JP2014136412A - Printing terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing terminal device that is prevented from being disturbed in transfer of image data.SOLUTION: A printing terminal device 1 related to the present invention is the printing terminal device 1 that accumulates image data transferred from an outside and performs printing or makes an external printer perform printing. The printing terminal device 1 includes: an image data reading part 13 for reading image data; a storage part 7 for accumulating the read image data; and a display part 11 for displaying the accumulated image data. When the image data reading part 13 starts reading the image data, the printing terminal device 1 performs a predetermined lock operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print terminal apparatus, and more particularly to a print terminal apparatus that stores image data read from a recording medium and performs printing, or causes an external printer to perform printing.

  With the spread of digital cameras and mobile communication terminals having high-quality camera functions, there is an increasing demand for printing captured digital images. Since recording media (for example, memory cards) on which image data is recorded can be easily carried, a self-printing terminal (hereinafter referred to as “printing device”) that allows users to easily print by attaching the recording media to the reader of the printing terminal. , Simply described as a print terminal) is widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In general, in a print terminal, all image data in the recording medium is read and temporarily stored in the storage unit in the print terminal in order to reduce the risk of the data in the recording medium being lost due to malfunction or the like. To do. For example, when displaying the image data used for the print order on the screen of the print terminal, the display is performed using the image data temporarily stored in the self-print terminal instead of directly accessing the recording medium.

  Further, as another method for transferring image data from a recording medium to a print terminal, a method for transferring image data indirectly using a wireless communication function of a mobile communication terminal is known.

  Note that transferring image data by wireless communication generally takes longer transfer time than transferring image data by directly attaching a recording medium to the reading unit of the self-print terminal.

JP 2002-329250 A

  In recent years, the size of image data has increased with the increase in capacity of recording media and the advancement of functions of digital cameras. For this reason, it takes much time to transfer the image data from the recording medium to the print terminal. Therefore, there has been a problem that the user has to wait for a long time in front of the print terminal.

  Conventionally, it has been possible for a non-user to freely remove the recording medium at the reading unit of the print terminal, so if the user leaves the print terminal during image data transfer, the recording medium is removed. There was also a security problem.

  In addition, when the user leaves the print terminal during image data transfer, another user operates the print terminal and the transfer of the image data is interrupted.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a print terminal device that prevents transfer of image data from being hindered.

  A print terminal device according to the present invention is a print terminal device that accumulates image data transferred from the outside and performs printing, or causes an external printer to perform printing, and an image data reading unit that reads image data; A storage unit for storing the read image data and a display unit for displaying the stored image data are provided, and when the image data reading unit starts reading the image data, a predetermined locking operation is performed.

  According to the present invention, since the predetermined locking operation is performed when the transfer of the image data is started, it is possible to prevent the transfer of the image data from being hindered by an operation by another person. Therefore, the user does not have to wait in front of the print terminal device during the image data transfer, and can move away from the print terminal, thereby improving convenience.

1 is a schematic diagram of a print terminal device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a print terminal apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a recording media lock unit of the print terminal apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print terminal apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a registration screen of the print terminal apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a password authentication screen of the print terminal apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

<Embodiment 1>
<Configuration>
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a print terminal apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the print terminal apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.

  The print terminal device 1 can be loaded with a recording medium 4, reads image data stored in the recording medium 4, and accumulates it in the storage unit 7. The print terminal apparatus 1 prints the image data stored in the storage unit 7 or causes an external printer to print. Further, the print terminal device 1 can perform wireless communication with the external mobile communication terminal 2 via the communication unit 3.

  The print terminal device 1 includes a control unit 10 realized by a CPU. The control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit (communication unit 3, storage unit 7, image data reading unit 13, recording medium mounting unit 5, display unit 11, password authentication unit 9, and printing unit 12) described later.

  The print terminal device 1 can be loaded with a recording medium 4, a recording medium loading unit 5 that is electrically connected to the recording medium 4, and an image data reading unit 13 that reads image data transferred from the recording medium 4. A storage unit 7 for accumulating image data is provided. In addition, the recording media mounting unit 5 includes a recording media lock unit 8 that physically restricts the removal of the recording media 4.

  The print terminal device 1 further includes a print unit 12 that prints the image data stored in the storage unit 7. Instead of the print unit 12, a print signal output unit (not shown) for outputting a signal for causing an external printer to perform printing may be provided.

  The print terminal device 1 further includes an operation input unit 6 for a user to perform an operation, a display unit 11 for displaying an input result of the operation input unit 6, image data, and the like, and a password input by the operation input unit 6. A password authenticating unit 9 for authenticating The print terminal device 1 further includes a communication unit 3 that performs wireless communication with a mobile communication terminal, for example. The communication unit 3 includes, for example, a wireless LAN antenna, and can perform wireless LAN communication with the mobile communication terminal 2. The image data reading unit 13 can also read the image data transferred to the communication unit 3.

  The display unit 11 is a liquid crystal display, for example, and the operation input unit 6 is a keyboard or a touch panel integrated with a liquid crystal display. The storage unit 7 is, for example, a hard disk drive. The recording medium 4 is a memory card (for example, an SD standard memory card). The recording medium 4 may be a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB memory, or the like.

  The recording media lock unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the recording medium 4 is a memory card. The recording media lock unit 8 is constituted by a pair of movable rubber-like members 17 provided on both sides of the recording media insertion port of the recording media mounting unit 5.

  When the recording medium 4 is mounted on the recording medium mounting unit 5, the terminal 4a of the recording medium 4 and the terminal (not shown) of the recording medium mounting unit are electrically connected. When the control unit 10 issues a lock instruction to the recording medium lock unit 8, the pair of rubber-like members 17 move inward to sandwich the recording medium 4 mounted on the recording medium reading unit 5 from both sides. Thus, the removal of the recording medium 4 is physically limited by the pressure from the rubber-like member 17. Further, when the control unit 10 issues an unlocking instruction to the recording medium lock unit 8, the pair of rubber-like members 17 move outward, so that the recording medium 4 can be removed. The structure of the recording media lock unit 8 can be applied to a USB memory as well as a memory card.

  In addition to FIG. 3, for example, the removal of the recording medium 4 may be physically restricted by covering the front surface of the recording medium mounting portion 5 with a movable cover.

<Operation>
The operation of the print terminal apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1, if the print terminal apparatus 1 is in a lock operation described later, the print terminal apparatus 1 is in use and cannot be used by other users. If the lock operation is not in progress, the process proceeds to the next step.

  In step S2, the user registers the password and the mail address of his / her mobile communication terminal 2. For example, the screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11, and the user inputs an arbitrary password in the password input field and his / her mail address in the mail address input field from the operation input unit 6. The control unit 10 causes the storage unit 7 to store information (password and mail address) input in each field, for example.

  Next, when the user mounts the recording medium 4 storing the image data on the recording medium mounting unit 5, the transfer of the image data is started (step S3). That is, the control unit 10 causes the image data reading unit 13 to read the image data in the recording medium 4. The read image data is sequentially stored in the storage unit 7.

  When transfer of image data is started in step S3, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined locking operation (step S4). The predetermined lock operation is a screen lock operation and a recording media lock operation. The screen lock operation is an operation in which a password authentication screen (FIG. 6) is displayed on the display unit 11 and operations other than the password input operation are not accepted. Also, the recording medium lock operation is an operation in which the removal of the recording medium 4 is physically restricted by the recording medium lock unit 8 described above.

  As described above, since the predetermined locking operation is performed, the user does not have to wait until the transfer is completed in front of the print terminal apparatus 1 while transferring the image data, and may leave the print terminal apparatus 1. it can.

  Next, in step S5, it is determined whether all the image data in the recording medium 4 has been transferred. If transfer has not been completed, transfer continues.

  When the transfer is completed, in step S6, the control unit 10 transmits a transfer completion notification to the registered mail address via the communication unit 3 as a notification of completion of image data reading.

  The user who has received the transfer completion notification returns to the print terminal device 1. At this time, the print terminal device 1 is in a locking operation, and a password authentication screen is displayed on the display unit 11. When the user inputs a password, the password authentication unit 9 determines whether the input password matches the password registered in step S2 (that is, whether the password authentication is correct) (step S2). S7).

  If password authentication is not correct, continue screen lock operation. On the other hand, if the password authentication is correct, in step S8, the control unit 10 releases the lock operation (that is, the screen lock operation and the recording media lock operation), and proceeds to step S9. Thereby, the user can remove the recording medium 4 from the recording medium mounting portion 5.

  Finally, in step S9, the control unit 10 performs a print order process. The print order process is, for example, displaying the image data stored in the storage unit 7 on the display unit 11, printing the image data selected by the user on the print unit 12, and presenting the print fee to the user. It is processing.

<Effect>
The print terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment is a print terminal device 1 that stores image data transferred from the outside and performs printing, or causes an external printer to perform printing, and reads image data. Unit 13, a storage unit 7 for storing the read image data, and a display unit 11 for displaying the stored image data. When the image data reading unit 13 starts reading the image data, a predetermined locking operation is performed. It is characterized by performing.

  Therefore, since the predetermined lock operation is performed when the transfer of the image data is started, it is possible to prevent the transfer of the image data from being hindered by an operation by another person. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to wait in front of the print terminal device 1 during image data transfer, and it is possible to leave the print terminal device 1, thereby improving convenience.

  In addition, the print terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a recording medium mounting unit 5 on which the recording medium 4 can be mounted, and an operation input unit 6, and the image data is mounted on the recording medium mounting unit 5. The image data in the recording medium 4, and the predetermined locking operation includes a recording medium locking operation that physically restricts removal of the recording medium 4 and a screen that does not accept operations other than the predetermined authentication operation in the operation input unit 6. It is a locking operation, and when a predetermined authentication operation is performed in the operation input unit 6, the locking operation is released.

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the other person from removing and taking away the recording medium while the user is away from the print terminal apparatus 1 by the recording medium locking operation, so that the security is improved. Further, it is possible to prevent the transfer of image data from being interrupted by the operation of another person while the user is away from the print terminal device 1. Therefore, convenience is further improved.

  The print terminal apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a communication unit 3 that performs wireless communication with the external mobile communication terminal 2. When the reading of the image data is completed, the reading from the communication unit 3 to the mobile communication terminal 2 is completed. The notification is performed.

  Therefore, the user can know that the transfer of the image data is completed by the notification of the completion of reading. Therefore, even when the user is away from the print terminal apparatus 1, it is possible to know when to return to the print terminal apparatus 1, and thus the convenience is further improved.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the recording medium 4 is mounted on the recording medium mounting unit 5 and image data is transferred. In the present embodiment, image data is transferred from the portable communication terminal 2 by wireless communication.

  Since the configuration of the print terminal apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description will be made with reference to FIG. Note that the communication unit 3 in the present embodiment receives image data from the mobile communication terminal 2 by wireless communication (for example, infrared communication).

  In the present embodiment, since the recording medium 4 is not used for transferring image data, the print terminal apparatus in the present embodiment does not need to include the recording medium mounting unit 5.

  Since the operation of the print terminal apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the operation described with reference to the flowchart (FIG. 4) in the first embodiment except for parts to be described later, only different steps will be described.

  4, the communication unit 3 can receive infrared communication, and the mobile communication terminal 2 transfers image data to the communication unit 3 by infrared communication. Communication may be performed using a wireless LAN instead of infrared communication.

  In step S4, the print terminal apparatus 1 performs a predetermined lock operation. The predetermined lock operation in the present embodiment is the screen lock operation described in the first embodiment. The unlocking operation in step S8 is a screen unlocking operation.

<Effect>
The print terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a communication unit 3 that performs wireless communication with an external mobile communication terminal 2 and an operation input unit 6, and the image data is image data received by the communication unit 3. The predetermined lock operation is a screen lock operation in which the operation input unit 6 does not accept operations other than the predetermined authentication operation. When the predetermined authentication operation is performed in the operation input unit 6, the lock operation is released. It is characterized by.

  Therefore, when the transfer of the image data is started, a predetermined lock operation is performed, so that the transfer of the image data can be prevented from being hindered by an operation by another person. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to wait in front of the print terminal device 1 during image data transfer, and it is possible to leave the print terminal device 1, thereby improving convenience. Further, by transferring the image data by wireless communication, it is not necessary to attach a recording medium to the print terminal apparatus 1, and convenience is improved.

  Further, the print terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that when the reading of the image data is completed, the communication unit 3 notifies the mobile communication terminal 2 of the reading completion.

  Therefore, the user can know that the transfer of the image data is completed by the notification of the completion of reading. Therefore, even when the user is away from the print terminal apparatus 1, it is possible to know when to return to the print terminal apparatus 1, and thus the convenience is further improved.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print terminal device, 2 Portable communication terminal, 3 Communication part, 4 Recording media, 5 Recording media mounting part, 6 Operation input part, 7 Storage part, 8 Recording media lock part, 9 Password authentication part, 10 Control part, 11 Display Part, 12 printing part, 13 image data reading part, 17 rubber-like member.

Claims (5)

A print terminal device that stores image data transferred from the outside and prints it, or causes an external printer to print,
An image data reading unit for reading the image data;
A storage unit for accumulating the read image data;
A display unit for displaying the accumulated image data;
With
When the image data reading unit starts reading the image data, a predetermined locking operation is performed.
Print terminal device. A recording medium mounting portion on which a recording medium can be mounted;
An operation input section;
Further comprising
The image data is image data in a recording medium attached to the recording medium attachment unit,
The predetermined lock operation is a recording medium lock operation that physically restricts removal of the recording medium, and a screen lock operation in which the operation input unit does not accept operations other than a predetermined authentication operation,
When the predetermined authentication operation is performed in the operation input unit, the lock operation is released.
The print terminal device according to claim 1. A communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external mobile communication terminal;
An operation input section;
Further comprising
The image data is image data received by the communication unit,
The predetermined lock operation is a screen lock operation in which the operation input unit does not accept an operation other than a predetermined authentication operation,
When the predetermined authentication operation is performed in the operation input unit, the lock operation is released.
The print terminal device according to claim 1. A communication unit for performing wireless communication with an external mobile communication terminal;
When the reading of the image data is completed, the communication unit notifies the mobile communication terminal of the completion of reading,
The print terminal device according to claim 1. When the reading of the image data is completed, the communication unit notifies the mobile communication terminal of the completion of reading,
The print terminal device according to claim 3.

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