JP2015097117A - Print management server, print management system, print management method, program, and record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system which allows printing safely in terms of security, for a portable terminal capable of connecting to an internal wireless LAN access point even when it does not know where an information processor including a function for conversion into a printer language is in the internal LAN.SOLUTION: A print management server 701 exists outside a local area network 400 communicably connected to portable terminals 101 and 102, and a printer 301. The print management server 701 stores the address of an information processor including a function for converting print object data into a printer language which the printer 301 can interpret. When receiving a print instruction from a portable terminal, the print management server 701 determines, with an address stored, whether or not there is an information processor including a function for conversion into a printer language, to which the portable terminal is communicably connected. When having determined that there is such an information processor, the print management server 701 transmits to the portable terminal the address of the information processor including a function of conversion into a printer language.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for printing on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a PDA that does not have a printer driver.

  In normal printing from a PC, printing is performed by using a printer driver to convert image and document data into a printer language and sending it to a printer.

  Since the printer language differs depending on the printer, a printer driver for each printer is installed and used.

  However, since the portable memory has a small installed memory capacity and low CPU capability, a printer driver cannot be used and printing is performed on a PC.

  In addition, as described in Patent Document 1, a technique for determining data received by a printer and generating a printer language on another PC is disclosed.

  Further, as described in Non-Patent Document 1, there is a service that places data in a server on the Internet and generates a printer language on the server.

JP 2006-65372 A

Cortado workplace

      “Cloud printing includes 1GB online storage and iPhone file manager on iPhone & iPod Touch” http://www.cortado.com/asjp/en/Products/CortadoWorkplace/iPhone.aspx

      "Free Desktop App incl. Mobile Printing for BlackBerry, Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch & Co." http://www.cortado.com/euen/EN/Products/CortadoWorkplace.aspx

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to add a new function to the printer, and it cannot be used with a printer that already exists in the market.

  Further, in the service of Non-Patent Document 1, print data is transmitted from the mobile terminal to the Internet at the time of printing, which may be inappropriate in terms of print data security. For example, there is a possibility that peeping or falsification of values may occur at a server to which print data that has flowed to the Internet is relayed.

  Furthermore, the conventional method of requesting printing from a portable terminal to a PC equipped with a printer driver cannot request printing unless the location of the PC on which the printer driver is installed is known.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In the case of a portable terminal that can be connected to an in-house wireless LAN access point, the present invention has an information processing apparatus capable of converting a printer language in the in-house LAN. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of printing safely without adding a new function to a printer without understanding.

  The present invention relates to print management that exists outside a local area network having an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus having a function of converting data to be printed into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus and can be connected from a portable terminal. A storage unit that stores an address of the information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus information storage unit that stores information that can identify the image forming apparatus including the address of the image forming apparatus, and a portable terminal In accordance with the request, the image forming apparatus transmits a candidate for the image forming apparatus in the same local area network as the portable terminal, using the address of the transmission source of the request and the information stored in the image forming apparatus information storage unit Among the candidates for the image forming apparatus transmitted by the apparatus candidate transmitting unit and the image forming apparatus candidate transmitting unit, Address transmitting means for acquiring the address of the information processing apparatus in the local area network from the storage means and transmitting it to the portable terminal, which has a function of converting into a printer language interpretable by the selected image forming apparatus It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, in the case of a portable terminal that can be connected to a wireless LAN access point in a network such as an in-house LAN, a new function is added to the printer without knowing the location of the information processing apparatus capable of converting the printer language in the in-house LAN. This has the effect of enabling secure printing.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the server 701 and information processing apparatus (PC) 201 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the portable terminals 101 and 102 in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printer 301 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the processing flow of the printing management system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the processing flow of the printing management system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the print data selection screen image which the display controller (DC) 1006 of the portable terminals 101 and 102 in the embodiment of the present invention displays on the display 1200 or the like. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print printer selection input screen image displayed on a display 1200 or the like by a display controller (DC) 1006 of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an example of a printer management table managed by the print management server 701 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of an information processing apparatus management table managed by the print management server 701 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an example of IP header information of a packet from the portable terminal 101 or 102 to the print management server 701 in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the printing system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a print management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the configurations of various terminals connected to the Internet 600 and the local area network (LAN) 400 in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

  The mobile terminal 101 in FIG. 1 is connected to the Internet 600 via an Internet gateway 501 and a short message service gateway (SMS gateway) 801 of a communication company through public lines 500 and 800 such as 3G. A traffic (voice & data) line 500 of the portable terminal 101 is connected to the Internet 600 through an Internet gateway 501. Reference numeral 800 denotes a signal (SMS & control) line of the mobile terminal 101, which is connected to the Internet 600 through the SMS gateway 801.

  A server 701 is provided on the Internet 600 and responds to a print request from the mobile terminals 101 and 102, an inquiry about the location of the information processing apparatus, and a request for conversion to a printer language.

  The portable terminal 102 can be connected to the LAN 400 via the wireless LAN 401 and is connected via the wireless LAN access point 402.

  The LAN 400 is connected to an information processing apparatus 201 that receives a file to be converted into a printer language from the portable terminal 102 and the like, a printer 301 that outputs a file converted into the printer language, and the like. The LAN 400 is connected to the Internet 600 via the router 403.

  Note that the communication path between the mobile terminals 101 and 102 and the print management server 701 in the first embodiment may be a traffic (voice & data) line 500 via the Internet gateway 501 or via the wireless LAN access point 402. A route via the LAN line 400 and the router 403 may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server 701 and the information processing apparatus (PC) 201 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  Note that the configurations of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

  The CPU 1001 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 1004.

  In addition, the ROM 1003 or the external memory 1300 is necessary for realizing a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS) that is a control program of the CPU 1001 and functions executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored. A RAM 1002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 1001.

  The CPU 1001 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing into the RAM 1002 and executing the program.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 1005 controls input from a keyboard 1100 and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown).

  A display controller (DC) 1006 controls display on a display device such as the display 1200. The display may be a CRT or a liquid crystal display. These are used by the user as needed.

  A memory controller (MC) 1007 is a hard disk (HD), floppy disk (registered trademark FD), or PCMCIA card slot that stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 1300 such as a compact flash memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 1008 is connected to and communicates with an external device via the network 5000, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 1001 can perform display on the display 1200 by executing, for example, outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 1002. Further, the CPU 1001 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 1200.

  The print management server 701 and the print management program of the information processing apparatus 201 for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 1300 and are executed by the CPU 1001 by being loaded into the RAM 1002 as necessary. Further, print data 706 used by the print management program according to the present invention is stored in the external memory 1300 of the server.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the configurations of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

  The CPU 2001 controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 2004 in an integrated manner.

  In addition, the ROM 2003 or the non-volatile memory 2300 is provided with a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 2001, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various necessary programs to be described later are stored. A RAM 2002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 2001.

  The CPU 2001 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing into the RAM 2002 and executing the program.

  An input controller (input C) 2005 controls input from a pointing device of the touch panel 2100 and the like.

  A display controller (DC) 2006 controls display on a display device such as a liquid crystal display 2200. These are used by the user as needed.

  A memory controller (MC) 2007 is a hard disk (HD), floppy disk (registered trademark FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing boot programs, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to a non-volatile memory 2300 such as a compact flash memory connected via an adapter.

  A cellular phone line network interface controller (mobile phone line NWI / F) 2008 communicates with a gateway 501 via a public line, is connected to the Internet 600, and is connected to and communicates with an external device. Execute control processing. For example, communication using a 3G line is possible.

  A wireless LAN interface controller (wireless LAN I / F) 2009 is connected to the Internet 600 via the wireless LAN access point 402, and is connected to and communicates with an external device, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  The input port 2010 transmits information from the GPS receiver (GPS) 2400 to the CPU 2001 via the system bus 2004 so that the CPU 2001 can grasp the current positions of the mobile terminals 101 and 102.

  The output port 2011 is connected to a speaker, a vibrator, or the like, and can make a call using a mobile terminal, a call to a user, notification of a schedule, and the like.

  Note that the CPU 2001 enables display on the display 2200 by executing, for example, outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 2002. Further, the CPU 2001 enables a user instruction with a touch pad (not shown) on the display 2200 or the like.

  A program of each processing unit of the mobile terminal for realizing the present invention is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 2300 and is executed by the CPU 2001 by being loaded into the RAM 2002 as necessary. Further, print data used by the print management program according to the present invention is stored in the nonvolatile memory 2300.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printer 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the configuration of the printer 301 in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

  The printer 301 includes a printer unit 3300 that is an image output device, a control unit (controller unit) 3100 including a CPU and a memory, an operation unit 3200 that is a user interface, and the like. The control unit 3100 is a controller that inputs and outputs image information and device information by connecting to the printer unit 202 and the operation unit 203 and connecting to the LAN 400.

  A CPU 3001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 3002 is a system work memory for the CPU 3001 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 3003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An operation unit I / F 3007 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 3200 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 3200 to the operation unit 3200. Also, the CPU 3001 is informed of information input from the operation unit 3200 by the user of the printer. A network interface (NWI / F) 3010 connects the printer to the LAN 400 and inputs / outputs packet format information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 3006.

  An image bus interface (IMAGE BUS) 3009 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 3006 and an image bus 3011 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 3011 is composed of, for example, a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

The following devices are arranged on the image bus 3011. A raster image processor (RIP) 3012 analyzes the PDL code and develops it into a bitmap image. A printer I / F unit 3013 connects the printer unit 3300 to the control unit 3100 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A printer image processing unit (image processing unit) 3015 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like according to the printer unit 3300 for print output image data to be output to the printer unit 3300. The detailed configuration of the hardware of the printer 301 in FIG. 4 has been described above.
Next, in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The portable terminals 101 and 102 have 103 to 109 processing units and data. In the following, data in a format that can be confirmed by the user on the information processing apparatus or mobile terminal is referred to as print data, and data in a format converted into a printer language is referred to as a print job.

  The print command transmission unit 103 transmits a print command to the print management server 701 when an instruction to start printing is received from the user. The address receiving unit 104 receives the address of the information processing apparatus 201 that can be converted into the printer language transmitted from the address transmitting unit 704 of the print management server 701. The print data transmission unit 105 transmits the print data 106 included in the mobile terminals 101 and 102 to the information processing apparatus 201 and the server 701.

  The print job transmission request unit 107 receives a notification that print data conversion has been completed from the print job conversion completion notification unit 708 of the print management server 701, and then sends the converted print job from the print management server 701 to the mobile terminal 101, A request for transmission to the print management server 701 is made in order to have the document transmitted to 102. The print job receiving unit 108 receives a print job transmitted from the print management server 701. The print job transmission unit 109 transmits the received print job to the printer.

  The print management server 701 has processing units 702 to 709 and data.

  The print command receiving unit 702 is a processing unit that is executed based on a print command from the mobile terminals 101 and 102. Specifically, the print command receiving unit 702 performs processing such as login to a server and selection of a plurality of printers. Information is exchanged with the print command transmission unit 103 and executed. The determination unit 703 determines whether an information processing apparatus that can be converted into a printer language is registered in the DB 705 in the local area network (LAN) of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 to which the print command is transmitted. If an information processing device that can be converted into the printer language is registered in the DB 705, the address transmission unit 704 transmits the address of the information processing device that can be converted into the printer language to the portable terminals 101 and 102.

  The print job conversion unit 707 converts the print data 106 of the portable terminals 101 and 102 or the print data 706 of the print management server 701 into a print job. The print job conversion completion notification unit 708 transmits a job conversion completion notification to the portable terminals 101 and 102 before and after the conversion of the print job is completed. Thereafter, when a print job transmission request is received from the print job transmission request unit 107 of the portable terminal 101, 102, the print job transmission unit 709 transmits the converted print job.

  The information processing apparatus 201 includes processing units 202 to 204 and data.

The print job conversion unit 202 receives print data transmitted from the print data transmission unit 105 of the mobile terminals 101 and 102, and converts it into a printer language. The print job transmission unit transmits the print job converted by the print job conversion unit 202 to the printer 301.
The printer 301 outputs to a paper medium or the like by the printing unit 302.

The above description of the software configuration is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.
Next, the processing flow of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of the print management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the process of this flowchart, the CPUs of the mobile terminals 101 and 102, the print management server 701, the information processing apparatus (PC) 201, and the printer 301 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are stored in an external memory, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. This is realized by loading the program into the RAM and executing it. In addition, S601 to S611 in the figure indicate each step.

  The flowchart in FIG. 6 is started when the user issues a print instruction from the mobile terminals 101 and 102.

  First, in step S601, the CPUs of the portable terminals 101 and 102 (hereinafter, portable terminals 101 and 102) display a login information input screen (not shown) from the user, accept input from the user, Check if there is an account that can log in to.

  Next, in step S602, the CPU of the print management server 701 (hereinafter, print management server 701) authenticates the input user from an account management table (not shown) in the server.

  Subsequently, in step S603, the portable terminals 101 and 102 display a print data candidate list to allow the user to select print data to be output, cause the user to select print data, and proceed to step S604. A display screen to the user will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print data selection screen image displayed on the display 1200 or the like by the display controller (DC) 1006 of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As a list 8001 in FIG. 8, printable files held by the mobile terminals 101 and 102 are displayed as a list as the print data 106. When one or more files are designated (clicked or dragged) as shown in 8002 in a state where printable files are displayed in a list, the files are designated as print data. If 8003 is pressed, the process returns to the previous step. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S604 of FIG. 6, the mobile terminals 101 and 102 request printable printer list information from the print management server 701 in order to acquire a printable printer list.

  In step S <b> 605, the print management server 701 extracts printer candidates in the same LAN as the mobile terminals 101 and 102, and transmits them to the mobile terminals 101 and 102. A specific example of the printer list will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a printer management table managed by the print management server 701 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  A user name that can access the printer in the printer name column 10004 is registered in the user name column 10001. A user group name or the like may be entered in this user name column. In the Global IP address column 10002, the IP address on the Internet side of the router connected to the Internet is registered. The Local IP address column 10003 is an IP address of a printer on the local area network (LAN) side from the router, and a different IP is registered for each printer. Therefore, the L0006-9600C of 10006 and the iR-C2030 of 10007 have different local IP addresses, but are present in the same local area network, so the same value is registered for the global IP address.

  Since the Global IP address is the IP address of the exit from the LAN side, if the source IP address in the IP header of the packet of the printer candidate acquisition request from the mobile terminal 101, 102 is the same as this Global IP address, Extract the printer. An example of an IP header of a communication packet will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an example of an IP header of a packet from the portable terminals 101 and 102 to the print management server 701 in the embodiment of the present invention. The IP header of the packet holds a destination IP address, a packet lifetime, and the like in addition to the packet source IP address.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the router with the IP address “10.20.40.40” reaches the print management server 701 with the IP address “10.236.18.20”.

  If the source IP address 12001 is the same as the IP address described in the Global IP address column 10002 in FIG. 10, the printer name registered with the Global IP address is extracted as a printer candidate. In the example of FIGS. 10 and 12, since there is an IP address “10.20.30.40” that is the same as the global IP address of 10006 and 10007 in 12001, “LBP-9600C” of 10006 and “ Pick up iR-C2030 ". Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S606, the portable terminals 101 and 102 display a print printer candidate list in order to make the user select a print printer candidate to be output, cause the user to select a printer, and proceed to step S607. A display screen displayed to the user in step S606 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print printer selection input screen image displayed on the display 1200 or the like by the display controller (DC) 1006 of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The printers listed in 9001 of FIG. 9 are “LBP-9600C” of 10006 and “iR-C2030” of 10007 extracted in step S605. When a printer to be printed is displayed in a list and a printer is selected (clicked or the like) as in 9002, the selected printer is designated as a printer to be printed. If 8003 is pressed, the process returns to the previous step. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 607, the print management server 701 determines whether there is a registered information processing apparatus that can be converted into a printer language in the local area network (LAN) of the mobile terminals 101 and 102. A method for determining whether there is a registered information processing apparatus that can be converted into a printer language will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an example of an information processing apparatus management table managed by the print management server 701 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  A user name that can access the information processing apparatus in the name column 11004 is registered in the user name column 11001. A user group name or the like may be entered in this user name column. In the Global IP address column 11002, IP addresses on the Internet side of routers connected to the Internet are registered. The Local IP address column 11003 is an IP address of an information processing apparatus on the local area network (LAN) side from the router.

  A method for determining whether there is a registered information processing apparatus that can be converted into the printer language is determined in the same manner as the printer list extracted in step S605. That is, since the Global IP address column 11002 is the IP address of the exit from the LAN side, the source IP address included in the IP header of the printer candidate acquisition request packet from the mobile terminals 101 and 102 is the same as this Global IP address. If so, it is determined that there is the information processing apparatus.

  Referring to the example of FIG. 12, if the source IP address of 10001 is the same as the IP address described in the Global IP address field 11002 of FIG. 11, the printer name registered with the Global IP address is extracted as a printer candidate. To do. In the example of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, since there is an IP address “10.20.30.40” that is the same as the global IP address of 11006 in 12001, it is determined that there is an information processing device “X Corporation”. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  If there is a registered information processing device that can be converted into the printer language in the local area network (LAN) of the portable terminals 101 and 102 in step S607, the process proceeds to step S608, and the registered information that can be converted into the printer language is registered. If there is no information processing apparatus, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S608, the print management server 701 transmits to the portable terminals 101 and 102 the IP addresses of registered information processing apparatuses that can be converted into the printer language determined to be in step S607.

  In step S609, the mobile terminals 101 and 102 transmit the print data designated in step S603 to the information processing apparatus having the IP address received from the print management server 701.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 610, the CPU 1001 of the information processing apparatus 201 converts the print data transmitted from the portable terminals 101 and 102 into a printer language, forms a print job, and transmits the print job to the printer 301.

  In step S611, the CPU 3001 (hereinafter, printer 301) of the printer 301 performs RIP processing on the print job received from the information processing apparatus 201, outputs the print job to a paper medium, and ends the processing.

With these configurations, in the case of a portable terminal that can be connected to an in-house wireless LAN access point, even if the location of an information processing apparatus capable of converting the printer language in the in-house LAN is unknown, a new function is not added to the printer. It is possible to provide a printing system capable of printing safely in terms of security.
<Second Embodiment>

  In the first embodiment, the case has been described where there is a registered information processing apparatus that can be converted into a printer language in the local area network (LAN) of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in step S607. In the embodiment, a case where there is no registered information processing apparatus that can be converted into a printer language in the local area network (LAN) of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in step S607 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the print management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, the communication paths between the mobile terminals 101 and 102, the print management server 701, and the communication path may be the traffic (voice & data) line 500 via the Internet gateway 501 unless otherwise mentioned. A route via the LAN line 400 via the LAN access point 402 and the router 403 may be used.

  The flow of FIG. 7 is started when there is no registered information processing apparatus that can be converted into the printer language in the local area network (LAN) of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in step S607 of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 701, the print management server 701 requests the mobile terminals 101 and 102 to transmit print data. Since the communication path of step S701 is requested as a reply to the print printer designation instruction received from the portable terminals 101 and 102 in step S607, it can be requested by either the traffic (voice & data) line 500 or the LAN line 400. .

  Next, in step S702, the portable terminals 101 and 102 transmit the print data 106 to the print management server 701 in response to the request in step S701. After the print data is transmitted in step S702, it may take time for the print management server 701 to convert the print data into the printer language, so the session is temporarily disconnected.

  In step S703, the print management server 701 converts the print data received from the mobile terminals 101 and 102 into a printer language. The converted print job is stored in the DB 705 of the print management server 701.

  Next, in step S704, the print management server 701 notifies the mobile terminals 101 and 102 of the completion of print data conversion via SMS communication 800 in order to notify the mobile terminals 101 and 102 that the conversion of the print data has been completed. To do. The reason for performing communication using the SMS communication 800 is that the session is temporarily disconnected after the transmission of step S702, and thus the session via the router or the Internet gateway is not established. This is because it is not possible to start sending a large amount of data directly via a router or an Internet gateway.

  Subsequently, in step S705, the portable terminals 101 and 102 receive the print data conversion completion notification and request the print management server 701 to transmit a print job.

  In step S <b> 706, the print management server 701 transmits the print job stored in the DB 705 to the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in response to the print job transmission request from the mobile terminals 101 and 102.

  In step S <b> 707, when the mobile terminals 101 and 102 receive a print job from the print management server 701, the mobile terminals 101 and 102 activate a print job transfer application. The print job transfer application is stored in the non-volatile memory 2300 of the portable terminals 101 and 102. When this print job transfer application is activated, it is downloaded from the non-volatile memory 2300 to the RAM 2002 and under the control of the CPU 2001. Executed.

  After starting the print job transfer application, the portable terminals 101 and 102 specify the IP address of the printer to which the received print job is transferred. The IP address of the printer to be designated is the local IP address of the printer selected by the user in step S606 in the data when the print printer candidate is received in step S605. In the example of FIG. 10, “10.254.1.101” or “10.254.1.102” of the selected local IP address is designated within 10006 or 10007.

  In step S707, the mobile terminals 101 and 102 transfer the received print job to the IP address of the printer designated in S606 by the print job transfer application, and the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S708, the printer 301 performs RIP processing on the print job received from the portable terminals 101 and 102, outputs the print job to a paper medium, and ends the processing.

  With the above configuration, in the case of a portable terminal that can be connected to a wireless LAN access point in a network such as an in-house LAN, there is no information processing device that can convert the printer language in the network, and for security reasons, print data is transferred from the in-house LAN to the Internet. Even if it cannot be sent, it has the effect that the printer can be printed seamlessly without adding new functions to the printer.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

101 mobile terminal 102 mobile terminal 201 Information processing apparatus (PC)
301 Printer 400 Local Area Network (LAN)
401 wireless LAN
402 Wireless LAN Access Point 403 Router 500 Traffic (Voice & Data) Line 501 Internet Gateway 600 Internet 701 Print Management Server (Server)
800 Short message service (SMS) line 801 SMS gateway

The present invention is a print target data and images forming device in a local area present outside the network, can communicate print management server and the mobile terminal having an information processing apparatus for transmitting a printable print data in the image forming apparatus there are a storage unit for storing an address of the information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus information storage means for storing identification information capable of the picture image forming apparatus according to a request from the mobile terminal, same as the mobile terminal Extraction means for extracting information capable of identifying an image forming apparatus in the local area network from the image forming apparatus information storage means , and selecting information for identifying the image forming apparatus extracted by the extracting means for the portable terminal and an image forming apparatus selection display control means for enabling display control, it is selectably displayed controlled by the image forming apparatus selection display control means Among the image forming apparatus, an address of the information processing apparatus to transmit print data printable by the image forming apparatus selected by the mobile terminal, and a address transmitting means for transmitting acquired from the storage unit to the mobile terminal It is characterized by

Claims (9)

A print management server that exists outside a local area network having an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus having a function of converting print target data into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus, and is connectable from a portable terminal. ,
Storage means for storing an address of the information processing apparatus;
Image forming apparatus information storage means for storing information capable of identifying the image forming apparatus including an address of the image forming apparatus;
In accordance with a request from the portable terminal, an image forming apparatus candidate in the same local area network as the portable terminal is obtained using the address of the transmission source of the request and the information stored in the image forming apparatus information storage unit. Image forming apparatus candidate transmitting means for transmitting;
Among the image forming apparatus candidates transmitted by the image forming apparatus candidate transmitting means, the image forming apparatus is in the local area network having a function of converting into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus selected by the portable terminal. A print management server, comprising: an address transmission unit that acquires an address of the information processing apparatus from the storage unit and transmits the address to the portable terminal. Determining means for determining whether or not the information processing apparatus is in the local area network in which the portable terminal exists;
The print management server according to claim 1, wherein the address transmission unit transmits an address of the information processing apparatus when the determination unit includes the information processing apparatus in the local area network.   The determination means includes an address of a router that connects the Internet through which a request from the portable terminal has passed, and a router that passes when the information processing device in the local area network stored in the storage means connects to the Internet. 3. The print management server according to claim 2, wherein if the addresses match, it is determined that an information processing apparatus in the local area network exists.   The print management server according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores information capable of transmitting print target data from the portable terminal to the information processing apparatus. A print job conversion unit that converts the print target data into a print job described in a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus; and a print job transmission unit that transmits the print job converted by the print job conversion unit. A print management server having
If it is determined by the determination means that there is no information processing apparatus having the printer language conversion function in a local area network to which the portable terminal is communicably connected, the print job conversion means 4. The print management server according to claim 2, wherein after receiving the print target data, the print target data is converted into a printer language. An information processing apparatus in a local area network having a function of converting print target data into a printer language interpretable by the image forming apparatus, a portable terminal, and a print existing outside the local area network connectable to the portable terminal In a print management system having a management server,
The print management server
Storage means for storing an address of the information processing apparatus;
An image forming apparatus information storage means for storing information capable of identifying the image forming apparatus including an address of the image forming apparatus; and a request source address and the image forming apparatus information storage means in accordance with a request from the portable terminal Image forming apparatus candidate transmitting means for transmitting image forming apparatus candidates in the same local area network as the mobile terminal using the information stored in
Among the image forming apparatus candidates transmitted by the image forming apparatus candidate transmitting means, the image forming apparatus is in the local area network having a function of converting into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus selected by the portable terminal. An address transmission means for acquiring the address of the information processing apparatus from the storage means and transmitting the address to the portable terminal;
The portable terminal is
Image forming apparatus candidate requesting means for requesting the print management server for an image forming apparatus candidate in the local area network;
In accordance with a request from the image forming apparatus candidate request unit, the image forming apparatus candidate is received from the print management server and converted into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus selected from the image forming apparatus candidates. Address receiving means for receiving an address of an information processing apparatus having a function;
Print data transmission means for transmitting print target data to the information processing apparatus at the address received by the address reception means;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Print job conversion means for converting the print target data into a print job described in a printer language interpretable by the image forming apparatus after receiving the print target data transmitted by the print data transmission means;
A print management system, comprising: a print job transmission unit that transmits a print job converted by the print job conversion unit to the image forming apparatus. Print management of a print management server that exists outside a local area network having an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus having a function of converting data to be printed into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus and can be connected from a portable terminal A method,
In accordance with a request from the portable terminal, the same local as the portable terminal using the address stored in the image forming apparatus information storage unit that stores information including the address of the request source and the address of the image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus candidate transmitting step for transmitting as an image forming apparatus candidate in the area network;
Among the image forming apparatus candidates transmitted by the image forming apparatus candidate transmitting step, the image forming apparatus is in the local area network having a function of converting into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus selected by the portable terminal. An address transmission step of acquiring an address of the information processing apparatus from a storage unit that stores the address of the information processing apparatus and transmitting the address to the portable terminal.   A program for causing a computer to function as the print management server according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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