JP2011134345A - Printing system, printing method and printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform timely printing of electronic mail by using the convenience of a portable terminal. <P>SOLUTION: In the printing system, a second device (3) which stores a plurality of data containing documents recorded by a first device (2) which performs communication with a portable terminal (1) capable of receiving e-mail and the printing device (4) are connected to each other through a communication line. The printing device (4) includes a presentation means which presents list information related to the plurality of data stored in the second device (3); a selection means which selects data to be printed based on the presented list information; a receiving means which receives the data selected by the selection means from the second device (3) in response to an instruction for transmission of the data selected by the selection means from the second device (3); and a control means which controls printing of the data received by the receiving means based on print setting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, and a printing apparatus that perform printing using a plurality of printing apparatuses that are connected via a communication line by communicating with a portable terminal such as a cellular phone capable of receiving electronic mail.

  In recent years, mobile terminals such as mobile phones have become widespread. Some of such portable terminals have a display unit composed of a small liquid crystal display device and the like, and have a function of transmitting / receiving e-mails or an Internet connection function in addition to a cellular phone communication function.

  On the other hand, transmission / reception of various types of electronic mails is performed with the spread of electronic mails. For example, in addition to a text document as a mail body, an e-mail attached with a file such as image data having a large amount of data or document data having a large amount of data may be transmitted and received.

  Such an e-mail attached with such an attached file has a very large amount of data when the attached file is included, and is difficult to display on a small display unit of the portable terminal. In addition, since the capacity of the memory provided in the portable terminal is small, the memory may be insufficient just by receiving an attached file with a large amount of data.

  Therefore, after transferring these e-mails to one's personal computer, they are sometimes printed by a dedicated printer connected to the personal computer.

  However, this is inconvenient because it is not possible to accept these prints unless you go to a dedicated printer connected to your personal computer. In addition, the e-mail transmitted to the mobile terminal cannot be printed in a timely manner, and the convenience of the mobile terminal cannot be utilized.

  As mentioned above, if you do not go to a dedicated printer connected to your personal computer, you will not be able to accept e-mail printing, and you will be able to print e-mail sent to your mobile device in a timely manner. There is a problem that it is impossible to make use of the convenience of the portable terminal.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a printing method, and a printing apparatus capable of printing an e-mail in a timely manner by taking advantage of the convenience of a portable terminal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides printing with a second apparatus that stores a plurality of data including documents recorded by a first apparatus that communicates with a mobile terminal capable of receiving electronic mail. A printing system in which a printing apparatus to be connected is connected via a communication line, wherein the printing apparatus presents list information related to a plurality of data stored in the second apparatus, and presented Selection means for selecting data to be printed based on the list information, and data selected by the selection means in response to an instruction to transmit the data selected by the selection means from the second apparatus. A receiving unit that receives the data and a control unit that controls the printing of the data based on the setting of the printing of the data received by the receiving unit.

  Further, according to the present invention, a second device that stores a plurality of data including a document recorded by a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal that can receive electronic mail and a printing device that performs printing communicate with each other. A control method of a printing system connected via a line, wherein the printing apparatus presents list information regarding a plurality of data stored in the second apparatus and based on the presented list information Select data to be printed, receive the selected data from the second device in response to an instruction to transmit the selected data from the second device, and print the received data based on the settings A control method of a printing system for controlling printing of the data.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in a printing method of a printing apparatus, list information relating to a plurality of data stored in a first apparatus communicating with a mobile terminal is presented, and data to be printed is selected based on the presented list information A printing method for receiving the selected data transmitted from the first device in response to an instruction for requesting the selected data, and controlling printing of the data based on a print setting of the received data; is there.

  According to the present invention, in the printing apparatus, presentation means for presenting list information regarding a plurality of data stored in the first apparatus communicating with the mobile terminal, and data to be printed based on the presented list information are selected. Selecting means for receiving, receiving means for receiving the selected data transmitted from the first device in response to an instruction for requesting the selected data, and printing of the data based on a print setting of the received data And a control means for controlling the printing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, e-mail can be printed in a timely manner by taking advantage of the convenience of the mobile terminal.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the network system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a mobile telephone. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a groupware server. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of an internet binder. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP). The figure which shows the structural example of a mail information database. The figure which shows the structural example of the database for storage destination designation | designated. The figure which shows the structural example of a received mail database. The figure which shows the structural example of a user information database. The figure which shows the structural example of a storage destination database. The figure which shows the structural example of a storage file information database. The figure which shows the structural example of a printer information database. The figure which shows the structural example of a print attribute database. The figure which shows the structural example of a printing information database. The figure which shows the structural example of a printing parameter database. The figure which shows the structural example of a printing history database. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for instructing printing to the MFP using the mobile phone in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the binder selection displayed on the display part of a mobile telephone. The figure which shows the example of a display of the binder print setting displayed on the display part of the mobile telephone. The figure which shows the example of a display of the printing output destination displayed on the display part of a mobile telephone. The figure which shows the example of a display of the binder printing reservation displayed on the display part of the mobile telephone. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining data transmitted and received between an Internet binder and an MFP. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a user ID and password input screen on the display unit of the MFP. The figure which shows the example of a display of the list | wrist of the document information received from the internet binder. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which download time and print processing time are displayed on the MFP. The figure which shows the example of a display of a print setting screen. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation after printing is completed. The figure which shows the example of a screen of the mail transmitted to the mobile phone.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system includes a mobile phone (mobile terminal) 1, a groupware server 2, an Internet binder 3, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 4, a user PC 5, and the like.

  The mobile phone 1 transmits and receives data by connecting to the groupware server 2. Thereby, the mobile phone 1 can receive an electronic mail (hereinafter referred to as mail) from the groupware server 2. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 1 is described as a mobile terminal. However, the mobile phone 1 is not limited to this, and the mobile terminal can be a mobile mail terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA) capable of receiving e-mails. The same applies to a terminal.

  The groupware server 2 is a server device composed of a personal computer (PC) or the like, and has groupware installed. The groupware server 2 has a function of connecting to the mobile phone 1 and a function of connecting to the Internet 6.

  The internet binder 3 is a device composed of a personal computer. The Internet binder 3 transmits and receives data via the Internet and stores (stores) data such as files.

  The MFP 4 is a digital copying machine having a printing device (printer) and an image reading device (scanner), and has a function of connecting to a public line. This MFP 4 is connected to the Internet by a connection function to a public line, and transmits and receives data via the Internet. Further, the MFP 4 has a display 43 constituted by a liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch panel.

  The user PC 5 is a personal computer for users and has a function of connecting to the Internet.

  Next, the configuration of the mobile phone 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 1 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a memory 14, a reception unit 15, a transmission unit 16, a communication control unit 17, an antenna unit 18, and a power supply unit 19. Have.

  The control unit 11 controls the entire mobile phone 1. The display unit 12 is composed of a liquid crystal display and displays various messages. The operation unit 13 includes various keys such as a numeric keypad and a cursor key, and inputs operation instructions.

  The memory 14 includes a storage unit that stores preset data such as a control program and user information, and a storage unit that temporarily stores various types of information and control data. The receiver 15 is a speaker that outputs sound when a telephone call is performed. The transmitter 16 is a microphone that inputs voice when a telephone call is performed.

  The communication control unit 17 is an interface that controls communication with an external device by the antenna unit 18. The power supply unit 19 is composed of a battery or the like, and supplies power to each unit of the mobile phone 1.

  Next, the configuration of the groupware server 2 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the groupware server 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the groupware server 2 includes a controller 21, a memory 22, a hard disk drive (HDD) 23, a modem 24, a mobile phone interface 25, and the like.

  The controller 21 uses a CPU. The controller 21 controls the entire operation of the groupware server 2 and operates according to a program stored in advance. The memory 22 is used for temporarily storing various information and control data when the controller 21 operates.

  The HDD 23 stores various types of data or information set in advance when the groupware server 2 operates. The HDD 23 includes databases 23a, 23b, and 23c. The modem 24 is an interface for connecting to the Internet. The mobile phone interface 25 is an interface for connecting to a mobile phone.

  Next, the configuration of the Internet binder 3 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the Internet binder 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the Internet binder 3 includes a controller 31, a memory 32, a hard disk drive (HDD) 33, a modem 34, and the like.

  The controller 31 uses a CPU. The controller 101 controls the entire operation of the Internet binder 3 and operates according to a program stored in advance. The memory 32 is used for temporarily storing various types of information and control data when the controller 31 operates. The HDD 33 stores various data such as files. The HDD 33 has various databases 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e, 33f, 33g, and 33h. The modem 34 is an interface for connecting to the Internet.

Next, a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction machine 4 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the digital multi-function peripheral 4 includes a controller 41, a memory 42, a display unit (display) 43, an operation unit 44, a scanner 45, an image processing unit 46, a printer 47, a modem 48, etc. The components are connected via a bus 49 around the controller 41.

  The controller 41 uses a CPU. The controller 41 controls the entire operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 4 and operates according to a program stored in advance. The memory 42 is used to temporarily store various information and control data when the controller 41 operates. The display unit 43 is a display composed of a liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch panel 43a. The operation unit 44 includes hard keys such as a numeric keypad, a cursor key, and a copy start key. Various operations in the digital multi-function peripheral 4 are performed by the hard keys as the operation unit 44 and the touch panel 43a.

  The scanner 45 optically scans the document and changes the document to image data. The image processing unit 46 performs various processes on the image data. The printer 47 prints image data on paper. Various types of printer 47 such as an electrophotographic type and an ink jet type can be considered, but in this embodiment, an electrophotographic type is used. The modem 48 is an interface for connecting to the Internet.

  Next, a database managed by the groupware server 2 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the mail information database 23 a stored in the HDD 23 of the groupware server 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the mail information database 23a is composed of items such as an account name, a mobile phone mail address, presence / absence of transfer to the mobile phone, a password, and a user ID.

  In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded. In the mobile phone mail address field, the user's mobile phone mail address corresponding to the account name is recorded.

  In the presence / absence of forwarding to the mobile phone, information indicating whether or not to forward the mail to the mobile phone mail address is recorded when the groupware receives the mail addressed to the user corresponding to the account name. The

  In the password item, a password given to the user is recorded. In the user ID item, a user ID given to the user is recorded. The user ID may be the same as the account name or may be different from the account name.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the storage destination designation database 23b stored in the HDD 23 of the groupware server 2.
As shown in FIG. 7, the storage destination designation database 23b is composed of items of account name and Internet binder folder name.

  In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded. In the item of the folder name of the Internet binder, the folder name in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3 is designated corresponding to the account name. This folder name indicates a storage location in the Internet binder 3 such as a user's mail or WEB corresponding to the account name.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the received mail database 23 c stored in the HDD 23 of the groupware server 2.
As shown in FIG. 8, the received mail database 23c includes items such as a serial number, an account name, a mail text, an attached file, and a delivery flag for the attached file.

  In the serial number item, a serial number as a serial number is recorded. This serial number is a number assigned in the recording order of each corresponding item. In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded.

  In the mail text item, the text of the mail addressed to the user with the account name is recorded. In the item of the attached file, the attached file name is recorded when the attached file is attached to the body of the mail addressed to the account name user.

  In the item of the attached file transfer flag, a flag indicating whether or not the attached file is transferred to the Internet binder 3 is recorded. The delivery flag is set when the attached file is stored in the mail and stored in the Internet binder 3.

Next, a database managed by the Internet binder 3 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user information database 33 a stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.
As shown in FIG. 9, the user information database 33a includes items such as an account name, a full name, and a password.

  In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded. In the full name item, the user's name (full name) is recorded. In the password item, a password given to the user is recorded.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the storage destination database 33 b stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.
As shown in FIG. 10, the storage destination database includes items such as account names and folder names.

  In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded. In the folder name item, a folder name in the HDD 33 for recording mail addressed to the user corresponding to the account name is designated.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the storage file information database 33 c stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.
As shown in FIG. 11, the storage file information database includes items such as a serial number, an account name, a folder name, a mail subject, an attached file, and a size.

  In the serial number item, a serial number as a serial number is recorded. This serial number is a number assigned in the recording order of each corresponding item. In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded.

  In the folder name item, a folder name in the HDD 33 for recording mail addressed to the user corresponding to the account name is designated. Information indicating the contents of the file such as the file type is recorded in the mail subject item.

  In the item of the attached file, the attached file name is recorded when the attached file is attached to the body of the mail addressed to the account name user. In the size item, the size (data size) of the attached file is recorded.

  The user information database, the storage destination database, and the storage file information database are data for the Internet binder 3 to manage attached files.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer information database 33 d stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the printer information database 33d is composed of items such as usable printer names, printer addresses, and printer capabilities.

  The usable printer name is recorded in the item of usable printer name. In the printer address field, an address indicating the location of the printer on the network corresponding to the usable printer name is recorded. In the printer capability item, information indicating the printer capability corresponding to the usable printer name is recorded. For example, as the capability of a printer, information such as color or monochrome, printing resolution, printing speed, printable paper size, and the like is recorded.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the print attribute database 33e stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the print attribute database 33e is composed of items such as a serial number, a printer name, and a print attribute.

  In the serial number item, a serial number as a serial number is recorded. In the printer name item, a printer name corresponding to the serial number is recorded. In the print attribute item, a print attribute corresponding to the serial number is recorded.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print information database 33 f stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the print information database 33 f includes items such as a serial number, a printer name, a print start time, a print end time, only direct sending to the MFP 4, a print end mail, and a print forgotten mail.

  In the serial number item, a serial number as a serial number is recorded. In the printer name item, a printer name corresponding to the serial number is recorded. In the print start time item, the print start time is recorded corresponding to the serial number. Similarly, the print end time item records the print end time corresponding to the serial number. The presence / absence of transfer to the MFP 4 is stored. The print end mail corresponds to the serial number, and instruction information indicating whether or not to notify the mobile phone 1 of the end of printing by mail when printing is completed is recorded. The item “forget-to-print mail” corresponds to the serial number, and although details will be described later, a warning mail is sent to the mobile phone 1 when the print data transmitted to the MFP 4 is not output even after a predetermined time has passed. Instruction information indicating whether or not to transmit is recorded.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the print parameter database 33g stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the print parameter database 33g includes items such as binder number, binder name, number of copies, both sides, layout, and finish.

  In the binder number item, an identification number is recorded serially. In the binder name item, binder names such as management meeting materials and patent documents are recorded corresponding to the binder numbers. In the number of copies item, the number of copies to be printed is recorded corresponding to the binder number. In the double-sided item, information indicating whether or not double-sided copying is performed corresponding to the binder number is recorded. In the layout item, information indicating a copy layout such as 2-in-1 or normal is recorded corresponding to the binder number. In the finishing item, information indicating finishing such as stapling or hole punching is recorded corresponding to the binder number.

  For example, the binder number is 0001, the binder name is “management meeting material”, the number of copies is “3”, double-sided copying is not performed, the layout is “2 in 1”, and the finish designation is “staple”.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the print history database 33 h stored in the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the print history database 33h includes items such as a history number, an account name, a printer name, contents, and a date.

  In the history number item, an identification number is recorded serially. In the account name item, a mail destination name (account name) such as a user name is recorded corresponding to the history number. In the printer name item, the identification name of the MFP 4 connected to the Internet corresponding to the history number is recorded. In the date item, the date and time at the time of print output corresponding to the history number are recorded.

  For example, in the history number 0001, the account name is “suzuki”, the printer name is “3F-C”, the content is “Binder“ Product specification ”print reservation”, and the date is “01/07/25, 16:30”. It is recorded.

  Next, the first embodiment will be described with such a configuration.

  In the first embodiment, an operation for instructing printing to the MFP 4 using the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when a connection request is made from the mobile phone 1 to the groupware server 2, the groupware server 2 responds to the print request from the mobile phone 1 and displays the binder information on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1. Information, information on the MFP 4 and the like are transmitted.

  First, a binder to be printed is selected from the mobile phone 1 (ST1). Here, the binder is a unit in which a plurality of documents (documents, files, etc.) are collected, and printing can be instructed for each binder. That is, by issuing a print instruction to a binder that includes a plurality of documents, all the documents included in the binder can be printed by a single operation.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display example of binder selection displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1. The binder name can be selected from a drop-down list. For example, when the management meeting material is selected, a list of documents included in the binder of the “management meeting material” is displayed. In the management meeting materials, a list of documents such as a management data list 1p, a budget plan 5p for the next year, a management plan 2p, and the like is displayed.

  Subsequently, the printing method displayed on the display unit 12 from the mobile phone 1 is selected (ST2). As shown in FIG. 18, only “print now”, “print later”, “data distribution”, etc. are selected.

  When “print now” is selected (ST3), printing of the selected binder is set (ST6).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of binder print settings displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1. Here, printing parameters such as the number of copies, the presence / absence of double-sided printing, layout, and finishing are set. For example, the number of copies of the selected “management meeting material” is “3”, double-sided printing is “not performed”, the layout is “2 in 1”, and the finish is “staple”.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19, either the cancel button or the OK button displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1 is selected. When the cancel button is selected, all operations from step ST1 to here are cancelled.

  When the OK button is selected, the MFP 4 as the print output destination (printer) is selected (ST7).

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a print output destination (printer) displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1. As shown in FIG. 20, the groupware server 2 refers to the printer information database 33 d stored in the HDD 33 of the internet binder 3 and transmits a usable printer name to the mobile phone 1. The printer name is, for example, “3F-A”, “3F-B”, “3F-C”, “4F-A”, and the like. In FIG. 20, the printer name “3F-B” is selected.

  Note that a list of printers that have been used in the past may be displayed based on the print history information. Further, the last used printer may be displayed as the default printer. Alternatively, the most frequently used printer may be displayed as the default printer.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 20, either the cancel button or the print button displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1 is selected. When the cancel button is selected, all operations from step ST1 to here are cancelled.

  When the print button is selected, the “print now” instruction from the mobile phone 1 is terminated.

  The above-described instructions are recorded by the groupware server 2 in the print parameter database 33g of the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3 according to the serial binder number. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the binder number 0001 is recorded with the binder name “management meeting material”, the number of copies “3”, double-sided printing “not done”, the layout “2 in 1”, and the finish “staple”. ing.

  Since “print now” is instructed in step ST3, the Internet binder 3 sends the print parameter data and the “business meeting document” document (to the MFP 4 having the selected printer name (for example, 3F-B)) ( Document) Information is distributed via the Internet.

  The MFP 4 starts printing based on the distributed print parameters and the document information of the “business meeting material”. The operation when printing is completed will be described later.

  Next, a case where “print later” is selected in step ST2 will be described.

  When “print later” is selected in step ST2 (ST4), the process proceeds to print reservation setting (ST8).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the binder print reservation displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1. Here, printing at a specified time and printing after a specified time can be selected. These can be selected with radio buttons. For example, when printing at a designated time is selected, it can be designated to start printing at 15:00 tomorrow. Further, when printing after a specified time is selected, it is possible to specify to start printing after one hour.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 21, either a cancel button or a reservation button displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1 is selected. When the cancel button is selected, all operations from step ST1 to here are cancelled.

  When the reservation button is selected, printing of the selected binder is set (ST9). As shown in FIG. 19, after the binder print setting displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1 is set, either the cancel button or the OK button is selected. When the cancel button is selected, all operations from step ST1 to here are cancelled.

  When the OK button is selected, the MFP 4 as the print output destination (printer) is selected (ST10). As shown in FIG. 20, after the printer name displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1 is selected, either the cancel button or the print button is selected. When the cancel button is selected, all operations from step ST1 to here are cancelled.

  When the print button is selected, the “print later” instruction from the mobile phone 1 is terminated. The print reservation content may specify not only the print start time but also the print completion time.

  The above-described instructions are recorded by the groupware server 2 in the print parameter database 33g of the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3 according to the serial binder number. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the binder number 0001 is recorded with the binder name “management meeting material”, the number of copies “3”, double-sided printing “not done”, the layout “2 in 1”, and the finish “staple”. ing.

  Further, the printer name and the print start time are recorded in the print information database 33f of the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3 according to the serial number.

  Then, when the print start time is reached, the Internet binder 3 sends the print parameter data and “business meeting document” document (document) information to the MFP 4 having the selected printer name (for example, 3F-B) on the Internet. To deliver through. Note that the document information may be distributed asynchronously or precedently according to the set time.

  The MFP 4 starts printing based on the distributed print parameters and the document information of the “business meeting material”. The operation when printing is completed will be described later.

  Next, a case where “data distribution” is selected in step ST2 will be described.

  When “data distribution” is selected in step ST2 (ST5), the process proceeds to selection of a distribution destination (ST11). As shown in FIG. 20, after the printer name displayed on the display unit 12 of the mobile phone 1 is selected, either the cancel button or the print button is selected. When the cancel button is selected, all operations from step ST1 to here are cancelled.

  When the print button is selected, the “data distribution” instruction from the mobile phone 1 is terminated.

  The above-described instructions are recorded by the groupware server 2 in the print information database 33f of the HDD 33 of the Internet binder 3 with a flag set in the printer name and “only delivered to MFP” according to the serial number.

  Then, the Internet binder 3 distributes the document (document) information of the “business meeting material” to the MFP 4 having the selected printer name (for example, 3F-B) via the Internet.

  The MFP 4 stores the distributed print parameters and the document information of the “business meeting material” in the memory 42. The printing of the document information stored in the memory 42 will be described later.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, document information such as documents and attached files stored in the Internet binder 3 is printed by the MFP 4.

  The document information stored in the Internet binder 3 can be directly printed by the MFP 4 in addition to being taken in by the user PC 5.

  Here, the printing operation of the document information according to the operation procedure of the MFP 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  23 to 26 are diagrams showing display examples of the display unit 43 of the MFP 4 when the document information is printed by the MFP 4.

  First, when printing document information stored in the Internet binder 3 by the MFP 4, the user inputs a user ID and a password by operating the touch panel 43 a and the operation unit 44.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a user ID and password input screen on the display unit 43 of the MFP 4. In the input screen shown in FIG. 23, an input field for a user ID and a password is displayed on the display unit 43, and a “return” key and a “login” key are displayed on the touch panel 43a.

  In a state where such an input screen is displayed, the user inputs a user ID and a password. If the entered user ID and password are satisfactory, the user touches the “login” key on the touch panel 43a (ST21).

  Then, the MFP 4 performs a connection process with the Internet binder 3 by transmitting the user ID and the password. When the connection with the MFP 4 is established, the Internet binder 3 transmits a list of document information stored corresponding to the user ID transmitted from the MFP 4 to the MFP 4 (ST22).

  The MFP 4 that has received this list of document information displays a document selection screen on the display unit 43 based on the list of document information received from the Internet binder 3.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a display example when a list of document information received from the Internet binder 3 is displayed on the display unit 43. In this case, the document is selected by touching the document name displayed on the display unit 43 with the touch panel 43a. A document selection screen as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the display unit 43.

  The user selects a desired document from the document selection screen using the touch panel 43a and touches the “select” key. Then, the MFP 4 requests the Internet binder 3 to transfer the selected document data (ST23).

  The internet binder 3 transfers the document data requested by the MFP 4 to the MFP 4 (ST24).

  At this time, the Internet binder 3 selects an optimal compression format as document data from the current Internet communication path state as follows.

When the communication capacity is small → Communication speed is prioritized When the communication capacity is large → Print image quality is prioritized Also, the Internet binder 3 downloads data (transfer time) based on the current Internet communication path status and transfer data volume. And the estimated time required for processing including the print processing time after completion of transfer is transmitted to the MFP 4. The MFP 4 displays the predicted time required for the received process on the display 43 and further displays the progress of the process. The print processing time is calculated from the printer capability recorded in the printer information database 33d of the HDD 33 of the internet binder 3.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example in which the download time and the print processing time are displayed on the display 43 of the MFP 4.

  When the MFP 4 receives the document data from the Internet binder 3, the MFP 4 displays a print setting screen on the display unit 43.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the print setting screen. When the user inputs various settings on this print setting screen and selects printing, the MFP 4 executes printing of the document data transferred from the Internet binder 3.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described.

  In the third embodiment, document information distributed in advance to the MFP 4 is printed.

  A user that has been delivered in advance by the mobile phone 1 inputs a user ID and a password by operating the touch panel 43 a and the operation unit 44 of the MFP 4.

  FIG. 23 shows a display example of a user ID and password input screen on the display unit 43 of the MFP 4. In the input screen shown in FIG. 23, an input field for a user ID and a password is displayed on the display unit 43, and a “return” key and a “login” key are displayed on the touch panel 43a.

  In a state where such an input screen is displayed, the user inputs a user ID and a password. If the entered user ID and password are satisfactory, the user touches the “distributed data print” key on the touch panel 43a.

  The controller 41 of the MFP 4 displays the document name and file distributed on the display unit 43. As shown in FIG. 25, when the “all print” key is touched, the screen shifts to a print setting screen. When the user inputs print settings on the print setting screen shown in FIG. 26 and touches the “print” key on the touch panel 43 a, the MFP 4 executes printing of document information stored in the memory 42.

  Note that, after the document information is distributed to the MFP 4, if there is no notification of completion of printing for a predetermined time from the MFP 4, the Internet binder 3 transmits a notification mail forgetting to print to the mobile phone 1 that has instructed data distribution. As a result, it is possible to prevent the document from being left unattended.

  However, if the item of forgotten printing email in the print information database 33f of the Internet binder 3 is “no transmission required”, the notification email is not sent. Further, the time until the notification is performed can be set.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, the operation after printing is completed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When printing is completed, the MFP 4 creates history data (ST31), and further checks whether the printed data is data transferred from the Internet binder 3 (ST32).

  If the data is transferred from the Internet binder 3, the MFP 4 transmits the created history data to the destination Internet binder 3 (ST33).

  The internet binder 3 adds the received history data to the print history database (table) 33h of the HDD 33. For example, in the history number 1, the account name is “suzuki”, the printer name is “3F-C”, the content is “print reservation for binder“ product specification ””, and the date is “00/07/16, 16:30”. It is recorded.

  Further, the Internet binder 3 transmits a print end mail notifying that the printing process in the MFP 4 is completed to the mobile phone 1 that has instructed printing. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user that the printing process has been completed.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a screen example of an email transmitted to the mobile phone 1. For example, the printer name is “3F-B”, the date is “2000/09/30”, the subject is “printing completed”, and the notification content is “printing of the binder“ management meeting document ”according to the instruction of the user“ watanabe ”is completed. "

  However, when the print end mail item of the print information database 33f of the Internet binder 3 is “transmission unnecessary”, the notification mail is not transmitted.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, mail can be printed from a mobile phone by a desired printer.

  In addition, it is possible to print a mail from a mobile phone at a date and time designated by a desired printer.

  In addition, it is possible to pre-distribute data for which a mail is desired from a mobile phone to a desired printer, and print the printed matter immediately from the printer without being seen by others.

  Further, the MFP 4 can access the Internet binder 3 in which the mail is stored, send the desired mail, and print it.

  In addition, a print history when data transmitted from the Internet binder 3 to the MFP 4 is printed by an instruction from the mobile phone can be stored and managed in the Internet binder 3.

  In addition, when data transmitted from the Internet binder 3 to the MFP 4 is printed according to an instruction from the mobile phone, the completion of printing can be notified to the mobile phone by e-mail.

The present invention can be expressed as follows.
(1) Printing in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a plurality of printing devices that perform printing are connected via a communication line In the system, the portable terminal communicates with the first device to select data to be printed from a plurality of data stored in the second device, and the first selection An instruction means for instructing printing of the data selected by the means, and a second selection means for selecting a printing apparatus for printing the data instructed by the instruction means from the plurality of printing apparatuses. And a transmission unit that transmits the data selected by the first selection unit to the printing apparatus selected by the second selection unit, and the instruction unit prints the data transmitted by the transmission unit. According to the instructions of the printer. And a setting unit.

  (2) Printing in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a plurality of printing devices that perform printing are connected via a communication line In the system, the portable terminal communicates with the first device to select data to be printed from a plurality of data stored in the second device, and the first selection Designation means for designating the date and time of data printing selected by the means, and second selection means for selecting a printing apparatus for printing the data designated by the designation means from the plurality of printing apparatuses, The second device transmits the data selected by the first selection unit to the printing device selected by the second selection unit, and specifies the printing of the data transmitted by the transmission unit. Depending on the designation of the means, Printing system characterized by comprising an execution means for rows, the.

  (3) Printing in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a plurality of printing devices that perform printing are connected via a communication line In the system, the portable terminal communicates with the first device to select data to be printed from a plurality of data stored in the second device, and the first selection An instruction means for instructing delivery of the data selected by the means; and a second selection means for selecting a printing apparatus for printing the data instructed by the instruction means from the plurality of printing apparatuses. Control means for controlling the second apparatus to transmit the data selected by the first selection means to the printing apparatus selected by the second selection means in response to a distribution instruction from the instruction means. A printing system characterized by comprising Beam.

  (4) In a printing system in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a printing device that performs printing are connected via a communication line The printing apparatus receives data transmitted from the second apparatus in response to an instruction from the portable terminal, storage means for storing data received by the receiving means, and storage in the storage means A printing system comprising: setting means for setting printing of the data that has been performed; and control means for controlling printing of the data based on the setting of the setting means.

  (5) In a printing system in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a printing device that performs printing are connected via a communication line When the printing apparatus prints data transmitted from the second apparatus according to an instruction from the portable terminal, the printing apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits the print completion information to the second apparatus. A receiving unit that receives the print completion information transmitted from the transmitting unit, and notifies the mobile terminal of the completion of printing via the first device based on the print completion information received by the receiving unit. And a notifying means for printing.

  (6) In a printing system in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a printing device that performs printing are connected via a communication line The printing apparatus performs selection means for selecting data to be printed from a plurality of data stored in the second apparatus, and an instruction for transmitting the data selected by the selection means from the second apparatus. A transmission instructing unit; a receiving unit for receiving data transmitted from the second apparatus instructed to transmit by the transmission instructing unit; a setting unit for setting printing of the data received by the receiving unit; Control means for controlling printing of the data on the basis of the setting of the means, and the second device selects the data selected by the selection means in response to the transmission instruction of the transmission instruction means. Receiver Printing system characterized by comprising a transmitting means for transmitting to.

  (7) In a printing system in which a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a second device that stores a plurality of data such as documents, and a printing device that performs printing are connected via a communication line When the printing apparatus prints the data transmitted from the second apparatus, a creating unit for creating the printing history information and the printing history information created by the creating unit are transmitted to the second apparatus. And the second device comprises receiving means for receiving the print history information transmitted from the transmitting means, and storage means for storing the print history information received by the receiving means. A printing system characterized by that.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. In addition, the embodiments may be combined as appropriate as possible, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. Can be obtained as an invention.

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mobile phone, 2 ... Groupware server, 3 ... Internet binder, 4 ... Digital compound machine (MFP), 5 ... User PC, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Display part, 13 ... Operation part, 17 ... Communication control part , 18 ... antenna, 21, 31 ... controller, 23, 33 ... hard disk drive (HDD), 23a ... mail information database, 23b ... storage destination designation database, 23c ... received mail database, 33a ... user information database, 33b ... storage Destination database, 33c ... Storage file information database, 33d ... Printer information database, 33e ... Print attribute database, 33f ... Print information database, 33g ... Print parameter database, 33h ... Print history database, 24, 34 ... Modem, 25 ... Mobile phone Interf Over the nest.

Claims (8)

A second device storing a plurality of data including a document recorded by a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal capable of receiving electronic mail and a printing device that performs printing are connected via a communication line. Printing system,
The printing apparatus is
Presenting means for presenting list information related to a plurality of data stored in the second device;
A selection means for selecting data to be printed based on the presented list information;
Receiving means for receiving the data selected by the selection means from the second device in response to an instruction to transmit the data selected by the selection means from the second device;
And a control means for controlling the printing of the data based on the setting of the printing of the data received by the receiving means.   2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the data is an attached file attached when the portable terminal receives an e-mail. A second device storing a plurality of data including a document recorded by a first device that communicates with a mobile terminal capable of receiving electronic mail and a printing device that performs printing are connected via a communication line. A printing system control method, comprising:
The printing apparatus presents list information regarding a plurality of data stored in the second apparatus,
Select the data to print based on the presented list information,
Receiving the selected data from the second device in response to an instruction to transmit the selected data from the second device;
A printing system control method, wherein printing of the data is controlled based on a setting of printing of received data. 4. The print control method according to claim 3, wherein the data is an attached file attached when the portable terminal receives an electronic mail. In the printing method of the printing apparatus,
Presenting list information on a plurality of data stored in a first device communicating with a mobile terminal;
Select the data to print based on the presented list information,
Receiving the selected data transmitted from the first device in response to an instruction requesting the selected data;
A printing method, wherein printing of the data is controlled based on print settings of received data.   6. The printing method according to claim 5, wherein the data stored in the first device includes an attached file attached to an e-mail transmitted by the portable terminal. In the printing device,
Presenting means for presenting list information on a plurality of data stored in a first device communicating with a portable terminal;
A selection means for selecting data to be printed based on the presented list information;
Receiving means for receiving the selected data transmitted from the first device in response to an instruction to request the selected data;
A printing apparatus comprising: control means for controlling printing of the data based on print settings of received data.   8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the data stored in the first apparatus includes an attached file attached to an electronic mail transmitted by the portable terminal.

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