes a server memory,
The second controller acquires the print data identified by the identification information included in the scan data from the plurality of print data included in the server memory in the second acquisition process. 5. The system according to any one of 4. The first controller causes the scanner to read a document on which an image including first identification information and an image including second identification information are recorded in the scan instruction process;
The second controller acquires the print data by combining the image data identified by the first identification information and the image data identified by the second identification information in the second acquisition process. The system according to claim 5. In the scan instruction process, the first controller causes the scanner to read a document on which an image to be combined with template data is recorded,
The server includes a server memory,
The said 2nd controller acquires the said print data by synthesize | combining the said scan data with the said template data memorize | stored in the said server memory in a said 2nd acquisition process. system. The first controller causes the scanner to read a document on which a character string image indicating a postcard destination is recorded in the scan instruction process,
In the second acquisition process, the second controller records the address surface by combining the character string image indicated by the scan data with the image indicating the layout of the address surface indicated by the template data. The system according to claim 7, wherein the print data is acquired. In the scan instruction process, the first controller includes a document on which an image including identification information for identifying the template data is recorded and a document on which an image used for a background image of a postcard communication surface is recorded. Let the scanner read,
In the second acquisition process, the second controller combines the foreground image indicated by the template data identified by the identification information included in the scan data with the background image indicated by the scan data. The system according to claim 7, wherein the print data to be recorded on the communication surface is acquired. A scanner,
A printer,
A communication interface;
An image forming apparatus comprising a controller,
The controller is
A scan instruction process for causing the scanner to execute a scan operation for generating scan data by reading a document on which information for acquiring print data is recorded;
An acquisition process for acquiring authentication information indicating that the print data has an authority to acquire;
A first transmission process for transmitting transmission request information to a server through the communication interface, wherein the transmission request information is information for requesting transmission of the print data, and is generated by the scan instruction process Including the scan data and the authentication information acquired in the acquisition process;
The controller is
A first reception process for receiving the print data from a server through the communication interface as a response to the transmission request information;
An image forming apparatus that executes a print instruction process for causing the printer to execute a print operation for recording an image indicated by the print data on a sheet.