JP2016181740A - Printer, print server, and print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer, print server, and print system that can reliably execute printing in a desired time zone.SOLUTION: A printer 9 including a FAX function has a time zone TZN set thereto during which the printer 9 can execute printing (for example, printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00). When a reception part 901 receives FAX information in the printable time zone TZN, a print execution part 902 execute printing on the basis of the FAX information. Meanwhile, when the reception part 901 receives the FAX information in a time zone other than the printable time zone, the print execution part 902 temporarily records the FAX information in a holding part 908, such as memory in the printer 9. When the printable time zone TZN comes, the print execution part 902 reads out the FAX information recorded in the holding part 908 and executes printing on the basis of the FAX information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer, a print server, and a print system.

  The FAX apparatus includes a printer that receives FAX information from a communication terminal via a network and prints images, characters, drawings, and the like as the received FAX information (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-258617 A

  However, the above printer is basically configured to print the FAX information immediately upon receiving the FAX information. For example, when a large amount of FAX information is received at midnight, However, there is a problem that unexpected printing operation at midnight of the printer may cause noise or the like even though it is not necessary.

  Therefore, it is desirable to provide a printer, a print server, and a print system that can perform printing reliably in a desired time zone.

  A printer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit that receives FAX information, a print execution unit that executes printing based on the FAX information, and reception that acquires a time when the FAX information is received by the reception unit. A time acquisition unit, a recording unit in which time zone information indicating a time zone in which the print execution unit can be printed is recorded, and the time zone in which the time acquired by the reception time acquisition unit is recorded in the recording unit A determination unit that determines whether or not the information is included in a time zone indicated by the information; and when the determination unit determines that the time is included in the time zone, the reception unit receives the time When the print execution unit is instructed to execute printing based on FAX information, and the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, the reception unit receives the print. Said F It includes a print processing unit for recording X information to the holding portion.

  Preferably, a current time acquisition unit that acquires a current time is further provided, and the determination unit includes a time zone in which the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit is indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit. The print processing unit determines whether the current time is included in the time zone by the determination unit. The FAX recorded in the holding unit is further determined. Information is read, and the print execution unit is instructed to execute printing based on the read FAX information.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a notifying unit, and when the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, the print processing unit is not included in the time zone. This is notified by the notification unit.

  Preferably, the print processing unit causes the print execution unit to execute printing in response to an instruction from a user even in a time zone other than the printable time zone in a state where the print processing unit is informed.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines whether or not the FAX information received by the receiving unit is FAX information by a specific communication terminal, and the print processing unit is configured to receive the received information by the determination unit. When it is determined that the FAX information is FAX information by a specific communication terminal, the print execution unit is caused to execute printing even in a time zone other than the printable time zone.

  Preferably, at least one of the recording unit and the holding unit includes a nonvolatile storage device.

  Preferably, an update unit that updates the time zone information recorded in the recording unit is further provided.

  A print server according to an aspect of the present invention is a print server capable of communicating with a communication terminal and a printer via a network, and receives a first print information transmitted from the communication terminal via the network A print information generation unit that generates second print information in a format usable in the printer based on the first print information received by the reception unit, and the reception unit receives the first print information. A reception time acquisition unit that acquires time, a recording unit that records time zone information indicating a time zone in which the printer can print, and a time acquired by the reception time acquisition unit are recorded in the recording unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not the time zone information indicates that it is included in the time zone, and when the determination unit determines that the time is included in the time zone, The second print information generated by the print information generation unit is transmitted to the printer via the network, and the reception is performed when the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone. A printing processing unit that records the first printing information received by the printing unit or the second printing information generated by the printing information generation unit on a holding unit.

  Preferably, a current time acquisition unit that acquires a current time is further provided, and the determination unit includes a time zone in which the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit is indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit. The print processing unit further determines whether or not the current time is included in the time zone by the determination unit. 1 print information is read, the print information generation unit generates the second print information based on the read first print information, and transmits the generated second print information to the printer via the network. Alternatively, the second print information recorded in the holding unit is read, and the read second print information is transmitted to the printer via the network.

  Preferably, when the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, status information indicating that the time is not included in the time zone is transmitted via the network. A notification unit for notifying the communication terminal is further provided.

  Preferably, the print processing unit inquires of the communication terminal whether or not to forcibly execute printing, and when the communication terminal selects to forcibly execute printing, forcibly prints to the printer. Is executed.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a notification unit that notifies the communication terminal that printing has started or printing has ended when the current time is included in the printable time zone.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines whether the first print information received by the reception unit is first print information by a specific communication terminal, and the print processing unit is determined by the determination unit. When it is determined that the received first print information is the first print information by a specific communication terminal, the printer is caused to execute printing even in a time zone other than the printable time zone.

  Preferably, the time zone information recorded in the recording unit can be updated.

  A printing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a communication terminal, a printer, and the above-described print server capable of communicating with the communication terminal and the printer via a network.

  A printer according to an aspect of the present invention is a printer that can communicate with a communication terminal via a network, and receives a first print information from the communication terminal via the network, and a print execution unit that executes printing. A receiving unit; a printing information generating unit configured to generate second printing information in a format usable in the printing execution unit based on the first printing information received by the receiving unit; and the receiving unit configured to perform the first printing. A reception time calculation unit that acquires a time when the information is received, a recording unit that records time zone information indicating a time zone in which the print execution unit can print, and a time acquired by the reception time acquisition unit, A determination unit that determines whether or not the time zone information indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit is included, and the determination unit determines that the time is included in the time zone The above The printing execution unit is instructed to execute printing based on the second printing information generated by the printing information generation unit, and the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone. A print processing unit that records the first print information received by the reception unit or the second print information generated by the print information generation unit in a holding unit.

  According to said structure, it can print reliably in the desired time slot | zone.

1 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a FAX information printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the printer according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a printer having a FAX function according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the principal part of the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the basic concept of a mail print system. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a communication terminal, a print server, and a printer in a print system according to a second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the content of the database for registration information, and the database for print information. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the printing system which concerns on the 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific structural example of the communication terminal and printer in the printing system which concerns on the 3rd embodiment.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a FAX information printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The FAX information print system 1 in FIG. 1 includes a network 3, a communication terminal (transmission side device) 5 having a function of transmitting FAX information to the network 3, and a reception function having a FAX function of receiving FAX information relayed by the network 3. A printer 9 as an apparatus is included.

The network 3 is not particularly limited in the first embodiment, and may be a public switched telephone network or an IP communication network that does not pass through a telephone switch such as an IP telephone, a LAN, and the Internet.
In addition, the network 3 manages the storage / switching apparatus that temporarily stores the transmitted FAX information and then transmits it to a receiving apparatus (printer 9) having a destination FAX function, or a server that supports Internet connection, for example. A device 7 is connected.
In the first embodiment, the FAX information received by the printer 9 is sent through the network 3 as print information in a format that can be used by the printer 9.

  When performing transmission / reception of normal FAX information, the communication terminal 5 that is the transmission side apparatus reads information (such as a document) to be transmitted, performs signal processing such as data compression and modulation, and inputs and specifies a destination (phone) The number is relayed through the network 3, the signal is demodulated by the printer 9 on the receiving side, the original is restored and printed.

Further, the communication terminal (transmission side device) 5 can be configured to have a function as an Internet FAX terminal that transmits FAX information (for example, FAX information is attached to an e-mail and transmitted) through the Internet.
Further, the communication terminal (transmission side apparatus) 5 can be configured as a communication terminal having not only a FAX information transmission function but also a reception function, and the printer 9 has not only a FAX information reception function but also a transmission function. Can be configured.

  A characteristic configuration in the first embodiment is control related to printing time in the printer 9 having a FAX information reception function.

That is, in the printer 9 having the FAX function, the time zone TZN in which the printer 9 can print is set (for example, the printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00). When FAX information is received in the printable time zone TZN, printing is executed based on the FAX information.
On the other hand, when FAX information is received in a time zone other than the printable time zone, the FAX information is once recorded in a memory (holding unit) in the printer 9. When the printable time zone TZN is reached, the FAX information recorded in the memory is read, and printing is executed based on the FAX information.
Thus, by setting the printable time zone TZN, for example, noise due to an unexpected printing operation of the printer 9 at midnight can be suppressed. This is particularly effective when a large amount of faxes are transmitted at midnight.

  Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the printer 9 according to the first embodiment and a control process related to the printing time will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the printer 9 according to the first embodiment.

  2 includes a reception unit 901, a print execution unit 902, a reception time acquisition unit 903, a current time acquisition unit 904, a recording unit 905, a determination unit 906, a print processing unit 907, a holding unit 908, an update unit 909, a time count. A unit 910, a notification unit 911, and an operation unit 912 are included.

The receiving unit 901 receives FAX information relayed through the network 3. For example, the reception unit 901 notifies the reception time acquisition unit 903, the determination unit 906, the print processing unit 907, and the print execution unit 902 that the FAX information has been received.
The receiving unit 901 restores transmission information by performing signal processing such as data expansion and demodulation on FAX information that has undergone signal processing such as data compression and modulation on the communication terminal 5 side. The receiving unit 901 supplies the demodulated FAX information to, for example, the print processing unit 907, the print execution unit 902, and the like.
In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 901 has a function of demodulating the received FAX information, but other functional blocks such as the print processing unit 907 and the print execution unit 902 can also be provided.

The print execution unit 902 executes printing based on the FAX information restored in response to an instruction from the print processing unit 907.
The print execution unit 902 may be the same as that constructed in a general printer, for example. For example, based on print information (print data), the print execution unit 902 applies a voltage at an appropriate timing and an appropriate magnitude to the actuator of the print head and the actuator of the paper feed mechanism.

The reception time acquisition unit 903 acquires the time t1 at which the FAX information is received by the reception unit 901 based on the notification that the FAX information from the reception unit 901 has been received and the time information measured by the time measurement unit 910. . The reception time acquisition unit 903 supplies the acquired time t1 information to the determination unit 906.
The time t1 acquired by the reception time acquisition unit 903 is, for example, in a format such as “March 3, 2015 10:30:25”, “March 3, 2015 22:30:05”, etc. Acquire together.
Note that the time t1 at which the receiving unit 901 receives the FAX information is a time corresponding to the timing at which the receiving unit 901 starts receiving the FAX information, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the receiving unit 901 started receiving the FAX information. A time corresponding to the timing, a time corresponding to the timing when the reception unit 901 has completed the reception of the FAX information, and the like can be selected as appropriate.

The current time acquisition unit 904 acquires the current time ct1 based on the time information timed by the time measuring unit 910. The current time acquisition unit 904 supplies the acquired current time ct1 information to the determination unit 906.
The current time ct1 acquired by the current time acquisition unit 904 is, for example, “March 3, 2015, 11:30, 00”, “March 3, 2015, 23:30,” etc. In this format, get the date together.

The recording unit 905 records time zone information indicating a preset time zone TZN that can be printed by the print execution unit 902. As described above, the recording unit 905 records the time zone TZN in which the printer 9 can print (for example, the printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00).
The recording unit 905 records information (telephone number, mail address, etc.) TRM of a specific communication terminal. This information TRM is used by the determination unit 906 as information for always permitting (executing) printing, even in a time zone other than the printable time zone, regardless of the printable time zone.
The recording unit 905 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory so that information is retained even when the power is turned off, for example.
Note that the recording information of the recording unit 905 can be appropriately updated by the updating unit 909 in accordance with an operation instruction of the operation unit 912 configured by, for example, a key input unit or a touch panel.

The determination unit 906 determines whether the time t1 acquired by the reception time acquisition unit 903 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit 905, and prints the determination result. Part 907.
The determination unit 906 further determines whether or not the current time ct1 acquired by the current time acquisition unit 904 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit 905. This is supplied to the print processing unit 907.
The determination unit 906 determines whether or not the FAX information received by the receiving unit 901 is the FAX information from a specific communication terminal based on the specific terminal information (telephone number or the like) TRM recorded in the recording unit 905. The determination result is supplied to the print processing unit 907.

If the determination unit 906 determines that the time t1 acquired by the reception time acquisition unit 903 is included in the printable time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 adds the FAX information received by the reception unit 901 to the FAX information received by the reception unit 901. Based on this, the print execution unit 902 is instructed to execute printing.
If the determination unit 906 determines that the time t1 is not included in the printable time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 records the FAX information received by the reception unit 901 in the holding unit 908.
The holding unit 908 is configured by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory so that the recording of FAX information is held even when the power is turned off.
When the determination unit 906 determines that the current time ct1 acquired by the current time acquisition unit 904 is included in the printable time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 displays the FAX information recorded in the holding unit 908. Read and instruct the print execution unit 902 to execute printing based on the read FAX information.

Further, when the determination unit 906 determines that the time t1 is not included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 causes the notification unit 911 to notify that the time t1 is not included in the time zone TZN. .
The notification unit 911 is not particularly limited, but, for example, a liquid crystal display device that displays a message or the like, a display device such as an organic EL display device, a display device such as an LED that blinks to notify, an audio output such as a buzzer It is possible to configure any one of these units or a combination thereof.
When the print processing unit 907 is informed to the notification unit 911 and receives an instruction from the user even in a time zone other than the printable time zone, the print processing unit 907 causes the print execution unit 902 to execute printing (execute printing). To do that).

  If it is determined that the FAX information received by the determination unit 906 is FAX information from a specific communication terminal, the print processing unit 907 prints the print execution unit 902 even in a time zone other than the printable time zone. Is executed.

  The operation unit 912 may have, for example, a plurality of physical keys, or may be combined with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the display unit like a touch panel.

Next, an example of the operation of the printer 9 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer 9 having the FAX function according to the first embodiment.

First, the printer 9 receives FAX information relayed through the network 3 by the receiving unit 901 (step ST1).
The reception unit 901 notifies the reception time acquisition unit 903, the determination unit 906, the print processing unit 907, and the like that the FAX information has been received. The reception unit 901 restores transmission information by performing signal processing such as data expansion and demodulation on the received FAX information, and supplies the demodulated FAX information to, for example, the print processing unit 907 and the print execution unit 902. .

When receiving the FAX information, the printer 9 acquires the time t1 when the reception time acquisition unit 903 receives the FAX information (step ST2).
Then, the determination unit 906 determines whether or not the acquired time t1 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information that can be printed by the print execution unit 902 of the printer 9 (step ST3).
The determination unit 906 supplies the determination result to the print processing unit 907.

  If the determination unit 906 determines in step ST3 that the acquired time t1 is included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 performs printing based on the FAX information received by the reception unit 901. The print execution unit 902 is instructed (step ST4). Then, the print execution unit 902 performs printing based on the received FAX information (step ST5).

  If the determination unit 906 determines in step ST3 that the acquired time t1 is not included in the printable time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 includes the acquired time t1 in the printable time zone TZN. Notifying is made by the notification unit 911 (step ST6).

Further, the determination unit 906 determines whether or not the communication terminal 5 that has transmitted the FAX information is a specific communication terminal (specific terminal) registered in advance in the printer 9 (step ST7).
When the determination unit 906 determines that the communication terminal is a specific communication terminal in step ST7, the print processing unit 907 receives the FAX information received by the reception unit 901 in order to always allow printing regardless of the printable time zone TZN. The print execution unit 902 is instructed to execute printing based on (step ST4). Then, the print execution unit 902 performs printing based on the received FAX information (step ST5).
If the determination unit 906 determines in step ST7 that the print processing unit 907 is not a specific communication terminal, the print processing unit 907 records the received FAX information in the holding unit 908 (step ST8).

Here, in the printer 9, the current time acquisition unit 904 acquires the current time ct1 (step ST9).
Then, the determination unit 906 determines whether or not the acquired current time ct1 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information that can be printed by the print execution unit 902 (step ST10).
The determination unit 906 supplies the determination result to the print processing unit 907.

If the determination unit 906 determines in step ST10 that the calculated current time ct1 is included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 performs printing based on the FAX information read from the holding unit 908. The print execution unit 902 is instructed (step ST4). Then, the print execution unit 902 performs printing based on the received FAX information (step ST5).
If the determination unit 906 determines in step ST10 that the acquired current time ct1 is not included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 determines that the current time ct1 is not included in the printable time zone TZN. The notification unit 911 is notified (step ST6).

In step ST6, the print processing unit 907 determines whether or not there is an instruction from the user by operating the operation unit 912, for example, in a state where the notification unit 911 is informed (step ST11).
If the print processing unit 907 determines in step ST11 that there is an instruction from the user, the print processing unit 907 performs printing based on the received FAX information or the FAX information read from the holding unit 908 even in a time zone other than the printable time zone TZN. To the print execution unit 902 (step ST4). Then, the print execution unit 902 performs printing based on the received FAX information (step ST5).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the printer 9 includes a receiving unit 901 that receives FAX information, a print execution unit 902 that executes printing based on the FAX information, and a FAX that is received by the receiving unit 901. The reception time acquisition unit 903 that acquires the time t1 when the information is received, the recording unit 905 that records the time zone information indicating the time zone in which the print execution unit 902 can print, and the reception time acquisition unit 903 A determination unit 906 that determines whether or not the time t1 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit 905, a holding unit 908 that holds FAX information, and a determination unit 906 When it is determined that the time t1 is included in the time zone TZN, the print execution unit 902 is instructed to execute printing based on the FAX information received by the reception unit. When the time t1 by the determination unit 906 is determined to be not included in the time zone TZN includes a print processing unit 907 to record the FAX information received by the receiving unit 901 to the holder 908, the.

That is, according to the first embodiment, when the printer 9 having the FAX function sets a time zone TZN in which the printer 9 can print and receives FAX information in the printable time zone TZN, the FAX information Print based on the
On the other hand, when FAX information is received in a time zone other than the printable time zone, the FAX information is once recorded in a holding unit 908 such as a memory in the printer 9. When the printable time zone TZN is reached, the FAX information recorded in the holding unit 908 is read, and printing is executed based on the FAX information.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, by setting the printable time zone TZN, for example, noise caused by an unexpected printing operation at midnight of the printer 9 can be suppressed. In particular, a large amount of FAX transmission is performed at midnight. It is effective when
Thus, according to the first embodiment, printing can be reliably performed in a desired time zone.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the print processing unit 907 causes the FAX information recorded in the holding unit 908 when the determination unit 906 determines that the current time ct1 is included in the time zone TZN. And instructs the print execution unit 902 to execute printing based on the read FAX information.
Thereby, the print information received outside the printable time zone can be reliably printed in the printable time zone.

Further, according to the first embodiment, when the determination unit 906 determines that the time t1 is not included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 907 does not include the time in the time zone. This is notified by the notification unit 911.
Thereby, the present situation can be surely grasped, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the print processing unit 907 is informed by the notification unit 911 and receives a command from the user even in a time zone other than the printable time zone. The execution unit 902 executes printing.
As a result, practical operation can be realized, and user convenience can be further enhanced.

Also, according to the first embodiment, the print processing unit 907 determines that the FAX information received by the determination unit 906 is FAX information from a specific communication terminal, and the time other than the printable time zone. Even for the band, the print execution unit is caused to execute 902 printing.
As a result, practical operation can be realized, and convenience for a specific user can be further enhanced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The characteristic configuration in the first embodiment described above, that is, the configuration in which the printable time zone TZN is set in advance and printing is controlled depending on whether the reception time is within the printable time zone TZN or not. (Print control for a printer associated with a printable time zone) can be applied to a mail print system or Internet FAX, that is, a system instructed to print to a printer via a server.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a main part of the print system 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the printing system 10 of the second embodiment, a time zone TZN in which the printer 90 can print is set in the print server 70 (for example, a printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00). When the print server 70 receives a print instruction from the communication terminal 50 in the printable time zone TZN, the printer 90 is instructed to print.
On the other hand, when the print server 70 receives a print instruction from the communication terminal 50 in a time zone other than the printable time zone TZN, the print information is once recorded in the memory (holding unit) in the print server 70. Basically, the print server 70 reads out the print information recorded in the memory and instructs the printer 90 to print when the printable time zone TZN is reached.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, by setting the printable time zone, for example, noise due to an unexpected printing operation at midnight of the printer 90 can be suppressed. This is particularly effective when a large amount of faxes are transmitted at midnight.

  First, the configuration of the main part of the print system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print system 10 includes, for example, a communication terminal 50, a print server 70, and a printer 90 that are connected to the network 30, respectively.

  The print system 10 can include a plurality of communication terminals 50 and a plurality of printers 90. FIG. 4 illustrates only one of each. A plurality of print servers 70 may also be provided and division of labor may be performed.

  The network 30 includes, for example, the Internet 11 that connects a plurality of computer networks to each other, and a telephone network 13 that connects a plurality of telephones to each other and is connected to the Internet 11 via a gateway (not shown). Note that part or all of the network 3 may be wired or wireless.

  The communication terminal 50 is owned by, for example, a user who receives a service realized by the print system 10. The communication terminal 50 may basically be any device as long as it can transmit electronic mail via the network 30. Normally, a device that can send an e-mail can receive the e-mail. The communication terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, or a personal computer such as a desktop type or a notebook type. When the communication terminal 50 is a mobile phone (example shown in the figure), the communication terminal 50 is connected to the Internet 11 via, for example, the telephone network 13 and a gateway (not shown). Further, when the communication terminal 50 is a personal computer, the communication terminal 50 is connected to the Internet 11 through an appropriate interface such as a modem, although not particularly illustrated.

  The communication terminal 50 of this embodiment has a function as a mail print terminal that attaches a file to be printed to an e-mail, sends it to an e-mail address corresponding to the printer, and prints it. For example, it transmits FAX information via the Internet 11 ( For example, it is configured to have a function as an Internet FAX terminal that transmits FAX information attached to an e-mail.

Internet FAX technology basically transmits and receives a FAX image attached to an e-mail. Actually, an E-mail is transmitted as FAX from a communication terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone to a user who has only a FAX apparatus. It is often used in the form of an Internet FAX service that sends mail from a FAX apparatus.
Since the FAX information sent from the FAX apparatus is converted into, for example, a PDF file, it can be received as a mail by a personal computer, a smartphone, or the like and browsed. Conversely, data (FAX information) can be transmitted from a personal computer, a smartphone, or the like and output to a printer having a FAX information reception function.

The print server 70 is owned by, for example, a business provider (service provider) that provides a service realized by the print system 10. The print server 70 is configured by a computer, for example, and is connected to the Internet 11.
The computer constituting the print server 70 may be composed of a plurality of hardware connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The computer constituting the print server 70 includes, for example, a CPU 70a, a ROM 70b, a RAM 70c, an external storage device 70d, and the like, like a general computer.

The printer 90 is owned by, for example, the owner (user) of the communication terminal 50, the owner (service provider) of the print server 70, or a user or business operator different from these persons. The printer 90 may be of any type as long as communication via the network 30 is possible. For example, the printer 90 may or may not be capable of color printing. The printer 90 may be an ink jet printer, a laser printer, or a thermal printer. The printer 90 is not limited to a printer in a narrow sense but may be a so-called multifunction machine.
The printer 90 of this embodiment has a function corresponding to, for example, Internet FAX.

  The printer 90 is connected to the Internet 11 via an appropriate interface 15, for example. The interface 15 is, for example, a modem that connects the telephone line and the printer 90 or an optical line terminator that connects the optical line and the printer 90. A router (not shown) may be further interposed between the interface 15 and the printer 90, or the printer 90 may be incorporated in a LAN constructed on the printer 90 side from the router.

  As described above, the print system 10 of the present embodiment described above can be applied to a mail print system or Internet FAX, that is, a system in which printing is instructed to a printer via a server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the basic concept of the mail print system.
In the mail print system, a communication terminal 50 such as a mobile phone attaches a file (first print information or the like) to be printed to an e-mail and transmits it to an e-mail address corresponding to the printer 90 (step ST501).
The print server 70 receives a communication from the printer 90 in advance and prepares a mail address corresponding to the printer 90 (step ST701).
When the print server 70 receives the e-mail, the print server 70 converts the first print information of the attached file into printable data (second print information), and transmits it to the printer 90 corresponding to the e-mail destination mail address. (Step ST702).
In printer 90, the user communicates with print server 70 in advance to obtain a mail address corresponding to printer 90 (step ST901).
Then, the printer 90 receives and prints the second print information from the print server 70 (step ST902).

As described above, the print system 10 according to the second embodiment sets the time zone TZN in which the printer 90 can print in the print server 70 (for example, the printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00). . When the print server 70 receives a print instruction from the communication terminal 50 in the printable time zone TZN, the printer 90 is instructed to print.
On the other hand, when the print server 70 receives a print instruction from the communication terminal 50 in a time zone other than the printable time zone TZN, the print information is once recorded in the memory (holding unit) in the print server 70. Basically, the print server 70 reads out the print information recorded in the memory and instructs the printer 90 to print when the printable time zone TZN is reached.

In the second embodiment, this operation (print control for the printer associated with the printable time zone) can be configured to be performed, for example, when the mail print function is set to ON in the print system 10.
Also, for example, when the print system 10 is not set to the mail print function but the Internet FAX function is set to ON, the print control for the printer 90 associated with the printable time zone by the print server 70 is not performed. Can be configured.
The print control by this function setting is an example, and other modes are possible by combining the mail print function and the Internet FAX function ON / OFF.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, by setting the printable time zone, for example, noise due to an unexpected printing operation of the printer 90 at midnight can be suppressed. This is particularly effective when a large amount of faxes are transmitted at midnight.

(Configuration example of each part of the print system 10)
Next, specific configuration examples of the communication terminal 50, the print server 70, and the printer 90 in the print system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the second embodiment, as a premise of the system, the user and the printer owner (communication terminal 50 and printer 90) perform a predetermined registration procedure with respect to the service provider (print server 70). As a result, the communication terminal 50, the printer 90, and the print server 70 store necessary information such as the mutual mail address and the printable time zone TZN. For example, the registration procedure may be mediated by a dedicated application installed in the communication terminal 50 and the printer 90, or may be mediated by a web browser of the communication terminal 50.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the communication terminal 50, the print server 70, and the printer 90 in the print system 10 according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated for the printer 90 in FIG. 4, each of the communication terminal 50, the print server 70, and the printer 90 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an external storage device, and the like. By reading and executing a program stored in the apparatus, each unit indicated by a block (rectangle) in FIG. 6 is configured.

(Configuration and function of communication terminal 50)
The communication terminal 50 includes, for example, a mail client unit 51 for sending and receiving e-mails, a web client unit 52 for browsing web pages, a display unit 53, and an operation unit 54.

The mail client unit 51 and the web client unit 52 may be the same as those generally used in communication terminals such as mobile phones (constructed by executing general mail client software and web client software).
The mail client unit 51 performs, for example, creation, transmission, reception, browsing, and management of electronic mail.
For example, the web client unit 52 accesses a web server (not shown) via the network 30 and displays a web page using a web browser.

  The display unit 53 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. For example, the operation unit 54 may have a plurality of physical keys, or may be combined with a GUI (graphical user interface) of the display unit 53 like a touch panel.

The communication terminal 50 of this embodiment has a function as a mail print terminal that attaches a file to be printed to an e-mail, sends it to an e-mail address corresponding to the printer, and prints it. For example, it transmits FAX information via the Internet 11 ( For example, it is configured to have a function as an Internet FAX terminal that transmits FAX information attached to an e-mail.
As described above, the communication terminal 50 may have the same configuration as that of a normal mobile phone. That is, a dedicated application for receiving the service provided by the print server 70 is not necessary. However, such a dedicated application may be used.

(Configuration and function of print server 70)
The print server 70 includes, for example, a mail receiving unit 71 as a receiving unit for receiving an e-mail, a web client unit 72 for acquiring web page information, and main printing that performs printing based on the received e-mail. A main processing unit 73 for performing control processing, and a registration information database 74 including a function as a recording unit for holding registration information such as addresses of the communication terminal 50 and the printer 90 and printable time zone TZN information of the printer 90; A print information database 75 including a function as a holding unit for storing print information (print data).

The mail receiving unit 71 is transmitted from an MTA (Mail Transfer Agent) of another mail server, for example, like a general mail server, and the domain name of the destination mail address corresponds to its own IP address (Internet Protocol address) Received emails.
That is, the mail receiving unit 71 receives e-mails having various destination mail addresses composed of a predetermined (constant) domain name and various local parts. For example, an email whose domain name is “@f **. Ne.jp”, “eee@f**.ne.jp”, “ggg@f**.ne.jp”, etc. Receive. However, unlike the mail server, the mail receiving unit 71 does not need a function of transferring received mail (MTA) and a function of delivering received mail to a mail client (MDA: Mail Delivery Agent).

  The mail receiving unit 71 receives the first print information PRT1 transmitted from the communication terminal 50 via the network 30. The mail receiving unit 71 notifies the main processing unit 73 that the first print information PRT1 has been received.

  The mail receiving unit 71 is configured in the same manner as the mail receiving unit of the mail client, and may receive various electronic mails including a predetermined domain name in the destination mail address from the MDA of the mail server. That is, it may operate like a mail server in a pseudo manner. However, in this case, it is preferable that the delivery of the email from the mail server to the mail receiving unit 71 is a push type so that the mail receiving unit 71 can immediately receive the email when the email is transmitted from the communication terminal 50. .

  The web client unit 72 acquires information on a web page specified by the URL from the web server, for example, in the same manner as a general web client unit. However, the web client unit 72 may not have a browser for displaying the information on the display unit.

  The main processing unit 73 includes a registration management unit 731, a print information generation unit 732, a reception time acquisition unit 733, a current time acquisition unit 734, a determination unit 735, a print processing unit 736, a notification unit 737, a function setting unit 738, and a timing unit. 739.

For example, the registration management unit 731 manages information recorded in the registration information database 74. The information recorded in the registration information database 74 includes printable time zone TZN (for example, printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00) information of the printer 90.
The registration information database 74 stores information (telephone number, mail address, etc.) TRM of a specific communication terminal. This information TRM is used by the determination unit 735 as information for always permitting (executing) printing even in a time zone other than the printable time zone regardless of the printable time zone.
The registration management unit 731 has a function of updating registration information (registration data). For example, the registration management unit 731 can update the printable time zone TZN information of the printer 90 recorded in the registration information database 74. The printable time zone TZN information may be updated from the communication terminal 50 via the network 30, or may be updated from the printer 90 via the network 30, for example.

  The print information generation unit 732 generates second print information PRT2 in a format that can be used in the printer 90 based on the first print information PRT1 received by the mail reception unit 71.

The reception time acquisition unit 733 receives the first print information PRT1 from the mail reception unit 71 based on the notification that the first print information PRT1 has been received from the mail reception unit 71 and the time information that the time measurement unit 739 has timed. The received time t2 is acquired. The reception time acquisition unit 733 supplies the acquired time t2 information to the determination unit 735.
The time t2 acquired by the reception time acquisition unit 733 is, for example, in a format such as “March 3, 2015 10:30:25”, “2015 March 3, 22:30:05”, etc. Acquire together.
The time t2 when the mail receiving unit 71 receives the first print information PRT1 is the time corresponding to the timing when the mail receiving unit 71 starts receiving the first print information PRT1, and the mail receiving unit 71 receives the first print information PRT1. A time corresponding to a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of reception of PRT1, a time corresponding to a timing when the mail receiving unit 71 has completed reception of the first print information PRT1, and the like can be selected as appropriate.

The current time acquisition unit 734 acquires the current time ct2 based on the time information timed by the time measuring unit 739. The current time acquisition unit 734 supplies the acquired current time ct2 to the determination unit 735.
The current time ct2 acquired by the current time acquisition unit 734 is similar to the time t2, for example, “March 3, 2015, 11:30, 00”, “March 3, 2015, 23:30,” and the like. In this format, get the date together.

The determination unit 735 determines whether or not the time t2 acquired by the reception time acquisition unit 733 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information recorded in the database 74 as a recording unit. Is supplied to the print processing unit 736.
The determination unit 735 further determines whether or not the current time ct2 acquired by the current time acquisition unit 734 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information recorded in the database 74 as a recording unit. The determination result is supplied to the print processing unit 736.
In the determination unit 735, the first print information PRT1 received by the mail receiving unit 71 based on the information TRM of the specific terminal recorded in the database 74 as the recording unit is the first print information PRT1 by the specific communication terminal. And the determination result is supplied to the print processing unit 736.

When the determination unit 735 determines that the time t2 is included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 736 transmits the second print information PRT2 generated by the print information generation unit 732 to the printer via the network 30. To 90.
When the determination unit 735 determines that the time t2 is not included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 736 is generated by the first print information PRT1 or the print information generation unit 732 received by the mail reception unit 71. The second print information PRT2 thus recorded is recorded in the print information database 75 as a holding unit.

When the determination unit 735 determines that the current time ct2 is included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 736 reads the first print information PRT1 recorded in the database 75 as the holding unit and reads the read first print information PRT1. The print information generation unit 732 generates the second print information PRT2 based on the one print information PRT1, and transmits the generated second print information PRT2 to the printer 90 via the network 30.
Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the current time ct2 is included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 736 reads and reads the second print information PRT2 recorded in the database 75 as the holding unit. Transmitting the second print information PRT2 to the printer 90 via the network 30;
One of these functions is selected.

If the print processing unit 736 determines that the first print information PRT1 received by the determination unit 735 is the first print information by a specific communication terminal, the print processing unit 736 can perform printing even in a time zone other than the printable time zone. 90 causes printing to be performed (permitted).
The print processing unit 736 inquires of the communication terminal 50 whether or not to forcibly execute printing. When the communication terminal 50 selects to forcibly execute printing, the printer 90 forcibly executes printing. Let

If the determination unit 735 determines that the time t2 is not included in the time zone TZN, the notification unit 737 sends status information STS indicating that the time t2 is not included in the time zone TZN via the network 30. To the communication terminal 50.
When the current time ct2 is included in the printable time zone TZN, the notification unit 737 notifies the communication terminal 50 that printing has started or printing has ended.

The function setting unit 738 is set with information for selecting a function (service) provided by the print system 10.
In the second embodiment, for example, the function setting unit 738 is configured to be able to turn ON / OFF the settings of the mail print function and the Internet FAX function. This setting is set based on, for example, setting information from the communication terminal 50 or the like which is a transmission side device.
For example, when the mail print function is set to “ON” and the Internet FAX function is set to “OFF”, the print server 70 performs “print control for the printer associated with the printable time zone” which is characteristic of the present embodiment. .
On the other hand, when the mail print function is “OFF” and the Internet FAX function is set to “ON”, the characteristic “print control for the printer associated with the printable time zone” of the present embodiment is not performed.
The print control by this function setting is an example, and other modes are possible by combining the mail print function and the Internet FAX function ON / OFF.

  The registration information database 74 and the print information database 75 are constructed by, for example, storing information in the external storage device 70d according to a predetermined method. Each database may be composed of one piece of hardware, or may be composed of a plurality of pieces of hardware connected via a network such as a LAN. Each database can also be configured by a built-in nonvolatile memory or the like.

  FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the registration information database 74.

The registration information database 74 relates to, for example, data numbers (No.) for identifying each registration information (each row of the data table, data D1), the mail address of the communication terminal 50, the mail address for printing, and the printer 90. Information and information related to setting of functions of the print system 1 are held in association with each other.
The registration information database 74 records a printable time zone TZN that is referred to by the determination unit 735 or the like when performing print control for the printer 90 associated with the time zone.
The registration information database 74 records information (email address, etc.) TRM of a specific communication terminal, and that the specific communication terminal is managed by the CPU 70a of the print server 70, for example. As a communication terminal, the print processing unit 736 is notified by a data number or the like. In the example of FIG. The mail address of the second communication terminal is set as information (mail address, etc.) TRM of the specific communication terminal.
The registration information database 74 is updated (managed) by, for example, the registration management unit 731.

  Since the registered information database 74 holds such correlated information, for example, when the print server 70 receives an e-mail, the e-mail address of the transmission source and / or the transmission destination is received. Based on the above, it is possible to specify the printer 90 to which the electronic mail is to be printed. Each information other than the printable time zone TZN and the specific terminal information TRM is specifically as follows, for example.

  For example, when new data D1 is added to the registration information database 74 by a predetermined registration procedure, the print server 70 assigns the data number to the new data D1.

  The mail address of the communication terminal 50 is input from the communication terminal 50 to the print server 70 by a predetermined registration procedure using e-mail or a web browser, for example, before providing the service realized by the print system 10, and registered information Stored in the database 74 for use.

  The print e-mail address is an e-mail address that should be the destination when the user of the communication terminal 50 transmits an e-mail to be printed to the print server 70. The domain name of this print mail address corresponds to the IP address of the print server 70 as described above, for example. The local part of the print mail address is appropriately set by the print server 70 based on a signal from the communication terminal 50 or the like in a predetermined registration procedure before the service of the print system 10 is provided.

  In this embodiment, for example, a printer to be printed is determined based on a destination mail address of an e-mail. Therefore, for example, the mail addresses of a plurality of communication terminals 50 are associated with one print mail address (a plurality of users print from the same printer 90), or conversely, An e-mail address can be associated with a plurality of printing e-mail addresses (one user can select a printer 90 as a printing destination from a plurality of printers 90). However, the registration procedure is performed so that the same combination of the mail address of the communication terminal 50 and the print mail address does not exist (so that the same combination is not registered again).

  The information relating to the printer is, for example, information indicating the address of the printer 90 (for example, the MAC address and the IP address) and the data format of print data that can be used by the printer 90. In this example, for example, a global IP address is assigned to the printer 90.

  The MAC address of the printer 90 may be input from the communication terminal 50 to the print server 70 and held in the registration information database 74 in a predetermined registration procedure. As described above, the MAC address of the printer 90 is transferred from the communication terminal 50 to the print server 70. May be acquired and updated together with the notification of the IP address. In the former case, for example, the MAC address can be used for authentication in communication from the printer 90 to the print server 70. In the latter case, for example, even when the hardware (printer 90) is changed, the print server 70 can acquire the MAC address and transmit a signal to the printer 90.

  The IP address of the printer 90 is appropriately updated based on, for example, a notification from the address notification unit 921 of the printer 90.

  In a mode in which a local IP address is assigned to the printer 90, for example, the IP address, protocol, and port number of a router (DHCP server) are stored as the printer 90 address. As described above, these pieces of information may be registered or updated by a predetermined registration procedure or based on a notification from the address notification unit 921 or the like. Further, for example, in an aspect in which the printer 90 is connected to the network 30 via a mobile phone (an aspect in which the address notification unit 921 is not provided), the registration information database 74 does not require the gateway IP address. When there is a connection from the gateway, the IP address of the gateway is appropriately stored in the RAM or the like, and the connection is established. The registration information database 74 may be configured to be compatible with any of the above aspects.

  Information indicating the data format of the printer 90 is stored in the registration information database 74 by, for example, transmitting information from the printer 90 or transmitting information from a communication terminal owned by the owner of the printer 90 in a predetermined registration procedure. To be recorded. The print server 70 acquires information on the model of the printer 90 from the printer 90 or the communication terminal 50, specifies a data format by referring to its own appropriate database from the information, and records it in the registration information database 74. May be.

  The information related to the function selection setting of the print system 10 is information indicating the length of the time limit that is the time (period) scheduled to store the print data, for example. The print server 70 deletes the print information (print data) from the print information database 75 when the time for storing the print information (print data) exceeds the time limit. Thereby, for example, the possibility that personal information included in the print information (print data) is recorded in the print server 70 for a longer period than necessary is reduced.

  The length of the time limit can be arbitrarily set by the user of the communication terminal 50, for example. Specifically, the length of the time limit is determined by a user transmitting information from the communication terminal 50 or the like to a print server 70 as a web server using a web browser in a predetermined registration procedure or at an arbitrary time. Is set (updated). Note that the length of the time limit may be set uniformly for all users in the print server 70. In this case, information on the length of the time limit is not necessary in the registration information database. Further, the unit of the length of the time limit may be set in an appropriate unit such as second, minute, hour or day, and any one of these units may be selectable.

  Note that the database shown in FIG. 7A is merely a conceptual diagram, and various appropriate data tables may be configured in the registration information database 74. For example, in the data table shown in FIG. 7A, information indicating the model of the printer 90 is registered instead of the information indicating the data format. Separately, information indicating the model of the printer 90 and information indicating the data format are registered. May be prepared. Even in this case, it can be said that the print mail address or the like is substantially associated with the information indicating the data format.

  FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the print information database 75.

The print information database 75 holds a plurality of print information (print data).
The print information recorded (held) in the print information database 75 is, for example, the first print information PRT1 received by the mail receiving unit 71 or the second print information PRT2 generated from the first print information PRT1 by the print information generating unit 732. It is.
The print information database 75 includes a storage destination address indicating the address of a storage area in which each print data is recorded, a data number for identifying registration information (data D1) corresponding to each print data, A data table DT (which may be referred to as data D2 for each row) is stored in association with the storage time that is the time when the print information (print data) is recorded in the print information database 75.

  Therefore, for example, the print server 70 can extract the stored print information by referring to the storage destination address of the data D2. Further, the print server 70 searches the registration information database 74 using the data number of the data D2 as a key, thereby specifying the printer 90 to which the extracted print information is to be transmitted, the time limit for storing the print information, and the like. can do. Further, the print server 70 can specify the storage time for storing the print information (print data) by comparing the storage time of the data D2 with the current time measured by itself. By comparing the storage time with the time limit specified by searching the registration information database 74, it is possible to determine whether or not it is time to delete the print information.

  That is, the print server 70 substantially stores the print information (print data) stored by the registration information database 74 and the print information database 75 as a whole, and information indicating the print destination of the print information (print data). The print information (print data) is held in association with the time to be deleted.

  The storage area in which each piece of print information is recorded is secured as appropriate by the print server 70 (assigned for storing the print information) when it becomes necessary to store the print information, for example. The print information (print data) is, for example, in raster format. When the print information (print data) is recorded in the print information database 75, an appropriate compression process may be performed.

  Each data D2 is added to the data table DT when corresponding print information (print data) is stored, for example. The storage address of the data D2 is acquired when a storage area for storing print information is secured as described above. The data number is acquired from the registration information database 74 based on the source address and the destination address of the received electronic mail. The storage time of each print information is acquired from the time measuring unit 739 that the print server 70 keeps timing when the print information is stored (not strictly at the same time).

  Instead of the storage time, the time to be deleted (storage time + time limit) may be recorded. When the deletion time is recorded, when the user changes the length of the time limit of the registration information database 74 after the deletion time is recorded, the deletion time may or may not be corrected. It may be.

  The deletion of the print data that is performed when the storage time exceeds the time limit means, for example, the deletion of the data D2 in the data table DT (for example, overwrite processing). In other words, it means that the printing information cannot be extracted by losing the information of the storage destination address, and the printing data itself remains unless the storage area is allocated for storing other data. However, the print information itself may be deleted.

  Note that the database shown in FIG. 7B is merely a conceptual diagram as in FIG. 7A, and various appropriate data tables may be configured in the print information database 75. Further, the registration information database 74 and the print information database 75 may be integrated as appropriate. For example, the data D1 may include the storage address and the storage time of the print information of the data D2.

  FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of state data including state information. That is, it is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of data transmitted from the printer 90 to the print server 70.

  This status data is included in the data portion of one packet, for example, and includes information indicating the remaining amount of ink and information indicating the remaining amount of paper. The packet is configured by adding a destination address, a source address, and the like to this state data.

(Configuration and function of printer 90)
The printer 90 includes, for example, a print execution unit 91 that performs control for printing the received second print information PRT2, a network processing unit 92 that performs processing for receiving services by the print system 10, and a display unit 93. And an operation unit 94.

The print execution unit 91 may be the same as that constructed in a general printer, for example. For example, the print execution unit 91 applies a voltage at an appropriate timing and an appropriate magnitude to the actuator of the print head and the actuator of the paper feed mechanism based on the print information (print data).
The print execution unit 91 executes the printing of the second print information PRT2 in response to an instruction from the print processing unit 736 of the print server 70.

  The network processing unit 92 is constructed, for example, by executing a dedicated application installed in the print system 10. This application may be installed before shipment of the printer 90 by the manufacturer of the printer 90 that is the same as or affiliated with the provider of the print server 70, or may be installed by the owner of the printer 90.

  The network processing unit 92 includes, for example, an address notification unit 921 for notifying the print server 70 of the IP address of the printer 90 and a status notification unit 922 for notifying the status of the printer 90 to the print server 70. ing.

  The address notification unit 921 is for, for example, notifying the print server 70 of the IP address of the printer 90 when the IP address of the printer 90 is dynamically assigned. For example, the IP address of a network connection device (printer 90) of an individual user is dynamically assigned by a provider's DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, not shown) when the network connection device is connected to the network 30. Often it is a thing. That is, the IP address of the printer 90 changes. Therefore, the address notification unit 921 notifies the print server 70 of the IP address and the like of the printer 90 at an appropriate time, whereby a signal can be transmitted from the print server 70 to the printer 90 via the network 30. For example, the IP address of the print server 70 is statically assigned (a fixed IP address).

  Specifically, for example, in an aspect in which a global IP address is assigned to the printer 90, the address notification unit 921 includes an IP packet including appropriate information (for example, account information for receiving services of the print system 10) in the data unit. May be transmitted to the print server 70. Since the IP packet includes the source IP address, the print server 70 can grasp the IP address of the printer 90. Since the Ethernet frame including the IP packet includes the source MAC address (Media Access Control address), the print server 70 also determines the MAC address of the printer 90 by the notification from the address notification unit 921. You can get it.

  For example, in a mode in which a local IP address (private IP address) is assigned to the printer 90, the address notification unit 921 is a DHCP server (for example, a LAN router, a provider server) that assigns a local IP address to the printer 90. IP packet including the global IP address, protocol, and port number may be transmitted to the print server 70 (part or all of the information may be assigned by the DHCP server). . That is, the printer 90 may perform so-called port opening. As a result, the print server 70 can transmit a signal to the printer 90 using the static IP masquerade. In the description of the present embodiment, a combination of a global IP address, a protocol, and a port number may be referred to as an address or an IP address.

  The time when the address notification unit 921 notifies the address is, for example, when the printer 90 is connected to the Internet 11 and an IP address is assigned to the printer 90. If a global IP address is assigned to the printer 90, then the print server 70 can send a signal to the printer 90 until the printer 90 is disconnected and the assigned global IP address is recovered. . Further, for example, when a private IP address is assigned to the printer 90 by a LAN router, the print server 70 keeps the printer 90 connected until the router is powered down and the global IP address assigned to the router is collected. A signal can be transmitted to the terminal. Normally, since the router is kept powered on, the print server 70 can transmit a signal to the printer 90 over a long period of time. In addition, for example, if it is certain that the IP address assignment is earlier than the activation of the address notification unit 921, the timing for notifying the address may be the time when the address notification unit 921 is activated.

  Note that the address notification unit 921 may be omitted when the IP address of the printer 90 is statically assigned. In this case, for example, in the initial registration procedure for receiving a service by the print system 10, an address such as a MAC address and an IP address may be notified from the printer 90 or the like to the print server 70.

  It is also possible to connect a mobile phone to the printer 90 and connect the printer 90 to the Internet 11 via the telephone network 13. In this case, each communication carrier identifies a mobile phone according to a unique protocol, and the print server 70 can only grasp the IP address of a gateway (not shown) that mediates between the telephone network 13 and the Internet 11. The gateway (IP address) that mediates changes. Therefore, in such a case, for example, the network processing unit 92 may be connected to the print server 70 at the same time as being activated, and the connection may be maintained with as little data as possible. Theoretically, as in the case where the printer 90 is connected to the Internet 11 without going through the telephone network 13, the address of the printer 90 or the like is stored in the print server 70, and the print server 70 transfers to the printer 90. It is also possible to transmit a signal.

  For example, the status notification unit 922 transmits status information indicating the status of the printer 90 to the print server 70 in response to an inquiry from the print server 70 and / or spontaneously. The printer 90 generally has a state detection unit that detects the presence or absence of paper, the presence or absence of ink, and the like. Therefore, the status notification unit 922 need only mediate between the existing status detection unit and the print server 70, for example.

  The display unit 93 and the operation unit 94 are the same as the display unit 53 and the operation unit 54 of the communication terminal 50.

Next, the operation of the print system 10 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the print system 10 according to the second embodiment.
Here, an example of the operation of the print system 10 will be described in detail focusing on print control of print information by the print server 70 associated with the printable time zone.

First, the communication terminal 50 transmits an e-mail including the first print information PRT1 to be printed to a predetermined print e-mail address (step ST21).
When the print server 70 receives this email by the mail receiver 71, the print information generator 732 generates the second print information PRT2 in a format that can be used in the printer 90 based on the received first print information PRT1. (Step ST22).
Here, in the print server 70, the main processing unit 73 determines whether or not the mail print function is set to ON by the function setting unit 738 (step ST23).
If it is determined in step ST23 that the mail print function is set to ON, the print server 70 acquires the time t2 when the first print information PRT1 is received by the reception time acquisition unit 733 (step ST24).

In the print server 70, the determination unit 735 determines whether or not the acquired time t2 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information that can be printed by the printer 90 (step ST25).
The determination unit 735 supplies the determination result to the print processing unit 736.
If the determination unit 735 determines in step ST25 that the acquired time t2 is included in the time zone TZN, the print processing unit 736 of the print server 70 uses the second print information PRT2 generated by the print information generation unit 732. The data is transmitted to the printer 90 via the network 30 (step ST26). Then, the printer 90 performs printing based on the second print information (print data) PRT2 received by the print execution unit 91 (step ST27).

If the determination unit 735 determines in step ST25 that the acquired time t2 is not included in the printable time zone TZN, the print server 70 determines that the communication terminal 50 that has transmitted the first print information PRT1 has the print server 70 in advance. It is determined whether it is a specific communication terminal (specific terminal) registered in (ST28).
When the determination unit 735 determines in step ST28 that the print processing unit 736 is a specific communication terminal, the print processing unit 736 always permits printing regardless of the printable time zone TZN, so that the second print information PRT2 Is transmitted to the printer 90 via the network 30 (step ST29). Then, the printer 90 performs printing based on the second print information (print data) PRT2 received by the print execution unit 91 (step ST27).

  If the determination unit 735 determines in step ST28 that the print processing unit 736 of the print server 70 is not a specific communication terminal, the second print information generated based on the received first print information PRT1 or first print information PRT1. PRT2 is recorded in the print information database 75 as a holding unit (step ST30).

Here, in the print server 70, the current time acquisition unit 734 acquires the current time ct2 (step ST31).
Then, in the print server 70, the determination unit 735 determines whether or not the acquired current time ct2 is included in the time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information that can be printed by the printer 90 (step ST32).
When the determination unit 735 determines that the acquired current time ct2 is included in the time zone TZN in step ST32, the print processing unit 736 of the print server 70 reads the first print information from the database 75 as the holding unit. The second print information PRT2 generated by the print information generation unit 732 from the PRT1 or the read second print information PRT2 is transmitted to the printer 90 via the network 3 (step ST33).
Then, the printer 90 performs printing based on the second print information (print data) PRT2 received by the print execution unit 91 (step ST7).

If the determination unit 735 determines that the acquired current time ct2 is included in the time zone TZN in step ST32, the print server 70 determines that the notification unit 737 has started printing, or performs printing. The communication terminal 50 is notified of the completion (step ST34).
If the determination unit 735 determines in step ST32 that the acquired current time ct2 is not included in the time zone TZN, the notification unit 737 does not include the current time ct2 in the time zone TZN. Status information STS indicating this is notified to the communication terminal 50 via the network 30 (step ST35).

On the other hand, if the main processing unit 73 of the print server 70 determines in step ST23 that the mail print function is set to OFF instead of ON, it determines whether or not the Internet FAX function is set to ON. (Step ST36).
If the print server 70 determines in step ST36 that the Internet FAX function is set to ON, the print server 70 receives the second print information PRT2 generated from the first print information PRT1 as the received FAX information via the network 30. (Step ST37).
When the printer 90 receives the second print information PRT2, the printer 90 performs printing based on the second print information PRT2 received by the print execution unit 91 (step ST27).

  As described above, in the print system 10 according to the second embodiment, the print server 70 includes the mail receiving unit 71 that receives the first print information PRT1 transmitted from the communication terminal 50 via the network 30, and the mail. Based on the first print information PRT1 received by the receiving unit 71, the print information generating unit 732 that generates the second print information PRT2 in a format usable in the printer 90, and the mail receiving unit 71 receives the first print information PRT1. Received by the reception time acquisition unit 733 for acquiring the time t2, the database (recording unit) 74 as a recording unit in which time zone information indicating the time zone in which the printer can be printed is recorded, and the reception time acquisition unit 733 Determination unit 7 that determines whether or not time t2 is included in time zone TZN indicated by the time zone information recorded in database 74. 5 and when the determination unit 735 determines that the time t2 is included in the time zone TZN, the second print information PRT2 generated by the print information generation unit 732 is transmitted to the printer 90 via the network. When the determination unit 735 determines that the time t2 is not included in the time zone TZN, the second print generated by the first print information PRT1 or the print information generation unit 732 received by the mail reception unit 71. And a print processing unit 736 that records the information PRT2 in the database 75 as a holding unit.

That is, the print server 70 sets a time zone TZN in which the printer 90 can print (for example, a printable time zone TZN: 6:00 to 20:00). When the print server 70 receives a print instruction from the communication terminal 50 in the printable time zone TZN, the printer 90 is instructed to print.
On the other hand, when the print server 70 receives a print instruction from the communication terminal 50 in a time zone other than the printable time zone TZN, the print information is once recorded in the database (holding unit) 75 in the print server 70. Basically, the print server 70 reads the print information recorded in the database (holding unit) 75 and instructs the printer 90 to print when the printable time zone TZN is reached.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, by setting the printable time zone TZN, for example, noise due to an unexpected printing operation of the printer 90 at midnight can be suppressed. This is particularly effective when a large amount of faxes are transmitted at midnight.
Thus, according to the second embodiment, printing can be reliably performed in a desired time zone.

According to the second embodiment, the print processing unit 736 is recorded in the database (holding unit) 75 when the determination unit 735 determines that the current time ct2 is included in the time zone TZN. The first print information is read out, the print information generation unit 732 generates the second print information PRT2 based on the read first print information PRT1, and the generated second print information PRT2 is transmitted to the printer 90 via the network 30. Alternatively, the second print information PRT2 recorded in the database (holding unit) 75 is read, and the read second print information PRT2 is transmitted to the printer 90 via the network 30.
Thereby, the print information received outside the printable time zone can be reliably printed in the printable time zone.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when the notification unit 737 determines that the time received by the determination unit 735 is not included in the time zone, the time is not included in the time zone. Is sent to the communication terminal 50 via the network 30.
Thereby, the user of the communication terminal 50 can surely grasp the current situation, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the print processing unit 736 inquires of the communication terminal 50 whether or not to forcibly execute printing, and selects that the communication terminal 50 forcibly executes printing. In this case, the printer 90 is forced to execute printing.
As a result, practical operation can be realized, and convenience for the user of the communication terminal 50 can be enhanced.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when the notification unit 737 indicates that the current time is included in the printable time zone, the communication terminal indicates that printing has started or printing has ended. 50 is notified.
Thereby, the user of the communication terminal 50 can surely grasp the current situation, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the print processing unit 736 allows the printable time when the first print information received by the determination unit 735 is determined to be the first print information by a specific communication terminal. Even in a time zone other than the time zone, the printer 90 is caused to execute printing.
As a result, practical operation can be realized, and the convenience of the user of the specific communication terminal 50 can be further enhanced.

In the second embodiment, the content of the print information (print data) is, for example, the content of an e-mail or the content of a file attached to the e-mail. And an image showing at least one of the contents of the web page specified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) entered in the body of the e-mail. Which one is to be printed may be determined in advance in the print server 70, for example, or information specifying which one is to be targeted is included in the title of the e-mail, etc. It may be possible to specify in.
In the present embodiment, the print information (print data) includes Internet FAX information.

  The format of the print information (print data) is a format that can be used by the printer 90. For example, the format of the print data is the same as the format of print data transmitted from the personal computer (driver) to the printer when instructing printing from the personal computer to the printer, and is generally a raster format.

  Since printing is performed in this manner, the user of the communication terminal 50 can print information related to the e-mail only by transmitting the e-mail. That is, a personal computer in which a driver for the printer 90 is installed is prepared on the printer 90 side, an electronic mail is transmitted from the communication terminal 50 to the personal computer, and information related to the electronic mail is printed from the personal computer to the printer 90. The troublesome procedure of giving instructions is unnecessary.

  When the user of the communication terminal 50 is near the printer 90, the user can use the printer 90 as a normal printer that does not require a driver. When the user of the communication terminal 50 is away from the printer 90, the user can use the printer 90 like a FAX.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the communication terminal and the printer in the print system according to the third embodiment.

The print system 10A according to the third embodiment is different from the print system 10 according to the second embodiment as follows.
The print system 10A according to the third embodiment is configured such that the printer 90A has the function of the print server 70 of FIG.
That is, the printer 90 </ b> A has a print server function in addition to the print execution function, and is configured as a printer that can communicate with the communication terminal 50 via the network 0.

Since the printer 90A has a configuration in which the print server and the printer are combined, the network processing unit 92 in FIG. 6 does not need to be provided.
Accordingly, the printer 90 </ b> A in FIG. 9 includes a print execution unit 91, a display unit 93, and an operation unit 94.
Furthermore, in order to realize the function of the print server, the printer 90A displays, for example, a mail receiving unit 95 as a receiving unit for receiving an e-mail and web page information in the same manner as the print server 70 of FIG. Web client unit 96 for acquisition, main processing unit 97 for performing main print control processing for printing based on received e-mail, addresses of communication terminal 50 and printer 90A, printable time zone TZN of printer 90A It has a registration information recording unit 98 that holds registration information such as information, and a print information holding unit 99 that stores print information (print data).
The registration information recording unit 98 and the print information holding unit 99 are configured by a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, for example, and are configured to maintain recording and holding data even when the power is turned off. The recorded information is the same as in FIG.
When the printer 90A changes from the power-off state to the energized state, the determination unit 975 checks whether the held data is stored in the print data holding unit 99. If the retained data is stored, if the current time is a printable time zone, printing is performed based on the retained data, and if the current time is not a printable time zone, a notification is given by the notification unit.
If the change to the energized state of the printer 90A is due to a direct user operation such as the user turning on the power switch, printing may be performed even when it is not in the printable time zone.

  The main processing unit 97 includes a registration management unit 971, a print information generation unit 972, a reception time acquisition unit 973, a current time acquisition unit 974, a determination unit 975, a print processing unit 976, a notification unit 977, a function setting unit 978, and A timer unit 979 is included.

In the printer 90A, the configuration and functions of the mail receiving unit 95, the web client unit 96, the main processing unit 97, the registration information recording unit 98, and the print information holding unit 99 are basically the same as those in the second embodiment. Since it is similar to the server 70, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

However, the print processing unit 976 of the main processing unit 97 does not transmit the second print information PRT2 via the network, but performs a print based on the second print information PRT2 to the print execution unit 91. Instruct.

  According to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

  For example, in the embodiment, various local parts are set in the print mail address, and information for specifying a printer is associated with each local part. However, the local part of the print mail address may be constant. Even in this case, for example, it is possible to provide a service by setting a printer as a printing destination for each e-mail transmission source address (mail address of the communication terminal 50).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... FAX information printing system, 3 ... Network, 5 ... Communication terminal (transmission side apparatus), 7 ... Management apparatus, 9 ... Printer, 901 ... Reception part, 902 ... Print execution unit, 903 ... reception time acquisition unit, 904 ... current time acquisition unit, 905 ... recording unit, 906 ... determination unit, 907 ... print processing unit, 908 ... holding , 909... Update unit, 910... Timekeeping unit, 911... Notification unit, 912... Operation unit, 10 and 10 A. Print system, 30. Terminal, 70 ... Print server, 71 ... Mail receiving unit, 72 ... Web client unit, 73 ... Main processing unit, 731 ... Registration management unit, 732 ... Print information generation unit, 733 ... Reception time acquisition unit, 734 Current time acquisition unit, 735 ... determination unit, 736 ... print processing unit, 737 ... notification unit, 738 ... function setting unit, 739 ... timing unit, 74 ... registration information database (Recording unit), 75 ... Print information database (holding unit), 90, 90A ... Printer, 91 ... Print execution unit, 92 ... Network processing unit, 93 ... Display unit, 94 ... operation unit, 95 ... mail receiving unit, 96 ... web client unit, 97 ... main processing unit, 971 ... registration management unit, 972 ... print information generation unit, 973 ..Reception time acquisition unit, 974 ... Current time acquisition unit, 975 ... Determination unit, 976 ... Print processing unit, 977 ... Notification unit, 978 ... Function setting unit, 979 ... Timekeeping section, 98... Registration information recording section, 99. Holding unit for printing information.

Claims (16)

A receiving unit for receiving FAX information;
A print execution unit that executes printing based on the FAX information;
A reception time acquisition unit for acquiring a time when the FAX information is received by the reception unit;
A recording unit in which time zone information indicating a time zone in which the printing execution unit can be printed is recorded;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the time acquired by the reception time acquisition unit is included in a time zone indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit;
When the determination unit determines that the time is included in the time period, the print execution unit is instructed to execute printing based on the FAX information received by the reception unit. And when the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, a print processing unit that records the FAX information received by the reception unit in a holding unit;
Printer with. It further includes a current time acquisition unit for acquiring the current time,
The determination unit
It is further determined whether or not the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit is included in the time zone indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit,
The print processing unit
When the determination unit determines that the current time is included in the time zone, the FAX information recorded in the holding unit is read, and printing is performed based on the read FAX information. Instructing the print execution unit;
The printer according to claim 1. Further comprising a notification unit,
The print processing unit
If the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, the notification unit notifies that the time is not included in the time zone.
The printer according to claim 1 or 2. The print processing unit
Even if it is a time zone other than the printable time zone in a state in which the notification unit is informed, upon receiving an instruction from the user, the print execution unit is caused to execute printing.
The printer according to claim 3. The determination unit
Determining whether the FAX information received by the receiving unit is FAX information by a specific communication terminal;
The print processing unit
When it is determined that the FAX information received by the determination unit is FAX information by a specific communication terminal, the print execution unit is caused to execute printing even in a time zone other than the printable time zone,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least one of the recording unit and the holding unit includes a nonvolatile storage device,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An update unit for updating the time zone information recorded in the recording unit;
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A print server capable of communicating with a communication terminal and a printer via a network,
A receiving unit that receives first print information transmitted from the communication terminal via the network;
A print information generation unit that generates second print information in a format usable in the printer based on the first print information received by the reception unit;
A reception time acquisition unit for acquiring a time at which the reception unit receives the first print information;
A recording unit in which time zone information indicating a time zone in which the printer can print is recorded;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the time acquired by the reception time acquisition unit is included in a time zone indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit;
When the determination unit determines that the time is included in the time zone, the second print information generated by the print information generation unit is transmitted to the printer via the network, and If the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, the first print information received by the reception unit or the second print information generated by the print information generation unit A print processing unit for recording in the holding unit;
A print server comprising: It further includes a current time acquisition unit for acquiring the current time,
The determination unit
It is further determined whether or not the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit is included in the time zone indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit,
The print processing unit
When the determination unit determines that the current time is included in the time zone, the first print information recorded in the holding unit is read, and the printing is performed based on the read first print information. Causing the information generating unit to generate the second print information and transmitting the generated second print information to the printer via the network; or reading the second print information recorded in the holding unit; Transmitting the read second print information to the printer via the network;
The print server according to claim 8. When the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, the communication terminal is notified via the network of status information indicating that the time is not included in the time zone. Further comprising a notification unit for
The print server according to claim 9. The print processing unit
Inquiring whether or not to further forcibly execute printing to the communication terminal, and when the communication terminal selects to forcibly execute printing, the printer is forcibly executed for printing.
The print server according to claim 10. A notification unit for notifying the communication terminal that printing has started or printing has been completed when the current time is included in the printable time zone;
The print server according to claim 9. The determination unit
Determining whether the first print information received by the receiving unit is first print information by a specific communication terminal;
The print processing unit
When it is determined that the first print information received by the determination unit is the first print information by a specific communication terminal, the printer is caused to execute printing even in a time zone other than the printable time zone. ,
The print server according to any one of claims 8 to 12. The time zone information recorded in the recording unit can be updated.
The print server according to any one of claims 8 to 13. A communication terminal;
A printer,
The print server according to any one of claims 8 to 14, capable of communicating with the communication terminal and the printer via a network;
Printing system equipped with. A printer capable of communicating with a communication terminal via a network,
A print execution unit for executing printing;
A receiving unit that receives first print information from the communication terminal via the network;
A print information generation unit that generates second print information in a format usable in the print execution unit based on the first print information received by the reception unit;
A reception time calculation unit that acquires a time at which the reception unit receives the first print information;
A recording unit in which time zone information indicating a time zone in which the printing execution unit can be printed is recorded;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the time acquired by the reception time acquisition unit is included in a time zone indicated by the time zone information recorded in the recording unit;
When the determination unit determines that the time is included in the time zone, the print execution unit is configured to execute printing based on the second print information generated by the print information generation unit. When the determination unit determines that the time is not included in the time zone, the first print information received by the reception unit or the print information generation unit is generated. A print processing unit for recording the second print information in the holding unit;
Printer with.

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