JP2003067169A - Printing system and its control method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system, its control method, a program, and a storage medium capable of improving reliability of printing processing. SOLUTION: Printing data are transmitted to an adapter 107 from a server 109, and after finishing communication, the adapter 107 calls out to the server 109 for registering a status of a printing state by a buffer state of a printer 106. The server 109 acquires a transmitter number from a line allocated to the status, refuses the arrival to a telecommunication line network, compares a registered telephone number with the transmitter number, and detects a state of the adapter 107 after sending out the printing data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system, a control method therefor, a program, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic mail service and a network print service are completely different services and are not linked.

In particular, mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) having an electronic mail function do not have a printing function. In this way, when printing an e-mail that is desired to be recorded in a mobile phone or PDA having an e-mail function, a PC (Personal Computer)
A printer (printing means) that transfers e-mail to a mail address that uses the client as a client and is connected to a PC
Must be printed by.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional example, if the user of the electronic mail has only the mobile phone or PDA, the received electronic mail cannot be printed.

Although a file can be attached to an electronic mail, it is necessary to execute an application program on a PC to open this file. Therefore, when the user of the electronic mail uses a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like that does not have the function of executing the application program, there is a problem that the received attached file cannot be referred to.

[0006] In the above-mentioned conventional example, as described above, an electronic mail user who uses a mobile phone or PDA that does not have a printing function cannot print even when receiving an electronic mail to be recorded. There is a problem.

[0007] Further, there is a problem that an e-mail user who uses a mobile phone, PDA or the like which cannot execute the application program cannot refer to the contents of the file attached to the e-mail or the additional information.

Therefore, an application server (first control means) for converting into print data and print data from the application server via a communication network are received, and the received print data is interface data of a printer (printing means). The applicant has previously proposed a print system including a printer adapter (second control means) for converting into a format and a printer (printing means) for printing the print data sent from the printer adapter. Proposed.

In this print system, an e-mail user who uses a mobile phone or PDA that does not have a printing function specifies an e-mail that he or she wants to record in a pre-registered application server with a printer. Forward. The application server that receives this e-mail converts the received print content into print data that matches the designated printer. Then, the application server transmits the print data to the printer adapter of the designated printer using the communication network. The printer adapter performs protocol conversion on the sent print data, and the designated printer prints out.

When print data is ready, the application server can control a mode in which the application server makes a call to the telephone connected to the printer adapter and requests the printer adapter to acquire print data. it can.

The telephone number and how to call at the time of printing are set at the time of user registration.

[0012]

When operating a print service, the system recognizes whether or not the print data can be printed normally through the communication line, and depending on the situation, fine-grained services such as billing and recovery are provided. Quality is questioned. However, the print system proposed above has the following problems.

At the stage when the print data is transmitted to the printer adapter through the communication line (telephone line), there is a buffer in the printer adapter or the printer, so that the transfer end timing of the print data and the print end timing are not linked.
Therefore, the application server can know that the print data has been transferred to the print control device (printer adapter) side, but cannot detect that the printing is completed.

As a method of improving this, a method of performing data communication again at the end of printing or holding the communication line until the end of printing and waiting for the printer status by the application server can be considered. However, the current communication system (method using a mobile phone) has a problem that communication cost increases.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is the reliability of the service applied to the terminal connected to the control means such as a server and the printing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium capable of improving the performance.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first control means for converting an electronic mail instructed to print into print data, and the first control means. Second control means for protocol-converting the print data received from the first control means via the communication network and supplying the print data to the printing means, and the first control means includes:
In a printing system having a communication line means to which two or more telephone numbers are assigned, in the first control means, the first communication line means supplies the print data to the second control means, The second communication line means is an information acquisition means for acquiring telephone number information when an incoming call is received, a refusal instruction means for instructing the communication line means to refuse an incoming call, and a second communication line means. When a call is made, the caller is rejected without connecting the communication line after acquiring the caller telephone number, and the caller telephone number is used to judge that the information is information from the second control means. Then
In the second control means, the second control means includes a detection means for detecting a printing state of the printing means, a transmission means for transmitting a telephone number of the self to a callee when a call is made, After receiving the print data from the first control means through the first communication line means, the information about the print state is issued to the first control means telephone number assigned to the second line means according to the print state of the printing means. And a calling means for calling.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the printing system according to the first aspect, wherein the information from the second control means is a memory error, a paper jam. , Paper feed error, each retry of status reply, no error, memory status of the second control means, memory status of the printing means.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing system according to claim 3 of the present invention is the printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein status information is transmitted from the second control means. It is characterized in that the first control means controls so as to reflect the recovery operation of the print data and the billing information depending on whether or not it is present.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the printing system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first control means is a server. Further, the second control means is an adapter.

In order to achieve the above object, a control method of a printing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a first control means for converting an electronic mail instructed to print into print data, and the first control means. Second control means for protocol-converting the print data received from the control means via the communication network and supplying the print data to the print means, and the first control means is assigned two or more telephone numbers. In the control method of the printing system having the communication line means, the second control means sets the second control unit according to the print state of the printing unit after the print data is transmitted by the first communication line unit.
The calling step for calling the first control means telephone number assigned to the communication line means of the first communication means, the first control means, after the transmission of the print data by the first communication line means, An incoming call waiting step of waiting for an incoming call from the second control means according to the printing state of the printing means, by using the telephone number of the first control means assigned to the second communication line information about the printing state of the printing means. A caller telephone number acquisition step of acquiring a caller telephone number when an incoming call is received, an incoming call rejection step of rejecting an incoming call without connecting a communication line, and the second step based on the caller telephone number.
And a determination step of determining whether or not the information is from the control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method of the printing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the method according to the fifth aspect.
In the method for controlling a printing system described in (1), the information from the second control unit includes a memory error, a paper jam,
Paper feed error, every retry of status reply,
It is characterized in that it is associated with no error, the memory state of the second control unit, or the memory state of the printing unit.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a control method for a printing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the method according to the fifth aspect.
Alternatively, in the printing system control method described in Item 6, the first control unit reflects the recovery operation of the print data and the charging information depending on whether or not the status information is transmitted from the second control unit. It is characterized by controlling.

In order to achieve the above object, a control method for a printing system according to a eighth aspect of the present invention is the method according to the fifth aspect.
8. The printing system control method according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the first control unit is a server and the second control unit is an adapter.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a program according to a ninth aspect of the present invention comprises a first control means for converting an electronic mail for which printing is instructed into print data, and the first control means. A second control means for converting the protocol of the print data received via the communication network and supplying the converted data to the printing means, and the first control means is a communication line means to which two or more telephone numbers are assigned. A computer-readable program for controlling a printing system having: a first communication line means assigned to a second communication line means according to a printing state of the printing means after transmission of print data by the first communication line means is completed. From the second control means, depending on the calling step of calling the control means telephone number, and the printing state of the printing means after the print data has been transmitted by the first communication line means. An incoming call waiting step of waiting for an incoming call with the first control means telephone number assigned to the second communication line means for information on the printing state of the printing means, and obtaining a caller telephone number when the incoming call is made. A caller telephone number acquisition step, a call rejection step that rejects a call without connecting a communication line, and a determination step that determines whether or not the caller telephone number is information from the second control means. And a program code for causing a computer to execute.

In order to achieve the above object, the program according to claim 10 of the present invention is a program according to claim 9 or 10.
In the program described in (1), the information from the second control means includes a memory error, a paper jam, a paper feed error, each status reply retry, no error,
It is characterized in that it is associated with either the memory state of the second control means or the memory state of the printing means.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to claim 11 of the present invention is characterized by storing the program according to claim 9 or 10.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

FIG. 1 is a network printing system (NS) which is a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of 1). As shown in the figure, the printing system is a terminal that can send and receive e-mail and display the contents of the e-mail.
istants) 101 and a communication line network 103 which is a public line network including a wireless line network "a communication line network such as a public telephone line, ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network), satellite communication network"
, A mobile communication terminal 102 connecting the communication network 103 and the PDA 101, and the Internet 10 which is a logical space.
4 and the communication line network 103, an external provider 105, a printer (printing means) 106, and a printer 1.
Adapter (second control means) 107 connected to 06
, A mobile communication terminal 108 that connects the communication network 103 and the adapter 107, and an application server (first control unit) 109 that communicates with the printer 106 according to a predetermined protocol.

The external provider 105 manages and operates the mail account of the PDA 101. Further, the external provider 105 uses the PD according to a predetermined protocol.
By communicating with the A101 and controlling the PDA 101, the mail data can be transmitted and received. The mobile communication terminal 108 can inform the communication destination of its own telephone number.

The application server 109 manages and manages various unique information such as a mail account, a telephone number, a printer type, and the like, which are associated with each of a plurality of printers.

Further, the application server 109 is
Sending / receiving mail to / from the PDA 101, etc. via the communication network 103 or the Internet 104, judging the content of the received mail, various services according to the judgment result "printing / attaching file of mail body and printing / attaching thereof" Acquisition of address specified by URL (User Requirement Language) and printing, etc., conversion of print target into information suitable for the specified printer (for example, printer 106),
Connection with adapter 107 (Internet connection, telephone call to communication network 103, communication network 1 depending on the state)
Incoming call from 03), authentication, exchange of print data, error processing of the adapter 107 and the printer 106, and the like.

Further, the application server 109 is
It also controls whether to issue a request for immediate transfer of print data to the adapter 107 or to wait for a call from the adapter 107. Furthermore, the application server 109 exchanges and controls internal setting information of the adapter 107, updated programs, and the like with the adapter 107.

The adapter 107 determines the printer 106 connected to it, recognizes the error state of the printer 106 through the interface with the printer 106, and the printer 1
The status such as 06 or communication status is notified to the application server 109, the mobile communication terminal 108 is controlled, the application server 109 is called according to the operation by the user, the application server 109 receives a call, and follows the instruction. It performs automatic call origination, authentication with the application server 109, transmission processing of received print data to the printer 106 according to a predetermined protocol, and the like.

The adapter 107 also acquires internal setting information, updated programs, etc. from the application server 109.

Next, a procedure in which the PDA 101 in the printing system according to the present embodiment transfers the content of the acquired mail to the application server 109 will be described.

The user specifies the mail address of the application server 109 related to the application to be executed (mail text printing here). Set to transfer the text of the mail you want to print to the specified address, and enter the send command.

The PDA 101 that has received the transmission command controls the mobile communication terminal 102 and connects to the external provider 105 through the communication line network 103. And PDA101
Disconnects the line after transferring mail data according to a predetermined protocol and exchanging necessary data.

On the other hand, the application server 109
The reception BOX of the account is scanned (checked periodically), and when the print data is received, the mail text is printed in a predetermined order.

<Explanation of Adapter 107> Next, the adapter 107 in the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the adapter 107 in the printing system according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 107 is connected to the portable communication terminal 108 via a communication terminal interface (I / F) 201, and this communication terminal interface 201 is connected to the internal bus 208. The communication terminal interface 201 absorbs the difference in electrical characteristics when connecting different communication terminals and connects to the internal bus 208.

The printer 106 is connected to the internal bus 208 of the adapter 107 via the printer interface (I / F) 204.

In this embodiment, the adapter 107 and the printer 106 are connected by the IEEE1284 interface. IEEE128 of interface 204
By the negotiation of No. 4, the adapter 107 can acquire the print status such as the printer ID, the buffer status in the printer 106, the remaining ink amount, and the paper handling status from the printer 106.

The internal bus 208 stores a microcomputer (microcomputer) 202 for controlling the entire operation, and an RO for storing an internal operation program and setting contents.
An M (Read Only Memory) 205, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 206 which is a program execution area and temporarily stores transmission / reception data, and a user interface (U) for user operation and display to the user
I) 203 is connected.

The user interface 203 includes a first switch (SW1) 209 for controlling the power source, a second switch (SW2) 210 for controlling the mobile communication terminal 108 and the printer 106, and a third switch (SW3) 211. And are provided.

The user interface 203 has three colors L
An ED 212 and an LED 213 are provided, which notify the user of the status of the adapter 107.

The ROM 205 is a rewritable memory, and software can be added and changed. The external interface unit provided in the mobile communication terminal 108 is
Calling with the communication network 103 by the adapter 107,
An incoming call, a disconnection, etc. are externally controlled via the interface 201.

Then, the microcomputer 202 controls, via the interface 201, the mobile communication terminal 108 to instruct, notify, call, receive, and disconnect the caller number. Further, the mobile communication terminal 108 has its own telephone number and incoming call information (RING information, incoming call telephone number, mobile communication terminal 1).
(Status of 08), and data related to printing are output to the interface 201. This allows the adapter 107
Can obtain various information such as the telephone number of the mobile communication terminal 108.

The application server 109 and the mobile communication terminal 108 are both connected to the communication line network 103. When the mobile communication terminal 108 is a wireless communication terminal, it is connected to the communication network 103 via a wireless base.

The adapter 107 causes the mobile communication terminal 108 to perform the processing for calling the telephone number of the communication terminal on the application server 109 side via the interface 201.

The mobile communication terminal 108 is the communication line network 103.
, Try to connect using the above telephone number. The establishment of the connection here follows the method of the communication network 103.

When the communication terminal on the application server 109 side receives the call from the mobile communication terminal 108, the connection on the communication line network 103 is completed.

The ROM 205 downloads new software via the interface 201 and the interface 204, and rewrites the internal program. The ROM 205 also stores a telephone number, adapter ID (identifier), etc. necessary for connection, and can be changed in the same manner.

The power supply 207 operates the adapter 107.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of software installed in the adapter 107 in the printing system according to the present embodiment.

In the adapter 107 on the right side of the figure, a communication carrier protocol 307 for establishing a connection with the communication terminal is mounted above the H / W (hardware) 308 physically connected to the mobile communication terminal 108. Has been done. In reality, since the mobile phone is connected to the communication line network 103 via the mobile communication terminal 108, the communication carrier protocol 307
It mainly controls the calling, receiving, disconnecting, etc. connected to the communication network 103.

Above the communication carrier protocol 307, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (In
ternet Protocol) protocol group 306 is implemented. In the present embodiment, PPP (Point to Point Protocol), TCP / IP, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and the like are used.

The application 305 is the adapter 10
7 and the application server 109 are in charge of application protocol, initialization, adapter function control such as IEEE1284 control, and communicate with the communication network 103 via the TCP / IP protocol group 306.

In the adapter 107, the communication carrier protocol 307, the TCP / IP protocol group 306, and the application 305 are implemented by software. Therefore, the various functions of the adapter 107 are the microcomputer 202,
It is realized by the ROM 205, the RAM 206, and the like.

Next, the operation of the adapter 107 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state transition of the adapter 107, FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure of processing related to initialization of the adapter 107, and FIG. 6 is a procedure of processing related to a call made by the adapter 107. 7 is a flowchart showing
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an LED state of the adapter 107.

The state transition of the adapter 107 starts from the OFF state (400 in FIG. 4). When the first switch (SW1) 209, which is the power switch shown in FIG. 2, is turned on, the power-on self-diagnosis mode is entered (401 in FIG. 4). Here, a system check (step S501 in FIG. 5) for checking the ports and registers in the adapter 107 described below (1) to (4) is performed.

(1) Checksum Confirmation of ROM 205 (Step S503 of FIG. 5) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of the adapter information area on the ROM 205.

Checksums are written in advance separately in the area on the ROM 205 where the control program for the adapter 107 is written and the adapter information area (see FIG. 8) for managing the unique information of the adapter 107. Check that the checksum of can be read correctly.

(2) Confirmation of capacity of RAM 206 (step S506 in FIG. 5) The capacity of the RAM 206 mounted on the adapter 107 is confirmed by checking data writing and reading. After this capacity confirmation, all areas are null cleared. The capacity confirmed here is stored in the RAM 206 and used for buffer overflow check when print data is received.

(3) Confirmation of Connection of Mobile Communication Terminal 108 (Step S508 in FIG. 5) It is confirmed whether the mobile communication terminal 108 is correctly connected and is operating. At this time, the telephone number of the mobile communication terminal 108 is acquired and stored in the RAM 206.

(4) Confirmation of Connection of Printer 106 (Step S510 in FIG. 5) It is confirmed whether the printer 106 is properly connected and is operating. At this time, the IE of the interface 204
Printer 10 through EE1284 negotiation
The printer ID is acquired from 6. The acquired printer ID is stored in the RAM 206.

When an error is found by the above self-diagnosis (step S502, step S504, step S506, step S508, step S510 in FIG. 5)
Enters the power-off waiting mode (402 in FIG. 4), puts the microcomputer 202 in the standby mode, and the first switch (S
W1) Only the power can be turned off by 209 (step S512 in FIG. 5).

In order for the adapter 107 to operate, the user information is stored in the user information area on the ROM 205 (see FIG. 9).
Need to write to.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of the user information area on the ROM 205.

The user information area (see FIG. 9) on the ROM 205 is checked (step S511 in FIG. 5), and if the user information is not written, the initial setting mode (403 in FIG. 4) is entered.

The second switch (SW2) 210 is used to rewrite the user information on the adapter 107 when the user information on the application server 109 is changed.
By pressing the first switch (SW1) 209 while pressing, the initial setting mode (step S40 in FIG. 4).
3) Enter.

The user information is the application server 10
9 has been prepared, the initial setting mode (40 in FIG. 4
In 3), download the information in the following procedure, and
Write in the user information area (see FIG. 9) on the OM 205.

(1) When the second switch (SW2) 210 is pressed, the registered center number stored in the adapter information area (see FIG. 8) is called. When connecting to the registration center, the adapter ID (Adapter ID) stored in the adapter information area (see FIG. 8) is changed to Logi
Login with PPP without n ID and password.

(2) Download the user information file by FTP.

The adapter ID and registration password stored in the adapter information area (see FIG. 8) are set in User I
Connect to the FTP server in the application server 109 as D and password.

If the connection is successful, the user information file is acquired and stored in the user information area on the ROM 205 (see FIG. 9).

The user information file contains telephone numbers for calling servers other than the default telephone numbers.

The user notifies the application server 109 of the change of the telephone number in advance by e-mail using the communication terminal 102, and the notified application server 109 includes the telephone number to be connected in the user information file. By setting, the telephone number to be connected is changed. Further, by correlating the e-mail address and the telephone number in advance, the connected telephone number can be changed by transmitting the e-mail to the address corresponding to the telephone number desired by the user.

(3) After downloading the user information file, close the FTP connection, log off,
Disconnect the line.

When the power-on self-diagnosis is successful and the user information is correctly written, and when the initial setting is completed, an incoming call from the application server 109,
Or an idle mode in which the user is waiting for the operation of the second switch (SW2) 210 by the user (404 in FIG. 4).
Alternatively, the program update mode (41 in FIG. 4)
8) Enter.

While pressing both the second switch (SW2) 210 and the third switch (SW3) 211, the first switch (SW1) 209, which is a power switch, is turned on, so that the program update mode (4 in FIG. 4).
18) Enter. In this program update mode, the LEDs 212 and 213 simultaneously flash red. In this mode, the latest program module prepared in the application server 109 can be downloaded and the program on the flash ROM can be rewritten.

In the printing system according to the present embodiment, when the application server 109 completes the preparation of print data, the application server 109 prints according to the operation mode for calling the adapter 107 from the application server 109 side and the request from the adapter 107. There are two operation modes, an operation mode for sending out data. Incoming call confirmation mode (406 in FIG. 4)
From the application server 109 side to the adapter 10
7 corresponds to the operation mode for calling.

When an incoming call is received from the telephone in the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4) (step S60 in FIG. 6).
1) moves to the incoming call confirmation mode (406 in FIG. 4). In step S602 of FIG. 6, the caller number is obtained by the caller number notification. When the caller number is not notified (step S603 in FIG. 6), the incoming call is ignored and nothing is processed, and the process returns to the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, when the sender number can be obtained (see FIG. 6)
Step S603) compares the acquired caller number with the server number list stored in the user information area (see FIG. 9) (step S604 in FIG. 6).

If there is no acquired caller number in the server number list, the incoming call is ignored and nothing is processed and the process returns to the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4). If there is a number that matches the acquired caller number in the server number list, the system waits until RING ends and shifts to the calling mode (405 in FIG. 4, step S605 in FIG. 6).

When the incoming call confirmation is successful or in the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4), the second switch (SW
2) When it is detected that 210 is pressed for 1 second or less (step S611 in FIG. 6), the mode is changed to the server call mode (405 in FIG. 4, step S605 in FIG. 6).

In the server call mode (405 in FIG. 4),
It is set so that the third switch (SW3) 211 can be operated to return to the idle state. In the server call mode (405 in FIG. 4), a call is made using the default access point number registered in the user information area (see FIG. 9) (step S605 in FIG. 6).

In the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4), when the second switch (SW2) 210 is pressed for 1 second or longer, the mode is changed to a mode in which the user dials, and a call is made manually (step S612 in FIG. 6). .

After connecting to the application server 109, in step S606 of FIG. 6, the adapter ID (A) stored in the adapter information area (see FIG. 8) is stored.
dapper ID) to Login ID, passw
PPP to the application server 109 without ord
Login by.

If the call, connection, or login fails (step S607 in FIG. 6), the call retry mode (see FIG. 6) is executed.
Step S613, 407 in FIG. 4) and retry according to the communication regulations. When the number of retries is exceeded, the process returns to the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4). If the third switch (SW3) 211 is pressed during the retry, the retry is canceled and the process returns to the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4). Incoming calls during retries are ignored.

If it is determined that the login is successful in step S607 of FIG. 6, the telephone number of the communication device (Adapter Tel Number) acquired during the power-on self-diagnosis described above is determined in step S608.
User ID, Printer ID (Printer
The ID) is used as the password (Password), and the print data transfer service is connected. If this connection fails (step S609 in FIG. 6), it is considered that the print data is not ready, and the application server 1
09 logs out, disconnects the line, and returns to the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, when the print data transfer service is connected (the determination result in step S609 of FIG. 6 is affirmative: YES), the data reception mode (step S610 of FIG. 6, 408 of FIG. 4) is entered, and the application server 109 is entered. Print data is received from the RAM 2
The data is stored in the reception buffer on the H.06 (415 in FIG. 4), the data stored in the reception buffer is sequentially taken out, and the data is output according to the protocol of the IEEE1284 interface 204. By doing so, the print data is output from the printer 106.

The program checks the reception buffer for overflow, and if it overflows, notifies the application server 109 of the transmission ABORT. The application server 109 uses the transmission ABOR
Even if T is notified, the data transmission may not end immediately. The communication session must be terminated after confirming the data transmission ABORT response from the application server 109.

When the connection with the print data transfer service is completed, the application server 109 notifies the start of the session. Upon receiving the start of the session, the adapter 107 acquires the printer status of the printer 106 and returns it to the application server 109. The application server 109 sends print data for each job. After the print data for one job is received, the printer status is transmitted to start the data transfer for the next job.

The application server 109 notifies the end of data when there are no print jobs. Adapter 10
When receiving the data end, 7 shifts to the communication end mode (410 in FIG. 4), ends the connection with the print data transfer service, logs out from the application server 109, and disconnects the line. After this line disconnection, the process moves to the print / buffer flush mode (411 in FIG. 4).

In this print / buffer flush mode (411 in FIG. 4), as long as there is no abnormality in the printer 106,
All print data in the reception buffer is sent to the printer 106. All print data in the receive buffer is printed by the printer 1.
After sending to 06, the adapter 107 displays the data processing status of the printer 106 (data remaining in the buffer) in the IE.
Monitor via EE1284 interface 204. If it is determined that all the print data in the adapter 107 has been processed, it is considered that printing has ended, and the application server 109 shifts to the calling mode (419 in FIG. 4).

When an abnormality is detected, the printer 1
06 to send an initial signal to the idle state (40 in FIG.
Return to 4). The same applies when the reply to the print data or the control command is not sent even after the data reception timeout time stored in the user information area (see FIG. 9) has passed.

In the calling mode (419 in FIG. 4), the application server 109 calls the printing end notification center number stored in the adapter information area (see FIG. 8) on the ROM 205. At this time, the mobile communication terminal 108 makes a call in a mode of notifying its own telephone number.
When a call is made, a predetermined time (1 minute later in the present embodiment) is sent by the timer processing regardless of the status of the line, an initial signal is sent to the printer 106, and then an idle state (40 in FIG. 4) is sent.
Return to 4).

Switch (SW3) 211 during data reception
When the pressing of is detected, the application server 10
Notify 9 of transfer ABORT. The adapter 107 is
After the notification, the normal reception mode (408 in FIG. 4) is returned to, and the data transmission ABOR from the application server 109 is performed.
In response to the T response, the communication end mode (410 in FIG. 4) is entered, the reception is terminated, the print / buffer flush mode (411 in FIG. 4) is entered, the contents of the buffer are printed, and the idle mode (FIG. 4). Return to 404).

If line disconnection is detected, printing /
The process moves to the buffer flush mode (411 in FIG. 4), all the print data in the reception buffer is sent to the printer 106, an initial signal is sent, and the idle mode (4 in FIG. 4) is sent.
Return to 04).

If a printer error is detected during data reception, the printer error mode (412 in FIG. 4) is entered and the ABORT of transfer to the application server 109 is performed.
To notify. After the notification, the adapter 107 returns to the normal reception mode (408 in FIG. 4), moves to the communication end mode (410 in FIG. 4) in response to the data transfer ABORT response from the application server 109, disconnects the line, and
The process moves to the print / buffer flush mode (411 in FIG. 4), and the reception ends.

The application server 109 recognizes that a printer error has occurred in response to the ABORT notification from the adapter 107, recognizes the job in which the printer error has occurred, and manages the job so that it is not deleted. The printer error is recovered, and the user
When the second switch (SW2) 210 of No. 7 is pressed, the state moves to the state of 405 in FIG. 4 (call to server) and the application server 109 is called. The application server 109 retransmits the data of the job in which the error occurred in response to the call. The adapter 107 shifts to the state of 408 in FIG. 4 (data reception, buffer storage, printing) and receives data from the application server 105.

During printing, the adapter 108 is IEEE12
If the 84P Error signal is monitored and an error is detected,
The data transmission to IEEE1284 is stopped. And
The operation shifts to the paperless mode (409 in FIG. 4), and the application server 109 is requested to cancel the transmission of the received data by transmitting ABORT. The adapter 107 is
After the transmission of the reception data is stopped, the mode is shifted to the mode (415 in FIG. 4) of only receiving the print data and storing it in the buffer. At this time, the same buffer overflow check as in the normal data reception mode (408 in FIG. 4) and the depression check of the third switch (SW3) 211 are performed.

When the adapter 107 finishes receiving the data of one page, it shifts to the communication end mode (416 in FIG. 4), ends the connection with the print data transfer service, and logs out from the application server 109.
The line is disconnected, and the user switches the second switch (SW2) 210.
Wait for pressing. And the second switch (SW2)
If 210 is pressed, the process moves to the print / buffer flush mode (417 in FIG. 4) and the data in the receive buffer is sent to the printer 106 from the beginning of the page. If printing is successful, the receive buffer is flushed and the idle mode (404 in FIG. 4) is returned to. If printing fails, the mode to wait for the second switch (SW2) 210 to be pressed (see FIG. 4).
416) of.

<Description of Application Server 109>
Next, the internal configuration of the application server 109 in the printing system according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 shows the internal structure of the application server 109 in the printing system according to this embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a firewall server (Fire Wall Server), which has functions such as blocking intrusions and attacks from the outside and operates the server group on the intranet in the application server 109 safely. use. 1002 is a switch
Then, it is for configuring an intranet in the application server 109. 1003 is a communication server, which is a PIAFS,
Supports connection by analog modem and ISDN, and has firewall and Radius client functions. This communication server 1003 is connected to a communication network, and in this embodiment, the registered center number in the adapter information area in FIG. 8, the telephone number in the server number list in the user information in FIG. 9, and the default access. Corresponds to points and other numbers.

Reference numeral 1004 denotes a network print server, which is related to a network print service, for creating print data according to the purpose, generating a print job, communicating with the adapter 107, and the like. 10
Reference numeral 05 is a Radius server, which is an industry standard dial-up connection user authentication system R
It is a server related to the adius system. Radiu
The s server 1005 has a function of receiving an authentication request from the communication server 1003 having a Radius client function, and returning to the client whether or not authentication is possible.

1006 is a mail server
Then, the print request mail is received. A WWW server 1007 has a home page for a network print service. Also, the WWW server 10
07 provides a user home page for each user so that each user can use the print service by using CGI (Computer Graphics Interface) or the like. Also, W
The WW server 1007 is a public network (PSTN) described later.
Or PHS network) 1008 and Internet 1009
Connected to. Reference numeral 1008 is a public line network (PSTN or PHS network), and 1009 is the Internet.

An FTP server (Sever) 1010 manages internal setting information of the adapter 107, updated programs, and the like. Adapter 10 according to user's instructions
7, the internal setting information, the updated program, etc. are transferred as a file by the FTP protocol. 1011 is a communication server (Communicati
on Sever), PIAFS, analog modem, ISDN
Supports connection via firewall, Radi
Has a us client function. This communication server 1011 is connected to the public line network 1008,
In the present embodiment, it corresponds to the print end notification center number in the adapter information area in FIG. Also, the telephone number of the called party is acquired to obtain the network print server 1004.
To the communication line network 103 without always making a line connection with the adapter 107.

Next, the mail printing function of the application server 109 in the printing system according to this embodiment will be described.

The user of the network print service acquires the electronic mail account of the mail server 1006 in the application server 109 before receiving the electronic mail print service. By sending an email to this account, the user can receive email printing services.

Further, as the above-mentioned e-mail account, a different account is prepared for one user for each service provided. There are the following four types of services to be provided, and the above e-mail account is also prepared for each user in four types.

1. Print email body 2. Print attached file 3. Print text + attached file 4. When the e-mail is sent to the mail account prepared for URL printing e-mail text printing, the user of the network print service requests the application server 105 to generate print data only for the e-mail text.

When the electronic mail is sent to the mail account prepared for printing the attached file, the user of the network print service requests the application server 109 to generate the print data of the electronic mail attached file.

Body + Attachment File If the e-mail is sent to the mail account prepared for printing, the user of the network print service requests the application server 109 to generate print data for the body of the e-mail and the attached file. become.

If an e-mail is sent to a mail account prepared for URL printing, the user of the network print service is described in HTML, XML, etc. existing in the URL described in the body of the e-mail. The application server 109 is requested to acquire the information and generate the print data thereof.

It should be noted that, even if there is no attached file, if the electronic mail is sent to the mail account for printing it, or there is no URL description in the text of the electronic mail, the print data related to this is printed. If an e-mail is sent to a mail account for printing, print data of only the body of the e-mail will be generated.

When a mail containing only the attached file is sent to the mail account prepared for printing the text, print data of the attached file is generated.

An email containing only the URL description in the text is
When sent to a mail account prepared for text printing, print data of information described in HTML, XML, etc. existing in the URL is generated instead of the electronic mail text.

Furthermore, although the e-mail text describing the URL was sent to the mail account prepared for URL printing, acquisition of the information described in HTML, XML, etc. failed, or the URL If the description is incorrect, the application server 109 notifies the user of the error by mail via the PDA 101.

The printing system (NS) according to the present embodiment
When adding a mail account in 1), add only the user account for printing the text, add user account + "A" for printing the attached file, and add user account + "B" for printing the text + attached file. Grant,
Add a user account + "C" for URL printing.

These are registered in the database of the application server 109. In addition, when registering, when the electronic mail is sent to those addresses, the telephone number of the mobile communication terminal (for example, the mobile communication terminal 108) connected to the printer (for example, the printer 106) used for printing, It is registered in the database of the Radius server 1005. Further, the model information of the printer 106 may be registered in the database of the Radius server 1005. Details of the user registration method will be described later.

FIG. 11 shows the application server 109.
It is a figure which shows the software module structure in.

In the same figure, emailManager
1102 physically exists in the mail server 1006, has an IMAP server function, and is a multipart MIME.
And the notification to the IMAP client (email object 1103 in the case of this embodiment) of mail arrival.

The email object 1103 has data to be printed, a user ID (in this case, an e-mail address), has an IMAP client function, and can be used for mails such as multipart MIME even if the IM
AP server (in the case of the present embodiment, emailMana)
From ger1102), individual parts can be retrieved depending on the MIME type. Furthermore, Printe
The rManager object 1105 has a function of passing print target data.

The Printer DB 1104 stores the information of each user, and the PrinterManager 11
05, UserHTMLPage1109, HTMLP
The database access means is provided to the age 1110 and the like. The information of each user is as follows.

User ID (user name when registering the printing system), User Password (password of user when registering the printing system), User T
el Number (user's telephone number when registering this printing system), Adapter ID (ID unique to the adapter 107), Adapter Tel Number
(Phone number connected to the adapter 107), Prin
The ter ID (printer model ID acquired via IEEE1284) and the information of each user are set for each user when the printing system is registered.

The Printer Manager object 1105 has the ID of the Printer Driver object 1106, and is the Printer Driver object 1106.
The printer DB 110 using the management function (generation, deletion, counting, stopping, etc.) of the er object 1106 and the user ID (e-mail address in this case) as keys.
4 and a function of generating an appropriate Printer Driver object based on the Printer ID acquired from the Printer DB 1104 and passing print target data. Also,
The printer DB 1104 is monitored, and the print data is backed up based on the incoming telephone number and the print end information. The generation of the Printer Driver object is to select and activate the printer driver corresponding to the printer 106.

The Printer Driver object 1106 is generated for each printer according to the Printer ID. Printer Manager
The object 1105 is the Printer DB 110.
Adaptor according to the user ID acquired from 4
Tel Number, Adapter ID, Pri
The printer ID is held and the print target data is converted into a format understandable by the specific printer 106. If you want to print the attachment, set the application type to MI.
Judging from the ME type, the corresponding application is activated and converted.

Print Job object 1107
Is each Printer Driver object 11
It is generated every 06. Adapter Tel Number, Adapt according to the user ID acquired at the time of generation
ter ID, Printer ID, and Print
It has a function of holding the print data generated by the rDriver object 1106 and queuing the print data, and a function of outputting the print data to the adapter 107 based on the AdapterTel Number.

Web Browser object 11
08 has a WWW browsing function. Print
HTM from er Driver object 1106
The L acquisition message has a function of acquiring information created in HTML from a specified URL and rendering it.

UserHTMLPage Object 1
A WebPage 109 is generated for each user and has user registration information such as a default printer. Also, C
Print status reflection using GI, Print
Print job control by sending a job control message to the rDriver object 1106, HTT
It has a function of changing the user setting by reflecting the data received by P in the Printer DB (printer database) 1104. In addition, Printer M
It also has a function of reflecting the print status on the home page of the printing system user in response to a request from the manager object 1105.

The HTMLPage 1110 is a home page of a domain which constitutes this printing system, and has functions such as user registration.

Radius Server 1111 is
This corresponds to the Radius server 1005 in FIG.

The Port Master 1112 is shown in FIG.
0 corresponds to the communication server 1003. P
ort Master1116 is each Adapter1
The date and time of the connection request from 113, the connection period, the sender number, the type of service related to data transfer, and information related to errors and warnings are sent to the network print server and stored in the Printer DB 1104.

Port Master 1112 is shown in FIG.
0 corresponds to the communication server 1003. Information regarding the date and time of the incoming call from each Adapter 1113 and the caller number is stored in the Printer DB 1104.

The PDA 1101 corresponds to the PDA 101 of FIG. 1 and is a communication terminal having at least a mail sending function.
It may have an HTML browsing function.

The Adapter 1113 corresponds to the adapter 107 in FIG.

The Printer 1114 corresponds to the printer 106 shown in FIG.

Note that the PDA 1101 and the Adapter 1
Reference numeral 113 is physically connected to the printing system via a communication terminal such as PHS, but the communication terminal is not shown.

File Transfer Manag
The er 1115 corresponds to the FTP server 1010 in FIG.

File Transfer Manag
The er1115 manages the following files.

Version. inf (version file required for program update), progr
am. bin (update program file for Adapter 1113), Adapter ID. cf
g (adapter setting file name / user information file name), Adapter ID. cfg is Printe
r Adapter I registered in DB1104
D has an attribute of cfg, and there are files with the number of registered Adapter IDs.

<Description of Service Initial Registration> In order to use this printing system, user registration is required.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a registration screen used for user registration.

This information can be sent through the Internet through the w
The user registration page is supplied by a computer (not shown) or a PDA 101 having an eb browser function, and the user registration page includes HTMLHTML 1110 and UserHTMLLPa.
and the ge object 1109. The setting values input by the computer (not shown) or PDA 101 are transferred to the Printer D via the Internet.
It is registered in B1104. Contents to be registered are user personal information 1201, contact information 1202, adapter information 1203, setting buttons 1204, and the like.

There is an item 1205 for registering an electronic mail address in the setting information regarding the contact address 1202, and the print status can be sent to this address.

The adapter information 1203 includes an adapter ID item 1206, an adapter telephone number item 1207, a password item 1208, a printer model item 1209, an automatic call item 1210, and a mail status notification service item 121.
There are setting items such as 1.

The value of the adapter ID item 1206 is Adapt.
ter ID, the value of the adapter phone number item 1207 corresponds to Adapter Tel Number, and the value of the printer model item 1209 corresponds to Printer.
It corresponds to the ID.

Printer ID entered for initial registration
Is used as the default value when converting to print data before communicating with the adapter. In the automatic call section 1210, when the print data is ready, the telephone number in the adapter telephone number section 1207 can be called from the server and the mode for requesting the adapter to obtain the print data can be controlled.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a call control procedure in the printing system according to the present embodiment.

User personal information 1201, contact information 120
2. Setting of information 1203 about adapter is completed,
When the registration is completed, the registration to Printer DB 1104 and the Adapter ID. A cfg file is generated. Then, it is determined whether it is a new registration or a change in registered content (step S130 in FIG. 13).
0). If it is a new registration, Printer
0 in the ADPCalled Flag in DB1104
Set to No.1 and the adapter phone number to call from the server Item 1
It is stored that the telephone number in 207 is unconfirmed (step S1301 in FIG. 13). In addition, the domain name of the mail server 1006 is mnp. co. Suppose that the user has acquired an account called tama. At this time, the mail server 1006 automatically prepares the following as an electronic mail account.

1. tama @ mnp. co. jp (for text printing) 2. tamaA @ mnp. co. jp (for printing attached files) 3. tamaB @ mnp. co. jp (for printing text + attached file) 4. tamaC @ mnp. co. jp (for URL printing) As described above, since the four printing functions correspond to the email addresses, the user having the account tama has four email addresses registered in advance in the mobile communication terminal 102. By simply selecting one of the
A desired print function can be selected and set.

The above four mail addresses and the telephone number of the portable communication terminal 108 connected to the printer 106 via the adapter 107 are registered in the database in association with each other, and the application server 109
Recognizes the corresponding telephone number based on the address of the received mail, creates print data, and
3 via the mobile communication terminal 108 to the adapter 107
Can be sent to. Once registration is complete, User I
The user is notified of D.

Next, the application server 109
The adapter 107 waits for the download of the user setting file (step S1302 in FIG. 13). Adapter 107 (adapter 1113 in FIG. 11) according to a user's instruction
Logs in to the application server 109. In this case, Adapter 1113 is Port Mas
Call ter1112 and log in without the Adapter ID and password. This login connection is TC
Although it is a P / IP connection, Port Master111
The IP address given to Adapter 1113 by 2 is the private address of this printing system.

Adapter 1113 is the adapter
The address set in ter1113 is used as the IP address, and the User name is set to Anonymous, pa
FileTransferMana is set as "sword" as the adapter ID stored in the adapter information area.
Connect to ger1115.

Ad permitted to log in by the above process
The adapter 1113 is the File Transfer M.
manager 1115, the Adapter ID. cf
Send g file transfer request message.

File Trans receiving the message
The Fer Manager 1115 is set to F to the specified IP address, that is, the address of the Adapter 1113.
Sends the file specified by the TP protocol.

At this time, the Port Master 111
2 sends information such as date and time for connection request from each Adapter 1113, connection period, caller number, service type regarding data transfer, error and warning to the network print server 1004, and Print
r Save to DB 1104.

The network print server 1004
Wait for the file transfer to finish, then use Printer
It is determined whether the sender number of the FTP-connected adapter in the DB 1104 is the same as the user-registered telephone number (adapter telephone number item 1207) (FIG. 1).
3 step S1303).

If the caller number of the adapter and the telephone number registered by the user are the same, ADP C
The alled Flag is set to "1", and it is stored that the telephone number to be called from the server has been confirmed (Fig. 1).
3 in step S1304), and thereafter, this processing operation ends.

On the other hand, in step S1303 of FIG. 13, if the caller number of the adapter and the telephone number registered by the user are not the same, the step S1304 is performed.
Is skipped and this processing operation ends.

When the user wants to change the registered contents,
When the user ID and password are entered, the previous user registration screen can be displayed. Step S1300
At the Printer DB11 instead of new registration
If it is a change in the registered contents of 04, Printer
The registered content of the DB 1104 is changed (step S1305 in FIG. 13). Next, it is determined whether or not the change in the registered content is the adapter telephone number item 1207 (step S1306 in FIG. 13). When the telephone number is changed, the ADP Called Flag is set to "0" and the fact that the telephone number called from the server is unconfirmed is stored (step S1307 in FIG. 13).

On the other hand, if the adapter telephone number item 1207 is not changed in step S1306, the ADP
The Called Flag is set to "0" and it is stored that the telephone number called from the server is unconfirmed (step S1304 in FIG. 13).

<Explanation of Printing Flow> Next, FIG. 11 and FIG.
4, the application server 109 receives the email, creates a print job, and
The flow until transmission to 7 will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the printing operation in the printing system according to this embodiment.

The user of the network print service uses a mail terminal device such as the PDA 1101 to send an electronic mail to be printed to the application server 109. As the destination of the e-mail, the address corresponding to the service desired by the user is selected as described above.

The e-mail sent to the application server 109 is actually an email manager.
(Mail Server) 1102 receives.

The electronic mail received by the application server 109 is regarded as a print request, and step S1400 is performed.
At, do the following:

The Mail Server 1102 in the printing system according to the present embodiment has the function of the IMAP server, and therefore, the Mail Server 1102.
Notifies the mail object 1103 in the network print server 1004 for each user, which has the IMAP client function, of the mail reception according to the IMAP protocol.

The email object 1103 in the network print server 1004 acquires the target MIME part corresponding to the mail address by the IMAP protocol. The acquired data is Printer
It is transferred to the Manager object 1105.

The Printer Manager object 1105 searches the Printer DB 1104 using the user ID indicated by the e-mail account, and retrieves the user information (I of the printer used by default).
D etc.). Then, a Printer Driver object 1106 for the acquired default printer is generated.

The Printer Driver object 1106 acquires the data to be printed from the Printer Manager object 1105, converts it into print data, and prints the Print Job object 110.
7 is generated.

If the data to be printed is a URL, the Printer Driver object 110
6 sends the URL to the Web Browser object 1108. The Web Browser object 1108 acquires the content of the specified URL (home page described in HTML, XML, etc.) from the Internet 104, renders it, and then uses Pr.
It is returned to the inter Driver object 1106. Printer Driver Object 11
06 converts the rendered data to be printed into print data, and prints the Print Job object 110.
7 is generated.

If the acquisition of the URL contents fails, such as a timeout due to a poor communication state or an address error, the We
b The Browser object 1108 is the Priin
An error is returned to the ter Driver object 1106. Printer Driver Object 11
06 also notifies the Printer Manager object 1105 of the error, creates an email indicating that the email object 1103 is in error, and returns it to the user.

When the normal print data preparation is completed,
In the present embodiment, ADP in step S1401
The Called Flag is set to "1", and it is determined that the telephone number called from the server has been confirmed.
When the ADP Called Flag is “0”,
The adapter 107 proceeds to judgment step S1404 to wait for a call.

Transfer of print data in the printing system according to the present embodiment can be carried out in two ways: when the application server 109 makes a call and when the adapter 107 makes a call. Automatic call of item 12
It is controlled by the Printer DB 1104 registered in 10. When print data is ready, step S1
At 402, the Printer DB 1104 is checked, and a mode is requested in which a telephone number in the adapter telephone number section 1207 is called from the server and print data acquisition is requested of the adapter.

When the application server 109 makes a call, in step S1403, Print J
Printer owned by ob object 1107 itself
Port Ma to call Tel Number
Request ster1112.

Port Master 1112 is Pr
At the request from the int Job object 1107, the Printer Tel Number is called, but at this time, the telephone number of the printing system (NS1) is notified and the communication is temporarily cut off. As a result, the adapter 107 acquires the telephone number of this printing system (NS1) and calls the acquired telephone number again, so the server waits for a call from the adapter 107 in step S1404.

When the adapter 107 makes a call, the following processing is executed in step S1405.

That is, the adapter 107 (Adapt shown in FIG. 11)
ter1113) logs in to the application server 109. In this case, the Adapter 1113 changes to P
Call ort Master 1112 and Adapt
r ID, AdapterTel Number, Pr
Log in using the inter ID as the authentication key. The authentication key is Ra from Port Master 1112.
Print via Diverse Server 1111
er DB1104, this Printer D
It is checked in B1104.

Although this login connection is a TCP / IP connection, Port Master 1112 sets Ada.
The IP address given to the pter 1113 is a private address of this printing system.

Ad permitted to log in by the above process
acceptor 1113 is Printer Management
A print data request message is sent to the r object 1105.

Printer Ma receiving the message
The nager object 1105 is Adapter1.
113 Adapter ID, Adapter Te
1Number, Pr that matches Printer ID
The int Job object 1107 is specified, and a data transmission message is sent to the object. This message contains the IP address of the Adapter 1113.

The print data is stored in the Print Job object 1107, and the Print Job object 1107 is stored in the specified IP address, that is, Ad
The print data is sent to the address of the adapter 1113 by the LPR protocol or the like. (When all the print data is transferred to the adapter 107 and the negotiation is completed, the line is disconnected on the adapter 107 side.) Step S
In 1406 and step S1407, an incoming call from the communication network 1008 is on standby. Call Rep
The ort 1116 waits for an incoming call from the communication network 1008, and when it receives the call, the Call Report 111
6 indicates the telephone number of the other party in the Printer DB 110
4, and rejects the incoming call to the communication network 1008. Printer Manager1105 is P
The incoming telephone number in the printer DB 1104 is compared with the incoming call time, and the telephone number of the adapter 107 associated with the JOB for which the transfer of the print data is completed. If the incoming call from the adapter 107 is confirmed within the time, step S
If it is determined that there is no incoming call to 1409, step S1
Proceed to 407 respectively.

In step S1409, the adapter 107
It is considered that the printing process on the side has been completed, and after the final print completion flag is written in the Printer DB 1104, this processing operation is completed.

On the other hand, in step S1407, it is determined whether or not a time-out has occurred. If no time-out has occurred, the process returns to step S1406, and if a time-out has occurred, the process advances to step S1408.

In step S1408, the adapter 107
The printing process on the side is considered to have ended improperly, and a flag for backing up the JOB information such as the print information and print data is written in the Printer DB 1104, and then this processing operation is ended.

According to the present embodiment, after the communication is completed, the server in which the status of the printing status is registered is called, the server acquires the caller number, and rejects the incoming call to the communication network, By comparing the registered telephone number and the caller number, the state of the adapter after sending the print data can be detected. That is, the server can know that the print data has been transferred to the printer. Further, when the printing is completed, it is possible to detect the discharge of the print data, and the server performs the processing without connecting the line. Therefore, in the current communication system, which is charged per second, the communication cost is reduced by the user or the user. It is possible to realize a system that does not require a server system.

When operating a general print service, the system recognizes whether or not the print data can be printed normally through the line, and charges, recovers, etc. depending on the situation.
We can provide detailed service. Further, the server recognizes the status by assigning it to a plurality of telephone numbers, and fine control becomes possible.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Since the configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment is basically the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, in the description of this embodiment, the first system will be used as necessary. The drawings of the embodiments are used.

The printer 106 in the printing system according to the present embodiment is provided with a paper discharge sensor, and information on whether or not the paper discharge is successful at the end of printing is indicated by IEEE1284.
It can be sent by instruction via the interface.

On the other hand, the adapter 107 in the printing system according to the present embodiment uses the printer interface 20.
It is possible to acquire information as to whether or not the paper has been normally discharged through 4.

In addition, in the adapter information area of FIG.
A delivery completion server telephone number is prepared, a communication server is newly provided on the application server 109 side, and a telephone number linked with the delivery completion server telephone number is assigned.

In such a configuration, the adapter 107
Printer 1 through the printer interface 204
When the print buffer in 06 becomes empty, a call is made to the application server 109 (from the print buffer flash 411 in FIG. 4 to the interruption 413), and further information on whether or not the paper is normally discharged is acquired. Then, when it is determined that the printed paper is not normally ejected from the printer 106, a call is made to the newly provided telephone number (interruption 413 in FIG. 4, not shown). After finishing these processes, the process transits to the idle 404 in FIG.

On the other hand, the application server 109
Whether or not the printed paper has been normally ejected from the printer 106 can be recognized by an incoming call. That is, even if the transfer to the buffer is normal, it can be confirmed that the printing is defective.

The other constructions and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

(Other Embodiments) In each of the above-described embodiments, the buffer status report and the paper discharge report in the printing system have been described as examples, but various services can be applied. For example, it can be applied to a status report such as a paper out condition after printing a plurality of pages, and ink exhaustion.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the status is reported to the application server 109 when the buffer becomes empty, but the data is not reduced even if the buffer has passed a certain time by using a timer. The printing system can be configured by the reverse logic of providing a function of detecting such a situation and calling when an error is determined.

Needless to say, the status information of the registered print data can be controlled such as billing information at the time of distributing the print data and sending a confirmation mail to the user.

Further, instead of the configuration in each of the above embodiments, the following configuration may be adopted.
That is, the mobile communication terminal 102 may be replaced with a device that performs wireless communication represented by PHS or PDC, and a fixed telephone (modem) that performs wired communication.

Further, a storage medium storing the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. The generated program code may be read and executed.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of each of the above embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk,
Hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-
ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, not only the functions in the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code). The present invention also includes a case where an operating system) performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions in the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code. It is also included in the present invention that the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the function in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0211]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
This has the effect of improving the reliability of the printing process.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of software installed in an adapter in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state transition of an adapter in the printing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to initialization of an adapter in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to calling of an adapter in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an LED state of the adapter in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an adapter information area on a ROM in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a user information area on a ROM in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an application server in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a software module configuration in an application server in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen used when performing user registration in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a call control procedure in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a printing operation procedure in the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 PDA 102 mobile communication terminal 103 communication line network 104 Internet 105 external provider 106 printer (printing means) 107 adapter (second control means) 108 mobile communication terminal 109 application server 201 communication terminal interface (I / F) 202 microcomputer (microcomputer : CP
U, 203 User interface (UI) 204 Printer interface (I / F) 205 ROM (Read only memory) 206 RAM (Random access memory) 207 Power supply 208 Internal bus, 209 First switch (SW1) 210 Second switch (SW2) 211 Third Switch (SW3) 212 LED 213 LED 301 Application 302 TCP / IP Protocol Group 303 Communication Carrier Protocol 304 H / W 305 Application 306 TCP / IP Protocol Group 307 Communication Carrier Protocol 308 H / W 1001 Fire Wall Server (Firewall) Server) 1002 Switch (switch) 1003 Communication Save
r (communication server) 1004 Network Print Save
r (Network Print Server) 1005 Radius Server (Radius Server) 1006 Mail Server (Mail Server) 1007 WWW Server (WWW Server) 1008 PSTN & PHS (Communication Network) 1009 Internet (Internet) 1010 FTP Server 110A FTP Server (1101 FTP Server) Manager 1103 email 1104 Printer DB 1105 Printer Manager 1106 Printer Driver 1107 Print Job 1108 Web Browser 1107 M1 P11 A1 1111 HTML1 Page 1110 HT11L11 Page 1110 1114 Printer 1115 File TranseferMana
ger 1116 Call Report

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A first control unit for converting an electronic mail instructed to print into print data, and a protocol conversion of the print data received from the first control unit via a communication network and supplying the print data to the print unit. And a second control unit for controlling the first communication unit, wherein the first control unit includes a communication line unit to which two or more telephone numbers are assigned. The line means supplies the print data to the second control means, and the second communication line means obtains telephone number information when an incoming call is received, and an incoming call to the communication line means. When a call is made to the second communication line means, a rejection instruction means for instructing refusal is made, and after the caller telephone number is acquired, the call is rejected without connecting the communication line and the caller telephone number is used to 2 control Determination means for determining that the information is from the means, and in the second control means, the second control means issues a call to a detection means for detecting the printing state of the printing means. In this case, a communication means for transmitting the telephone number of the user to the called party, and a first communication line means for receiving the print data from the first controller And a calling means for calling the first control means telephone number assigned to the second line means. 2. The information from the second control unit includes a memory error, a paper jam, a paper feed error, a status reply retry, no error, a memory state of the second control unit, and a memory state of the printing unit. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is associated with any one of the above. 3. The first control means controls the recovery operation of print data and the charging information so as to reflect the status depending on whether or not the status information is transmitted from the second control means. The printing system according to claim 1. 4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit is a server, and the second control unit is an adapter. 5. A first control means for converting an electronic mail for which printing is instructed into print data, and a protocol conversion of the print data received from the first control means via a communication network to supply to the print means. A second control means for controlling the printing system, wherein the first control means includes a communication line means to which two or more telephone numbers are assigned, and the second control means includes: A step of calling to the first control means telephone number assigned to the second communication line means according to the printing state of the printing means after the print data has been transmitted through the first communication line means, In the first control means, after the transmission of the print data by the first communication line means is completed, the second control means changes the print state according to the print state of the print means.
An incoming call waiting step of waiting for an incoming call by the first control means telephone number assigned to the second communication line means for information on the printing state of the printing means, and obtaining a caller telephone number when the incoming call is made. A caller telephone number acquisition step, a call rejection step that rejects a call without connecting a communication line, and a determination step that determines whether or not the caller telephone number is information from the second control means. A method for controlling a printing system, comprising: 6. The information from the second control unit includes a memory error, a paper jam, a paper feed error, a status reply retry, no error, a memory state of the second control unit, and a memory state of the printing unit. 6. The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 5, wherein the method is associated with any one of the above. 7. The first control means controls the recovery operation of print data and the charge information depending on whether or not the status information is transmitted from the second control means. A method for controlling a printing system according to claim 5 or 6. 8. The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 5, wherein the first control unit is a server and the second control unit is an adapter. 9. A first control unit for converting an electronic mail instructed to print into print data, and a protocol conversion of the print data received from the first control unit via a communication network and supplying the print data to the print unit. A second computer-readable program for controlling a printing system having a communication line means to which two or more telephone numbers are assigned, the first control means comprising:
A call step for calling the first control means telephone number assigned to the second communication line means according to the printing state of the printing means after the transmission of the print data by the communication line means of the first communication line. After the transmission of the print data by the means, the information about the print state of the printing means is sent from the second control means according to the print state of the printing means by the telephone number of the first control means assigned to the second communication line means. An incoming call waiting step for waiting for an incoming call, an outgoing caller telephone number acquisition step for obtaining an outgoing caller telephone number when an incoming call is received, an incoming call rejection step for rejecting an incoming call without connecting a communication line, and the outgoing caller And a program code for causing a computer to execute a determination step of determining whether or not the information is from the second control means based on a telephone number. Program. 10. The information from the second control means includes a memory error, a paper jam, a paper feed error, a status reply retry, no error, a memory status of the second control means, and a memory status of the printing means. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that
The program described in. 11. A storage medium having the program according to claim 9 or 10 stored therein.