JP2005107858A - Network printing system, and network printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correspond to a machine trouble, or a communication error at a printer side and carry out printing in a network printing system capable of transmitting data (particularly, image data) of a large size which is difficult to be sent by E-mail to a distant printer without an being attached to the E-mail. <P>SOLUTION: In the network printing system capable of transmitting the data (particularly, image data) of a large size which is difficult to be sent by E-mail to a distant printer without being attached to the E-mail, when printing in the receiving printer is impossible, a message requesting substitute printing is sent to the other receiving printer, and the other printer receiving the message downloads printing data and carries out printing in place of the receiving printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a network printing system that transmits print data from a scanner, a computer, or the like to a remote printer or the like and prints it.

Conventionally, various improvements have been proposed for techniques for transmitting data to various distant devices over a network. For example, as an example of a conventional technique for transmitting print data to a remote printer using an electronic mail technique and executing a printing process, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be cited.
In this technique, since the print data is transmitted by e-mail, for example, the print data including an image or the like is difficult to transmit because of its large size.

  On the other hand, the size of outgoing mail handled by an electronic mail transmission server (for example, an SMTP server) is normally set to about 1 to 2 Mbytes so that the load is not too heavy, and further, an electronic mail receiving server (for example, POP3) The size of the mailbox of the server or the like is also limited to about 2 to 20 Mbytes due to problems such as equipment costs. Therefore, there has been a demand for providing a transmission technique that can transfer a large file without being attached to an e-mail.

From the above demand, large-size data (especially image data) that is difficult to send by e-mail can be transmitted to a remote printing device without being attached to the e-mail. As a technology that can download print data reliably and quickly in a receiving device that has received an e-mail containing an extraction program for downloading, and that prints out the downloaded print data immediately without human operation. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 was invented by the present applicant.
JP 2001-84191 A JP 2003-216352 A

  However, although the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 supports large-size print data, printing is performed due to a machine trouble on the receiving side (for example, when toner runs out or paper runs out on the way) or a communication error occurs. I couldn't handle the case where I couldn't receive data.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can transmit large-size data (especially image data) difficult to send by e-mail to a remote printing apparatus without attaching to the e-mail. In the network printing system, even when a machine trouble or a communication error occurs on the printing apparatus side, the object is to enable printing in response to the trouble.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a transmission-side device that generates print data, a withdrawal program, and an e-mail including the withdrawal program, a storage device that stores the print data from the transmission-side device, A mail server for storing the electronic mail from the transmission side device, and a reception printing device for downloading the print data from the storage device based on the withdrawal program included in the electronic mail from the mail server. In the network printing system, the transmission side device transmits the electronic mail to the mail server after the transfer of the print data to the storage device, and the reception printing device prints the downloaded print data. If printing cannot be performed by the receiving printing apparatus, a message requesting a proxy for printing to the other receiving printing apparatus is issued. It sends a message, other received print apparatus which has received the message is characterized in that to the print download instead the print data to the receiving printing unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission side device that generates print data, a withdrawal program, and an electronic mail including the withdrawal program, and a storage device that stores the print data from the transmission side device. A mail server for storing the electronic mail from the transmission side device, and a reception printing device for downloading the print data from the storage device based on the withdrawal program included in the electronic mail from the mail server. And the transmission side device transmits the electronic mail to the mail server after the transfer of the print data to the storage device, and the reception printing device prints the downloaded print data. In the system, if printing cannot be performed by the receiving printing device, a request for receiving is requested from the other receiving printing device. The other receiving printing apparatus that has received the message downloads the print data on behalf of the receiving printing apparatus, and receives a message requesting transmission of print data that the receiving printing apparatus sends after recovery The print data is transmitted to the receiving printing apparatus, and the receiving printing apparatus performs printing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the network printing system according to the first or second aspect, the sending device includes the registered address information of the other receiving printing device in the electronic mail. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network printing method, wherein the transmission side device generates print data, and the storage device generates key information creation information based on the print data from the transmission side device. Then, the transmission side device generates first and second key information based on the key information creation information from the storage device, and an extraction program in which the generated first key information is embedded, and the extraction program Including the generated e-mail, and transmitting the generated e-mail to the mail server and the second key information to the storage device. The storage device transmits the print data and the second key information. The received printing apparatus corresponds to the first key information based on the withdrawal program included in the email from the mail server during normal operation. The print data is retrieved from the storage device, the retrieved print data is downloaded and printed, and if printing is not possible, a message requesting a proxy for printing is sent to the other receiving printing device, The other receiving printing device that has received the message obtains the content of the e-mail from the message or obtains the e-mail from the mail server, downloads the print data on behalf of the receiving printing device, and prints the print data It is characterized by doing.

The invention according to claim 5 is a network printing method, wherein the transmission side device generates print data,
The storage device generates key information creation information based on the print data from the transmission side device,
The transmission side device generates first and second key information based on the key information creation information from the storage device, an extraction program in which the generated first key information is embedded, and an electronic including the extraction program And the generated e-mail is transmitted to a mail server, and the second key information is transmitted to the storage device, and the storage device associates the print data with the second key information. In a normal operation, the received printing device searches the print data corresponding to the first key information from the storage device based on the withdrawal program included in the e-mail from the mail server. If the print data is downloaded and printed, and printing is impossible, a message requesting a proxy for reception is sent to the other receiving printing device, The other receiving printing device that has received the message downloads the print data in place of the receiving printing device, and receives the message requesting transmission of the print data that the receiving printing device sends out after recovery, the print data is sent to the receiving printing device. The data is transmitted to the receiving printing apparatus, and the receiving printing apparatus performs the printing.

  In the above invention, the storage device generates key information creation information for the print data, and the transmission side device generates first and second key information based on the key information creation information from the storage device. The generated first key information is embedded in the withdrawal program, and an email including the withdrawal program is generated and transmitted to the mail server, and the storage device receives the transmission from the transmission side device. Second key information and the print data are stored in association with each other, and the reception printing device accesses the storage device based on the withdrawal program included in the electronic mail from the mail server, and stores the withdrawal program in the withdrawal program. It is preferable that the print data corresponding to the embedded first key information is retrieved, downloaded, and printed.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmission side device converts the print data into a printer description language in advance, and the reception printing device automatically starts printing the downloaded print data.

  Furthermore, the transmission side device transmits the print data to the storage device, the print document generation unit that generates the print data, the print data generation unit that converts the print data into the printer description language, and the storage device It is preferable to have a data processing transmission unit that generates the electronic mail including the withdrawal program and transmits the electronic mail to the mail server.

  According to the present invention, in a network printing system capable of transmitting large-size data (particularly image data) difficult to send by e-mail to a remote printing apparatus without attaching to the e-mail, the printing apparatus side Even when a machine trouble or communication error occurs, printing can be performed in response to the trouble.

First, a network printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the network printing system 1 includes a transmission side device 10, a storage device 20, a mail server 30, and a reception printing device 40.
The storage device 20 shown in the figure is provided in the reception printing device 40 and stores the print data sent from the transmission side device 10 as a file. The storage device 20 is provided in at least one receiving printing device 40 among the plurality of receiving printing devices 40 on the network. As a result, it is possible to immediately start providing a service to be described later with a small configuration, which can be realized at lower cost. In the figure, only one receiving printing apparatus 40 is shown, but there are a plurality (at least two).

Here, the transmission-side apparatus 10 includes a print original generation unit 11, a print data generation unit 12, a data processing transmission unit 13, a storage unit 14, a destination information input unit 15, and a display unit 16. Yes.
The print document generation unit 11 has a print data (document data) generation function, and is configured by, for example, an application (not shown) installed in personal computers (PC) 18 and 18 ′ constituting the transmission-side apparatus 10. be able to. Examples of this application include applications such as a word processor and CAD. With such a configuration, character / graphic data generated by an application can be transmitted as print data to the reception printing apparatus 40 for printout.

  Further, the print document generating means 11 can also be configured by a scanner unit of a single scanner machine (not shown) constituting the transmission side device 10. The scanner machine can be provided with the print data creation means 12, the storage means 14, the destination information input means 15 and the display means 16. Further, the print document generating means 11 can also be configured by a not-shown copying machine or a scanner part of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral).

  With the configuration as described above, an image read by each scanner (scanner part, scanner part in a copying machine or MFP) can be transferred as print data to the receiving printing apparatus 40 at a remote location and printed out. Note that an MFP is an OA device that is generally used in an office, for example, a device that aggregates functions provided to a user by a copier, a facsimile, a printer, etc., and provides efficient office work. Say. Further, the data processing transmission means 13 can be constituted by a personal computer.

  Further, the print document generating means 11 can be constituted by an imaging device (not shown) represented by a digital camera or the like with a built-in CCD or the like. In this case, an image captured by the digital camera can be transmitted as print data to the reception printing apparatus 40 for printout.

  The print data creation unit 12 converts the print data from the print document generation unit 11 into PDL data that can be printed by the reception printing apparatus 40. In the case where the transmission-side device 10 is constituted by a personal computer, the print data creation means 12 is composed of a printer driver. The print data creation unit 12 can be included in the print document generation unit 11. That is, a printer driver function can be provided in the scanner portion of the scanner, copying machine, or MFP constituting the printed document generating means 11 and used as the print data creating means 12.

  The data processing transmission means 13 has a destination information input function, a print data input transfer function, an inquiry function, a key information generation function, a key information transfer function, a withdrawal program generation function, a key mail generation function, and a key mail transmission function. . The destination information input function refers to a function in which the data processing transmission unit 13 takes out one or more destination information from the storage unit 14 or inputs from the destination information input unit 15.

  The destination information refers to information on a printing destination represented by an e-mail address, that is, information for specifying the receiving printing apparatus 40. A plurality of the destination information can be stored in the storage unit 14 in advance. Details of the destination information input function will be described later.

  The print data input transfer function refers to a function for transferring print data from the print data creation means 12 to the storage device 20. When the print data transmitted by the print data input / transfer function is received, the storage device 20 generates key information creation information for the received print data. By causing the storage device 20 to generate key information creation information, for example, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems such as the generation of key information that is the same as key information already used for other content information. Key information can be created.

  The inquiry function refers to a function that makes an inquiry to the storage device 20 and receives an answer (key information creation information). The key information generation function is a function for generating two mathematically related key information A (first key information) and key information B (second key information) based on the key information creation information received by the inquiry function. Say. Details of the key information will be described later.

  The key information transfer function is a function for transferring the key information B to the storage device 20. The key information B transferred by the key information transfer function is stored in the storage device 20 in association with the print data. The drawer program generation function refers to a function of creating a drawer program by combining necessary data (for example, key information (key A), etc.) with the template of the drawer program extracted from the storage means 14. The details of this withdrawal program will be described later.

  The key mail generation function refers to a function of generating key mail (e-mail) for transmitting key information (key A) and a withdrawal program to the reception printing apparatus 40. This key mail contains the withdrawal program in which the key information (key A) is embedded.

  Since the key mail itself needs only a small size (for example, about 1 Kbyte), it is several tens of Mbytes regardless of restrictions on an email sending server such as an SMTP server (described later) and an email receiving server such as a POP3 server (described later). Large print data can be delivered to a large number of receiving printing apparatuses 40 simultaneously. Furthermore, since the print data stored in the storage device 20 cannot be extracted without the key information, it is difficult to access the print data except for the specific reception printing device 40 that has received the key mail. Thereby, the confidentiality of communication is ensured.

  The key mail transmission function is a function for transmitting the key mail generated by the key mail generation function to the mail server 30. This key mail transmission is executed by a mail tool (tool for transmitting an electronic mail) read by the data processing transmission means 13.

  Since the data processing transmission unit 13 has these functions, the key mail can be transmitted to the mail server 30 after the print data transfer to the storage device 20 is completed. Accordingly, since the print data is already stored in the storage device 20 when the key mail is received by the reception printing device 40, the reception printing device 40 downloads the print data reliably and quickly and performs the printing process. Can be executed.

  In particular, the print data is several tens of Mbytes, whereas the key mail is about 1 Kbyte, so that the time until the transmission is completed differs greatly. Further, if the print data extraction (drawing) fails, the storage device 20 may determine that the third party has tampered with the print data, and therefore it is necessary to download the print data reliably for the extraction process. . Therefore, by performing transmission of the key mail from the transmission side device 10 after the storage of the print data in the storage device 20, the reception printing device 40 can reliably extract the print data.

  In the conventional system, since the input data is an e-mail, the body text or attached file of the e-mail is separated from the mail header as content information. However, in the present invention, the destination information and the print data input by the data processing transmission unit 13 are independent from each other, and therefore do not need to be separated.

  The data processing transmission unit 13 having such a configuration can be included in the print original generation unit 11. That is, the data processing transmission unit 13 may be provided by providing a data processing transmission function in the scanner unit, the scanner unit of the copier, or the scanner unit of the MFP (none of which is shown) constituting the print document generation unit 11. it can.

  The data processing transmission means 13 can also be provided in an electronic mail transmission server represented by the SMTP server 31 (an electronic mail transmission server included in the mail server 30). The e-mail transmission server having the data processing transmission means 13 receives print data from the transmission side device 10 through the network and transmits it to the storage device 20, and an e-mail reception server represented by the POP3 server 32. To the e-mail receiving server of the mail server 30.

  The data processing transmission unit 13 and the print data creation unit 12 may be combined into a printer driver. In this case, the e-mail address of the reception printing device 40 as a printing destination port and the e-mail address of the storage device 20 for storing print data can be set in advance. The storage means 14 stores a drawing program template, destination information, and the like. The destination information input unit 15 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like.

  The display unit 16 displays a printer driver setting screen as shown in FIG. This setting screen includes setting items regarding print processing of print data in the reception printing apparatus 40. In the figure, in “print destination port”, by clicking “add port”, it is possible to set an e-mail address as a destination of the key mail. The “server” setting is a setting for logging in to the storage device 20 having a server function. This setting has a form conforming to ftp in FIG. Note that the key information is automatically generated by the data processing transmission means 13, and therefore is not set by the user.

  When the storage device 20 receives the print data from the data processing transmission unit 13, the storage device 20 generates key information generation information for the print data, and responds to the inquiry from the data processing transmission unit 13 by returning the key information generation information. To do. Further, when receiving the key information B generated by the transmission side device 10, the storage device 20 stores (stores) the key information B in association with the print data.

  Further, when the storage device 20 approves the access from the drawing unit 42, the storage device 20 receives the key information A from the drawing unit 42, retrieves print data corresponding to the key information A, retrieves it, and transmits it to the drawing unit 42. . This search is executed based on the fact that the key information A and the key information B are mathematically related and that the key information B and the print data are stored in association with each other.

  The retrieved print data is downloaded to the extracting means 42. As a result, the print data transmitted from the transmission side device 10 is transferred to the extraction means 42 via the storage device 20 and printed out. The storage device 20 does not delete the stored print data after it has been transmitted, but keeps it stored for a certain period of time or unless there is a special command to prove the authentic content of the print data. You can also. Further, it may be transferred to and stored in a non-rewritable nonvolatile storage medium before erasure.

  The mail server 30 is a mail server that receives the print data from the data processing transmission means 13 and transmits it to the reception printing apparatus 40. The mail server 30 is an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server 31 or POP3 (Post Office Protocol) on the Internet. 3) It is comprised by the server 32 etc.

  The SMTP server 31 receives the key mail from the transmission side device 10. The POP3 server 32 temporarily stores the key mail transmitted from the SMTP server 31 through the network in a mail box for the reception printing apparatus 40 provided in the POP3 server 32.

  The reception printing apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 1 includes a mail reception means 41, a withdrawal means 42, a printing means 43, a message transmission / reception means 44, a message reception means 45, and the storage device 20 described above. The mail receiving means 41 receives the key mail from the mail server 30 (POP3 server 32) when confirming the arrival of a new mail using the mail tool. When the key mail is opened in the mail receiving means 41, the withdrawal program included in the key mail is automatically started.

  The drawing means 42 automatically accesses the storage device 20 based on the started drawing program, and downloads the print data retrieved by the key information A and extracted. The printing unit 43 prints out the print data from the drawing unit 42. Since this print data is PDL data, it can be printed immediately by the printing means 43. Further, when the printing process of the print data is completed, the printing unit 43 transmits a print completion notification to the storage device 20.

The error detection unit 44 detects an error that has occurred in each unit of the reception printing apparatus 40, and when a key mail arrives, an error that makes printing impossible (for example, when toner runs out of paper or paper runs out during the process) If the print data cannot be received due to a communication error or the like), the message transmission means 45 is notified of the occurrence of this error.
When the message transmission means 45 receives the notification from the error detection unit 44, the message transmission means 45 transmits a message requesting substitution printing or substitution reception of print data to the other reception printing apparatus 40. This message includes the contents of the key mail received by the receiving printing apparatus A, or includes account information for the receiving printing apparatus B to receive the key mail from the mail server 30 on behalf of the receiving printing apparatus A.

When the message receiving unit 46 receives the message requesting the proxy printing or the proxy data reception, the message receiving unit 46 causes the extraction unit 42 to download the print data. If the message instructs the proxy printing, the message receiving unit 46 further The print data downloaded by the printing unit 43 is printed. If the message does not contain the contents of the key mail, the mail receiving means 41 is caused to receive the key mail from the mail server 30 using the account information of the receiving printing apparatus that has requested the substitution.
The storage device 20 is as described above. As shown in the present embodiment, the storage device 20 is preferably provided in a certain reception printing device 40. For example, a server such as the FTP server 21 shown in FIG. It can also be used.

  For example, the reception printing apparatus 40 includes a copier, a copier, an MFP, a printer, and the like that are compatible with a network. The reception printing apparatus 40 can also be configured by a composite apparatus in which two or more copying machines, copying machines, MFPs, printers, and the like are combined.

  It should be noted that at least two or more receiving printing apparatuses 40 are provided so that each receiving printing apparatus 40 can execute an extraction program on the HTML mail so that a mail tool operating on the receiving printing apparatus 40 can receive the HTML mail. There must be. Further, the delivery program for transmitting the key mail from the transmission side apparatus 10 needs to be capable of transmitting HTML mail.

  Each device (the transmission side device 10, the mail server 30, and the reception printing device 40 (the reception printing device 40 includes the storage device 20)) constituting the network printing system 1 is connected to each other via a network. As the network, any publicly known public line, commercial line, or dedicated line known in the art can be used, and each can be composed of the same or different networks. The network may be one-way / two-way.

  Such a network is a line that can connect each device wirelessly or by wire, and can be constituted by, for example, a mobile terminal network, a public line network, a dedicated line network, an Internet line network, an intranet network, or the like. Specifically, for example, an Internet line network, an intranet network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an analog telephone network, a digital telephone network (for example, ISDN (Integral Service Digital Network)) and wireless communication One or a combination of two or more of the networks (for example, a cellular phone network, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), satellite broadcasting, etc.) can be used.

  Note that security measures can be taken or relay devices can be provided between the network and each device as necessary. Security measures include building a security system and installing a firewall. In addition, examples of the relay device include a repeater, a bridge, a router, a brouter, a hub, a terminator, and a gateway. This relay device is different in the device used depending on the connection form in each device and the communication protocol used.

  Each means constituting the network printing system 1 may be an independent device connected to each other through a network, or a part of the means may be configured as a module physically configured in the same computer. Good. For example, the data processing transmission unit 13 may be configured in the transmission side device 10.

  The network printing system 1 further includes proof means for performing proof of the contents of the print data stored in the storage device 20 and proof that the print data has been transmitted from the transmission side device 10 to the reception printing device 40. Can be included. By including this certification means, it is possible to prove whether the print data has not been tampered with on either the transmission side or the reception side or has been reliably received by the reception printing apparatus 40.

When the proof is required, the certifying means uses the print data stored in the storage device 20, the transmission source information and the destination information stored in the storage device 20 together with the print data, and the reception printing device 40 including the storage device 20. The print data, transmission source information, and destination information can be confirmed.
Further, by transmitting the transmission source information and the destination information stored in the storage device 20 together with the print data to the other reception printing device 40 through the network, the print data, the transmission source information and the destination are also received in the other reception printing device 40. Information can be confirmed.

  In brief, the certification means transmits a key mail including key information associated with the print data to a specific receiving printing apparatus 40 through the network. Note that a DNS server, a proxy server, and the like used in the process of sending e-mail are not important elements in the present embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Next, the operation of the destination information input function will be described.
A plurality of pieces of destination information are stored in the storage unit 14 in advance. Then, it is taken out from the storage means 14 by the user's operation in the destination information input means 15 of the transmission side apparatus 10 and displayed on the display means 16, and one or more destination information is selected and sent to the data processing transmission means 13. It is done.

  For example, when the transmission side apparatus 10 is a copying machine and the print original generation unit 11 has a scanner function, the registered destination is displayed as “scan data destination” on the display unit 16 as follows, for example: Is done.

"PC folder"
"PC A"
"PC B"
"PC C"
"Manual input"
“EMail address”
“A01@bbb.co.jp”
“A02@bbb.co.jp”
“A03@bbb.co.jp”

  Here, for example, when “a03@bbb.co.jp” is selected, this “a03@bbb.co.jp” is sent to the data processing transmission means 13. Further, in a type in which the scanner unit and the controller (PC) are separated as in the wide format copying machine, for example, when “a03@bbb.co.jp” is selected, the PC actually being the controller is selected. The file name of the print data at that time becomes “a03@bbb.co.jp (001)”, and the file name becomes the destination information.

  Note that (001) is the cumulative number when there is a file with the same destination. If the print data transmission destination is fixed, the data processing transmission means 13 directly retrieves one or more pieces of destination information corresponding to the fixed transmission destination from the storage means 14 and transmits the key mail. It can also be embedded in the mail header.

Next, key information will be described.
As the key information, a secret number or a random number using a known large prime number can be used. The number of sets and the number of digits may be generated by changing for each key information without being fixed, and may include alphabets or the like. If this key information is not manually input in any process and is automatically generated or selected in the data processing transmission means, for example, the complexity and length are not substantially limited.

  Further, the key information includes a destination identification symbol that identifies the reception printing apparatus 40. Therefore, when the storage device 20 receives the key information, the storage device 20 records the distributed information indicating that it has been distributed to the specific receiving printing device 40 in association with the corresponding print data based on the destination identification symbol. Accordingly, when the same print data is distributed to a plurality of reception printing apparatuses 40, it can be confirmed that the distribution has been completed for each reception printing apparatus 40.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the key information is embedded in at least a part of the withdrawal program included in the key mail so that it cannot be easily recognized or decrypted as the key information. Therefore, it is not a character description type program. Is preferred. Various embedding methods are known, but are not specified.

Next, the withdrawal program will be described.
The extraction program is a program that causes the reception printing apparatus 40 to perform a process of extracting (downloading) print data stored in the storage device 20. This extraction program operates using a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), an OS (Operating System), or the like that is installed in the reception printing apparatus 40 in advance.

  The withdrawal program is described in the HTML format. When the reception mail printing apparatus 40 opens a key mail including the withdrawal program using the mail tool, the withdrawal program automatically operates. The storage device 20 in which the print data is stored is accessed, and the print data specified by the key information is downloaded and displayed in the mail tool. Therefore, the person who operates the reception printing apparatus 40 and receives the key mail can receive the mail by the same operation as a normal electronic mail without performing a special operation.

  Note that in order to start the operation of the drawer program, some operation in the reception printing apparatus 40 may be required. For example, in the receiving printing apparatus 40, the operation of the drawer program can be started by an operation of inputting an ID or a password. In this way, important print data such as transaction documents can be received only by the person designated as the e-mail destination.

  Further, the withdrawal program may be configured not to operate when transferred from the reception printing apparatus 40. This can be realized, for example, by detecting the information of the first mail header that is left in the forwarded mail as it is or a part thereof, and by not performing the extraction when it is detected. This makes it difficult to access print data except for the specific receiving printing apparatus 40.

  Furthermore, a master key for accessing the Web server can be incorporated into the extraction program. Further, the withdrawal program included in the key mail may be the whole or a part of the final withdrawal program. However, in the case where only a part thereof is included in the key mail, the remaining part must be prepared in the reception printing apparatus 40.

Next, an example of the withdrawal program will be described.
The drawer program can be configured as follows, for example. When the transmission destination is a printer, a printer such as “! R! LOAD, www.aaa/bbb/ccc/key=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:EXIT:” is described in the body of the e-mail. Up to “! R! LOAD” is a command for causing the reception printing apparatus 40 to start downloading a file.

  “Www.aaa/bbb/ccc/” indicates the address of the print data stored in the storage device 20. “Key = xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx” is a key for permitting download. “EXIT:” indicates the end of the withdrawal program.

  In the reception printing apparatus 40, the extraction program is activated. The activated drawing program operates the reception printing device 40 to access the Web server “www.aaa/bbb/ccc” of the storage device 20 and uses “key = xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx” in the storage device 20. If the key and mathematical relationship match, the print data is downloaded. Since this print data is converted to PDL, it is printed immediately after downloading.

  Next, an operation procedure (normal time) of the network printing system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the normal operation in the network printing system of the present embodiment.

  Print data is generated in the print document generation means 11 of the transmission side apparatus 10 (step 10). The generated print data includes, for example, an image read by a scanner unit. Further, the destination information is input in the data processing transmission means 13 (step 11).

  The print data is sent from the print document generating means 11 to the print data creating means 12 and converted into PDL data (step 12). The print data converted into the PDL data is sent to the data processing transmission means 13 and further transferred to the storage device 20 (step 13).

  The storage device 20 stores the transferred print data (step 14), and further generates key information creation information for the print data (step 15). Thereafter, an inquiry to the storage device 20 is executed in the data processing transmission means 13 (step 16). In response to this inquiry, key information creation information is returned from the storage device 20 to the data processing transmission means 13 (step 17).

  The data processing transmission means 13 generates key information A and key information B based on the key information creation information that has been answered (step 18). Further, a withdrawal program in which the key information A is embedded and a key mail including the withdrawal program are generated (steps 19 and 20).

  The generated key mail is transmitted from the data processing transmission means 13 to the mail server 30 through the network based on the destination information (step 21). In the mail receiving means 41 of the receiving printing apparatus 40, it is confirmed whether or not the key mail has been received by the mail server 30 (step 22). In the mail server 30, as a response to the key mail reception confirmation, a notification (reception confirmation response notification) indicating whether or not mail has been received is transmitted to the mail receiving means 41 (step 23).

  When the content of the reception confirmation response notification is confirmed in the mail receiving means 41 and the reception of the key mail is indicated, the mail server 30 is accessed and the key mail is received (step 24). When the received key mail is opened, the withdrawal program included in the key mail is automatically activated (step 25).

  Based on the started extraction program, the storage device 20 is accessed from the extraction means 42 (step 26). When this access is approved by the storage device 20 (step 27), key information (key information A) is transmitted from the withdrawal means 42 to the storage device 20 (step 28).

  In the storage device 20, the print data (PDL data) corresponding to the received key information A is retrieved and transmitted to the extraction means 42 (steps 29 and 30). That is, the drawing means 42 accesses the storage device 20 through the network and downloads print data from the storage device 20 based on the drawing program. Then, the print data (PDL data) received by the drawing means 42 is sent to the printing means 43 and printed out (step 31).

  When the print output is completed, a print completion notification is transmitted from the printing means 43 to the storage device 20 (step 32). Based on the received print completion notification, print data and key information B are erased in the storage device 20 (step 33).

  As described above, in the network printing system according to the present embodiment, print data is transferred from the sending apparatus to the receiving printing apparatus through a route different from that of the key mail. Therefore, regardless of the data size of the print data, the transfer is performed. Is possible. In addition, since the transmission of the key mail from the transmission side device to the mail server is executed after the transfer of the print data from the transmission side device to the storage device, in the reception printing device, when the key mail is received, the withdrawal program Based on the execution, the print data can be downloaded from the storage device quickly and reliably and printed out. Furthermore, since the print data is converted into the printer description language (PDL data) in advance in the transmission side apparatus, the print output can be automatically executed as it is when the print data is downloaded from the storage apparatus in the reception printing apparatus. .

Next, an operation procedure when an unprintable error occurs in the network printing system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is an operation sequence diagram for explaining the operation when an unprintable error occurs in the network printing system in the network printing system of this embodiment.
Here, it is assumed that the receiving printing apparatus A is located near the user and the receiving printing apparatus B is located far from the user.

First, the transmission apparatus 10 performs print data transfer processing to the reception printing apparatus A (t10), and the storage apparatus 20 performs print data storage processing (t11). Here, the processing of S10 to S17 shown in FIG. 4 is performed.
Next, key mail transmission processing is performed in the transmission side apparatus 10 (t12). Here, the process of S18-S21 shown in FIG. 4 is performed. Note that the key mail transmitted here includes the address information of the receiving printing apparatus B, which is another receiving printing apparatus 20 that performs printing proxy. This address information is information including an address determined on the network to which each receiving printing apparatus 20 is connected.
Then, the mail server 30 performs a transfer process of the key mail sent from the transmission side apparatus 10 to the reception printing apparatus A (t13). The receiving printing apparatus A responds to this when it is normal.

  At this time, if printing cannot be performed by the receiving printing apparatus A due to out of toner, out of paper, communication error, etc., the error detection means 44 performs error detection processing (t14). Here, when the error detection unit 44 detects an error that makes printing impossible, the message transmission unit 45 is notified of the occurrence of this error. Upon receiving this notification, the message transmitting means 45 performs proxy printing or proxy data reception on the receiving printing apparatus B based on the address information of the receiving printing apparatus B which is another receiving printing apparatus 20 included in the key mail. Send the requested message. This message includes the contents of the key mail received by the receiving printing apparatus A, or includes account information for the receiving printing apparatus B to receive the key mail from the mail server 30 on behalf of the receiving printing apparatus A. Communication in this case is preferably performed after encryption.

When the message receiving means 46 receives the message, the receiving printing apparatus B performs the following processing (proxy printing or proxy reception) (t15).
[For proxy printing]
When the content of the key mail is not included in the message sent from the message sending means 45, the receiving printing apparatus B accesses the mail server 30 using the account information of the receiving printing apparatus A and addresses the receiving printing apparatus A. The sent key mail is received (t15, t16; step S22 to step S24 shown in FIG. 4). Thereafter, instead of the receiving printing apparatus A, the receiving printing apparatus B performs the print data download and printing process, and the processing from step 25 shown in FIG. 4 is performed between the receiving printing apparatus B and the storage apparatus 20 (t15, t17 (print data transfer process)). On the other hand, when the content of the key mail is included in the message, the process of receiving the key mail by the receiving printing apparatus B instead of the receiving printing apparatus A is omitted.

When the printing process is finished, the reception printing apparatus B transmits a notification of completion of printing by the printing agency of the reception printing apparatus B to the transmission side apparatus 10.
The transmission side apparatus 10 receives the notification and confirms the completion of printing (t18). Thereby, it is confirmed in the transmission side apparatus 10 that the printing is completed by the reception printing apparatus B. In this proxy printing, even if there is a failure in the receiving printing apparatus A, the receiving printing apparatus B can immediately perform printing.

[In case of interception]
When the content of the key mail is not included in the message sent from the message sending means 45, the receiving printing apparatus B accesses the mail server 30 using the account information of the receiving printing apparatus A and addresses the receiving printing apparatus A. The sent key mail is received (steps S22 to S24 shown in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the receiving printing apparatus B substitutes for the receiving printing apparatus A to download the print data (t15). Here, the processing from step 25 to step 30 shown in FIG. 4 is performed between the reception printing apparatus B and the storage apparatus 20. On the other hand, when the content of the key mail is included in the message, the process of receiving the key mail by the receiving printing apparatus B instead of the receiving printing apparatus A is omitted.

The print data downloaded by the reception printing apparatus B is stored in another storage device 20 (t17 (print data storage process)).
Thereafter, when the receiving printing apparatus A recovers, the error detecting unit 44 detects the error recovery of the apparatus and notifies the message transmitting means 45 of the apparatus recovery. Upon receiving this notification, the message transmitting means 45 transmits a message requesting transfer of print data to the receiving printing apparatus B (t14).

Receiving printing apparatus B that has received the print data transfer request message from receiving printing apparatus A transfers the printing data stored in the other storage apparatus 20 to receiving apparatus A (t15). The other storage device 20 may be a storage unit provided in the receiving printing apparatus B or a server (not shown) used as the storage unit. When an external storage unit is used, the reception printing apparatus B includes a communication unit (not shown) for performing data communication therewith.
The receiving printing apparatus A performs printing based on the print data transferred from the receiving printing apparatus B (t19).
When the printing process (printing after recovery) by the receiving printing apparatus A is completed, a notification of printing completion is transmitted from the receiving printing apparatus A to the transmitting side apparatus 10.

The transmission side apparatus 10 receives the notification and confirms the completion of printing (t18). As a result, it is confirmed in the transmission side apparatus 10 that the printing is completed by the reception printing apparatus A.
In the case of this proxy reception, the above-described proxy printing is performed by the reception printing apparatus B that is located far from the user, whereas the reception printing apparatus A that is close to the user depends on the recovery of the reception printing apparatus A. Printing can be resumed.
In addition, each operation | movement procedure demonstrated above is an example, and is not limited to the flow of said process.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes a configuration that does not depart from the gist of the present invention.
For example, if printing cannot be performed by the receiving printing device to which the key mail has been sent, the message sending means of the receiving printing device sends a notification to that effect to the sending device, and the sending device prints to the user. Enter the address information of other receiving printing devices that perform substitution, and instruct substitution printing, etc., and include this address information in the key mail so that it can be sent to the receiving printing device that cannot print. May be. In this case, the user can select another receiving printing apparatus to be substituted.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a setting screen of the printing destination displayed on a display means. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of normal in the network printing system in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific structural example of the network printing system in the embodiment. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram explaining the operation | movement at the time of the error which cannot be printed in the network printing system in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network printing system 10 ... Transmission side apparatus 11 ... Print original production | generation means 12 ... Print data creation means 13 ... Data processing transmission means 14 ... Memory | storage means 15 ... Destination information input means 16 ... Display means 17 ... Copier 18, 18 ' ... Personal computer (PC)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Storage device 21 ... FTP server 22 ... Web server 30 ... Mail server 31 ... SMTP server 32 ... POP3 server 40 ... Reception printing device 41 ... Mail reception means 42 ... Extraction means 43 ... Printing means 44 ... Error detection means 45 ... Message Transmission means 46 ... Message reception means

Claims (5)

A transmission side device that generates print data, a withdrawal program, and an e-mail including the withdrawal program; a storage device that stores the print data from the transmission side device; and the e-mail from the transmission side device. A mail server to store, and a reception printing device that downloads the print data from the storage device based on the withdrawal program included in the e-mail from the mail server, wherein the transmission side device stores the storage After the transfer of the print data to the apparatus, the electronic mail is transmitted to the mail server, and the reception printing apparatus is a network printing system that prints the downloaded print data.
If printing cannot be performed by the receiving printing apparatus, a message requesting substitution for printing is transmitted to the other receiving printing apparatus, and the other receiving printing apparatus that has received the message replaces the receiving printing apparatus. A network printing system that downloads print data and prints it. A transmission side device that generates print data, a withdrawal program, and an e-mail including the withdrawal program; a storage device that stores the print data from the transmission side device; and the e-mail from the transmission side device. A mail server to store, and a reception printing device that downloads the print data from the storage device based on the withdrawal program included in the e-mail from the mail server, wherein the transmission side device stores the storage After the transfer of the print data to the apparatus, the electronic mail is transmitted to the mail server, and the reception printing apparatus is a network printing system that prints the downloaded print data.
If printing cannot be performed by the receiving printing apparatus, a message for requesting proxy is sent to the other receiving printing apparatus, and the other receiving printing apparatus that has received the message replaces the receiving printing apparatus. When print data is downloaded and a message requesting transmission of print data sent by the receiving printing apparatus after recovery is received, the printing data is transmitted to the receiving printing apparatus, and the receiving printing apparatus performs printing. A featured network printing system. The network printing system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission-side apparatus includes the registered address information of the other reception printing apparatus in the electronic mail. The sending device generates print data,
The storage device generates key information creation information based on the print data from the transmission side device,
The transmission side device generates first and second key information based on the key information creation information from the storage device, an extraction program in which the generated first key information is embedded, and an electronic including the extraction program A mail, and the generated email is sent to a mail server, and the second key information is sent to the storage device,
The storage device stores the print data and the second key information in association with each other,
During normal operation, the receiving printing device searches the storage device for the print data corresponding to the first key information based on the withdrawal program included in the e-mail from the mail server. When printing is impossible and printing is not possible, a message requesting printing agency is sent to the other receiving printing device,
The other receiving printing device that has received the message obtains the content of the e-mail from the message or obtains the e-mail from the mail server, downloads the print data on behalf of the receiving printing device, and prints the print data A network printing method characterized by: The sending device generates print data,
The storage device generates key information creation information based on the print data from the transmission side device,
The transmission side device generates first and second key information based on the key information creation information from the storage device, an extraction program in which the generated first key information is embedded, and an electronic including the extraction program A mail, and the generated email is sent to a mail server, and the second key information is sent to the storage device,
The storage device stores the print data and the second key information in association with each other,
During normal operation, the receiving printing device searches the storage device for the print data corresponding to the first key information based on the withdrawal program included in the e-mail from the mail server. Download and print, and if printing is not possible, send a message requesting proxy to the other receiving printing device,
Upon receipt of the message, the other receiving printing device downloads the print data instead of the receiving printing device, and receives the message requesting transmission of the print data sent by the receiving printing device after recovery, the print data is received. A network printing method comprising: transmitting to the reception printing apparatus, and printing by the reception printing apparatus.

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