JP2006268750A - Print data creation device, print system, and print delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print data creation device, a print system, and a print delivery method, capable of printing and transmitting a content of e-mail to a specified delivery destination through a simple procedure. <P>SOLUTION: An e-mail is transmitted to a mail address of a person to which a user wants to send a post card while setting the e-mail mode of a cellular phone 10 as a print order mode. A mail server 100 receives the e-mail transmitted from the cellular phone 10, and retrieves corresponding delivery destination information using the mail address set as the address of the e-mail as a key. Print data for printing the post card is created from the retrieved delivery destination information and the content of the e-mail, and the created print data is printed by a printer 200 to create the post card. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data creation apparatus, a print system, and a print distribution method, and more particularly to a print data creation apparatus, a print system, and a print distribution method for creating print data for sending the contents of an electronic mail to a specific destination by mail. .

  When printing images taken with a digital camera at a photo shop, the user generally takes a storage medium storing the images to the photo shop, places an order for the print on the spot, and receives the completed print at a later date. It has been.

  However, this method has a problem that the user has to go to the photo shop twice.

  Therefore, a service is provided in which an image is transmitted to a print processing company through a network, a print order is placed, and the user goes to a designated place to receive the completed print at a later date. In addition, a service is also provided in which an image is transmitted to a print processor via a network, a print order is placed, and the resulting print is mailed to an address designated by the user (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). .

Here, in a system in which the completed print is mailed to the address designated by the user, it is necessary to specify the mailing address of the print. Conventionally, the user individually sends the mailing address information as delivery information at the time of ordering. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Also, a method has been proposed in which when a print order is made from a mobile phone, the address of the caller is specified based on the caller's telephone number and the mailing address is set (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-15242 A JP 2002-108753 A JP 2003-169162 A JP 2004-316900 A

  However, the conventional method of individually inputting delivery information has a drawback that it takes time to place an order. On the other hand, the method of using the mailing address using the telephone number of the caller has a drawback that it cannot be sent to an address other than the caller.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a print data creation apparatus, print system, and print distribution method capable of printing and sending the contents of an e-mail to a specific destination by a simple procedure. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a database in which information on a destination is recorded in association with a mail address, receiving means for receiving an e-mail from a terminal, and received by the receiving means. Print data creating means for creating print data for printing the contents of the received e-mail on a predetermined sheet, and printing from the destination mail address set in the e-mail received by the receiving means with reference to the database. A delivery destination setting means for setting a delivery destination; and a destination print data creation means for creating print data for printing the delivery destination set by the delivery destination setting means on a predetermined sheet. A print data creation apparatus is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the user transmits an e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address, print data for printing the content of the e-mail on a predetermined sheet is created. In addition, print data for automatically printing a destination corresponding to the destination mail address set in the electronic mail on a predetermined sheet is automatically created. As a result, the user can place an order for printing and delivery by simply sending an e-mail addressed to the mail address corresponding to the print destination, without setting the print destination.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the print data creation means creates print data using image data attached to the email as contents of the email. Item 4. A print data creation device according to Item 1 is provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, print data for printing image data attached to an e-mail on a predetermined sheet is created as print data.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the print data creation means creates print data using the mail text of the email and the image data attached to the email as the contents of the email. A print data creation apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 3, as print data, print data for printing a mail body of an e-mail on a predetermined sheet and print for printing image data attached to the e-mail on a predetermined sheet Data is created.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, transfer means for transferring the e-mail received by the receiving means to a destination, and print instruction information added to the e-mail received by the receiving means Detection means for detecting the presence or absence of print data, and when the print instruction information is detected by the detection means, print data is created by the print data creation means and the destination print data creation means, and the detection 4. The print data creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic mail is transferred to a destination by the transfer means when the print instruction information is not detected by the means.

  According to the invention of claim 4, print data is created only when print instruction information is included in the e-mail received from the terminal, and received when print instruction information is not included. Forwarded to the destination set in the email.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is a terminal that transmits an e-mail, a print data creation device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, and a print created by the print data creation device. In a printing system including a printer that prints data on a predetermined sheet, the terminal sets mode setting means for setting to a print order mode, and when the terminal is set to the print order mode, an e-mail is sent to the print data creation apparatus. There is provided a printing system comprising: a transmission control unit that controls transmission.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the terminal is provided with mode setting means, and the print data creation device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 only when the mode setting means sets the print order mode. An email is sent to

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a terminal that transmits an e-mail, the print data creation device according to claim 4, and the print data created by the print data creation device are stored in a predetermined manner. In a printing system including a printer that prints on paper, the terminal includes a mode setting unit that sets a print order mode, and a print instruction that adds print instruction information to an e-mail to be transmitted when the terminal is set to the print order mode. An information adding means is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the mode setting unit is provided, and when the print order mode is set by the mode setting unit, the print instruction information is added to the e-mail to be transmitted.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 includes the step of receiving an e-mail from a terminal and the received e-mail with reference to a database in which information on a destination is recorded in association with an e-mail address. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining destination information from a destination e-mail address set in the e-mail; and printing the content of the received e-mail on a predetermined sheet and sending it to the destination. Provide a print distribution method.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when an electronic mail is received from the terminal, information on the destination is acquired based on the database from the destination mail address set in the received electronic mail. Then, the contents of the received e-mail are printed on a predetermined sheet and sent to the destination. As a result, the contents of the e-mail can be easily printed and distributed to a specific destination.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the image data attached to the e-mail is printed on a predetermined sheet as the content of the e-mail. Provide distribution methods.

  According to the present invention, image data attached to an e-mail is printed on a predetermined sheet as the content of the e-mail and is sent to a predetermined destination.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the mail text of the e-mail and the image data attached to the e-mail are printed on a predetermined sheet as the contents of the e-mail. A print distribution method according to claim 7 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the mail text of the e-mail and the attached image data are printed on a predetermined sheet as the contents of the e-mail and are sent to a predetermined destination.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 10 prints the content of the received e-mail on a predetermined sheet only when print instruction information is added to the e-mail received from the terminal. The electronic mail sent to the delivery destination acquired from the database and forwarded to the set destination when the print instruction information is not added to the electronic mail received from the terminal. A print distribution method according to 7, 8, or 9 is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 10, only when the print instruction information is added to the e-mail received from the terminal, the content of the received e-mail is printed on a predetermined sheet and sent to a predetermined destination. The If the print instruction information is not added to the email received from the terminal, the received email is transferred to the set destination.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, the terminal has a print order mode, and when the print order mode is set, the terminal transmits the e-mail with the print instruction information added thereto. A print distribution method according to claim 10 is provided.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the terminal has the print order mode, and when the print order mode is set, the print instruction information is added and an e-mail is transmitted.

  In the invention according to claim 12, in order to achieve the above object, the terminal has a print order mode, and the transmitted content is predetermined only for an e-mail set in the print order mode and transmitted. 8. An e-mail that is printed on a sheet, sent to a predetermined destination, and set in a mode other than the print order mode and transmitted is forwarded to a set destination. A print distribution method according to 8 or 9 is provided.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, only when the terminal has a print order mode and an e-mail is transmitted with the terminal set to the print order mode, the transmitted content is printed on a predetermined sheet, Sent to the destination. When an e-mail is sent with a mode other than the print order mode, the e-mail is transferred to the set destination.

  According to the present invention, the contents of an electronic mail can be printed and sent to a specific destination by a simple procedure.

  The best mode for carrying out a print data creation apparatus, print system, and print distribution method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a printing system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the print system 1 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a mobile phone 10, a mail server 100, and a printer 200. In this print system 1, when an e-mail is transmitted from the mobile phone 10 in a predetermined mode, the content of the e-mail is converted to a postcard and distributed (mailed) to the person who is the e-mail destination.

  First, the configuration of the mobile phone will be described. The mobile phone 10 is provided with a camera function and an e-mail function in addition to a general call function. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile phone. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 10 mainly includes a control unit 12, a data storage unit 14, an operation unit 16, a display unit 18, a call unit 20, a camera unit 22, a mail transmission / reception unit 24, a communication unit 26, and the like. ing.

  The control unit 12 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the mobile phone. The control unit 12 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each unit of the mobile phone 10 according to a predetermined control program.

  The data storage unit 14 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and stores various data necessary for control such as user setting data and mail transmission setting parameters.

  The operation unit 16 includes various operation buttons such as a numeric keypad, a shutter button, a cross button, and a mode switching button, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 controls each unit of the mobile phone 10 according to the input from the operation unit 14 and causes the mobile phone 10 to perform a predetermined operation.

  The display unit 18 is configured by a color liquid crystal display, and displays predetermined information according to the setting status of the mobile phone 10 under the control of the control unit 12.

  The call unit 20 includes a microphone, a speaker, an audio signal processing circuit, and the like, and performs processing of a predetermined audio signal associated with a call under the control of the control unit 12.

  The camera unit 22 includes a photographic lens, an image sensor, an image signal processing circuit, and the like, and takes an image under the control of the control unit 12. The obtained image data is recorded on the storage medium 30 via the media control unit 28 under the control of the control unit 12.

  The mail transmission / reception unit 24 performs e-mail transmission processing and reception processing via the communication unit 26 under the control of the control unit 12. Here, the mail transmission / reception unit 24 generates a different header according to the set mode at the time of transmission of the e-mail, and executes e-mail transmission processing. That is, as will be described later, in the cellular phone 10 of the present embodiment, “normal mode” and “print order mode” are prepared as e-mail modes. A header in which “print instruction information” is added to the content of the “mode” header is created, and an e-mail transmission process is performed.

  The switching of the e-mail mode is performed by a mode switching button provided on the operation unit 16. The control unit 12 reads out a mail transmission setting parameter corresponding to the set e-mail mode and sets it in the mail transmitting / receiving unit 24. The mail transmission / reception unit 24 creates a header according to the set mail transmission setting parameter, and executes an e-mail transmission process via the communication unit 26.

  Note that the method of switching the e-mail mode is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 18 may be used to select and switch from a menu item.

  The communication unit 26 is connected to a base station (not shown) under the control of the control unit 12 and performs communication processing associated with a call and communication processing associated with transmission / reception of an e-mail.

  Next, the configuration of the mail server 100 will be described. The mail server 100 is connected to the mobile phone 10 via a base station (not shown), and provides the mobile phone 10 with an electronic mail service and a print distribution service.

  The e-mail service is the same as a general e-mail service. The e-mail service receives an e-mail transmitted from the mobile phone 10 to a predetermined e-mail address, and transfers it to the e-mail server 100 ′ as a destination via the network 2. . In addition, an e-mail transmitted to the e-mail address set in the mobile phone 10 is received and transmitted to the mobile phone 10.

  The print distribution service is a service that uses the contents of an e-mail sent from a mobile phone as a postcard and distributes (mails) it to the address set as the destination e-mail address. The print distribution service is based on a predetermined user database (user DB). To set the destination. The mail server 100 creates print data for generating a postcard based on the contents of the email.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mail server 100. As shown in the figure, the mail server 100 is composed of a general server computer, and is composed of a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM 106, a communication unit 108, a CD-ROM drive 110, a hard disk drive (HDD) 112, and the like. Has been.

  In addition to the OS, the HDD 112 stores a program that provides a mail service, a program that provides a print distribution service, and the like. The CPU 102 executes mail processing on the mobile phone 10 by executing these various programs. Provide services and print distribution services. The processing performed by the CPU 102 will be described in detail later.

  Further, the HDD 112 stores a user DB, and the CPU 102 acquires destination information based on the user DB stored in the HDD 112. This user DB is created for each user (created for each email address of the user), and as shown in FIG. 4, destination information (postal code, address, name, etc.) is registered in association with the email address. The CPU 102 identifies the user DB from the email address of the sender of the electronic mail, refers to the identified user DB, and acquires postcard delivery destination information from the destination email address. In this user DB, the user's zip code, address, and name are also registered as sender information, and the CPU 102 acquires the sender information simultaneously with the identification of the user DB.

  Next, the configuration of the printer 200 will be described. The printer 200 is connected to the mail server 100 and prints print data received from the mail server 100 on a predetermined print sheet in response to a print instruction from the mail server 100.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer 200. As shown in the figure, the printer 200 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 204, a RAM 206, a communication unit 208, and a print engine 210.

  The CPU 202 functions as a control unit that performs overall control of the overall operation of the printer 200, and controls each unit of the printer 200 while using the RAM 206 as a work area according to a predetermined control program stored in the ROM 204.

  The communication unit 208 transmits and receives data to and from the mail server 100 to which the printer 200 is connected under the control of the CPU 202. The connection with the mail server 100 is made, for example, via a USB cable, and the communication unit 208 transmits / receives data according to the USB standard.

  The print engine 210 performs print processing of print data under the control of the CPU 202. The print engine 210 performs print processing of print data by an inkjet method, and prints print data received from the mail server 100 on a predetermined postcard paper.

  In this example, the print method of the print engine 210 is an inkjet method, but the print method is not limited to this, and other print methods such as a thermal method and a laser print method are used. May be.

  Next, the operation of the print system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  As described above, in the print system 1 according to the present embodiment, when an e-mail is transmitted from the mobile phone 10 in a predetermined mode, the content of the e-mail is converted into a postcard and sent to the person who is the e-mail destination. Distributed (mailed) (print distribution service).

  It should be noted that a normal e-mail transmission process (e-mail service) is not different from a generally performed e-mail transmission process, and only the process relating to the print distribution service will be described here.

  When receiving a print distribution service, the user first sets the e-mail mode of the mobile phone 10 to the print order mode.

  The setting of the print order mode is performed by a mode switching button provided on the operation unit 16. When the e-mail mode is set to the print order mode with this mode switching button, the control unit 12 of the mobile phone 10 reads out the mail transmission setting parameter corresponding to the print order mode from the data storage unit 14, and the mail transmission / reception unit 24. Set to. When the parameters for the print order mode are set, the mail transmitting / receiving unit 24 creates a header with print instruction information added to a normal header and transmits an e-mail.

  When the normal mode is set, the control unit 12 reads the mail transmission setting parameter corresponding to the normal mode from the data storage unit 14 and sets it in the mail transmission / reception unit 24. In this case, the mail transmission / reception unit 24 creates a normal header without print instruction information when transmitting an electronic mail, and transmits the electronic mail.

  Thus, when receiving the provision of the print distribution service, the user sets the mode of the mobile phone 10 to the print order mode, creates an e-mail, and transmits the e-mail to the mail address of the other party who wants to distribute. At this time, the user can send an e-mail with the image data attached, and the user reads out the image data recorded in the storage medium 30 and attaches it to the e-mail.

  The e-mail transmitted from the mobile phone 10 is received by the mail server 100 via a radio base station (not shown). The mail server 100 analyzes the header of the received electronic mail, determines whether the mail service should be performed or the print distribution service, and performs the subsequent processing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing operation of the mail server 100. As shown in the figure, when the mail server 100 receives an email from the mobile phone 100 (step S10), the mail server 100 analyzes the header of the received email (step S11), and the received email is printed and distributed. It is determined whether the e-mail requesting the service or the e-mail requesting the normal mail service (step S12).

  Here, if it is detected by the analysis in step S11 that the print instruction information is not included in the header of the received e-mail, the mail server 100 requests that the received e-mail request a normal mail service. Judgment is made and an e-mail transfer process is performed (step S13). That is, the electronic mail is transferred to the mail server of the mail address set as the destination.

  On the other hand, when it is detected by the analysis in step S11 that the print instruction information is included in the header of the received electronic mail, the mail server 100 determines that the received electronic mail requests the print distribution service. Then, the process for creating the print data for the next postcard is started.

  First, the user DB is identified from the source email address of the received electronic mail, and the destination information is searched from the identified user DB using the destination email address as a key (step SS14). Then, the presence / absence of the corresponding destination information is determined from the search result (step S15).

  If the destination e-mail address is registered in the user DB and it is determined that the destination information is present, the mail server 100 acquires the destination information and the sender information from the user DB. Then, print data for printing a postcard is created from the acquired destination information, sender information, and the contents of the e-mail (text and attached image) (step S16).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a postcard created from an email attached with an image, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an email to be transmitted.

  In the post card shown in FIG. 7, a zip code display area, an address display area, a name display area, and a message display area are formed on the front surface, and an image display area and a sender display area are formed on the back surface. Yes.

  In the postal code display area formed on the front surface, the recipient's postal code obtained from the destination information is printed in a predetermined font and size within a predetermined frame, and in the address display area, it is obtained from the destination information. The recipient's address is printed in a predetermined font and size. In the name display area, the recipient's name acquired from the destination information is printed in a predetermined font and size. In the message display area, information written in the body of the e-mail is printed in a predetermined font and size. Printed.

  On the other hand, the image data attached to the e-mail is printed in a predetermined size in the image display area formed on the back side, and the sender information (address, name) obtained from the sender information is printed in the sender display area. Is done.

  The mail server 100 creates print data for printing the front and back surfaces of the postcard from the destination information and the contents (text and attached image) of the e-mail (step S16). The created print data is output to the printer 200 and printed on a predetermined postcard paper (step S17).

  The operator attaches a stamp to the post card thus created and posts it on the post. As a result, the created postcard is distributed (mailed) to a predetermined recipient (the owner of the e-mail address that is the destination of the e-mail).

  If the e-mail destination address is not registered in the user DB and it is determined in step S15 that there is no destination information, the mail server 100 registers the destination e-mail address in the user DB. If not, an e-mail indicating that printing is not possible is created and sent to the e-mail address of the transmission source (step S18). By receiving this e-mail, the user can know that the postcard of the transmitted e-mail could not be distributed.

  The user DB is created as follows, for example. An e-mail describing the e-mail address, postal code, address, name, etc. registered in the user DB is created in a predetermined format and transmitted from the mobile phone 10 owned by itself to a predetermined destination. The mail server 100 receives the e-mail transmitted to the predetermined destination, and for each e-mail address of the sender, the zip code, address, name, etc. described in the e-mail are changed to the e-mail address described in the e-mail. Register in association and create a user DB. Also, for example, a home page for user DB registration is prepared, and the user DB is created by accessing the home page and inputting predetermined information (e-mail address, postal code, address, name, etc. registered in the user DB). .

  In this example, the user DB is created individually for each user of the mobile phone 10 (for each sender's e-mail address), but one DB is created using registration information of the mobile phone, The destination information may be acquired based on the DB.

  In this embodiment, a case where a postcard is created from an e-mail attached with an image has been described as an example. However, a postcard may be created from an e-mail not attached with an image. In this case, for example, the postal code, address, and name obtained from the destination information are printed on the front surface of the post card, and the information described in the text of the e-mail is printed on the back surface.

  Further, a post card may be created from an e-mail without a text. In this case, for example, the postal code, address, and name obtained from the destination information are printed on the front surface of the post card, and the image attached to the e-mail is printed on the back surface.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where an e-mail with only one image is processed has been described as an example. However, an e-mail with a plurality of attached images can also be processed. In this case, a postcard may be created for each image, or images transmitted to one postcard may be arranged and printed in a predetermined layout.

  In the present embodiment, one postcard is created for one e-mail, but a plurality of postcards may be created for one e-mail. Good. In this case, an e-mail may be transmitted with the information on the number of created sheets added to the header portion, or an e-mail may be sent with the number of created sheets written in the body of the e-mail.

  Further, the post card shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the contents of the e-mail may be printed with another layout. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the postal code, address, name and sender's postal code, address, and name are printed on the front of the postcard, and the image and body text attached to the e-mail on the back The contents may be printed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the postal code, address, and name of the address to be sent are printed on the front surface of the postcard, and the contents of the e-mail text and the postal code, address, and name of the sender are printed on the back side. The entire image attached to the mail may be printed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the content of the electronic mail is distributed (mailed) as a postcard has been described as an example, but may be distributed (mailed) as a sealed letter. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the content of an electronic mail is distributed as a sealed letter. As shown in the figure, in this case, for example, the destination information and the sender information are acquired from the destination mail address of the electronic mail based on the user DB, and the destination to be attached to the envelope 300 from the acquired destination information and the sender information. A label 302 and a sender label (not shown) are created. At the same time, a message card 304 and a photo card 306 are created from the contents of the e-mail. The destination label 302 is created by printing the postal code, address, and name of the destination acquired from the destination information on a predetermined label sheet in a predetermined font and size, and the sender label is the sender's label acquired from the sender information. The postal code, address, and name are printed on a predetermined label sheet with a predetermined font and size. The message card 304 is created by printing the contents described in the body of the e-mail on a predetermined card paper in a predetermined font and size (created only when the body is present), and the photo card 306 is an e-mail. The image attached to is created by printing on a predetermined card paper in a predetermined size (only when image data is attached). The mail server 200 creates print data for printing these labels and cards from the destination information, the sender information, and the contents of the e-mail.

  The operator affixes the created delivery destination label 302 to a predetermined position on the front surface of the envelope 300, and affixes a sender label (not shown) to a predetermined position on the back surface of the envelope 300. Then, the created message card 304 and photo card 306 are put in an envelope 300, and a stamp is pasted and distributed (mailed).

  Thus, the form when the contents of the electronic mail are printed and distributed is not particularly limited, and various forms can be adopted.

  In addition, when distributing by sealed letter in this way, when a plurality of images are attached to an e-mail, a plurality of prints can be sent simultaneously by one. In addition, it is possible to simultaneously send a plurality of printed images.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when receiving the print order service, the print instruction information is added to the header of the e-mail transmitted from the mobile phone 10, thereby distinguishing it from the e-mail receiving the normal mail service. However, the method of distinguishing from an electronic mail that is provided with a normal mail service is not limited to this method. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a mail server that transmits an electronic mail may be switched according to the mode. That is, when the e-mail mode is set to “normal mode”, the e-mail is transmitted to the mail server 100B that handles only mail transfer processing, and when the “print order mode” is set, print is performed. An e-mail is transmitted to the mail server 100A that handles only data creation processing. This makes it possible to perform e-mail transmission processing in response to a request without adding special header information.

  Further, in this embodiment, when printing is impossible, a mail that cannot be printed is returned to the sender. In this case, the email received by the mail server is transferred to the mail server of the destination mail address. You may do it. Further, even when printing, the e-mail may be transferred to the mail server of the destination e-mail address, or an e-mail notifying that the printing has been completed may be returned to the sender. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the case where an e-mail is transmitted from the mobile phone 10 has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where an e-mail is transmitted from another terminal such as a PC or a PDA.

  In this embodiment, the print data is created by the mail server. However, the mail server only searches the destination information and the destination information, and the print data is created by other devices. For example, it may be performed by an image processing server or a printer.

  In the present embodiment, the mail server and the printer are configured as separate devices, but may be configured integrally.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a printing system of the present invention. Block diagram showing schematic configuration of mobile phone Block diagram showing schematic configuration of mail server The figure which shows an example of user DB Block diagram showing schematic configuration of printer Flow chart showing the procedure of processing operation of mail server Figure showing an example of a postcard Diagram showing an example of e-mail to be sent Figure showing another example of postcard Figure showing another example of postcard Figure showing an example of distributing the contents of an e-mail as a sealed letter The system block diagram which shows other embodiment of the printing system of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Print system, 10 ... Mobile telephone, 12 ... Control part, 14 ... Data storage part, 16 ... Operation part, 18 ... Display part, 20 ... Call part, 22 ... Camera part, 24 ... Mail transmission / reception part, 26 ... Communication , 100 ... mail server, 102 ... CPU, 104 ... ROM, 106 ... RAM, 108 ... communication unit, 110 ... CD-ROM drive, 112 ... hard disk drive (HDD), 200 ... printer, 202 ... CPU, 204 ... ROM , 206 ... RAM, 208 ... communication unit, 210 ... print engine

Claims (12)

A database in which information about the address is recorded in association with the email address;
Receiving means for receiving e-mail from the terminal;
Print data creating means for creating print data for printing the content of the e-mail received by the receiving means on a predetermined sheet;
A destination setting means for setting a print destination by referring to the database from a destination mail address set in the e-mail received by the receiving means;
A destination print data creating unit for creating print data for printing the destination set by the destination setting unit on a predetermined sheet;
A print data creating apparatus comprising:   2. The print data creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation means creates print data using the image data attached to the email as contents of the email.   2. The print data creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation unit creates print data using the mail text of the email and the image data attached to the email as the content of the email. . Transfer means for transferring the e-mail received by the receiving means to a destination;
Detecting means for detecting presence or absence of print instruction information added to the e-mail received by the receiving means;
When the print instruction information is detected by the detection means, print data is created by the print data creation means and the destination print data creation means, and the print instruction information is not detected by the detection means 4. The print data creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the electronic mail to a destination. In a printing system comprising a terminal that transmits an e-mail, the print data creation device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, and a printer that prints print data created by the print data creation device on a predetermined sheet of paper,
The terminal
Mode setting means for setting the print order mode;
A transmission control means for controlling so that an e-mail is transmitted to the print data creation device when set to the print order mode;
A printing system characterized by comprising: In a printing system comprising a terminal that transmits an e-mail, the print data creation device according to claim 4, and a printer that prints print data created by the print data creation device on a predetermined sheet of paper,
The terminal
Mode setting means for setting the print order mode;
When set in the print order mode, print instruction information adding means for adding print instruction information to the e-mail to be transmitted;
A printing system characterized by comprising: Receiving e-mail from the terminal;
Referring to a database in which information on a destination is recorded in association with an email address, obtaining the destination information from a destination email address set in the received email;
Printing the content of the received e-mail on a predetermined sheet and sending it to the destination;
A print distribution method comprising:   8. The print distribution method according to claim 7, wherein the image data attached to the e-mail is printed on a predetermined sheet as the content of the e-mail.   8. The print distribution method according to claim 7, wherein a mail body of the e-mail and image data attached to the e-mail are printed on a predetermined sheet as the contents of the e-mail.   Only when the print instruction information is added to the e-mail received from the terminal, the content of the received e-mail is printed on a predetermined sheet, sent to the destination acquired from the database, and received from the terminal. 10. The print distribution method according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein when the print instruction information is not added to the received e-mail, the received e-mail is transferred to a set destination.   11. The print distribution method according to claim 10, wherein the terminal has a print order mode, and when the print order mode is set, the print instruction information is added and an e-mail is transmitted.   The terminal has a print order mode, and the transmitted content is printed on a predetermined sheet only to an e-mail set in the print order mode and transmitted, and sent to a predetermined destination. 10. The print distribution method according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein an e-mail set in a mode other than the mode is transmitted to a set destination.

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