JP2016181843A - Printing system, server device, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server device and terminal device capable of suppressing an increase in the amount of communication.SOLUTION: A server device 100 and a terminal device 200 can be connected via communication paths of two or more systems. The server device 100 includes: a line determination unit 101a that determines whether or not the use of communication between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200 is on a chargeable basis; a communication unit 103 that if it is determined to be on a chargeable basis, receives an instruction to select any one of image process options included in an MFP, from the terminal device 200; and an instruction extraction unit 101c that generates an option instruction for executing the selected image process option on the MFP. The communication unit 103 transmits the generated option instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing an image process option for printing data to a user in a printing system including a server device, a terminal device, and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, cloud systems have come to be used in multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) that integrate functions such as scanners, facsimiles, printers, and copiers. A cloud system provides users with various services via a network such as the Internet. For example, a server device of a cloud system provides a print data processing service.

The terminal device transmits print data to the server device. The server device processes the received print data and generates a print job. The terminal device receives a print job that has been processed from the server device. Next, the terminal device transmits a print job to the MFP for printing.
Here, when the terminal device and the server device are connected by a pay-per-use communication line, when the communication amount increases, the line usage fee and the server usage fee increase. In addition, when connected by a flat-rate communication line in which the maximum communication amount is set, the communication performance is deteriorated due to the excess of the maximum communication amount.

  In order to solve such a problem, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the image communication apparatus makes a call to the communication destination, a specific signal indicating whether there is a charge related to the communication, whether the charge is high or low, and the like. Receive from the communication network. The image communication apparatus determines this specific signal. When communication can be performed free of charge, an output attribute with high image quality is set. When communication can be performed with charge, a low image quality output attribute is set. In this way, it is possible to maintain a balance between output costs and output image quality.

JP 2007-013445 A JP 2012-088288 A

However, according to Patent Document 1, in the case of pay communication, a low image quality output attribute is set in order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted. For this reason, there is a problem that the image quality of the transmitted image data is degraded.
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a server device, and a terminal device that can suppress an increase in the communication amount without causing such a problem.

  To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a server device, a terminal device connectable to the server device via two or more communication paths, and a print job transmitted from the terminal device are executed. A printing system configured with an image forming apparatus, wherein the server apparatus determines whether the use of communication between the server apparatus and the terminal apparatus is charged, and determines that there is a charge A first receiving unit that receives from the terminal device an instruction to select one of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus, and the instructed image process option is executed in the image forming apparatus; First terminal generating means for generating an option command for transmitting, and first transmitting means for transmitting the generated option command, the terminal device A combination of a storage means for storing print data, a second receiving means for receiving the option command, a print command incorporating the print data, and the received option command. A second generation unit that generates a print job executable in the apparatus, and a second transmission unit that transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus.

According to this aspect, there is an effect that an increase in communication amount can be suppressed.
Here, in the communication with the terminal device, the determination means specifies the type of communication line interposed between the server device and the terminal device, and based on the specified type of communication line, It may be determined whether usage is charged.
Here, the terminal device further receives from the user an instruction to select an image process option included in the image forming apparatus, and transmits the received instruction to the server apparatus. Third transmission means may be provided.

  Here, the server device further includes storage means for storing information indicating an image process option included in the image forming apparatus of the model in association with the model of the image forming apparatus, The second receiving means further receives information indicating an image process option from the server device, and the receiving means gives an instruction to select an image process option from the image process options indicated by the received information. It may be accepted.

Here, the terminal device further includes third receiving means for receiving information indicating an image process option included in the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus, and the receiving means is configured to receive the received information according to the received information. An instruction to select an image process option from the displayed image process options may be received.
Here, the first transmission means may further include any one of all options indicating all image process options included in the server device and a limited option indicating some image process options of the all options. A request for selection is transmitted, the second receiving means further receives the request for selection of any one of the all options and the limited option, and the terminal device further receives from the user all of the all options. Receiving means for receiving an instruction to select either an option or the limited option; and third transmission means for transmitting the instruction to the server device, wherein the received instruction indicates selection of all options, When the determination means determines that there is a charge, the first transmission means further includes the terminal. Information indicating all the options is transmitted to the device, the second receiving means further receives information indicating the all options, and the accepting means further receives the all options received from the user. An instruction to select any of the image process options indicated by the indicated information may be received.

  Here, the all options include image process options provided in the server device that require print data when generating an option command from the image process options, and the limited options are: Of the image process options provided in the server device, when generating an option command from the image process option, the print data may not be required.

Here, when the instruction indicating selection of all the options is received, the determination unit further processes the image process option by the server device according to the image process option selected by the user, Alternatively, it may be determined whether the image forming apparatus performs processing.
Here, when both the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus have the selected image process option, the determination unit determines that the image process option is to be processed by the image forming apparatus, and the image process option is selected. When the server apparatus is provided and the image forming apparatus is not provided, the determination unit may determine that the server apparatus processes the image process option.

  Here, the first generation unit generates the option instruction using a command specified by PJL (Printer Job Language), and the second generation unit uses the command specified by PJL, The print job may be generated, and the image forming apparatus may execute printing by interpreting a command included in the print job and defined by PJL.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server apparatus, a terminal apparatus connectable to the server apparatus via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus. A determination unit that determines whether or not the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged; and First receiving means for receiving from the terminal device an instruction to select one of image process options included in the image forming apparatus, and an option command for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus First generation means for generating and first transmission means for transmitting the generated option command are provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server apparatus, a terminal apparatus connectable to the server apparatus via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus. A control method used in the server device in a printing system comprising: determining whether or not the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged, and determining that there is a charge Receiving an instruction to select any of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus from the terminal device, and generating an option command for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus; The generated option command is transmitted.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server apparatus, a terminal apparatus connectable to the server apparatus via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus. The terminal device in a printing system comprising: the server device determines whether or not the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged, and is determined to be charged Receiving an instruction to select any of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus from the terminal device, and generating an option command for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus; The generated option command is transmitted, and the terminal device stores storage means for storing print data, and the option command. A second receiving means for receiving, a second generating means for generating a print job that can be executed in the image forming apparatus by combining the print command incorporating the printing data and the received option command. And a second transmission means for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server apparatus, a terminal apparatus connectable to the server apparatus via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus. A control method used in the terminal device in a printing system comprising: the server device determines whether the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged, and is charged If it is determined that the image forming apparatus receives an instruction to select one of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus from the terminal apparatus, the option to execute the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus. A command is generated, the generated option command is transmitted, and the control method receives the option command, A print command that incorporates printing data stored by the terminal device and the received option command are combined to generate a print job that can be executed by the image forming apparatus, and the generated print job is used as the image It transmits to a forming apparatus.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device 100. FIG. An example of the data structure of the model profile 111 is shown. An example of the data structure of the process command file 121 is shown. An example of the data structure of the PJL print job 251 is shown. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device 200. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 300. FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram (part 1) illustrating an operation in the printing system. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (part 2) illustrating an operation in the printing system. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (part 3) illustrating an operation in the printing system. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (part 4) illustrating an operation in the printing system. It is the sequence diagram (the 1) which shows operation | movement in the printing system 10a as a modification. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (part 2) illustrating an operation in the printing system 10a. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (part 3) illustrating an operation in the printing system 10a.

1. Embodiment A printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
1.1 Printing system 10
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a server device 100, a terminal device 200, an MFP 300, a gateway device 400, a wireless base station 500, a wireless LAN base device 600, and other network connection devices.

Server device 100, MFP 300, gateway device 400, and wireless LAN base device 600 are connected to each other via the Internet 20. The gateway device 400 and the radio base station 500 are connected to each other via the mobile phone network 30.
The gateway device 400 converts a communication protocol between the Internet 20 and the mobile phone network 30. The wireless base station 500 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 200 based on a communication method in a mobile phone. In addition, the radio base station 500 relays communication or a call between the terminal device 200 and another terminal device with which communication is performed. The wireless LAN base device 600 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 200 based on wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11n, and IEEE802.16-2004. In addition, the wireless LAN base device 600 relays communication or a call between the terminal device 200 and another terminal device with which communication is performed.

Thus, the server device 100 and the terminal device 200 can be connected via two or more communication paths.
The terminal device 200 can communicate with or communicate with other terminal devices or the like through the wireless base station 500 and the mobile phone network 30. In addition, the terminal device 200 can communicate with or communicate with other terminal devices or the like connected to the Internet 20 via the wireless LAN base unit 600 and the Internet 20.

In addition, the terminal device 200 requests the server device 100 to process print data via the radio base station 500, the mobile phone network 30, the gateway device 400, and the Internet 20. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 requests the server device 100 to process print data via the wireless LAN master device 600 and the Internet 20.
When the server device 100 receives the request for processing the print data, the server device 100 determines whether the communication between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200 is charged or free.

  When communication between the server apparatus 100 and the terminal apparatus 200 is charged, a processing function (also referred to as an image process option) that can be processed by the MFP 300 is presented to the terminal apparatus 200. The terminal device 200 selects a processing function by a user operation and transmits a selection result to the server device 100. The server device 100 returns a processing command group (also referred to as an option command group) corresponding to the selected processing function to the terminal device 200. Upon receiving the processing command group, the terminal device 200 generates a print job using the held printing data and the received processing command group. The terminal device 200 transmits the generated print job to the MFP 300. The MFP 300 executes print processing according to the print job.

  In addition, when communication between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200 is free, the server device 100 presents a processing function that can be processed by the server device 100 to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 selects a processing function by a user operation and transmits a selection result to the server device 100. The server apparatus 100 requests print data from the terminal apparatus 200, and the terminal apparatus 200 transmits print data to the server apparatus 100. Upon receiving the print data, the server apparatus 100 performs a process with the designated processing function on the print data to generate a print job. The server apparatus 100 transmits the generated print job to the terminal apparatus 200. The terminal device 200 receives the print job and transmits the received print job to the MFP 300. The MFP 300 executes print processing according to the print job.

In this specification, a route through the radio base station 500, the mobile phone network 30, the gateway device 400, and the Internet 20 is referred to as a “mobile phone route”. A route through the wireless LAN base unit 600 and the Internet 20 is referred to as a “wireless LAN route”.
1.2 Server device 100
As shown in FIG. 2, the server apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, an information storage unit 102 (storage unit), and a communication unit 103 (first reception unit, first transmission unit).

  Specifically, the server apparatus 100 is a computer system that includes a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk device, and the like. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk device. The control unit 101 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.

(1) Information storage unit 102
The information storage unit 102 is configured by a hard disk device as an example.
As an example, the information storage unit 102 stores a model profile 111 and machining command files 121, 122,.
(Model profile 111)
As an example, the model profile 111 includes a plurality of model information as shown in FIG. One model information corresponds to one model of the MFP. Each model information includes a model identifier and one or more pieces of function information in association with each other. The function information corresponds to a processing function applied to print data output to the MFP. The function information includes a function identifier, a machining function name, and a function type in association with each other. As described above, the processing function is also called an image process option.

The model identifier is an identifier for identifying the model of the MFP.
The function identifier is an identifier for identifying a machining function.
The processing function name is a name indicating a processing function applied to the printing data. Examples of processing function names are “Watermarking”, “Form Overlay”, “Page Layout Change”, “Page Scaling”, “Delete Selected Page”, “Blank Page Removal Insert” and “Preprint Before Printing”. is there.

Examples of processing functions (image process options) are shown below.
“Watermarking” indicates that a watermark is added to the print data. Here, the watermark is, for example, a design or a character added to the print data for displaying a copyright of the print data. In order to make the data for printing inconspicuous, designs and characters are made smaller or thinner.

“Applying form overlay” indicates that form overlay is added to the print data. Here, the form overlay is an independent form part of the document. Printing is performed by superimposing a fixed portion due to form overlay on the print data.
“Page layout change” refers to changing, for example, the number of lines included in one page or the number of characters included in one line with respect to print data. Further, for example, it means that a plurality of pages are reduced and printed on one sheet of paper. Here, printing the reduced N page print data within one page is expressed as Nin1. For example, 2in1, 4in1, 6in1, 8in1, 9in1 and 16in1.

“Page scaling” refers to printing an enlarged page or reduced a page.
“Delete specified page” means to delete a specified page.
“Blank page removal / insertion” means that a blank page is removed from the print data or a blank page is inserted into the print data.

“Pre-print preview” refers to presenting an image of a printed page to the user without actually printing.
The function type indicates whether or not the processing function can be realized in the MFP identified by the corresponding model identifier by a command representing the corresponding processing function. The function type “1” indicates that the processing function can be realized in the MFP. The function type “0” indicates that the processing function cannot be realized in the MFP.

As shown in FIG. 3, the model profile 111 includes, as an example, a model identifier 112 “MFP-A01”, a function identifier 113 “F01”, a processing function name 114 “watermark assignment”, and a function type 115 “1”.
(Processing command files 121, 122, ..., 123)
The machining instruction files 121, 122,..., 123 correspond to machining functions defined in the model profile 111, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each machining command file includes, for example, a model identifier, a function identifier, and a machining command group. The model identifier is an identifier for identifying the model of the MFP to which the processing command group included in the processing command file is applied. The function identifier is an identifier for identifying a machining function based on a machining command group. The processing command group is a set of commands (also referred to as option commands) that are executed by the MFP and realize processing functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the processing command file 121 includes a model identifier 131 “MFP-A01”, a function identifier 132 “F01”, and a processing command group 133 as an example.
The processing command file 121 is applied in the MFP identified by the model identifier 131 “MFP-A01”. The machining command file 121 corresponds to the machining function identified by the function identifier 132 “F01”. Furthermore, the processing instruction group 133 is an instruction for adding a watermark to print data, for example. The processing instruction group 133 is composed of a plurality of instructions as shown in FIG.

The processing command files 122,..., 123 also have the same data structure as the processing command file 121.
(2) Communication unit 103
The communication unit 103 transmits and receives data between the terminal device 200 and the control unit 101 via the Internet 20 and the wireless LAN base unit 600.

The communication unit 103 transmits and receives data between the terminal device 200 and the control unit 101 via the Internet 20, the gateway device 400, the mobile phone network 30, and the wireless base station 500.
(3) Control unit 101
The control unit 101 controls the information storage unit 102 and the communication unit 103.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 101 includes a line determination unit 101a (determination unit), a function extraction unit 101b, an instruction extraction unit 101c, an approval determination unit 101d, and a job generation unit 101e (first generation unit). .
(Receive)
The control unit 101 receives a processing request, a model identifier, a function identifier, and an approval instruction from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone route and communication unit 103 or via the wireless LAN route and communication unit 103. Here, the processing request indicates a request for processing the printing data from the terminal device 200 to the server device 100. The model identifier is an identifier that identifies the model of the MFP 300. The function identifier is an identifier that identifies a processing function applied to the print data. The approval instruction is an instruction indicating approval or non-approval for execution of processing by the server device 100 from the terminal device 200.

Further, the control unit 101 receives print data from the terminal device 200 via the wireless LAN route and communication unit 103.
In addition, the control unit 101 receives a signal indicating the type of communication line along with the above processing request via the mobile phone path and communication unit 103 or via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 103.

(Line determination unit 101a)
In communication with terminal device 200, line determination unit 101a determines the type of communication line interposed between server device 100 and terminal device 200 using a signal indicating the type of communication line received together with the processing request. . Next, the line determination unit 101a determines whether or not the use of communication is charged based on the type of the specified communication line. As an example, the line determination unit 101a includes a mobile phone network on the communication line that passes through the line determination unit 101a. If included, it is determined that the use of the communication line is charged. Further, when the communication line that passes through does not include the cellular phone network and includes the wireless LAN, it is determined that the communication line is free to use.

(Function extraction unit 101b)
When the use of the communication line is charged, the function extraction unit 101b reads model information including the received model identifier from the model profile 111. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts function information including the function type “1” from the read model information. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts a function identifier and a machining function name from the extracted function information. In this way, one set of function identifiers and machining function names or a plurality of sets of function identifiers and machining function names are extracted.

  When the use of the communication line is free, the function extraction unit 101b reads model information including the received model identifier from the model profile 111. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts all the function information from the read model information. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts a function identifier and a machining function name from the extracted function information. In this way, one set of function identifiers and machining function names or a plurality of sets of function identifiers and machining function names are extracted.

(Approval judgment unit 101d)
The approval determination unit 101d generates an approval request for requesting approval as to whether or not a processing command group may be generated in the server device 100. In addition, the approval determination unit 101d generates an approval request for requesting approval as to whether or not the server apparatus 100 may request print data and generate a PJL (Printer Job Language) print job.

The approval determination unit 101d determines whether the approval instruction received from the terminal device 200 indicates approval or non-approval. When the approval instruction indicates non-approval, the control unit 101 ends the processing operation. When the approval instruction indicates approval, the control unit 101 continues the processing operation.
(Instruction extraction unit 101c)
When the approval instruction indicates approval, the instruction extraction unit 101c reads from the information storage unit 102 the processing instruction file identified by the received model identifier and the received function identifier. As an example, the machining command file 121 shown in FIG. 4 is read. Next, the command extraction unit 101c extracts a processing command group from the read processing command file. As an example, the machining instruction group 133 shown in FIG. 4 is extracted.

(Job generation unit 101e)
When it is determined that the use of communication is free, the job generation unit 101e incorporates the print data received from the terminal device 200 and generates a PJL print job. As an example, the PJL print job generated here is a part of an instruction group 261, an instruction 263, an instruction group 264, and an instruction group 265 in the PJL print job 251 shown in FIG.

The instruction group 261 is an instruction related to the job such as start of a print job. The instruction 263 is an instruction for switching the print language to “POSTSCRIPT”. The instruction group 264 is a script for printing the print data. The instruction group 265 is an instruction indicating the start of a print job.
Next, the job generation unit 101e incorporates a processing instruction group into the generated PJL print job. As an example, the PJL print job in which the processing instruction group is incorporated is a PJL print job 251 shown in FIG. The instruction group 262 is a machining instruction group, and is the same as the machining instruction group 133 shown in FIG.

(Send)
The control unit 101 sends one or more sets of function identifiers and processing function names, and the generated approval request via the communication unit 103 and the mobile phone path, or via the communication unit 103 and the wireless LAN path. And transmitted to the terminal device 200.
Further, when it is determined that the use of communication is charged, the control unit 101 transmits the extracted processing command group to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the mobile phone path. The machining command group is, for example, a machining command group 133 illustrated in FIG.

In addition, when it is determined that the use of communication is free, the control unit 101 sends a PJL print job in which a request for print data and a processing instruction group are incorporated via the communication unit 103 and the wireless LAN path. It transmits with respect to the terminal device 200. As an example, the PJL print job in which the processing instruction group is incorporated is a PJL print job 251 shown in FIG.
1.3 Terminal device 200
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 200 includes a main control unit 201, a storage unit 202 (storage unit), an audio processing unit 206, a speaker 207, a microphone 208, an input / output control unit 209, a touch panel 210 (accepting unit). ), Input unit 211, wireless LAN slave unit 215 (second receiving means, second transmitting means, third receiving means, third transmitting means) and portable communication unit 216 (second receiving means, second transmitting means, 3 receiving means and third transmitting means). The wireless LAN slave unit 215 includes an antenna 212, a second communication circuit 213, and a second communication control unit 214. The portable communication unit 216 includes an antenna 204, a first communication circuit 203, and a first communication control unit 205.

  Specifically, the terminal device 200 is a computer system including a microprocessor, a signal processor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The microprocessor and the signal processor operate according to a computer program. Thereby, the main control unit 201, the sound processing unit 206, the input / output control unit 209, the second communication control unit 214, and the first communication control unit 205 achieve their functions.

The terminal device 200 is a smartphone as an example. The terminal device 200 may be a touch pad, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or the like.
(1) Storage unit 202
The memory | storage part 202 is comprised from the non-volatile semiconductor memory as an example.
The storage unit 202 stores print data 221, 222,... Each print data is composed of character data, image data, or character data and image data. Each print data is identified by a data identifier.

(2) Antenna 204, first communication circuit 203, and first communication control unit 205
The antenna 204, the first communication circuit 203, and the first communication control unit 205 realize mobile communication based on standards such as CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) 2000 and LTE (Long Term Evolution), for example.
The antenna 204 transmits and receives radio signals to and from the radio base station 500 via a radio line. The first communication circuit 203 performs frequency selection, frequency conversion, and the like of a radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna 204. The first communication control unit 205 demodulates the signal received from the first communication circuit 203 and outputs it to the main control unit 201 or the audio processing unit 206. The first communication control unit 205 modulates the signal received from the main control unit 201 or the audio processing unit 206 and outputs the modulated signal to the first communication control unit 205.

(3) Antenna 212, second communication circuit 213, and second communication control unit 214
The antenna 212, the second communication circuit 213, and the second communication control unit 214 perform wireless communication based on wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11n, and IEEE802.16-2004. .
The antenna 212 transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the wireless LAN base unit 600 via a wireless line. The second communication circuit 213 performs frequency selection, frequency conversion, and the like of a radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna 212. The second communication control unit 214 demodulates the signal received from the second communication circuit 213 and outputs the demodulated signal to the main control unit 201 or the audio processing unit 206. The second communication control unit 214 modulates the signal received from the main control unit 201 or the audio processing unit 206 and outputs the modulated signal to the second communication control unit 214.

(4) Audio processing unit 206, microphone 208, and speaker 207
The microphone 208 generates a sound signal as an analog electric signal by vibrating the coil in a magnetic field along with a vibration plate that receives and vibrates a sound wave. The sound wave received by the microphone 208 is, for example, a user's voice. Next, the generated audio signal is output to the audio processing unit 206.

The speaker 207 receives an audio signal as an analog electrical signal from the audio processing unit 206, vibrates the diaphragm according to the received audio signal, and outputs a sound wave.
The audio processing unit 206 decodes the encoded audio information obtained by encoding the audio information, further converts it into an analog electric signal, and generates an audio signal. Next, the audio processing unit 206 outputs the generated audio signal to the speaker 207. Also, the audio processing unit 206 converts the audio signal received from the microphone 208 into a digital electric signal, and further encodes it to generate encoded audio information. Next, the audio processing unit 206 outputs the generated encoded audio information to the first communication control unit 205 or the second communication control unit 214.

(5) Touch panel 210, input unit 211, and input / output control unit 209
The touch panel 210 includes a display panel unit having a rectangular display surface and a touch pad unit attached to the display surface. As an example, the display panel unit is a liquid crystal display. The touch pad unit detects contact of an operation body such as a user's finger on the operation surface of the touch panel 210.

The touch panel 210 displays a data identifier for identifying a plurality of printing data stored in the storage unit 202 under the control of the main control unit 201 via the input / output control unit 209.
The touch panel 210 receives a list of machining functions from the main control unit 201 via the input / output control unit 209. The touch panel 210 displays a list of received processing functions.

Touch panel 210 accepts designation of one data identifier from among displayed data identifiers by the user. The touch panel 210 receives a processing operation instruction from the user. In addition, the touch panel 210 accepts selection of a processing function by the user. The touch panel 210 outputs a data identifier, a processing operation instruction, and a processing function to the main control unit 201 via the input / output control unit 209.

  Note that the touch panel 210 detects the contact position of the user's operating tool, and outputs the detected contact position to the main control unit 201 via the input / output control unit 209. Based on the received contact position, the main control unit 201 determines that the data identifier is designated, the machining operation is instructed, or the machining function is selected. Here, in order to facilitate understanding, the touch panel 210 accepts designation of a data identifier, accepts an instruction for machining operation, and accepts selection of a machining function.

The input unit 211 includes a plurality of buttons. Each button is operated by being pressed by the user.
The input / output control unit 209 receives an operation signal from the input unit 211 as an input signal. In addition, position information is received from the touch panel 210 as an input signal. The input / output control unit 209 outputs the received input signal to the main control unit 201. Further, the input / output control unit 209 receives characters and images from the main control unit 201 and controls the received characters and images to be output and displayed on the touch panel 210.

(6) Main control unit 201
The main control unit 201 controls the storage unit 202, the first communication control unit 205, the voice processing unit 206, the input / output control unit 209, and the second communication control unit 214.
The main control unit 201 includes an approval determination unit 201a and a job generation unit 201b (second generation unit).

(Receive)
The main control unit 201 receives a data identifier and a processing operation instruction from the touch panel 210 via the input / output control unit 209.
The main control unit 201 receives a model identifier for identifying the model of the MFP 300 from the MFP 300 via the mobile phone path and mobile communication unit 216 or via the wireless LAN path and wireless LAN slave unit 215.

The main control unit 201 receives a processing function name, a function identifier for identifying a processing function, a processing command group, and an approval request from the server device 100 via the mobile phone path and the mobile communication unit 216. Here, an example of the received processing instruction group is the processing instruction group 133 in FIG.
The main control unit 201 also sends a processing function name, a function identifier for identifying the processing function, an approval request, a print data request, and a PJL print job from the server device 100 via the wireless LAN path and the wireless LAN slave unit 215. Receive.

(Generation of processing function list)
The main control unit 201 generates a list of machining functions using the names of machining functions received from the server device 100. The main control unit 201 outputs a list of the generated machining functions to the touch panel 210 via the input / output control unit 209 and displays the list.
(Approval judgment unit 201a)
The approval determination unit 201a determines whether the approval instruction received from the user indicates approval or non-approval. When the approval instruction indicates non-approval, the main control unit 201 ends the processing operation. When the approval instruction indicates approval, the main control unit 201 continues the processing operation.

(Job generation unit 201b)
The job generation unit 201b reads the print data that has been designated by the user from the storage unit 202.
If the use of communication is charged, the job generation unit 201b incorporates the read print data and generates a PJL print job. Next, the job generation unit 201b incorporates the received processing instruction group into the generated PJL print job.

Here, FIG. 5 shows a PJL print job 251 as an example of the PJL print job in which the processing instruction group is incorporated.
(Send)
The main control unit 201 sends a print data processing request, a model identifier to the server apparatus 100 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path, or via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. , A function identifier, an approval instruction indicating approval or non-approval is transmitted.

Further, the main control unit 201 transmits print data to the server apparatus 100 via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path.
In addition, the main control unit 201 requests a model identifier from the MFP 300 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path, or via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path, and generates the generated PJL print. The job and the received PJL print job are transmitted.

1.4 MFP300
The MFP 300 is an image forming apparatus having functions such as a scanner, a facsimile, a printer, and a copier.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the MFP 300 includes a communication unit 303, a scanner 304, an image processing unit 305, a memory unit 306, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 307, a print engine 309, a hard disk 310, an operation panel 311, and a bus 312. ing.

The communication unit 303, the scanner 304, the image processing unit 305, the memory unit 306, the CPU 307, the print engine 309, the hard disk 310, and the operation panel 311 are each connected to the bus 312.
(1) Memory unit 306 and CPU 307
The memory unit 306 stores a plurality of control programs. Each control program is a computer program configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating commands to the CPU 307 in order to achieve a predetermined function.

The CPU 307 includes a fetch unit, a decoding unit, an execution unit, a register file, an instruction counter, and the like. The fetch unit reads each instruction code included in the control program one by one from the control program stored in the memory unit 306. The decrypting unit decrypts the read instruction code. The execution unit operates according to the decoding result.
As the CPU 307 operates according to the control program stored in the memory unit 306, the MFP 300 achieves some of its functions. Therefore, the memory unit 306 and the CPU 307 functionally configure a main control unit 301, an information storage unit 302, and a print control unit 308 as shown in FIG.

(2) Information storage unit 302
The information storage unit 302 stores a model identifier 321 that identifies the model of the MFP 300.
(3) Scanner 304 and print engine 309
The scanner 304 reads a document and generates image data. The generated image data is written into the memory unit 306 or the hard disk 310.

  The print engine 309 prints image data stored in the memory unit 306 or the hard disk 310. As an example, the print engine 309 has a configuration in which a charging charger, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a residual toner cleaner are arranged around a photosensitive drum that is rotatably installed. The exposure unit exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging charger to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the input image. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device to form a toner image. The recording sheet is conveyed to the transfer unit, and the recording sheet is transferred with the toner image, fixed by the fixing device, and then discharged to the upper part of the MFP 300.

The print engine 309 executes printing based on the bitmap image received from the print control unit 308.
(4) Communication unit 303, hard disk 310, and operation panel 311
The communication unit 303 is connected to an external device via a network. The communication unit 303 transmits / receives information to / from an external device.

The hard disk 310 stores data for long-term storage.
The operation panel 311 receives user operations. The operation panel 311 displays an operation panel image for performing an operation guide for the user.
(5) Image processing unit 305
The image processing unit 305 performs image processing according to an instruction from the print control unit 308.

(6) Main control unit 301
The main control unit 301 controls the communication unit 303, the scanner 304, the image processing unit 305, the print engine 309, the hard disk 310, the operation panel 311, the information storage unit 302, and the print control unit 308.
In addition, the main control unit 301 receives a request for a model identifier and a processing instruction group from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone route and communication unit 303 or the wireless LAN route and communication unit 303. Receive a print job.

The main control unit 301 reads the model identifier 321 from the information storage unit 302. Next, the main control unit 301 transmits a model identifier to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 303 and the mobile phone path, or via the communication unit 303 and the wireless LAN path.
(7) Print control unit 308
The print control unit 308 interprets the received PJL print job, generates a bitmap image, and outputs the generated bitmap image to the print engine 309. The print control unit 308 instructs the image processing unit 305 to perform image processing as necessary.

1.5 Operations in the Printing System 10 Operations in the printing system 10 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS.
The touch panel 210 displays a plurality of data identifiers under the control of the main control unit 201. Each data identifier identifies printing data stored in the terminal device 200. Next, the touch panel 210 accepts designation of one data identifier among a plurality of data identifiers from the user (step S101). Next, the touch panel 210 receives a processing operation instruction for printing data from the user (step S102).

  When receiving the processing operation instruction, the main control unit 201 prints to the server apparatus 100 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path, or via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. Send processing request for data. The control unit 101 receives a processing request from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone path and communication unit 103 or via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 103 (step S103).

  Upon receiving an instruction for processing operation, the main control unit 201 makes a model of the MFP 300 with respect to the MFP 300 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path, or via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. A request for a model identifier for identifying is sent. The main control unit 301 receives a request for a model identifier from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone path and communication unit 303 or via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 303 (step S104).

  When receiving the request for the model identifier, the main control unit 301 reads the model identifier 321 from the information storage unit 302 (step S105). Next, the main control unit 301 transmits a model identifier to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 303 and the mobile phone path, or via the communication unit 303 and the wireless LAN path. The main control unit 201 receives a model identifier from the MFP 300 via the mobile phone path and mobile communication unit 216 or via the wireless LAN path and wireless LAN slave unit 215 (step S106).

  Upon receiving the model identifier, the main control unit 201 sends the received model identifier to the server device 100 via the portable communication unit 216 and the cellular phone path, or via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. To send. The control unit 101 receives a model identifier from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone path and communication unit 103 or via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 103 (step S107).

  When receiving the model identifier, the line determination unit 101a determines the type of the communication line that has passed through, using the signal indicating the type of the communication line received together with the processing request. If the communication line through which the mobile phone network is included, the use of the communication line is determined to be charged. When a wireless LAN is included in the communication line that passes through, it is determined that the use of the communication line is free. If the use of the communication line is free ("No" in step S109), the control is transferred to step S131.

  When the use of the communication line is charged (“Yes” in step S109), the function extraction unit 101b reads the model information including the received model identifier from the model profile 111. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts function information including the function type “1” from the read model information. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts a function identifier and a machining function name from the extracted function information. Thus, one set of function identifiers and machining function names or a plurality of sets of function identifiers and machining function names are extracted (step S110).

Next, the control unit 101 transmits one or more sets of function identifiers and processing function names to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the mobile phone path. The main control unit 201 receives one or more sets of function identifiers and processing function names from the server device 100 via the mobile phone path and the mobile communication unit 216 (step S111).
The main control unit 201 outputs one or more machining function names to the touch panel 210 via the input / output control unit 209. The touch panel 210 displays a list of machining functions including one or more machining function names (step S112).

  The touch panel 210 accepts selection of one machining function name from the list of displayed machining functions by the user. The touch panel 210 notifies the main control unit 201 of the selected machining function name (step S113). The main control unit 201 transmits a function identifier corresponding to the selected processing function name to the server device 100 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path. The control unit 101 receives a function identifier from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone path and communication unit 103 (step S114).

  When receiving the function identifier, the approval determining unit 101d generates an approval request for requesting approval in the server apparatus 100 as to whether or not a processing command group may be generated. Next, the control unit 101 transmits the generated approval request to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the mobile phone path. The main control unit 201 receives an approval request from the server device 100 via the mobile phone path and the mobile communication unit 216 (step S115).

The main control unit 201 outputs a message to the touch panel 210 asking for approval as to whether or not a machining command group may be generated. The touch panel 210 displays a message. Next, the touch panel 210 accepts an input of an approval instruction indicating whether to approve or not to generate a machining command group from the user (step S116).
The main control unit 201 transmits the approval instruction received from the user to the server device 100 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path. The control unit 101 receives an approval instruction from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone path and communication unit 103 (step S117).

When receiving the approval instruction input, the approval determining unit 201a determines whether the approval instruction received from the user indicates approval or non-approval (step S119). When the approval instruction indicates non-approval (“No” in step S119), the main control unit 201 ends the processing operation.
If the approval instruction indicates approval (“Yes” in step S119), the main control unit 201 transfers control to step S121.

When receiving the approval instruction, the approval determining unit 101d determines whether the received approval instruction indicates approval or non-approval (step S118). When the approval instruction indicates non-approval (“No” in step S118), the control unit 101 ends the processing operation.
When the approval instruction indicates approval (“Yes” in step S118), the command extraction unit 101c reads from the information storage unit 102 the processing command file identified by the received model identifier and the received function identifier. Next, the command extraction unit 101c extracts a processing command group from the read processing command file (step S120). Next, the control unit 101 transmits the extracted processing command group to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the mobile phone path. The main control unit 201 receives a processing command group from the server device 100 via the mobile phone path and the mobile communication unit 216 (step S121).

  When the processing command group is received, the job generation unit 201b reads out the printing data accepted by the user from the storage unit 202 (step S122). Next, the job generation unit 201b generates a PJL print job using the read print data (step S123). Next, the job generation unit 201b incorporates the received processing instruction group into the generated PJL print job (step S124).

The main control unit 201 transmits the PJL print job in which the processing instruction group is incorporated to the MFP 300 via the mobile communication unit 216 and the mobile phone path. The main control unit 301 receives a PJL print job in which a processing command group is incorporated from the terminal device 200 via the mobile phone path and communication unit 303 (step S125).
The print control unit 308 interprets the received PJL print job and generates a bitmap image. Next, the print control unit 308 outputs the generated bitmap image to the print engine 309. The print engine 309 executes printing based on the received bitmap image (step S126).

Thus, the processing of the processed print job when the use of the communication line is charged is completed.
If the communication line is free to use (“No” in step S109), the function extraction unit 101b reads the model information including the received model identifier from the model profile 111. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts all the function information from the read model information. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts a function identifier and a machining function name from the extracted function information. Thus, one set of function identifiers and machining function names or a plurality of sets of function identifiers and machining function names are extracted (step S131).

Next, the control unit 101 transmits one or more sets of function identifiers and processing function names to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the wireless LAN path. The main control unit 201 receives one or more sets of function identifiers and processing function names from the server device 100 via the wireless LAN path and the wireless LAN slave unit 215 (step S132).
The main control unit 201 outputs one or more machining function names to the touch panel 210 via the input / output control unit 209. The touch panel 210 displays a list of machining functions including one or more machining function names (step S133).

  The touch panel 210 accepts selection of one machining function name from the list of displayed machining functions by the user. The touch panel 210 notifies the selected processing function name to the main control unit 201 (step S134). The main control unit 201 transmits a function identifier corresponding to the selected processing function name to the server apparatus 100 via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. The control unit 101 receives a function identifier from the terminal device 200 via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 103 (step S135).

  Upon receipt of the function identifier, the approval determination unit 101d generates an approval request for requesting print data and requesting approval for generating a PJL print job in the server apparatus 100. Next, the control unit 101 transmits the generated approval request to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the wireless LAN path. The main control unit 201 receives an approval request from the server device 100 via the wireless LAN path and the wireless LAN slave unit 215 (step S136).

The main control unit 201 outputs a message to the touch panel 210 asking for approval as to whether or not a machining command group may be generated. The touch panel 210 displays a message. Next, the touch panel 210 accepts an input of an approval instruction indicating whether or not to approve the generation of the PJL print job from the user (step S137).
The main control unit 201 transmits the approval instruction received from the user to the server apparatus 100 via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. The control unit 101 receives an approval instruction from the terminal device 200 via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 103 (step S138).

When receiving the approval instruction input, the approval determining unit 201a determines whether the approval instruction received from the user indicates approval or non-approval (step S140). When the approval instruction indicates non-approval (“No” in step S140), the main control unit 201 ends the processing operation.
If the approval instruction indicates approval (“Yes” in step S140), the main control unit 201 transfers control to step S142.

When receiving the approval instruction, the approval determining unit 101d determines whether the received approval instruction indicates approval or non-approval (step S139). When the approval instruction indicates non-approval (“No” in step S139), the control unit 101 ends the processing operation.
When the approval instruction indicates approval (“Yes” in step S139), the command extraction unit 101c reads from the information storage unit 102 the processing command file identified by the received model identifier and the received function identifier. Next, the command extraction unit 101c extracts a processing command group from the read processing command file (step S141). Next, the control unit 101 transmits a request for print data to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the wireless LAN path. The main control unit 201 receives a request from the server device 100 via the wireless LAN path and the wireless LAN slave unit 215 (step S142).

  When the request is received, the job generation unit 201b reads the print data that has been designated by the user from the storage unit 202 (step S143). Next, the main control unit 201 transmits the read print data to the server apparatus 100 via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. The control unit 101 receives print data from the terminal device 200 via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 103 (step S144).

  The job generation unit 101e generates a PJL print job using the received print data (step S145). Next, the job generation unit 101e incorporates the extracted processing command group into the generated PJL print job (step S146). Next, the control unit 101 transmits a PJL print job in which a processing command group is incorporated to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 103 and the wireless LAN path. The main control unit 201 receives a PJL print job from the server apparatus 100 from the wireless LAN path and wireless LAN slave unit 215 (step S147).

Next, when receiving the PJL print job, the main control unit 201 transmits the received PJL print job to the MFP 300 via the wireless LAN slave unit 215 and the wireless LAN path. The main control unit 301 receives a PJL print job from the terminal device 200 via the wireless LAN path and communication unit 303 (step S148).
The print control unit 308 interprets the received PJL print job and generates a bitmap image. Next, the print control unit 308 outputs the generated bitmap image to the print engine 309. The print engine 309 executes printing based on the received bitmap image (step S149).

Thus, the processing of the processed print job when the communication line is free is completed.
1.6 Summary As described above, when it is determined that the use of a line is charged, the server device 100 transmits only the processing command group corresponding to the processing function to the terminal device 200. In this case, printing data is not transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the server device 100. Thereby, the communication amount between the server apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 can be reduced.

Here, the machining instruction group is described using a PJL command as an example.
When determining whether the communication line is charged or not, the type of the communication line is specified from the signal obtained from the communication line. Whether it is charged or free is determined according to the type of the specified communication line. For example, if the type of communication line includes a mobile phone communication line such as 3G or LTE, it is determined that there is a charge. On the other hand, if the type of communication line does not include a cellular phone communication line and includes a communication line such as Wi-fi or WiMAX, it is determined that the communication line is free.

When the communication line is charged, a processing function that can be processed in the MFP that performs printing is selected as a processing function provided to the user.
The terminal device 200 acquires information indicating a processing function that can be processed by the MFP 300 from the model profile 111 held by the server device 100.
2. Modification A printing system 10a as a modification of the printing system 10 will be described.

  In the printing system 10a, the server apparatus 100 performs any one of all processing functions (also referred to as all options) that can be processed by the server apparatus 100 and limited functions (also referred to as limited options) that can be processed by the server apparatus 100. It is good also as selecting with the touch panel 210 of the terminal device 200. Here, the limit function that can be processed is, for example, a processing function that can be processed without receiving print data from the terminal device 200.

  The communication unit 103 requests to select one of all options indicating all the processing functions (image process options) provided in the server apparatus 100 and a limited option indicating a part of the processing functions of the all options. May be sent. The mobile communication unit 216 or the wireless LAN slave unit 215 receives a request for selecting one of all options and limited options. The touch panel 210 receives an instruction from the user to select either all options or limited options. The portable communication unit 216 or the wireless LAN slave unit 215 transmits an instruction to select either all options or limited options to the server device 100. When the received instruction indicates selection of all options and the line determination unit 101 a determines that there is a charge, the communication unit 103 transmits information indicating all options to the terminal device 200. The portable communication unit 216 or the wireless LAN slave unit 215 receives information indicating all options. The touch panel 210 receives an instruction from the user to select one of the processing functions (image process options) indicated by the received information indicating all options.

  Here, all options include processing functions (image process options) provided in the server apparatus 100 that require print data when generating processing instructions (option instructions) from the processing functions. . On the other hand, the limited option is a processing function (image process option) provided in the server apparatus 100, and does not require print data when generating a processing command from the processing function.

  When both the server apparatus 100 and the MFP 300 include the selected processing function (image process option), the determination unit included in the control unit 101 may determine that the MFP 300 processes the processing function. On the other hand, when the server device 100 includes the processing function and the MFP 300 does not include the processing function, the determination unit may determine that the server device 100 processes the processing function.

When the user selects all the functions that can be processed by the server apparatus 100 using the terminal apparatus 200, the server apparatus 100 can process the server apparatus 100 even if it is determined that the use of the communication line is charged. All functions are provided to the terminal device 200.
In the printing system 10a, when all the functions that can be processed by the server apparatus 100 are provided, the server apparatus 100 performs the printing process in the server apparatus 100 or the MFP 300 according to the processing function selected by the user. It may be determined whether or not to perform the operation. In this case, the server device 100 may receive the print data from the terminal device 200 only when the print data is necessary in the processing in the server device 100.

  For example, it is assumed that the server apparatus 100 has functions of 2in1, 4in1, 6in1, 8in1, 9in1, and 16in1 as the page layout change function. Further, it is assumed that the MFP 300 has functions of 2in1, 4in1, 6in1, 9in1, and 16in1. In such a case, when the user selects 2in1, the MFP 300 notifies the user that processing is to be performed. Next, the MFP 300 performs processing. When the user selects 8in1, the server apparatus 100 notifies the user that processing is to be performed. Next, the server apparatus 100 performs processing.

  In other words, when only the server apparatus 100 has a function selected by the user and the MFP 300 does not have the function, the server apparatus 100 performs a processing process with the approval of the user. When both the server apparatus 100 and the MFP 300 have a function selected by the user, the MFP 300 performs a processing process with the user's approval. In this case, each device may execute the process without obtaining user approval.

Similar to the printing system 10, the printing system 10a includes a server device 100, a terminal device 200, an MFP 300, a gateway device 400, a wireless base station 500, a wireless LAN base device 600, and other network connection devices.
Here, the description will focus on differences from the printing system 10.
The information storage unit 102 of the server device 100 stores a model profile 111 a instead of the model profile 111. The model profile 111a further includes a necessity type.

  Specifically, the model profile 111 a is composed of a plurality of model information, like the model profile 111. One model information corresponds to the MFP model. Each model information includes a model identifier and one or more pieces of function information in association with each other. The function information corresponds to a processing function applied to print data output to the MFP. The function information includes a function identifier, a machining function name, a function type, and a necessity type in association with each other.

Here, the necessity type indicates whether or not print data is required when the corresponding processing function is realized. When printing data is not required, the server device 100 may transmit a processing command group for realizing the processing function to the terminal device 200 in the same manner as the printing system 10.
On the other hand, when printing data is required, in the printing system 10 a, the server device 100 receives printing data from the terminal device 200. Next, the server apparatus 100 uses the received print data to generate a PJL print job incorporating a processing function.

  The control unit 101 further includes a print determination unit 101f. The print determination unit 101f reads model information including the received model identifier and the received function identifier from the model profile 111. Next, the print determination unit 101f determines whether the necessity type included in the read model information requires print data. Accordingly, the print determination unit 101f determines whether or not print data is necessary to realize the processing function identified by the function identifier.

The operation in the printing system 10a will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS.
The operations shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are the same as those in FIGS. 8 and 9 except for the following points.
In step S110a of FIG. 12, instead of step S110 of FIG. 8, the function extraction unit 101b reads all model information including the received model identifier from the model profile 111. Next, the function extraction unit 101b extracts a function identifier and a machining function name from the read model information. In this way, all sets of function identifiers and machining function names corresponding to the received model identifiers are extracted from the model profile 111.

  In addition, between step S114 and step S115 illustrated in FIG. 13, the print determination unit 101f reads model information including the received model identifier and the received function identifier from the model profile 111a. Next, the print determination unit 101f extracts the necessity type from the read model information. Next, the print determining unit 101f uses the extracted necessity type to determine whether or not print data is necessary to realize the processing function identified by the function identifier (step S114a).

If the print data is not necessary (“No” in step S114a), in steps S115 to S126 shown in FIG. 13, the server apparatus 100, the terminal apparatus 200, and the MFP 300 of the printing system 10a perform steps S115 to S126 shown in FIG. It operates in the same way. As a result, the process when the print data is not necessary is completed.
If printing data is necessary (“Yes” in step S114a), the approval determining unit 101d requests the printing data in the server device 100 to request approval for generating a PJL print job. Generate an approval request. Next, the control unit 101 transmits the generated approval request to the terminal device 200. The main control unit 201 receives an approval request from the server device 100 (step S201).

The main control unit 201 outputs a message to the touch panel 210 asking for approval as to whether a PJL print job may be generated. The touch panel 210 displays a message. Next, the touch panel 210 accepts an input of an approval instruction indicating whether to generate a PJL print job or not to be approved from the user (step S202).
The main control unit 201 transmits an approval request received from the user to the server device 100. The control unit 101 receives an approval instruction from the terminal device 200 (step S203).

The approval determination unit 201a determines whether the approval instruction received from the user indicates approval or non-approval (step S205). When the approval instruction indicates non-approval (“No” in step S205), the main control unit 201 ends the processing operation.
If the approval instruction indicates approval (“Yes” in step S205), the main control unit 201 transfers control to step S142a.

The approval determining unit 101d determines whether the received approval instruction indicates approval or non-approval (step S204). When the approval instruction indicates non-approval (“No” in step S204), the control unit 101 ends the processing operation.
If the approval instruction indicates approval (“Yes” in step S204), the command extraction unit 101c reads from the information storage unit 102 a processing command file identified by the received model identifier and the received function identifier. Next, the command extraction unit 101c extracts a processing command group from the read processing command file (step S141a). Next, the control unit 101 transmits a request for print data to the terminal device 200. The main control unit 201 receives a request from the server device 100 (step S142a).

The job generation unit 201b reads the print data that has been designated by the user from the storage unit 202 (step S143a). Next, the main control unit 201 transmits the read print data to the server apparatus 100. The control unit 101 receives print data from the terminal device 200 (step S144a).
The job generation unit 101e generates a PJL print job using the received print data (step S145a). Next, the job generation unit 101e incorporates a processing command group into the generated PJL print job (step S146a). Next, the control unit 101 transmits a PJL print job in which a processing instruction group is incorporated to the terminal device 200. The main control unit 201 receives a PJL print job from the server apparatus 100 (step S147a).

Next, the main control unit 201 transmits a PJL print job to the MFP 300. The main control unit 301 receives a PJL print job from the terminal device 200 (step S148a).
The print control unit 308 interprets the received PJL print job and generates a bitmap image. Next, the print control unit 308 outputs the generated bitmap image to the print engine 309. The print engine 309 executes printing based on the received bitmap image (step S149a).

As a result, the process in the case where print data is necessary is terminated.
When print data is necessary, the path connecting the server apparatus 100 and the terminal apparatus 200 and the path connecting the terminal apparatus 200 and the MFP 300 include a mobile phone path.
3. Other Modifications Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications. You may make it show below.

(1) In the above-described embodiments and modifications, two or more processing functions (image process options) may be selected. In this case, two or more machining command (option command) groups are extracted corresponding to these machining functions. Also, two or more extracted processing command groups are incorporated into the print job.
(2) In the above-described embodiment and modification, user approval is accepted. However, it is not limited to this. You may perform the process corresponding to each process function, without receiving a user's approval.

(3) The terminal device 200 may acquire information about processing functions that can be processed by the MFP 300 from the MFP 300. The terminal device 200 transmits the acquired information to the server device 100.
The main control unit 201 receives information indicating processing functions that can be processed in the MFP 300 from the MFP 300 via the mobile phone route and the mobile communication unit 216 or via the wireless LAN route and the wireless LAN slave unit 215. . The touch panel 210 displays information indicating the received processing function, and accepts selection of the processing function based on the received information indicating the processing function.

(4) When the server apparatus 100 has one processing function and the MFP 300 does not have this processing function, the following may be performed. Note that the fact that the MFP 300 does not have a processing function indicates that the MFP 300 cannot interpret a processing instruction group representing the processing function.
The server apparatus 100 disassembles the machining function and generates a plurality of secondary machining functions that perform the same function as the machining function. Here, it is assumed that the MFP 300 has a secondary processing function. The server device 100 generates a plurality of machining command groups representing a plurality of secondary machining functions. Next, the server device 100 transmits a processing command group to the terminal device 200.

The server device 100 may omit a process of generating a plurality of secondary machining functions that perform the same function as the machining function. That is, the server apparatus 100 may generate a plurality of machining command groups representing a plurality of secondary machining functions that perform functions equivalent to the machining functions.
For example, it is assumed that the server apparatus 100 has functions of 2in1, 4in1, 6in1, 8in1, 9in1, and 16in1 as the page layout change function. Further, it is assumed that the MFP 300 has functions of 2in1, 4in1, 6in1, 9in1, and 16in1. In such a case, assume that the user has selected 8in1.

In this case, the server apparatus 100 disassembles the 8in1 processing function into a secondary processing function that reduces one page to 1/8 and a secondary processing function that aggregates the reduced 8 pages into one page. . Here, it is assumed that the MFP 300 has these secondary processing functions. Next, the server apparatus 100 generates a plurality of machining command groups representing these secondary machining functions.
(5) As described above, each device is a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory. The memory may store a computer program, and the microprocessor may operate according to the computer program.

Here, the computer program is configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions for the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.
The computer program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, Blu-ray disk, semiconductor memory, etc. Also good.

The computer program may be transmitted via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, a data broadcast, or the like.
Further, the computer program may be executed by another independent computer system by recording and transferring the computer program on the recording medium. The computer program may be executed by another independent computer system by transferring it via a network or the like.

  (6) The above embodiment and the above modifications may be combined.

  The server device and the terminal device according to the present invention have an effect that an increase in communication amount can be suppressed. Therefore, the present invention is useful as a technique for providing an image process option for printing data to a user in a printing system including a server device and a terminal device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a Printing system 20 Internet 30 Mobile telephone network 100 Server apparatus 101 Control part 101a Line judgment part 101b Function extraction part 101c Command extraction part 101d Approval judgment part 101d Command extraction part 101e Job generation part 101f Print judgment part 102 Information storage part 103 Communication unit 200 Terminal device 201 Main control unit 201a Approval determination unit 201b Job generation unit 202 Storage unit 203 First communication circuit 204 Antenna 205 First communication control unit 206 Audio processing unit 207 Speaker 208 Microphone 209 Input / output control unit 210 Touch panel 211 Input Unit 212 antenna 213 second communication circuit 214 second communication control unit 215 wireless LAN slave unit 216 portable communication unit 301 main control unit 302 information storage unit 303 communication unit 304 scanner 305 Image processing unit 306 Memory unit 307 CPU
308 Print Control Unit 309 Print Engine 310 Hard Disk 311 Operation Panel 312 Bus 400 Gateway Device 500 Wireless Base Station 600 Wireless LAN Master Unit

Claims (14)

A printing system comprising a server device, a terminal device connectable to the server device via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal device,
The server device is
Determining means for determining whether or not the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged;
A first receiving means for receiving from the terminal device an instruction to select one of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the image processing apparatus is charged;
First generation means for generating an option command for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus;
First transmitting means for transmitting the generated option command,
The terminal device
Storage means for storing printing data;
Second receiving means for receiving the option command;
A second generation unit that generates a print job that can be executed in the image forming apparatus by combining the print command in which the printing data is incorporated and the received option command;
A printing system comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit the generated print job to the image forming apparatus. In the communication with the terminal device, the determination means specifies a type of communication line interposed between the server device and the terminal device, and the use of communication is charged based on the specified type of communication line. It is judged whether it is. The printing system of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The terminal device further includes:
Receiving means for receiving an instruction from the user to select one of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus;
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a third transmission unit configured to transmit the received instruction to the server device. The server device further includes storage means for storing information indicating an image process option provided in the image forming apparatus of the model in association with the model of the image forming apparatus,
The second receiving means further receives information indicating an image process option from the server device,
The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the reception unit receives an instruction to select an image process option from image process options indicated by the received information. The terminal device further includes third receiving means for receiving information indicating an image process option included in the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus,
The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the reception unit receives an instruction to select an image process option from image process options indicated by the received information. The first transmission means further requests selection of any one of all options indicating all image process options included in the server device and a limited option indicating some image process options of the all options. Send a request,
The second receiving means further receives the request for selecting one of the all options and the limited option,
The terminal device further includes:
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to select any of the all options and the limited option from a user;
Third transmission means for transmitting the instruction to the server device,
When the received instruction indicates selection of the all options and the determination means determines that the option is paid, the first transmission means further provides the terminal device with information indicating the all options. Send
The second receiving means further receives information indicating all the options,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the accepting unit further accepts an instruction from the user to select any of the image process options indicated by the received information indicating all the options. The all options include image process options provided in the server device that require print data when generating an option command from the image process options.
7. The limited option is one that does not require printing data when generating an option command from the image process option among the image process options provided in the server device. The printing system described. When receiving the instruction indicating the selection of all options, the determination unit further processes the image process option by the server device according to an image process option selected by a user, or The printing system according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether the image forming apparatus performs processing. When both the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus include the selected image process option, the determination unit determines to process the image process option by the image forming apparatus, and the image process option is set to the server apparatus. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein, when the image forming apparatus is not included, the determination unit determines to process the image process option by the server apparatus. The first generation means generates the option instruction using a command defined by PJL (Printer Job Language),
The second generation means generates the print job using a command defined by PJL,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus interprets a command included in the print job and defined by PJL, and executes printing. The server apparatus in a printing system comprising a server apparatus, a terminal apparatus connectable to the server apparatus via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus Because
Determining means for determining whether or not the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged;
A first receiving means for receiving from the terminal device an instruction to select one of the image process options included in the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the image processing apparatus is charged;
First generation means for generating an option command for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus;
A server device comprising: first transmission means for transmitting the generated option command. The server apparatus in a printing system comprising a server apparatus, a terminal apparatus connectable to the server apparatus via two or more communication paths, and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus A control method used in
Determining whether or not the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged,
If it is determined to be charged, an instruction to select one of the image process options provided in the image forming apparatus is received from the terminal device;
Generating an option instruction to execute the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus;
A control method characterized by transmitting the generated option command. The terminal device in a printing system comprising: a server device; a terminal device connectable to the server device via two or more communication paths; and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal device Because
The server device determines whether the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged. If it is determined that the fee is charged, any of the image process options provided in the image forming device is determined. Receiving an instruction to select from the terminal device, generating an option instruction for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus, and transmitting the generated option instruction;
The terminal device
Storage means for storing printing data;
Second receiving means for receiving the option command;
A second generation unit that generates a print job that can be executed in the image forming apparatus by combining the print command in which the printing data is incorporated and the received option command;
A terminal device comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit the generated print job to the image forming apparatus. The terminal device in a printing system comprising: a server device; a terminal device connectable to the server device via two or more communication paths; and an image forming apparatus that executes a print job transmitted from the terminal device A control method used in
The server device determines whether the use of communication between the server device and the terminal device is charged. If it is determined that the fee is charged, any of the image process options provided in the image forming device is determined. Receiving an instruction to select from the terminal device, generating an option instruction for executing the instructed image process option in the image forming apparatus, and transmitting the generated option instruction;
The control method is:
Receiving the option command;
Combining a print command incorporating print data stored by the terminal device and the received option command, a print job that can be executed in the image forming apparatus is generated,
A control method, comprising: transmitting the generated print job to the image forming apparatus.

Images