JP2018097523A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system capable of shortening the waiting time of a user.SOLUTION: A printing system 1 sets a predicted usage range representing a range of a store 6 that a user is expected to use on the basis of a user position and a usage history of a cloud printing process by the user, sets a printer 4 of the store 6 included in the predicted usage range as a target printer 4T, and previously transmits and stores image data and the like therein. In the printing system 1, the predicted usage range is appropriately set, so that the user uses the store 6 within the predicted usage range with extremely high probability. Therefore, in the printing system 1, when starting the printing process by operating the target printer 4T of the store 6, the printing process may be immediately started on the basis of the already received image data without performing a transfer process for the image data again, and to hence greatly shorten the waiting time of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, and is suitable for application when a user performs printing using a printer installed in a store, for example.

  Conventionally, as a printing system, for example, when a user transmits image data from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone to a printer installed in a store such as a convenience store, an image based on the image data is printed on a medium such as paper on the printer. The one to be printed on is proposed.

  Further, as a printing system, for example, a server device connected to a network (so-called cloud) is provided, and a plurality of printers installed in a plurality of stores are connected to the network, respectively (for example, Patent Document 1). In this printing system, after a user transmits image data and a print request from a mobile terminal or the like to a server device via a network, when the user operates a printer in any store, the image data is transmitted to the printer. Thus, an image based on the image data can be printed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-118533 (FIG. 2 etc.)

  However, in a printing system having such a configuration, for example, after a user performs a predetermined operation for starting a printing process on a printer in a store and a printer on which image data is to be printed is determined, a server device, a mobile terminal, To send image data to the printer. For this reason, in the printing system, since it takes time to transmit the image data, there is a problem that the waiting time of the user until the image is printed on the paper becomes relatively long.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose a printing system that can shorten the waiting time of the user.

  In order to solve this problem, in the printing system of the present invention, printing in which a plurality of printers installed at a plurality of installation locations, a terminal device carried by a user, and a management device are connected to each other via a network. The terminal device includes an operation unit that receives an instruction to print image data on a medium from a user, a position information generation unit that generates position information indicating a current position, and a network that uses the image data and the position information as a print instruction. And a communication unit for transmitting to the management apparatus via the printer, and the management apparatus stores installation information indicating the installation location of the printer and specific information for specifying the printer on the network in association with each other. , A management receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the terminal device via the network, and image data and position of the print instruction A print acceptance information storage unit that stores information, a use expected range determination unit that determines a use expected range that is expected to be used by a user based on position information of a print instruction, and a printer information storage unit. Based on the installed location information, a selection unit that selects a printer included in the expected use range and sets it as a target printer, and specific information stored in association with the target printer in the printer information storage unit. A management transmission unit that transmits image data to the target printer. The printer includes a printer communication unit that receives image data from the management apparatus via a network, and a printer based on the image data based on a user operation instruction. And a printing unit for printing an image on a medium.

  The present invention determines a predicted use range using position information obtained from a terminal device, so that a printer that is installed within the expected use range and is likely to be used by the user is selected from a plurality of printers. The selected printer is selected as the target printer, and the image data can be transmitted from the management apparatus to the target printer. As a result, according to the present invention, the waiting time from when the user arrives at a place where the target printer can be operated to start the operation until the printing of the image data starts can be significantly reduced or eliminated. On the other hand, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to transmit image data to other printers that are unlikely to be used by the user, and therefore generation of useless communication traffic, use of unnecessary storage areas, and the like can be eliminated.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the printing system which can shorten a user's waiting time is realizable.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system. It is a rough-line block diagram which shows the structure of a mobile terminal. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of positioning information. It is a basic block diagram which shows the structure of a server apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a utilization log database. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a printer database. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a print reception information table. It is a basic diagram which shows the whole sequence of a cloud printing process. It is a basic diagram which shows a reception sequence. It is a basic diagram which shows a transmission sequence. It is a basic diagram which shows a transmission sequence. It is an approximate line figure showing a user position and use expectation range. It is a basic diagram which shows a printing sequence.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. Configuration of image forming system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a mobile terminal 2, a server device 3, and a plurality of printers 4 are connected to each other via a network 5. The network 5 is, for example, the Internet and is also called a cloud. The plurality of printers 4 are respectively installed in the plurality of stores 6. Each store 6 is, for example, a convenience store and belongs to a predetermined store series 7 (7A, 7B, 7C,...).

  The mobile terminal 2 performs wireless communication processing with the wireless base station 8. The wireless base station 8 performs wired communication processing with the network 5, and further performs mutual conversion processing between wired and wireless. The mobile terminal 2 can measure the current position by receiving a positioning signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 9.

  In the printing system 1, when image data or the like is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the server device 3 in accordance with a user operation, the image data is transmitted from the server device 3 to the printer 4. Subsequently, in the printing system 1, when the user arrives at the store 6 and operates the printer 4, an image based on the image data is printed on paper. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the printing process using the printing system 1 is also referred to as a cloud printing process.

  Incidentally, in the printing system 1, a plurality of mobile terminals 2 respectively owned by a plurality of users are connected to the network 5 via the radio base station 8. However, FIG. 1 shows only one mobile terminal 2 for the sake of drawing.

  The mobile terminal 2 as a terminal device is a small portable information processing device such as a so-called smartphone or tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 2 is set in advance so that it can be easily used by the user who owns it, and is carried to various places by the user and used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 2 is configured around a control unit 11. The control unit 11 is provided in a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), reads various programs such as a basic program and application programs from the storage unit 12 and executes them appropriately to perform various processes. The terminal 2 is comprehensively controlled.

  The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a volatile RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Among these, non-volatile ROM and flash memory store various information such as the user ID uniquely assigned to the user of the mobile terminal 2 and the network address of the server device 3 in addition to the basic program described above. Has been. The flash memory stores various data such as image data and document data in a file format based on, for example, a user operation.

  The communication unit 13 is a wireless LAN that conforms to a standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or a standard that conforms to a standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a / b / g / n / ac. (Local Area Network) performs communication processing with the radio base station 8 (FIG. 1) to transmit / receive various information. That is, the communication unit 13 can transmit and receive various types of information between the server device 3 and the plurality of printers 4 via the wireless base station 8 and the network 5.

  Incidentally, the communication unit 13 can also perform near field communication called NFC (Near Field Communication) conforming to a standard such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) / IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 14443, 15693, 18092, or 21481. It has become.

  The GPS receiving unit 14 receives a GPS signal transmitted from the GPS satellite 9 (FIG. 1) and performs a predetermined calculation process to calculate a current position (hereinafter, this process is also referred to as positioning). Positioning information M is generated based on the information and supplied to the control unit 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the positioning information M includes position information represented by latitude and longitude, and date / time information indicating the date and time when the positioning process was performed.

  The display operation unit 15 includes a display unit 16 and an operation unit 17. Among these, the display unit 16 displays a screen for various information and operation input and allows the user to visually recognize it. The operation unit 17 accepts an input operation by the user. In practice, in the mobile terminal 2, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) corresponding to the display unit 16 and a touch sensor corresponding to the operation unit 17 are integrated to form a touch panel.

  The server apparatus 3 as a management apparatus is configured in the same manner as a general computer apparatus, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23 as shown in FIG. Similar to the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 2, the control unit 21 is configured with a CPU (not shown) as a center, reads various programs from the storage unit 22, and performs various processes by appropriately executing the server device 3. Overall control. Further, the control unit 21 reads a predetermined program from the storage unit 22 and executes it, thereby forming a plurality of functional blocks such as a print key generation unit 24, an expected use range determination unit 25, and a printer selection unit 26 inside. Various functions are performed by the functional block (details will be described later).

  Similar to the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 2, the storage unit 22 includes a nonvolatile ROM, a hard disk drive, and a volatile RAM. Of these, a non-volatile ROM and hard disk drive store basic programs and various application programs. The storage unit 22 is formed with a plurality of databases and tables such as a usage log database 27, a printer database 28, and a print acceptance information table 29, each of which can store various information (details). Will be described later). The communication unit 23 can transmit and receive various information between the mobile terminal 2 and each printer 4 via the network 5 (FIG. 1) by a wired LAN compliant with a standard such as IEEE 802.3u / ab. It has become.

  The printer 4 is also called an image forming apparatus. When the printer 4 receives image data from the server apparatus 3 or the like and receives an operation for instructing printing from a user or the like, the image represented by the image data is printed on a sheet as a medium. It forms, that is, it prints. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 4 is configured around a control unit 31. The control unit 31 has a CPU (not shown) in the same manner as the control unit 11 (FIG. 2) of the mobile terminal 2 and reads various programs such as a basic program and a printing program from the storage unit 32. Various processes are performed by appropriately executing them, and the printer 4 is comprehensively controlled.

  Similar to the storage unit 12 of the mobile terminal 2, the storage unit 32 includes a nonvolatile ROM, a hard disk drive, a volatile RAM, and the like. Of these, a non-volatile ROM and hard disk drive store basic programs and various application programs. The storage unit 32 stores image data and information associated therewith transmitted from the server device 3 via the network 5.

  The communication unit 33 can transmit and receive various types of information between the mobile terminal 2 and the server device 3 via the network 5 (FIG. 1) by a wired LAN compliant with a standard such as IEEE 802.3u / ab. It has become. The operation panel unit 34 is a touch panel similar to the display operation unit 15 (FIG. 2) of the mobile terminal 2, a display unit that displays a screen for various information and operation input, and an operation unit that receives an operation input by a user. It is comprised by.

  The printing unit 35 includes an exposure device and a fixing device (not shown), a paper transport mechanism, and the like. The printing unit 35 conveys the sheet by the conveyance mechanism, forms a toner image by performing exposure processing in the exposure device based on the image data supplied from the control unit 31, and transfers the toner image to the sheet. Printing is performed by fixing the toner image on a sheet by a fixing device.

  Incidentally, each of the mobile terminal 2, the server device 3, and the printer 4 has a clock circuit (not shown) inside, and the current date and time can be acquired by the clock circuit.

[2. Storage of various data in server device]
By the way, as described above, in the server device 3 (FIG. 4), a plurality of databases and tables such as a usage log database 27, a printer database 28, and a print acceptance information table 29 are formed in the storage unit 22.

  Among these, the usage log database 27 as a history information storage unit stores a history of cloud printing processing performed by the user of the mobile terminal 2 by the printer 4 using the printing system 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the usage log database 27 includes items such as “user ID”, “printer ID”, and “use date / time”.

  In the “user ID” item, a user ID uniquely assigned to each user of the mobile terminal 2 is stored. As described above, this user ID is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 of each mobile terminal 2 owned by each user. In the “printer ID” item, a printer ID uniquely assigned to each printer 4 is stored. The printer ID is stored in advance in the storage unit 32 of each printer 4 as described above. In the “use date and time” item, the date and time when the cloud printing process is used by the user is stored.

  In other words, the usage log database 27 stores, for each user, information indicating the date and time when the cloud printing process was used in the past and the printer 4 actually used as the history of the cloud printing process. For this reason, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 refers to the usage log database 27 to determine, for example, the elapsed time since each user last used the cloud printing process, the usage frequency for each printer 4 of each user, and the like. You can know.

  The printer database 28 (FIG. 4) stores information indicating the installation location of each printer 4 and the location on the network 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer database 28 includes items such as “printer ID”, “store series”, “store location”, and “network address”.

  In the “printer ID” item, similarly to the usage log database 27 (FIG. 6), a printer ID uniquely assigned to each printer 4 is stored. In the item “store series”, information indicating the store series 7 to which the store 6 (FIG. 1) in which the printer 4 is installed belongs, for example, a character string such as “◯ series” or “Δ series” is stored as the store series information. Stored. In the item “store location”, latitude and longitude values representing the location of the store 6 in which the printer 4 is installed are stored as installation location information. In the item “network address”, a unique network address assigned to the printer 4 on the network 5 is stored as specific information.

  That is, the printer database 28 stores information about the location for accessing each printer 4 on the real world and on the network, information about the store series, and the like.

  The print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 4) stores the contents of the instruction and information related to the user when a cloud print processing instruction (hereinafter referred to as a print instruction) is received from the user. Specifically, in the print acceptance information table 29, as shown in FIG. 8, “user ID”, “user position”, “positioning date / time”, “transmission”, “final transmission position”, “image data”, “printer” Items such as “ID”, “print key”, and “acceptance date” are provided.

  The item “user ID” stores a user ID uniquely assigned to each user of the mobile terminal 2, as in the usage log database 27 (FIG. 6). In the item “user position”, position information (described in detail later) transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 is stored. The item “positioning date and time” stores the date and time when the positioning process is performed, which is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 together with the position information. The print acceptance information table 29 can store a plurality of “user positions” and “positioning dates and times” for one cloud printing process. In the “transmission” column, a symbol “*” representing the date and time when image data or the like is transmitted from the server apparatus 3 to the printer 4 is stored in association with “positioning date and time” (details will be described later).

  In the “image data” item, the file name of the image data transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 is stored. This image data represents an image that the user desires to print on paper by the cloud printing process. The item “printer ID” stores the printer ID of the printer 4 to which image data or the like has been transmitted from the server device 3. A plurality of printer IDs can be stored in this “printer ID” item (details will be described later).

  The item “print key” stores a print key generated by the server device 3. This print key is a unique character string, and is generated every time a new print instruction is received from a user and notified to the user (details will be described later). That is, the print key is a “key” for specifying a predetermined cloud print process from a plurality of cloud print processes instructed by a plurality of users. In the “acceptance date and time” item, the date and time when the server apparatus 3 accepts an instruction for cloud print processing from the mobile terminal 2 is stored.

  As described above, the print acceptance information table 29 stores information about the user who issued the instruction, information about the image data, information about the printer 4 that transmitted the image data, and the like regarding the instruction of the cloud printing process. .

[3. Cloud print processing sequence]
By the way, in the printing system 1, when performing the cloud printing process, as shown in the sequence chart of FIG. 9, the mobile terminal 2, the server device 3, and the printer 4 execute the routines RT1, RT2, and RT3, respectively, and cooperate with each other. The process will proceed in stages.

  That is, the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 2 executes the routine RT1 by reading and executing a predetermined cloud print user application from the storage unit 12 (FIG. 2) in accordance with a user operation instruction. The server device 3 executes the routine RT2 by reading a predetermined cloud print management program from the storage unit 22 (FIG. 4) and executing it. As a result, the functional blocks of the print key generation unit 24, the expected use range determination unit 25, and the printer selection unit 26 are formed in the control unit 21, respectively. The printer 4 executes the routine RT3 by reading and executing a predetermined cloud printing program from the storage unit 32.

  In the printing system 1, the entire cloud printing process sequence is roughly divided into three sequences, ie, a first-stage reception sequence Q1, a next-stage transmission sequence Q2, and a final-stage printing sequence Q3. That is, the mobile terminal 2, the server apparatus 3, and the printer 4 execute subroutines as necessary in each of the reception sequence Q1, the transmission sequence Q2, and the printing sequence Q3.

[3-1. Reception sequence]
In the first-stage reception sequence Q1, the mobile terminal 2 executes the subroutine SRT11 and the server device 3 executes the subroutine SRT12. Incidentally, the printer 4 is hardly involved in the reception sequence Q1.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 2 starts a subroutine SRT11 in the reception sequence Q1, and proceeds to step SP1. In step SP1, the control unit 11 receives an operation instruction to start image data printing operation, that is, cloud print processing, from the user through the operation unit 17 (FIG. 2), and proceeds to the next step SP2.

  In step SP2, the control unit 11 causes the GPS receiving unit 14 (FIG. 2) to generate the positioning information M (FIG. 3) based on the GPS signal received from the GPS satellite, acquires this, and proceeds to the next step SP3. . The positioning information M includes position information at the time when the user gives an operation instruction to start the cloud printing process, and date / time information indicating the date / time when the positioning information was generated (hereinafter referred to as positioning date / time). ing.

  In step SP3, the control unit 11 transmits a user ID, image data, position information, and positioning date and time as a print instruction from the communication unit 13 (FIG. 2) via the wireless base station 8 and the network 5 (FIG. 1). The process proceeds to step SP4. As a result, the control unit 11 gives the server device 3 an instruction to perform a new cloud printing process.

  In step SP4, the control unit 11 acquires the positioning information M periodically (for example, every 3 minutes) by the GPS receiving unit 14 (FIG. 2), and the positioning information M (that is, the position information and the positioning date and time) to the server device 3. ) Is started periodically, and the process proceeds to the next step SP5. In response to this, when receiving the positioning information M from the mobile terminal 2 after receiving the print instruction, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 sets the items of the user position and the positioning date and time in the print reception information table 29 (FIG. 8). In addition, position information and positioning date and time are added and stored.

  On the other hand, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 starts the subroutine SRT12 in the reception sequence Q1, and proceeds to step SP11. In step SP11, the control unit 21 receives a print instruction, that is, user ID, image data, position information, and positioning date and time from the mobile terminal 2 via the network 5 or the like by the communication unit 23 (FIG. 4). Move to SP12. At this time, the control unit 21 uses the date and time when this print instruction is received as the reception date and time, and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 22.

  In step SP12, the control unit 21 receives the received user ID, image data, position information, and positioning date / time together with the reception date / time temporarily stored as a single print reception information in the print reception information table 29 of the storage unit 22. (FIG. 8), and the process proceeds to the next step SP13. Incidentally, position information is stored in the “user position” column. In step SP13, the control unit 21 generates a new unique print key by the print key generation unit 24 (FIG. 4), and this is used as the “print key” in the print reception information of the print reception information table 29 (FIG. 8). Store in the item and go to the next step SP14. Thereby, in the printing system 1, each print instruction can be specified by this print key.

  In step SP14, the control unit 21 transmits the print key generated in step SP13 to the mobile terminal 2 from the communication unit 23 via the network 5 or the like, and then proceeds to the next step SP15 to end the subroutine SRT12.

  In response to this, the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 2 receives the print key transmitted from the server device 3 via the network 5 or the like by the communication unit 13 and stores it in the storage unit 12 in step SP5. The process proceeds to step SP6. In step SP6, the control unit 11 displays the received print key on the display unit 16 (FIG. 2) to allow the user to visually recognize it, and then proceeds to the next step SP7 to end the subroutine SRT11.

  Thus, in the reception sequence Q1, when a print instruction is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the server device 3 based on a user operation, new print reception information is stored in the print reception information table 29 (FIG. 8). Further, a print key is issued by the server device 3, and this is notified to the user.

[3-2. Transmission sequence]
In the transmission sequence Q2 at the next stage, the subroutine SRT22 is executed in the server device 3, and relatively simple information is exchanged between the mobile terminal 2 and the printer 4 with the server device 3.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 starts a subroutine SRT22 in the transmission sequence Q2, and proceeds to step SP21. In step SP21, the control unit 21 searches the usage log database 27 (FIG. 6) using the user ID of the print instruction received from the mobile terminal 2 in the reception sequence Q1 as a search key, and proceeds to the next step SP22.

  In step SP22, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the user has a history of using the cloud printing process in the past, that is, whether or not the user ID of the user is registered in the usage log database 27. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this indicates that there is a possibility that the store 6 or the store series 7 (FIG. 1) that is likely to be used by the user can be estimated based on the history of the user. Yes. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP23.

  In step SP23, the control unit 21 determines whether or not an elapsed time after the user has used the cloud printing process last time is within 15 minutes (hereinafter also referred to as a reference elapsed time). If a positive result is obtained here, this means that the user intends to use the cloud printing process a plurality of times continuously, and the time interval is relatively short, so that the store 6 used immediately before remains unchanged. This means that the possibility of continuing to stay is extremely high. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP24.

  In step SP24, the control unit 21 refers to the use log database 27 (FIG. 6) by the expected use range determination unit 25 (FIG. 4) and the printer selection unit 26, and uses the printer of the printer 4 used in the previous cloud printing process. Get an ID. Subsequently, the control unit 21 continues to use the printer 4 as a target for transmitting image data or the like in advance by the expected use range determination unit 25 (FIG. 4) and the printer selection unit 26 (hereinafter, such printer 4 is also referred to as a target printer 4T). The process proceeds to the next step SP29. In other words, at this time, the control unit 21 sets the range of the store 6 expected to be used by the user (hereinafter also referred to as a predicted use range) to an extremely narrow range including only the store 6 used immediately before. Further, it can be considered that the only printer 4 included in the expected use range is set as the target printer 4T.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP23, this means that sufficient time has passed since the user last used the cloud printing process, and the user has already moved from the store 6 that used the previous cloud printing process. This means that the possibility is high. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP25.

  In step SP25, the control unit 21 calculates the usage ratio for each printer 4 in the user's history, that is, the usage ratio for each store 6 (FIG. 1), and the usage ratio is a predetermined priority threshold (for example, 90%). It is determined whether or not there is a store 6 in which the above-described printer 4 is installed (hereinafter referred to as a priority store 6P). For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the fact that there is a priority store 6P in which the printer 4 having a usage ratio equal to or higher than the priority threshold is installed is also referred to as a history condition.

  If an affirmative result is obtained here, this means that the priority is given priority over other stores 6 in the cloud printing process, for example, because the priority store 6P is located at a short distance from the user's home. This indicates that the store 6P is used, and the user is highly likely to use the priority store 6P in the current cloud printing process. In other words, this means that the usage frequency of the cloud printing process using the printer 4 of the priority store 6P by the user is the highest compared to the usage frequency when each other store 6 is used. Represents.

  In addition, it is considered that the user who frequently uses the priority store 6P has a favorable impression on the priority store 6P, and the store series 7 to which the priority store 6P belongs (hereinafter referred to as the priority store series 7P). It is thought that it has a favorable impression as well. In addition, such a user is highly likely to have a point card or an electronic money card that can be used only in each store 6 belonging to the priority store series 7P, for example. For this reason, when using the cloud printing process in a place far away from the priority store 6P, for example, the user is considered highly likely to use another store 6 belonging to the priority store series 7P. Therefore, when a positive result is obtained in step SP25, the control unit 21 proceeds to next step SP26.

  In step SP26, the control unit 21 sets the store 6 where the printer 4 having a usage ratio equal to or higher than the priority threshold (for example, 90%) is set as the user's priority store 6P, and sets the store series 7 to which the priority store 6P belongs. The priority store series 7P is set, and the process proceeds to the next step SP27. Specifically, the control unit 21 regards the printer ID of each printer 4 registered in the printer database 28 (FIG. 7) as an identifier that uniquely represents each store 6, and determines the printer 4 installed in the priority store 6 </ b> P. The printer ID is stored in the storage unit 22.

  In step SP27, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the distance between the priority store 6P and the mobile terminal 2 corresponding to the user's current position is relatively short, for example, whether or not the distance is within 2 [km]. . Specifically, the control unit 21 determines the position of the printer 4 registered in the printer database 28 (FIG. 7), that is, the position of the priority store 6P where the printer 4 is installed, and the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8). The distance between the two is calculated based on the registered user position, and it is determined whether or not the distance is within 2 [km].

  If a positive result is obtained here, this means that the current position of the user is relatively close to the priority store 6P, and the user is highly likely to use the cloud printing process in the printer 4 of the priority store 6P. Represents. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP28.

  In step SP28, the control unit 21 sets the printer 4 installed in the priority store 6P as the target printer 4T by the expected use range determination unit 25 and the printer selection unit 26, and proceeds to the next step SP29. In other words, at this time, the control unit 21 sets the range of the store 6 that the user is expected to use (that is, the expected use range) to an extremely narrow range including only the priority store 6P, as in step SP24. Further, it can be considered that the only printer 4 included in the expected use range is set as the target printer 4T.

  In step SP29, the control unit 21 transmits the image data and the print key to the target printer 4T, and proceeds to the next step SP30. That is, the control unit 21 stores image data and the like in advance at a stage where the user has not yet operated any printer 4 and the user does not know in which store 6 the printing process is intended. It is transmitted to the target printer 4T. In response to this, the control unit 31 (FIG. 5) of the target printer 4T stores the image data and the print key received from the server device 3 in the storage unit 32.

  Here, the target printer 4T is installed in the store 6 that is very likely to be used by the user in the current cloud printing process. Therefore, in the printing system 1, before the user arrives at the store 6, the user starts the operation of the target printer 4T by starting transmission of image data and the like from the server device 3 to the target printer 4T. It can be expected that transfer processing of image data or the like is completed before it is performed.

  In step SP29, the control unit 21 stores the printer ID of the target printer 4T in the item “printer ID” in the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8). As a result, when referring to the print acceptance information table 29 later, the control unit 21 can identify the printer 4 that transmitted the image data or the like by referring to the item “printer ID”.

  Further, the control unit 21 stores the symbol “*” in the “transmission” item corresponding to the latest “positioning date and time” and “user position” in the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8). As a result, when referring to the print acceptance information table 29 later, the control unit 21 transmits the “user position” in which the symbol “*” is stored in the “transmission” item to the target printer 4T when image data or the like is transmitted. It can be recognized as a user position.

  In step SP30, the control unit 21 determines whether the user has accepted a printing operation in the target printer 4T. If a negative result is obtained here, the control unit 21 repeats this step SP30 to wait for the user to perform a printing operation in the target printer 4T. If a positive result is obtained, the next step SP44 (FIG. 12) is obtained. ) And the subroutine SRT22 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP22 (FIG. 11), this means that the user is using the cloud printing process for the first time, and therefore the presence or absence of the priority store 6P or the priority store series 7P cannot be determined. ing. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP31 (FIG. 12).

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP25 (FIG. 11), this means that the user has used the cloud printing process in the past, but the usage ratio for the specific store 6 is not so high. This indicates that there is no particular favorite store 6 or store series 7 for the user. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP31 (FIG. 12).

  Furthermore, if a negative result is obtained in step SP27 (FIG. 11), this means that there is a priority store 6P that the user preferentially uses, but the current position of the user is sufficiently separated from the priority store 6P. (For example, 2 [km] or more), this indicates that the possibility of using the priority store 6P is low in the current cloud printing process. Also at this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP31 (FIG. 12).

  In step SP31, the control unit 21 causes the expected use range determination unit 25 (FIG. 4) to within a predetermined distance L (for example, 2 [km]) from the user position P at this time point as shown in FIG. The range is determined to be the expected usage range AR where the user is expected to use any of the stores 6, and the process proceeds to the next step SP32.

  In step SP32, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the user's priority store 6P and the priority store series 7P are set in step SP26. If a positive result is obtained here, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP33, and the printer selection unit 26 (FIG. 5) assigns each store 6 that is within the expected use range and that belongs to the priority store series 7P to each store 6. All the installed printers 4 are set as the target printer 4T, and the process proceeds to the next step SP35.

  Specifically, the control unit 21 extracts and extracts printer IDs that are within the expected use range and whose store series is the priority store series 7P based on the store position and store position registered in the printer database 28. All the printers 4 represented by the printer IDs are set as target printers 4T.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP32, the control unit 21 moves to the next step SP34, and the printer selection unit 26 (FIG. 5) causes each store 6 existing within the expected use range regardless of the store series 7. Each printer 4 installed in each is set as the target printer 4T, and the process proceeds to the next step SP35.

  That is, the control unit 21 restricts the priority store sequence 7P to the user if the priority store sequence 7P is set for the user in steps SP32, SP33 and SP34, and does not limit the store sequence 7 if not set. All the printers 4 existing within the expected use range are set as the target printer 4T.

  In step SP35, the control unit 21 transmits the image data and the print key to all the target printers 4T through the communication unit 23 (FIG. 4), and proceeds to the next step SP36. At this time, as in step SP29, the control unit 21 stores the printer ID of the target printer 4T in the item “printer ID” in the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8), and the latest “positioning date and time” and “ The symbol “*” is stored in the “transmission” item corresponding to “user position”.

  In step SP36, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the user has moved more than a predetermined reference distance (for example, 2 [km]) from the time when image data or the like was transmitted to the target printer 4T immediately before. Specifically, in the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8), the control unit 21 first stores the “user position” in which the symbol “*” is stored in the “transmission” item and the “positioning date / time” is the latest. It is determined as the user position (hereinafter referred to as the immediately preceding transmission position) at the time when image data or the like was transmitted to the target printer 4T immediately before. Next, the control unit 21 determines the “user position” having the latest “positioning date / time” from the print acceptance information table 29 as the latest user position, calculates the distance between this user position and the immediately previous transmission position, and It is determined whether the distance is 2 [km] or more.

  If an affirmative result is obtained here, this means that the user moved an existing target printer 4T because the user moved a relatively long distance after the last setting of the target printer 4T and transmission of image data or the like. This indicates that the possibility of use is reduced, and image data and the like should be transmitted again after setting the target printer 4T again. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP37.

  In step SP37, the control unit 21 reads out a predetermined number of “user positions” in order from the newest “positioning date and time” in the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8), and performs a known calculation process using this. The moving direction of the user is calculated, and the process proceeds to the next step SP38. In step SP38, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the control unit 21 sets a range within a predetermined distance L (for example, 2 [km]) from the latest user position P from the distance L with respect to the movement direction DR of the user. Is extended to a range up to a long distance L2 (for example, 4 [km]), a new expected use range AR is determined, and the process proceeds to the next step SP39.

  Thereafter, the control unit 21 performs the same processing as in steps SP32, SP33, SP34, and SP35 described above in steps SP39, SP40, SP41, and SP42, thereby transmitting image data and the like to the new target printer 4T. Control goes to step SP43.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP36, this means that the moving distance of the user since the last transmission of image data or the like to the target printer 4T is relatively short, so the store where the target printer 4T is installed. 6 indicates that there is a sufficient possibility that the user moves to perform a printing operation, that is, it is not necessary to reset the target printer 4T. At this time, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP43.

  In step SP43, as in step SP30 (FIG. 11), the control unit 21 determines whether the user has accepted a printing operation in the target printer 4T. If a negative result is obtained here, the control unit 21 returns to step SP36, repeats a series of processes, and waits for a printing operation by the user in the target printer 4T. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP43, the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP44 (FIG. 12) and ends the subroutine SRT22.

  As described above, in the transmission sequence Q2, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 determines the presence / absence of the priority store 6P based on the user's history and the current position, and further determines the expected use range AR. One or a plurality of target printers 4T are set, and image data or the like is transmitted in advance to the target printers 4T.

[3-3. Print sequence]
In the final printing sequence Q3, subroutines SRT31, SRT32, and SRT33 are executed in the mobile terminal 2, the server apparatus 3, and the printer 4, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 31 of the printer 4 starts a subroutine SRT33 in the printing sequence Q3, and proceeds to step SP51.

  In step SP51, the control unit 31 determines whether a printing operation has been received by the user via the operation panel unit 34 (FIG. 5). Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a correct print key is input after an instruction to use the cloud print process is made by appropriately performing selection operation or input operation on a predetermined menu screen by the user. Determine. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this indicates that an image data print process has been instructed by a legitimate user who knows the correct print key. At this time, the control unit 31 proceeds to the next step SP52.

  In step SP52, the control unit 31 reads out the image data from the storage unit 32, and performs printing processing by the printing unit 35 (FIG. 5), thereby printing an image based on the image data on paper, and proceeds to the next step SP53. . At this time, since the control unit 31 receives image data from the server device 3 in advance and stores it in the storage unit 32, the printing unit 35 can immediately start the printing process when an operation instruction is received from the user. it can.

  In step SP53, the control unit 31 sends a print completion notification indicating that the printing process by the printing unit 35 (FIG. 5) has been completed from the communication unit 33 as the print completion notification transmission unit via the network 5 (FIG. 1) or the like. After the transmission to the server device 3, the process proceeds to the next step SP56 and the subroutine SRT33 is terminated. This print completion notification includes a print key, a printer ID, and a user ID.

  In response to this, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 starts the subroutine SRT32, proceeds to step SP61, receives a print completion notification from the printer 4, and proceeds to the next step SP62. In step SP62, the control unit 21 selects another printer 4 through the network 5, that is, the target printer 4T that has transmitted image data or the like, that has not been instructed to be printed by the user and has not performed printing processing. On the other hand, an instruction to delete the image data or the like is transmitted, and the process proceeds to the next step SP63.

  Incidentally, in the print reception information table 29 (FIG. 8), the control unit 21 stores all the print reception information associated with the print key included in the received print completion notification and stored in the “printer ID” item. By reading out the printer ID and excluding the printer ID included in the print completion notification, the printer IDs of the other printers 4 can be extracted.

  On the other hand, in the target printer 4T that has not been subjected to the printing process, that is, the other printer 4, a negative result is obtained in step SP51 of the subroutine SRT33. At this time, the control unit 31 of the printer 4 proceeds to step SP54, and receives a deletion instruction of image data or the like from the server device 3 via the network 5 by the communication unit 33 functioning as a deletion instruction transmission unit. Control goes to step SP55.

  In step SP55, the control unit 31 functions as an image data deletion unit, so that, among the image data stored in the storage unit 32, the print key instructed by the deletion instruction and the image data associated therewith. Is deleted from the storage unit 32, and then the process proceeds to the next step SP56 to end the subroutine SRT33.

  In step SP63, the control unit 21 of the server device 3 deletes the print acceptance information associated with the print key included in the print completion notification from the print acceptance information table 29 (FIG. 8), and uses the usage log. A new usage log is registered in the database 27 (FIG. 6), and the process proceeds to the next step SP64. At this time, the control unit 21 stores the printer ID in the usage log database 27 (FIG. 6) in association with the user ID included in the print completion notification, and sets the date and time at that time to “use date”. Store in the item.

  In step SP64, the control unit 21 notifies the mobile terminal 2 of a print completion notification from the communication unit 23 (FIG. 4) via the network 5, etc., and then proceeds to the next step SP65 to end the subroutine SRT32. This print completion notification includes a print key.

  In response to this, the control unit 11 of the mobile terminal 2 starts the subroutine SRT31, moves to step SP71, receives the print completion notification transmitted from the server device 3 via the network 5 or the like, and then proceeds to the next step SP72. Move. In step SP72, the control unit 11 stops the acquisition of the positioning information M and the periodic transmission to the server device 3 that have been performed regularly, and then proceeds to the next step SP73 to end the subroutine SRT31.

  As described above, in the print sequence Q3, after the printing process is performed in the printer 4 based on the user operation, unnecessary information is deleted in the server device 3, a new usage log is stored, and the like. The printer 4 is also prepared for the next cloud printing process by deleting unnecessary image data and the like.

[4. Effect]
In the configuration described above, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, based on the latest user position or the usage history of cloud printing processing by the user, the expected usage range AR representing the range of the store 6 that the user is expected to use. (FIGS. 13A and 13B) are set. In addition, in the printing system 1, the printer 4 of the store 6 included in the expected use range AR is set as the target printer 4T, and before any operation is performed by the user, that is, which printer 4 is used by the user. The image data or the like is transmitted in advance to the target printer 4T before the determination is made.

  For this reason, in the printing system 1, in many cases, when the target printer 4T is operated by the user and the printing process is started, the transfer process of the image data or the like from the server device 3 can already be completed. In this case, in the printing system 1, when the operation instruction is received from the user in the target printer 4T, the printing process can be started immediately, so that the waiting time of the user can be greatly reduced.

  From another viewpoint, in the printing system 1, until the user operates the printer 4 in any of the stores 6, the printer 4 to be used by the user is unconfirmed. Here, in the printing system 1, if image data or the like is transmitted in advance to all the printers 4, the waiting time of the user can be surely shortened in the printing process, but the processing load and network traffic of the server device 3 can be reduced. This increases wastefully and occupies the storage unit 32 wastefully in all other printers 4, resulting in a very serious problem. Further, in the printing system 1, if the expected usage range AR is too wide, a serious adverse effect is generated.

  Accordingly, the printing system 1 sets a range that is likely to be used by the user based on the past history, the current position of the user, and the like as the expected usage range, and then includes the expected usage range. Only the printer 4 of the store 6 to be stored is set as the target printer 4T, and image data and the like are transmitted in advance. Thereby, in the printing system 1, the waiting time of the user at the time of printing is reduced, the processing load on the server device 3 is minimized, an increase in network traffic is suppressed, and the storage unit 32 of the other printer 4 is stored. Minimizing occupancy can be balanced at a very high level.

  For example, in the printing system 1, when the current cloud printing process is used at a stage where the elapsed time after the user has used the cloud printing process is extremely short, the cloud is kept in the same store 6 while the user is staying in the same store 6. It can be inferred that he intends to use the printing process continuously. Therefore, in the printing system 1, when the elapsed time after the user uses the cloud printing process last time is within 15 minutes, the extremely narrow range including only the store 6 used in the previous cloud printing process is used as the expected usage range. Is set as the current target printer 4T (steps SP23 and SP24). As a result, the printing system 1 can avoid unnecessary transmission of image data or the like to the printer 4 of another store 6 that is very unlikely to be used in the current cloud printing process. In other words, in the printing system 1, it can be considered that the optimum expected use range is set in such a situation.

  Further, in the printing system 1, when there is a user's priority store 6P and the user is located in the vicinity of the priority store 6P, the possibility of using the priority store 6P in the current cloud printing process is extremely high. Can be guessed. Therefore, the printing system 1 determines that the priority store 6P of the user exists from the use history of cloud printing by the user, and uses a very narrow range including only the priority store 6P when the distance from the user position is relatively short. Only the printer 4 of the priority store 6P is set as the target printer 4T within the expected range (step SP28). Also in this case, the printing system 1 can set an optimal expected use range, and can avoid unnecessary transmission of image data and the like.

  Further, in the printing system 1, when the distance from the user position to the priority store 6P is relatively long, the user is unlikely to use the priority store 6P, but rather belongs to the priority store series 7P, and from the user position. It can be estimated that there is a high possibility of using a relatively close store 6. Therefore, in the printing system 1, when the distance from the user position to the priority store 6P is relatively long, a range that is relatively close to the user position is set as the expected use range AR (FIG. 13A), and this expected use. The printer 4 of the store 6 included in the range AR and belonging to the priority store series 7P is set as the target printer 4T (step SP33). As a result, the printing system 1 does not transmit image data or the like to the printers 4 installed in the stores 6 other than the priority store series 7P even when the distance from the user position is relatively close. Generation etc. can be avoided effectively.

  In addition, in the printing system 1, when the user moves a relatively long distance after setting the target printer 4T and transmitting image data or the like, the moving direction of the user is calculated and the moving direction is set to be different from other directions. The expanded expected use range AR is set (FIG. 13B), and the target printer 4T is also set again to transmit image data and the like (step SP38). As a result, in the printing system 1, the printer 4 in the store 6 that matches the user's moving direction, that is, in the expected use range AR that is likely to be used by the user, can be set as the target printer 4T again.

  According to the above configuration, the printing system 1 sets the expected usage range indicating the range of the store 6 that the user is expected to use based on the user position and the usage history of cloud printing processing by the user, and the usage The printer 4 of the store 6 included in the expected range is set as the target printer 4T, and image data and the like are transmitted and stored in advance. In the printing system 1, the user uses the store 6 within the expected use range with a very high probability by appropriately setting the expected use range. For this reason, in the printing system 1, when the target printer 4T of the store 6 is operated to start the printing process, the printing process is immediately started based on the already received image data without performing the image data transfer process again. The waiting time of the user can be greatly reduced.

[5. Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, the usage log database 27 is provided in the storage unit 22 of the server device 3 so that the usage history of the cloud printing process by the user is recorded, and the presence or absence of the priority store 6P is determined based on the contents. The case where the expected use range is set after judging the above has been described (FIGS. 4 and 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the use history of the cloud printing process is not used, and the expected use range is set using information on the priority store 6P and the priority store series 7P explicitly set in advance by the user. Alternatively, the expected use range may be set based only on the user position, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the reference elapsed time is set to 15 minutes and the elapsed time after the user last used the cloud printing process is less than the reference elapsed time, the user is in the same store 6. If you decide to continue staying in However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reference elapsed time may be set to an arbitrary time such as 10 minutes or 30 minutes.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when there is a store 6 whose usage ratio is equal to or higher than the priority threshold (for example, 90%) based on the usage history of the cloud printing process by the user (that is, when the history condition is satisfied), The case where the store 6 is the priority store 6P and the store sequence 7 to which the priority store 6P belongs is the priority store sequence 7P has been described (steps SP25 and SP26). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the priority threshold may be another value such as 80% or 70%, and the usage ratio is high after the priority threshold is set to a relatively low value such as 40%. Two or more priority stores 6P may be set such that the top two stores 6 are the priority stores 6P. Alternatively, the priority store 6P may be used as the priority store 6P without setting the priority threshold, and the store 6 having the relatively highest use frequency or a plurality of stores 6 having the highest use frequency. In particular, when a plurality of priority stores 6P are set, a plurality of priority store series 7P may be set.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the priority store 6P is set based on the usage frequency for each printer 4 by the user, that is, the usage frequency for each store 6, and the store sequence 7 to which the priority store 6P belongs is set as the priority store sequence. The case of 7P was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the usage frequency of each store series 7 by the user is calculated and this usage frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold value, or relatively higher than the usage frequency of other store series 7 The store series 7 may be the priority store series 7P. In this case, the priority store 6P may or may not be set.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the reference distance to be compared with the user's moving distance is 2 [km] in order to determine whether to set the expected use range again. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reference distance may be other various distances such as 1 [km] or 4 [km]. In the present invention, the expected usage range AR and the target printer 4T may be set only once (that is, not set again) in one cloud printing process, or the expected usage range is set every predetermined time. The target printer 4T may be set again.

  For the printer 4 that is once set as the target printer 4T and is out of the expected use range AR due to the movement of the user, the image is taken from the server device 3 in the same way as in step SP62 at the stage where it is out of the expected use range AR. An instruction to delete data or the like may be transmitted to delete the data.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the user moves more than the reference distance, the movement direction is calculated, and then the movement direction is expanded as compared with other directions, so that the expected use of an elliptical shape or an oval shape as a whole is achieved. The case where the range AR is set has been described (FIG. 13B). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 13C, a circle having a radius of a relatively short distance L3 centered on the user position P, and from the user position P toward the moving direction DR. A predicted range AR may be a range surrounded by a circle having a radius of a relatively long distance L5 centered on a point separated by a predetermined distance L4 and two tangents in contact with both. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13D, a circle having a radius of a predetermined distance L centered on the user position P, and a moving direction having a radius L2 longer than the distance L centered on the user position P. A predicted use range AR such as a combination with a fan shape centering on the may be set. In short, it suffices that the part on the moving direction side with respect to the user position P is expanded more than the part on the other direction side. Furthermore, the degree of expansion of the moving direction DR with respect to other directions may be changed according to the magnitude of the moving speed of the user.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case is described in which, after a print instruction is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the server device 3, the positioning information M is periodically acquired and periodically transmitted to the server device 3. (Step SP4). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although the positioning information M is periodically acquired, the next positioning information M is transmitted to the server device 3 when it has moved a predetermined distance from the previous transmission time to the server device 3. You may do it. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in communication traffic for transmitting positioning information and an increase in storage capacity in the print acceptance information table 29 while notifying the server device 3 of the latest position information in the mobile terminal 2.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a deletion instruction is transmitted from the server apparatus 3 to another printer 4 after completion of the printing process in the printer 4, the image data stored in the other printer 4 is deleted. Said about the case. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a predetermined storage period (for example, 12 hours or 3 days) has elapsed since the image data was received by the printer 4, The image data or the like may be deleted regardless of whether the image data printing process has been performed. As a result, it is not necessary to instruct the server device 3 to delete image data or the like, and it is not necessary to manage it.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the user of the mobile terminal 2 is not particularly notified of information regarding the expected usage range and the target printer 4T. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when image data is transmitted from the server apparatus 3 to the target printer 4T, information regarding the store 6 in which the target printer 4T is installed is transmitted to the mobile terminal 2, and this is transmitted to the mobile terminal 2. You may display on the display part 16 of the terminal 2, and may notify a user. In this case, the user can be made aware of the store 6 in which the image data has already been transmitted and the printing process can be started without waiting for the transfer process, and the user can be expected to actively use such a store 6. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the print instruction is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the server device 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user of the mobile terminal 2 may transmit a print instruction to the server apparatus 3 using another computer apparatus connected to the network 5. In this case, the user ID stored in the mobile terminal 2 can be matched with the user ID included in the print instruction by inputting a user ID, a predetermined password, or the like when the user uses the computer device. It ’s fine.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the user inputs the print key by operating the operation panel unit 34 (FIG. 5) of the printer 4 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication unit 33 of the printer 4 can perform short-range wireless communication called NFC similar to that of the communication unit 13 of the mobile terminal 2. The print key may be received by communication.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, each of the print key generation unit 24, the expected use range determination unit 25, and the printer selection unit 26 is executed by executing a predetermined program in the control unit 21 (FIG. 4) of the server device 3. The case where the functional block is formed by software has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of these may be configured as a hardware circuit.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which reception of cloud print processing is handled independently for each case, and no special processing is performed for a plurality of cloud print processing by the same user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a plurality of cloud printing processes by the same user are accepted, only the first image data or the like is transmitted to the target printer 4T, and the user selects any one of the printers 4. After operating and instructing the first printing process, the second and subsequent image data and the like may be transmitted only to the printer 4. Thereby, useless transmission processing of image data or the like can be avoided. In this case, the order in which the printing process is performed may be different from the order in which the instructions are received. For example, the size of the image data to be transmitted to the plurality of target printers 4T can be minimized by handling the cloud print processing with the smallest image data size as the first case. Or, on the contrary, by handling the cloud print processing with the largest image data size as the first case, the time required for the second and subsequent transfer processes can be relatively shortened, and the waiting time of the user can be kept short. be able to.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the printer 4 having only the printing function is installed in each store 6 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it has a reading function for reading a document and a communication function using a telephone line in addition to a printing function, so that it functions as a copier, a facsimile machine, or an image scanner in addition to a printer. An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral, also referred to as a multifunction device) may be installed at each store 6.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and other embodiments. That is, the scope of the present invention extends to embodiments in which some or all of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments described above are arbitrarily combined, and embodiments in which some are extracted. is there.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a printing system 1 is configured in which a printer 4 as a plurality of printers, a mobile terminal 2 as a terminal device, and a server device 3 as a management device are connected to each other via a network 5. Said about the case. Among these, the mobile terminal 2 as a terminal device includes an operation unit 17 as an operation unit, a GPS reception unit as a position information generation unit, and a communication unit 13 as a communication unit. The server device 3 as a management device includes a printer database 28 as a printer information storage unit, a communication unit 23 as a management reception unit and a management transmission unit, a print reception information table 29 as a print reception information storage unit, An expected use range determination unit 25 as a use expected range determination unit, a printer selection unit 26 as a selection unit, and a communication unit 23 as a management transmission unit are provided. Further, the printer 4 as a printer is provided with a communication unit 33 as a printer communication unit and a printing unit 35 as a printing unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a printing system in which a plurality of printers having various other configurations, a terminal device, and a management device are connected to each other via a network may be configured. Among these, the terminal device can be provided with an operation unit having various other configurations, a position information generation unit, and a communication unit. In addition, the management apparatus can be provided with a printer information storage unit, a management reception unit, a print acceptance information storage unit, an expected use range determination unit, a selection unit, and a management transmission unit having various other configurations. . Further, the printer can be provided with a printer communication unit having various other configurations and a printing unit.

  The present invention can be used, for example, when printing processing is performed using a printer installed in each of a plurality of stores and connected to a network.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 2 ... Mobile terminal, 3 ... Server apparatus, 4 ... Printer, 4T ... Target printer, 5 ... Network, 6 ... Store, 6P ... Priority store, 7 ... Store series , 7P: priority store line, 11: control unit, 12: storage unit, 13: communication unit, 14: GPS reception unit, 16: display unit, 17: operation unit, 21: control unit , 22... Storage unit, 23... Communication unit, 24... Print key generation unit, 25... Expected use range determination unit, 26... Printer selection unit, 27. 29 …… Print acceptance information table, 31 …… Control unit, 32 …… Storage unit, 33 …… Communication unit, 34 …… Operation panel unit, 35 …… Print unit, P …… User position, AR …… Usage forecast Range, DR …… Moving direction, Q1 …… Reception sequence Q2 ...... transmission sequence, Q3 ...... print sequence.

Claims (11)

A printing system in which a plurality of printers installed at a plurality of installation locations, a terminal device carried by a user, and a management device are connected to each other via a network,
The terminal device
An operation unit that receives an instruction to print image data on a medium from the user;
A position information generation unit that generates position information representing the current position;
A communication unit that transmits the image data and the position information as print instructions to the management apparatus via the network, and
The management device
A printer information storage unit that stores the installation location information indicating the installation location of the printer and the specific information for specifying the printer on the network in association with each other;
A management receiving unit that receives the print instruction from the terminal device via the network;
A print acceptance information storage unit for storing the image data of the print instruction and the position information;
A predicted use range determining unit that determines a predicted use range that is a range expected to be used by the user based on the position information of the print instruction;
Based on the installation location information stored in the printer information storage unit, a selection unit that selects the printer included in the expected use range as a target printer;
A management transmission unit that transmits the image data to the target printer via the network using the specific information stored in association with the target printer in the printer information storage unit;
The printer is
A printer communication unit that receives the image data from the management device via the network;
A printing system comprising: a printing unit that prints an image based on the image data on a medium based on an operation instruction of the user. The management device further includes a history information storage unit that stores a history of the print processing of the image data by the user in the past,
The selection unit selects only the printer as the target printer when there is the printer included in the expected use range and satisfying a predetermined history condition based on the history. The printing system described in. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the history condition is that a past use frequency is higher than a predetermined priority threshold. 4. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the history condition is that the past use frequency is the highest as compared with the other printers. 5. The plurality of printers are respectively installed in any of a plurality of stores forming a plurality of types of store series,
The printer information storage unit stores store sequence information representing the store sequence in association with the installation location information and the specific information,
The history condition is that it is installed in another store that belongs to the same store series as the store in which the printer is installed whose past use frequency is higher than a predetermined threshold value. The printing system according to claim 2. The selection unit performs the printing process of the image data immediately before when the elapsed time after the user performed the printing process of the image data immediately before is within a predetermined reference elapsed time based on the history. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the printer is selected again as the target printer. The terminal device, after transmitting the print instruction to the management device, transmits the position information newly generated by the position information generation unit to the management device,
When the predicted use range determination unit determines that the terminal device has moved a predetermined reference distance or more based on the plurality of position information received from the terminal device, based on the position information after the movement, The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a new expected use range is determined. When the expected use range determination unit determines that the terminal device is moving in a predetermined movement direction based on the plurality of position information received from the terminal device, the use direction range determination unit determines that the movement direction side is more than the other direction. 8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the expanded new expected use range is determined. When the management unit determines a new usage prediction range by the usage prediction range determination unit, the image data is already transmitted to the printer that is out of the new usage prediction range. The printing system according to claim 7, further comprising: a deletion instruction transmission unit that transmits a data deletion instruction. The printer further includes a print completion notification transmission unit that transmits a print completion notification indicating that an image based on the image data is formed on the medium based on the operation instruction of the user to the management apparatus via the network. ,
The said management apparatus is further provided with the deletion instruction | indication transmission part which transmits the deletion instruction | indication of the said image data with respect to the said target printer which transmitted the said image data, when the said printing completion notification is received. The printing system according to 1. The printer further includes an image data deleting unit that deletes the image data when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data was received, regardless of whether or not the user's operation instruction has been received. The printing system according to claim 1.

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