JP2012138074A - Mobile printing system and program for mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collectively and intensively perform printing-related processes (charge process, print setting, etc.) individually different for respective mobile terminal devices.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal device 1 has a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface whose maximum communicable range is shorter that of the wireless communication interface, and transmits a device identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 and a document data file to a device management server apparatus 3 with the wireless communication interface. The device management server apparatus 3 transmits print data corresponding to the document data file according to a request. Set top boxes 6A and 6B, when detecting the mobile terminal device 1 existing around them with a short-range communication interface using the same communication method as that of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device 1, acquire the device identifier of the mobile terminal device 1, acquire print data corresponding to the device identifier from the device management server apparatus 3, and cause multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B to execute printing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile printing system and a program for a portable terminal device.

  In recent years, mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones and smartphones are becoming widespread. A printing system using such a mobile phone has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the system described in Patent Document 1, when a user (sending user) sends a document to another user (receiving user), the client PC (a) is based on the mobile phone number designated by the sending user. , Using the location detection service of the mobile phone network, identify the office or floor where the receiving user's mobile phone is located, and (b) Bluetooth communication connected to the printer located at the office or floor Use the device to search the receiving user's mobile phone (that is, the mobile phone with the specified number), and (c) print the document to the printer connected to the Bluetooth communication device that found the receiving user's mobile phone (D) an electronic message that asks the user whether to print with that printer. Le, sent to the mobile phone of the receiving user, from the mobile phone (e) the receiving user, based on the response to the effect that printing, to execute printing of the document to the selected printer.

  In the system described in Patent Document 2, a multifunction peripheral establishes a connection with a mobile phone via Bluetooth, receives image data from the mobile phone, and executes printing based on the image data.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-21860 JP 2010-219680 A

  In the above-described system, since a machine identifier unique to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone is not managed, processing related to printing (billing processing, print setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone is performed. It is difficult to carry out centralized processing with a certain device.

  Also, for example, if there is a possibility that a plurality of printers may be used when trying to perform such printing processing with a printer, it is necessary to manage the body identifier of the portable terminal device in each of those printers. Yes, administrators and users must register the device identifier of the mobile terminal device and register or change the print setting information for all printers, which makes the work complicated and realistic. is not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the processing related to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.), which differs individually for each mobile terminal device, is concentrated in a lump. An object of the present invention is to obtain a mobile printing system and a portable terminal device program usable in the system.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  A mobile printing system according to the present invention includes a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance than the wireless communication interface, and a device identifier and document unique to the mobile terminal device using the wireless communication interface A mobile terminal device that transmits a data file, and a server device that receives a machine identifier and a document data file from the mobile terminal device, and transmits print data corresponding to the document data file that can be processed by the image forming apparatus upon request And a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and when a mobile terminal device existing in the vicinity is detected by the short-range communication interface, the machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device is acquired and acquired. Server device with machine identifier Acquires print data corresponding to Oite received document data file request to the server apparatus, to execute printing and supplies to the image forming apparatus and a print control unit.

  As a result, processing relating to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device is collectively performed by the server device. In addition, since the machine identifier is transmitted through the short-range communication interface and printing is performed, a device at a relatively long distance does not need to be detected as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier. As a result, printing can be performed by an apparatus intended by a user who carries the portable terminal apparatus. Furthermore, by providing a print control device separately from the image forming apparatus, it is possible to detect a mobile terminal device, acquire a machine identifier, and transmit without modifying or changing an existing image forming apparatus.

  A mobile printing system according to the present invention includes a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance than the wireless communication interface, and a device identifier and document unique to the mobile terminal device using the wireless communication interface A mobile terminal device that transmits a data file, and a server that receives a machine identifier and a document data file from the mobile terminal device, and that can process the image forming apparatus and print data corresponding to the document data file upon request The device has a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and when a mobile terminal device existing in the vicinity is detected by the short-range communication interface, the machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device is acquired and acquired. Server with selected aircraft identifier And an image forming apparatus acquires the print data corresponding to the received document data file request to a server apparatus for performing printing based on the print data in the location.

  As a result, processing relating to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device is collectively performed by the server device. Furthermore, since the machine identifier is transmitted by the short-range communication interface and printing is executed, it is not necessary to detect a device at a relatively long distance as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier. As a result, printing can be performed by an apparatus intended by a user who carries the portable terminal apparatus.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the machine identifier is an identifier of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device.

  Accordingly, when printing is performed, the print control apparatus and the image forming apparatus can be notified immediately through the short-range communication interface.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the machine identifier is the MAC address of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the wireless communication interface is a baseband circuit of a mobile phone.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the wireless communication interface is an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN interface.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the near field communication interface is a Bluetooth communication circuit of PowerClass2 or PowerClass3.

  A program for a portable terminal device according to the present invention is a computer built in a portable terminal device in a program for a portable terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a maximum communicable distance shorter than the wireless communication interface. A wireless communication interface, a file transmission processing unit for transmitting a device identifier and document data file unique to the mobile terminal device to the server device, and a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface existing in the surroundings Short-range communication processing unit that transmits a machine identifier to a device having the machine ID, causes the server apparatus to acquire print data corresponding to the document data file received together with the machine identifier, and executes printing based on the print data As machine Make.

  Thus, since the machine identifier is transmitted by the short-range communication interface and printing is executed, it is not necessary to detect a device at a relatively long distance as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier. As a result, printing can be performed by an apparatus intended by a user who carries the portable terminal apparatus.

  A mobile printing system according to the present invention includes a job management for storing a document data file associated with a body identifier of a mobile terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest communication distance shorter than the wireless communication interface. When the server device and the machine identifier and document data file transmitted from the mobile terminal device through the wireless communication interface are received, the document data file is stored in the job management server device in association with the machine identifier, and when the machine identifier is received, A device management server device that receives a document data file associated with the machine identifier from the job management server device and converts the received document data file into print data, and a near-field communication interface similar to the above-mentioned near-field communication interface. Having a remote communication interface and acquiring the device identifier of the mobile terminal device through the short-range communication interface, the acquired device identifier is transmitted to the device management server device, and the print data associated with the device identifier is managed by the device. A print control apparatus that receives from the server apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that receives print data from the print control apparatus and executes printing based on the print data.

  As a result, processing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) relating to printing, which is individually different for each mobile terminal device, is collectively performed by the device management server device or the like. In addition, since the machine identifier is transmitted through the short-range communication interface and printing is performed, a device at a relatively long distance does not need to be detected as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier. As a result, printing can be performed by an apparatus intended by a user who carries the portable terminal apparatus. Furthermore, by providing a print control device separately from the image forming apparatus, it is possible to detect a mobile terminal device, acquire a machine identifier, and transmit without modifying or changing an existing image forming apparatus.

  A mobile printing system according to the present invention stores a print data associated with a body identifier of a mobile terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest communication distance shorter than the wireless communication interface. When the device identifier and the document data file transmitted from the portable terminal device through the wireless communication interface are received, the document data file is stored in the job management server device in association with the device identifier, and the device identifier is received, A device management server device that receives the document data file associated with the identifier from the job management server device, converts the received document data file into print data, and short-range communication using the same communication method as the short-range communication interface described above When the device identifier of the portable terminal device is acquired by the short-range communication interface, the acquired device identifier is transmitted to the device management server device, and the print data associated with the device identifier is transmitted to the device management server device. And an image forming apparatus that executes printing based on the print data.

  As a result, processing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) relating to printing, which is individually different for each mobile terminal device, is collectively performed by the device management server device or the like. In addition, since the machine identifier is transmitted through the short-range communication interface and printing is performed, a device at a relatively long distance does not need to be detected as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. When receiving the machine identifier, the device management server apparatus performs an authentication process using the machine identifier.

  As a result, authentication processing relating to printing is centrally performed by the device management server apparatus.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. The device management server device converts the document data file into print data with print settings based on the print setting data stored in association with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device.

  Thereby, the print setting designated by the user who is the owner can be applied for every portable terminal device.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. The print setting data includes authorization information settings.

  Thereby, authorization information setting (setting of use restriction of various functions) can be applied for each portable terminal device.

  A mobile printing system according to the present invention has a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface whose maximum communicable distance is shorter than the wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface has a document data file storage function and a document data file storage function. A mobile terminal device that transmits to a cloud server device of the cloud service that it has, and a document data file associated with a machine identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal device can be downloaded from the cloud server device and processed by the image forming device And a server device that transmits print data corresponding to the document data file upon request, and a short-range communication interface that uses the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and is present in the vicinity of the short-range communication interface. When the mobile terminal device is detected, the device identifier of the detected mobile terminal device is acquired, print data corresponding to the document data file associated with the device identifier is requested from the server device, and is acquired and supplied to the image forming device And a print control device that executes printing.

  As a result, processing relating to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device is collectively performed by the server device. In addition, since the machine identifier is transmitted through the short-range communication interface and printing is performed, a device at a relatively long distance does not need to be detected as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier. As a result, printing can be performed by an apparatus intended by a user who carries the portable terminal apparatus. Furthermore, by providing a print control device separately from the image forming apparatus, it is possible to detect a mobile terminal device, acquire a machine identifier, and transmit without modifying or changing an existing image forming apparatus. Furthermore, since the server device acquires the document data file via the cloud service, if the mobile terminal device has software that can use the cloud service, such as a web browser, the user can use this system. You can enjoy printing services.

  A mobile printing system according to the present invention has a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface whose maximum communicable distance is shorter than the wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface has a document data file storage function and a document data file storage function. A mobile terminal device that transmits to a cloud server device of the cloud service that it has, and a document data file associated with a machine identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal device can be downloaded from the cloud server device and processed by the image forming device And a server device that transmits print data corresponding to the document data file upon request, and a short-range communication interface that uses the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and is present in the vicinity of the short-range communication interface. When the mobile terminal device is detected, the machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device is acquired, print data corresponding to the document data file associated with the machine identifier is requested from the server device, and printing is performed based on the print data. And an image forming apparatus to be executed.

  As a result, processing relating to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device is collectively performed by the server device. In addition, since the machine identifier is transmitted through the short-range communication interface and printing is performed, a device at a relatively long distance does not need to be detected as a candidate for the destination of the machine identifier. As a result, printing can be performed by an apparatus intended by a user who carries the portable terminal apparatus. Furthermore, since the server device acquires the document data file via the cloud service, if the mobile terminal device has software that can use the cloud service, such as a web browser, the user can use this system. You can enjoy printing services.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the above-described machine identifier is an identifier of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device.

  Accordingly, when printing is performed, the print control apparatus and the image forming apparatus can be notified immediately through the short-range communication interface.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the above-described machine identifier is the MAC address of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the wireless communication interface is an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN interface, and the short-range communication interface is a PowerClass2 or PowerClass3 Bluetooth communication circuit.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the server device repeatedly checks at a predetermined timing whether or not the document data file associated with the machine identifier unique to the predetermined mobile terminal device is stored in the cloud server device. When a document data file associated with a machine identifier unique to a predetermined portable terminal device is found, the found document data file is downloaded.

  Thus, if the user associates the document data file with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device on the cloud service, the server device automatically downloads the document data file. When the user wants to print after the operation on the cloud service, the document data file has already been acquired by the server device, so the time until printing is performed is shortened.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the server device converts the downloaded document data file into print data.

  This eliminates the need to install a driver for converting a document data file into print data in the mobile terminal device. If the user associates the document data file with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device on the cloud service, the server device automatically downloads the document data file. Thereafter, when the user wants to print, the print data corresponding to the document data file has already been generated in the server device, so that the time until printing is performed is shortened.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the server device converts the document data file into print data with print settings based on the print setting data associated with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device.

  Thereby, the print setting designated by the user who is the owner can be applied for every portable terminal device.

  In addition to the mobile printing system described above, the mobile printing system according to the present invention may be as follows. In this case, the server device downloads the print setting data from the cloud server device, and converts the document data file into the print data by the print setting based on the downloaded print setting data.

  As a result, the user can input the print settings on the cloud service, so that the user can easily input the print settings when he / she wants to print.

  According to the present invention, in the mobile printing system, printing-related processes (billing process, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that are individually different for each portable terminal device are collectively performed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the mobile terminal device in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the device management server apparatus in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of registered device data stored in the storage device of the device management server device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the job management server apparatus in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine in FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the set top box in FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine in FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the device management server apparatus in FIG. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system shown in FIG.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the system shown in FIG. 1, a mobile terminal device 1 carried by a user connects to a network 2 via a base station 2a by wireless communication. The network 2 is connected to a device management server device 3 and a job management server device 4, and is further connected to one or a plurality of multi-function devices 5A and 5B arranged in public facilities such as schools and stores. The connected set top boxes 6A and 6B are connected to the network 2. In FIG. 1, only one portable terminal device 1 is depicted, but when there are a plurality of users, the plurality of users carry the portable terminal device 1 respectively. Further, the device management server device 3 and the job management server device 4 are arranged on the same LAN (Local Area Network) in the network 2, for example.

  The portable terminal device 1 is a small portable terminal device such as a smartphone, and has a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface whose maximum communication distance is shorter than the wireless communication interface. A device identifier and document data file unique to the mobile terminal device 1 are transmitted.

  The network 2 is a wide area network such as the Internet. The network 2 may be a LAN or a network composed of a wide area network and a LAN connected thereto.

  The device management server device 3 receives the machine identifier and document data file specific to the mobile terminal device 1 transmitted from the mobile terminal device 1 via the network 2, and sets the print data corresponding to the document data file. It is transmitted in response to a request from the top boxes 6A and 6B. This print data is in a data format that can be processed by the multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B.

  In the first embodiment, the device management server device 3 temporarily stores print data in the job management server device 4 in association with the device identifier of the mobile terminal device 1, and there is a data transmission request accompanied by the device identifier. The print data associated with the machine identifier is transmitted to the requesting set top boxes 6A and 6B.

  In the first embodiment, the device management server device 3 converts the document data file into print data before receiving the request, but the document data file is temporarily stored in the job management server device 4 in association with the machine identifier. The document data file may be read from the job management server device 4 after receiving a data transmission request accompanied by the machine identifier, and converted to print data.

  The job management server device 4 stores print data (or document data file) in association with the machine identifier in response to a request from the device management server device 3. In the first embodiment, the job management server device 4 is provided as a device different from the device management server device 3, but instead, the configuration of the job management server device 4 is provided in the device management server device 3. An element may be provided to form one server device.

  The multi-function device 5A is an image forming apparatus that includes a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like, and executes various jobs with the above-described functions in accordance with instructions from the operation panel of the multi-function device 5A, the set top box 6A, and the like. . In particular, in the first embodiment, a set-top box 6A is connected to the multifunction machine 5A, print data is supplied from the set-top box 6A to the multifunction machine 5A, and printing is executed by the printer function of the multifunction machine 5A. The The multifunction machine 5B is a similar device.

  When the set-top box 6A detects the mobile terminal device 1 present in the vicinity, the set-top box 6A acquires the machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device 1 and prints the print data received by the device management server device 3 together with the machine identifier to The request is acquired from the device management server apparatus 3 via the printer and supplied to the multi function device 5A to execute printing. The set-top box 6A has a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device 1, and detects the mobile terminal device 1 existing in the vicinity using the short-range communication interface. The set top box 6B is a similar device.

  Here, the configuration of each device in the system will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal device 1 in FIG.

  The mobile terminal device 1 includes a wireless network interface 11, a short-range communication interface 12, an arithmetic processing device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and a storage device 16.

  The wireless network interface 11 is a circuit connected to the network 2 by a wireless LAN. The wireless network interface 11 has a MAC (Media Access Control) address 11 a unique to the wireless network interface 11. In the first embodiment, the wireless network interface 11 is, for example, an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN interface. The IEEE802.11 wireless LAN interface is a normal device and has a maximum communicable distance of about 50 meters if there is no obstacle. Note that the baseband circuit of the mobile phone in the mobile terminal device 1 may be used instead of the wireless network interface 11 for connection to the network 2. In this case, the mobile terminal device 1 is connected to the network 2 via a mobile phone line.

  The short-range communication interface 12 is a circuit that has a maximum communicable distance shorter than that of the wireless network interface 11 and performs wireless communication with an interface of the same communication method that exists in a relatively short distance (for example, within about 10 meters). In the first embodiment, the short-range communication interface 12 is a PowerClass2 or PowerClass3 Bluetooth communication circuit. The PowerClass 2 Bluetooth communication circuit has a maximum communicable distance of about 10 meters if there is no obstacle. The PowerClass3 Bluetooth communication circuit has a maximum communicable distance of about 10 centimeters if there is no obstacle.

  The near field communication interface 12 has a MAC address 12 a unique to the near field communication interface 12. Since the MAC address is assigned for each interface, the MAC address 11a and the MAC address 12a have different values.

  The arithmetic processing unit 13 is configured as a computer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. In the arithmetic processing unit 13, the CPU loads the program 16a stored in the ROM or the storage device 16 to the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing various processing units. In the arithmetic processing device 13, a network communication processing unit 21, a short-range communication processing unit 22, a file transmission processing unit 23, a device specifying unit 24, and the like are realized. In the first embodiment, the program 16a is stored in the nonvolatile storage device 16. The program 16a may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and installed in the storage device 16 from the recording medium, or downloaded from an application store server (not shown) on the network 2. And may be installed.

  The network communication processing unit 21 controls the wireless network interface 11 to perform data communication with a device (device management server device 3 or the like) connected to the network 2 using a predetermined communication protocol (HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or the like). Execute.

  The near field communication processing unit 22 controls the near field communication interface 12 to establish a connection with a near field communication interface of another device within the communicable range, and executes data communication with the device. The near field communication processing unit 22 transmits a machine identifier to a device (here, the set top boxes 6A and 6B) having a near field communication interface of the same communication method as the near field communication interface 12, and the device management server apparatus 3 The device management server apparatus 3 is caused to acquire print data corresponding to the document data file received by the device management server apparatus 3 together with the device identifier and execute printing based on the print data.

  The file transmission processing unit 23 reads the MAC address 12a of the short-range communication interface 12 by the short-range communication processing unit 22, and uses the MAC address 12a as a machine identifier of the portable terminal device 1 together with the document data file and the wireless network interface 11. Then, the data is transmitted to the device management server apparatus 3 by the network communication processing unit 21. The document data file is, for example, a file generated by an office application manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, a text file, a PDF (Portable Document Format) file, an image file such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), or the like.

  The device designation unit 24 is a set used for printing when one or more near field communication interfaces (near field communication interfaces of the set top boxes 6A and 6B) existing in the vicinity are detected by the near field communication interface 12. A top box (set top box 6A or set top box 6B) is selected.

  For example, the device designating unit 24 displays a list of detected near field communication interfaces on the display device 14, and the near field communication interfaces selected from the list by an operation on the input device 15 (that is, the set top box 6 </ b> A, 6B) selects the set top box to be used for printing.

  Alternatively, the device designating unit 24 automatically selects one of the detected near field communication interfaces. In this case, for example, when there is one detected short-range communication interface, the short-range communication interface is selected. When there are a plurality of detected short-range communication interfaces, the short-range communication interface 12 detects the short-range communication interface. The one with the highest radio field intensity is selected.

  The display device 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or various indicators. The input device 15 is, for example, a touch panel or a key switch. The storage device 16 is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive that stores programs and data.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device management server apparatus 3 in FIG.

  The device management server device 3 includes a storage device 31, a network interface 32, and an arithmetic processing device 33.

  The storage device 31 is a device that stores programs and data. As the storage device 31, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like is used. The storage device 31 stores registered device data 31a.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of registered device data 31a stored in the storage device 31 of the device management server device 3 shown in FIG.

  The registered device data 31a has a machine identifier (a MAC address in the first embodiment) unique to one or a plurality of portable terminal devices 1 registered in advance. The registered device data 31a includes print setting data associated with the machine identifier, billing data, a print data list, and the like.

  The print setting data is data specifying print settings to be applied to the document data file from the machine identifier. The print setting data includes settings such as the number of copies, paper settings (paper size, paper orientation, etc.), color settings (color or monochrome), consolidated print settings, single-sided / double-sided print settings, resolution settings, economy print settings, etc. Contains the value of the item. For example, the user operates the mobile terminal device 1 to register print setting data in the device management server device 3. At that time, the mobile terminal device 1 transmits the machine identifier and the print setting data to the device management server device 3, and the device management server device 3 stores the print setting data in association with the device identifier in the registered device data 31a. Remembered. The print setting data includes, for example, authorization information settings associated with the machine identifier registered using the administrator terminal device connected to the network 2 (for example, limit settings for the maximum number of prints, monochrome printing) Limit setting only), restriction setting only for economy printing, restriction setting only for aggregate printing, restriction setting only for double-sided printing, etc.) may be included.

  The billing data includes billing method information, billing destination information, total billing amount information (or information corresponding to the billing amount such as a page counter), and the like.

  The print data list is a list of print data for which print processing has not been completed (that is, print data spooled in the job management server apparatus 4).

  The network interface 32 is connected to the network 2 and performs data communication with other devices (for example, the mobile terminal device 1, the job management server device 4, the set top boxes 6A and 6B, etc.) connected to the network 2.

  The arithmetic processing unit 33 is configured as a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, for example. In the arithmetic processing unit 33, the CPU loads various programs stored in the ROM or the storage device 31 to the RAM and executes them, thereby realizing various processing units. In the arithmetic processing device 33, a network communication processing unit 41, a job registration processing unit 42, a data conversion unit 43, a job transmission processing unit 44, a charging processing unit 45, and the like are realized.

  The network communication processing unit 41 uses the network interface 32 to execute data communication with other devices connected to the network 2 using a predetermined communication protocol.

  The job registration processing unit 42 is a network communication processing unit 41 that receives a document data file transmitted via the network 2 from the mobile terminal device 1 whose machine identifier is stored in the storage device 31 as registered device data 31a. . If the transmitted machine identifier is not registered in the registered device data 31a, the job registration processing unit 42 discards the document data file received together with the machine identifier. Thereby, printing from the unregistered mobile terminal device 1 is prohibited.

  The data conversion unit 43 converts the document data file into print data. When the print data that can be processed by the multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B is PDL (Page Description Language) data, the data conversion unit 43 converts the document data file into PDL data. The data converter 43 may convert, for example, PDF data in addition to PDL data. Further, the data conversion unit 43 extracts the print setting data associated with the machine identifier received together with the document data file from the registered device data 31a, and generates the print data with the print setting designated by the print setting data. To do.

  The job transmission processing unit 44 transmits print data corresponding to the document data file, which can be processed by the multifunction machines 5A and 5B, in response to a request. The job transmission processing unit 44 receives the body identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 together with the request from the print data request source (the set top boxes 6A and 6B in the first embodiment), and the mobile terminal device 1 of the received body identifier. The print data corresponding to the document data file received by the job registration processing unit 42 is transmitted to the request source. The print data is specified by, for example, a print data list in the registered device data 31a.

  The billing processing unit 45 generates billing data (billing amount, number of print pages, etc.) for printing based on the print data transmitted for a certain machine identifier, and based on the generated billing data, The billing data (that is, the accumulated value) for the machine identifier is updated.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the job management server apparatus 4 in FIG.

  The job management server device 4 includes a storage device 51, a network interface 52, and an arithmetic processing device 53.

  The storage device 51 is a device that temporarily stores print data and the like from the device management server device 3, and stores programs, other data, and the like. As the storage device 51, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like is used.

  The network interface 52 is connected to the network 2 and performs data communication with other devices (for example, the device management server device 3, the set top boxes 6A, 6B, etc.) connected to the network 2.

  The arithmetic processing unit 53 is configured as a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, for example. In the arithmetic processing unit 53, the CPU loads various programs stored in the ROM or the storage device 51 into the RAM and executes them, thereby realizing various processing units. In the arithmetic processing unit 53, a network communication processing unit 61, a spool processing unit 62, and the like are realized.

  The network communication processing unit 61 uses the network interface 52 to execute data communication with other devices connected to the network 2 using a predetermined communication protocol.

  The spool processing unit 62 receives print data and stores it in the storage device 51 according to a command from the device management server device 3, or reads and transmits it from the storage device 51.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the multifunction machine 5A in FIG. The multi-function device 5B has the same configuration.

  The multi-function device 5A includes an operation panel 81, a network interface 82, a peripheral device interface 83, a printer 84, and an arithmetic processing device 85.

  The operation panel 81 is installed in the housing of the multifunction machine 5A, and includes a display device 81a that displays various information to the user and an input device 81b that receives user operations. The display device 81a is, for example, a liquid crystal display or various indicators. The input device 81b is, for example, a touch panel or a key switch.

  The network interface 82 is a device that can be connected to the network 2 and performs data communication with other devices connected to the network 2.

  The peripheral device interface 83 is a communication circuit of a predetermined method such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The printer 84 is an internal device that prints on a sheet based on the print data and discharges the printed matter. In the case of the electrophotographic system, the printer 84 charges the photosensitive drum and then emits a light source based on the print data to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Development is performed with toner, the toner image is transferred and fixed on a sheet, and the sheet is discharged as a printed matter.

  The arithmetic processing device 85 is a device that controls each unit in the multifunction machine 5A and performs data processing. The arithmetic processing unit 85 is configured as a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, for example. In the arithmetic processing unit 85, the CPU implements various processing units by loading a program stored in the ROM or other storage device (flash memory or the like) into the RAM and executing it. In the arithmetic processing device 85, a network communication processing unit 91, a control unit 92, and the like are realized.

  The network communication unit 91 can perform data communication with a device connected to the network 2 using a network interface 82 using a predetermined communication protocol.

  When the control unit 92 receives print data via the network interface 82, the peripheral device interface 83, or the like, the control unit 92 performs necessary data processing (rasterization, halftoning, etc.) on the print data, and then performs the processed print. The printer 84 is controlled based on the data to execute printing.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the set top box 6A in FIG. The set top box 6B also has the same configuration.

  The set top box 6A includes a network interface 101, a near field communication interface 102, a peripheral device interface 103, a display device 104, an input device 105, a storage device 106, and an arithmetic processing device 107.

  The network interface 101 is a circuit that is connected to the network 2 and executes data communication with other devices connected to the network 2.

  The near field communication interface 102 has the same communication method as the near field communication interface 12 of the mobile terminal device 1 and can establish a connection with the near field communication interface 12.

  The peripheral device interface 103 is a peripheral device interface of the same type as the peripheral device interface 83 of the multi-function peripheral 5 </ b> A, and is connected to the peripheral device interface 83.

  The display device 104 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or various indicators. The input device 105 is, for example, a touch panel or a key switch. The storage device 106 is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive that stores programs and data.

  The arithmetic processing unit 107 is configured as a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, for example. In the arithmetic processing unit 107, the CPU implements various processing units by loading a program stored in the ROM or the storage device 106 into the RAM and executing the program. In the arithmetic processing unit 107, a network communication processing unit 111, a near field communication processing unit 112, a print data acquisition unit 113, and the like are realized.

  The network communication processing unit 111 controls the network interface 101 to execute data communication with a device (device management server device 3 or the like) connected to the network 2 using a predetermined communication protocol (HTTP or the like).

  The short-range communication processing unit 112 controls the short-range communication interface 102 to establish a connection with a short-range communication interface of another device within the communicable range, and executes data communication with the device.

  When the short-distance communication processing unit 112 establishes a connection with the mobile terminal device 1 through the short-range communication interface 102, the short-range communication processing unit 112 acquires the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 (in this embodiment 1, the MAC address 12a). .

  When the device identifier of the portable terminal device 1 is acquired by the short-range communication processing unit 112, the print data acquisition unit 113 uses the network communication processing unit 111 to attach the device identifier and manage the data transmission request as a device management. As a response to the request, the print data of the machine identifier is received, and the print data is sent to the multifunction machine 5A through the peripheral device interface 103.

  Next, the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system shown in FIG.

  When a user carrying the portable terminal device 1 wants to perform printing using this system, first, the user operates the portable terminal device 1 to obtain a document data file stored in the portable terminal device 1 as a device. Upload to the management server device 3. At this time, in the portable terminal device 1, when the input device 15 detects a predetermined operation by the user, the file transmission processing unit 23 is designated by the user operation using the wireless network interface 11 and the network communication processing unit 21. The document data file is transmitted to the device management server apparatus 3 via the network 2 by the wireless network interface 11 together with the machine identifier (here, the MAC address 12a) of the portable terminal apparatus 1 (step S1).

  In the device management server apparatus 3, the job registration processing unit 42 receives the document data file and the machine identifier using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41.

  When the machine identifier and the document data file are received, the data conversion unit 43 extracts print setting data associated with the machine identifier from the registered device data 31a, and print settings specified by the print setting data. Print data is generated from the document data file (step S2).

  Then, the job registration processing unit 42 stores the print data in the job management server device 4 using the network communication unit 41 and the network interface 32 (step S3). If the document data file has a data format that can be processed by the multi-function peripherals 5A and 5B, the data conversion unit 43 does not perform data conversion and uses the document data file as print data as a job management server. Store in device 4. At this time, in the job management server device 4, when the spool processing unit 62 receives the print data using the network communication processing unit 61 and the network interface 52, the spool processing unit 62 stores the print data in the storage device 51.

  Next, a user carrying the portable terminal device 1 uploads a document data file to the device management server device 3, and then uses the multifunction device and set-top box (composite) that he / she wants to use for printing while carrying the portable terminal device 1. Go to the installation location of the machine 5A and the set top box 6A, or the multifunction machine 5B and the set top box 6B).

  By this user operation, the near field communication interface 12 of the mobile terminal device 1 enters the communication area of the near field communication interface 102 of the set top box 6A or the set top box 6B. At this time, when the short-range communication interface 102 and the short-range communication interface 12 establish a connection, the short-range communication processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal device 1 uses the short-range communication interface 12 and the body of the mobile terminal device 1. The identifier is transmitted, and the near field communication processing unit 112 of the set top box 6A or the set top box 6B receives the body identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 through the near field communication interface 102 (step S11). When the MAC address 12a is used as the machine identifier, if the short-range communication processing unit 112 receives the MAC address 12a when establishing the connection with the mobile terminal device 1, the MAC address 12a is immediately received after the connection is established. The address 12a is specified and used as the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1.

  Then, the print data acquisition unit 113 of the set top box uses the network communication processing unit 111 and the network interface 101 to transmit a print data transmission request together with the machine identifier to the device management server apparatus 3 (step S12). If the transmitted machine identifier is not registered in the registered device data 31a, the device management server apparatus 3 discards the print data transmission request received together with the machine identifier. Thereby, printing from the unregistered mobile terminal device 1 is prohibited.

  In the device management server device 3, the job transmission processing unit 44 receives the print data transmission request and the machine identifier using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41.

  The job transmission processing unit 44 transmits a print data transmission request for the received machine identifier to the job management server apparatus 4 (step S13). In the job management server device 4, when the spool processing unit 62 receives the transmission request using the network communication processing unit 61 and the network interface 52, the print data designated by the request is read from the storage device 51, and the device This is transmitted to the management server device 3 (step S14).

  In the device management server apparatus 3, when the job transmission processing unit 44 receives the print data using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41, the print data is transmitted to the set top box that is the request source of the print data. (Step S15).

  In the set top box, the print data acquisition unit 113 receives the print data using the network communication processing unit 111 and the network interface 101, and the peripheral device interface 103 transfers the print data to the set top box. The data is transmitted to the connected multifunction device (step S16).

  In the MFP, the control unit 92 receives the print data at the peripheral device interface 83, and executes printing based on the print data at the printer 84 (step S17). Thereby, the user can obtain a printed matter printed based on the document data file of the portable terminal device 1 carried by the user.

  When printing is completed, the control unit 92 transmits a print completion notification for the print data to the device management server apparatus 3 via the set top box or directly via the network 2 without going through the set top box ( Step S18).

  In the device management server apparatus 3, when the accounting processing unit 45 receives the print completion notification using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41, the accounting processing unit 45 executes accounting processing for print data corresponding to the print completion notification. (Step S19).

  When a coin vendor (not shown) is connected to the set top boxes 6A and 6B, the charging processing unit 45 performs charging processing by controlling the coin vendor. In the case of a charging method using an external server such as a credit card, the charging processing unit 45 accesses the external server and performs a charging process.

  When the data conversion from the document data file to the print data in the device management server apparatus 3 is executed after receiving the print data transmission request, the device management is performed without performing the data conversion when the document data file is received. The job registration processing unit 42 of the server device 3 stores the document data file in the job management server device 4 as it is, and when receiving a print data transmission request, the data conversion unit 43 executes the data conversion described above. Then, the print data generated by the data conversion is transmitted to the set top box as described above.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the mobile terminal device 1 includes the wireless network interface 11 and the short-range communication interface 12 that has a shorter maximum communicable distance than the wireless network interface 11. An interface 11 transmits a device identifier and a document data file unique to the mobile terminal device 1. The device management server device 3 receives the machine identifier and the document data file from the portable terminal device 1, and transmits print data corresponding to the document data file, which can be processed by the multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B, in response to the request. The set top boxes 6A and 6B have a short-range communication interface 102 of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device 1, and when the short-range communication interface 102 detects the mobile terminal device 1 existing in the surroundings. The device identifier of the detected portable terminal device 1 is acquired, print data corresponding to the document data file received together with the device identifier is requested and acquired from the device management server device 3, and supplied to the multifunction devices 5A and 5B. To print.

  As a result, processing (billing processing, print setting, etc.) related to printing from the mobile terminal device 1 that differs individually for each mobile terminal device is collectively performed by the device management server device 3. Further, by using the machine identifier instead of the user ID, it is not necessary for the user to input the identifier, and impersonation due to the leakage of the identifier is prevented. Furthermore, since the mobile terminal device 1 transmits the machine identifier via the short-range communication interface 12 to execute printing, the devices (set-top boxes 6A and 6B) that are relatively far away are the transmission destinations of the machine identifier. It will not be detected as a candidate. As a result, printing can be executed by a device (multifunction device 5A or multifunction device 5B) intended by the user who carries the mobile terminal device 1.

Embodiment 2. FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the mobile printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the multifunction machines 5C and 5D have the functions of the set top boxes 6A and 6B of the first embodiment in addition to the functions of the multifunction machines 5A and 5B.

  In the second embodiment, the device management server device 3 receives the machine identifier and document data file specific to the mobile terminal device 1 transmitted from the mobile terminal device 1 via the network 2, and receives the multifunction devices 5C and 5D. Print data corresponding to the document data file that can be processed in response to the request from the MFPs 5C and 5D.

  In the second embodiment, the multifunction devices 5C and 5D are connected to the network 2, and when the connection with the mobile terminal device 1 is established, the device management server device is used in the same manner as the set top boxes 6A and 6B. Print data is acquired from 3 and printing is executed.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction machine 5C in FIG. The multifunction machine 5D has the same configuration.

  The multi-function device 5C includes a short-range communication interface 121 in addition to the same components as the multi-function device 5A, and further includes a short-range communication processing unit 122 and a print data acquisition unit 123 realized in the arithmetic processing unit 85. The short-range communication interface 121, the short-range communication processing unit 122, and the print data acquisition unit 123 are the same as the above-mentioned short-range communication interface 102, short-range communication processing unit 112, and print data acquisition unit 113.

  Note that the configurations of the mobile terminal device 1, the device management server device 3, and the job management server device 4 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device 1 in the system shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, a user carrying the portable terminal device 1 uploads a document data file to the device management server device 3, and then uses the multifunction device (multifunction device) that the portable terminal device 1 wants to use for printing while carrying the portable terminal device 1. 5C or the multifunction machine 5D).

  By this user operation, the short-range communication interface 12 of the mobile terminal device 1 enters the communication area of the short-range communication interface 121 of the multifunction machine 5C or the multi-function machine 5D. At this time, when the short-range communication interface 121 and the short-range communication interface 12 establish a connection, the short-range communication processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal device 1 is the short-range communication interface 12 and the body of the mobile terminal device 1. The identifier is transmitted, and the short-range communication processing unit 122 of the multi-function device 5C or the multi-function device 5D receives the device identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 through the short-range communication interface 121 (step S21). When the MAC address 12a is used as the machine identifier, if the short-range communication processing unit 122 receives the MAC address 12a when establishing a connection with the mobile terminal device 1, the MAC address 12a is immediately received after the connection is established. The address 12a is specified and used as the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1.

  Then, the print data acquisition unit 123 of the MFP uses the network communication processing unit 91 and the network interface 82 to transmit a print data transmission request together with the machine identifier to the device management server apparatus 3 (step S22).

  In the device management server device 3, the job transmission processing unit 44 receives the print data transmission request and the machine identifier using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41.

  The job transmission processing unit 44 transmits a print data transmission request for the received machine identifier to the job management server apparatus 4 (step S13). In the job management server device 4, when the spool processing unit 62 receives the transmission request using the network communication processing unit 61 and the network interface 52, the print data designated by the request is read from the storage device 51, and the device This is transmitted to the management server device 3 (step S14).

  In the device management server apparatus 3, when the job transmission processing unit 44 receives the print data using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41, the print data is transmitted to the MFP that is the request source of the print data. (Step S23).

  In the MFP, when the print data acquisition unit 123 receives the print data using the network communication processing unit 91 and the network interface 82, the control unit 92 executes printing based on the print data with the printer 84 ( Step S24).

  Since other operations of each device are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the mobile terminal device 1 includes the wireless network interface 11 and the short-range communication interface 12 having a shortest possible communication distance than the wireless network interface 11, An interface 11 transmits a device identifier and a document data file unique to the mobile terminal device 1. The device management server device 3 receives the machine identifier and the document data file from the mobile terminal device 1, and transmits print data corresponding to the document data file, which can be processed by the multi-function devices 5C and 5D, in response to a request. The multifunction devices 5C and 5D have a short-range communication interface 121 of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device 1, and when the mobile terminal device 1 existing in the vicinity is detected by the short-range communication interface 121, The device identifier of the detected mobile terminal device 1 is acquired, and the device management server device 3 is requested to acquire print data corresponding to the document data file received by the device management server device 3 together with the device identifier, and the print data is acquired. Execute printing based on

  As a result, processing (billing processing, print setting, etc.) related to printing from the mobile terminal device 1 that differs individually for each mobile terminal device is collectively performed by the device management server device 3. Further, by using the machine identifier instead of the user ID, it is not necessary for the user to input the identifier, and impersonation due to the leakage of the identifier is prevented. Furthermore, since the mobile terminal device 1 transmits the machine identifier via the short-range communication interface 12 to execute printing, the devices (multifunction machines 5C and 5D) located at a relatively long distance can be candidates for the destination of the machine identifier. Is not detected. As a result, printing can be executed by a device (multifunction device 5C or multifunction device 5D) intended by the user who carries the mobile terminal device 1.

Embodiment 3 FIG.

  In the image forming system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the document data file is transmitted from the mobile terminal device to the device management server device via the cloud service. The user uploads the document data file to the cloud service, and the device management server device downloads the document data file from the cloud service.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the system shown in FIG. 12, the mobile terminal device 1 carried by the user is connected to the network 2 via the base station 2a by wireless communication. The network 2 is connected to a device management server device 201 and a cloud server device 202, and further connected to one or a plurality of multi-function devices 5A and 5B arranged in public facilities such as schools and stores. The set top boxes 6A and 6B are connected to the network 2. In FIG. 12, only one portable terminal device 1 is depicted. However, when there are a plurality of users, the plurality of users carry the portable terminal device 1 respectively.

  The portable terminal device 1, the multifunction devices 5A and 5B, and the set top boxes 6A and 6B are the same as those in the first embodiment. The network 2 is a wide area network such as the Internet. Note that a part of the network 2 may be a LAN.

  The device management server apparatus 201 downloads a document data file associated with a machine identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal apparatus 1 from the cloud server apparatus 202, and print data corresponding to the document data file is set top box 6A. , 6B are transmitted in response to the request from 6B. This print data is in a data format that can be processed by the multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B.

  In the third embodiment, the device management server apparatus 201 saves print data in an internal storage device, an external database server, or the like in association with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal apparatus 1 and sends a data transmission request with the machine identifier. If there is, the print data associated with the machine identifier is transmitted to the requesting set top boxes 6A and 6B.

  In the third embodiment, the device management server apparatus 201 converts the document data file into print data before receiving a request from the set top boxes 6A and 6B.

  The cloud server device 202 is a cloud service server having a storage function such as Evernote, Dropbox, Google Docs, Picasa Web Album, and the like. In this cloud service, an account is set for each user, and when the user operates the mobile terminal device 1 or the like to upload a document data file to the cloud server device 202, the document data file is associated with the account and the cloud service Saved with. In this cloud service, an account for the device management server device 201 is set so that the device management server device 201 can access the document data file in the cloud service. With the user authority of the account, the document data file of the user of the mobile terminal device 1 can be read from the cloud server device 202. The cloud server device 202 stores the document data file designated by the user among the document data files stored in the cloud service in association with the device identifier of the user's mobile terminal device 1 (hereinafter, this processing is performed). "Print reservation"). The user designates the document file on the mobile terminal device 1 or the like. For example, the mobile terminal device 1 acquires and displays a list of document data files stored in the cloud service from the cloud server device 202 and displays the document data file selected from the list by the user on the cloud server device 202. The notification is made and stored in association with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 of the user.

  Here, the configuration of the device management server apparatus 201 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the device management server apparatus 201 in FIG.

  The device management server device 201 includes a storage device 31, a network interface 32, and an arithmetic processing device 211.

  The storage device 31 and the network interface 32 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the print setting data in the registered device data 31a is default print setting data. If the print setting data is registered in the cloud server device 202, the print setting data is used. Is done. For example, the user operates the mobile terminal device 1 to edit and / or register print setting data for the cloud server device 202.

  The arithmetic processing unit 211 is configured as a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, for example. In the arithmetic processing unit 211, the CPU loads various programs stored in the ROM or the storage device 31 to the RAM and executes them, thereby realizing various processing units. In the arithmetic processing unit 211, a network communication processing unit 41, a job registration processing unit 221, a data conversion unit 43, a job transmission processing unit 44, a charging processing unit 45, a spool processing unit 222, and the like are realized.

  The network communication processing unit 41, the data conversion unit 43, the job transmission processing unit 44, and the accounting processing unit 45 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The job registration processing unit 221 repeatedly (for example, periodically) at a predetermined timing, logs in to the cloud server device 202 via the network 2 using the network communication processing unit 41, and stores the registered device data 31a in the storage device 31. It is confirmed whether or not the document data file associated with the stored machine identifier is stored by the cloud server device 202. When such a document data file is stored by the cloud server device 202, Download the document data file. In addition, the job registration processing unit 221 registers print data corresponding to the downloaded document data file in the spool processing unit 222.

  The spool processing unit 222 is the same as the spool processing unit 62 described above, and stores print data in the storage device 31 and reads out the print data from the storage device 31.

  Next, the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system shown in FIG.

  A user carrying the mobile terminal device 1 first operates the mobile terminal device 1 to upload a document data file stored in the mobile terminal device 1 to the cloud server device 202. At this time, in the portable terminal device 1, when the input device 15 detects a predetermined operation by the user, the file transmission processing unit 23 is designated by the user operation using the wireless network interface 11 and the network communication processing unit 21. The obtained document data file is transmitted to the cloud server apparatus 202 via the network 2 (step S101).

  Upon receiving the document data file, the cloud server device 202 stores the document data file in association with the user account (step S102). Thereafter, when the user wants to perform printing using this system, the user operates the mobile terminal device 1 to “print” the document data file that the user wants to print among the document data files stored in the cloud service. "Reservation" is performed (step S103). For example, at the time of this “print reservation”, the user operates the mobile terminal device 1 to access the cloud server device 202 and registers the print setting data in association with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 or has already registered Edit the print setting data.

  On the other hand, the job registration processing unit 221 of the device management server device 201 monitors whether the cloud server device 202 stores a document data file associated with the machine identifier registered in the registered device data 31a. If the document data file associated with the registered machine identifier is stored, the document data file is downloaded from the cloud server device 202 (step S104). At this time, if the print setting data associated with the document data file, the user, or the machine identifier is stored by the cloud server device 202, the job registration processing unit 221 uses the print setting data as the print data. Download with document data file.

  When the document data file is downloaded, the data conversion unit 43 generates print data from the document data file with the print settings specified by the downloaded print setting data (or the print setting data in the registered device data 31a). (Step S105).

  Then, the job registration processing unit 221 stores the print data in the spool processing unit 222 (step S106). When the document data file has a data format that can be processed by the multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B, the spool conversion unit 222 uses the document data file as print data without performing data conversion by the data conversion unit 43. To save.

  Next, after the user carrying the portable terminal device 1 uploads the document data file to the cloud server device 202 and performs “print reservation”, the multifunction device that the portable terminal device 1 wants to use for printing while carrying the portable terminal device 1 Then, go to the installation location of the set top box (multifunction machine 5A and set top box 6A, or multifunction machine 5B and set top box 6B).

  By this user operation, the near field communication interface 12 of the mobile terminal device 1 enters the communication area of the near field communication interface 102 of the set top box 6A or the set top box 6B. At this time, when the short-range communication interface 102 and the short-range communication interface 12 establish a connection, the short-range communication processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal device 1 uses the short-range communication interface 12 and the body of the mobile terminal device 1. The identifier is transmitted, and the near field communication processing unit 112 of the set top box 6A or the set top box 6B receives the body identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 through the near field communication interface 102 (step S111). When the MAC address 12a is used as the machine identifier, if the short-range communication processing unit 112 receives the MAC address 12a when establishing the connection with the mobile terminal device 1, the MAC address 12a is immediately received after the connection is established. The address 12a is specified and used as the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1.

  Then, the print data acquisition unit 113 of the set top box uses the network communication processing unit 111 and the network interface 101 to transmit a print data transmission request together with the machine identifier to the device management server apparatus 201 (step S112). If the transmitted machine identifier is not registered in the registered device data 31a, the device management server apparatus 201 discards the print data transmission request received together with the machine identifier. Thereby, printing from the unregistered mobile terminal device 1 is prohibited.

  In the device management server apparatus 201, the job transmission processing unit 44 receives the print data transmission request and the machine identifier using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41, and spools the print data for the received machine identifier. The data is read from the unit 222 and transmitted to the set top box that is the request source of the print data using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41 (step S113).

  In the set top box, the print data acquisition unit 113 receives the print data using the network communication processing unit 111 and the network interface 101, and the peripheral device interface 103 transfers the print data to the set top box. The data is transmitted to the connected multifunction device (step S114).

  In the multifunction device, the control unit 92 receives the print data at the peripheral device interface 83, and executes printing based on the print data at the printer 84 (step S115). Thereby, the user can obtain a printed matter printed based on the document data file of the portable terminal device 1 carried by the user.

  When printing is completed, the control unit 92 transmits a print completion notification for the print data to the device management server apparatus 201 via the set top box or directly via the network 2 without going through the set top box ( Step S116).

  In the device management server apparatus 201, when the accounting processing unit 45 receives the print completion notification using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41, the accounting processing unit 45 executes accounting processing for print data corresponding to the print completion notification. (Step S117).

  When a coin vendor (not shown) is connected to the set top boxes 6A and 6B, the charging processing unit 45 performs charging processing by controlling the coin vendor. In the case of a charging method using an external server such as a credit card, the charging processing unit 45 accesses the external server and performs a charging process.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the mobile terminal device 1 includes the wireless communication interface 11 and the short-range communication interface 12 having a shorter maximum communicable distance than the wireless communication interface 11. 11, the document data file is transmitted to the cloud server device 202. The device management server device 201 downloads a document data file associated with a machine identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal device from the cloud server device 202, and the document data file that can be processed by the multifunction peripherals 5A and 5B. Print data corresponding to is transmitted upon request. The set top boxes 6A and 6B have a short-range communication interface 102 of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface 12 of the mobile terminal device 1, and the mobile terminal device 1 existing in the vicinity is detected by the short-range communication interface 102. Then, the machine identifier of the detected portable terminal device 1 is acquired, print data corresponding to the document data file associated with the machine identifier is requested to the device management server apparatus 201 and acquired, and the MFP 5A, 5B receives the print data. Supply and execute printing.

  As a result, processing relating to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device 1 is collectively performed by the device management server device 201. In addition, since the mobile terminal device 1 transmits the machine identifier via the short-range communication interface 12 to execute printing, a device (for example, the set top boxes 6A and 6B) located at a relatively long distance transmits the machine identifier. It does not have to be detected as a previous candidate. As a result, printing can be executed by a device (multifunction device 5A or multifunction device 5B) intended by the user who carries the mobile terminal device 1. Further, by providing a print control device (set-top boxes 6A, 6B) separately from the image forming device (multifunction machine 5A, 5B), the mobile terminal device can be detected or machined without modifying or changing the existing image forming device. An identifier can be acquired and transmitted. Furthermore, since the device management server device 201 acquires the document data file via the cloud service, if the mobile terminal device 1 has software that can use the cloud service, such as a web browser, the user The printing service by this system can be enjoyed.

Embodiment 4 FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the multifunction machines 5C and 5D have the functions of the set top boxes 6A and 6B of the third embodiment in addition to the functions of the multifunction machines 5A and 5B.

  In the fourth embodiment, the device management server apparatus 201 has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, downloads a document data file associated with a machine identifier unique to the mobile terminal apparatus 1, and then combines the multifunction machine. Print data corresponding to the document data file, which can be processed by 5C and 5D, is transmitted in response to a request from the multifunction peripherals 5C and 5D.

  In the fourth embodiment, the multifunction devices 5C and 5D are connected to the network 2, and when the connection with the mobile terminal device 1 is established, the device management server device is used in the same manner as the set top boxes 6A and 6B. Print data is acquired from 201 and printing is executed.

  The configurations of the multifunction machines 5C and 5D are the same as those in the second embodiment. Moreover, since the portable terminal device 1, the device management server device 201, and the cloud server device 202 in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device in the system will be described. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each device when executing printing based on the document data file of the mobile terminal device 1 in the system shown in FIG.

  In the fourth embodiment, a user carrying the mobile terminal device 1 uploads a document data file to the cloud server device 202, performs “print reservation”, and then performs printing while carrying the mobile terminal device 1 with him / her. Go to the place where you want to use the multifunction device (multifunction device 5C or multifunction device 5D).

  By this user operation, the short-range communication interface 12 of the mobile terminal device 1 enters the communication area of the short-range communication interface 121 of the multifunction machine 5C or the multi-function machine 5D. At this time, when the short-range communication interface 121 and the short-range communication interface 12 establish a connection, the short-range communication processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal device 1 is the short-range communication interface 12 and the body of the mobile terminal device 1. The identifier is transmitted, and the short-range communication processing unit 122 of the multi-function device 5C or the multi-function device 5D receives the device identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 through the short-range communication interface 121 (step S121). When the MAC address 12a is used as the machine identifier, if the short-range communication processing unit 122 receives the MAC address 12a when establishing a connection with the mobile terminal device 1, the MAC address 12a is immediately received after the connection is established. The address 12a is specified and used as the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device 1.

  Then, the print data acquisition unit 123 of the MFP uses the network communication processing unit 91 and the network interface 82, and transmits a print data transmission request together with the machine identifier to the device management server apparatus 201 (step S122).

  In the device management server apparatus 201, the job transmission processing unit 44 receives the print data transmission request and the machine identifier using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41, and spools the print data for the received machine identifier. The data is read from the unit 222 and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral that is the request source of the print data using the network interface 32 and the network communication unit 41 (step S123).

  In the MFP, when the print data acquisition unit 123 receives the print data using the network communication processing unit 91 and the network interface 82, the control unit 92 executes printing based on the print data with the printer 84 ( Step S124).

  Since other operations of each device are the same as those in the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the mobile terminal device 1 includes the wireless communication interface 11 and the short-range communication interface 12 having a shorter maximum communicable distance than the wireless communication interface 11. 11, the document data file is transmitted to the cloud server device 202. The device management server device 201 downloads a document data file associated with a device identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal device from the cloud server device 202, and the document data file that can be processed by the multifunction devices 5C and 5D. Print data corresponding to is transmitted upon request. The multifunction devices 5C and 5D have a short-range communication interface 121 of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device 1, and when the mobile terminal device 1 existing in the vicinity is detected by the short-range communication interface 121, The device identifier of the detected mobile terminal device 1 is acquired, print data corresponding to the document data file received by the device management server device 201 together with the device identifier is requested to the device management server device 201, and the print data is acquired. Execute printing based on

  As a result, processing relating to printing (billing processing, print setting, authorization information setting, etc.) that differs individually for each mobile terminal device 1 is collectively performed by the device management server device 201. Further, since the mobile terminal device 1 transmits the machine identifier via the short-range communication interface 12 to execute printing, a device (for example, the multi-function device 5C or 5D) located at a relatively long distance can send the machine identifier transmission destination. Is not detected as a candidate. As a result, printing can be executed by a device (multifunction device 5C or multifunction device 5D) intended by the user who carries the mobile terminal device 1. Furthermore, since the device management server device 201 acquires the document data file via the cloud service, if the mobile terminal device 1 has software that can use the cloud service, such as a web browser, the user The printing service by this system can be enjoyed.

  Each embodiment described above is a preferred example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, after the document data file and / or the print data stored by the device management server device 3, 201 and / or the job management server device 4 are transmitted based on the transmission request, It may be erased immediately, or may be erased when a print completion notification is received, or it may be erased after it has been held for a certain period of time after data transmission or after notification of print completion so that it can be reprinted. Also good.

  In the first and third embodiments, the set top boxes 6A and 6B, together with the data transmission request, send the model information of the multifunction machines 5A and 5B connected to the set top boxes 6A and 6B to the device management server apparatus 3, The device management server apparatuses 3 and 201 may generate print data corresponding to the model indicated by the model information from the document data file and transmit it. Similarly, in the second and fourth embodiments, the multifunction peripherals 5C and 5D transmit their model information to the device management server devices 3 and 201 together with the data transmission request, and the device management server devices 3 and 201 Print data corresponding to the model indicated by the information may be generated from the document data file and transmitted. Furthermore, the model information may include option information indicating whether or not an optional function such as a finisher is already installed.

  In the first and third embodiments, the set-top box 6A and the multifunction peripheral 5A are connected by the peripheral device interfaces 83 and 103. Instead, they are connected by the network interfaces 82 and 101, and the network 2 is connected. The print data may be transmitted / received via the network.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, instead of the multifunction machines 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, other image forming apparatuses having a printing function such as a printer may be used.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the device management server apparatus 201 has the spool function of the job management server apparatus 4. However, as in the first and second embodiments, the device management server apparatus 201 is separate from the device management server apparatus. Alternatively, the job management server device 4 may be provided, and the print data may be spooled in the job management server device 4.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the user inputs a code (for example, four-digit alphanumeric characters) to the mobile terminal device 1, and the mobile terminal device 1 sets the code together with the machine identifier to the set top boxes 6A and 6B or the composite. The code is transmitted to the machine 5C, 5D, and the user inputs the code into the set top box 6A, 6B or the multifunction machine 5C, 5D. The set top box 6A, 6B and the multifunction machine 5C, 5D receive the code received from the portable terminal device 1. The print data transmission request may be transmitted only when the code directly input by the user matches, and otherwise, the print data transmission request may not be transmitted.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the set-top boxes 6A and 6B and the multifunction devices 5C and 5D display a list of print data associated with the detected device identifier of the mobile terminal device 1 as the device management server device 3, 201, the list is transmitted to the mobile terminal device 1 through the short-range communication interface, and the print data selected from the list by the user is acquired from the device management server devices 3 and 201. Good.

  In the first and third embodiments, all the functions of the device management server devices 3 and 201 may be built in the set top box 6A or the set top box 6B, and the device management server devices 3 and 201 may be omitted. .

  The present invention is applicable, for example, to a printing service by an image forming apparatus disposed in a store or the like.

1 Mobile terminal device 3,201 Device management server device (an example of a server device)
5A, 5B, 5C, 5D MFP (an example of an image forming apparatus)
6A, 6B set-top box (an example of a printing control device)
11 Wireless communication interface 12, 102, 121 Near field communication interface 12a MAC address (an example of a machine identifier)
16 program (an example of a program for a mobile terminal device)
22 near field communication processing unit 23 file transmission processing unit 202 cloud server device

Claims (22)

A portable terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a maximum communicable distance shorter than that of the wireless communication interface, and transmitting a body identifier and a document data file unique to the portable terminal device through the wireless communication interface When,
A server device that receives the machine identifier and the document data file from the portable terminal device, and that can process the image forming apparatus and that transmits print data corresponding to the document data file upon request;
Having a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and detecting the mobile terminal device present in the surroundings with the short-range communication interface, obtain a machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device, A print control device that requests and obtains print data corresponding to the document data file received in the server device together with the machine identifier, supplies the print data to the image forming device, and executes printing;
A mobile printing system comprising: A portable terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a maximum communicable distance shorter than that of the wireless communication interface, and transmitting a body identifier and a document data file unique to the portable terminal device through the wireless communication interface When,
A server device that receives the machine identifier and the document data file from the portable terminal device, and that can process the image forming apparatus and that transmits print data corresponding to the document data file upon request;
Having a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and detecting the mobile terminal device present in the surroundings with the short-range communication interface, obtain a machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device, An image forming apparatus that requests the server apparatus to obtain print data corresponding to the document data file received in the server apparatus together with the machine identifier, and executes printing based on the print data;
A mobile printing system comprising:   The mobile printing system according to claim 1, wherein the machine identifier is an identifier of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device.   The mobile printing system according to claim 1, wherein the machine identifier is a MAC address of the short-range communication interface of the mobile terminal device.   The mobile printing system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication interface is a baseband circuit of a mobile phone.   3. The mobile printing system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication interface is an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN interface.   The mobile printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the short-range communication interface is a Bluetooth communication circuit of PowerClass2 or PowerClass3. In a program for a mobile terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance than the wireless communication interface,
A computer built in the portable terminal device,

In the wireless communication interface, a file transmission processing unit that transmits a device identifier and document data file unique to the portable terminal device to a server device, and a short-range communication interface that exists in the vicinity and has the same communication method as the short-range communication interface The machine identifier is transmitted to a device having the machine identifier, print data corresponding to the document data file received by the server apparatus together with the machine identifier is acquired from the server apparatus, and printing based on the print data is executed. A program for a portable terminal device for functioning as a distance communication processing unit. A job management server device that stores a document data file associated with a body identifier of a mobile terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance from the wireless communication interface;
Receiving the machine identifier and document data file transmitted from the mobile terminal device by the wireless communication interface, storing the document data file in the job management server device in association with the machine identifier, and receiving the machine identifier; A device management server device that receives the document data file associated with the machine identifier from the job management server device, and converts the received document data file into print data;
The short-range communication interface has a short-range communication interface of the same communication method, and when the device identifier of the mobile terminal device is acquired by the short-range communication interface, the acquired device identifier is transmitted to the device management server device. A print control device that receives print data associated with the machine identifier from the device management server device;
An image forming apparatus that receives the print data from the print control apparatus and executes printing based on the print data;
A mobile printing system comprising: A job management server device that stores print data associated with a body identifier of a mobile terminal device having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance from the wireless communication interface;
Receiving the machine identifier and document data file transmitted from the mobile terminal device by the wireless communication interface, storing the document data file in the job management server device in association with the machine identifier, and receiving the machine identifier; A device management server device that receives the document data file associated with the machine identifier from the job management server device, and converts the received document data file into print data;
The short-range communication interface has a short-range communication interface of the same communication method, and when the device identifier of the mobile terminal device is acquired by the short-range communication interface, the acquired device identifier is transmitted to the device management server device. An image forming apparatus that receives print data associated with the machine identifier from the device management server apparatus and executes printing based on the print data;
A mobile printing system comprising:   11. The mobile printing system according to claim 9, wherein the device management server device performs an authentication process using the device identifier when the device identifier is received.   12. The device management server device converts the document data file into the print data by print settings based on print setting data stored in association with a machine identifier of the mobile terminal device. The mobile printing system according to claim 1.   The mobile printing system according to claim 12, wherein the print setting data includes an authorization information setting. A cloud server device of a cloud service having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance than the wireless communication interface, and having a document data file storage function in the wireless communication interface A mobile terminal device that transmits to
Download the document data file associated with the machine identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal device from the cloud server device, and request print data corresponding to the document data file that can be processed by the image forming device. A server device to send in response,
Having a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and detecting the mobile terminal device present in the surroundings with the short-range communication interface, obtain a machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device, A print control device for requesting and obtaining print data corresponding to the document data file associated with the machine identifier from the server device, supplying the print data to the image forming device, and executing printing;
A mobile printing system comprising: A cloud server device of a cloud service having a wireless communication interface and a short-range communication interface having a shortest possible communication distance than the wireless communication interface, and having a document data file storage function in the wireless communication interface A mobile terminal device that transmits to
Download the document data file associated with the machine identifier unique to a predetermined mobile terminal device from the cloud server device, and request print data corresponding to the document data file that can be processed by the image forming device. A server device to send in response,
Having a short-range communication interface of the same communication method as the short-range communication interface, and detecting the mobile terminal device present in the surroundings with the short-range communication interface, obtain a machine identifier of the detected mobile terminal device, An image forming apparatus that requests the server apparatus to obtain print data corresponding to the document data file associated with the machine identifier, and executes printing based on the print data;
A mobile printing system comprising:   The mobile printing system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the machine identifier is an identifier of the short-range communication interface of the portable terminal device.   16. The mobile printing system according to claim 14, wherein the machine identifier is a MAC address of the short-range communication interface of the portable terminal device.   The wireless communication interface is an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN interface, and the short-range communication interface is a PowerClass2 or PowerClass3 Bluetooth communication circuit. The mobile printing system described in the section.   The server device repeatedly confirms at a predetermined timing whether or not the document data file associated with the machine identifier unique to the predetermined mobile terminal device is stored in the cloud server device, and the cloud server The mobile device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein when the document data file associated with a device identifier unique to the predetermined mobile terminal device is found in the device, the found document data file is downloaded. Printing system.   20. The mobile printing system according to claim 14, wherein the server device converts the downloaded document data file into the print data.   21. The mobile printing system according to claim 20, wherein the server device converts the document data file into the print data by print settings based on print setting data associated with the machine identifier of the mobile terminal device.   The mobile device according to claim 21, wherein the server device downloads the print setting data from the cloud server device, and converts the document data file into the print data by a print setting based on the downloaded print setting data. Printing system.

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