JP2006172289A - Terminal, printer, print control method, storage medium which stores computer readable program and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain user's convenience by operating a display part provided to a terminal as a general-purpose display part to display various kinds of printer information regarding state monitoring of a printer, functional setting to the printer and support of the printer, etc. even when no operation display function is provided on the printer side. <P>SOLUTION: The terminal 1 having the display part and capable of communicating with the printer with an image file transmitting/receiving function is characterized such that a CPU of the terminal 1 performs control so as to transfer an image file by adding prescribed control information thereto 2 when the image file is transferred to the printer 2, to acquire a response image file to which response information from the printer 2 to the prescribed control information to be transferred is added and to display the response image file on the display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device, a printing device, a printing control method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, which are provided with a display unit and can communicate with a printer having an image file transmission / reception function.

  When a printer is controlled from a device such as a computer, software called a printer driver created for each printer model is used. In addition to realizing printing by creating print data and sending it to the printer, the printer driver also has a utility function to initialize and maintain the printer, a status display function such as printer status and error messages, etc. These are supported by a separate utility from the driver.

  Some utilities, status displays, etc. are processed by attaching an “LCD” that displays messages on the printer.

  However, since the installation of the LCD leads to an increase in cost, it is often not adopted in popular machines, and in these printers, there is no method other than the above-described printer driver and utility to execute functions other than printing. However, the current situation is that the development of printer drivers cannot catch up with diversifying terminals and operating systems on the terminals.

  On the other hand, there are systems that have been implemented with only the printing function. For example, in UNIX (registered trademark), data in “page description language” PostScript (registered trademark) can be transferred and printed by a file transfer protocol called ftp.

  Further, in a mobile phone, a method of generating a print job by transferring an image file to a printer using IrDA (registered trademark) (infrared communication unit) as a method of printing image data is realized. .

  In addition, regarding the status notification, a method has also been proposed in which a notification is sent by sending an e-mail at the time of error or at the end of printing (Patent Document 1 below).

However, this method is limited to network-connected printers because a printer that does not support the network cannot send mail.
JP 2001-216105 A

  In a conventional data processing system, from a terminal that does not support the printer driver installed in the data processing apparatus, even if printing processing itself can be performed by a method such as file transfer, the utility function and status display can be used. The function that should be notified cannot be used.

  For example, when an error occurs in the printer during printing, the user has to investigate all the various factors independently such as whether the paper is jammed or the ink has run out.

  Further, when the head is clogged, the utility function for releasing the clogging cannot be used, so that it has been difficult to solve the problem.

  In order to improve the print quality, there are functions that must be set on the printer, such as selecting an appropriate print mode according to the paper and adjusting the head position. It was impossible to do.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A first object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device that includes a display unit and can communicate with a printer with an image file transmission / reception function. When transferring an image file, a response image file to which a predetermined print control information is added and transferred to the image file, and response information from the printing device to the predetermined print control information transferred is added. By acquiring and displaying on the display unit, even if the printer side does not have an operation display function, the display unit provided in the terminal device functions as a general-purpose display unit to monitor the printer status and set the function for the printer. , A terminal device capable of displaying various printer information related to printer support, etc., and improving user convenience, a print control method, and a computer To provide a storage medium, and program over data was stored readable program.

  The second object is to receive an image file, and when the received image file is printed, if the received image file includes specific information, the image file based on the specific information is returned to the terminal device. Accordingly, the display unit included in the terminal device functions as a general-purpose display unit, and various printer information relating to printer status monitoring, printer function setting, printer support, and the like is displayed, thereby improving user convenience. it can.

  The terminal device of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A terminal device having a display unit and capable of communicating with a printer having an image file transmission / reception function, a storage unit for storing an image file, and a predetermined image file when the image file is transferred to the printer A transfer unit for adding and transferring the print control information, and a response image file to which response information from the printing apparatus is added to the predetermined print control information transferred by the transfer unit, and the display unit And display control means for displaying on the screen.

  The printing control method of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A printing control method in a terminal device comprising a display unit and storage means for storing an image file, and capable of communicating with a printer having an image file transmission / reception function, when transferring the image file to the printer, A transfer step in which predetermined print control information is added to the image file and transferred, and a response image file to which response information from the printing apparatus is added to the predetermined print control information transferred in the transfer step is acquired. And a display control step of displaying on the display unit.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A receiving unit that receives the image file; a printing unit that prints the image file received by the receiving unit; and if the image file received by the receiving unit includes specific information, the image file based on the specific information is stored in the terminal device. And returning means for returning.

  According to the present invention, even when the operation side display function is not provided on the printer side, the display unit provided in the terminal device functions as a general-purpose display unit, so that the printer status monitoring, the function setting for the printer, the printer support, etc. It is possible to display various printer information and improve user convenience.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a printing system to which the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to an example of a system in which a terminal 1 such as a mobile phone and a printer 2 can communicate. Note that the communication mode between the terminal 1 such as a cellular phone and the printer 2 is an example of infrared communication using IrDA (registered trademark). However, in addition to this, wired connection such as USB, IEEE 1394, and LAN, BlueTooth, etc. (Registered trademark), wireless communication such as wireless LAN may be used.

  FIG. 1 shows the transfer direction of an image file exchanged between the terminal 1 and the printer 2. In addition, (1)-(5) in a figure shall show each phase.

  Phase (1) “printing” is realized by transmitting an image file from the terminal 1 and receiving it by the printer 2. If an error occurs during printing, an image file describing the error contents is transmitted from the printer 2 to the terminal 1 in phase (5) “Error message”.

  The phase (2) “printer setting” is realized by transmitting an image file describing the setting contents from the terminal 1 to the printer 2. When an error occurs, the process of phase (5) is executed in the same manner as phase (1).

  As an exceptional process, there is a setting of head position adjustment. In the case of automatic head position adjustment, it is only necessary to transmit an instruction.

  However, in the case of manual operation, the two-stage phase of “print adjustment pattern” and “set adjustment value” is at least necessary (in some cases, a four-step procedure including a bidirectional print pattern is performed). . Since this sequence cannot be programmed on the terminal 1 side, and it is difficult to create image data in which adjustment values are embedded, manual head position adjustment is difficult to support in the present invention. It is desirable to have a function for automatic adjustment on the printer 2 side.

  In phase (3) “printer maintenance”, the terminal 1 first transmits a maintenance command to be executed to the printer 2. Since the printer 2 cannot execute another job during printer maintenance, when there is a file request from the terminal 1, an image file “processing a maintenance command” is transmitted.

  Finally, the image file “Processing of maintenance command is completed” is sent only once. If an error occurs, error information is sent. If the terminal does not need to know the maintenance processing status, it is not necessary to receive them.

  In the phase (4) “status acquisition”, a request transmission indicating which status is requested from the terminal side to the printer 2 and a result of receiving the result from the printer 2 at the terminal 1 are taken.

  2 is a diagram for explaining a data communication processing state in the printing system shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 2, IM1 to IM3 are image files, and a predetermined command, a cleaning command, a print setting command, a status acquisition command, and the like are illustrated in the command unit 3B via the Internet 20 so that a command for the printer 2 can be issued. It is downloaded to the memory of the terminal 1 from the server that does not, and can be displayed on the terminal 1.

  IM4 is an image file, which processes the command of the command part 3B of the image file 3 received from the terminal 1, and is transferred from the printer 2 to the terminal 1 as an image file to be responded to the terminal 1.

  This example is a specific example of the contents and acquisition method of the data file in addition to the file transfer direction.

  Here, it is assumed that the JPEG file 3 is exchanged, and it is assumed that the JPEG file 3 has two parts: an image part 3A displayed as an image and a command part 3B interpreted as a command.

  Here, the image data to be printed is an image taken by a camera provided in the terminal 1, but other data is acquired by accessing the Internet and used as an internal memory (for example, an SD memory card). If the terminal 1 can add an external storage device such as a memory card or can communicate with the host computer 10 or the like, the terminal 1 can be downloaded from without accessing the Internet.

  For example, when it is desired to execute “head cleaning”, image data IM1 for realizing it is downloaded from the Internet 20 to the terminal 1. When the downloaded file is displayed on the terminal 1, information such as “head cleaning is executed” is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1 by the display control of the CPU of the terminal 1.

  Although this file is not displayed on the screen, a command for the printer 2 for executing “cleaning” as a private tag is embedded. When this file 3 is transferred to the printer 2, the printer 2 finds the command part 3B and executes head cleaning.

  On the other hand, the image file taken by the camera of the terminal 1 has only the image portion 3A and does not have a command portion. In this case, since the printer 2 regards the file as pure image data, printing is executed when the file is transferred to the printer 2.

  On the other hand, with respect to “status acquisition”, the terminal 1 transmits a file and then receives a result file. For example, when the file 3 in which “ink status request” is embedded is transferred to the command section 3B and the printer 2 finds the command, the printer 2 sends image data indicating the current ink status to the CPU of the printer 2 as a control program. This is created by execution and transmitted to the terminal 1. When the terminal 1 receives this file, the latest status can be obtained and displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1.

  In the data processing system configured as described above, information on the content corresponding to the command embedded by the CPU of the terminal 1 + the print start command is stored in the terminal for the image file 3 photographed by the camera or the like equipped in the terminal 1. 1 and then sent to the printer 2.

  When the printer 2 finds a print start command, it updates other settings of the command section 3B and then starts printing the image data portion.

  In the command portion 3B of the image file 3, a command (processing command) to be processed into the image data in a format that does not affect the display of the image data is embedded.

  The printer 2 is configured to be able to identify whether the image file 3 transmitted from the terminal 1 is data to be printed or a command to be executed depending on whether or not a processing command is embedded in the data. .

  In addition, after the terminal 1 transmits the image file 3 in which the processing command is embedded to the printer 2 and the command is executed, the image is transmitted from the printer 2 (received at the terminal) as necessary from the printer 2 so that the image can be received from the printer 2. The message is displayed on the display unit included in the terminal 1.

  Further, for example, the printer 2 has a function of generating an image file indicating a response status in response to the image file 3 including the processing command “status acquisition” from the terminal 1 and transmitting it to the terminal 1.

  The printer 2 also has a function of defining print settings for image files transmitted thereafter in the setting command of the command section 3B in the image file 3 received from the terminal 1, and thereby changing the printing method. .

  In this case, as a printing method that can be designated, in addition to “paper type”, “print quality”, and the like, a layout such as “printing an image file enlarged to a paper size” “printing in a sticker” can be designated.

  Further, in addition to the processing command for print setting, when there is a processing command for “print this image as data”, a function for printing the image data according to the setting is provided.

  Further, when an error such as “out of paper” or “out of ink” occurs in the printer 2, a function for automatically entering a mode in which an error message image corresponding to the error is transmitted to the terminal 1 is provided. The corresponding file can be received on the side and the problem of the printer 2 can be confirmed on the display unit of the terminal 1.

  Furthermore, if the printer can cause problems when entering the file transmission mode during normal printing by the printer driver, the above function is effective only while image data is transmitted from the terminal 1 by file transfer and printing. It may be.

  In addition, a function of grasping the status of the file transfer process, interrupting the transfer, or forcing the transfer by using an LED or a button on the main body of the printer 2 is provided.

  Further, by embedding a processing command in the transmission image on the terminal 1 side, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information is embedded in the transmission image on the printer 2 side, and the URL embedded in the image data is opened on the terminal 1 side. A function of acquiring more detailed information and a coping method for the printer 2 from an information acquisition destination on the Internet and displaying the acquired information on the display unit of the terminal 1 is provided.

  In addition, the printer model number, status code, serial number, and the like may be passed as dynamic arguments to the URL and interpreted on the WEB server side so that the user can obtain optimum information through the Internet.

  In addition, when an error occurs due to the absence of consumables such as ink, a function is provided in which a URL is made a sales site on the Internet and an order is placed there.

  Furthermore, as an option, a function of customizing a URL to be opened by changing a part of the firmware of the printer 2 is provided.

  In addition to providing physical media (FD, CD-ROM, memory card), etc., a function of downloading the file via a network such as the Internet is provided to provide the image file in which the processing command is embedded.

  If the purpose is image distribution (downloading) on the Internet 20 or the like, the image file is distributed after embedding the print settings so that printing can be performed with the intended image quality and layout even in the environment of other users. Is also possible.

  Hereinafter, an example of embedding a processing command in an image file transferred from the terminal 1 to the printer 2 will be described.

  It should be noted that when implementing the method of embedding processing commands, consider the following assumptions.

  (Premise 1) The image data itself is created within the format rules and can be displayed on the terminal 1 side without any problem.

  (Premise 2) Characters, pictures, etc. are drawn so that it can be understood what “what” is to be done, and the user can visually recognize them before actually transmitting them. However, if there is an intention to save capacity, the image information may be extremely reduced.

  (Premise 3) Consider that an irreversible compression method may be applied to the image itself.

  A method for embedding processing commands by realizing all or any of these may be any of the following.

  (Method 1) When a comment or the like can be described in the file format, the area is used.

  For example, in JPEG, private tags are supported as file formats. Embed printer processing commands in this tag. In this case, an identifier may be added to the head in order to distinguish between the normal tag and the content required by the present invention. For example, when using a private tag of a JPEG file, a character string (for example, “BJ_COMMAND_START”) indicating that a processing command starts in the private tag may be used as the head.

  (Method 2) An empty area of the compression conversion table is intentionally created by extremely reducing the number of colors of the pixel data, and information is embedded therein.

  (Method 3) A block (8 × 8) of a unit to be compressed or a block of a smaller unit is filled with R (red) = G (green) = B (blue). If the information is lost when it is compressed, the compression ratio is adjusted so that the information is not lost. Since a meaningless image is displayed in this information area, data may be placed outside the image displayable area.

  (Method 4) A method of concealing text information from other images.

  Hereinafter, an example of using a private tag of a JPEG file as an implementation method will be shown.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention, and corresponds to a procedure in which the printer 2 processes an image file transferred from the terminal 1. In addition, (1)-(8) shows each step. Each step is realized by the CPU of the printer 2 shown in FIG. 1 executing a control program stored in a storage device such as a ROM.

  First, the CPU of the printer 2 identifies whether the private tag itself exists (1). If it is determined that the private tag does not exist, the received file is regarded as image data, the image data is printed by the printer engine (2), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the private tag itself exists, the CPU of the printer 2 checks whether there is a key character string (for example, “BJ_COMMAND_START”) indicating that the processing command starts (3). If it is determined that there is no private tag used for other purposes, it is regarded as image data, the image data is printed (4), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the key character string has been found, it is regarded as a processing command and is not sent to the printing process. The printer extracts the processing command from the private tag (5) and executes the command ( 6) Create an image file to be returned (7), transfer the created image file to the terminal 1 (8), and end the process.

  In the present embodiment, the starting point for extracting the processing command is from the next byte of the key character string, and is usually the end of the private tag. If private tags are also used for other purposes and want to coexist with them, an end key character string (for example, “BJ_COMMAND_END”) may be added intentionally. Hereinafter, specific communication processing will be described.

  First, the image file in which the “ink status request” is embedded in the command portion 3B of the file 3 is transferred from the terminal 1 to the printer 2. When the terminal 1 finishes transmitting the file, the terminal 1 is switched to the “reception” mode as necessary.

  On the other hand, when the printer 2 finds the command, it creates image data indicating the current ink status and enters the file transmission mode. If negotiation with the terminal 1 waiting for reception is established, the file is transferred from the printer 2 to the terminal 1. The file is displayed on the display unit under the control of the CPU of the terminal 1. Accordingly, the latest status of the printer 2 can be confirmed on the display unit of the terminal 1 based on the displayed image information.

  4 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of status display image files returned from the printer 2 shown in FIG. 1. Each file is registered in the memory provided in the printer 2 for each ID. Assume that an appropriate file is selected according to the state of the printer 2 and transmitted to the terminal 1 so as to respond to the command portion 3B of the image file transferred from.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the image information transferred from the printer 2 to the terminal 1 may include more detailed information.

  When it is desired to reduce the size of the file, it is possible to select image data that only describes what is necessary.

  For example, FIG. 4 shows a file for “remaining ink amount display”, but FIG. 5 shows a much simpler content than an image including drawings and detailed explanations. Since the display content only affects the content of the image portion and the command portion 3B remains as it is, the same function is realized in both FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 regardless of the data size of the image portion 3A.

  Further, for example, the “no ink” message shown in FIG. 6 includes the target model and the model number of the target ink, and this image data is recorded in the memory unit of the main body as image data by the terminal 1 of the cellular phone or the like. Then, when the user goes to the store and purchases the target ink, it is possible to smoothly cope with it by searching the recorded image and confirming on the screen of the terminal 1 which ink should be purchased. Is possible.

  Note that the sequence is such that the setting file is transmitted from the terminal 1 to the printer 2 and then the image data is transmitted.

  It is assumed that printing is always performed in the default state when the printer 2 is turned on.

  When image data including setting contents is transmitted from the terminal 1 to the command unit 3B to the printer 2, the printer 2 updates a default value corresponding to the image data. The setting contents include specific printer 2 setting values such as “paper size”, “paper type”, and “quality”, and layout settings such as “sticker printing (16-division)”, “borderless printing”, and “enlarged printing”. Let's define the information.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of items can be set simultaneously even in one image file.

  For example, it is assumed that three elements such as “paper size: L version”, “paper type: professional photo paper”, and “print quality: highest” can be simultaneously written (however, within the limits of the file format and size).

  The method of presenting these to the user may be classified as “best suited for a person” or “best suited for a landscape”.

  In addition, the setting file itself can be transmitted in a superimposed manner. In this case, only the definition part included in the setting file is updated and the others remain as they are, so when making detailed settings, several command image files are sent before printing.

[Error notification processing]
The timing for transferring the image file from the printer 2 to the terminal 1 is determined as follows, but the processing differs depending on whether printing is continued or printing is always interrupted when an error occurs.

  For example, when the printer 2 detects “no paper” when starting printing, the printer 2 reads the image data “no paper” from the memory and prepares for transmission.

  However, since both terminal transmission and reception cannot be performed at the same time, in order to obtain error detail information, in either case, file transmission from terminal 1 ends in some form, and reception mode It is necessary to switch to.

  There are two termination methods at this time. The first method is to interrupt printing and stop receiving data as a fatal error. The second is a method of notifying an error after receiving all data transmitted for printing.

  There is no problem with either method, but the following differences appear when the two methods try to print again. If it is interrupted first, the data must be sent again from the beginning when reprinting.

  On the other hand, if all the data is received, printing can be resumed after the error is recovered, so that the data transfer time can be saved. Also, when a warning such as a cover open is made, printing can be resumed from the middle, so that paper is not wasted.

  In addition, in order to cope with the case where the terminal 1 fails to receive the image data or when it is desired to check the status during printing, the status of the printer 2 is activated by the “image transmission” button installed on the printer 2 main body. It is possible to send it to

  In addition, when the file transmission from the printer 2 to the terminal 1 is unnecessary or is to be canceled, a method of canceling the file transmission by clicking the “cancel” button on the printer 2 main body. In addition, when the printer 2 is in the file transmission mode, there may be a method of allowing the user to grasp the state by blinking the LED on the device of the printer 2 at a special interval or changing the color.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, in response to a status request from the terminal 1, an image file corresponding to the status that the printer 2 should respond in advance is stored in a ROM or the like, and the corresponding image file is directly transferred to the terminal 1. As described above, the acquisition destination for acquiring the image file itself is returned to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 can be directly acquired from the WEB server 21 via the Internet 20 and displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1. May be. The embodiment will be described below.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, the printer 2 is provided with a function for embedding URL information, and a WEB server 21 for providing appropriate information based on the information is provided.

  The printer 2 first acquires or generates image data indicating its own status in response to the request, and then embeds URL information in the private tag. The URL information includes “printer name”, “printer serial number”, and “printer status (including error message)” as arguments in addition to the base address indicating the WEB server 21.

  For example, when the base address is “http://Xxxxx.jp/BJ/support/cgi”, the printer name is “860i”, the printer serial number is “000123”, and the printer status is “ink Low: Yellow” Create the following URL:

“Http://Xxxxx.co.jp/BJ/support/cgi, Printer = 860i, serial = 000123, Status = inklow: yellow”
When the terminal 1 receives the JPEG file including the URL information from the printer 2, the terminal 1 displays a message indicating that the URL exists.

  FIG. 7 shows image data when the URL is embedded when there is no yellow ink.

  When this URL is accessed on the terminal 1, the WEB server 21 extracts detailed contents and information on how to deal with the case of “low yellow ink” from the database of its model name “860i”, for example, generates an xml file. Send to one terminal.

[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, in response to the status request from the terminal 1, the printer 2 returns the acquisition destination of the image file corresponding to the status to which the printer 2 should respond in advance to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 directly acquires it from the WEB server 21. In this case, the image data for online ordering can be transferred to the terminal 1, and the ink cartridge or the like can be ordered directly from the screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1. Good. The embodiment will be described below.

  In this embodiment, the WEB server 21 is provided with a customer database paired with a serial number in addition to the information database of the printer 2. For example, when yellow ink runs out, a button “Purchase ink” is added. Is done.

  When the user operates the terminal 1 and clicks this button, the WEB server 21 retrieves customer data from the customer database paired with the serial number, and checks with “password” to confirm whether or not it can be used. When the WEB server 21 performs the check and the check is OK, the WEB server 21 embeds information such as the user's name and address based on the database, generates an order page, and transfers it to the terminal 1.

  Here, for example, a confirmation screen for displaying an order screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the terminal 1.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of image data when there is a URL of the Internet 20 for ink ordering. When the user of the terminal 1 selects “Yes”, the terminal 1 corresponds to the Internet 20. Open URL. At this point, the XML file of the ink order is opened.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, in response to the status request from the terminal 1, the printer 2 returns the acquisition destination of the image file corresponding to the status to be responded in advance to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 directly acquires from the WEB server 21. In this case, the image data for online ordering is transferred to the terminal 1 and the ink cartridge or the like is ordered directly from the screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1. In order to adapt to the case, the order request form may be transferred to the department in charge so that it can be processed. The embodiment will be described below.

  In the present embodiment, a transfer destination related to ordering processing is registered in the base address for the customer database provided in the WEB server 21, and the order destination registered in the base address at the timing when any user performs the ordering processing. Control to transfer the order screen according to.

  In the present embodiment, image data with a processing command is obtained by downloading data from the Internet 20 to a terminal.

  For example, a method for selecting a file on the Internet 20 first accesses a URL specified for each printer model. With the specified URL, for example, the leftmost image file in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring a file downloaded to the terminal 1 shown in FIG. 2, and is displayed when a URL specified by the Internet 20 shown in FIG. 2 is accessed.

  In FIG. 10, UI1 to UI5 are user interfaces and correspond to the transition of the file acquisition operation screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1.

  First, when the user selects the operation unit of the terminal 1 in order of the purpose to be executed, finally the JPEG file in which the maintenance command is embedded is displayed. Download and print this file. If this file is stored in the memory of the terminal 1, it can be used any number of times.

  For example, the following procedure is used to check the “ink remaining amount”.

  First, when the designated URL is opened by operating the terminal 1, the user interface UI1 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1, and "Status" is displayed on the screen displayed by accessing the URL. When selected, the user interface UI2 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1, and when the “ink remaining amount” is selected, the user interface UI3 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1, and when “standard” is selected, the terminal is displayed. The user interface UI4 is displayed on the display unit 1, and when “saving size” is selected, the user interface UI5 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1.

  The user interface UIs 4 and 5 are configured to be able to display a “standard” or “saving size” selection screen as a file indicating the status ink remaining amount.

  Thus, the user can select a file with a smaller file size when displaying the remaining ink status, which is the same function. Details of the processing shown in FIG. 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the terminal device according to the present invention, corresponding to a processing procedure for opening an URL specified by the terminal 1 and acquiring an image file to be transferred to the printer 2 as a command. To do. In addition, (51)-(64) shows each step, and each step is implement | achieved when CPU of the terminal 1 loads and runs the control program memorize | stored in ROM etc. on RAM.

  First, the CPU of the terminal 1 reads a URL registered in the memory (which may be input by the user or may be acquired through communication with the printer 2), and the URL is transmitted via the Internet 20. (51), and a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1 under the control of the CPU of the terminal 1.

  Next, the key operation of the terminal 1 is monitored to determine whether the selected item is a status display request, a setting request, or a cleaning request (52), and is determined to be a status display request. If so, the process proceeds to step (55), and it is determined whether the remaining ink level is selected or the printer state is selected (55). If it is determined that the remaining ink level is selected, step (55) The process proceeds to step 57), where the image remaining amount state is downloaded from the URL designating the image file for acquiring from the printer 2, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (55) that the printer state has been selected, the process proceeds to step (58), where the printer state is downloaded from the URL specifying the image file for obtaining from the printer 2, and the process is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (52) that cleaning has been selected, the process proceeds to step (53). If it is determined that the selected item is head cleaning, the type of the selected color is a batch for all colors. Or whether it is black ink only or color ink (54), and if it is determined that all the colors are selected, the process proceeds to step (59) and the head cleaning is executed for all the colors at once. The image file to be downloaded is downloaded from the designated URL, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (54) that the selected color is black ink, the process proceeds to step (60), where the image file for cleaning the black head is downloaded from the URL that designates it, End the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (54) that the selected color is color ink, the process proceeds to step (61), and the image file for cleaning the head of color ink is downloaded from the URL that designates it. End the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (53) that the selected item is head refresh (for example, processing for sucking remaining ink), the process proceeds to step (62), and an image file for refreshing the head is selected. Download from the specified URL and end the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (52) that the selected item is a setting command, the process proceeds to step (56) to adjust the head position to determine whether the selected item is a command for specifying nozzle check print. If it is determined that the selected item is nozzle check print, the process proceeds to step (63), and the URL specifying the image file for setting the nozzle check print is used. Download and finish the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (56) that the selected item is a head position adjustment command, the process proceeds to step (64), from the URL that designates an image file for setting the head position adjustment command. Download and finish the process.

  The downloaded image file is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 1 as, for example, user interfaces UI1 to UI3.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. The configuration of the data processing program that can be read by the terminal device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the printer according to the present invention.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the terminal device according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 3 and 11 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing 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. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

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

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

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

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification, but the following embodiments. Needless to say, is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 14 will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
A terminal device (terminal 1 shown in FIG. 1) having a display unit and capable of communicating with a printer having an image file transmission / reception function, and storing means for storing an image file (internal memory provided in terminal 1 shown in FIG. 1 or , An SD memory, etc.) and a transfer means (a communication function provided in the terminal 1) that adds and transfers predetermined print control information to the image file when transferring the image file to the printer. 1 CPU corresponds to various communication methods by a control program stored in the ROM), and a response image to which response information from the printing apparatus is added to the predetermined print control information transferred by the transfer means Display control means for acquiring a file and displaying it on the display unit (the CPU of the terminal 1 performs display control with a control program stored in the ROM). To the terminal device.

  As a result, when printing an image file transferred from the terminal device, the function settings for the printing process, the status of the printing device, support, etc. can be acquired from the printer and can be freely confirmed on the display unit of the terminal Even if the printer is not provided with any display unit or the like, the terminal device can function as a remote display means.

[Embodiment 2]
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the response image file includes a URL generated by the printer and search information for specifying information to be acquired.

  Thus, referring to the URL embedded in the image file returned from the printer, purchase information such as consumables necessary for the printer, order of consumables, etc. can be directly instructed from the terminal device.

[Embodiment 3]
Connection means for connecting to the Internet based on the URL (the CPU of the terminal 1 controls connection via a communication interface (not shown) with a control program stored in the ROM), and via the URL based on the search information Acquisition means for acquiring an image file that can be transferred to the printer from a predetermined database or an image file for ordering consumables for the printer (communication not shown by a control program stored in the ROM by the CPU of the terminal 1) The terminal device according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein connection control is performed via an interface.

  Thereby, even if the printer does not include an operation unit or the like, the status information acquired from the printer can be confirmed on the display unit of the terminal device.

[Embodiment 4]
When an image file for ordering consumables for the printer acquired by the acquisition means is displayed, order processing means for transferring the order information input to the display to the URL (the CPU of the terminal 1) The terminal device according to claim 3, further comprising an order processing through a communication interface (not shown) using a control program stored in a ROM.

  Accordingly, it is possible to directly order the consumable material from the terminal device based on the status information acquired from the printer.

[Embodiment 5]
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print control information includes function setting information, status acquisition request information, and maintenance request information for the printer.

  Accordingly, it is possible to cause the printer to execute different print control by a simple operation of transferring the image file from the terminal device to the printer, and to check each execution result on the terminal device.

[Embodiment 6]
A printing control method in a terminal device comprising a display unit and storage means for storing an image file, and capable of communicating with a printer having an image file transmission / reception function, when transferring the image file to the printer, A transfer step in which predetermined print control information is added to the image file and transferred, and a response image file to which response information from the printing apparatus is added to the predetermined print control information transferred in the transfer step is acquired. And a display control step of displaying on the display unit.

  As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Embodiment 7]
The print control method according to claim 6, wherein a URL generated by the printer and search information for specifying information to be acquired are added to the response image file.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the second embodiment is obtained.

[Embodiment 8]
A connection step (step (51) shown in FIG. 11) for connecting to the Internet based on the URL, and an image file that can be transferred from the predetermined database to the printer via the URL based on the search information The print control method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising an acquisition step of acquiring an image file for ordering a consumable for the printer.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 3.

[Embodiment 9]
When an image file for ordering consumable materials for the printer acquired in the acquisition step is displayed, the system has an order processing step for transferring the order information input to the display to the URL. The printing control method according to embodiment 8, wherein the printing control method is characterized.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the fourth embodiment is obtained.

[Embodiment 10]
The print control method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined print control information includes function setting information, status acquisition request information, and maintenance request information for the printer.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the fifth embodiment is obtained.

[Embodiment 11]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the printing control method according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 10.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 5-10.

[Embodiment 12]
A program that causes a printing control method according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 10 to be executed.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to Embodiment 5-10.

[Embodiment 13]
A receiving unit that receives the image file; a printing unit that prints the image file received by the receiving unit; and if the image file received by the receiving unit includes specific information, the image file based on the specific information is stored in the terminal device. A printing apparatus comprising return means for returning.

  Accordingly, the display unit included in the terminal device is caused to function as a general-purpose display unit, and various printer information relating to printer status monitoring, printer function setting, printer support, and the like is displayed to improve user convenience. Can do.

[Embodiment 14]
14. The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image file based on the specific information includes information indicating an image location.

  As described above, according to each of the above embodiments, the printer driver can construct a system that completes printing / maintenance / status (error) display between the printer and the terminal (device having image display and transmission / reception functions). It becomes possible without developing. Furthermore, by using the URL information embedded when acquiring printer information on the terminal side, it is possible to realize support beyond image information, and more advanced printer use in various terminal devices.

It is a figure which shows an example of the printing system which can apply the terminal device which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the data communication processing state in the printing system shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the printing system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status display image file returned from the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status display image file returned from the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status display image file returned from the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status display image file returned from the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status display image file returned from the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an example of a status display image file returned from the printer shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the acquisition method of the file downloaded to the terminal shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the data processing procedure in the terminal device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the printer which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the terminal device which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Terminal 2 Printer 3 File 3A Image Data Unit 3B Command Unit 20 Internet 21 Web Server

Claims (14)

A terminal device comprising a display unit and capable of communicating with a printer with an image file transmission / reception function,
Storage means for storing image files;
Transfer means for transferring a predetermined print control information to the image file when transferring the image file to the printer;
Display control means for acquiring a response image file to which response information from the printing apparatus is added to the predetermined print control information transferred by the transfer means and displaying the response image file on the display unit;
The terminal device characterized by having.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a URL generated by the printer and search information for specifying information to be acquired are added to the response image file. Connection means for connecting to the Internet based on the URL;
Obtaining means for obtaining an image file transferable to the printer or an image file for ordering a consumable for the printer from the predetermined database via the URL based on the search information;
The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising:   When an image file for ordering consumables for the printer obtained by the obtaining means is displayed, the image processing apparatus further comprises order processing means for transferring order information input to the display to the URL. The terminal device according to claim 3.   2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print control information includes function setting information, status acquisition request information, and maintenance request information for the printer. A printing control method in a terminal device comprising a display unit and storage means for storing an image file and capable of communicating with a printer having an image file transmission / reception function,
A transfer step of transferring a predetermined print control information to the image file when transferring the image file to the printer;
A display control step of acquiring a response image file to which response information from the printing apparatus is added to the predetermined print control information transferred in the transfer step and displaying the response image file on the display unit;
A printing control method characterized by comprising:   7. The printing control method according to claim 6, wherein a URL generated by the printer and search information for specifying information to be acquired are added to the response image file. Connecting to the Internet based on the URL;
An obtaining step of obtaining an image file that can be transferred to the printer or an image file for ordering a consumable for the printer from the predetermined database via the URL based on the search information;
The print control method according to claim 6, further comprising:   When an image file for ordering consumable materials for the printer acquired in the acquisition step is displayed, the system has an order processing step for transferring order information input to the display to the URL. The printing control method according to claim 8.   The print control method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined print control information includes function setting information, status acquisition request information, and maintenance request information for the printer.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the printing control method according to claim 6.   A program for executing the printing control method according to claim 6. Receiving means for receiving an image file;
Printing means for printing the image file received by the receiving means;
When the specific information is included in the image file received by the receiving means, return means for returning the image file based on the specific information to the terminal device;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image file based on the specific information includes information indicating a location of the image.

Images