JP5830904B2 - Printing apparatus and printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a specific function such as a printer. The present invention also relates to a system including the electronic device and a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) that issues an instruction to the electronic device.

  In Patent Document 1, a PC sends a print job to a server in advance and stores it, the PC displays the position information of the print job, a mobile phone shoots the position information, sends it to the multifunction peripheral, A printing system is described in which a machine obtains a print job from the server and prints it.

  As a method for connecting to a printer used for printing, for example, the IP (Internet Protocol) address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the printer used for printing is directly input to a terminal such as a PC or a mobile phone that issues a print instruction. And a method of executing an application program for searching for a printer in the terminal (hereinafter also simply referred to as “application”) and selecting the discovered printer as a printer to be used for printing.

JP 2007-293759 A

  However, in the method of directly inputting the printer IP address or URL to the terminal or searching for the printer using a search application, the user knows the printer IP address, URL, information about the network to which the terminal is connected, and the like. Need to be. In such a method, it is not easy to connect the terminal and the printer, especially for users who do not have advanced knowledge about the network, and the convenience is low.

  An object of the present invention is to easily connect a terminal used by a user to an electronic device that the user wants to use.

A first aspect of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problem, a printing apparatus connected to a network, display the code includes information indicating the ability information and the printing apparatus has for the network of the printing device Display means , receiving means for receiving instruction data from the first apparatus that has photographed the code, or a second apparatus that can communicate with the first apparatus, and printing based on the instruction data And a control means .

The printing apparatus may include a receiving unit that receives an instruction to display the code from a user, and the display unit may display the code when the instruction from the user is received.

The front Symbol display means may display by printing said code on a print medium.

A second aspect of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problem, a printing apparatus connected to a network, a printing system comprising a terminal, a having a photographing means is connected to the network, the printing apparatus , Display means for displaying a code including information relating to the network of the printing apparatus and information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus, receiving means for receiving instruction data from the terminal, and printing based on the instruction data comprising a control unit, wherein the terminal is to shoot the code, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating the ability information and the printing apparatus has for the network of the printing apparatus, the acquired the printing device based on the information about the network, and setting means for setting a destination indicated by the information as the transmit destination of the instruction data, the acquired Wherein based on the information indicating the ability to have printing apparatus, an instruction generating means for generating the instruction data in accordance with the capability, and transmitting means for transmitting the instruction data to the destination in which the set, to have a And

A third aspect of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problem, a printing system comprising a printing apparatus connected to a network, the device connected to the network, and a terminal having a photographing means, The printing apparatus includes: a display unit that displays information including information regarding the network of the printing apparatus and information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus; a receiving unit that receives instruction data from the terminal; and the instruction data. a control means for controlling the printing, and the terminal, the printing apparatus by photographing the code displayed on, acquires information indicating the ability information and the printing apparatus has for the network of the printing device a first obtaining means, by photographing the code that contains information about the network of the device displayed on the device, about the network of the device That a second acquiring means for acquiring information, based on information about the network of the acquired device communicates with the device, information indicating the acquired ability to have the information and the printing apparatus for the network of the printing device Transmitting means, and the apparatus has a display means for displaying the code including information relating to the network of the apparatus , information relating to the network of the printing apparatus from the terminal , and the capability of the printing apparatus. receiving means for receiving information indicating, on the basis of the network information received the printing device, and a setting means for setting a destination indicated by the information as the transmit destination of the instruction data, it is received the printing device based on the information indicating the ability to have, an instruction generating means for generating the instruction data in accordance with the capability, the setting Having, and a transmission means for transmitting the instruction data to the transmission destination, and wherein the.

Further, the printing apparatus displays a code including acquisition destination information for acquiring a predetermined program for causing the terminal to function as the first acquisition unit, the second acquisition unit, and the transmission unit, The terminal captures the code including the acquisition destination information displayed on the printing apparatus , acquires the acquisition destination information, and acquires the predetermined program from the acquisition destination indicated by the acquisition destination information. Good.

In any one of the printing systems described above, the information regarding the network of the printing apparatus may be an IP address or a URL.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printing system according to an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing print setting processing of the printing system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of the printing system which concerns on an example of 2nd embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the printing system which concerns on an example of 2nd embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the print setting process of the printing system which concerns on an example of 2nd embodiment of this invention.

  An example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing system 1 includes a printing device 2 and a mobile terminal 3.

  In the present embodiment, description will be given focusing on a connection procedure before the printing apparatus 2 and the mobile terminal 3 can communicate with each other.

  The printing apparatus 2 can execute printing based on a print instruction sent from the mobile terminal 3 connected via the network 6. The mobile terminal 3 can implement various processes by an application, various processes by a printer driver program (hereinafter also simply referred to as “printer driver”), and the like, and can send a print instruction to the connected printing apparatus 2.

  The printing apparatus 2 is connected to a network 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). An access point 5 that provides wireless communication is connected to the network 6. The portable terminal 3 is connected to the network 6 via the access point 5 by wireless communication. Therefore, the printing apparatus 2 and the portable terminal 3 can communicate with each other.

  The printing apparatus 2 is, for example, a laser type or ink jet type printer. The printing apparatus 2 is connected to, for example, a controller 20 that controls the printing apparatus 2 in an integrated manner, a network interface (I / F) 24 that is connected to the network 6 to transmit and receive data, and an external device such as a storage medium. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 25, a print engine 26 that prints on a print medium, and an operation panel 27 that displays various types of information and accepts input of user operations.

  The controller 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22 that temporarily stores print data and the like, various data for controlling the printing apparatus 2, A ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 in which various programs and the like are stored in advance in a nonvolatile manner is provided. The controller 20 may include a dedicated ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that controls image processing and the operation of the print engine 26.

  The operation panel 27 includes, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display (Electro-Luminescence Display), a touch panel that functions as an input device, a hard switch, and the like.

  The mobile terminal 3 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like. The mobile terminal 3 includes a controller 30 that controls the mobile terminal 3 in an integrated manner, a built-in or external auxiliary storage device 36 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SDD (Solid State Drive), and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). ) A camera 37 using an image sensor or the like, an input device 38 such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and a display 39 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

  The controller 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM 32 that temporarily stores data and the like, and a ROM 33 that stores various data and various programs for controlling the portable terminal 3 in advance in a nonvolatile manner. And a network I / F 34 that wirelessly connects to the network 6 to transmit and receive data, and a USB I / F 35 that connects to an external device such as a storage medium.

  Of course, the configurations of the printing system 1, the printing apparatus 2, and the mobile terminal 3 are not limited to the above because the main configurations have been described in describing the features of the present invention. In addition, other configurations included in a general printing system, a printing apparatus, and a portable terminal are not excluded. For example, the printing apparatus 2 may be a multifunction machine or a copier that further has a scanner function and a facsimile function. Further, the printing apparatus 2 may be connected to the network 6 through the access point 5 by wireless communication. Further, the mobile terminal 3 may be connected to the network 6 by wired communication.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printing system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 2 displays information related to the printing apparatus by a user operation. In addition, the mobile terminal 3 captures information related to the printing apparatus displayed on the printing apparatus 2 by a user operation. Then, the portable terminal 3 is connected to the printing apparatus 2 based on the photographed information, and sends print data to the printing apparatus 2 to execute printing.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the printing system 1 has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

  The printing apparatus 2 includes a setting reception unit 200, a print control unit 210, a communication unit 220, a printing device information generation unit 231, and a printing device information output unit 232.

  The setting accepting unit 200, the print control unit 210, and the communication unit 220 are realized, for example, by executing a predetermined program (such as firmware of the printing apparatus 2) loaded by the CPU 21 from the ROM 23 to the RAM 22. The printing device information output unit 232 and the printing device information generation unit 231 are realized by the CPU 21 executing a predetermined program (printing device information output program 230) loaded from the ROM 23 to the RAM 22, for example.

  Each of the above programs is stored in advance in the ROM 23 when the printing apparatus 2 is manufactured, for example. Of course, it may be downloaded from a server on the network and installed or updated. Further, it may be recorded in advance on a portable recording medium, read from the recording medium, and installed or updated. Further, which functional unit is realized by which program is not limited to the above, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the printing apparatus information output program 230 may be included as part of the firmware.

  The setting receiving unit 200 is a functional unit that receives a user instruction to the printing apparatus 2. For example, the setting reception unit 200 displays a menu for executing various functions of the printing apparatus 2 on the operation panel 27, receives selection of a menu item by a user operation, and changes print settings and network settings. . In the present embodiment, the setting reception unit 200 activates the printing apparatus information output program 230 when receiving an instruction to display information related to the printing apparatus.

  The print control unit 210 is a functional unit that controls printing of the printing apparatus 2. For example, the print control unit 210 generates data for controlling the print engine 26 based on the print data received from the mobile terminal 3 by the communication unit 220, and various mechanisms of the print engine 26 based on the generated data. By controlling this operation, printing on a print medium is performed.

  The communication unit 220 is a functional unit that connects to the network 6 and controls communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit 220 controls the network I / F 24 to communicate with a device such as the mobile terminal 3. The USB I / F 25 may be controlled to communicate with an external device.

  The printing device information generation unit 231 is a functional unit that generates information related to the printing device. For example, the printing apparatus information generation unit 231 acquires the printing apparatus information 240 set in the printing apparatus 2. Further, the acquired printing apparatus information 240 is processed to generate image data conforming to a predetermined standard including such information, for example, a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark).

  The printing device information 240 includes, for example, information related to the network of the printing device 2, for example, network identification information (IP address, MAC address, model name, etc.). Capability information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus 2 (size of paper that can be fed, presence / absence of a double-sided printing mechanism, color printing / monochrome printing, supported printing languages, etc.) and information indicating the status of the printing apparatus 2 (error) , During idle, printable, number of printed pages, ink remaining amount, etc.) may be included.

  The printing device information output unit 232 is a functional unit that outputs printing device information. For example, the printing apparatus information output unit 232 displays the printing apparatus information 250 (image data) generated by the printing apparatus information generation unit 231 on the operation panel 27. In this embodiment, the image data is displayed. However, the printing apparatus information 240 may be displayed as a character string as it is. Further, the printing apparatus information output unit 232 may instruct the printing control unit 210 to print the printing apparatus information 240 on a printing medium (display on the printing medium).

  The portable terminal 3 includes a setting reception unit 301, a print data generation unit 302, a communication unit 303, an application unit 310, a printing device information photographing unit 321, a printing device information acquisition unit 322, a storage unit 323, and a printing unit. And a setting unit 325.

  The setting reception unit 301, the print data generation unit 302, and the communication unit 303 are realized, for example, when the CPU 31 executes a predetermined printer driver 300 loaded from the auxiliary storage device 36 to the RAM 32. The application unit 310 is realized, for example, when the CPU 31 executes a predetermined application program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 36 to the RAM 32. The printing device information photographing unit 321, the printing device information acquisition unit 322, the storage unit 323, and the print setting unit 325 are, for example, a predetermined program (print setting application 320) loaded by the CPU 31 from the auxiliary storage device 36 to the RAM 32. It is realized by executing.

  Each of the above programs is stored in advance in the ROM 33 when the portable terminal 3 is manufactured, for example. Of course, it may be downloaded from a server on the network and installed or updated in the mobile terminal 3. Further, it may be recorded in advance on a portable recording medium, read from the recording medium, and installed or updated. Further, which functional unit is realized by which program is not limited to the above, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the print setting application 320 may be included in a part of the printer driver 300. Further, for example, some functions of the printer driver 300 and the print setting application 320 may be realized by an OS (Operating System).

  In the present embodiment, the printer driver 300 is realized by, for example, a printer driver (also referred to as a common driver or the like) that can handle a plurality of types of printing apparatuses. Accordingly, the printer driver can accept designation of a printing apparatus that performs printing, print settings, and the like, and can instruct the designated printing apparatus to perform printing. Of course, the printer driver is not limited to a common driver, and may be a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to each printing apparatus.

  The application unit 310 is a functional unit that creates and edits document data and image data, for example. For example, the application unit 310 outputs a print start instruction, data to be printed, and the like to the setting reception unit 301 based on a user operation. Print settings such as the number of copies may be output.

  A setting reception unit 301 is a functional unit that receives user instructions, print settings, print target data, and the like regarding printing. The setting reception unit 301 receives, for example, a print start instruction, print target data, print settings, and the like from the application unit 310.

  The setting reception unit 301 also displays a predetermined user interface screen for receiving print settings and the like when a print setting instruction is received via a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the application unit 310, for example. Accept changes.

  In addition, the setting reception unit 301 receives print settings from the print setting unit 325, for example. The print setting includes information for identifying the printing apparatus 2 (for example, model name) and capability information of the printing apparatus 2. The setting reception unit 301 receives the capability information of the printing apparatus 2 from the print setting unit 325, and reflects the capability information of the printing apparatus 2 on a predetermined user interface screen that receives, for example, print settings. Then, a change in print settings is accepted by a user operation. In addition, the setting reception unit 301 sets the printing apparatus 2 indicated by the identification information received from the print setting unit 325 as a printing destination.

  The print data generation unit 302 is a functional unit that generates print data. For example, the print data generation unit 302 receives print target data and print settings from the setting reception unit 301 and generates print data for causing the printing apparatus 2 designated as the print destination to perform printing. For this reason, the print data generation unit 302 has a function of performing rasterization processing, color conversion processing, and the like, for example. It may have a function of generating print data in a page description language format. Further, the print data generation unit 302 instructs the communication unit 303 to transmit the generated print data to the printing apparatus 2 designated by the setting reception unit 301.

  The communication unit 303 is a functional unit that is connected to the network 6 and controls communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit 303 controls the network I / F 24 to communicate with a printing apparatus such as the printing apparatus 2. Further, the communication unit 303 receives a setting of network identification information related to the printing apparatus 2 that is a transmission destination (destination) of print data from the print setting unit 325, for example, a port, an IP address, a MAC address, and the like. The communication unit 303 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit 302 to the printing apparatus 2 set as the transmission destination of the print data.

  The print setting application 320 is activated by a user operation via, for example, a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS.

  The printing apparatus information imaging unit 321 is a functional unit that performs imaging of printing apparatus information. For example, the printing apparatus information photographing unit 321 displays a predetermined user interface and accepts an instruction to start photographing. When an instruction to start shooting is received, the camera 37 is controlled to print the printing device information 250 displayed on the printing device 2 and store it as image data.

  The printing device information acquisition unit 322 is a functional unit that acquires printing device information from captured image data. For example, the printing apparatus information acquisition unit 322 analyzes image data (for example, a two-dimensional barcode) photographed by the printing apparatus information photographing unit 321, and various types of printing apparatus information (for example, the printing apparatus 2). Network identification information and capability information) is acquired and stored in the storage unit 323 as printing device information 324.

  The storage unit 323 is a functional unit that stores the printing apparatus information 324.

  The print setting unit 325 is a functional unit that sets a print destination printing apparatus and print settings. Based on the printing device information 324 stored in the storage unit 323, the print setting unit 325 informs the setting reception unit 301 of the capability information of the printing destination printing device 2 and information for identifying the printing device 2 (for example, model name). Set. By performing such settings, the setting reception unit 301 can receive print settings from the user within the capability range of the printing apparatus 2. The print data generation unit 302 can generate suitable print data within the capability range of the printing apparatus 2 in accordance with the print settings instructed from the setting reception unit 301.

  Also, the print setting unit 325 sets the network identification information of the printing apparatus 2 as a transmission destination of the print data in the communication unit 303 based on the printing apparatus information 324. By performing such setting, the communication unit 303 can communicate with the printing apparatus 2 of the set network identification information.

  The above components are classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configurations of the printing system 1, the printing device 2, and the portable terminal 3. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configurations of the printing system 1, the printing apparatus 2, and the portable terminal 3 can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processing executed in the printing system 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing print setting processing of the printing system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In S10, the printing apparatus information output program 230 is activated. Specifically, the setting receiving unit 200 activates the printing apparatus information output program 230 when receiving an instruction to display information regarding the printing apparatus via the operation panel 27.

  In S11, the printing apparatus information generation unit 231 generates printing apparatus information. Specifically, the printing apparatus information generation unit 231 acquires printing apparatus information 240 (for example, network identification information and capability information) set in the printing apparatus 2, and image data (for example, 2) Dimensional barcode).

  In S12, the printing apparatus information output unit 232 outputs the printing apparatus information. Specifically, the printing apparatus information output unit 232 displays the printing apparatus information 250 (image data) generated in S11 on the operation panel 27. You may make it print. Note that the display of the image data may be continued for a predetermined time, or may be continued until an instruction from the user is given.

  In S20, the print setting application 320 is activated. Specifically, for example, the OS activates the print setting application 320 when receiving an instruction to activate the print setting application 320 by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen.

  In S21, the printing apparatus information photographing unit 321 photographs the printing apparatus information. Specifically, for example, when the printing apparatus information photographing unit 321 receives a photographing instruction from a user via a predetermined user interface, the printing apparatus information photographing unit 321 controls the camera 37 to display the printing apparatus information 250 displayed on the printing apparatus 2. Take a picture and store it as image data.

  In S22, the printing apparatus information acquisition unit 322 acquires printing apparatus information. Specifically, the printing apparatus information acquisition unit 322 analyzes the image data captured in step S <b> 21, acquires printing apparatus information, and stores the printing apparatus information 324 in the storage unit 323.

In S23, the print setting unit 325 performs print settings. Specifically, the print setting unit 325
Based on the printing device information 324 stored in the storage unit 323 in S22, the setting reception unit 301 is set with capability information of the printing device 2 that is the printing destination and information (for example, model name) that identifies the printing device 2. Further, the network identification information of the printing apparatus 2 is set in the communication unit 303 as the transmission destination of the print data.

  In this way, the print setting and the print destination setting are performed in the mobile terminal 3 based on the device information of the printing device 2. Thereafter, when the setting reception unit 301 receives an instruction to start printing, the print data generation unit 302 generates print data for executing printing by the printing apparatus 2, and the communication unit 303 prints the generated print data. Transmit to device 2.

  Each processing unit in FIG. 3 is divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the printing system 1, the printing device 2, and the portable terminal 3. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the printing system 1, the printing device 2, and the portable terminal 3 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  Heretofore, an example of the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to this embodiment, a terminal used by a user can be easily connected to an electronic device that the user wants to use.

  That is, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus displays information related to the printing apparatus. In addition, the mobile terminal captures information related to the printing apparatus displayed on the printing apparatus. Further, the mobile terminal sets the printing apparatus as a connection destination based on the captured data. With such a configuration, the user can easily connect the mobile terminal to the printing apparatus and perform printing. In addition, even if the user does not know the IP address and URL of the printer, information about the network to which the terminal is connected, etc., or even if the user does not have advanced knowledge about the network, etc., it can be easily set it can.

  Further, the mobile terminal acquires capability information of the printing apparatus based on the photographed data, and performs print settings within the capability range. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that print data including print settings that cannot be handled by the connection destination printing apparatus is generated and the printing fails. In addition, after the connection destination is set, the portable terminal does not need to acquire capability information from the printing apparatus, and unnecessary communication is not performed via the network.

  Next, an example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A description will be given centering on differences from the example of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing system 1a includes a printing device 2, a portable terminal 3a, and a PC 4.

  In the present embodiment, description will be given focusing on a connection procedure before the printing apparatus 2 and the PC 4 can communicate with each other.

  The printing apparatus 2 can execute printing based on a printing instruction sent from the PC 4 connected via the network 6. The PC 4 can perform various processes by an application, various processes by a printer driver, and the like, and can send a print instruction to the connected printing apparatus 2. The portable terminal 3a can capture information related to the printing apparatus, and can connect to the PC 4 and transmit information regarding the captured printing apparatus to the PC 4.

  The PC 4 is connected to the network 6 via the access point 5 by wireless communication. Therefore, the printing apparatus 2 and the PC 4 can communicate with each other. The mobile terminal 3a is connected to the network 6 via the access point 5 by wireless communication. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 3a and the PC 4 can communicate with each other.

  The hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Moreover, the hardware configuration of the portable terminal 3a is the same as that of the example (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment.

  The PC 4 is a camera 37, that is, a computer that does not have a photographing function like the portable terminal 3a. Of course, it may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone that does not have a shooting function. The PC 4 includes a controller 40 that controls the PC 4 in an integrated manner, a built-in or external auxiliary storage device 46 such as an HDD or an SDD, an input device 48 such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a display 49 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. With.

  The controller 40 includes a CPU 41 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM 42 that temporarily stores data and the like, a ROM 43 that stores various data and various programs for controlling the PC 4 in a nonvolatile manner, A network I / F 44 that wirelessly connects to the network 6 to transmit and receive data, and a USB I / F 45 that connects to an external device such as a storage medium.

  Of course, the configurations of the printing system 1a, the printing apparatus 2, the portable terminal 3a, and the PC 4 are not limited to the above because the main configurations have been described in describing the features of the present invention. In addition, other configurations included in a general printing system, a printing apparatus, a portable terminal, and a PC are not excluded. For example, the printing apparatus 2 may be a multifunction machine or a copier that further has a scanner function and a facsimile function. Further, the printing apparatus 2 may be connected to the network 6 through the access point 5 by wireless communication. The PC 4 may be connected to the network 6 by wired communication. The mobile terminal 3a may be connected to the network 6 by wired communication.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printing system according to an example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 2 displays information related to the printing apparatus by a user operation, as in the first embodiment. The PC 4 displays information related to the device by a user operation. The portable terminal 3a captures information related to the printing apparatus displayed on the printing apparatus 2 by a user operation. Moreover, the portable terminal 3a captures information related to the device displayed on the PC 4 by a user operation. Then, the mobile terminal 3a connects to the PC 4 based on the device information of the photographed PC 4, and sends the device information of the photographed printing device 2 to the PC 4. The PC 4 is connected to the printing apparatus 2 based on the apparatus information of the printing apparatus 2 received from the mobile terminal 3a, and sends print data to the printing apparatus 2 to execute printing.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the printing system 1a has a functional configuration as shown in FIG.

  The functional configuration of the printing apparatus 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2).

  The portable terminal 3 a includes a device information photographing unit 331, a device information acquisition unit 332, a storage unit 333, and a printing device information transmission unit 336.

  The device information photographing unit 331, the device information acquisition unit 332, the storage unit 333, and the printing device information transmission unit 336 are realized by, for example, a predetermined program (printing device information acquisition application 330).

  For example, the printing apparatus information acquisition application 330 is activated by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS.

  The device information photographing unit 331 is a functional unit that photographs device information. The device information photographing unit 331 displays a predetermined user interface, for example, and accepts an instruction to start photographing the printing device information. When an instruction to start shooting is received, the camera 37 is controlled to print the printing device information 250 displayed on the printing device 2 and store it as image data.

  In addition, the device information photographing unit 331 receives, for example, an instruction to start photographing device information. When an instruction to start photographing is received, the camera 37 is controlled to photograph the device information 450 displayed on the PC 4 and store it as image data.

  The device information acquisition unit 332 is a functional unit that acquires device information from captured image data. The device information acquisition unit 332 analyzes, for example, the printing device information (image data) of the printing device 2 photographed by the device information photographing unit 331, and various printing device information related to the printing device 2 (for example, the network of the printing device 2). Identification information, capability information, etc.) is acquired and stored in the storage unit 333 as printing device information 334.

  In addition, the device information acquisition unit 332 analyzes, for example, the device information (image data) of the PC 4 captured by the device information capturing unit 331, and acquires various device information related to the PC 4 (for example, network identification information of the PC 4). And stored in the storage unit 333 as device information 335.

  The storage unit 333 is a functional unit that stores printing device information 334 and device information 335.

  The printing device information transmission unit 336 is a functional unit that transmits the printing device information 334 to an external device. For example, the printing apparatus information transmission unit 336 performs connection confirmation with the PC 4 via the network 6 or peer-to-peer based on the apparatus information 335 stored in the storage unit 333. If the connection is possible, the printing apparatus information transmission unit 336 transmits the printing apparatus information 334 to the PC 4. Note that connection to the PC 4, transmission of printing apparatus information, and the like may be started when a user instruction is received via a predetermined user interface screen, for example.

  The PC 4 includes a setting reception unit 401, a print data generation unit 402, a communication unit 403, an application unit 410, a printing device information reception unit 421, a storage unit 422, a print setting unit 424, and a device information generation unit 431. And a device information output unit 432.

  The setting reception unit 401, the print data generation unit 402, and the communication unit 403 are realized by the printer driver 400. The application unit 410 is realized by, for example, a predetermined application program. The printing apparatus information receiving unit 421, the storage unit 422, and the print setting unit 424 are realized by a predetermined program (print setting application 420), for example. The device information generation unit 431 and the device information output unit 432 are realized by, for example, a predetermined program (device information output application 430).

  Each of the above programs is stored in advance in the ROM 43 when the PC 4 is manufactured, for example. Of course, it may be downloaded from a server on the network and installed or updated on the PC 4. Further, it may be recorded in advance on a portable recording medium, read from the recording medium, and installed or updated. Further, which functional unit is realized by which program is not limited to the above, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the print setting application 420 may be included in a part of the printer driver 400. For example, the print setting application 420 and the device information output application 430 may be integrated. For example, some functions of the printer driver 400, the print setting application 420, and the apparatus information output application 430 may be realized by the OS.

  The function of the application unit 410 is the same as that of the application unit 310 (FIG. 2) according to an example of the first embodiment. The functions of the printer driver 400 (setting reception unit 401, print data generation unit 402, and communication unit 403) are the same as those of the printer driver 300 (setting reception unit 301, print data generation unit 302, and communication unit) according to an example of the first embodiment. 303).

  The print setting application 420 is activated by a user operation via, for example, a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS.

  The printing device information receiving unit 421 is a functional unit that receives printing device information from an external device. For example, when receiving a connection request from the portable terminal 3a via the network 6 or directly via the network 6, the printing apparatus information receiving unit 421 displays a predetermined user interface and accepts a connection start instruction. When an instruction to start connection is received, communication with the portable terminal 3a is started. Then, the printing apparatus information (for example, network identification information or capability information of the printing apparatus 2) sent from the portable terminal 3a is received and stored in the storage unit 422 as the printing apparatus information 423.

  The storage unit 422 and the print setting unit 424 are the same as the storage unit 323 and the print setting unit 325 (FIG. 2) according to an example of the first embodiment.

  The device information output application 430 is activated by a user operation via, for example, a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS.

  The device information generation unit 431 is a functional unit that generates information about the device. For example, the device information generation unit 431 acquires the device information 440 set in the PC 4. Further, the acquired apparatus information 440 is processed to generate image data that conforms to a predetermined standard including such information, for example, a two-dimensional barcode.

  The information regarding the device is, for example, network identification information (IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the PC 4. Information (SSID, authentication password) for connecting to the access point 5 may be included.

  The device information output unit 432 is a functional unit that outputs device information. For example, the device information output unit 432 displays the device information 450 (image data) generated by the device information generation unit 431 on the display 49. In this embodiment, the image data is displayed. However, the device information 440 may be displayed as a character string as it is.

  The above constituent elements are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configurations of the printing system 1a, the printing apparatus 2, the portable terminal 3a, and the PC 4. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configurations of the printing system 1a, the printing device 2, the portable terminal 3a, and the PC 4 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processes executed in the printing system 1a will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing print setting processing of the printing system according to an example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing of the printing apparatus 2 is the same as that of the second embodiment (FIG. 3).

  In S30, the printing apparatus information acquisition application 330 is activated. Specifically, for example, the OS activates the print information acquisition application 330 when receiving an instruction to activate the print information acquisition application 330 by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen.

  In S31, the apparatus information photographing unit 331 photographs printing apparatus information. Specifically, for example, when the device information photographing unit 331 receives a photographing instruction from a user via a predetermined user interface, the device information photographing unit 331 controls the camera 37 to photograph the printing device information 250 displayed on the printing device 2. And stored as image data.

  In S32, the device information acquisition unit 332 acquires printing device information. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 332 analyzes the image data captured in S31, acquires the printing device information, and stores it in the storage unit 333 as the printing device information 334.

  In S33, the device information photographing unit 331 photographs device information. Specifically, when the device information photographing unit 331 receives a photographing instruction from a user via a predetermined user interface screen, the device information photographing unit 331 controls the camera 37 to photograph the device information 450 displayed on the PC 4 to obtain image data. Remember as.

  In S34, the device information acquisition unit 332 acquires device information. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 332 analyzes the image data captured in S33, acquires device information, and stores the device information 335 in the storage unit 333.

  In S <b> 35, the printing apparatus information transmission unit 336 confirms connection with the PC 4. Specifically, the printing apparatus information transmission unit 336 attempts to communicate with the PC 4 via the network 6 or peer-to-peer based on the apparatus information 335 stored in the storage unit 333. If there is a response from the PC 4, it is determined that connection is possible.

  In S36, the printing apparatus information transmission unit 336 transmits the printing apparatus information. Specifically, the printing apparatus information transmission unit 336 transmits the printing apparatus information 334 stored in the storage unit 333 in S32 to the PC 4 whose connection has been confirmed in S35.

  In S40, the device information output application 430 is activated. Specifically, for example, the OS activates the device information output application 430 when receiving an instruction to activate the device information output application 430 by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen.

  In S41, the device information generation unit 431 generates device information. Specifically, the device information generation unit 431 acquires device information 440 (for example, network identification information) set in the PC 4, and generates image data (for example, a two-dimensional barcode) including these pieces of information. .

  In S42, the device information output unit 432 outputs the device information. Specifically, the device information output unit 432 displays the device information 450 (image data) generated in S41 on the display 49. Note that the display of the image data may be continued for a predetermined time, or may be continued until an instruction from the user is given.

  In S43, the print setting application 420 is activated. Specifically, for example, the OS activates the print setting application 420 when receiving an instruction to activate the print setting application 420 by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen.

  In S44, the printing apparatus information receiving unit 421 confirms connection with the mobile terminal 3a. Specifically, when receiving a connection request from the portable terminal 3a via the network 6 or directly via the network 6, the printing apparatus information receiving unit 421 displays a predetermined user interface and accepts a connection start instruction. When an instruction to start connection is received, it responds to the portable terminal 3a.

  In S45, the printing apparatus information receiving unit 421 receives the printing apparatus information. Specifically, the printing apparatus information receiving unit 421 receives printing apparatus information (for example, network identification information or capability information of the printing apparatus 2) transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a. And it memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 422 as printing apparatus information 423. FIG.

  In S46, the print setting unit 424 performs print settings. Specifically, the print setting unit 424 identifies the capability information of the printing apparatus 2 that is the printing destination and the printing apparatus 2 to the setting reception unit 401 based on the printing apparatus information 423 stored in the storage unit 422 in S45. Information (for example, model name) is set. Further, the network identification information of the printing apparatus 2 is set in the communication unit 403 as the print data transmission destination.

  In this way, the PC 4 performs print setting and print destination setting based on the device information of the printing device 2. Thereafter, when the setting reception unit 401 receives an instruction to start printing, the print data generation unit 402 generates print data for executing printing by the printing apparatus 2, and the communication unit 403 prints the generated print data. Send to device 2

  Each processing unit in FIG. 6 is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the printing system 1a, the printing apparatus 2, the portable terminal 3a, and the PC 4. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the printing system 1a, the printing device 2, the portable terminal 3a, and the PC 4 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  Heretofore, an example of the second embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present embodiment, a terminal used by a user can be easily connected to an electronic device that the user wants to use.

  That is, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus displays information related to the printing apparatus. Further, the PC displays information related to the device. In addition, the mobile terminal captures information related to the printing device displayed on the printing device and information related to the device displayed on the PC. Further, the portable terminal connects to the PC based on the information of the photographed device and sends information related to the printing device. The PC sets the printing apparatus as a connection destination based on the received information regarding the printing apparatus. With such a configuration, the user can easily connect the PC to the printing apparatus and perform printing even if the PC does not include the photographing device. In addition, even if the user does not know the IP address and URL of the printer, information about the network to which the terminal is connected, etc., or even if the user does not have advanced knowledge about the network, etc., it can be easily set it can.

  Further, the PC acquires capability information of the printing apparatus based on the data received from the mobile terminal, and performs print setting within the range of the capability. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that print data including print settings that cannot be handled by the connection destination printing apparatus is generated and the printing fails. Further, after the connection destination is set, the PC does not need to acquire capability information from the printing apparatus, and unnecessary communication is not performed via the network.

  The above embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

<Modification 1>
For example, in the second embodiment, the printing apparatus 2 may display information for the mobile terminal 3a to download the print information acquisition application 330. Specifically, for example, the printing apparatus 2 receives a user instruction, and uses network identification information (for example, URL) of a server or the like that is the acquisition destination of the print information acquisition application 330 as image data such as a barcode. indicate. Image data may be printed. The portable terminal 3a captures the image data and acquires a URL. The mobile terminal 3a downloads and installs the print information acquisition application 330 from the URL via the network 6 or via a wireless telephone line. In this way, user convenience is further enhanced. In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 2 displays a URL for the mobile terminal 3 to download the print setting application 320, and the mobile terminal 3 captures the URL and uses the URL to print the print setting application 320. May be downloaded and installed.

<Modification 2>
For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the printing device information displayed by the printing device 2 may include identification information of a print queue used by the printing device 2 instead of the network identification information of the printing device 2. . The print queue identification information is, for example, a URL indicating a predetermined server connected to the network 6 or connected to the network 6 via the Internet. In this way, the mobile terminal 3 or the PC 4 can set a print queue corresponding to the printing apparatus 2 as a connection destination. Then, the printing apparatus 2 can acquire the print data generated by the mobile terminal 3 or the PC 4 from the print queue and perform printing.

<Other variations>
For example, each of the above embodiments is not limited to a printing apparatus, but can be applied to an electronic apparatus such as a copier, a multifunction machine, a scanner apparatus, or a projector apparatus. In the case of a projector, the apparatus information of the projector may be projected.

  Of course, one or more of the exemplary embodiments and various modifications may be combined as appropriate.

1: printing system, 1a: printing system, 2: printing device, 3: mobile terminal, 3a: mobile terminal, 4: PC, 5: access point, 6: network, 20: controller, 21: CPU, 22: RAM, 23: ROM, 24: Network I / F, 25: USB I / F, 26: Print engine, 27: Operation panel, 30: Controller, 31: CPU, 32: RAM, 33: ROM, 34: Network I / F 35: USB I / F, 36: auxiliary storage device, 37: camera, 38: input device, 39: display, 40: controller, 41: CPU, 42: RAM, 43: ROM, 44: network I / F, 45: USB I / F, 46: auxiliary storage device, 48: input device, 49: display, 200: setting reception unit, 210: print control 220: communication unit, 230: printing device information output program, 231: printing device information generation unit, 232: printing device information output unit, 240: printing device information, 250: printing device information, 300: printer driver, 301: setting Reception unit, 302: Print data generation unit, 303: Communication unit, 310: Application unit, 320: Print setting application, 321: Printing device information photographing unit, 322: Printing device information acquisition unit, 323: Storage unit, 324: Printing Device information, 325: Print setting unit, 330: Printing device information acquisition application, 331: Device information photographing unit, 332: Device information acquisition unit, 333: Storage unit, 334: Printing device information, 335: Device information, 336: Printing Device information transmission unit, 400: printer driver, 401: setting reception unit, 402: print data 403: Communication unit 410: Application unit 420: Print setting application 421: Printing device information receiving unit 422: Storage unit 423: Printing device information 424: Print setting unit 430: Device information output application 431: Device information generation unit 432: Device information output unit 440: Device information 450: Device information

Claims (7)

A printing device connected to a network,
Display means for displaying a code containing information indicating the ability information and the printing apparatus has for the network of the printing apparatus,
Receiving means for receiving instruction data from a first device that has photographed the code, or a second device capable of communicating with the first device;
Control means for controlling printing based on the instruction data;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1 ,
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to display the code from a user;
The display means displays the code when an instruction from the user is received;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Before Symbol display means displays by printing said code on a printing medium,
A printing apparatus characterized by that. A printing apparatus connected to a network, a printing system comprising a terminal, a having imaging means connected to said network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Display means for displaying a code including information about the network of the printing apparatus and information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus;
Receiving means for receiving instruction data from the terminal;
Control means for controlling printing based on the instruction data,
The terminal
An acquisition unit which photographs the code, obtains information indicating the ability information and the printing apparatus has for the network of the printing apparatus,
Based on the information about the network of the acquired printing device, setting means for setting a destination indicated by the information as the transmit destination of the instruction data,
An instruction generating unit that generates the instruction data according to the capability based on the acquired information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus ;
And a transmission means for transmitting the instruction data to the destination which the set,
A printing system characterized by that. A printing apparatus connected to a network, the device connected to the network, a printing system and a terminal having a photographing means,
The printing apparatus includes:
Display means for displaying a code including information about the network of the printing apparatus and information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus;
Receiving means for receiving instruction data from the terminal;
Control means for controlling printing based on the instruction data,
The terminal
By photographing the code displayed on the printing apparatus, a first acquiring means for acquiring information indicating the ability information and the printing apparatus has for the network of the printing apparatus,
Photographing a code including information related to the network of the device displayed on the device, and acquiring second information related to the network of the device;
Based on the information about the network of the acquired device, the device and communicating, comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the activity of a the acquired print network related information and the printing device of the apparatus, and
The apparatus comprising
Display means for displaying the code including information about the network of the device;
Receiving means for receiving information about the network of the printing apparatus and information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus from the terminal;
Based on the network information related to the received the printing device, and a setting means for setting a destination indicated by the information as the transmit destination of the instruction data,
Based on the received information indicating the capability of the printing apparatus, instruction generation means for generating the instruction data according to the capability ;
And a transmission means for transmitting the instruction data to the destination which the set,
A printing system characterized by that. The printing system according to claim 5 , wherein
The printing apparatus displays a code including acquisition destination information for acquiring a predetermined program for causing the terminal to function as the first acquisition unit, the second acquisition unit, and the transmission unit;
The terminal captures the code including the acquisition destination information displayed on the printing apparatus , acquires the acquisition destination information, and acquires the predetermined program from an acquisition destination indicated by the acquisition destination information.
A printing system characterized by that. It is a printing system as described in any one of Claims 4-6 ,
The information regarding the network of the printing apparatus is an IP address or a URL.
A printing system characterized by that.

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