JP2004013835A - Device, system and method for forming image, device for managing information, method for transmitting image data, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output image data acquired through a network in optimum resolution. <P>SOLUTION: When an image forming device 101 receives an output instruction of the image data from a portable terminal 102, the image forming device 101 transmits to a server 103 an image acquisition request that corresponds to the model of the image forming device 101. The server 103 transmits to the image forming device 101 image data of resolution corresponding to the model of the image forming device 101 on the basis of the image acquisition request, and the image forming device 101 outputs the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information management apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, an image data transmitting method, a program, and a method for acquiring image data via a network and outputting the image data at an optimum resolution. It relates to a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, technical development in the field of mobile terminals such as mobile phones has progressed, and it has become possible to connect to the Internet from mobile terminals and receive various services. One example is a map search service. In this method, a desired area, address, or the like is input from a mobile phone, and is transmitted to a map search server, thereby acquiring map data of a specified location and displaying a map image on a screen of the mobile phone.
When printing an image displayed on such a mobile phone, there are two methods.
[0003]
One is to have all the data to be printed on the client side and send the data directly to the printer (PUSH type). The other is that the data to be printed is stored in a document server on the network, the client sends only the URL of the data to the printer, and the printer receives the data from the designated URL and prints it. Yes (PULL type). Comparing the two methods, in the case of the PULL type, the client does not need to have the data to be actually printed in its own memory. There is an advantage that a large amount of data can be easily printed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the mobile phone service, the displayed screen is also adjusted for the mobile phone. For example, in the case of a map image, it is common practice to lower the image quality and reduce the data size of the image compared to image data displayed on a PC browser or the like. In addition, the screen of the mobile phone itself is very small as compared with the display of the PC, and the displayable area is naturally small. Therefore, when the URL of the map image displayed on the mobile phone is transmitted to the printer and a PULL-type print is performed, even if the printer itself has a high resolution and the ability to print on A4 size paper, the mobile phone can perform the printing. There is a problem that printing is performed at the displayed resolution and screen size.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an image forming apparatus, an information management apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method capable of optimally outputting image data obtained via a network. , An image data transmission method, a program, and a recording medium.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external device, and an output instruction for receiving an image data output instruction from the first external device. Receiving means, converting means for performing a predetermined conversion process on information included in the output instruction received by the output instruction receiving means, and image data instructed to be output based on the information after the conversion processing by the converting means. Corresponding image acquisition request means for transmitting an image data acquisition request corresponding to the image forming apparatus to a second external device, and image data for receiving image data transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request The image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit and an image data output unit that outputs the image data received by the image data receiving unit.
[0007]
Further, an information management device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition request receiving unit that receives an image acquisition request corresponding to the external device from an external device, and the image acquisition request that is received by the acquisition request receiving unit. And an image data transmitting unit for transmitting image data corresponding to the external device to the external device based on the image data.
[0008]
An image forming system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, and the information management apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention. And
[0009]
An image forming method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an image forming method using an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external device, the method comprising: receiving an image data output instruction from a first external device; A step of performing a predetermined conversion process on the information included in the received output instruction by the conversion unit; and, based on the information after the conversion process by the conversion unit, the image forming apparatus corresponding to the output-instructed image data. Transmitting a corresponding image data acquisition request to a second external device by an image acquisition requesting unit; receiving image data transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request; Outputting image data by image data output means.
[0010]
The image data transmitting method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: receiving an image acquisition request from an external device according to the external device by an acquisition request receiving unit; Transmitting image data corresponding to the external device from the image data transmitting unit to the external device based on the image acquisition request.
[0011]
A program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a step of receiving an image data output instruction from a first external device, and performing a predetermined conversion process on information included in the received output instruction by a conversion unit. A request for acquiring image data corresponding to the image data instructed to be output and corresponding to the image forming apparatus, to the second external device by the image acquisition requesting means, based on the information after the conversion process by the converting means. Causing a computer to execute: transmitting, receiving image data transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request, and outputting the received image data by image data output means. It is characterized by.
[0012]
The program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: receiving, from an external device, an image acquisition request corresponding to the external device by an acquisition request receiving unit; Transmitting the image data corresponding to the external device from the image data transmitting unit to the external device based on the request.
[0013]
Further, a recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized by recording the program according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
<First embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system applicable to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment described below.
[0016]
The image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the Internet and can communicate with the server 103. The server 103 provides a map search service as described later, and can receive search conditions from the mobile terminal 102 and transmit a map image that meets the conditions to the mobile terminal 102. In the first and second embodiments, the mobile terminal is a mobile phone having an Internet connection function.
[0017]
Further, the image forming apparatus 101 receives a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of an image or document data to be printed out from the portable terminal 102, receives data specified by the URL via the Internet, and prints the data on a sheet. It has a pull print function. Here, a wireless interface such as Bluetooth can be used as an example of a unit for transmitting the URL of the print data from the portable terminal 102 to the image forming apparatus.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer will be described as an example. In the printer 200 of FIG. 2, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU) which is connected to a system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 14. And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16.
[0019]
The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores control programs and the like that can be executed by the CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Further, the font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data (including outline font data) and the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 includes a printer ROM having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. In such a case, information used on the host computer is stored.
[0020]
The CPU 12 can perform a communication process with a host computer on a network via the network interface unit 18 and a communication process with a portable terminal or the like capable of wireless communication via the wireless communication interface unit 21.
[0021]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM, which mainly functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.
[0022]
Reference numeral 201 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. May be configured. Further, an NVRM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation panel 201 may be stored for each user and each group.
[0023]
FIG. 3 shows a screen when the mobile terminal 102 is connected to the map search service provided by the server 103. Here, search by station name, search by building, and search by zip code are possible. Although not shown, the mobile terminal 102 has a cursor button for selecting an item displayed on the screen and a determination button for determining the selected item. It is possible to select and determine a desired item from the items. An underline below an item indicates that the item is currently selected. When "station name" is selected from this screen and the enter button is pressed, the screen of FIG. 4 is displayed. Here, when a desired station name is input in the station name input area 401, “execute search” is selected, and the enter button is pressed, a map data acquisition request is transmitted to the server 103 on the condition of the input station name. The server 103 transmits the map data including the requested station to the mobile terminal 102, and a map image is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 102 as shown in FIG.
[0024]
Next, processing when the server 103 receives a map data acquisition request will be described. The server 103 has two different map data: low-resolution map data for a terminal that does not require a high-resolution image such as a mobile terminal, and high-resolution map data for a personal computer. In the present embodiment, the URLs of the two map data held by the server 103 can be converted to each other by a simple rule. Specifically, for example, the URL of the map around Tokyo Station in the high-resolution map data is http: // aaa. com / map / tokyo. gif, the URL around the Tokyo station in the low-resolution map data is http: //aaa.html with “/ i” inserted immediately after the host name of the server. com / i / map / tokyo. The two pieces of map data are stored in a format such as gif.
[0025]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart when the server 103 receives the map data acquisition request. First, upon receiving the map data acquisition request (S601), the server 103 determines whether the request is from a mobile terminal (S602). An example of the determination method is as follows. Communication between the portable terminal and the server uses the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol defined by RFC2616.
[0026]
In HTTP, when transmitting a request, it is possible to include the information of the sender as a header, and this information differs between a mobile terminal and a PC. Therefore, the server receiving the request can analyze the header to perform a determination process. If it is determined in S602 that the request is from a portable terminal, response data is generated using low-resolution map data (S603), and the generated data is transmitted (S604). On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the request is from a PC, response data is generated using the high-resolution map data (S605), and the generated data is transmitted.
[0027]
Next, a process when the image forming apparatus 101 prints the map data displayed on the mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 5 will be described. In FIG. 5, when "print" is selected and the enter button is pressed, a print confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. In FIG. 7, the user can input the number of copies to be printed in an area 701. Thereafter, by selecting “execute” and pressing the determination button, a print instruction is issued to the image forming apparatus 101. At the time of a print instruction, print instruction data as shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted from the portable terminal 102 to the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the communication means used between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus uses wireless communication such as Bluetooth as an example. Further, here, the URL of the map image currently displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal is set as the URL.
[0028]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the image forming apparatus 101 receives a print instruction from a mobile terminal. Here, another example of the image data transmission processing by the server 103 will be described. Upon receiving the print instruction (S901), the image forming apparatus 101 converts the URL of the specified data based on a certain rule. In the present embodiment, since the above-described conversion rule exists between the URL of the low-resolution map data and the URL of the high-resolution map data, the server 103 stores the host name from the specified URL. "/ I" immediately after (S902). Then, the server 103 requests the data specified by the converted URL (S903). The high-resolution map data specified by the converted URL is transmitted from the server 103, and received by the image forming apparatus 101 (S904). Subsequently, the received data is transmitted to the printing unit interface 16, and the number of copies specified in the area 702 is printed (S905).
[0029]
<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the server 103 has only one map data. In addition, a mobile terminal or a PC that receives a map search service can transmit a desired image size as a parameter to the server 103 when requesting map data, and the server 103 is designated based on the received parameter. It has the function of sending back image data of the size. Specifically, for example, when the URL of the map around Tokyo Station is “http://aaa.com/map/tokyo.gif”, the URL of the requested map data is “http://aaa.com/”. By transmitting “map / tokyo.gif? size = 128, 128”, the server cuts out the map data around Tokyo Station in a size of 128 × 128 dots and sends it back. Here, an arbitrary size can be designated by changing the value of size.
[0030]
The procedure for searching map data from the portable terminal is the same as in FIGS. 3 to 5 in the first embodiment. Here, when "print" is selected from FIG. 5 and the enter button is pressed, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Here, in addition to the screen in the first embodiment, there is an area 1002 for inputting the paper size to be printed, and the user can input a desired paper size in this area. When the user selects “execute” from this screen and presses the enter button, a command as shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted from the portable terminal 102 to the image forming apparatus 101.
[0031]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the image forming apparatus 101 receives a print instruction from a mobile terminal. Upon receiving the print command (S1201), the image forming apparatus 101 obtains an optimal image size from the designated paper size (S1202). Here, as an example, it is assumed that a table in which an image size is determined in advance for each paper size is held. Thereafter, the server 103 requests image data using the image size as a parameter (S1203), and receives map data of a desired size (S1204). Subsequently, the received data is transmitted to the printing unit interface 16, and the number of copies specified in the area 1002 is printed (S1205).
[0032]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus that has received the PullPrint instruction from the portable terminal or the like can convert the URL of the data, receive the data from the server, and print the data. It is possible to obtain a print output with a high resolution and a large image size regardless of the above screen display.
[0033]
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus to store the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.
[0034]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0035]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0036]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0037]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when an image forming apparatus receives an image data output instruction from a first external device, the image forming apparatus can output image data corresponding to itself. It becomes possible. For example, when the resolution of the image forming apparatus is higher than the resolution of the first external device, a clearer image is output, and an optimal image output for the image forming apparatus can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system applicable to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile terminal by a map search service provided by a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile terminal by a map search service provided by a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile terminal by a map search service provided by a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when a server according to an embodiment of the present invention receives a map data acquisition request.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print confirmation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of print instruction data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention receives a print instruction from a mobile terminal.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print confirmation screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of print instruction data according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention receives a print instruction from a mobile terminal.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 image forming apparatus 102 portable terminal 103 server 12 CPU
13 ROM
15 System bus 16 Printing unit interface 17 Printer engine 18 Network interface 19 RAM
20 DKC
21 wireless communication interface 24 non-volatile memory 200 printer 201 operation panel

Claims (19)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external device,
Output instruction receiving means for receiving an image data output instruction from the first external device;
A conversion unit that performs a predetermined conversion process on information included in the output instruction received by the output instruction reception unit;
Image acquisition requesting means for transmitting, to the second external device, an image data acquisition request corresponding to the image forming apparatus, corresponding to the image data instructed to be output, based on the information after the conversion processing by the conversion means;
Image data receiving means for receiving image data transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request;
An image data output unit that outputs the image data received by the image data receiving unit. The image acquisition request unit is configured to transmit the image data corresponding to the image forming apparatus to the second external device based on the information after the conversion process by the conversion unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition request including the following is transmitted to the second external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data receiving unit receives image data of a size corresponding to the image forming apparatus, which is transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request. . The acquisition request unit transmits the acquisition request including information that enables the second external device to identify the size of image data corresponding to the image forming apparatus to the second external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information included in the acquisition request is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the URL includes a parameter for specifying a size of image data according to the image forming apparatus. An acquisition request receiving unit that receives an image acquisition request corresponding to the external device from the external device,
An information management apparatus comprising: an image data transmitting unit that transmits image data corresponding to the external device to the external device based on the image acquisition request received by the acquisition request receiving unit. 8. The information management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image data transmitting unit transmits the image data corresponding to the external device based on the image acquisition request having undergone the conversion process according to the external device. . 8. The information management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image data transmitting unit transmits image data of a size corresponding to the external device based on the image acquisition request. The image acquisition request includes a URL (Uniform \ Resource \ Locator) that has been converted according to the type of the external device, and the image data transmitting unit transmits the image data to the external device based on information indicated on the URL. 9. The information management device according to claim 8, wherein corresponding image data is transmitted. The image acquisition request includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and the image data transmitting unit has a size corresponding to the external device based on a size of the image data corresponding to the external device indicated on the URL. The information management device according to claim 9, wherein the image data is transmitted. A determination unit that determines the external device based on the image acquisition request received by the acquisition request reception unit,
8. The information management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image data transmitting unit transmits image data corresponding to the external device according to a result of the determination by the determining unit. 13. The information management apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the determination unit determines the external device based on header information included in the image acquisition request. An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and the information management apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 13. An image forming method by an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external device,
Receiving an image data output instruction from the first external device;
Performing a predetermined conversion process on information included in the received output instruction by a conversion unit;
A step of transmitting, to the second external device, the image acquisition request means for acquiring image data corresponding to the image data instructed to be output and corresponding to the image data, based on the information after the conversion processing by the conversion means; When,
Receiving image data transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request;
Outputting the received image data by an image data output unit. Receiving an image acquisition request corresponding to the external device by an acquisition request receiving unit from the external device;
Transmitting image data corresponding to the external device from the image data transmitting unit to the external device based on the image acquisition request received by the acquisition request receiving unit. . Receiving an image data output instruction from the first external device;
Performing a predetermined conversion process on information included in the received output instruction by a conversion unit;
A step of transmitting, to the second external device, the image acquisition request means for acquiring image data corresponding to the image data instructed to be output and corresponding to the image data, based on the information after the conversion processing by the conversion means; When,
Receiving image data transmitted from the second external device based on the acquisition request;
Outputting the received image data by an image data output unit. Receiving an image acquisition request corresponding to the external device by an acquisition request receiving unit from the external device;
And transmitting the image data corresponding to the external device from the image data transmitting unit to the external device based on the image acquisition request received by the acquisition request receiving unit. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 17 or 18 is recorded.

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