WO2002046933A1

WO2002046933A1 - Remote controlled printing server, printing system, printing method, record mediium, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2002046933A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/010623
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kunihiro Yasui; Takashi Okumura; Masaki Takatsugi; Motoaki Yamanashi; Masaru Torii; Mutsuo Naoe; Katsuhiko Shimada
Original assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2000-12-07
Filing date: 2001-12-05
Publication date: 2002-06-13
Also published as: AU2002221053A1; JP4560959B2; JP2002176450A

Abstract

When receiving e-mail data which can not wholly be displayed on the display (36) of a cellular phone (3) and the command to print this data from the cellular phone (3) via Internet (5), a printing server (2) converts the e-mail data into the printing data of a form conforming to a printer (4). Converted printing data is transmitted to the printer (4) via radio interfaces (28, 44). Thus, the e-mail data transmitted from the cellular phone (3) is printed by the printer (4). This constitution makes it possible to display contents not displayed on the display of the cellular phone when an e-mail with an attachment or letters in a number exceeding a limit is received.

Description

Description Remote control print server, printing system, printing method, recording medium, and program

The present invention relates to a remote control printing server, a remote control printing system, and a remote control printing method that can print electronic mail data using a communication network. Background art

In recent years, e-mail has been frequently transmitted and received between a plurality of mobile phones. The e-mail data received by the mobile phone is displayed on the display of the mobile phone, and the content is confirmed by the user. Some mobile phones can send and receive attached files, such as images, and display them on a display. The attached files may be sent and received together with e-mail data.

However, if the text of the e-mail is too long or there is an attached file that cannot be displayed on the display due to restrictions on the software or software of the mobile phone, display the entire e-mail data on the display of the mobile phone You may not be able to do it. In this case, the portion exceeding the maximum number of characters that can be displayed on the display (the limited number of characters) and the content of the attached file cannot be displayed on the display of the mobile phone, and the user of the mobile phone cannot know the content. There is a problem.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control print server and a remote control print system that allow a mobile phone user to view an e-mail or attached file of a long sentence that cannot be displayed on the display of the mobile phone. And a remote control printing method. Disclosure of the invention

To achieve the above object, a remote control print server according to the present invention comprises: a first communication means for performing data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network; Output means for outputting at least a part of the e-mail data transferred via the means as data supplied to the printer.

According to this configuration, e-mail data that cannot be displayed on the display of the wireless communication terminal can be transferred to the remote control print server, and the contents can be confirmed by outputting the data to the print server. It is possible to check the content of attachments that cannot be viewed on e-mails and wireless communication terminals with long sentences exceeding the length. In addition, since there is no need to connect a separate computer to the wireless communication terminal or printer, even if the wireless communication terminal receives e-mail when going out, it is possible to perform wireless communication without carrying the computer. It is possible to confirm the contents of the e-mail using only the terminal and the printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart sequentially showing operation steps when an electronic mail is received by a mobile phone in the printing system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure when an e-mail is received by a mobile phone in the printing system of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation steps in the case where an e-mail is received by the print server in the printing system of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure when an electronic mail is received by a print server in the printing system of FIG. 1 and an electronic mail is printed regardless of the presence or absence of a print request from an operator. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure when an e-mail is received by a print server in the printing system of FIG. 1 and the e-mail is printed in response to a print request of an operator. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a print server 2, a mobile phone 3 as a wireless communication terminal, and a printer 4. The mobile phone 3 gives a desired print command to the print server 2 by performing data communication with the print server 2 via a base station, an exchange (not shown), and the Internet 5. The print server 2 is a computer including a user database 27 and a wireless interface 28, and receives an electronic message received from a source via the mobile phone 3 or received from a source without passing through the mobile phone 3. The mail data is converted into a format that conforms to printer 4, that is, a format that can be printed by printer 4. The printer 4 includes a wireless interface 44 for performing data communication with the wireless interface 28 of the print server 2, and the converted e-mail received from the print server 2. The data is printed using one of the known printing methods such as ink jet type or laser type.

In the present embodiment, any known wireless interfaces can be used as the wireless interfaces 28 and 44. For example, a wireless interface For the devices 28 and 44, a communication card for a mobile phone or PHS, a wireless LAN card, a bluetooth communication card, or the like can be used. For example, if a mobile phone or a PHS (Personal Handy phone System) communication card is used as both wireless interfaces 28 and 44, the mobile phone and PHS must be connected between the print server 2 and printer 4. It will be connected via the base station Z exchange. Also, when a bluetooth communication card is used as the wireless interfaces 28 and 44, a relay point such as a base station is provided between the print server 2 and the printer 4 relatively close to the print server. It will be connected without going through. This is because in the case of Bluetooth, the communicable distance is about 10 m regardless of the presence or absence of obstacles.

Note that the two wireless interfaces 28 and 44 need not necessarily be of the same type, but may be of different types. However, in that case, some conversion equipment is required at the relay point. As a communication interface between the print server 2 and the printer 4, a wired communication interface may be used instead of the wireless interfaces 28 and 44, but by using the wireless interfaces 28 and 44. There is the advantage that even if you are away from home, you can get a printout if you are within range of the radio waves.

Next, a control system of the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the printing system according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the print server 2 is a router 2 which is a communication interface between the CPU 21, the hard disk 22, the ROM 23, the RAM 24, and the Internet 5. 5, a user database 27, and a wireless interface 28, which are connected to each other by a bus 29.

The CPU 21 has a storage area storing a program that functions as a conversion section 21a, a determination section 21b, a time limit management section 21c, and a printer abnormality detection section 21d. Area. The conversion unit 2 la converts the e-mail data to be printed by the printer 4 into a format according to the printer 4 using the printer driver for the printer 4. Performing such a conversion in the print server 2 eliminates the need for the mobile phone 3 to store the printer driver, thereby making it possible to use the memory capacity of the mobile phone 3 effectively and to provide a notebook computer. As long as the print server 2 is compatible, high-quality printing can be performed using various types of printers, as well as printers of a single manufacturer and model, without the need for an overnight session. Become.

In the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, as will be described later, (1) the print server 2 converts e-mail data received from any source via the mobile phone 3 into print data for the printer 4 and then prints the data. Or (2) the print server 2 sends to the mobile phone 3 an e-mail message received from any source without passing through the mobile phone 3 and prints the received e-mail data. The print data is converted to print data for Evening 4 and then sent to Pudding Evening 4. The determination unit 2 1b of the CPU 21 of the print server 2 can display the entire e-mail data received from the transmission source without passing through the mobile phone 3 on the mobile phone 3 to which the e-mail data is to be transmitted. It is determined whether or not. This determination result is notified to the mobile phone 3.

The term management unit 21c manages the printing term in the printer 4 based on the data communication with the printer 4. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the operator of the mobile phone 3 of the progress of printing. The printer abnormality detecting section 21 analyzes a signal received from the printer 4 via the wireless interface 28 to detect whether or not the printer 4 has an abnormality.

The hard disk 22 stores various software including a network operating system based on GUI (Graphical User Interface) and WWW server applications. The printer driver 15 stores printer drivers for various types of printers scheduled to be connected to the print server 2 as the key 15. Various software stored in the hard disk 22 is read and executed based on an instruction from the CPU 21.

The user database 27 stores information such as the ID, name, address, and mobile phone number of the user who wants to print on the printer 4 by connecting to the print server 2 and data for specifying the output destination of the e-mail. (Phone number, IP address, etc.).

The user overnight base 27 may store a plurality of prints in association with one user. In this case, the operator of the mobile phone 3 sends the data for selecting the printer of the output destination to the print server 2, and the print server 2 converts the e-mail data into a format according to the selected printer, and Send e-mail data to the selected printer. According to this, the user selects not only one specific printer but also a printer that is most convenient for output, such as a printer installed in the office where the user is away from home. It is possible to make it.

User data base - the contents of the scan ₂ 7, when there is § click Seth from the cellular phone 3 to the print server 2, is transmitted to the cellular phone 3 are displayed in the menu one form to the display 3 6. Details of this are described in the specification and drawings attached to the Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-37078287 filed on the same date as the present application, and will not be described here. This allows the operator to check the contents of his / her user data base and easily perform tasks such as changing personal information, adding or changing the output destination printer, and selecting the output destination printer. Is possible.

When sending print data to the printer 4, the print server 2 sends a signal to the printer 4 at the same time notifying that printing is to be performed. This message Based on the number, the display 47 of the printer 4 indicates that fact. Note that a signal notifying that printing is about to be performed may be sent to the mobile phone 3.

The mobile phone 3 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, an operation unit 34 including numeric keys and selection buttons manually operated by an operator, a DSP 35 (digital signal processor), a display 36, It has a section controller 37 and a radio section 38, which are connected to each other by a bus 39. The RAM 32 is a volatile semiconductor memory, and can store character data, message messages, and the like created or received by the operator. The RAM 32 includes a display image storage unit that stores character data displayed on the display 36 as a bitmap image. R〇M33 is a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory that stores font data expressed in bitmap image format for characters displayed on the display 36, as well as operation programs for the mobile phone 3 and kana-kanji conversion programs. are doing. The character data and the message may be stored in a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory.

The DSP 35 is a processor for performing audio processing. The DSP 35 is connected with a microphone 35a and a speaker 35b via an AZD converter and a D / A converter (both not shown). The wireless unit controller 37 controls the operation of the wireless unit 38 connected thereto based on a signal from the CPU 31. Then, the wireless unit 38 wirelessly transmits desired voice data and character data as digital signals from the antenna to the base station. Conversely, the radio section 38 is also used to receive data transmitted from a base station via an antenna.

The printer 4 is a wireless interface for communicating with the CPU 41, the RAM 42, the ROM 43, and the wireless interface 28 of the print server 2. 4, an operation unit 45 including a power button, etc., a printing unit 46 for printing on paper in a predetermined method such as an ink jet system, and a display for notifying the operator of information such as printing status. 47, which are connected to each other by a bus 48. The display 47 indicates that an electronic mail message is about to be printed before printing is performed.

Next, a printing procedure in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flow chart sequentially showing the operation steps when an electronic mail is first received by the mobile phone 3 in the printing system 1 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure when an electronic mail is first received by the mobile phone 3 in the printing system 1 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing, in the printing system 1 of FIG. 1, an operation step when an e-mail is first received by the print server 2 in order. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in the case where the e-mail is first received by the print server 2 and the e-mail is printed regardless of the presence or absence of a print request of the operator in the printing system 1 of FIG. FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure when an e-mail is first received by the print server 2 in the printing system 1 of FIG. 1 and the e-mail is printed according to a print request of an operator. FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the e-mail is not printed unless there is a print request from the operator.

First, an e-mail printing procedure when an e-mail is first received by the mobile phone 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S101, the mobile phone 3 first receives e-mail data transmitted from a source (not shown) via a provider or a base station of a mobile phone carrier. Next, in step S102, the mobile phone 3 determines whether or not the received e-mail data has an attached file based on the contents of the e-mail. If there is an attached file (S 10 2 ··· YES), step Proceed to S103. Then, in step S103, the mobile phone 3 adds text data indicating that there is an attached file to the received e-mail data. In addition, the content of “the fact that there is an attached file” may include information such as the size of the attached file. If there is no attached file (S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S104. The determination in step S102 may be made by the base station of the provider handling the e-mail and the mobile phone carrier, instead of the mobile phone 3.

Subsequently, in step S104, the mobile phone 3 determines whether or not the received e-mail message exceeds the number of characters that can be displayed on the display 36. If the number of characters exceeds the limit (S104: YES), proceed to step S105. In step S105, text data indicating that the character limit has been exceeded is added to the received e-mail data. In addition, the content of “the number of characters exceeds the limit” may include information such as the total number of characters in an e-mail message. If the number of characters does not exceed the limit (S104: N〇), the process proceeds to step S106. Note that the determination in step S104 above is made on the mobile phone 3 because the number of characters to be restricted differs for each mobile phone 3.However, if the limit on the number of characters of the receiving mobile phone 3 is known in advance, Alternatively, the service may be performed by a mobile phone carrier base station, which is not a mobile phone 3 but a provider that handles e-mail.

In step S106, the received e-mail data is displayed on the display 36, and the operator confirms the contents of the e-mail data. Here, if the number of characters in the e-mail exceeds the limit, the operator may find that the text of the e-mail data that has been interrupted halfway (the range of text that can be displayed on the display 36) and "the number of characters exceeds the limit" In addition, if there is an attached file, the operator can confirm the e-mail text and "attached file". The number of characters in the email exceeds the character limit, In addition, if there is an attached file, the operator sends the sentence of the e-mail data that has been interrupted halfway (the sentence within the range that can be displayed on the display 36), "to the effect that the number of characters has been exceeded", There is ". Then, in step S107, it is determined whether or not there is a printing request of the operator for the electronic mail (which may include an attached file) received by the mobile phone 3, that is, the printing button of the mobile phone 3 The mobile phone 3 determines whether or not is pressed. If there is a print request (S107: YES), the flow advances to step S108. If there is no print request (S107: NO), the process ends.

In step S109, the mobile phone 3 transmits the e-mail data requested to be printed by the operator to the print server 2. In step S109, the print server 2 receives the e-mail data requested to be printed. It is determined whether there is. If e-mail data has been received (S109: YES), the process proceeds to step S110. If no e-mail data has been received (S109: NO), the processing is terminated.

In step S110, the conversion unit 21a of the print server 2 converts the e-mail data having a print request received from the mobile phone 3 into a print data in a format according to the printer 4, The print data is transmitted from the print server 2 to the printer 4. Further, in step S111, the print data is printed by the printer 4, and the process is terminated.

Next, an e-mail printing procedure when an e-mail is first received by the mobile phone 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the flowchart of FIG. 3 classified into the operations of the print server 2, the mobile phone 3, and the printer 4.

First, in step S201, the mobile phone 3 performs a series of processes relating to the received e-mail message (steps S101 to S101 in FIG. 3). (Corresponding to 7). Then, when the operator wants to print the e-mail data, the operator operates the operation unit 34 of the mobile phone 3 in step S202. Thereby, the mobile phone 3 accesses the print server 2 via the Internet 5, and in step S203, a session between the mobile phone 3 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step S204, a print instruction including electronic mail data requested by the operator to be printed and data on the printer 4 is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the print server 2. ,

In step S 205, the conversion unit 21 a of the print server 2 converts the e-mail data received from the mobile phone 3 into a printer driver for the designated printer 4. Is converted into print data that can be printed by the printer 4. The print data created in this way is stored in the RAM 24 of the print server 2.

Next, in step S206, the print server 2 accesses the selected printer 4 via the wireless LAN interface 28, 44 (the printer 4 is turned on in advance and becomes ready for reception). And it is). Depending on the printer selected by the mobile phone 3, the printer may be accessed via the router 25 and the Internet 5. With this access, a session between the print server 2 and the printer 4 is established in step S207. After the two sessions are established, in step S208, the print data is sent from the RAM 24 of the print server 2 to the print server 4 via the wireless interface 28, 44. Sent. When the print server 2 accesses the printer 4 via the network 25 and the Internet 5, the print data is transmitted from the RAM 24 of the print server 2 to the network 25 and the Internet. Sent to printer 4 via 5 Printer 4 stores the received print data in the RAM 42 buffer area. Then, in step S209, the e-mail data stored in the RAM 42 is supplied to the printing unit 46 by the operation of the operation unit 45 of the printer 4 by the operator. Thus, in step S210, the printing unit 46 prints the print data corresponding to the e-mail data. When the operator needs to operate the printer 4, the operator operates the printer 4 as described above. At this time, the operator may be the same as or different from the operator of the mobile phone 3. Further, when the printer 4 receives the print data, the printer 4 may be configured to automatically print the print data.

Next, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, a procedure for printing an e-mail when the print server 2 first receives the e-mail from some source will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S301, the print server 2 first receives e-mail data from some source. 'Next, in step S302, the determination section 21b determines whether or not the received e-mail data has an attached file. If there is an attached file (S302: YES), the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, text data indicating that there is an attached file is added to the received e-mail. In addition, the content of "the fact that there is an attached file" may include information such as the size of the attached file. If there is no attached file (S302: NO), the process proceeds to step S304.

Subsequently, in step S304, it is determined whether or not the number of characters of the received e-mail data exceeds the limited number of characters that can be displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3 to which the e-mail data is to be transmitted. Determined by 1 b. If the number of characters exceeds the limit (S304: YES), the flow advances to step S305. In step S305, text data indicating that the number of characters has been exceeded is added to the received e-mail data. In addition, information such as the total number of characters in the e-mail data is included in the content of May be included. If the number of characters does not exceed the limit (S304: N〇), the process proceeds to step S306. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is determined by the print super printer 2 whether there is any data (a part exceeding the character limit or an attached file) that cannot be displayed on the mobile phone 3 in the e-mail data. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine this on the mobile phone 3 side, and the configuration of the mobile phone 3 can be simplified.

Here, when the print server 2 receives the e-mail data, the timing at which the print data corresponding to the received e-mail data is transmitted to the printer 4 depends on the setting state of the print server 2. In one setting state (hereinafter, referred to as a “first setting state”), the print server 2 transmits all the received e-mail messages to the mobile phone 3 and sends all the e-mail messages to the printer 4. Send print data for e-mail data. That is, in the first setting state, the e-mail data received by the print server 2 is often the same as the recipient of the e-mail (if the e-mail address is different from the e-mail address, ), Regardless of whether or not there is a print instruction from the mobile phone 3.

Further, in another setting state (hereinafter, referred to as “second setting state”), the print server 2 transmits all the received e-mail data to the mobile phone 3, and then transmits the received e-mail data. Only when there is a print request from the recipient, that is, when there is a print instruction from the mobile phone 3, only the print data relating to the electronic mail for which the print request has been made to the printer 4 is transmitted. In other words, in the second setting state, the e-mail message received by the print server 2 is printed only when there is a print request from the recipient of the e-mail. It will not be printed.

Therefore, in step S306, the timing for transmitting print data corresponding to the e-mail data received by print server 2 to printer 4 is set. It is determined whether the state is the “first setting state” or the “second setting state”. If the state is the "first setting state" (S306: YES), the process proceeds to step S307. The setting of this timing is made in the print server 2 in advance.

In step S307, the e-mail data is transmitted from the print server 2 to the mobile phone 3, and the print data corresponding to the e-mail data converted by the conversion unit 21b is transmitted to the printer 4. . In the present embodiment, the data of the portion exceeding the character limit and the attached file data are separated from the e-mail data and are not transmitted to the mobile phone 3 and can be displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3. Only the amount of text data is sent to the mobile phone 3. As a result, the amount of data communicated between the print server 2 and the mobile phone 3 can be significantly reduced, and the data communication time is shortened because data that cannot be used by the mobile phone 3 is transmitted. Eliminate the need for long hours. This is the same in step S309 described later. However, without considering such advantages, when sending e-mail data from the print server 2 to the mobile phone 3, it is also possible to configure so that the data exceeding the character limit and the attached file data are also sent. It is.

Then, in step S308, the electronic mail transmitted to the mobile phone 3 is displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3, and the contents of the e-mail data are confirmed by the operator. Here, if the email message received by the print server 2 exceeds the character limit, the operator sends the email message text that was interrupted halfway (the text that can be displayed on the display 36). If the print server 2 has an attached file in the e-mail data received, the operator can confirm that the attached file exists. . In addition, the print data transmitted to the printer 4 is printed by the printer 4, and the processing is completed. Email data characters If the number of characters exceeds the character limit and there is an attached file, the operator will find that the text of the e-mail data that has been interrupted halfway (the text within the range that can be displayed on the display 36) and the "character limit is exceeded" To the effect "and, furthermore," to the effect that there is an attached file ".

The setting state of the timing at which the print data corresponding to the e-mail data received by the print server 2 is transmitted to the printer 4 is the “second setting state”, and the steps S306 to S309 are performed. In step S309, the print server 2 transmits the e-mail data to the mobile phone 3 but does not transmit the print data corresponding to the e-mail data to the printer 4 in step S309.

Then, in step S310, the e-mail message transmitted to the mobile phone 3 is displayed on the display 36, and the operator confirms the contents of the e-mail data. Here, if the e-mail data received by the print server 2 exceeds the limited number of characters, the operator may interrupt the sentence of the e-mail message (the sentence within the range that can be displayed on the display 36). And that the number of characters sent by e-mail exceeds the character limit, and if there is an attached file in the e-mail data received by the print server 2, the operator indicates that the attached file exists. Can be confirmed. If the number of characters in the e-mail data exceeds the character limit and there is an attached file, the operator will be prompted with the text of the e-mail data that was interrupted halfway (the text within the range that can be displayed on the display 36). It can be confirmed that "the number of characters has been exceeded" and further that "there is an attached file".

Then, in step S31 携帯, the mobile phone 3 determines whether or not the operator has requested the printing of the electronic mail data for the electronic mail (which may include the attached file) received by the mobile phone 3. . If there is a print request (S311: YES), the flow advances to step S312. If there is no print request, In this case (S311: NO), the processing is terminated. As described above, in the present embodiment, by setting the second setting state, if there is no print request from the operator of the mobile phone 3, the e-mail message and the attached file are not printed. However, even if the e-mail data cannot be displayed on the mobile phone 3, those that do not need to be printed are not printed unnecessarily. Therefore, waste of ink toner used for printing, and further, printing paper and the like can be eliminated.

In step S 312, the print server 2 receives a print instruction for the e-mail data requested to be printed from the mobile phone 3, and in step S 3 13, responds to the e-mail data requested to be printed from the print server 2 The print data is transmitted to the printer 4 via the wireless interfaces 28 and 44. In step S314, the printer 4 prints the received print data, and the process ends.

Next, when the print server 2 receives the e-mail message, the setting state of the print server 2 is “first setting state”, that is, when the print server 2 receives the e-mail message, Referring to FIG. 6, a printing procedure for transmitting at least a part of the email data to the mobile phone 3 and transmitting a print data corresponding to the email data to the printer 4 with reference to FIG. explain in detail. FIG. 6 shows a part of the flowchart of FIG. 5 classified into the operations of the print server 2, the mobile phone 3, and the printer 4.

First, in step S401, the print server 2 performs a series of processes (corresponding to steps S301 to S305 in FIG. 5) on the received e-mail data. Then, in step S402, the print server 2 accesses the mobile phone 3 via the Internet 5. Thus, in step S403, a session between the mobile phone 3 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step S404, the e-mail data received by print server 2 is Is transmitted to the mobile phone 3 and is displayed on the display 36 in step S405, and the contents of the e-mail data are confirmed by the operator. Here, if the number of characters in the e-mail data received by the print server 2 exceeds the limit, the operator will be notified of the text of the e-mail data that has been interrupted halfway (the text within the range that can be displayed on the display 36) and the number of characters. Can be confirmed, and if an e-mail message received by the print server 2 has an attached file, the operator can confirm that the attached file exists. . In addition, as described above, if the number of characters in the e-mail data exceeds the character limit and there is an attached file, the operator will be able to send the text of the e-mail data that has been interrupted in the middle (the range that can be displayed on the display 36). Sentence), "Too many characters are exceeded" and "Attached file". In step S 406, the conversion unit 21 a of the print server 2 converts the e-mail data received by the print server 2 by using the printer driver for the designated printer 4, The print data is converted into a format according to the printer 4, that is, print data that can be printed by the printer 4. The print data created in this way is stored in the RAM 24 of the print server 2.

Next, in step S407, the selected printer 4 is accessed via the print server 2 wireless interface 28, 44. Note that the selection of the printer 4 is set in the print server 2 in advance. Further, depending on the selected printer 4, the printer 4 may be accessed via the router 25 as described above. With this access, a session between the print server 2 and the printer 4 is established in step S408. After the two sessions are established, in step S409, the print data is transmitted from the RAM 24 of the print server 2 to the printer 4 via the wireless interfaces 28 and 44. . However, when the print server 2 accesses the printer 4 via the router 25 and the Internet 1 network 5, the print data is Sent from RAM 24 of print server 2 to printer 4 via router 25 and internet 5. The printer 4 stores the received print data in the RAM 42 buffer area. Here, the processing from step S401 to step S404 and the processing from step S406 to step S409 may be performed simultaneously or at almost the same timing.

Then, in step S 410, the operator (which may be the same as or different from the operator of the mobile phone 3) operates the operation unit 45 of the printer 4 to obtain R Print data corresponding to the e-mail data stored in the AM 42 is supplied to the printing unit 46. Thus, in step S411, the printing unit 46 prints the print data corresponding to the e-mail.

Next, the e-mail data is received by the print server 2, and when the setting state of the print server 2 is “second setting state”, that is, when the print server 2 receives the e-mail data, the mobile phone 3 Referring to FIG. 7, a detailed description will be given of a printing procedure in a case where at least a part of the e-mail is sent only to the user. FIG. 7 shows a part of the flowchart of FIG. 5 classified into the operations of the print server 2, the mobile phone 3, and the printer 4.

First, in step S501, the print server 2 performs a series of processes (corresponding to steps S301 to S305 in FIG. 5) on the received e-mail data. Then, in step S502, the print server 2 accesses the mobile phone 3 via the Internet 5. Thus, in step S503, a session between the mobile phone 3 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step S504, the e-mail message received by the print server 2 is transmitted to the mobile phone 3, and in step S505, it is displayed on the display 36, and the e-mail data is sent by the operator. Is confirmed. Here, if the e-mail data received by print server 2 exceeds the character limit, The operator can confirm that the text of the e-mail data that has been interrupted halfway (the text within the range that can be displayed on the display 36) and that the character limit has been exceeded. If there is an attached file in the data, the operator can confirm that there is an attached file. As described above, if the number of characters in the e-mail data exceeds the character limit and there is an attached file, the operator can read the text of the e-mail data that was interrupted on the way (the display range of the display 36). Sentence), "The number of characters exceeds the limit" and "Attached file". Then, in step S506, a print instruction including e-mail data requested to be printed by the operator and data on the printer is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the print server 2.

In step S507, the conversion unit 21a of the print server 2 converts the electronic mail received by the print server 2 into a printer driver related to the designated printer 4 using the printer driver. It is converted to print data in the format according to PRI. The print data thus created is stored in the RAM 24 of the print server 2.

Next, in step S508, the print server 2 accesses the selected printer 4 via the wireless interfaces 28 and 44. Has been). As described above, depending on the selected printer, the printer may be accessed via the printer 25. With this access, a session between the print server 2 and the printer 4 is established in step S509.

After both sessions are established, in step S510, print data is transmitted from the RAM 24 of the print server 2 to the printer 4 via the wireless interfaces 28, 44. . However, when the print server 2 accesses the printer 4 via the router 25 and the Internet 5, the print data is Sent from RAM 24 of print server 2 to printer 4 via router 25 and Internet connection 5. The printer 4 stores the received print data in the RAM 42 buffer area.

In step S511, the operator operates the operation unit 45 of the printer 4 so that the print data corresponding to the electronic mail stored in the RAM 42 is printed by the operator. Supplied to 6. Thus, in step S512, the printing unit 46 prints the print data corresponding to the e-mail. When the operator needs to operate the printer 4, the operator operates the printer 4. At this time, the operator may be the same as or different from the operator of the mobile phone 3. Further, when the printer 4 receives the print data, the printer 4 may be configured to automatically print the print data.

As described above, according to the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, e-mail data that cannot be displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3 is transferred to the print server 2 and output to the printer 4, It is possible to confirm e-mails of long sentences exceeding the character limit and the contents of attached files that cannot be viewed on the mobile phone 3. Also, since the mobile phone 3 can receive the attached data, it is possible to receive the attached file such as an image together with the e-mail data. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the contents of long sentence emails and large attachments.

When the mobile phone 3 received the email data without passing through the print server 2, the mobile phone 3 could not receive the entire email data due to a small internal memory capacity or the like. Occasionally, the print server 2, which has received the e-mail data 2 transferred from the mobile phone 3, sends the e-mail data based on the header information of the e-mail server, and the e-mail data of the in-net network where this e-mail data will be stored. The mail server may be accessed to receive a complete electronic mail overnight. In addition, since the print server 2 can convert the e-mail message into a format conforming to each of the different types of printers 4, printing can be performed without connecting the printer 4 to a computer. It can be carried out. In addition, printing on a plurality of printers 4 becomes possible.

Further, the print server 2 of the present embodiment can perform data communication with the printer 4 by performing wireless communication, so that the print server 2 can appropriately control the printer 4 and can send e-mail to the printer 4. Overnight printing conditions (fine or normal print quality, scaling, '' color or monochrome, etc.) can be set as appropriate on the mobile phone 3. In addition, since the status of the printer 4 can be grasped and the mobile phone 3 can be notified at any time, the abnormality of the printer 4 (the paper or ink of the printer 4 has run out, the paper is The battery has run out, the battery of the portable printer has run out, etc.), and the printer abnormality detecting section 21 d detects this, and notifies the mobile phone 3 of this. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a printing error or the like due to a printer error.

Also, in the present embodiment, the expiration date management unit 21c of the print server 2 is used to manage the expiration date of printing on the printer 4 (print start time, print completion time, print instruction time, etc.). Can also. The print term management information in the printer 4 is transmitted to the mobile phone 3 when necessary, for example, when printing is completed. Further, since the printer administrator can know the start of printing, the printing can be stopped when the printer administrator determines that the printing needs to be stopped. If the printer administrator wants to stop printing, the mobile phone 3 is notified via the print server 2 to that effect. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the printing from being stopped, it is possible to reliably execute the printing in the printer 4 that is separated from the mobile phone 3 by the print command source.

In addition, the e-mail message received by the print server 2 is sent to the operator upon a print request. Settings for printing regardless of the setting (indicating the “first setting status” described above) and settings for printing an e-mail in response to a print request from the operator (“the second setting status” described above) The settings of the print server 2 can be changed as necessary.

As described above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the conversion unit of the print server converts the e-mail data into print data in a format according to the printer, using a printer driver for the specified printer. The e-mail may be sent to a computer connected to the printer at the printing destination, and converted into a format in accordance with the print format on the computer. Good. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the mobile phone is capable of receiving an attached file, but may be a mobile phone that cannot receive an attached file. In this case, the email data that cannot be displayed on the display is often long text email data.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transmission and reception of data between the print server and the printer is performed by wireless communication. However, even when data is transmitted by a cable or a memory card, Similar effects can be obtained. For example, when a cable is used, a cable connector is an output means, and when a memory card is used, a card connector is an output means.

Further, the printer 4 may be provided with a card slot so that a wireless communication device (PHS card, mobile card, etc.) can be directly mounted on the printer 4. As described above, the configuration in which the wireless communication device is directly mounted on the printer 4 is described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-37034, filed on the same date as the present application, or Japanese Patent Application No. 200000. -It is described in the specification and drawings attached to the application for No. 372887. For the communication path between the printer 4 and the print server, a plurality of or more types of force slots are provided in the printer 4, and a PHS card, a mobile card, etc. are attached to each force slot. The configuration in which a plurality or a plurality of types of force slots are provided in the printer 4 is described in the specification and drawings attached to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-37034. I have.

In the above-described embodiment, the abnormality or the like of the printer 4 is detected, and the abnormality is reported on the screen of the mobile phone 3. However, the abnormality may be reported by sound. Also, if the printer 4 is in a state where printing is not possible (not a failure but a state where the power is turned off), the printer 4 is improved to a state where printing is possible (for example, “A print command is issued from a mobile phone, or You may receive a print command. Please turn on the power. ") Data to prompt for instructions (data for displaying the instructions on a mobile phone, data from the text of the instructions) One or all of the e-mail, the voice data of the instruction, and one or all of the FAX-compatible data indicating the instruction, the print server 2 sends it to a predetermined communication terminal (the operator who issued the print instruction, (One or all of the mobile phone or wired telephone, e-mail address, fax, etc.) of the printer, the representative of the printer location, and the staff at the printer location. To and when there was state summer, when it is likely) or selectively unprintable (e.g., it may be transmitted only) when a print command. The configuration for transmitting this instruction is described in the specification and drawings attached to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-3782887. In addition, whether or not it can be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone 3 may be determined based on the extension. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the extension “txt” can be displayed and the extension “doc” cannot be displayed.

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, an e-mail message that cannot be displayed on the display of the wireless communication terminal is transferred to the server, By outputting it to the printer, the content can be checked. For example, it is possible to check the content of an e-mail with a long sentence exceeding the character limit and the contents of an attached file that cannot be viewed on a wireless communication terminal. In addition, since the remote control printing server can convert emails and evenings into formats according to different types of printing, printing can be performed without connecting the printing to a computer. Can be.

Further, according to the present invention, since data communication with the printer becomes possible, the control of the printer can be appropriately performed, and the state of the printer can be notified to the wireless communication terminal at any time.

Also, according to the present invention, the printer is abnormal (for example, the printer has run out of paper or ink, the paper has run out, the power has been turned off, the battery of the mobile printer has run out, etc.). When any or all of them are detected, the fact can be notified to the wireless communication terminal, so that printing mistakes and the like can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the wireless communication terminal has not received all of the e-mail data, it is possible to acquire and print the data transmitted from the transmission source.

Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the entire e-mail data received by the print server can be displayed by the wireless communication terminal. Based on the determination result, the electronic mail data is displayed there on the wireless communication terminal side. Only the data to be transmitted can be transmitted. As a result, the amount of data transmitted to the wireless communication terminal can be significantly reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the wireless communication terminal to determine whether there is any data that cannot be displayed on the wireless communication terminal during the entire e-mail session, and the configuration of the wireless communication terminal can be simplified. it can.

Also, according to the present invention, an e-mail message that cannot be displayed on a wireless communication terminal Thus, it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing from being unnecessaryly printed.

Further, according to the present invention, the wireless communication terminal transfers the e-mail data to the remote control print server based on the received e-mail data print request. If there is, printing is performed automatically. Further, according to the present invention, the remote control print server transmits at least a part of the e-mail data to a plurality of printers in response to a request from the wireless communication terminal, so that printing at the plurality of printers is possible. become.

Further, according to the present invention, a notification means is provided for notifying the printer administrator that at least a part of the e-mail data is to be transmitted to the printer and printing is to be performed. You can know the start of execution. Also, according to the present invention, printing in the printer cannot be stopped by the printer administrator, so printing in the printer remote from the wireless communication terminal that is the print command source is not performed. It can be executed reliably.

Further, according to the present invention, when the printer administrator desires to stop printing, the data to that effect is transmitted to the wireless communication terminal, so that the printer administrator determines that the printing should be stopped. In, printing can be stopped.

Further, according to the present invention, since a printing expiration date management means for managing a printing expiration date in a printer is further provided, a printing expiration date management in a printer (for example, a print start time, a print completion time, a print instruction time, etc. Any one or all).

Further, according to the present invention, the wireless communication terminal transmits the print condition of the electronic mail in the printer to the remote control print server, so that the print condition of the email data in the printer (for example, fine or normal) One or all of print quality, enlargement, color or monochrome, etc.) can be set as appropriate on the wireless communication terminal. Further, according to the present invention, when the printing of the e-mail data in the printer is completed, the fact is transmitted to the wireless communication terminal via the remote control print server, so that the printing of the e-mail data in the printer is completed. The operator of the wireless communication terminal can know this.

Further, according to the present invention, since the wireless communication terminal is a mobile phone capable of receiving attached data, a plurality of wireless communication terminals are mobile phones capable of receiving attached data. Etc. can be received.

Further, according to the present invention, since the remote control print server transmits the content data to the printer via the wireless communication terminal, print output can be obtained even if the printer does not have a communication function.

Further, according to the present invention, the remote control print server transmits, to the communication terminal, a message for urging the operator to put the printer into a printable state in response to a print command from the wireless communication terminal, After the printer is ready to print, it makes a call and receives data from the remote control print server, so the user of the printer pays the communication cost when transmitting the content data, and the communication cost is justified. Charges can be made.

Further, according to the present invention, since the wireless communication terminal has a terminal that can be directly connected to the printer, the session establishment time can be eliminated, so that the time until printing can be reduced. Also, print output can be obtained even if the printer does not have a communication function. Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, an e-mail message that cannot be displayed on the display of a wireless communication terminal can be transferred to a server, and the content can be confirmed by outputting the e-mail message to a printer. Email and You can check the contents of attached files that cannot be browsed on a wireless communication terminal.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. a first communication means for performing data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network;

Output means for outputting at least a part of the e-mail data received by the wireless communication terminal and transferred via the first communication means as data supplied to a printer. A remote control printing super-character.

2. The remote control print server according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion unit configured to convert data output by the output unit into a format in accordance with the print format.

3. The output means includes one or more second communication means for performing data communication with the printer and transmitting at least a part of the e-mail message to the printer. The remote control print server according to claim 1, wherein

4. It further comprises a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the printing device via the second communication means,

The remote control according to claim 3, wherein when the detection means detects the abnormality of the printer, the fact is notified to the wireless communication terminal via the first communication means. Print server.

5. When the wireless communication terminal does not receive all of the email data, the wireless communication terminal acquires the email data in the communication network based on the header information of the email message. 2. The remote control print server according to claim 1, wherein the remote control print server is configured.

6. A first communication means for performing data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network;

The entirety of the e-mail message received by the first communication means is transmitted over the wireless communication Determining means for determining whether or not display is possible on the terminal;

A remote control print server comprising: output means for outputting at least a part of the e-mail data received by the first communication means as data supplied to the printer.

7. The first communication unit, when the determination unit determines that the e-mail data includes data that cannot be displayed by the wireless communication terminal, notifies the wireless communication terminal of the determination. 7. The remote control print server according to claim 6, wherein:

8. The output device according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs at least a part of the e-mail data as data supplied to the printer only when there is a print request from the wireless communication terminal. Remote control print server.

9. The remote control print server of claim 1,

A printing system, comprising: a wireless communication terminal capable of performing data communication by connecting to the communication network; and a printer.

10. The remote control print server according to claim 1,

One or more wireless communication terminals capable of performing data communication with the remote control print server by connecting to the communication network,

A printing system comprising a printer capable of performing data communication with the remote control print server.

11. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the wireless communication terminal transfers e-mail data to the remote control print server based on a received print request for e-mail data.

12. The remote control print server according to claim 10, wherein the remote control print server transmits at least a part of the e-mail data to the plurality of printers in response to a request from the wireless communication terminal. Printing system.

13. Send at least a part of the e-mail data to the printer 10. The printing system according to claim 9, further comprising notification means for notifying a printer administrator that printing is to be performed.

14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein printing by the printer cannot be stopped by the printer administrator.

15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein, when the printer administrator desires to stop printing, data indicating the fact is transmitted to the wireless communication terminal.

16. The printing system according to claim 10, further comprising a printing expiration time management unit that manages printing expiration time in the printing apparatus.

17. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the wireless communication terminal transmits printing conditions for e-mail data in the printer to the remote control print server.

18. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein when the printing of the e-mail data in the printer is completed, the fact is transmitted to the wireless communication terminal via the remote control print server.

19. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the wireless communication terminal is a mobile phone capable of receiving attached data.

20. The remote control print server according to claim 6,

A printing system comprising: a wireless communication terminal capable of performing data communication by connecting to the communication network; and a printer.

2 1. In a printing method by a remote control print server performing data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network,

A receiving step for receiving the e-mail data transferred from the wireless communication terminal;

At least a part of the e-mail data is transmitted to a printer. And an output step of outputting as a print.

22. The printing method according to claim 21, further comprising a conversion step of converting the data output in the output step into a format according to the print data.

2 3. A detecting step of detecting an abnormality of the printer;

22. The printing method according to claim 21, further comprising: a notifying step of notifying the wireless communication terminal of the abnormality of the printer when the abnormality is detected by the detecting step.

24. If the wireless communication terminal has not received all of the e-mail data, obtain the e-mail message in the communication network based on the header information of the e-mail data. 22. The printing method according to claim 21, further comprising a data acquisition step for performing the data acquisition.

25. In a printing method by a remote control print server that performs data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network,

A receiving step of receiving email data;

A determination step of determining whether or not the entirety of the email data received in the receiving step can be displayed on the wireless communication terminal;

An output step of outputting at least a portion of the e-mail data received in the receiving step as data supplied to the printer.

2 6. A receiving step for receiving the e-mail data transferred from the wireless communication terminal,

Outputting at least a part of the e-mail data as data to be supplied to a printer, by a computer that is a remote control print server that performs data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network. Computer-readable recording medium on which a program for recording is recorded.

27. A detection step of detecting an abnormality of the printer and a notification step of notifying the wireless communication terminal of the detection of the abnormality of the printer via the communication network when the abnormality of the printer is detected by the detection step. 27. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 26, wherein the computer-readable recording medium records a program to be executed by the wireless communication terminal and a computer that is a remote control print server that performs data communication with the printer.

28. If the wireless communication terminal has not received all of the e-mail data, the e-mail data in the communication network is acquired based on the header information of the e-mail data. 27. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 26, further recording a program for causing a computer to execute the data acquisition step.

2 9. A receiving step for receiving an e-mail message,

A determining step of determining whether or not the entirety of the electronic mail data received in the receiving step can be displayed on the wireless communication terminal;

Outputting at least a portion of the electronic mail received in the receiving step as data to be supplied to the printer; and performing a remote control for performing data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a program to be executed on a computer that is a print server.

30. A receiving step for receiving the e-mail data transferred from the wireless communication terminal,

Outputting at least a part of the e-mail message as a message supplied to the printer by a remote control print server that performs data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network. A program that causes a computer to run.

3 1. Detection for detecting abnormalities in the pudding A notification step of notifying the wireless communication terminal when the abnormality of the printer is detected by the detection step; and a remote control for performing data communication with the wireless communication terminal and the printer via the communication network. 31. The program according to claim 30, which is executed by a computer that is a print server.

3. When the wireless communication terminal has not received all of the e-mail data, a data for acquiring the e-mail data in the communication network based on header information of the e-mail data. 31. The program according to claim 30, further causing the computer to execute the evening acquisition step.

3 3. A receiving step of receiving the e-mail data;

A determining step of determining whether or not the entirety of the email data received in the receiving step can be displayed on the wireless communication terminal;

An output step of outputting at least a part of the e-mail data received in the receiving step as data supplied to a printer, a remote control print server performing data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network This is a program to be executed on a computer.

34. The remote control print server according to claim 1, wherein the remote control print server transmits content data to the printer via the wireless communication terminal.

35. In response to a print command from the wireless communication terminal, the remote control print server sends data to the communication terminal to prompt the operator to put the printer in a printable state,

2. The remote control print server according to claim 1, wherein the print server receives a data from the remote control print server by making a call after the print enable state.

36. The remote control print server according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication terminal has a terminal that can be directly connected to the printer.