JPH10228428A - Network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system capable of printing out picture data obtained from an information processor connected to the network system and not connected or not provided to/with a printer. SOLUTION: Desired picture data retrieved from an information terminal 20 are stored in a printing control device 10 and data for displaying a printing button are added to the picture data and outputted to the terminal 20. Consequently the picture data and the printing button are displayed on a display part 22, and when the printing button is selected, the picture data stored in the device 10 are transmitted to a picture processing server 30 through a communication line 50, and after converting the picture data into printing data, the printing data are transmitted to the device 10. The device 10 outputs the printing data to a printer device 60, so that the desired picture data retrieved from the terminal 20 are printed out by the printer device 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system in which an information terminal connected to a communication line receives and displays desired image data via the communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to a communication line, and a network system for transmitting and receiving data via the communication line is provided with various types of information.
A plurality of so-called information providing servers using information processing devices are connected. A general user of the network system (hereinafter, referred to as a user) receives desired information of the information providing server using a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC), which is an information processing device,
It can be viewed by displaying on a so-called display device, which is a display device connected to the PC, or printing with a so-called printer device, which is a printing device.

[0003] As the above-mentioned network system, for example, the Internet currently exists. Generally, as an information providing system on the Internet, W
WW (World-Wide Web) is used. A user's PC connected to the Internet can use this WWW to receive information such as data such as characters, still images, moving images, and audio. In addition, using a so-called WWW browser, which is various information browsing software, image data of characters, still images, and moving images received from the information providing server can be displayed and viewed on a display device. This displayed image data is called so-called page information.

[0004] Users of the Internet search and retrieve information.
Browsing is the main purpose of using this Internet.

[0005]

By the way, information retrieval and browsing functions have been developed so that users can easily and easily use the Internet as an information processing device used when searching and browsing information on the Internet. It is conceivable that the number of simple and small dedicated information terminals, portable information devices, and the like, which are provided only with the above, will increase.

It is conceivable that a dedicated information terminal or portable information device having only a limited function as described above may be equipped with a processing circuit having a capacity capable of processing the operation of the limited function.

On the other hand, the quality of still images and moving images handled on the Internet often has a large number of gradations, high resolution, and high quality. Such high quality image data is converted into print data. Requires high-speed processing capability.

Therefore, as described above, a dedicated information terminal or a portable information device equipped with a processing circuit having no high-speed processing capability performs a data conversion process of converting image data received from the Internet into print data. In some cases,
It will take a long time.

The dedicated information terminal and the portable information device include, for example, a physically large connector portion such as a connector portion which is an interface with a printer device which is standardly provided in a current PC. Since it is difficult to equip the printer, it is conceivable not to equip the connector with the printer device.

However, in a dedicated information terminal or portable information device, it may be necessary to print data received from a network system such as the Internet by a printer device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to convert image data such as desired image data received from a network system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a network system capable of converting print data at high speed and printing a high-quality image.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system which is connected to a network system and can print image data by an information processing apparatus to which a printing apparatus is not connected or equipped.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a network system in which an information terminal connected to a communication line receives and displays desired image data via the communication line. An image processing server connected to the communication line, performing a data conversion process of converting image data received via the communication line into print data, and transmitting print data generated by the data conversion process from the communication line; Transmitting, to the image processing server, communication control information that is connected between the communication line and the information terminal and controls transmission and reception of data to and from the image processing server via the communication line; A print control device that receives the print data transmitted from the server; and a print data that is connected to the print control device and output from the print control device. Characterized in that it and a printing device which prints and outputs the a.

Here, the desired image data includes image data selected by a search using a dedicated information terminal or the like connected to a network system such as the Internet, and the like.
Image data and the like output from the image output device are used.

For example, when printing desired image data retrieved by an information terminal or the like having a low processing capability, which performs only limited data transmission / reception processing, search / display processing, or the like, the image data having a high processing capability is printed. The image processing server can perform high-speed data conversion processing.

In addition, high-quality images can be printed by performing high-speed data conversion processing on desired image data retrieved by a dedicated information terminal or the like into print data that can be printed as high-quality images. Becomes possible.

Further, even when the dedicated information terminal or the like does not have a connector unit for connecting the printing device and cannot connect the printing device, the image data can be obtained by the printing control device to which the dedicated information terminal or the like can be connected. Can be printed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the print control device has unique identification information, and the image processing server stores in advance the unique identification information of the plurality of print control devices. The print control device transmits the unique identification information, which is one of the communication control information, via the communication line, and the image processing server transmits the unique identification information of the plurality of print control devices. Determining whether the information includes the unique identification information from the print control device, and performing data transmission / reception with the print control device only when it is determined that the unique identification information is present; It is characterized by.

The image processing server determines from which print control apparatus the connection processing is to be performed by using the unique identification information of a plurality of print control apparatuses registered in advance. Data conversion processing of image data can be performed only when connection processing from an apparatus, that is, an unauthorized user is excluded, and connection processing from an authorized user is excluded.

Here, as the unique identification information of the print control device, for example, a so-called ID and password are used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the image processing server stores in advance print information unique to a plurality of printing apparatuses, and the print control apparatus communicates via the communication line. Transmitting, to the image processing server, printing device information unique to the printing device, which is one of the communication control information, and the image processing server transmits the printing information unique to the plurality of printing devices and the printing control device. And performing the data conversion process using the unique print information corresponding to the unique print device information from the print control device.

Here, the unique printing device information is so-called printer information of the printer device, for example, information such as a model name of the printer device.

The image processing server includes, as print information, a plurality of pieces of information such as resolutions and usable paper sizes in addition to printing apparatus information such as model names of various printing apparatuses. This print information is a so-called printer driver.

Therefore, the image processing server can specify the printing device connected to the printing control device by using the printing device information transmitted from the printing control device. Further, the image processing server can convert the image data into print data for printing an image suitable for the functions and performances of the printing apparatus. Further, the image processing server
Since print information of a plurality of printing devices is stored, print data appropriately corresponding to the plurality of printing devices can be generated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the print control device includes image data storage means for storing image data input to the information terminal. The print control device, when printing the image data input to the information terminal by the printing device, the image data stored in the image data storage means, to the image processing server via the communication line Transmitting, the image processing server transmits print data generated by performing a data conversion process on the transmitted image data to the print control device via the communication line, and the print control device Outputting the print data to the printing apparatus.

The invention of claim 4 shows a first embodiment of the network system according to the present invention.

In the first embodiment of the network system, when printing image data, the image data stored in the print control device is transmitted to the image processing server to perform data conversion processing. Data conversion processing of image data can be performed at high speed without receiving image data again from the communication line.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the printing control device is configured to print the image data input to the information terminal by the printing device when the printing device prints the image data. Based on a print command output from a terminal, the unique identification information of the image data is transmitted to the image processing server, and the image processing server transmits the image data based on the unique identification information of the transmitted image data. Received via the communication line, print data generated by performing data conversion processing of the received image data is transmitted to the print control device via the communication line, the print control device, the transmitted Print data is output to the printing device.

[0029] The invention of claim 5 shows a second embodiment of the network system according to the present invention.

In the second embodiment of the network system, the image processing server has an information search function in the network, and for example, a plurality of information output from a plurality of information providing servers connected to the network system. From among them, information based on the unique identification information is searched to extract image data. Accordingly, the image processing server can perform data conversion processing on various image data based on the unique identification information only by transmitting the unique identification information.

As the unique identification information of the image data, for example, in the Internet, WWW address information is used.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fourth and fifth aspects, the print control device sends the image processing server to the image processing server based on a print command output from the information terminal. The communication terminal has a configuration for transmitting communication control information, and adds, to the image data, print instruction command display data indicating that the image data is to be printed, and outputs the data to the information terminal. The print command is output to the print control device when a print instruction command based on the instruction command display data is instructed.

Thus, the print control device and the information terminal can easily start printing of desired image data in the information terminal without having a print switch or the like.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, an image output device for outputting image data is connected to the print control device, and the image data output from the image output device is transmitted to the print control device. The image processing server transmits the image data to the image processing server via the communication line, and the image processing server transmits print data generated by performing a data conversion process on the transmitted image data to the print control device via the communication line. The print control device outputs the transmitted print data to the printing device.

[0035] The invention of claim 7 shows a third embodiment of the network system according to the present invention.

In the third embodiment of the network system, an image output device can be connected to the print control device, and image data output from the image output device other than the image data retrieved from the network by the information terminal. Can be converted into high-quality print data via a network and printed.

Here, the image output device is a device that captures an image, stores the image data, or outputs the image data to an external device. For example, a video device or a camera device may be used.

The invention of claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein another information terminal is connected to the communication line, and the other information terminal has at least unique identification information of image data and A unique address information of a print control device to which a desired printing device is connected is transmitted to the image processing server via the communication line, and the image processing server transmits the unique address information from the print control device based on the unique address information. Receiving the unique identification information, determining whether the received unique identification information of the print control device is present among the unique identification information of the plurality of print control devices stored in advance, and If it is determined that there is unique identification information of the print control device, image data based on the unique identification information of the received image data is received via the communication line, and this image data is Transmits the print data generated by conversion processing in the printing control device via the communication line, the print control apparatus, and outputs the print data to which the sent to the printing device.

[0039] The invention of claim 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the network system according to the present invention.

In the fourth embodiment of the network system, there is a case where a portable information terminal other than the information terminal, for example, is connected to a communication line of the network system. Here, the portable information terminal prints the desired image data when it is necessary to print the desired image data retrieved by the portable information terminal when the printing device is not connected. Is what you do.

At this time, the image processing server connects to a print control device based on the unique address information transmitted from the portable information terminal to acquire unique identification information of the print control device. As the unique identification information, it is determined whether or not there is a match among the unique identification information of a plurality of print control apparatuses stored in advance.

As described above, in this network system, the print control device is registered properly in the image processing server and can receive print data obtained by subjecting desired image data to data conversion. Since it is determined whether or not the print control service is acceptable, it is possible to avoid performing a print processing service to a print control device that is illegally connected to the network.

If the print control device is a registered print control device, the image processing server converts desired image data based on the unique identification information into print data. By transmitting the print data to the print control device, it becomes possible to print desired image data from a printing device connected to the print control device.

As described above, even in a place where it is impossible to connect the printing device to the portable information terminal, desired image data in the portable information terminal can be printed by the desired printing device. it can.

In addition, not only the portable information terminal but also all the information terminals and information processing apparatuses are connected to a network having a communication line to which the image processing server is connected, so that a desired location can be obtained at a desired place. Printing of the image data by the printing apparatus is enabled.

As the unique address information, for example, in the Internet, IP address information or a telephone number in a network system can be used.

[0047]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the network system according to the present invention.

This network system has a communication line 5
0 is a network system in which the information terminal 20 connected to the communication terminal 50 receives and displays desired image data via the communication line 50, and is connected to the communication line 50 and receives image data received through the communication line 50. Is connected between the communication line 50 and the information terminal 20, and an image processing server 30 that transmits print data generated by the data conversion process from the communication line. Transmitting communication control information for controlling transmission and reception of data to and from the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50 to the image processing server 30, and receiving the print data transmitted from the image processing server 30 A print control device (hereinafter, referred to as a terminal box) 10 connected to the terminal box 10,
The printer includes a so-called printer device 60 that is a printing device that prints and outputs print data output from the terminal box 10.

The communication line 50 is connected to two information providing servers 40 and 42. These information providing servers 40 and 42 are high-performance information processing devices, and output various information to the communication line 50.

The information terminal 20 is an information processing device having a simple configuration, and has a function that is more limited than that of a so-called personal computer device. In FIG. 1, the information terminal 20 is, for example, an LCD.
The display unit 22 using a panel is integrated.
This information terminal 20 is provided with only limited functions such as a data communication function, an information search function, and a browsing function, and has a minimum processing capacity required to realize the functions.
A processing circuit comprising U and the like is mounted. In addition, the information terminal 20 includes dedicated search / browsing software for searching / browsing information, and searches / browses information using the dedicated search / browsing software.

Thus, the information terminal 20 outputs a processing command for connecting to the information providing server and acquiring information. This processing command is output to the communication line 50 without being processed by the terminal box 10. Based on this processing instruction, information corresponding to the processing instruction among the information output from the information providing servers 40 and 42 is output. This information is data composed of characters, still images, moving images, sounds, and the like.

This data is input to the information terminal 20 via the communication line 50 and the terminal box 10. Then, the character, still image, and moving image data of the data are output to the display unit 20. The audio data is output from a speaker device (not shown) or the like. In the following description, characters, still images, and moving image data that can be displayed on the display unit 22 are referred to as image data.

The terminal box 10 includes an information terminal 20
When printing the image data displayed on the display unit 22 of the display unit 22 and storing the image data displayed on the display unit 22, the stored image data is transmitted via the communication line 50. The image is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, when the terminal box 10 does not store the image data displayed on the display unit 22, the terminal box 10 transmits the unique identification information of the desired image data to the image processing server 30. As the unique identification information of the image data, for example, address information of an information providing server is used.

Thus, the image processing server 30 accesses the information providing server based on the address information, and
The image data is taken out via the communication line 50 and received.

The image processing server 30 performs a data conversion process of converting the received image data into print data for printing a high-quality image, and converts the generated print data via the communication line 50. Terminal box 10
Send to

Therefore, the terminal box 10 outputs the received print data to the printer device 60. The printer device 60 prints the input print data.

As described above, the image data retrieved by the information terminal 20 and displayed on the display unit 22 is transferred to the image processing server 30.
By performing the data conversion process, an image having the same resolution or the like as that displayed on the display unit 22 or an image with higher image quality is printed.

The terminal box 10 can be connected to another image output device in addition to the dedicated terminal 20. As other image output devices, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a video device 80 and a camera device 82 exist. The image data output from the video device 80 and the camera device 82 is also transmitted to the image processing server 30 under the control of the terminal box 10. Image processing server 3
At 0, the received image data is converted into print data,
The print data is output to the terminal box 10.
The terminal box 10 outputs the received print data to the printer device 60 so that the printer device 60
Now print.

Further, a plurality of other information terminals are connected to the communication line 50. As the other information terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a portable information terminal 84 is used. When the portable information terminal 84 is connected to the communication line 50 and used outdoors, for example, where a printer device is not installed, desired image data retrieved by the portable information terminal 84 is printed. At times, this image data is printed by the printer device 60 connected to the terminal box 10 connected to the communication line 50.

At this time, the portable information terminal 84 transmits the unique address information of the terminal box 10 to which the printer device 60 is connected and the unique identification information of the image data to the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50. I do.
The unique address information is, for example, a so-called IP (In) indicating a method of a control procedure when transmitting data to the outside.
(Ternet Protocol) address information and telephone numbers.

The image processing server 30 determines whether or not the terminal box 10 is a registered normal terminal box based on the received ID and password of the terminal box 10. As a result, when it is determined that the terminal box 10 is the specified terminal box, this terminal box 10
Transmission and reception of information with the

Further, based on the unique identification information of the received image data, the desired image data is received from the image data output from the plurality of information providing servers 40 and 42 via the communication line 50. I do. Then, the received image data is converted into print data, and the print data is transmitted to the terminal box 10.

As a result, the terminal box 10
The received image data is output to the printer device 60, and the printer device 60 performs printing.

Although the above-described network system has a minimum necessary configuration for simplification of the description, in reality, more information providing servers and information terminals for searching and browsing information are required. What is connected.

As described above, when the image data displayed on the information terminal 20 and stored in the terminal box 10 is printed, the image data displayed on the information terminal 20 is stored in the terminal box 10. When printing image data that has not been output, when printing image data output from another image output device, and when printing image data obtained from another information terminal connected to the communication line 50, By converting the image data into print data by the image processing server 30 and transmitting the print data to the terminal box 10, a high-quality image can be printed by the printer device 60.

The four types of image data print processing operations described above will be sequentially described below.

In order to specifically describe the network system shown in FIG. 1, the network system will be described below as the Internet, for example.

First, as a first embodiment of the network system according to the present invention, when the image data displayed on the information terminal 20 is stored in the terminal box 10, the image data is printed. Will be described.

Here, FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the terminal box 10 in the first embodiment of the network system, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a processing operation procedure of the terminal box 10 shown in FIG. Show.

The terminal box 10 shown in FIG. 2 has a signal input section 110 for inputting various information signals, and a signal determination section 112 for determining information signals from the signal input section 110.
A command discriminator 114 for discriminating the commands and data discriminated by the signal discriminator 112 in more detail; and a page information editor for editing so-called page information, which is WWW image data, discriminated by the signal discriminator 112. Unit 140, a printer control unit 120 that controls the print data determined by the instruction determination unit 114, and information transmitted to the image processing server 30 based on the instruction from the image processing server 30 determined by the instruction determination unit 114. Image processing server communication processing unit 132 for outputting the information, signal processing unit 112, page information editing unit 1
40, a signal output unit 1 that outputs signals from the printer control unit 120 and the image processing server communication processing unit 130 to the outside
70.

The page information editing unit 140 is connected to a page information storage unit 142 for storing page information.
The printer control unit 120 is connected with a print data storage unit 122 for storing print data. The image processing server communication processing unit 130 is provided with unique identification information of the terminal box 10 and printer information of the connected printer device 60. Is connected to a terminal box information / printer information storage unit 132 for storing the information.

The signal input section 11 of the terminal box 10
0, the information signal via the communication line 50 and the information terminal 2
An information signal from 0 is input. This signal input unit 110
Is transmitted to the signal discriminating unit 112.

This signal discriminating section 112 discriminates whether the input information signal is an information signal from the information terminal 20 or the image processing server 30 or the like, and what kind of processing information signal is used. Is determined.

If signal input section 112 determines that the input information signal is not information signal output from information terminal 20 but page information, the page information is input to page information editing section 140. Is done.

The page information editing section 140 stores the input page information in the page information storage section 142. Also,
Data for displaying a print instruction command for printing the image data of the page information is added. The print instruction command display data is displayed, for example, as a print button.

More specifically, when a screen of page information to which the data of the print instruction command is not added as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the display unit 22, a print instruction is added to the page information. When the command data is added, for example, a print button 100 is displayed as shown in FIG.

The page information edited by the page information editing unit 140 is transmitted to the information terminal 20 via the signal output unit 170.
Is output to The information terminal 20 inputs the page information and displays the page information on the display unit 22.

On the other hand, if it is determined by the signal discriminating section 112 that the input information signal is not page information, this information signal is sent to the command discriminating section 114.

The command discriminating section 114 discriminates the input information signal. Thus, when it is determined that the information signal is a command from the image processing server 30, the command is sent to the image processing server communication processing unit 130.

The terminal box information / printer information storage section 132 stores the ID and password of the terminal box 10 as unique identification information of the terminal box 10.
The model name, resolution, paper size to be used, and the like of the printer device 60 are stored.

The image processing server communication processing unit 130 performs a process according to the sent command. The result of this process is:
The signal is output from the signal output unit 170 to the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50.

More specifically, the image processing server communication processing unit 1
When a command to transmit the ID and password of the terminal box 10 is input to the terminal 30, the image processing server communication processing unit 130 reads the ID and password of the terminal box 10 from the terminal box information / printer information storage unit 132.

When a printer information transmission command is input to the image processing server communication processing unit 130, the image processing server communication processing unit 130
The printer information is read from the printer information storage unit 132.

When a command to transmit page information is input to image processing server communication processing section 130, image processing server communication processing section 130 reads page information from page information storage section 142.

The terminal box 1 thus read out
The ID and password of 0, printer information, or page information is transmitted from the signal output unit 170 to the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50.

When the command discriminating section 114 discriminates that the input information signal is print data,
This print data is sent to the printer control unit 120.

When print data is sent, printer control section 120 stores the print data in print data storage section 1.
22 and outputs the print data to the printer device 60 via the signal output unit 170. The printer device 60 prints the input print data.

Next, the terminal box 10 shown in FIG.
Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is an information signal output from the information terminal 20.

If it is determined that the received information signal is not an information signal output from the information terminal 20, the process proceeds to step S4 to determine whether the input information signal is page information. Accordingly, if the input information signal is determined to be page information, the page information is stored in the page information storage unit 142. In step S8, print button data is added to the page information. In step S10, the page information to which the print button data has been added is output to the information terminal 20.

If it is determined in step S2 that the input information signal is an information signal from the information terminal 20, the flow advances to step S12 to display the screen displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal 20. It is determined whether or not the print button has been pressed.

If it is determined that the print button has been instructed, the flow advances to step S14 to establish connection with the image processing server 30. Thereafter, a command or the like transmitted from the image processing server 30 is determined.

If it is determined in step S12 that the print button has not been instructed, the information terminal 20
Is determined to be a command to transmit information from the information terminal 20 to the network, the process proceeds to step S16, and processing for transmitting data to the network is performed. By this data transmission processing, for example, switching processing to another screen is performed.

If it is determined in step S4 that the input information signal is not page information, the process proceeds to step S20, where the input information signal is the information signal transmitted from the image processing server 30. It is determined whether or not.

If it is determined that the input information signal is not the information signal from the image processing server 30, the process proceeds to step S10, and the page information is transmitted to the information terminal 20.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input information signal is an information signal from the image processing server 30, the flow advances to step S22 to determine whether the input information signal is print data. Thereby, if it is determined that the input information signal is the print data, step S24 is performed.
The print data to be transmitted is stored in the print data storage unit 1
The print data stored in the print data storage unit 122 is sequentially output to the printer device 60.

If it is determined in step S22 that the input information signal is not print data, the flow advances to step S30.

In the processing after step S30, it is determined what kind of transmission command the input information signal is, and processing corresponding to this transmission command is performed.

First, in step S30, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is a command to transmit the ID of the terminal box 10. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit the ID of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S32, and the terminal box ID is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the input information signal is not the command to transmit the ID of terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S34 to determine whether the command is the command to transmit the password of terminal box 10. Is determined. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit the password of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S36, and the password of the terminal box 10 is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the input information signal is not a command to transmit the password of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S38.
It is determined whether or not the instruction is a transmission instruction of the printer information of the printer device 60. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a printer information transmission command, the process proceeds to step S40, where the print information is read from the printer device 60 and stored in the terminal box information / printer information storage unit 132. At the same time, the printer information is transmitted to the image processing server 30 in step S42.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S38 that the input information signal is not a printer information transmission command, the flow advances to step S44 to check whether the input information signal is a page information transmission command. Determine. This allows
If it is determined that the input information signal is a page information transmission command, the process proceeds to step S46, where the page information is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S44 that the input information signal is not page information, the flow advances to step S48 to generate an error signal indicating that an information signal other than the processing to be performed has been input. Send it to server 30.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the image processing server 30 corresponding to the processing operation of the terminal box 10 shown in FIG. 2, and the image processing server 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the processing operation procedure of No. 0.

An image processing server 30 shown in FIG. 5 has a signal input section 310 for inputting various information signals and a signal determination section 312 for determining the information signal from the signal input section 310.
An image data processing unit 340 that performs a data conversion process on the image data determined by the signal determination unit 312;
A user authentication processing unit 32 for performing an authentication process using the unique identification information from the terminal box 10 determined in 14
0, and a printer information processing unit 330 that processes the printer information determined by the instruction determination unit 114.

The image data processing section 340 is connected to a print data storage section 342 for storing print data generated by data conversion processing.
0 is connected to a terminal box information storage unit 322 that stores unique identification information of a plurality of terminal boxes, and a printer information processing unit 330 stores a so-called printer driver for controlling a plurality of printer devices. The printer driver storage unit 332 is connected.

First, the signal input unit 3 of the image processing server 30
10 has a terminal box 1 via a communication line 50.
An information signal from 0 is input. This signal input section 310
Is sent to the signal discriminating unit 312.

The signal discriminating unit 312 discriminates what kind of signal the input information signal is.

First, when the signal discriminating unit 312 determines that the input information signal is image data, the image data is input to the image data processing unit 340.

The image data processing section 340 performs data conversion processing on the input image data, and stores the generated print data in the print data storage section 342. Then, the print data is transmitted from the signal output unit 370 to the terminal box 10 via the communication line 50.

On the other hand, the information signal input to the terminal box 10
If it is determined that the password is D and the password, the ID and password of the terminal box 10 are sent to the user authentication processing unit 320. User authentication processing unit 320
Compares the input ID and password of the terminal box 10 with the IDs and passwords of a plurality of terminal boxes stored in the terminal box information storage unit 322 to determine whether or not there is the same one. Accordingly, if it is determined that the same ID and password are present, the terminal box 10 having the input ID and password is determined to be a legitimately registered user. This determination result is transmitted from the signal output unit 370 to the terminal box 10 via the communication line 50.

If the input information signal is determined to be printer information by the determination in the signal determination section 312, the printer information is sent to the printer information processing section 330.

The printer information processing unit 330 detects a printer driver corresponding to the input printer information,
An information signal for controlling the printer device 60 by the printer driver is transmitted from the signal output unit 370 to the communication line 50.
Is transmitted to the terminal box 10 via the.

Next, the processing procedure of the image processing server 30 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S100, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is an information signal for connection processing transmitted from the terminal box 10.

When the input information signal is determined to be the information signal of the connection process transmitted from the terminal box 10, the user authentication process 200 is performed. In this user authentication process, it is a process of determining whether or not the terminal box 10 that has transmitted the input information signal is a terminal box registered in advance. Thus, it is determined whether the user who uses the terminal box is registered properly.

First, in step S102, it is determined whether or not the ID of the terminal box 10 has already been received. As a result, if it is determined that the terminal box 10 ID has not been received, the process proceeds to step S104, and the terminal box 10 ID transmission command is transmitted to the terminal box 10 via the communication line 50.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the ID of the terminal box 10 has already been received, the process proceeds to step S106 to determine whether the password of the terminal box 10 has already been received. This allows
If it is determined that the password of the terminal box 10 has not been received, the process proceeds to step S108, and a command to transmit the password of the terminal box 10 is transmitted to the terminal box 10 via the communication line 50.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the password of terminal box 10 has already been received, the process proceeds to step S110. This step S1
At 10, the stored terminal box I
It is determined whether any of the D and the password matches the ID and the password of the terminal box 10 being received. As a result, if there is no ID and password that match the transmitted ID and password among the stored IDs and passwords, it is determined that the connection processing is from an unauthorized user's terminal box, and in step S112, A connection rejection signal is transmitted via the communication line 50.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that any of the stored IDs and passwords matches the received ID and password, the process proceeds to step S1.
The information signal of the connection process determined in 00 is determined to be the information signal of the connection process transmitted from the terminal box of the registered regular user. Then, in step S114, a signal for permitting connection is transmitted to the terminal box 10, and in step S116, a transmission instruction for printer information is transmitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S100 that the input information signal is not the connection processing information signal output from terminal box 10, printer information obtaining processing 202 is performed.

The printer information obtaining process 202 includes steps S120, S122, and S12.
Consists of four.

First, in step S120, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is printer information. Accordingly, if it is determined that the input information signal is the printer information, the process proceeds to step S122, and the printer driver based on the printer information is read. Then, in step S124, an image data transmission command for receiving image data is transmitted to terminal box 10. Thus, the image data stored in the terminal box 10 is transmitted via the communication line 50 and received by the image processing server 30.

If it is determined in step S120 that the input information signal is not printer information, print data generation processing 204 is performed.

This print data generation processing is performed in step S1.
30, step S132, and step S134.

First, in step S130, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is image data. This allows
If the input information signal is determined to be image data, the flow advances to step S134 to perform a data conversion process on the image data. This data conversion processing includes so-called halftoning processing, image resolution conversion processing, and the like. The print data generated by this data conversion process is transmitted to the terminal box 10 in step S136. The terminal box 10 outputs the transmitted image data to the printer device 60. Thereby, the printer device 60 prints the input print data.

If it is determined in step S130 that the input information signal is not image data, the flow advances to step S132 to perform other processing based on the input information signal.

As described above, the terminal box 10 transmits the stored image data to the image processing server 30, and the image processing server 30 converts the image data into print data and transmits the print data to the terminal box 10. The terminal box 10 is a printer device 6 to which the print data is connected.
0, and the printer device 60 prints the print data, whereby the desired image data displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal 20 can be printed as a precise and high-quality image.

Next, as a second embodiment of the network system according to the present invention, when the desired image data displayed on the information terminal 20 is not stored in the terminal box 10, this image data is The case of printing will be described.

Here, FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of the terminal box 10 shown in FIG.

The terminal box 10 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the page information storage unit 1 shown in the terminal box 10 of FIG.
A server address storage unit 144 is provided in place of the server information storage unit 42, which is a so-called unique identification information indicating an information providing server that outputs desired image data without storing image data output from the information providing server. The address information is stored in the server address storage unit 144. Therefore, the operation of each unit indicated by the same number as that shown in FIG. 2 is the same as the operation described in FIG. 2, and a specific description is omitted.

When an information signal is input to the signal input section 110 of the terminal box 10 and the signal determination section 112 determines that the input information signal is the address information of the information providing server and the image data, The address information and the image data of the information providing server are sent to the page information editing unit 140.

The page information editing section 140 causes the server address information storage section 144 to store the server address information. Further, data for displaying a print button is added to the image data, and the image data is output from the signal output unit 170 to the information terminal 20.

When an image data transmission command is transmitted from the image processing server 30 to the terminal box 10, the image data transmission command is transmitted to the command discriminating unit 114 via the signal input unit 110 and the signal discriminating unit 112. After the command determination unit 114 determines that the command is an image data transmission command, the image processing server communication processing unit 130
Sent to

This image processing server communication processing unit 130
The address information stored in the server address storage unit 144 is read out based on the image data transmission command, and the image processing server 30 is read out from the signal output unit 170 via the communication line 50.
Send to

The terminal box 1 of FIG. 7 shown in FIG.
The flowchart of the processing operation procedure of step S6 and step S46 in the flowchart of the processing operation procedure of the terminal box 10 shown in FIG.
This is an alternative to the processing operations of steps S206 and S246.

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is an information signal output from the information terminal 20. Information terminal 20
If it is determined that the input information signal is not the information signal output from the CPU, the process advances to step S204 to determine whether the input information signal is page information.

As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is page information, the address information of the information providing server that has output the page information is stored in the server address storage unit 144. Then, step S208
Then, print button data is added to the page information, and the page information to which the print button data has been added is output to the information terminal 20 in step S210.

If it is determined in step S202 that the input information signal is an information signal from the information terminal 20, the process proceeds to step S212, where the screen displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal 20 is displayed. It is determined whether or not the print button has been pressed.

If it is determined that the print button has been instructed, the flow advances to step S214 to connect to the image processing server 30. Thereafter, a command or the like transmitted from the image processing server 30 is determined.

If it is determined in step S212 that the print button has not been instructed, the information terminal 2
The information signal input from 0 is determined to be a command to transmit information from the information terminal 20 to the network, and the process proceeds to step S216 to perform a process of transmitting data to the network. By this data transmission processing, for example, switching processing to another screen is performed.

If it is determined in step S204 that the input information signal is not page information, the process proceeds to step S220, where the input information signal is the information signal transmitted from the image processing server 30. It is determined whether or not.

If it is determined that the input information signal is not the information signal from the image processing server 30, the flow advances to step S210 to transmit page information to the information terminal 20.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input information signal is an information signal from the image processing server 30, the flow advances to step S222 to determine whether the input information signal is print data.

If it is determined that the input information signal is print data, the flow advances to step S224 to store the print data in the print data storage unit 122.
The print data is sequentially output to the printer device 60.

If it is determined in step S222 that the input information signal is not print data, the flow advances to step S230.

The processing after step S230 is the same as that shown in FIG.
The processing is substantially the same as the processing after step S30 in the flowchart of FIG. 7, and determines what kind of transmission command the input information signal is, and performs processing corresponding to this transmission command.

First, in step S230, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is a command to transmit the ID of terminal box 10. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit the ID of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S 232, where the terminal box ID is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S230 that the input information signal is not a command for transmitting the ID of terminal box 10, the flow advances to step S234 to determine whether the command is a command for transmitting the password of terminal box 10. Is determined. If it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit the password of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S236, and the password of the terminal box 10 is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S234 that the input information signal is not a command to transmit the password of the terminal box 10, the flow advances to step S238 to determine whether the command is a command to transmit the printer information of the printer device 60. Is determined. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a printer information transmission command, the process proceeds to step S240, where the printer information is read from the printer device 60, and in step S242, the printer information is transmitted to the image processing server 30. Send to

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S238 that the input information signal is not printer information, the flow advances to step S244 to determine whether or not the input information signal is a page information transmission command. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a page information transmission command, the process proceeds to step S246, where the address information stored in the server address storage unit 144 is transmitted to the image processing server 30. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S244 that the input information signal is not a page information transmission command, the flow advances to step S248 to output an error signal indicating that an information signal other than processing to be performed has been input. It is transmitted to the processing server 30.

Next, a schematic configuration of the image processing server 30 corresponding to the processing operation of the terminal box 10 described above is shown in FIG. 9, and a flowchart of a processing operation procedure of the image processing server 30 is shown in FIG.

The image processing server 30 shown in FIG. 9 is obtained by adding a page information processing unit 350 and a page information storage unit 352 for storing page information to the image processing server 30 shown in FIG.

This page information processing section 350 causes the page information storage section 352 to store desired page information output from the information providing server based on the server address information transmitted from the terminal box 10. The operation of each unit indicated by the same number as that shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the operation described in FIG. 5, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The processing operation procedure of the image processing server 30 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S300, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is an information signal for connection processing transmitted from terminal box 10.

If it is determined that the input information signal is an information signal for connection processing transmitted from the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S302 to perform user authentication processing.

In this user authentication process, it is determined whether or not the terminal box 10 that has transmitted the input information signal is a previously registered terminal box, and the user who uses the terminal box is registered properly. This is a process for determining whether or not the user authentication has been performed, and is a processing operation similar to that of the user authentication process 200 shown in FIG.

In this user authentication process, if it is determined that the user is a legitimate user and a signal for permitting connection is transmitted to the terminal box 10, a printer information transmission command is transmitted in step S304.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 300 that the input information signal is not the connection processing information signal output from the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S31.
At 0, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is printer information. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is printer information, the process proceeds to step S312, where a printer driver based on the printer information is read. Then, in step S314, a transmission command of server address information for outputting desired image data is transmitted to the terminal box 10.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S310 that the input information signal is not printer information, the flow advances to step S320 to determine whether or not the input information signal is server address information. Accordingly, if it is determined that the input information signal is the server address information, the process proceeds to step S314 to perform a connection process to the information providing server based on the server address information,
In step S316, desired image data is received. Then, in step S318, a data conversion process of the image data is performed. The print data generated by this data conversion processing is transmitted to the terminal box 10 in step S320. The terminal box 10 outputs the transmitted image data to the printer device 60. Thereby, the printer device 60 prints the input print data.

If it is determined in step S320 that the input information signal is not image data, the flow advances to step S312 to perform other processing based on the input information signal.

As described above, the terminal box 10 transmits the server address information of the information providing server that outputs the image data to be stored to the image processing server 30, and the image processing server 30 transmits the desired information from the information providing server based on the server address information. The image data is converted into print data and transmitted to the terminal box 10. The terminal box 10 transmits the print data to a printer device 60 connected thereto, and the printer device 60 prints the print data, thereby converting desired image data displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal 20 into a precise and high-resolution image data. It can be printed as a high quality image.

Next, as a third embodiment of the network system according to the present invention, a case where desired image data output from another image output device is printed will be described. In the third embodiment of the network system, the information terminal 20 connected to the terminal box 10
The image data output from the video device 80 or the camera device 82, which are other image output devices, are transmitted from the terminal box 10 to the image processing server 30, and the image processing server 30 performs data conversion processing on the image data. The generated print data is printed by the printer device 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, on the side surface of the terminal box 10, in addition to a connector section 94 for connecting a predetermined cable or the like for transmitting and receiving data to and from the information terminal 20, data transmission and reception to and from the video device 80 are performed. A connector section 96 for connecting a predetermined cable or the like for performing the communication and a connector section 98 for connecting a predetermined cable or the like for transmitting and receiving data to and from the camera device 82 are provided.

Therefore, by connecting these connectors 96 and 98 to the video device 80 and the camera device 82 using a predetermined cable or the like, the terminal box 1
For example, image data captured by the video device 80 or the camera device 82 can be input to 0.

Note that the above-mentioned connector portions 96 and 98 may be used in combination. In addition, the terminal box 10 may include a connector unit to which another image output device can be connected, in addition to the connector unit described above.

Further, the terminal box 10 is provided with a power switch 90 for switching power ON / OFF and a print button 92 for starting printing of image data in the printer device 60.

Here, FIG. 12 shows a schematic configuration of the terminal box 10 in the third embodiment of the network system, and a flowchart of the processing operation procedure of the terminal box 10 shown in FIG. It is shown in FIG.

The schematic configuration of the image processing server 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the image processing server 30 shown in FIG. 5, and a detailed description is omitted.

The terminal box 10 shown in FIG.
Instead of the page information editing unit 140 and the server address information storage unit 144 shown in the terminal box 10 of FIG.
Page information processing section 160 and video signal conversion section 162
, A camera signal conversion unit 164 and an image data storage unit 16
6 is provided.

In FIG. 12, the operation of each unit indicated by the same numeral as that shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7 is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. Description is omitted.

An information signal is input to the signal input section 110 of the terminal box 10, and the signal determination section 112 determines that the input information signal is page information input via the communication line 50. In this case, the page information is sent to the page information processing unit 160. The page information processing unit 160 causes the image data storage unit 166 to store the input page information.

When the signal discriminating section 112 determines that the input information signal is image data output from the video device 80, the image data is sent to the video signal converting section 162. This video signal converter 162
Then, the input image data is converted into image data of three primary colors (RGB) that can be subjected to data conversion processing by the image processing server 30. The converted image data is stored in the image data storage unit 166.

Further, when the signal discriminating section 112 judges that the input information signal is the image data output from the camera device 82, this image data is sent to the camera signal converting section 164. This camera signal converter 16
In the same manner as in the video signal conversion unit 162, the input image data is converted into RGB image data that can be subjected to data conversion processing by the image processing server 30. The converted image data is stored in the image data storage unit 166.

If the image data system output from the video device 80 is equivalent to the image data system output from the camera device 82, the video signal conversion unit 162 and the camera signal conversion unit 164 are integrated. It may be. If the image data output from the camera device 82 is image data of three primary colors (RGB) handled by the information terminal 20, the camera signal conversion unit 164 may not be provided.

The terminal box 10 has a print button 150 outside. This print button 150
For example, when pressed, a print button press signal is input to the print button press signal input unit 152. As a result, an image data transmission command is output from the print button press signal input unit 152 to the image processing server communication processing unit 130.

When an image data transmission command is input, the image processing server communication processing unit 130 reads out image data from the image data storage unit 166 and
0 to the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50.

Next, the terminal box 1 shown in FIG.
0 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 14 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a processing operation procedure when the print button 92 is pressed.

In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, in step S402, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is page information.

As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is page information, in step S404,
The page information is stored in the image data storage unit 166. Then, in step S406, the stored page information is output to the information terminal 20. As a result, the page information is displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal 20.
If it is determined in step S402 that the input information signal is not the information signal from the information terminal 20,
Proceeding to step S420, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is an information signal transmitted from the image processing server 30.

If it is determined that the input information signal is not the information signal from the image processing server 30, the flow advances to step S406 to transmit page information to the information terminal 20.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input information signal is an information signal from the image processing server 30, the flow advances to step S422 to determine whether the input information signal is print data.

If it is determined that the input information signal is print data, the flow advances to step S424 to store the print data in the print data storage unit 122.
The print data is sequentially output to the printer device 60.

If it is determined in step S422 that the input information signal is not print data, the flow advances to step S430.

The processing after step S430 is the same as that shown in FIG.
The processing is substantially the same as the processing after step S30 in the flowchart of FIG. 7, and determines what kind of transmission command the input information signal is, and performs processing corresponding to this transmission command.

First, in step S430, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is a command to transmit the ID of terminal box 10. If it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit the ID of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S 432, where the terminal box ID is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S430 that the input information signal is not a command for transmitting the ID of terminal box 10, the flow advances to step S434 to determine whether the command is a command for transmitting the password of terminal box 10. Is determined. If it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit the password of the terminal box 10, the process proceeds to step S436, and the password of the terminal box 10 is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S434 that the input information signal is not a command to transmit the password of terminal box 10, the flow advances to step S438 to determine whether the command is a command to transmit printer information of printer device 60. Is determined. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a printer information transmission command, the process proceeds to step S440, where the printer information is read from the printer device 60, and in step S442, the printer information is transmitted to the image processing server 30. Send to

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S438 that the input information signal is not printer information, the flow advances to step S444 to determine whether the input information signal is an image data transmission command. As a result, if it is determined that the input information signal is a command to transmit image data, the process advances to step S446 to store the image data stored in the image data storage unit 166 in the image processing server 3.
Send to 0.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S444 that the input information signal is not an image data transmission command, the flow advances to step S448 to generate an error indicating that an information signal other than processing to be performed has been input. The signal is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

At step S502 in FIG. 14, it is determined whether a so-called video signal, which is image data output from the video device 80, is being input to the terminal box 10. Accordingly, if it is determined that the video signal is being input to the terminal box 10, step S5
In step 04, the terminal box 10 converts the input video signal into image data to be handled by a PC. Then, in step S510, the terminal box 10 performs a connection process to the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the video signal is not being input to the terminal box 10, the flow advances to step S506 to input a so-called camera signal, which is image data from the camera device 82. It is determined whether or not. Accordingly, if a camera signal is being input, the process proceeds to step S508, and the terminal box 10 converts the input camera signal into image data to be handled by the PC. Then, in step S510, the terminal box 10 performs a connection process to the image processing server 30.

By the processing operation in step S510,
Various data transmission commands are transmitted from the image processing server 30 by the connection processing with the image processing server 30. The terminal box 10 transmits data corresponding to these transmission commands, thereby And the image processing server 30 are connected.

As described above, the terminal box 10
Image data output from the connected image output device is stored, and the stored image data is transmitted to the image processing server 30. The image processing server 30 receives the image data and converts the image data into print data. And sends it to the terminal box 10. The terminal box 10 transmits the print data to the connected printer device 60,
By printing this print data, the printer device 60 can print desired image data from the image output device as a precise and high-quality image.

Next, as a fourth embodiment of the network system according to the present invention, desired image data retrieved by the portable information terminal 84 which is another information terminal connected to the communication line 50 is printed. The case will be described.

Since the portable information terminal 84 is small enough to be portable and small, like the information terminal 10,
When a connector unit for connecting a cable or the like for transmitting and receiving data to and from the printer device is not provided, the unique identification information of the desired image data retrieved by the portable information terminal 84 and the desired The unique address information of the terminal box to which the printer is connected is transmitted to the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50.
The image processing server 30 receives the image data based on the unique identification information, converts the image data into print data, and transmits the print data to a terminal box based on the unique address information, for example, the terminal box 10. The terminal box 10 outputs the received print data to the printer device 60 so that the portable information terminal 8
The desired image data retrieved in step 4 can be printed.

Here, FIG. 15 shows a communication line 50 in the fourth embodiment of the network system according to the present invention.
A flowchart of the processing operation of the portable information terminal 84 connected to the portable information terminal 84 is shown, and the processing operation procedure of the portable information terminal 84 will be described.

First, in step S602, connection processing with the image processing server 30 is performed, and in step S604, desired image data is searched based on software transmitted from the image processing server 30, and further, the searched image data is searched. A so-called print service menu for printing desired image data is displayed. With this print service menu, desired image data is searched from image data output from a plurality of information providing servers such as the information providing servers 40 and 42. Then, in step S606, the server address information of the information providing server outputting the desired image data is received. In step S608, the display information displayed on the display unit provided in the portable information terminal device 80 is displayed. Determine if it is correct.

If it is determined that the display information displayed on the portable information terminal 84 is not correct, the flow advances to step S616 to disconnect the connection with the image processing server 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S608 that the information displayed on the portable information terminal 84 is correct, the process proceeds to step S610, where the portable information terminal 84 connects the communication line 50 to the image processing server 30. Send print instructions via

Further, in step S612, the portable information terminal 84 transmits the so-called printing destination information or telephone number as the unique address information of the desired terminal box 10 to which the desired printer device 60 is connected via the communication line 50. To the image processing server 30. If this network system is, for example, the Internet, IP address information will be used as the printing destination information.

The image processing server 30 receives the print destination information or the telephone number, and specifies a terminal box to which print data is to be transmitted using the information. Then, by transmitting the print data to the specified terminal box, the network system prints the image data selected by the portable information terminal 84 with high image quality.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic configuration of the image processing server 30 in the fourth embodiment of the network system, and FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a processing operation procedure of the image processing server 30.

The image processing server 30 shown in FIG.
The print service information processing unit 360 and the server address information / print destination information storage unit 362 are further provided in the configuration of the second embodiment of the image processing server 30 shown in FIG.

The print service information processing section 360 transfers the print service information determined by the signal determination section 312 among the information signals input from the signal input section 310 to the server address information / print destination information storage section 362. Remember.
The print service information includes server address information of an information providing server that outputs desired image data, print destination information of a terminal box 10 to which a printer device 60 that prints desired image data is connected, and the like. .

Next, the operation processing procedure of the image processing server 30 shown in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S702, it is determined whether or not the connected destination is the portable information terminal 84 using the input information signal. As a result, if it is determined that the connection state with the portable information terminal 84 is established, the process proceeds to step S720, where data for displaying a print service menu is transmitted to the portable information terminal 84, and the print service menu is displayed. Let it.

[0209] Then, in step S722, the server receives and stores the server address information of the information providing server that outputs the desired image data transmitted from the portable information terminal 84, and stores the desired address based on the server address information. Perform connection processing with the information providing server. Thereby, step S7
At 26, the desired image data is received, and step S728 is performed.
Then, a confirmation message for confirming whether or not the desired image data can be printed is transmitted to the portable information terminal 84. This causes the portable information terminal 84 to display this confirmation message. The user of the portable information terminal 84 selects whether to print image data based on the confirmation message. An information signal based on this selection is transmitted to the image processing server 30 via the communication line 50.

The image processing server 30 determines in step S730
Then, it is determined whether or not the input information signal is an information signal for printing the desired image data. If it is determined that the input information signal is an information signal for not printing, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input information signal is an information signal for printing, step S73 is performed.
In step S734, the process proceeds to step S734 to receive the print destination information or the telephone number of the desired terminal box 10, and performs connection processing with the terminal box 10. Then, in a step S736, the user authentication processing 200 is performed. If it is determined in the user authentication process 200 in step S736 that the terminal box 10 is not an authorized user,
The connection processing operation ends.

Further, in step S742, a printer information transmission command is transmitted to the terminal box 10, and in step S744, printer information obtaining processing 202 is performed. In step S746, print data generating processing 204 is performed, whereby print data is transmitted. Generate. The generated print data is stored in the terminal box 1 in step S748.
Sent to 0. The terminal box 10 receives the transmitted print data and outputs the print data to the printer device 60. Thereby, the printer device 60 transmits the image data based on the print data.

[0213] Finally, in step S750, a print end message indicating that the printing operation has been normally completed is transmitted to the portable information terminal 84. Thereby, the portable information terminal 84 receives and displays the transmitted print end message.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the connection state with the portable information terminal 84 is not established, the process proceeds to step S704, where the input information signal is transmitted from the terminal box 10 to the information for connection processing. It is determined whether the signal is a signal.

If it is determined that the signal is an information signal transmitted from the terminal box 10, the process advances to step S706 to perform the user authentication process 200 described with reference to FIG. Then, in step S708, a printer information transmission command is transmitted to the terminal box 10.

If it is determined in step S704 that the input information signal is not an information signal transmitted from the terminal box 10 for connection processing, the flow advances to step S710 to change the printer information described in FIG. An acquisition process 202 is performed. Further, in step S712, FIG.
In step S714, the print data is transmitted to the terminal box 10 via the communication line 50.

As described above, the image processing server 30 uses the information transmitted from the portable information terminal 84 to determine the information providing server that outputs the desired image data and the desired terminal box 10. Then, image data output from the information providing server is received, the image data is converted into print data, and transmitted to the terminal box 10. The terminal box 10 transmits the print data to the connected printer device 60, and
0 prints this print data, so that desired image data obtained by search or selection in the portable information terminal 84 can be printed as a precise and high-quality image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a terminal box in the first embodiment of the network system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the terminal box shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the information terminal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing server in the first embodiment of the network system.

6 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the image processing server shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a terminal box in a second embodiment of the network system.

8 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the terminal box shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing server according to a second embodiment of the network system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the image processing server shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of a terminal box.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a terminal box in a third embodiment of the network system.

13 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the terminal box shown in FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure when a print button of the terminal box shown in FIG. 12 is pressed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the portable information terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the network system.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing server according to a fourth embodiment of the network system.

17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the image processing server illustrated in FIG. 16;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 terminal box 20 information terminal 22 display unit 30 image processing server 40, 42 information providing server 50 communication line 60 printer device 80 video device 82 camera device 84 portable information terminal

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A network system in which an information terminal connected to a communication line receives and displays desired image data through the communication line. An image connected to the communication line and received through the communication line An image processing server for performing data conversion processing for converting data into print data, transmitting print data generated by the data conversion processing from the communication line, and being connected between the communication line and the information terminal, A print control device that transmits communication control information for controlling transmission and reception of data to and from the image processing server via a communication line to the image processing server, and receives the print data transmitted from the image processing server, A printing device connected to the print control device, for printing and outputting print data output from the print control device;
A network system comprising: 2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print control device includes unique identification information, and wherein the image processing server previously stores unique identification information of a plurality of print control devices. Transmits the unique identification information, which is one of the communication control information, via the communication line, the image processing server stores the print control in the unique identification information of the plurality of print control devices. A network system for determining whether or not the unique identification information from the device exists, and transmitting and receiving data to and from the print control device only when it is determined that the unique identification information exists. 3. The image processing server according to claim 2, wherein the image processing server stores print information unique to a plurality of printing apparatuses in advance, and the print control apparatus transmits the print control information of the communication control information via the communication line. Transmitting one unique printing device information of the printing device to the image processing server, wherein the image processing server is configured to print the unique printing information of the plurality of printing devices and the unique printing device from the printing control device. A network system, wherein the data conversion processing is performed by using the unique print information corresponding to the unique print device information from the print control device by collating the information with the unique print device information. 4. The print control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image data storage unit configured to store image data input to the information terminal. When printing the image data input to the terminal by the printing device, the image data stored in the image data storage unit is transmitted to the image processing server via the communication line, and the image processing server Transmits print data generated by performing a data conversion process on the transmitted image data to the print control device via the communication line, wherein the print control device transmits the transmitted print data to the printing device. A network system for outputting to a network. 5. The print command output from the information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the print control device prints the image data input to the information terminal by the printing device. Transmitting the unique identification information of the image data to the image processing server based on the image data, the image processing server receiving the image data based on the unique identification information of the transmitted image data via the communication line. Then, print data generated by performing a data conversion process on the received image data is transmitted to the print control device via the communication line, and the print control device transmits the transmitted print data to the printing device. A network system characterized by outputting. 6. The print control device according to claim 4, wherein the print control device transmits the communication control information to the image processing server based on a print command output from the information terminal. A print instruction command display data indicating that the image data is to be printed is added to the image data and output to the information terminal. The information terminal prints the print instruction command display data. A network system, wherein the print command is output to the print control device in response to an instruction command. 7. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein an image output device that outputs image data is connected to the print control device, and the image data output from the image output device is transmitted via the communication line. The image processing server transmits the print data generated by performing data conversion processing on the transmitted image data to the print control device via the communication line. And outputting the transmitted print data to the printing apparatus. 8. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein another information terminal is connected to the communication line, and the other information terminal is connected to at least unique identification information of image data and a desired printing device. Transmitting the unique address information of the print control device to the image processing server via the communication line, wherein the image processing server receives the unique identification information from the print control device based on the unique address information. Determining whether the received unique identification information of the print control device is included in the unique identification information of the plurality of print control devices stored in advance, and identifying the unique identification of the received print control device. If it is determined that there is information, received image data based on the unique identification information of the received image data via the communication line,
The print data generated by performing data conversion processing of the image data is transmitted to the print control device via the communication line, and the print control device outputs the transmitted print data to the printing device. Characteristic network system.