JP2014170264A - Data output device, data processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a system that are capable of outputting acquired data at desired timing with any output method.SOLUTION: A data output device 11 comprises: a data acquisition unit 20 that acquires data from a communication terminal 10 which transmits the data; a notifying unit 21 that notifies a user of acquisition of the data by sound output or display or both of them; an input receiving unit 22 that receives an instruction from a user who specifies a method for outputting the data; and a data output unit 23 that outputs the acquired data in accordance with the received instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a data output device that acquires and outputs data, a data processing system, and a computer-readable program for executing data output processing.

  Examples of data output devices that acquire and output data include a fax machine, a printer, and an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). These data output devices output data such as print output as soon as data is acquired. For this reason, it has been impossible to select an arbitrary output method and output data by the output method.

  There has been proposed an image processing apparatus that changes the data processing method based on data attributes, although it is not a selection of an output method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By changing the data processing method, more appropriate data receiving processing is realized.

  In the conventional technique, processing is performed at the timing when data is acquired, and a processing method is selected by referring to a preset table. In this case, even if output is performed as a process, there is a problem that the output cannot be performed at a user's favorite timing, and the width of the output method is narrowed.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a data acquisition unit that acquires data from a transmission terminal that transmits data, a notification unit that notifies the user that the data has been acquired by voice output or display, or both, A data output device is provided that includes an input receiving unit that receives an instruction from a user that specifies an output method, and an output unit that outputs acquired data in accordance with the received instruction.

  According to the present invention, since an instruction for designating an output method is received and output, data can be output at any timing and any output method.

The figure which showed the structural example of the data processing system of this embodiment. The sequence diagram which illustrated the flow of the process performed with the data processing system shown in FIG. The functional block diagram which showed 1st Embodiment of the data output device with which the data processing system shown in FIG. 1 is provided. The flowchart which showed 1st Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device. The functional block diagram which showed 2nd Embodiment of the data output device. The flowchart which showed 2nd Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device. The figure which showed an example of the screen notified by the notification part shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example of the screen which displays the list | wrist of the output method detected by the detection part shown in FIG. The flowchart which showed an example of the process performed by the detection part shown in FIG. The flowchart which showed 3rd Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device. The functional block diagram which showed 3rd Embodiment of the data output device. The flowchart which showed 4th Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device. The flowchart which showed 5th Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device. The flowchart which showed 6th Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device. The flowchart which showed 7th Embodiment of the process performed by a data output device.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data processing system according to the present embodiment. The data processing system includes a transmission terminal 10 that is a transmission source that transmits data, and a data output device 11 that acquires data transmitted from the transmission terminal 10 and outputs the data. Although FIG. 1 shows one transmission terminal 10 and one data output device 11, two or more transmission terminals 10 and data output devices 11 may be included. The data processing system may include other devices such as a server device and a database.

  The transmission terminal 10 and the data output device 11 may be directly connected to each other via a cable or may be connected via a network. Examples of the network include a LAN, a WAN, and the Internet. Moreover, the connection between these is not restricted to a wire connection, You may connect by radio | wireless. When performing wireless communication, wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, or the like can be employed.

  The data to be transmitted may be any data such as document data, table data, and image data. In order to output these data, the transmission terminal 10 can transmit the command together with the data, the command included in the data, or the data converted into the command. In FIG. 1, in order to print out document data and the like, the transmission terminal 10 converts print commands described in a page description language called PDL and transmits the print data.

  In order to execute the process of transmitting data, the transmission terminal 10 includes a storage device that stores a program for executing the process, and a CPU that executes the program. The transmission terminal 10 includes a communication interface for performing communication with the data output device 11. Examples of the storage device include a ROM that stores a boot program, BIOS, and the like, a RAM that provides a work space to the CPU, and an HDD and an SSD that store the program, the OS, and the like. The transmitting terminal 10 can use an MPU instead of the CPU. An example of the program is a printer driver that converts data to be printed out into a print command and transmits it.

  The transmitting terminal 10 may be any device that can transmit data. In FIG. 1, a notebook PC is illustrated, but other than that, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a scanner, a fax machine, an MFP, and the like may be used.

  The data output device 11 stores a program for executing processing for acquiring data and outputting the acquired data, and also includes a storage device for temporarily storing the data and a CPU for executing the program. Prepare. The data output device 11 also includes a communication interface for performing communication with the communication terminal 10 and an external storage device interface for connecting to an external storage device. The storage device can include a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, and an SSD. The data output device 11 can also use an MPU instead of the CPU. As an external storage device, an external HDD, an external SSD, an SD card, a USB memory, or the like can be used.

  The data output device 11 can include a display device and / or an audio output device for notifying the user of information. A display or a touch panel can be used as the display device. The touch panel is a device in which a display device and an input device are combined, and a resistive film method, a capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, or the like can be adopted.

  The data output device 11 may be any device as long as it can output data received from the communication terminal 10. In FIG. 1, a laser printer is illustrated, but in addition, an ink jet printer, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a PDA, a fax machine, an MFP, and the like may be used.

  When the data output device 11 receives and acquires the above PDL with a laser printer, the data output device 11 interprets the PDL, draws it, and prints it out by printing on paper based on the drawing data.

  The laser printer includes a plotter for executing printing in addition to the CPU, storage device, communication interface, external storage device interface, and operation panel as a display device. The plotter includes a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a developing unit, a charging unit, a transfer unit, a paper feeding unit, a fixing unit, a cleaning unit, and a paper discharging unit.

  The charging unit charges the photosensitive drum, and the exposure apparatus irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum with a laser based on an instruction from the CPU, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface. The developing unit develops the toner by attaching the toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer unit transfers the toner image to the paper supplied from the paper supply unit, and the fixing unit fixes the toner image to the paper by applying heat and pressure. Then, the paper discharge unit discharges the paper on which the toner image is fixed. The cleaning unit removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum after being transferred by the transfer unit.

  Processing executed by the data processing system will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. The transmission terminal 10 transmits data to be output to the data output device 11. The data may be any data such as document data, table data, and image data.

  The data output device 11 receives data from the transmission terminal 10 and stores the data in a temporary storage destination designated in advance. Then, the data output device 11 notifies the transmission destination user 12 that the data has been acquired by displaying it on the display device, or by voice output, or both. The transmission source user who uses the transmission terminal 10 and the transmission destination user 12 may be the same user.

  For example, when the data output device 11 is a laser printer, it can be displayed on the operation panel that data has been acquired. In addition, when an audio output device such as a microphone is provided, it can be notified by voice that data has been acquired.

  The transmission destination user 12 receives the notification and gives an instruction to the data output apparatus 11 to specify the output method. This instruction can be performed using an input device included in the data output device 11 or can be performed using another device connected to the data output device 11, such as a PC. Further, the user 12 instructs output at an arbitrary time. This instruction can be given at the same time as the instruction of the output method, or can be instructed at an arbitrary time after giving the instruction to specify the output method.

  The data output device 11 receives an instruction for specifying an output method and an output instruction from the transmission destination user 12, and outputs data according to the specified output method. That is, the data output device 11 performs print output when printing is specified by the instruction, and transmits data to the device A by mail when mail transmission to the device A is specified. Specifically, the data output device 11 transmits data with data attached thereto.

  Next, the functional configuration of the data output device 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the first embodiment of the data output device 11. The data output device 11 includes a data acquisition unit 20, a notification unit 21, an input reception unit 22, a data output unit 23, a data storage unit 24, and the like in order to realize each process shown in FIG. Is provided.

  When the CPU reads out and executes the program stored in the communication interface and the storage device, it can function as the data acquisition unit 20, the notification unit 21, and the input reception unit 22. A display device, a plotter, a communication interface, and the like can function as the data output unit 23. As the data storage unit 24, for example, an internal storage device such as an HDD, an external storage device such as an SD card or a USB memory, a server device connected to a network, a cloud (cloud computing), or the like can be used.

  The data acquisition unit 20 receives and acquires data transmitted from the transmission terminal 10. The data acquired by the data acquisition unit 20 is temporarily stored in a storage area designated in advance in the data storage unit 26. When the data acquisition unit 20 acquires the data, the data acquisition unit 20 notifies the notification unit 21 that the data has been acquired. The data acquisition unit 20 may simply notify that data has been acquired, or may notify the type of data. Examples of data types include documents, tables, images, and voices.

  The notification unit 21 receives the notification from the data acquisition unit 20 and notifies it to the transmission destination user 12 by displaying it on the display device, by voice output, or both. When the notification is displayed on the display device, the notification unit 21 can display a message “Data has been acquired.” When notifying by voice, the notification unit 21 can output the content of the message to a voice output device such as a microphone. When both are notified, the message can be displayed, and the content of the message can be output as voice.

  The input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction from the user, interprets the content of the instruction, and notifies the data output unit 23 of the content. This instruction from the user is an instruction to specify an output method, and the output method varies depending on the function of the device. However, in the case of a network color printer, monochrome printing, color printing, mail transmission, saving to an arbitrary storage destination Etc.

  The data output unit 23 outputs data according to the notified content, that is, the instructed output method. For example, even if the data output unit 23 receives fax data, if the instruction of the output method is to store data in the storage destination B, the data output unit 23 does not print out but stores the data in the storage destination B. .

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of processing performed by the data output device 11 shown in FIG. The flow of processing will be described with reference to this flowchart. The data output device 11 starts processing from step 400. First, in step 405, the data acquisition unit 20 receives data from the transmission terminal 10. In step 410, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 20 is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24. For example, when there is a designation of a save destination as folder C to be saved, the folder C is saved.

  In step 415, the notification unit 21 notifies the transmission destination user 12 that the data has been acquired by display and / or voice output. In step 420, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating an output method from the user 12. The input receiving unit 22 notifies the data output unit 23 of the instruction. This instruction can include data identification information for identifying data such as a data name.

  In step 425, the data output unit 23 extracts the acquired data from the data storage unit 24 based on the data identification information included in the instruction, and outputs the data in accordance with the output method specified by the instruction. End the process.

  In this way, by allowing the user to input an instruction for specifying an output method and outputting data according to the instruction, data can be output at a timing desired by the user and in a desired output method.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the data output device 11. The data output device 11 includes a data acquisition unit 20, a notification unit 21, an input reception unit 22, a data output unit 23, and a data storage unit 24 in order to implement each process as illustrated in FIG. 2. The detector 25 is further provided. Since the data acquisition unit 20, the notification unit 21, the input reception unit 22, the data output unit 23, and the data storage unit 24 have already been described, the detection unit 25 will be described in detail here.

  The data acquisition unit 20 notifies the data storage unit 24 of the acquired data, and notifies the detection unit 25 that the data has been acquired, in addition to the notification unit 21. Upon receiving this notification, the detection unit 25 makes an inquiry to the data output unit 23 to obtain information on the function of the data output unit 23 relating to data output. And the detection part 25 detects the output method which can be utilized from the acquired information.

  When the data output device 11 is an MFP, the detection unit 25 acquires information on functions related to data output such as a monochrome printing function, a color printing function, a mail transmission function, a fax transmission function, a data storage function, and a data communication function. Then, the detection unit 25 detects monochrome printing, color printing, mail transmission, fax transmission, folder storage, storage in an external storage device, and storage on the cloud as available output methods from these pieces of information.

  The detection unit 25 sends the detected output method to the notification unit 21 as a list. For this reason, the notification unit 21 notifies the user 12 that the data has been acquired, and then presents this list to the user 12.

  The user 12 inputs an instruction to specify an output method by selecting one of the presented output methods, and then inputs an output instruction. The input receiving unit 22 receives these instructions, sends the instructions to the data output unit 23, and outputs data.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the data output device 11 illustrated in FIG. The flow of processing will be described with reference to this flowchart. The data output device 11 starts processing from step 600. First, in step 605, the data acquisition unit 20 receives data from the transmission terminal 10. In step 610, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 20 is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24.

  In step 615, the notification unit 21 notifies the transmission destination user 12 that the data has been acquired by display and / or voice output. In step 620, the detection unit 25 detects an available output method. Then, a list of available output methods is presented to the destination user 12.

  In step 625, the user 12 selects one of the output methods in the presented list, and the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating the output method from the user 12. In step 630, the data output unit 23 retrieves the acquired data from the data storage unit 24, outputs the data in accordance with the output method specified by the instruction, and ends the processing in step 635.

  The screen in the case of notifying by display in step 615 can be a screen as shown in FIG. This screen is an example, and may include other messages, buttons, and the like. In the screen shown in FIG. 7, a message “Data has been acquired” is displayed to notify that data has been acquired. In addition, a confirmation button is displayed on this screen, and a list of available output methods can be displayed by pressing this button.

  FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen displayed after the confirmation button is pressed. In the screen shown in FIG. 8, each output method is displayed by a radio button so that the transmission destination user 12 can select one of the output methods. Here, the radio button is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be displayed by a check button, a pull-down menu, or the like.

  The screen shown in FIG. 8 shows four examples of output methods. As output methods that can be used, printing (monochrome), printing (color), sending to a mail address xxx @ xxx, and saving in a yyy folder are displayed. In addition, an output button for starting output by the selected output method is also displayed. The transmission destination user 12 can execute output according to the output method by selecting one of the output methods and pressing the output button. Here, since printing (color) is selected, color printing is executed.

  The detection unit 25 refers to the acquired information to check whether each output method can be used, and performs processing for adding the output methods to the listed output methods. Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG. The process shown in FIG. 9 shows an example.

  This process starts from step 900 when a notification that data has been acquired from the data acquisition unit 20 is received and information is acquired from the data output unit 23. The data output device 11 includes a memory in the main body, and can store data in the memory and perform monochrome printing.

  In step 905, first, it is confirmed whether the data output device 11 supports color printing. If the acquired information is supported, the process proceeds to step 910, and printing (color) is added to the output method to be listed. Then, the process proceeds to Step 915. If not, the process proceeds directly to step 915.

  In step 915, it is confirmed whether a storage device other than the main body memory is connected. Here, it is confirmed whether or not the HDD is connected. This HDD may be connected as an internal storage device or may be connected as an external storage device. Connection to the HDD can be confirmed by checking whether the HDD can be accessed. If it is connected, the process proceeds to step 920. If it is not connected, the process proceeds to step 925. In step 920, saving to the HDD is added to the output method to be listed. Then, the process proceeds to Step 925.

  In step 925, it is confirmed whether or not connection to the cloud is possible. This can be confirmed by checking whether an account for using the cloud is registered. The account is an ID for logging in to the cloud, and is generally associated with a password and is entered by the user together with the password.

  If connection is possible in step 925, the process proceeds to step 930, and if connection is not possible, the process proceeds to step 935. If connection is possible, data can be stored on the cloud, so in step 930, storage on the cloud is added to the output method to be listed. Then, the process proceeds to Step 935. Here, the data is stored on the cloud, but the output to the device on the cloud may be print output by the device on the cloud.

  In step 935, it is confirmed whether an e-mail address is registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step 940, and if not registered, the process proceeds to step 945. Since registered mail transmission is possible, in step 940, mail transmission is added to the output method to be listed. Then, the process proceeds to Step 945.

  In step 945, it is confirmed whether or not a folder as a data storage destination is registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step 950, and if not registered, the process proceeds to step 955. If registered, it is possible to save data in the folder. In step 950, folder saving is added to the output method to be listed, and the flow advances to step 955. Then, in step 955, this process is terminated.

  The confirmation performed by the detection unit 25 is limited to five: whether the color printing is supported, whether the HDD is connected, whether it can be connected to the cloud, whether an e-mail address is registered, or whether a folder is registered. Is not to be done. Only some of these five may be determined, or other confirmation items may be added. Other confirmation items include, for example, whether fax transmission is possible or screen display is possible.

  Since only the output methods that can be used can be presented as a list in this way, it is not necessary to examine the output methods that can be used by the user, and the user's labor can be saved. In addition, it is possible to select from all available output methods, and the range of output methods can be maximized.

  By the way, the storage destination to be temporarily stored until the data output unit 23 outputs the acquired data can be set in advance, but the user 12 can change the setting. This change can be made at any time before actually receiving and temporarily storing the data. With reference to FIG. 10, the process performed by the data output apparatus 11 including the process of changing the storage destination will be described.

  This process starts from step 1000. First, in step 1005, the input reception unit 22 receives an instruction for designating a temporary storage destination from the transmission destination user 12. Examples of the storage destination include an HDD, a folder, and a cloud. Thereafter, in step 1010, the data acquisition unit 20 receives the data.

  In step 1015, it is confirmed from the received instruction where the designated storage destination is. In step 1020, the acquired data is temporarily stored in the storage destination.

  The subsequent processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 4. In step 1025, the notification unit 21 notifies the transmission destination user 12 that the data has been acquired by display and / or audio output. In step 1030, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating an output method from the user 12. The input receiving unit 22 notifies the data output unit 23 of the output method specified by the instruction. In step 1035, the data output unit 23 extracts the data from the data storage unit 24, outputs the data according to the output method, and ends the processing in step 1040.

  In this way, the user can freely specify the storage destination, so that it can be customized according to the remaining amount of memory and the usage of the user.

  In the above description, it has been described that data can be temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24. However, there are cases where data cannot be stored in a storage destination preset by the user 12. For example, it is set to save in an external storage device, and the external storage device is removed. If the data cannot be temporarily saved, subsequent data cannot be output, so it is necessary to switch to another storage destination.

  Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 11, in the data output device 11, the data storage unit 24 includes a plurality of storage areas, and includes a storage destination switching unit 26 that switches a storage destination to another storage area that is another storage destination. Can be provided. The data storage unit 24 includes a plurality of storage areas such as the main memory, the HDD, the USB memory, and the cloud described above.

  For example, if it is preset to save to the HDD and saving to the HDD fails, the save destination switching unit 26 selects one of the main memory, USB memory, and cloud as another save destination Then, the storage destination is switched to one of them. When there are a plurality of storage destinations as described above, the storage destination switching unit 26 notifies the user and can determine one by user selection. Further, the storage destination switching unit 26 can determine one according to a preset priority order.

  Processing performed by the data output device 11 shown in FIG. 11 including processing for switching the storage destination will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The data output device 11 starts processing from step 1200. First, in step 1205, the data acquisition unit 20 receives data from the transmission terminal 10. In step 1210, the acquired data is temporarily stored in a storage area of a storage destination designated in advance in the data storage unit 24.

  In step 1215, it is determined whether saving to the saving destination is successful. If successful, the process proceeds to step 1240. If unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step 1220. In step 1220, it is determined whether there is another storage destination. If there is, the process proceeds to step 1225 and the acquired data is stored in the other storage destination. Then, the process proceeds to step 1230, and it is determined again whether or not the storage is successful. If successful, the process advances to step 1235 to notify the user 12 that the storage destination has been changed by display and / or audio output. After the notification, the process proceeds to step 1240.

  If the storage fails in step 1230, the process returns to step 1220 to determine again whether there is another storage destination. If it is determined in step 1220 that there is no other storage destination, data acquisition fails. In the case of data acquisition failure, for example, the user 12 can be notified by displaying that data acquisition has failed.

  In step 1240, the transmission destination user 12 is notified that the notification unit 21 has acquired the data by display and / or voice output. In step 1245, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating an output method from the user 12. The input receiving unit 22 notifies the data output unit 23 of the output method specified by the instruction.

  In step 1250, the data output unit 23 extracts the data from the data storage unit 24, outputs the data according to the output method, and ends the processing in step 1255.

  In this way, by automatically switching the storage location so that it can be recovered, even if the specified storage location is not available, data can be acquired and output without any hassle to the user Can do.

  The output data may be still stored in the storage destination after that, but this causes a memory shortage. For this reason, it is desirable to delete the output data. Therefore, the data output device 11 can include a data deletion unit that deletes data from the data storage unit 24. Processing performed by the data output device 11 including processing for deleting output data will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction to delete the output data from the user 12 during the process, but this instruction can be received before the data is received. In this case, this instruction may be accepted any time before data is received.

  The data output device 11 starts processing from step 1300. First, in step 1305, the data acquisition unit 20 receives data from the transmission terminal 10. In step 1310, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 20 is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24.

  In step 1315, the notification unit 21 notifies the transmission destination user 12 that the data has been acquired by display and / or voice output. In step 1320, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating an output method from the user 12. The input receiving unit 22 notifies the data output unit 23 of the output method specified by the instruction.

  In step 1325, the data output unit 23 extracts the data from the data storage unit 24, and outputs the data according to the output method. In step 1330, an instruction is received from the user 12 regarding whether or not to delete the output data.

  In step 1335, it is determined whether to delete the output data according to the received instruction. When deleting, it progresses to step 1340 and a data deletion part deletes output data from a preservation | save destination. Then, the process proceeds to step 1345 to end this process. If it is determined in step 1335 that the data is not deleted, the process directly proceeds to step 1345 to end the process.

  Since unnecessary data can be deleted in this way, the storage area can be used effectively. In addition, necessary data can be stored as it is, and can be output as many times as desired at a timing desired by the user.

  Some users want to be notified that they have been output by an appropriately designated output method. For this reason, it is possible to receive an instruction as to whether or not to notify that the output has been completed, and to notify according to the instruction or not. This process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction whether or not to notify that the output has been completed from the user 12 in the middle, but this instruction can also be received before receiving data. It is. In this case, this instruction may be accepted any time before data is received.

  The data output device 11 starts processing from step 1400. First, in step 1405, the data acquisition unit 20 receives data from the transmission terminal 10. In step 1410, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 20 is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24.

  In step 1415, the user 12 is notified that the data is acquired by the notification unit 21 through display and / or audio output. In step 1420, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating an output method from the user 12. The input receiving unit 22 notifies the data output unit 23 of the output method specified by the instruction.

  In step 1425, the data output unit 23 extracts the data from the data storage unit 24, and outputs the data according to the output method. In step 1430, an instruction is received from user 12 as to whether to notify that the output has been completed.

  In step 1435, it is determined whether or not to notify that the output is completed according to the received instruction. When notifying, it progresses to step 1440 and notifies that the output was completed. Then, the process proceeds to step 1445, and this process ends. If it is determined in step 1435 not to delete, the process proceeds directly to step 1445 to end the process.

  As a result, it is possible to confirm that the data has arrived at the transmission destination user, and when there is no notification, the transmission source user can contact the transmission destination user to prevent oversight of data at the transmission destination.

  Some users 12 may notify that data has been acquired, but may not be watching when the notification is received. In this case, it may happen that an instruction for specifying an output method cannot be received from the user 12 no matter how much time has elapsed. Therefore, the notification unit 21 can confirm whether or not the input reception unit 22 has received an instruction every time a predetermined time has elapsed, and can notify again that data has been acquired if the instruction has not been received. For this reason, it can further be provided with the time measurement part which notifies that the notification part 21 acquired data and measures the time until the input reception part 22 receives an instruction | indication. This process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The data output device 11 starts processing from step 1500. First, in step 1505, the data acquisition unit 20 receives data from the transmission terminal 10. In step 1510, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 20 is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24.

  In step 1515, the user 12 is notified that the data is acquired by the notification unit 21 by display and / or voice output. In step 1520, the input receiving unit 22 determines whether a predetermined time has passed without an instruction from the user 12 specifying the output method. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 1525 to notify the user 12 again that the notification unit 21 has acquired data. Then, the process returns to step 1520. This is repeated until the instruction comes. If the instruction is received while the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 1530.

  In step 1530, the input receiving unit 22 receives an instruction for designating an output method from the user 12. The input receiving unit 22 notifies the data output unit 23 of the output method specified by the instruction.

  In step 1535, the data output unit 23 extracts the data from the data storage unit 24, outputs the data according to the output method, and ends the processing in step 1540.

  Although only the output method instruction has been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the output method, and the output start time may be instructed. The output start time may be, for example, a specific time of 15:30, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or the like.

  For example, a time setting button is provided on a screen for selecting an output method as shown in FIG. 8, and a time setting screen including a time input field and a pull-down menu can be displayed by pressing the button. In the time input field, the time can be input using a keyboard or the like, and in the pull-down menu, the time can be selected with a mouse.

  After setting the time, press the setting end button provided on the screen to return to the screen for selecting the output method. By pressing the output button on the screen, output can be started at the set time. . In addition, since this is an example, it is not limited to this structure.

  From the above, the data output device 11 can be configured to include the data acquisition unit 20, the notification unit 21, the input reception unit 22, and the data output unit 23. In addition, a storage destination switching unit 26, a detection unit 25, a data storage unit 24, a time measurement unit that measures a predetermined time for performing re-notification, and a data deletion unit can be provided.

  These functional units may be mounted in one device such as a PC, a printer, and an MFP, or may be separately mounted on two or more devices that can communicate with each other. For this reason, the data output device may be composed of one device or may be composed of two or more devices. For example, two devices such as a printer and a print server can be used as data output devices.

  The present invention has been described with the embodiment described above as a data output device, a data processing system, and a program for causing a computer to execute data output processing. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and the like can be modified within a range that can be conceived by those skilled in the art. . In addition, any aspect is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the operations and effects of the present invention are exhibited.

  Therefore, the present invention can also provide a method including processing steps executed by a data output device, a method including processing steps executed by a data processing system, a recording medium on which a program is recorded, and the like. The program can be installed on a server or the like connected to the network and provided by downloading.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Communication terminal, 11 ... Data output device, 12 ... User, 20 ... Data acquisition part, 21 ... Communication part, 22 ... Input reception part, 23 ... Data output part, 24 ... Data storage part, 25 ... Detection part, 26 ... save destination switching part

JP 2008-98789 A

Claims (9)

A data acquisition unit that acquires the data from a transmission terminal that transmits the data;
A notification unit for notifying the user that data has been acquired by voice output and / or display;
An input receiving unit that receives an instruction from a user that specifies a data output method;
A data output device including a data output unit that outputs acquired data in accordance with an accepted instruction. Inquiring to the data output unit, obtaining information on the function related to the output of data possessed by the data output unit, comprising a detection unit for detecting an available output method from the information,
The data output device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit lists the available output methods and notifies the user.   The data output device according to claim 1, wherein the input receiving unit receives an instruction for designating a storage destination for temporarily storing the data until the data output unit outputs the acquired data.   A data storage unit including a storage area designated as a storage destination for temporarily storing the acquired data, and when saving to the storage area fails, the storage destination is switched to another storage area of the data storage unit The data output device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage destination switching unit. Including a data deletion unit for deleting data from the data storage unit;
5. The input receiving unit receives an instruction as to whether or not to delete data when data output is successful, and deletes the data when the data deleting unit receives an instruction to delete. The data output device described in 1.   The input receiving unit receives an instruction as to whether or not to notify that output has been completed, and the notification unit notifies the transmitting terminal that output has been completed when receiving an instruction to notify. Item 6. The data output device according to any one of Items 1 to 5. Further including a time measuring unit for notifying that the notification unit has acquired data and measuring a time until the input receiving unit receives the instruction;
The notification unit checks whether or not the input reception unit has received the instruction every time a predetermined time elapses, and re-notifies that data has been acquired if the instruction has not been received. The data output device according to any one of the above.   A data processing system, comprising: a transmission terminal that transmits data; and a data output device that outputs the data according to claim 1. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of outputting data,
Obtaining the data from a transmitting terminal that transmits the data;
Notifying the user that data has been acquired by voice output and / or display; and
A step of accepting an instruction from a user specifying a data output method;
A program that causes a computer to execute a step of outputting acquired data in accordance with an accepted instruction.