JP2006195811A - Printer selection support system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select the most suitable printer device either by selecting the closest printer device for user convenience or by taking not only distance but also other indexes into consideration. <P>SOLUTION: An information management server 60 manages additional information such as the kinds of services (food service, bookselling, etc.) other than print service provided at a location where each printer device 50 is installed, in addition to printer device information including information on the position of each printer device 50. If there is access from an information processing terminal 30 via the Internet 20, display data are created that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen where the printer device information of each printer device, information about the distance between each printer device 50 and the information processing terminal, and the additional information are arranged in increasing order of distance between the information processing terminal 30 and each printer device. The display data are sent to the accessing information processing terminal, and the printer selection support screen including the additional screen is displayed on the information processing terminal 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that is referred to when selecting a printer device to be used in an information processing terminal from among a plurality of printer devices that are distributed and installed in spaced apart locations in the city so that the information processing terminal can be used via a network. It is related to the printer selection support system that displays the selection support screen. Specifically, the printer selection support screen that allows the user to select a more convenient printer device in consideration of not only the close condition but also the comprehensive printer usage environment is displayed. The present invention relates to a printer selection support system.

  Today, a printing service base is established in any place in the city, and printing is performed by accessing a printer device installed at each printing service base from a user's PC (personal computer) via a network. A print processing system that can go to a base, connect a PC, and perform printing with a printer is becoming widespread.

  When operating this type of print processing system that can provide printing services in public places, users who use printing services are offered printing services at any location in the city, and where is the best. It is desirable to be able to select a desired printer device after knowing requirements such as closeness.

  As a method for supporting the selection of a printer device in this type of print processing system, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, the printer transmits position information in response to a confirmation signal from the host computer. A technique for automatically selecting and printing a printer at the closest position is disclosed. Here, the position information is input to a printer or a printer server.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 below, map information in which the installation location of each printer is positioned is displayed on a display screen of a PC connected to a plurality of printers via a network, and the user displays the map information on the map information. A technique for selecting the nearest printer from among the printers that have been selected is disclosed.

In Patent Document 3 below, the position information of the printer is detected from the GPS or the base station, and the PC side that issues the print instruction detects the position information of the printer and acquires the position information from the printer. A technique for allowing a user to select a desired printer by displaying a list based on the above is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-6559 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-8821 JP 2001-142665 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to input position information to the printer device or the printer server in advance, and in the technique described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to input map information to the file server. According to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a problem that it takes a management man-hour, particularly an information correction man-hour when the printer device is moved.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 3, it is possible to know which printer is the nearest, but since no other information is provided, it is also taken into consideration whether services other than the printing service are provided. In general, there is a problem that the user cannot determine which printer device is most convenient to use.

  Also, there are usually security settings such as firewalls for each company and each service provider, and it is not possible to detect printers that can be used across LANs, and it is not always possible to select the printer that is closest to the user. There was also the problem of high.

  In addition, it is not possible to find a printer that can be used without starting up the PC, or because the PC itself detects the position of the PC, it is necessary to add a special function to the PC, leading to an increase in the cost of the PC. There was also a point.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems and allows the user to select the closest printer device according to the convenience of the user, or to select the most convenient printer device taking into account not only the distance but also other indicators. The printer selection support screen can be displayed, and it is not necessary to input positional information in advance to the printer device or the printer server in order to display the printer selection support screen, and the information correction man-hours when the printer device is moved can be reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer selection support system that is useful for the above.

  The present invention also provides a printer selection support system that allows the selection of a printer device without starting up an information processing terminal and eliminates the need to add an extra function to the information processing terminal when selecting the printer device. The purpose is to provide.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a printer selection support system that can select a printer device that can be used most easily by reliably including a printer device across a network in which security settings such as a firewall are interposed. And

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of printer devices distributed and installed at locations separated from each other from an information processing terminal through a network, and an information management server via the network. Printer selection for selecting a printer device that can be used by the information processing terminal in response to access to the information management server from the information processing terminal that is connected and selectively connected to the network A printer selection support system for displaying a support screen, wherein the information management server includes information management means for managing printer apparatus information including position information corresponding to an installation location of each printer apparatus, and information processing terminals In response to access, the location information acquisition means for acquiring the location information of the information processing terminal and the location information acquisition means Distance calculating means for calculating the distance between the information processing terminal and each printer device based on the position information of the information processing terminal and the position information of each printer device managed by the information management means; Based on the printer device information managed by the information management unit and the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit, the printer device information for each printer device, each printer device, and the information processing in the order of the closest distance. Display data generation means for generating display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen by arranging distance information between terminals, and transmission for transmitting the display data generated by the display data generation means to the information processing terminal of the access source The information processing terminal based on the display data received from the information management server. Characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying the data selection support screen.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the information management unit of the information management server further manages incidental information other than the printer device information corresponding to each printer device, and the display The data generation means adds display information that can be displayed as the printer selection support screen by adding the additional information to the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and the information processing terminal. It is characterized by generating.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of printer devices distributed and installed at locations separated from each other through the network from the information processing terminal and an information management server are connected via the network and are selectively connected to the network. Printer selection support for displaying on the information processing terminal a printer selection support screen used for selecting a printer device that can be used in the information processing terminal in response to access from the information processing terminal connected to the information management server The information management server includes an information management unit that manages printer apparatus information including position information corresponding to an installation location of each printer apparatus, and the information management server in response to access from the information processing terminal. Means for reading out the printer device information of each printer device from the means and transmitting it to the information processing terminal of the access source The information processing terminal includes an access unit that accesses the information management server via the network, and a reception unit that receives the printer apparatus information transmitted from the information management server after accessing the information management server. Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information of the own terminal, position information of the own terminal acquired by the position information acquisition means, and each printer device included in the printer device information received from the information management server On the basis of the positional information of the printer, the distance calculating means for calculating the distance between the terminal and each printer apparatus, the printer apparatus information received from the information management server and the distance calculated by the distance calculating means, The printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and its own terminal are displayed in the order of the closest distance. Display data generation means for generating display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen; and display control means for displaying the printer selection support screen based on the display data generated by the display data generation means. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the information management means of the information management server further manages incidental information other than the printer device information corresponding to each printer device, and transmits the information. The means further reads out the supplementary information in addition to the printer apparatus information of each printer apparatus from the information management means, transmits it to the information processing terminal of the access source, and the display data generation means of the information processing terminal includes: Display data that can be displayed as the printer selection support screen is generated by adding the additional information to the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and its own terminal.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second or fourth aspect of the invention, the information management unit manages print processing function information of each printer device as the supplementary information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the second, fourth, and fifth aspects, the information management unit includes, as the incidental information, business hours related to a printing service that can be used at an installation location of each printer device. It is characterized by managing charges, security levels.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 2, 4, 5, and 6, wherein the information management means is other than a print service that can be used as ancillary information at an installation location of each printer device. The service type information is managed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of printer devices that are distributed and installed at locations separated from each other through an information processing terminal are connected to an information management server via the network. A printer selection support system for displaying a printer selection support screen used for selecting a printer device usable in the information processing terminal on the portable communication terminal in response to access to an information management server, wherein the information management The server includes information management means for managing printer apparatus information including position information corresponding to the installation location of each printer apparatus, and position information for acquiring position information of the mobile communication terminal in response to access from the mobile communication terminal Managed by the acquisition means, the location information of the mobile communication acquired by the location information acquisition means, and the information management means. A distance calculating unit that calculates a distance between the portable communication terminal and each printer device based on the positional information of each printer device, the printer device information managed by the information management unit, and the distance calculating unit. Based on the calculated distance, display data generation means for generating display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen by arranging the printer apparatus information for each of the printer apparatuses in order from the closest distance, and the display data generation means Transmitting means for transmitting the generated display data to the access request source mobile communication terminal, and the mobile communication terminal displays the printer selection support screen based on the display data received from the information management server. A display control means for displaying on the display section is provided.

  According to the present invention, the information management server connected to the network manages the printer device information including the location information of each printer device, and the information processing terminal and each printer device according to the access from the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal of the access source by generating display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen by arranging the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and the information processing terminal in the order of the distance between them In order to display the printer selection support screen on the information processing terminal and display the printer selection support screen on the information processing terminal, the position information for each printer device or corresponding print server to be selected is displayed. There is no need to store the information, and even if the printer device is moved, the information management server Can support only location information modification, it is possible to significantly reduce the information modification steps.

  In the present invention, the information management server also manages incidental information including type information such as other services provided in addition to the print service at the installation location of each printer device in addition to the printer device information. When receiving access from the terminal, display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen is generated by adding the additional information to the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal transmits the information to the information processing terminal. Based on the display data received from the information management server, the information processing terminal uses the printer information (device identification information, device name, In addition to information on the installation location and the distance to the installation location, additional information such as type information of other services provided at the installation location of each printer device is also included. The printer selection support screen can be displayed as a printer selection requirement, and the user who sees the screen is not only a criterion of “close”, but also other services such as other services that can be used in addition to the print service. A printer device that is more convenient for the user can be selected in consideration of the use environment.

  In the present invention, since the information management server and each printer device are connected via a network, the information management server can detect a printer device that can be used across each LAN and display it on the printer selection support screen. It is possible to greatly increase the possibility that a person can select a near printer device that is easier to use across LANs.

  Further, in the present invention, the information management server manages printer device information including position information of each printer device, and the mobile communication terminal according to access from a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone terminal possessed by a user. Display information that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen by arranging the printer device information for each printer device in the order of the distance between the printer device and the printer device, and sending it to the mobile communication terminal that is the access source to the mobile communication terminal In order to display the printer selection support screen, access to the information management server from the mobile communication terminal and view the printer selection support screen displayed on the mobile phone terminal can be performed without starting up the information processing terminal. The printer apparatus can be selected.

  In this case, it is not necessary to add a special function such as a function for detecting the position of the terminal itself to the information processing terminal, and an increase in the cost of the information processing terminal can be avoided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a printer selection support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This system includes an intranet 10 constructed in a connection service base that provides an Internet connection service, and an intranet 11 (11A, 11B) constructed in each of a plurality of print service bases (A, B,...) That provide a print service. ,...) Are connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base, and the client terminal 30 brought in by the user using the connection service can be connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base. The print server 40 (40A, 40B,...) And the printer device 50 (50A, 50B,...) Are connected to the intranet 11 (11A, 11B,...), And further, the printer device 50 in each print service base. Information management server 60 for managing information such as information Which are connected on the Internet 20.

  The connection service base is established by an Internet connection service company, for example, in a certain building in the city, and the client terminal 30 brought in by the user is connected to the intranet 10 in the base, whereby the client terminal 30 connects to the Internet 20. Internet connection service to connect to.

  The intranet 10 at the connection service base may have either a configuration in which the client terminal 30 is connected by a wire or a configuration in which the connection is made by a wireless LAN.

  The print service bases are distributed and opened in each building in the city at a location distant from the connection service base. For example, the print service base is based on a print instruction from the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base. Alternatively, in response to a print instruction from the client terminal 30 brought into the service base by the user and connected to the intranet 11, information such as the document information instructed to print is printed out by the printer device 50 via the print server 40. Providing printing services.

  The intranet 11 at the print service base may have either a configuration in which the printer server 40, the printer device 50, and the client terminal 30 are connected by wire, or a configuration in which connection is made by a wireless LAN.

  The information management server 60 holds and manages printer selection support information including information regarding which printer device 50 can be used with which Internet service, position information indicating where each printer device 50 in the system is installed, and the like. Do.

  When the information management server 60 receives an acquisition request for printer selection support information from the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base, for example, the information management server 60 executes the client based on the held printer selection support information. A process of generating display data including distance information between the terminal 30 and each printer device 50 that can be used in the client terminal 30 and transmitting the display data to the requesting client terminal 30 is performed.

  With this configuration, in the system of the present embodiment, the user of the client terminal 30 connects the client terminal 30 to the intranet 10 at the connection service base and accesses the information management server 60 via the Internet 20 (printer selection support information acquisition) Request), display data generated by the information management server 60 in response to the access can be received and a printer selection support screen can be displayed. By viewing the screen, It is possible to easily select a printer device 50 that is convenient for the user to visit and use the separation distance as a guide.

  In the system of this embodiment, each device (client terminal 30, print server 40, printer device 50, information management server 60) connected to the network (Internet 20) is unique as an identification code of each device. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is assigned, and on the network, the TCP / IP protocol is used, each device is identified by the IP address, and communication between the devices is performed.

  Next, the detailed configuration of each device used in the system of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the client terminal 30 according to the present embodiment.

  The client terminal 30 is realized by, for example, a PC (personal computer: equivalent to an information processing terminal in claims), and as shown in FIG. 2, a control unit 31 for controlling the entire terminal, input of various information, Input / operation unit 32 for performing various operations such as Internet access operation, storage unit 33 for storing various information such as operation programs related to terminal control, printer selection support screen based on display data acquired from information management server 60, etc. And a communication interface (I / F) unit 35 that communicates with the information management server 60 and the print server 40 at each print service base through the Internet 20.

  In the client terminal 30, after connecting to the intranet 10 in the connection service base, the control unit 31 performs processing for connecting to the Internet 20 via the intranet 10 based on a predetermined access operation in the input / operation unit 32.

  The control unit 31 accesses the information management server 60 based on a predetermined printer selection support information (list data) acquisition request operation at the input / operation unit 32 when connected to the Internet, and the display generated by the information management server 60 is displayed. Data (available printer list data) is received, a printer selection support screen (available printer list screen) is displayed on the display unit 34, and the selection of the printer device 50 on the available printer list screen is accepted. A printer selection control unit 311 that performs control for transmitting a print instruction to the selected printer device 50 is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information management server 60 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the information management server 60 communicates with the client terminal 30, the print server 40, and the like via the Internet 20, a control unit 61 that controls the entire apparatus, a storage unit 63 that stores various information such as operation programs, and the like. The communication interface (I / F) unit 65 is configured to perform.

  The storage unit 63 includes information regarding which printer device 50 can be used by which of the Internet services managed by the information management server 60 and position information of each printer device 50 in each print service base. A printer selection support information storage unit 631 that stores printer selection support information such as information is provided.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer device information 631a in the printer selection support information stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631 of the information management server 60.

  The printer apparatus information 631a in this example includes a printer ID (00, 01, 02,...), A printer name (printer A, printer B, printer C,...), And position information (for each printer apparatus 50 in the system. Xx city 1-chome number 1, xx city 2-chome number 2, xx city 3-chome number 5, ...).

  Among these, the location information of each printer device 50 includes information on the installation location of each corresponding printer device 50 (= each printing service base) (service XX building 2nd floor, XX station, cafe ΔΔ...). include.

  Further, the control unit 61 acquires, for example, position information of the client terminal 30 in response to an access (list data acquisition request) from the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base. Based on the location information of the client terminal 30 processed and acquired, and the location information of each printer device 50 read from the printer device information 631a managed by the printer selection support information storage unit 631, the client terminal 30 and each printer Based on the distance calculation processing for calculating the distance between the devices 50, the printer device information 631a and the calculated distance, the printer device information for each printer device 50, each printer device 50, and the client terminal in the order of the distance. Display distance information between 30 as a list of available printers A printer selection support control unit 611 that performs a series of printer selection support control such as display data generation processing for generating display data (list data) capable of being transmitted, and transmission processing for transmitting the generated list data to the access source client terminal 30. Provided.

  Based on this configuration, the printer selection support processing operation using the Internet 20 in the system of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing processing operations of the client terminal 30 and the information management server 60 related to printer selection support processing in the system of this embodiment and a communication control sequence between these devices.

  In this system, in order to start the printer selection support process, first, a user who wants to receive printer selection support connects a PC (client terminal 30) to the intranet 10 of the connection service base, and inputs / operation unit. After connecting to the Internet 20 by performing a predetermined access operation at 32, a predetermined list acquisition request operation is further performed at the input / operation unit 32.

  In response to such an operation procedure, the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 of the connection service base performs the process of connecting to the Internet 20 by the access operation by the user (step S101), and then performs the list acquisition request operation. It is monitored whether or not it has been performed (step S102).

  Here, when a list acquisition request operation is performed (YES in step S102), the client terminal 30 (printer selection control unit 311) acquires the position information of the terminal itself (step S103), and then transmits the information management server 60 through the Internet 20. And transmits a list acquisition request including the location information of the terminal itself (step S104).

  In addition, in the above-described step S103, as a method for the client terminal 30 to acquire the location information of its own terminal, for example, a method of acquiring from the management server (not shown) of the connected Internet 20 after connecting to the Internet 20 is considered. It is done.

  Specifically, the management server is made to correspond to the identification code (IP address) on the intranet 10 to which the client terminal 30 is connected, and the location information of the connection service base [for example, the printer device information 631a shown in FIG. While the position information (for example, xx city 5 chome No. 1)] having the same format as the position information of each printer device 30 is stored in advance, the client terminal 30 transmits the list acquisition request. Previously, the management server is accessed to notify the identification code on the intranet 10 to which the terminal is connected, and the position information corresponding to the identification code is acquired from the management server.

  As another method, the client terminal 30 may be provided with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and the client terminal 30 itself may acquire the position information of the own terminal using the GPS function.

  Through the above process, the client terminal 30 notifies the information management server 60 of the location information of the terminal itself through the process of sending the list acquisition request in step S104.

  On the other hand, when the information management server 60 receives a list acquisition request from the client terminal 30 through the communication I / F unit 65 (step S201), the printer selection support control unit 611 selects the list acquisition request source from the list acquisition request. The location information of the client terminal 30 is extracted and acquired (step S202).

  Next, by referring to the printer device information 631a stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631, the printer selection support control unit 611 can be used on the Internet 20 accessed by the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source. Each printer device 50 is specified, and position information corresponding to the specified printer device 50 in the printer device information 631a is read (step S203).

  Subsequently, the printer selection support control unit 611 determines the client based on the position information of the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source acquired in step S202 and the position information of each available printer device 50 acquired in step S203. The distance between the terminal 50 and each available printer device 50 is calculated (step S204).

  The processing in step S204 is performed based on, for example, a map database (DB) stored in advance in the storage unit 63, the position on the map corresponding to the position information of the client terminal 30, and the position of each available printer device 50. This can be realized by processing for calculating the distance between positions on the map corresponding to information.

  Further, the printer selection support control unit 611 selects information (printer ID, printer name) corresponding to each printer device 50 acquired in step S203 from the printer device information 631a stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631. , Installation location) is read out, and list data (display data) in which the distance calculated in step S204 is associated with each printer device 50 is generated for each piece of information.

  Specifically, for each available printer device 50, a printer ID, a printer name, a distance from the client terminal 30 and an installation location are arranged in association with each other, and further, these pieces of information are printers that are close to the client terminal 30. The list data is generated by rearranging in the order of the device 50 (step S205).

  Thereafter, the printer selection support control unit 611 transmits the list data generated in step S205 to the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source (step S206).

  On the other hand, the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source receives the list data sent from the information management server 60 through the communication I / F unit 35 (step S105), and then the printer selection control unit 311 Based on the list data, an available printer list screen is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S105).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the available printer list screen 341a in the client terminal 30 that is the printer list acquisition request source.

  In this example, for the three printer devices 50 that can be used on the Internet 20 accessed by the client terminal 30 that is the printer list acquisition request source, the printer ID (01, 00, 02) and the printer name (printer B, printer A), respectively. , Printer C), the distance between the client terminal 30 (about 100 m, about 400 m, about 1 km) and the installation location (XX station, XX building 2nd floor, cafe Δ △) are close to each other. An available printer list screen 341a arranged in the order of the printer device 50 is displayed.

  The user who has performed the list acquisition request operation on the client terminal 30 looks at the available printer list screen 341a displayed on the display unit 34, and thereby displays each available printer device 50 from the current location (client terminal 30). In addition to being able to recognize in order from the shortest distance, it is possible to easily grasp the approximate separation distance from the current location to each printer device 50 and the installation location.

  Thereafter, the user selects the printer device 50 that is most convenient for him / her and uses the printing service based on the display contents of the available printer list screen 341a, using the separation distance and the installation location as an index.

  Here, in order to print information using the selected printer device 50, a method for instructing printing of information to be printed from the place with the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 of the connection service base, There is a method in which the client terminal 30 is brought to a print service base where the selected printer device 50 is installed, and a print instruction is issued after connecting to the intranet 11 of the print service base.

  In the former case, for example, information such as document information held in the client terminal 30 is designated as a print target, and the printers A, B, and C displayed on the available printer list screen 341a are selected. By operating the input / operation unit 32 and selecting a desired printer device, for example, “printer B”, it is possible to execute a print instruction for the print target information to the printer B.

  When the print instruction is executed, the client terminal 30 sends a print request including a printer ID and print target information corresponding to the printer B (for example, the printer device 50B installed in the print service base B) for the print service. To the print server 40 corresponding to the printer B (print server 40B installed in the print service base B) via the network.

  On the other hand, the print server 40B that has received the print request transmitted from the client terminal 30 processes the information to be printed included in the print request and sends it to the corresponding printer device 50B. The printer device 50B After the information is printed, for example, the information is output (discharged) to an attached confidential tray.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the printing service base B where the printer B is installed, opens the confidential tray through a predetermined authentication procedure, and acquires the printed matter printed out by the printer B (printer device 50B).

  In the latter case, for example, when it is determined to use the printer B based on the display contents of the available printer list screen 341a, the client terminal 30 is brought to the print service base B where the printer B is installed. After connecting to the intranet 11B, after specifying the information to be printed, the input / operation unit 32 performs a predetermined print instruction operation.

  As a result, the print request including the print target information is sent from the client terminal 30 to the print server 40B in the print service base B, and the print server 40B processes the print target information based on the print request. Are sent to the corresponding printer device 50B to print the information and discharged to a discharge tray. Here, the user can take out the printed matter directly from the discharge tray.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the client terminal 50, the printer device 50 in each print service base that is distributed and the information management server 60 that manages the printer device information including the position information of each printer device 50 are provided. In response to an access (list acquisition request) from the client terminal 30 to the information management server 60, the information management server 60 connects each printer in order of increasing distance between the client terminal 30 and each printer device 50. List data (display data) that can be displayed as a usable printer list screen 341a by arranging printer device information (printer ID, printer name, installation location) for each device 50 and distance information between each printer device 50 and the client terminal 30 side by side. Generated and transmitted to the client terminal 30 of the access source 30 to display the available printer list screen 341a. The information management server 60 manages the printer device information 631a including the position information of each printer device 50 to generate the list data. When displaying the available printer list screen 341a on the client terminal 30 based on the list data, it is not necessary to store position information for each printer device 50 to be selected or the corresponding print server 40. Even when the printer 50 is moved, it can be dealt with only by correcting the position information of the printer device 50 in the information management server 60, and the information correction man-hour can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, by the above processing, the client terminal 30 can identify to the client terminal 30 the identification information (printer ID) of each printer device 50 that can be used, the printer name, the installation location, and each printer device 50 (each installation location). Since the available printer list screen 341a including the distance of the printer is displayed, the user can see the available printer list screen 341a so that the installation location of each printer device 50 and the distance to the printer device 50 are taken into consideration. A simple printer device 50 can be easily selected.

  In this embodiment, since the information management server 60 and each printer device 50 are connected via the Internet 20, the information management server 60 can use the printer device across each LAN (intranet 11) in each printing service base. 50 can be detected and displayed on the available printer list screen 341a, and the possibility that the user can select a printer device 50 that is easier to use across each LAN can be greatly increased.

  In the first embodiment, the printer device information 631a (see FIG. 4) managed by the information management server 60 is only the printer ID, printer name, and position information (installation location) for each printer device 50. In Example 2, in addition to these pieces of information, printer device / additional information 631b to which additional information is added is held and managed in the printer selection support information storage unit 631.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer / accompanying information 631b according to the second embodiment.

  In this printer device / additional information 631b, for every printer device 50 in the system, printer ID (00, 01, 02,...), Printer name (printer A, printer B, printer C,...), Position information ( Installation location) [XX city 1-chome 1 (XX building 2nd floor), XX city 2-chome 2 (XX station), XX city 3-chome 5 (cafe △△), ...] The stored information content portion is the same as the printer device information 631a according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The printer device / additional information 631b according to the second embodiment is obtained by adding additional information for each printer device 50 in addition to the same information content as the printer device information 631a according to the first embodiment.

  As the supplementary information, as shown in FIG. 7, information indicating the print function of each printer device 50 (in this example, printable size, monochrome or color print color), and a print service in which each printer device 50 is installed The business hours, service charge, and security level of the base are registered in association with each printer 50.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, an ATM (automatic cash dispenser) is installed as information relating to services (other services) other than the printing service implemented at the printing service base where each printer device 50 is installed. "ATM" to indicate, "Book sales" to indicate that the book is being sold, and "Food and drink" to indicate that the restaurant can be added, etc. are registered in association with each printer device 50. Has been.

  In the information management server (referred to as 60B for the sake of convenience) of this embodiment in which the printer device / additional information 631b is stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631, the client connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base. In response to the list acquisition request from the terminal 30, basically, the available printer list data generation and distribution processing similar to the information management server 60 according to the first embodiment is executed according to the communication control sequence shown in FIG.

  In this case, however, the printer device 50 that can be used by the printer selection support control unit 611 in step S203 and whose position information is to be read is the printer device / additional information 631b stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631. It is.

  In step S205, the printer selection support control unit 611 also selects each piece of information corresponding to each printer device 50 acquired in step S203 from the printer device / additional information 631b stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631. [Printer ID, printer name, installation location, and incidental information (function, business hours, fee, security level, other services)] are read out, and the distance calculated in step S204 is stored in each information for each printer device 50. Generate associated list data.

  Specifically, for each available printer device 50, in addition to the printer ID, the printer name, the distance from the client terminal 30, and the installation location, the printing function as the additional information, and the sales of the corresponding printing service base Information on time, fee, security level, and other services is also arranged in association with each other, and further, the information is arranged in the order of the printer device 50 having a short distance from the client terminal 30 to generate list data (step S205). The list data is transmitted to the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source.

  On the other hand, the client terminal 30 of the list acquisition request source receives the list data sent from the information management server 60B (step S105), and can use the list as shown in FIG. 8 based on the list data, as in the first embodiment. The printer list screen 341b is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S106).

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the available printer list screen 341b displayed on the display unit 34 of the client terminal 30 is the information management server 60B, which is supplementary information consisting of information such as printing functions and other services. Display contents corresponding to the list data generated using the printer device / additional information 631b (see FIG. 7).

  In other words, the available printer list screen 341b is accessed by the client terminal 30 of the list acquisition request source (provided that access is made from the same location (connection service base) as in the first embodiment), and three devices available on the Internet 20 are available. , Printer ID (01, 00, 02), printer name (printer B, printer A, printer C), separation distance from client terminal 30 (about 100 m, about 400 m, about 1 km), installation Location (XX station, XX building, 2nd floor, cafe △△), printing function of each printer device 50, operating hours, service fee, security level, and other services of the printing service base where each printer device 50 is installed The information is arranged in the order (printer B, printer A, printer C) of the printer device 50 having the shortest separation distance. Is displayed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, on the available printer list screen 341b, in addition to the printer ID of the printer device 50 that can be used by the client terminal 30, the printer name, the distance from the client terminal 30, the installation location, each printer Since the print processing function of the device 50, the business hours of the print service base where each printer device 50 is installed, the service fee, the security level, and other service information are displayed together as supplementary information, the user simply displays “ It is possible to select a printer device 50 that is more convenient for the user in consideration of not only the determination criteria “close” but also the overall printer usage environment such as printer functions, business hours, fees, and other available services. .

  In the systems according to the first and second embodiments, the information management server 60 (60B) calculates the distance between the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source and the available printer device 50 (see step S204 in FIG. 5). However, in the system according to the third embodiment, the distance is calculated by the client terminal 30 that is the list acquisition request source.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating processing operations of the client terminal 30 and the information management server 60 (referred to as 60C for convenience) related to printer selection support processing of the system according to the third embodiment and a communication control sequence between these devices. .

  In the system of this embodiment, in order to start the printer selection support process, first, a user who wants to receive printer selection support connects a PC (client terminal 30) to the intranet 10 of the connection service base and inputs it. / After connecting to the Internet 20 by performing a predetermined access operation at the operation unit 32 (the above processing is the same as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 5)), and further, printer selection support information is obtained at the input / operation unit 32 A predetermined information acquisition request operation for requesting is performed.

  In response to such an operation procedure, the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 of the connection service base performs a process of connecting to the Internet 20 by the user's access operation (step S211), and then performs the information acquisition request operation. Is monitored (step S212).

  When an information acquisition request operation is performed (YES in step S212), the client terminal 30 (printer selection control unit 311) accesses the information management server 60C through the Internet 20 and transmits an information acquisition request (step S213). .

  In contrast, when the information management server 60C receives an information acquisition request from the client terminal 30 through the communication I / F unit 65 (step S221), the printer selection support control unit 611 stores the information in the printer selection support information storage unit 631. Printer device information [for example, printer device / accompanying information 631b (see FIG. 7). By referring to the printer device information 631a (see FIG. 4), each printer device 50 that can be used on the Internet 20 accessed by the client terminal 30 of the information acquisition request source is specified, and the printer device / The printer device / attachment information 631b corresponding to the specified printer device 50 is read from the accessory information 631b (step S222), and the printer device / attachment information 631b is transmitted to the requesting client terminal 30 through the communication I / F unit 65. Transmit (step S223).

  On the other hand, when the client terminal 30 transmits the information acquisition request in step S213 and then receives the printer device / additional information 631b from the information management server 60C through the communication I / F unit 35 (step S214), the printer selection control unit 311 However, the position information of the own terminal is acquired by the same position information acquisition method as in step S103 (see FIG. 5) in the first embodiment (step S215).

  Next, the printer selection control unit 311 extracts position information of each printer 50 from the printer / accompanying information 631b received from the information management server 60C in step S214 (step S216).

  In addition, based on the position information of the own client terminal 30 acquired in step S215 and the position information of each available printer device 50 acquired in step S216, between the own client terminal 50 and each available printer device 50. Each distance is calculated (step S217).

  The processing in step S217 is performed based on, for example, a map database (DB) stored in advance in the storage unit 33, the position on the map corresponding to the position information of the own client terminal 30, and the available printer devices 50. This can be realized by processing for calculating the distance between the positions on the map corresponding to the position information.

  Further, the printer selection control unit 311 selects each piece of information (printer ID, printer name, installation location, and incidental information: printer apparatus) corresponding to each printer apparatus 50 from the printer apparatus / accompanying information 631b received from the information management server 60C. When the information 631a is used, a printer ID, a printer name, and an installation location) are read out, and list data in which the distance calculated in step S217 is associated with each printer device 50 is generated for each piece of information.

  Specifically, for each available printer device 50, a printer ID, a printer name, a distance from the client terminal 30 and an installation location, a printing function, business hours, a charge, a security level, and other service types are arranged in association with each other. Further, the list data is generated by rearranging these pieces of information in the order of the printer device 50 having a short distance from the client terminal 30 (step S218).

  Thereafter, the printer selection control unit 311 displays an available printer list screen on the display unit 34 based on the list data generated in step S218 (step S219).

  As in this example, when the information management server 60C holds the printer device / additional information 631b (see FIG. 7), the client terminal 30 can connect to the information management server 60C from the same connection service base as in the second embodiment. If accessed, the available printer list screen displayed on the display unit 34 in step S219 is the same as the available printer list screen 341b (see FIG. 8) in the second embodiment.

  In this case, on the available printer list screen 341b, the printer ID of the printer device 50 that can be used by the client terminal 30, the printer name, the distance from the client terminal 30, the installation location, and the print processing function of each printer device 50 As a result of displaying the business hours, service fee, security level, and other service information of the printing service base where each printer device 50 is installed as supplementary information, the user can use the printer device as in the second embodiment. A printer that is more convenient for you, not only based on location information (not just the criteria for “close”), but also based on other requirements such as printer functions, business hours, fees, and services available besides printing services The device 50 can be selected.

  In this embodiment, the printer device information managed by the information management server 60C is not limited to the printer device / additional information 631b, but the printer device information 631a having contents obtained by deleting the supplementary information from the printer device / additional information 631b. (See FIG. 4) can also be used. In this case, for example, an available printer list screen 341a having the contents as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 34 of the client terminal 30.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the distance between the client terminal 30 and each available printer device 50 is calculated on the client terminal 30 side, and the available printer list data is generated and displayed. In addition to the effect similar to 2, the effect that the processing load of the information management server 60C can be reduced can be expected.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printer selection support system according to the fourth embodiment.

  In this system, the arrangement and configuration of the connection service base and each print service base, and the network connection configuration between the client terminal 30, each printer device 50 and the information management server 60 in each service base are the same as in the first embodiment, for example. is there.

  In the present embodiment, in the above-described network connection configuration, the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 at the connection service base makes an inquiry (print data acquisition request) for printer selection support information to the information management server 60. In addition to the disclosed processing function, the printer has a function of inquiring printer selection support information to the information management server 60 from a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone terminal or PDA (personal digital assistant) possessed by the user. It is said.

  In FIG. 10, a mobile communication terminal 70 is, for example, a mobile phone terminal possessed by a user who uses a connection service base.

  In this embodiment, a printer selection support process in which a user who uses a connection service base accesses the information management server 60 using his / her portable communication terminal 70 and obtains printer selection support information necessary for printer selection. I do.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating processing operations of the mobile communication terminal 70 and the information management server 60 related to printer selection support processing of the system according to the fourth embodiment, and a communication control sequence between them.

  In the system of the present embodiment, in order to start the printer selection support process using the mobile communication terminal 70, first, the user who wants to receive the printer selection support is, for example, in the connection service base or in the vicinity thereof. The mobile communication terminal 70 connects to the Internet 20 via the base station 80 and accesses the information management server 60 (step S301).

  After accessing the information management server 60, when a predetermined printer selection support information acquisition request operation is performed on the operation unit of the mobile communication terminal 70 (step S302), the mobile communication terminal 70 detects the position information of the own terminal ( In step S303), an information acquisition request including the location information of the terminal detected in step S303 is sent to the information management server 60 that is the connection destination (step S304).

  As a method for detecting the position information of the own terminal by the mobile communication terminal 70, for example, a method of detecting the position information of the own terminal by communicating with the base station 80 of the mobile phone is conceivable. Further, when the mobile communication terminal 70 has a GPS function, a method of detecting the position information of the own terminal by the GPS function can also be applied.

  On the other hand, when the information management server 60 receives an information acquisition request from the mobile communication terminal 70 through the communication I / F unit 65 (step S201d), the printer selection support control unit 611 selects the acquisition request source from the information acquisition requests. The position information of the mobile communication terminal 70 is extracted and acquired (step S202d).

  Next, the printer selection support control unit 611 refers to, for example, the printer device / additional information 631b (see FIG. 7) stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631, so that the portable communication terminal 70 that is the information acquisition request source. Each printer device 50 that can be used on the accessed Internet 20 is specified, and position information corresponding to the specified printer device 50 is read from the printer device / attached information 631b (step S203d).

  Subsequently, the printer selection support control unit 611 determines whether the mobile communication terminal 70 and the mobile communication terminal 70 are based on the position information of the mobile communication terminal 70 acquired in Step S202d and the position information of each available printer device 50 acquired in Step S203d. The distance between each available printer device 50 is calculated (step S204d).

  The processing in step S204d is performed, for example, on the map position corresponding to the position information of the mobile communication terminal 70 and the position information of each available printer device 50 based on the map DB stored in advance in the storage unit 63. This can be realized by processing for calculating the distance between the corresponding positions on the map.

  Further, the printer selection support control unit 611 includes information (printer ID, printer ID, information) corresponding to each printer device 50 acquired in step S203d from among the printer device / accompanying information 631b stored in the printer selection support information storage unit 631. The printer name, installation location, and incidental information) are read out, and display data (list data) in which the distance calculated in step S204d is associated with each printer device 50 is generated for each piece of information.

  Specifically, for each available printer device 50, a printer ID, a printer name, a separation distance and installation location from the mobile communication terminal 70, a printer function, business hours, a charge, a security level, and other services are arranged in association with each other. Further, the list data is generated by rearranging these pieces of information in the order of the printer device 50 having a short distance from the mobile communication terminal 70 (step S205d).

  Thereafter, the printer selection support control unit 611 transmits the list data generated in step S205d to the mobile communication terminal 70 that is the information acquisition request source (step S206d).

  On the other hand, when the mobile communication terminal 70 as the information acquisition request source receives the list data sent from the information management server 60 by the wireless unit through the base station 80 (step S305), the received available printer list data For example, a printer information list screen having the same form as the available printer list screen 341b shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit (step S306).

  Accordingly, the user looks at the printer information list screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile communication terminal 70 to thereby determine the position of the mobile communication terminal 70 that the user owns (the user also holds the client terminal 30 together). Under the conditions, the position of the mobile communication terminal 70 can be regarded as the position of the client terminal 30) and the distance between each available printer device 50, the installation location of each printer device 50, the printer function, In consideration of information such as business hours, fee, security level, and other services for each installation location, it is possible to select the printer device 50 that is most convenient for printing information using the client terminal 30 that the user owns. It becomes like this.

  In order to actually print information using the selected printer device 50 after selecting the desired printer device 50 based on the available printer list screen 341b, as described in the first embodiment, the connection service base A method of instructing the selected printer device 50 to print by connecting the client terminal 10 to the intranet 10 and a print service base where the selected printer device 50 is installed and going to the intranet 11 there There is a method for instructing printing by connecting the client terminal 50.

  In this embodiment, when printing is performed by the former method, the printer device information (list data) acquired from the information management server 60 by the wireless communication terminal 70 is transferred to the client terminal 30, and the client terminal 30 performs mobile communication. The list data received from the terminal 70 is displayed on the display unit 34 in a manner as shown in FIG. 9, and then the printer device 50 is selected by the method described in the first embodiment and the print instruction to the selected printer device 50 is displayed. It is also possible to adopt a functional configuration that receives an operation and sends a print instruction to the selected printer device 50.

  In the above description, the information management server 60 holds, for example, the printer device / additional information 631b (see FIG. 7) including supplementary information such as a printer function and other services implemented at the print service base, and the mobile communication terminal An example is shown in which 70 obtains and displays list data generated from the information management server 60 based on the printer device / additional information 631b (available printer list screen 341b as shown in FIG. 8 can be displayed). However, the present invention is not limited to this, the information management server 60 holds the printer device information 631a (see FIG. 4), and the portable communication terminal 70 generates list data generated from the information management server 60 based on the printer device information 631a ( An available printer list screen 341a as shown in FIG. 6 may be acquired and displayed.

  In addition, depending on the display size of the mobile communication terminal 70, simpler information such as information consisting only of the separation distance between the printer ID uniquely added to each printer device 50 and the current position of the mobile communication terminal 70 is simpler. The printer selection support information may be acquired from the information management server 60 and displayed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the information management server 60 manages the printer device information including the position information of each printer device 50 and responds to an access from the mobile communication terminal 70 such as a mobile phone terminal possessed by the user. Then, in order of decreasing distance between the mobile communication terminal 70 and each printer device 50, the printer device information for each printer device 50 is arranged to generate display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen, and the access source mobile communication terminal Since the printer selection support screen is displayed on the portable communication terminal 70 by transmitting to the mobile communication terminal 70, the user views the printer selection support screen, so that the user can start the desired printer device 50 without starting up the client terminal 30 one by one. You can make a selection.

  In the above description, the system of this embodiment has the function of inquiring printer selection support information from the mobile communication terminal 70 to the information management server 60 and the processing function disclosed in the first embodiment [connection service base It is assumed that the client terminal 30 connected to the intranet 10 also has a processing function for obtaining the list data by making an inquiry (list data acquisition request) to the information management server 60 from the printer device information. The terminal 70 may be configured to have only a function for inquiring printer selection support information to the information management server 60.

  Thus, according to the configuration specialized only for the function of acquiring the printer selection support information from the information management server 60 using the mobile communication terminal 70, it is necessary to provide the client terminal 30 with an extra function such as a position detection function. Thus, the configuration of the client terminal 30 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the system configuration is described in which the client terminal 30 is connected to the intranet 10 in the connection service base by a wired or wireless LAN, and the printer device 50 in each print service base that is distributed is used. The present invention is not limited to the use of the connection service base, and the usable printer selection support process can be realized for all client terminals 30 in an environment connectable to the Internet.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a print processing system in which a plurality of printer apparatuses are installed in any place in a city and can provide a print service in a public place. By accessing the information processing terminal, in addition to the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and the information processing terminal, in order of the distance between the printer devices, By displaying a printer selection support screen in which incidental information such as type information of other services provided in addition to the printing service is arranged at the place, not only the judgment criteria of “close” but also the comprehensive printer usage A more convenient selection of a printer device in consideration of the environment can be realized.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printer selection support system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a client terminal. The block diagram which shows the function structure of an information management server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer apparatus information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating processing operations and a communication control sequence of each apparatus related to printer selection support processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an available printer list screen in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer apparatus / accompanying information according to the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an available printer list screen in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation and a communication control sequence of each apparatus related to a printer selection support process according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printer selection support system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation and a communication control sequence of each apparatus related to a printer selection support process according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 11, 11A, 11B ... Intranet, 20 ... Internet, 30 ... Client terminal, 31 ... Control part, 311 ... Printer selection control part, 32 ... Input / operation part, 33 ... Memory | storage part, 34 ... Display part, 341a, 341b ... Available printer list screen, 35 ... Communication interface (I / F) unit, 40, 40A, 40B ... Print server, 50, 50A, 50B ... Printer device, 60 ... Information management server, 61 ... Control unit, 611 ... Printer selection support control unit, 63 ... Storage unit, 631 ... Printer selection support information storage unit, 631a ... Printer device information, 631b ... Printer device / accompanying information, 65 ... Communication interface (I / F) unit, 70 ... Mobile communication terminal , 80 ... base station

Claims (8)

A plurality of printer apparatuses distributed and installed at locations separated from each other through a network from an information processing terminal and an information management server are connected via the network, and the information processing terminal is selectively connected to the network A printer selection support system for displaying, on the information processing terminal, a printer selection support screen used for selecting a printer device usable in the information processing terminal in response to access from the information management server to the information management server,
The information management server
Information management means for managing printer device information including position information corresponding to the installation location of each printer device;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information of the information processing terminal in response to access from the information processing terminal;
Based on the position information of the information processing terminal acquired by the position information acquisition means and the position information of each printer apparatus managed by the information management means, the distance between the information processing terminal and each printer apparatus is determined. A distance calculating means for calculating;
Based on the printer device information managed by the information management unit and the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit, the printer device information for each printer device, each printer device, and the information processing in the order of the closest distance. Display data generating means for generating display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen by arranging distance information between terminals;
Transmission means for transmitting the display data generated by the display data generation means to the information processing terminal of the access source,
The information processing terminal
A printer selection support system comprising display control means for displaying the printer selection support screen based on the display data received from the information management server. The information management means of the information management server further manages incidental information other than the printer device information corresponding to each printer device;
The display data generating means is a display that can be displayed as the printer selection support screen by adding the additional information to the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and the information processing terminal. The printer selection support system according to claim 1, wherein data is generated. A plurality of printer apparatuses distributed and installed at locations separated from each other through a network from an information processing terminal and an information management server are connected via the network, and the information processing terminal is selectively connected to the network A printer selection support system for displaying, on the information processing terminal, a printer selection support screen used for selecting a printer device usable in the information processing terminal in response to access from the information management server to the information management server,
The information management server
Information management means for managing printer device information including position information corresponding to the installation location of each printer device;
Transmission means for reading out printer apparatus information of each printer apparatus from the information management means in response to an access from the information processing terminal, and transmitting the information to the information processing terminal of the access source,
The information processing terminal
Access means for accessing the information management server via the network;
Receiving means for receiving the printer information transmitted from the information management server after accessing the information management server;
Location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the terminal;
Based on the position information of the own terminal acquired by the position information acquisition means and the position information of each printer apparatus included in the printer apparatus information received from the information management server, between the own terminal and each printer apparatus A distance calculating means for calculating the distance;
Based on the printer device information received from the information management server and the distance calculated by the distance calculation means, the printer device information for each printer device, and between each printer device and its own terminal, in the order of the distance. Display data generating means for generating display data that can be displayed as a printer selection support screen by arranging distance information;
A printer selection support system comprising: display control means for displaying the printer selection support screen based on the display data generated by the display data generation means. The information management means of the information management server further manages incidental information other than the printer device information corresponding to each printer device;
The transmission means further reads out the supplementary information in addition to the printer apparatus information of each printer apparatus from the information management means, and transmits it to the information processing terminal of the access source
The display data generating means of the information processing terminal displays the printer selection support screen by adding the additional information to the printer device information for each printer device and the distance information between each printer device and the terminal itself. The printer selection support system according to claim 3, wherein possible display data is generated. The information management means includes
5. The printer selection support system according to claim 2, wherein print processing function information of each printer apparatus is managed as the supplementary information. The information management means includes
6. The printer selection support system according to claim 2, wherein business time, a fee, and a security level relating to a printing service that can be used at an installation location of each printer device are managed as the incidental information. The information management means includes
The printer selection support system according to any one of claims 2, 4, 5, and 6, wherein as the incidental information, service type information other than a print service that can be used at a place where each printer device is installed is managed. A plurality of printer apparatuses distributed in separate locations that can be used from the information processing terminal via the network and the information management server are connected via the network, and the mobile communication terminal responds to the access to the information management server. A printer selection support system for displaying on the portable communication terminal a printer selection support screen used for selecting a printer device usable in the information processing terminal,
The information management server
Information management means for managing printer device information including position information corresponding to the installation location of each printer device;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information of the mobile communication terminal in response to access from the mobile communication terminal;
Based on the position information of the mobile communication acquired by the position information acquisition means and the position information of each printer device managed by the information management means, the distance between the mobile communication terminal and each printer device is calculated. Distance calculating means to
Based on the printer device information managed by the information management unit and the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit, the printer device information for each printer device can be arranged and displayed as a printer selection support screen in descending order of the distance. Display data generating means for generating correct display data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the display data generated by the display data generating means to the mobile communication terminal of the access request source,
The mobile communication terminal is
A printer selection support system comprising: display control means for displaying the printer selection support screen on a display unit based on the display data received from the information management server.

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