JP2001249783A - Print server system, print server, outputting device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print service system capable of easily operating printing on large-sized sheets small in use frequency or high quality color printing at low cost, and to provide a print sever and a printer applied to the print service system. SOLUTION: A user transmits user information and print data from a PC 3 through a network N to a sever 2 for a print server. The server 2 for a print server stores the print data received from the PC 3 corresponding to the user information, and at the time of receiving the user information inputted by a user from a printer 4, distributes the print data correspond to the user information to the printer 4, and allows the printer 4 to print-output the print data in a print format selected by the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a print service system for providing a print service via a communication network, a print server applied to the print service system, a print output device, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, various printers such as an ink jet printer and a laser printer are on the market. The price of general document size prints and color printers with a certain level of image quality are decreasing year by year, but printers with functions such as large paper printing and high quality color printing are still expensive. is there.

[0003]

However, even if it is necessary to print large-sized paper or perform high-quality color printing while working in a general small and micro enterprise,
Because of its price and frequency of use, we want to avoid purchasing large, high-performance laser printers as much as possible. However, there is a problem in that placing an order with a printing company increases costs.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to transmit desired print data to a print server, make a print reservation, and print out the reserved print data from any output device, thereby printing on large-sized paper that is not frequently used. And high-quality color printing or the like can be easily performed at low cost.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A user terminal, a print server, and an output device are connected via a network, the print data is transmitted from the user terminal to the print server, a print reservation is made, and the print data reserved for printing is printed out from any output device. In the print service system, the user terminal (for example, the PC 3 in FIG. 1) transmits transmission means (for example, the Internet communication in FIG. 4) for transmitting desired print data and identification information for identifying a user to the print server. Unit 37), and the print server (for example,
The print service server 2 in FIG. 1 stores print data transmitted from the user terminal and identification information in association with each other (for example, the storage medium 23 in FIG. 2).
When the identification information is transmitted from the output device (for example, the printer 4 of FIG. 1), the print data corresponding to the identification information is searched from the storage unit. Distribution means for transmitting data to an output device (for example, Internet communication unit 25 in FIG. 2)
The output device comprises: a settlement unit (for example, the fee collection device 49 in FIG. 6) for adjusting a printing fee; an input unit (for example, the input unit 43 in FIG. 6) for inputting identification information;
A communication unit (for example, the Internet communication unit 48 in FIG. 6) for transmitting the identification information input by the input unit to the print server and receiving print data transmitted from the print server corresponding to the identification information; A calculating unit (for example, the CPU shown in FIG. 6) for calculating a printing fee related to the print output of the print data received by the communication unit.
41) and printing means for printing out the print data when the printing fee calculated by the calculating means is settled by the adjusting means (for example, the printing device 44 in FIG. 6).
And characterized in that:

Therefore, by adding identification information to print data from a user terminal such as a PC via a network and transmitting the print data to a printer server, the identification information is input to an output terminal such as a printer on the network, thereby enabling arbitrary printing. A print service system capable of performing print output of print data at the time and place described above.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print server to which a user terminal and an output device are connected via a network, wherein the user terminal (for example, the PC shown in FIG. 1)
3) receiving print data and identification information transmitted from the storage device (eg, the storage medium 36 in FIG. 4) for storing the print data corresponding to the identification information; When the identification information is transmitted from the printer 4), the print data corresponding to the transmitted identification information is searched from the storage unit, and when there is the corresponding print data, the print data is transmitted by the identification information. And a transmission unit (for example, the Internet communication unit 37 in FIG. 4) for transmitting the data to the output device.

Therefore, by storing print data transmitted from a user terminal such as a PC via a network and identification information in association with each other,
A print server that distributes print data to an output terminal such as a printer to which identification information has been input can be provided.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output device connected to a print server via a network, wherein the payment device (for example, a fee collection device 49 in FIG. 6) for adjusting a printing fee, and identification information. An input means (for example, the input unit 43 in FIG. 6) for inputting, and the identification information input by the input means are transmitted to the print server (for example, the print service server 2 in FIG. 1) and correspond to the identification information. Communication means for receiving print data transmitted from the print server (for example, the Internet communication unit 4 in FIG. 6).
8) and a calculating unit (for example, a printing unit) for calculating a printing fee related to print output of the print data received by the communication unit.
And a printing unit (for example, the printing device 44 in FIG. 6) that prints out the print data when the printing fee calculated by the calculating unit is settled by the adjusting unit. It is characterized by.

Therefore, by inputting the identification information, print data transmitted from a user terminal such as a PC can
An output device that prints out at any time and place can be provided.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 13 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a print service system according to the present embodiment.

First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a print service system 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a print service system 100 includes a plurality of Ps as user terminals connected to a provider server 1 via a network N.
It comprises a C (Personal Computer) 3, a provider server 1 connected to the Internet S, a print service server 2, and printers 4 installed at a plurality of locations.

FIG. 1 shows a case in which three PCs 3 are connected to a network N and printers 4 installed at three locations are connected to the Internet S. However, the number and locations of these printers are particularly limited. In a print service system that is actually operated, it is considered that hundreds to thousands or more of PCs 3 and printers 4 are connected to each network.

The provider server 1 provides a communication environment related to a print service between the PC 3 connected to the network N, the print service server 2 connected to the Internet S, and the printer 4. It controls a data communication procedure and the like according to a communication request between them.

The print service server 2 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
nit) 21, storage device 22, storage medium 23, RAM (Ran
domAccess Memory) 24 and Internet communication unit 2
5 except for the storage medium 23.
It is connected to the.

The print service server 2 displays the contents of the print service on the PC 3. For example, a print service reception screen is displayed on the PC 3 accessed via the provider server 1 (see FIG. 5A).
Is displayed, the print service request content is received from the PC 3, and the print reservation data is stored in association with the user information of the user of the PC 3 who reserved the print service. .

The print service server 2 is operated by a user of the PC 3 who has reserved the print service.
It has a print data distribution function of receiving user information from the printer 4, referring to the print service request content of the user who has been reserved for printing, and distributing the corresponding print designation content to the printer 4 for printing.

The CPU 21 executes a print data reception process (see FIG. 10) described later to provide a print service to the PC 3 accessed via the provider server 1.

In this print data receiving process, the CPU
Reference numeral 21 transmits a print service reception screen (see FIG. 5A) to the accessed PC 3, and allows the user to input user information on the displayed print service reception screen. Thereafter, in the displayed target file selection screen (FIG. 5B), when a print reservation is received by designating a file to be printed, a print number to be applied only to the current print service is generated and printed together with the user information. Save and manage as data.

Also, the CPU 21 sends a signal from the printer 4 to the PC.
When the user information of the third user is received, a print data distribution process (see FIG. 12) described later is executed.

In the print data distribution processing, the CPU
Reference numeral 21 denotes a user who accesses the print service in the printer 4, inputs user information, distributes the print reservation data of the user to the printer 4, executes print processing, and confirms the completion of printing. A print completion notification is transmitted to the transmission source.

Further, the CPU 21 executes a data deletion mail distribution process (see FIG. 13) described later.

In the data deletion mail distribution process,
The CPU 21 compares the date information of the stored print data with a clock in its own system at predetermined time intervals, and sends an e-mail notifying the transmission source of the print data stored for a certain time or more of deletion of the print data. Send and delete the print data.

The storage device 22 has a storage medium 23 in which programs and data are stored in advance.
The storage medium 23 is fixedly provided in the storage device 22 or is detachably mounted. The storage medium 23 includes various application programs corresponding to the print service server 2, a print data reception processing program, It stores a print data transmission processing program, a data deletion mail distribution processing program, data processed by each processing program, and the like.

The storage device 22 has various memory areas related to the print service.
And a print control file as shown in FIG.

The print control file manages print service reservation information for each print reservation from the user of the PC 3 and stores a print number, a user name, a mail address, a telephone number, a transmission time, a file identification number, and the like. ing.

In the print control file, the user name, the mail address, and the telephone number are user information input from the PC 3 when the user makes a print service reservation. The transmission time is the time when the print data is transmitted from the PC 3 to the print service server 2, the print number is created by the CPU 21 for each print data, and the file identification number is the print target file selected by the user. Is shown.

The RAM 24 has a program storage area for storing various processing programs and various application programs executed by the CPU 21, and a work area for temporarily storing input instructions, input data and processing results.

The Internet communication unit 25 is a modem (MO)
dulator / DEModulator), terminal adapter (Termina
l), and performs communication control for communicating with the provider server 1 and the plurality of printers 4 connected to the Internet S.

Next, the configuration of the PC 3 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The PC 3 is a user terminal for selecting print data desired by a user and transmitting the selected print data to the print service server 2. The PC 3 accesses the print service server 2 from the network N via the provider server 1 to perform print service. Can be used.

Referring to FIG. 1, the PC 3 includes a CPU 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, a RAM 34, a storage device 35, a storage medium 36, and an Internet communication unit 37. Each unit except the storage medium 36 is connected to a bus 38. I have.

When using the print service by accessing the print service server 2 via the provider server 1 from the network N connected to the Internet communication control unit 37, the CPU 31 first performs a print data transmission process (described later). 9).

In the print data transmission process, the CPU
Reference numeral 31 denotes a print service reception screen set in the print service server 2 on the Internet S (FIG. 5A).
Is displayed on the display unit 32, and when the user information is input, the user information is transmitted to the print service server 2. When print data transmission is requested from the print service server 2, a target file selection screen (FIG. 5)
(See (b)) is displayed, and a file to be printed is selected. Then, the selected print target file is transmitted to the print service server 2.

The display section 32 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tub).
e) and a display such as a print service reception screen and a target file selection screen as shown in FIG. 5 based on display data input from the CPU 31 and constituted by a liquid crystal display device.

The input unit 33 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a mouse as a pointing device. The input unit 33 outputs to the CPU 31 a pressing signal of a key pressed by the keyboard. An operation signal from the mouse is output to the CPU 31.

The RAM 34 has a program storage area for storing various processing programs and various application programs executed by the CPU 31, and a work area for temporarily storing input instructions, input data and processing results.

The storage device 35 has a storage medium 36 in which programs and data are stored in advance.
The storage medium 36 is fixedly provided in the storage device 35 or is detachably mounted. The storage medium 36 includes various application programs corresponding to the PC 3, print data transmission processing programs, and various processing programs. The processed data and the like are stored.

The storage device 35 has various memory areas related to the print service.

The Internet communication unit 37 is constituted by a modem, a terminal adapter, a router, or the like.
The communication control for communicating with each of the print service server 2 and the plurality of printers 4 connected to the Internet S is performed.

Next, the configuration of the printer 4 shown in FIG.
This will be described based on the block diagram shown in FIG. This printer 4
Is installed in convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food stores, etc. and at railway stations.
An output device for providing a print service to the user of C3.

Referring to FIG. 6, a printer 4 includes a CPU 4
1, display unit 42, input unit 43, printing device 44, RAM4
5, a storage device 46, a storage medium 47, an Internet communication unit 48, and a fee collection device 49. Each unit except the storage medium 47 is connected to a bus 50.

The CPU 41 executes a printing process described later (see FIG. 11) to provide a print service to the user of the PC 3 who has made a print reservation for the print service.

In this printing process, the CPU 41 displays a print service menu screen (see FIG. 7A) on the display unit 42, and when "use reserved print service" is selected, causes the user information to be input. Then, when the user information is transmitted to the print service server 2 and the print data transmitted from the print service server 2 is received in response thereto, the received contents are displayed in a list on the display unit 42 and the print target to be printed is displayed. Let the user select a file, print format, etc.

Then, the CPU 41 calculates a print service usage fee for each sheet, and displays the usage fee on a usage fee display screen of the display unit 42 (see FIG. 7C). Then, when it is confirmed that the usage fee has been input to the fee collection device, the print data is printed by the printing device 44 in the selected print format.

The display section 42 is composed of a CRT or a liquid crystal display device, and performs a screen display as shown in FIG. 7 based on display data input from the CPU 41.

The input unit 43 is a touch panel integrally formed with the display unit 42. The input unit 43 includes a keyboard having numeric input keys and various function keys, and outputs a coordinate signal of a position pressed by the touch panel to the CPU 41. At the same time, a key operation signal of the keyboard is output to the CPU 41.

The printing device 44 is constituted by a printer such as a laser printer or an ink jet printer.
In the process executed in U41, the print data input from the CPU 41 is printed on a print medium and discharged.

The RAM 45 has a program storage area for storing programs executed by the CPU 41 and various application programs, and a work area for temporarily storing input instructions, input data and processing results.

The storage device 46 has a storage medium 47 in which programs and data are stored in advance.
The storage medium 47 is fixedly provided in the storage device 46 or is detachably mounted. The storage medium 47 is processed by various application programs, print processing programs, and processing programs corresponding to the printer 4. The stored data and the like are stored.

The storage device 46 has various memory areas related to the print service.
, A print condition name file, a print accounting information file, and a print condition storage file.

The print condition name file is a file for storing names and default values of print conditions (paper size, image quality, color, double-sided printing, etc.) that can be selected in the print service.

The print billing information file is a file for storing print condition options provided by the print service and billing information. For example, for the paper size (print condition number 001), A4 (selection number 01), B5
(Selection number 02) or A3 (selection number 03) can be selected, and a use unit price is set for each of the options.

The print condition storage file is a file for managing print conditions and the like for each print number of print data reserved from the PC 3 in the print service. For example, if the print number is Y20000304RK1, the print target file having the file identification number of NE0012345 is A4 size, 3
Indicates that one sheet is printed at 00 dpi.

The Internet communication unit 48 is constituted by a modem, a terminal adapter, a router, or the like.
The communication control for communicating with each of the print service server 2 and the provider server 1 connected to the Internet S is performed.

The fee collecting device 49 includes a slot for inserting bills or coins, an identification unit for identifying the inserted bills or coins, and a collecting device for storing the inserted bills or coins. When a bill or coin is inserted from the insertion slot, the identification unit identifies the inserted bill or coin, counts the inserted amount, and outputs the counted amount to the CPU 41. The inserted bills or coins are stored in the collecting device.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the print data transmission process executed by the PC 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the PC 3, when access to the print service server 2 is instructed by an instruction from the user,
Network N connected to Internet communication unit 37
Accesses the print service server 2 via the provider server 1 (step T1), and starts the print data transmission process of FIG.

First, the CPU 31 receives the print service reception screen transmitted from the print service server 2 via the Internet S, and displays it on the display unit 32, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A (step T2). ).

Then, user information (identification information) for identifying the user, such as a name, a mail address and a telephone number, is input from the input section 33 by the user, and the CP
U31 confirms the confirmation instruction of the user information, and stores the input user information in the RAM 34 (step T3).

When receiving the reception preparation completion notification transmitted from the print service server 2 (step T)
4: YES), the user information stored in the RAM 34 is transmitted to the print service server 2 (step T5).

Next, the CPU 31 receives a print target file selection screen for selecting a print target file from the print service server 2, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the display unit 32 as shown in FIG. Then, on the selection screen, the user selects a desired file (step T6), and the CPU 31 confirms a print file selection confirmation instruction (step T7), and if there is no confirmation instruction (step T7: NO), step T6. The process is shifted to and the print target file is selected again. If there is a confirmation instruction (step T7: YES), the CPU 31
The selected file is stored in the RAM 34.

When the CPU 31 receives the print file transmission request transmitted from the print service server 2 according to the previously transmitted user information (step T8:
YES), the print target file stored in the RAM 34 is transmitted to the print service server 2 (step T).
9).

When the transmission of the user information and the file to be printed is completed (step T1),
0), the connection with the print service server 2 is terminated,
The print data transmission process ends.

The print data receiving process executed in the print service server 2 in response to the print data transmitting process in the PC 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 10, upon receiving a data transmission request from the accessed PC 3 (step S1), the CPU 21 transmits a print service acceptance screen to the PC 3 (step S2) and receives user information. A completion notification is transmitted to the PC 3 (Step S3).

When user information such as a user name, a mail address and a telephone number input by the user on the displayed reception screen is received from the PC 3 (step S4), the user information is stored in the RAM 24 (step S5). ).

Next, the CPU 21 transmits a print service file selection screen to the PC 3 for display, and transmits a print data transmission request to the PC 3 (step S 6).
It waits for the reception of the print reservation acceptance instruction transmitted from C3.

Upon receiving the print target file transmitted from the PC 3 (step S7), the CPU 21 stores the print target file in the storage medium 23 and generates a print number valid only for the print reservation (step S7).
8) The user information stored in the RAM 24 and the print file identification number for identifying the selected print target file are stored in the print data information storage file in the print target file storage medium 23 (step S9), and the actual printing is performed. The data reception processing ends.

As described above, when the print data transmission / reception processing of the print service between the PC 3 and the print service server 2 is completed, the user of the PC 3 who has made the print reservation is given an arbitrary If you go to a store, you can get a print service for the reserved file.

Next, the printing process executed in the printer 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 11, the CPU 41 first displays a print service top menu display screen on the display section 42 as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, and the menu item is selected by the user of the PC 3 who has reserved the print service. Wait for it to be done.

If the menu item selected by the user is an item other than “use reserved print”, the CPU 41 shifts to another process corresponding to the selected item, and
If the selected menu item is “use reservation print”, the use reservation print service screen is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG.
The message is displayed on the display unit 42 as shown in (b), and prompts the user to input user information.

At this time, upon confirming the cancel instruction from the user, the CPU 41 returns to the print service top menu display screen as shown in FIG. Also, the input unit 43
When user information (user name, e-mail address, telephone number) is input by a user operation from, and an execution instruction is confirmed by an instruction operation of an "execute" button displayed on the display screen (step P1), the CPU 41 Then, the input user information is stored in the RAM 45, and a connection request is notified to the print service server 2 (step P2).

When a user information transmission request is received from the connected print service server 2 (step P3), the CPU 41 transmits the user information stored in the RAM 45 to the print service server 2 (step P4).

At this time, when the print service server 2 is notified that the corresponding print file does not exist (step P5: NO), the CPU 41 displays the fact on the display unit 42, and the print service server 2 2 is terminated (step P15), and the printing process is terminated.

Also, from the print service server 2,
When notified that the corresponding print file exists (step P5: YES), the CPU 41 receives the print file corresponding to the user transmitted from the print service server 2 (step P6) and stores it in the RAM 45. I do.

Next, when the CPU 41 confirms that there are a plurality of print files received from the print service server 2 (step P7: YES), the CPU 41 displays a list of the print files on the display unit 42, and requests the user to select a print target. A file is selected (step P8).

Then, the CPU 41 refers to the file identification number of the file to be printed and the print condition name file in the storage medium 47 in the print condition storage file in the storage medium 47 and sets default values for the print conditions. And memorize it.

Next, the CPU 41 displays a print format selection screen on the display unit 42, and prompts the user to select a print format of the print target file to be printed.

On the print format selection screen, a print paper size is selected as a print medium, a color print and a monochrome print are selected as a print method, a one-sided print and a two-sided print are selected as a print mode, a print quality is specified, and a print quality is specified. Specify the number of copies,
It is also possible to input designation of the number of prints and the like.

Then, based on the data input on the print mode selection screen, the CPU 41 changes the item value of the corresponding print target file in the print condition storage file in the storage medium 47 and stores it in the storage medium 47. (Step P9).

Further, the CPU 41 refers to the print charge information file in the storage medium 47 based on the print condition item value of the corresponding print target file stored in the print condition storage file in the storage medium 47, and A print service charge for the data is calculated (step P10).
Then, the CPU 41 displays the calculated print service usage fee on the display unit 42, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C (step P11).

In the usage fee information screen shown in FIG.
The print service usage fee is displayed together with the print information such as the user name, the printing mode, and the number of prints, and the user inputs the fee to the fee collection device 49 according to the displayed print service usage fee.

Further, the user can select cancellation of the print service on the usage fee information screen.

When coins or bills are inserted from the slot of the fee collection device 49 by the user, the fee collection device 49
The identification device inside identifies the inserted bill or coin,
Count the amount entered, and count the amount counted
Output to U41.

[0086] Then, the CPU 41
When the amount input by the user input from the user is displayed on the display unit 42 and compared with the print service usage fee calculated in advance, it is confirmed that the input amount has reached the calculated print service usage fee ( (Step P12: YES), and causes the printing device 44 to print and eject the file to be printed in accordance with the condition value stored in the printing condition storage file in the storage medium 47 (step P1).
3).

Further, the CPU 41 deletes the data corresponding to the print target file printed by the printing device 44 from the print condition storage file in the storage medium 47.

When the CPU 41 further confirms that a print file exists (step P14: YES), the process proceeds to step P8, where a print target file to be printed is again selected, and the same print processing is performed.

When the CPU 41 confirms that no other print file exists (step P14: N
O) After confirming the end of printing / discharging by the printing device 44, the connection with the print service server 2 is ended (step P15), and the printing process is ended.

A print data distribution process executed by the print service server 2 in correspondence with the print process executed by the printer 4 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 12, upon receiving a connection request from the printer 4 (step S11), the CPU 21 connects to the printer 4 and transmits a reception preparation completion notification (step S12).

When the CPU 21 receives the user information transmitted from the printer 4 (step S13),
With reference to the print control file in the storage medium 23, a print file corresponding to the received user information is searched (step S14).

As a result of the search, if there is no corresponding print file in the print control file (step S1).
5: NO), the CPU 21 notifies that there is no print file corresponding to the printer, ends the connection (step S21), and ends the print data distribution processing.

If the print file exists (step S15: YES), the CPU 21 distributes the print file to the printer 4 via the Internet S (step S16). The connection with is terminated (step S17).

Next, the CPU 21 connects to the provider server 1 (step S18), and transmits a print completion notification to the PC 3 that has transmitted the transmitted print file (step S19). Then, the CPU 21 ends the connection with the provider server 1 (step 20), and ends the print data distribution processing.

As described above, in the print service system according to the present embodiment, the user can access the print service server 2 from the PC 3 to reserve print contents, and install the reserved print file in the nearest store or the like. A print result can be obtained by printing from the printer 4 in an arbitrary print format.

Further, in the print service system provided in the present embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the print service server 2, a print file for which there is no distribution request from the printer 4 for a certain time is transferred to the print service server 2. And a data deletion mail distribution function for deleting the data deletion mail to the transmission source of the deleted print file.

The data deletion mail distribution process executed in the print service server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 13, first, the CPU 21 reads a print control file from the storage medium 23 (step S21).

Next, the CPU 21 reads the item value of the transmission time of the target print data, compares the read transmission time with the clock in the print service server 2 (step S22), and determines the time difference in advance. It is confirmed whether or not the set allowable time for storing the print data is exceeded (step S23). And the CPU 21
Confirms that the time difference exceeds the allowable time (step S23: YES), acquires the mail address of the sender of the print file from the print control file (step S24).

Then, the CPU 21 connects to the provider server 1, shapes the print file deletion mail attached with the print file (step S29), and transmits the mail to the owner of the mail address acquired from the print control file (step S30). ).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 terminates the connection with the provider server 1 (step S30), deletes the print file from the print control file (step S3).
2) Store in the storage medium 23.

The above processing is executed for each print file stored in the print control file, and the print file stored for an allowable time or more is deleted from the print control file. When the above processing has been performed for all the print files in the print control file, the CPU 21 ends the data deletion mail distribution processing.

This data deletion mail distribution process is performed as follows.
The process is periodically executed by the CPU 21 at a predetermined time interval, and is managed so that the print file is not stored on the print service server 2 for a predetermined time or longer.

In the present embodiment, the fee charged to the fee collecting device 49 is bills or coins, but the print service system 100 can be configured more easily by validating only coins. It is.

Although the print service charge is settled by the charge collecting device 49, the charge may be settled by a prepaid system such as a prepaid card. In that case, the trouble of collecting the inserted bills or coins can be saved, and damage such as loss of coins or the like stored in the fee collection device 49 can be prevented.

When using the print service,
The printer 4 may be configured to issue a receipt in which information relating to a print service such as a usage fee and a date is described.

Further, the allowable time until the print file stored on the print service server 2 is deleted is
It is also possible to configure so that the user designates the print reservation.

The system configuration of the print service system 100 described in the above embodiment is an example.
The type and number of C3, the number and location of the printers 4 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0110]

According to the print service system of the present invention, the print data and the identification information are transmitted from the user terminal such as a PC to the printer server via the network, so that the output from the printer or the like on the network is performed. By inputting the identification information in the apparatus, the print data can be printed out at any time and place.

According to the print service system of the present invention, since the print data stored on the print server for a predetermined time or more is deleted, the load on the print server can be reduced.

According to the print service system of the present invention, after receiving print data in an output device such as a printer, print information for printing the print data can be arbitrarily set. The printout can be performed in various print formats, and convenience for the user is increased.

According to the print server of the present invention and the storage medium of the present invention, print data transmitted from a user terminal such as a PC via a network and identification information are stored in association with each other. Thus, the print data can be distributed to an output device such as a printer to which identification information has been input on the network.

According to the print server of the present invention, since the print data stored on the print server for a predetermined time or more is deleted, the load on the print server can be reduced.

According to the output device of the invention described in claim 8,
By inputting the identification information, print data transmitted from a user terminal such as a PC can be printed out at any time and place.

According to the output device of the ninth aspect,
After receiving the print data from the print server, the print information for printing the print data can be arbitrarily set, so that the print output can be performed in various print formats, and the convenience for the user is increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a print service system 100.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a print service server 2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print control file.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the PC 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print service acceptance screen (FIG. (A)) and a target file selection screen (FIG. (B)) displayed on the PC 3.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the printer 4.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing examples of a top menu screen (FIG. (A)), a print service menu screen (FIG. (B)), and a usage charge display screen (FIG. (C)) displayed on the printer 4. is there.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a print condition file, a print accounting information file, and a print condition storage file.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating print data transmission processing in the PC 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print data reception processing in the print service server 2.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the printer 4.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating print data distribution processing in the print service server 2.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a data deletion mail delivery process in the print service server 2.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 print service system 1 provider server 2 print service server 3 PC 4 printer 21, 31, 41 CPU 32, 42 display unit 33, 43 input unit 44 printing device 22, 35, 46 storage device 23, 36, 47 storage medium 24 , 34, 45 RAM 25, 37, 48 Internet communication unit 49 Charge collection device 26, 38, 50 Bus S Internet N network

Continued on front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ05 AQ06 AR01 HJ06 HQ12 HQ17 HR07 5B021 AA01 EE04 5C062 AA05 AA14 AA29 AB22 AB38 AB42 AC21 AC22 AC23 AC41 AC42 AC43 AC51 AF00 AF08 BA01 BD00 5C075 AB90 BB07

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A user terminal, a print server, and an output device are connected via a network, and print data is transmitted from the user terminal to the print server to make a print reservation, and the reserved print data is arbitrarily output. A print service system for printing out from an apparatus, wherein the user terminal includes transmission means for transmitting desired print data and identification information for identifying a user to the print server, wherein the print server includes the user terminal A storage unit for storing the print data and the identification information transmitted from the storage device in association with each other, and when the identification information is transmitted from the output device, searching the storage unit for print data corresponding to the identification information, and Distribution means for transmitting the print data to an output device, if there is print data, A payment device for paying a print fee; an input device for inputting identification information; transmitting the identification information input by the input device to the print server; and transmitting the identification information from the print server in response to the identification information. Communication means for receiving the transmitted print data; calculating means for calculating a print charge relating to the print output of the print data received by the communication means; and a print charge calculated by the calculation means being settled by the adjustment means And a printing means for printing out the print data when the printing is performed. 2. The print server according to claim 1, further comprising a deletion unit that deletes the print data from the storage unit when a predetermined time has elapsed after the print data was transmitted from the user terminal. The print service system according to claim 1. 3. The print server, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies the user terminal that transmitted the print data of data deletion when the print data is deleted from the storage unit by the deletion unit. Item 3. The print service system according to Item 2. 4. The print service system according to claim 1, wherein said output device further comprises a designating means for arbitrarily designating a printing condition when the print data is printed out. 5. A print server to which a user terminal and an output device are connected via a network, the print server receiving print data and identification information transmitted from the user terminal, and corresponding to the print data corresponding to the identification information. When identification information is transmitted from the output device, print data corresponding to the transmitted identification information is retrieved from the storage unit, and if there is the corresponding print data, the print data Transmitting means for transmitting the identification information to the output device to which the identification information has been transmitted. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a deletion unit that deletes the print data from the storage unit when a predetermined time has elapsed after the print data was transmitted from the user terminal. Print server. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a notifying means for notifying the user terminal which transmitted the print data of the data deletion when deleting the print data from the storage means by the deleting means. Print server. 8. An output device connected to a print server via a network, comprising: a settlement unit for adjusting a printing fee; an input unit for inputting identification information; and the identification information input by the input unit. Communication means for transmitting to the print server and receiving the print data transmitted from the print server in accordance with the identification information; and calculating means for calculating a print fee for print output of the print data received by the communication means An output device comprising: a print unit that prints out print data when the print fee calculated by the calculation unit is settled by the adjustment unit. 9. The output device according to claim 8, further comprising a designation unit for arbitrarily designating a printing condition when the print data is printed out. 10. A storage medium storing a computer-executable program for causing print data transmitted from a user terminal connected via a network to be printed out from an output device connected via the network. A computer-executable program code for receiving print data and identification information transmitted from the user terminal, storing the print data in association with the identification information, and generating identification information from the output device. If so, the print data corresponding to the transmitted identification information is searched from the stored print data, and if there is the corresponding print data, the print data is transmitted to the output device that transmitted the identification information. That the computer of the present invention has stored the program code executable and the program including the Storage medium for the butterflies.