JP2021026403A - Printing system, image processing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing system, an image processing device and a printing method which can easily execute printing processing with a simple operation when a user executes the printing processing.SOLUTION: In a printing system 1, a portable terminal device 11, an image processing device 13 and a server 12 are connected in such a way that they can communicate to each other, and the image processing device 13 can execute printing. The portable terminal device 11 includes a display unit which displays printing request information associated with printing data whose printing is executed. The image processing device 13 includes: an information reading unit which reads the printing request information displayed on the display unit; and a printing request information determination unit which determines the printing request information. The server 12 includes a storage unit which stores the printing data whose printing is executed, and transmits the printing data whose printing is executed to the image processing device 13 when receiving the printing request information transmitted from the image processing device 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system or the like, and more particularly to a printing system or the like in which a mobile terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device.

In recent years, in a printing system, a mobile terminal device and an image processing device are communicated and connected via the Internet, and the mobile terminal device and the image processing device are linked to perform printing.

In a conventional printing system, for example, when printing image data (photographs and documents) on a mobile terminal device with an image processing device, the user first accesses the image processing device from the mobile terminal device, and then the user carries it. It is necessary to send a print command from the terminal device to the image processing device.

Therefore, since the user needs to perform an operation related to the print process of the image processing device, there is a problem that it takes time for an operation other than the print process if the user is not familiar with the device.

As a conventional technique, for example, in Patent Document 1, in a printing system, a print management server includes a user name acquired from an authentication server based on a serial number read from an IC card of a mobile terminal from a printer, and mobile terminal identification information. , The printer IP address, and the print list request including the printer IP address are received, the mobile terminal identification information included in the print list request and the printer IP address are linked, and the print data list specified by the print list request is printed. It has been proposed to send to a mobile terminal corresponding to the mobile terminal identification information included in the list request.

According to the technique of Patent Document 1, by associating the mobile terminal identification information with the printer IP address when the user makes a print request, the user can use the printer without a display unit or have poor display unit performance. The print data selected by can be output in a secure state.

JP-A-2008-165567

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when a user prints on an image processing device by a mobile terminal device, the image processing device requests print data desired by the user after the user's authentication is confirmed, and the print management server After the user is requested to transmit the print data, the print management server transmits the print data transmitted by the user to the image processing device, and the image processing device outputs the print data desired by the user, which is a complicated process. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time for printing to be executed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system or the like that allows a user to easily execute a printing process by a simple operation when executing the printing process. ..

The present invention is a printing system in which a portable terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected to perform printing by the image processing device, and printing is executed on the mobile terminal device. The image processing apparatus includes a display unit that displays print request information associated with data, and the image processing device includes an information reading unit that reads the print request information displayed on the display unit, and a print request that determines the print request information. The server includes an information determination unit, and the server includes a storage unit that stores print data for executing the printing. When the print request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus is received, the print data Is transmitted to the image processing apparatus.

Further, the present invention is a printing system in which a portable terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected to execute printing by the image processing device, and printing is executed on the portable terminal device. The image processing apparatus includes a display unit that displays a matrix type two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code) based on print request information associated with the print data, and the image processing apparatus has the matrix type two-dimensional display displayed on the display unit. A code reading unit that reads a code and a code decoding unit that decodes the matrix type two-dimensional code and returns it to print request information are provided, and the server stores print data in which printing is executed. When the print request information transmitted from the image processing device is received, the print data is transmitted to the image processing device.

Further, the present invention is an image processing device that is communicably connected to a server that stores print data and a mobile terminal device that stores print request information associated with the print data to execute printing. The mobile terminal device is provided with an information reading unit for reading print request information associated with print data on which printing is executed displayed on the display unit, and a print request information determination unit for determining the print request information. It is characterized in that print data associated with the print request information read from the mobile terminal device is received from the server and printing is executed based on the print data.

Further, the present invention is a printing method in which a mobile terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device, and printing is executed in the mobile terminal device. The image processing apparatus includes a step of displaying the print request information associated with the print data on the display unit, a step of reading the print request information displayed on the display unit, and a step of determining the print request information. When the server stores the print data in which the printing is executed and the print request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus is received, the print data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. It is characterized by having a process.

Further, the present invention is a printing method in which a portable terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device, and printing is executed in the mobile terminal device. A step of displaying a matrix type two-dimensional code based on print request information associated with print data on a display unit, and a step of reading the matrix type two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit in the image processing apparatus. The server includes a step of decoding the matrix type two-dimensional code and returning it to print request information, a step of storing print data in which the printing is executed, and the print request transmitted from the image processing apparatus. It is characterized by including a step of transmitting the print data to the image processing apparatus when the information is received.

According to the printing system or the like of the present invention, the print request information associated with the print data is encrypted and displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal device, the print request information is read by the image processing device, and the server reads the print request. By transmitting the print data to the image processing device when the information is received, the printing process can be easily executed by a simple operation by the portable terminal device without the user operating the image processing device. A printing system, etc. can be realized.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which comprises the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which comprises the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the content to be printed in the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which comprises the printing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which comprises the printing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the display part of the image processing apparatus which constitutes the printing system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the QR code of the reading pattern 1 displayed on the display part of the mobile terminal apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the QR code of the reading pattern 2 displayed on the display part of the mobile terminal apparatus which comprises the printing system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on 6th Embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable terminal device constituting the printing system. , FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server constituting the printing system, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing device constituting the authentication system.

The first embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 in which a mobile terminal device 11, an image processing device 13, and a server 12 are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device 13. The mobile terminal device 11 includes a display unit that displays print request information associated with print data to be printed, and the image processing device 13 has information for reading the print request information displayed on the display unit. The server 12 includes a reading unit and a print request information determination unit that determines the print request information, and the server 12 includes a storage unit that stores print data for which printing is executed, and is transmitted from the image processing device 13. When the print request information is received, the print data to be printed is transmitted to the image processing device 13.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal device 11 mainly includes a control unit 111, a print setting unit 112, a communication unit 115, a display unit 116, and a storage unit 117, and further generates print request information. It is configured to include a part 118.

The mobile terminal device 11 is a portable terminal device having a display unit (display screen), and includes a so-called tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

The control unit 111 is a functional unit for controlling the entire mobile terminal device 11.
The control unit 111 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs, and is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)).

The print setting unit 112 sets various settings when executing print processing of print data, for example, color / monochrome selection, output paper size, number of copies, single-sided / double-sided printing, output magnification, density, profile (color conversion), and color. Set the balance, contrast, resolution, screen mode, etc.

The communication unit 115 makes a communication connection with an external server 12 and an image processing device 13 via a network.
The display unit 116 is a functional unit for displaying various information and various display screens, for example, an input screen used for an input operation, a setting screen, a preview image, etc., and is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid crystal display) or the like. Has been done.

The storage unit 117 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal device 11. The storage unit 117 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

In the first embodiment, the storage unit 117 stores print data 171 and print request information 172 for printing by the user. The print request information 172 includes, for example, a user (printer), a password, a file name, a print command, and the like as information for printing print data from the image processing device 13.

The print request information generation unit 118 generates print request information 172 for specifying print data, and associates (associates) the print data with the print request information.

In the first embodiment, the print request information 172 generated by the print request information generation unit 118 is displayed on the display unit 116.

(Server configuration)
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 12 mainly includes a control unit 121, a communication unit 125, and a storage unit 127.

The control unit 121 is a functional unit for controlling the entire server 12.

The communication unit 125 makes a communication connection with the mobile terminal device 11 and the image processing device 13 via a network.

The storage unit 127 stores print data 171 and print request information 172 for printing by the user.

(Configuration of image processing device)
The image processing device 13 forms an image based on print data, and as shown in FIG. 4, the image processing device 13 mainly forms a control unit 131, an image input unit 132, an image forming unit 133, and an image processing unit 134. A communication unit 135, a display unit 136, and a storage unit 137 are provided, and an information reading unit 138 and a print request information determination unit 139 are further provided.

The control unit 131 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image processing device 13.

The image input unit 132 is a functional unit for reading the image data input to the image processing device 13. Further, the image input unit 132 may input image data from a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD card. Further, the image data may be input from the other terminal device by providing the communication unit for connecting to the other terminal device.

The image forming unit (printing unit) 133 is a functional unit for forming output data based on the image data on a recording medium (for example, recording paper).

The image processing unit 134 is a functional unit that performs various image processing on the image data. For example, image data sharpening processing or color conversion processing is performed.

The communication unit 135 makes a communication connection with the mobile terminal device 11 and the external server 12 via the network.

The display unit 136 is a functional unit for displaying various information and various display screens, for example, an input screen used for an input operation, a setting screen, a preview image, etc. to the user, and is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid crystal display) or the like. Has been done.

The storage unit 137 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image processing device 13.

In the first embodiment, the storage unit 137 stores print data 171 and print request information 172 for printing by the user.

The information reading unit 138 is configured by using an image capturing device such as a camera, reads an image displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11, and recognizes the information of the read image.
The information reading unit 138 may recognize the information by using a scanner device.

The print request information determination unit 139 determines whether or not the information recognized by the information reading unit 138 is print request information.

(Operation processing to execute printing by the printing system)
Next, an operation process for executing printing by the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a sequence diagram.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation process for executing printing in the printing system according to the first embodiment.

Here, in the printing system 1, a case where printing is executed from the image processing device 13 by operating the mobile terminal device 11 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the mobile terminal device 11, print data 171 for printing is stored in the storage unit 117 (S101). Then, the print setting unit 112 of the mobile terminal device 11 makes settings for executing printing on the image processing device 13. When making print settings, for example, a setting screen for making print settings may be displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11, and print settings may be made on the setting screen.

When the printing process is started in the printing system 1, the mobile terminal device 11 first transmits the print data 171 to the server 12 (S103). When the server 12 receives the print data 171 (S121), the server 12 stores the print data 171 in the storage unit 127 (S123).

Then, in the mobile terminal device 11, the print request information generation unit 118 generates the print request information 172 associated with the print data 171 (S105). Then, the print request information 172 is displayed on the display unit 116 (S107), and the print request information 172 is read by the information reading unit 138 of the image processing device 13.

The image processing device 13 activates the print request information recognition mode for recognizing the print request information (S131). Then, the information reading unit 138 reads the information displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11 and recognizes the information (S133).

Then, based on the information recognized by the information reading unit 138, it is determined whether or not the information read by the print request information determination unit 139 is the print request information 172 (S134). When it is determined that the information read by the information reading unit 138 is the print request information 172, the print request information 172 is transmitted to the server 12 (S135).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the information read by the information reading unit 138 is not the print request information 172, the information read from the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11 is requested to be printed on the display unit 136 of the image processing device 13. A warning is displayed to the effect that it is not information (S132). Then, the process returns to the process of S131.

When the server 12 receives the print request information 172 (S125), the server 12 transmits the print data 171 associated with the print request information 172 to the image processing device 13 (S127).

When the image processing apparatus 13 receives the print data 171 (S136), the image processing apparatus 13 executes the print process based on the print data 171 (S137).

In this way, the printing system 1 allows the user to execute the printing process by the mobile terminal device 11 without operating the image processing device 13.

Regarding the processing of the operation processes S101 to S107 from the state where the print data is saved in the mobile terminal device 11 to the display of the print request information 172 on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11, the mobile terminal device 11 and the server 12 As long as the communication connection with the user is possible, the mobile terminal device 11 can operate the user even if the user is not near the image processing device 13.

Therefore, the process performed by the user approaching the image processing device 13 is the process from S107 to S133, that is, the print request information 172 displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11 is displayed on the image processing device 13 by the camera. It is a process of reading by the information reading unit 138 such as, and other than that, it is not necessary to directly operate the image processing device 13 to set print settings and the like. As a result, the processing operation of the user's image processing device 13 can be significantly reduced.

With the above configuration, according to the first embodiment, in the printing system 1, print data is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 11 to the server 12, and is associated with the print data 171 on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 11. When the print request information 172 is displayed and the print request information 172 read by the information reading unit 138 of the image processing device 13 is received by the server 12, the print data 171 is transmitted from the server 12 to the image processing device 13. The image processing device 13 can print the print data 171. In this way, the user can easily and surely print the desired print data by a simple operation by the mobile terminal device 11 without operating the image processing device 13.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
The second embodiment is characterized in that the printing system is provided with a print request information generation unit on the server side, and print request information is generated on the server side.

For convenience of explanation, configurations having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal device constituting the printing system according to the second embodiment, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server constituting the printing system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 2 It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in the printing system which concerns on embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the mobile terminal device 21, the image processing device 23, and the server 22 are communicably connected to each other, and printing is executed by the image processing device 23. The system 2 is characterized in that the server 22 is provided with a print request information generation unit 228, and the server 22 generates print request information.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device)
As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal device 21 mainly includes a control unit 211, a print setting unit 112, a communication unit 115, a display unit 116, and a storage unit 117.

The control unit 211 is a functional unit for controlling the entire mobile terminal device 21. Since the mobile terminal device 21 does not have the print request information generation unit 228, the function of controlling the print request information generation unit 228 such as the control unit 111 of the first embodiment can be omitted.

(Server configuration)
As shown in FIG. 7, the server 22 mainly includes a control unit 221 and a communication unit 125 and a storage unit 227, and further includes a print request information generation unit 228 and a tag generation unit 229. There is.

The control unit 221 is a functional unit for controlling the entire server 22.
In the second embodiment, the control unit 221 further controls the operation processing of the print request information generation unit 228 and the tag generation unit 229.

The storage unit 227 is a functional unit in which various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the server 22 are stored. In the second embodiment, the storage unit 227 stores print data 171 for printing by the user, print request information 172, and tag information 273. The tag information manages print data (print file) on the server 22 by using a file name, a user name, or the like as print request information.

The tag information may be command information such as an e-mail address to be registered, a registered name, and "e-mail address registration".

For example, in order to prevent unauthorized duplication, forgery, and printing of the QR code, it is possible to send a confirmation email or the like regarding print request information to the smartphone based on these tag information. In addition to the confirmation email, by adding command information as tag information to the print request information, for example, by leaving the email content for a few seconds, you can print it as it is, or print or cancel printing by accessing the URL attached to the email. Etc. can be performed.

Further, as the tag information, the position information for placing the content on the original image may be used as the command information. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the content to be printed in the printing system according to the second embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the content information of the original data content 281 and the other content 282 is acquired in advance, and the content 281 of the original data is added to the preview image displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 21. The contents 282 of the above may be superimposed. Further, on the server 22, the contents of overlapping the contents may be adjusted and displayed on the display unit 136 of the image processing device 23.

Further, the position may be adjusted with the preview image displayed on the mobile terminal device, the QR code may be provided with the position information for superimposing the content, and the image processing device may process and print the QR code. The content information may be acquired on the server or may be acquired by the mobile terminal device.

The print request information generation unit 228 generates print request information 172 for specifying print data, and associates (associates) the print data with the print request information.
The tag generation unit 229 generates a tag associated with the print request information.

(Configuration of image processing device)
The image processing device 23 forms an image based on print data, and is configured in the same manner as the image processing device 13 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the image processing device 23 will be omitted by referring to the configuration of the image processing device 13 shown in FIG.

(Operation processing to execute printing by the printing system)
Next, an operation process for executing printing by the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to a sequence diagram.

The operation process for executing printing by the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment includes a process for generating print request information on the server 22 side as compared with the operation process for the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The difference is that the server 22 generates a tag for managing print data in association with the print request information, and the server 22 transmits the print request information to the mobile terminal device 21.

Therefore, the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment is designated by a reference numeral indicating the same operation process where the same process as the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment is performed. The explanation will be omitted.

Here, the difference between the printing system 2 and the operation processing in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

In the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment, as shown in the broken line area A2 of FIG. 8, the print request information generation unit 228 on the server 22 side associates the print request based on the print data 171 stored in the server 22. Information 172 is generated (S221). Then, the tag generation unit 229 generates the tag information 273 that manages the print data 171 in association with the print request information 172 (S223). Then, the server 22 transmits the print request information 172 together with the tag information 273 to the mobile terminal device 21 (S225). The mobile terminal device 21 receives the print request information 172 transmitted from the server 22 (S201).

With the above configuration, according to the second embodiment, in the printing system 2, the server 22 is provided with the print request information generation unit 228, so that the print request information does not impose a load on the control of the mobile terminal device 21. 172 can be generated. Further, by providing the tag generation unit 229 in the server 22, print data 171 can be easily obtained based on the tag information 273 in addition to the print request information 172.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
A third embodiment is characterized in that, in a printing system, print data is stored on the server side, a print request information generation unit is provided on the server side, and print request information is generated on the server side. ..

For convenience of explanation, the configurations having the same functions as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are designated by the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal device constituting the printing system according to the third embodiment, FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server constituting the printing system according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server constituting the printing system according to the third embodiment. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation process for executing printing in the printing system according to the third embodiment.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the mobile terminal device 31, the image processing device 33, and the server 32 are communicably connected to each other, and printing is executed by the image processing device 33. The system 3 is characterized in that print data is stored in the server 32, the server 32 is provided with a print request information generation unit, and the server 32 generates print request information.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device)
As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile terminal device 31 mainly includes a control unit 311, a communication unit 115, a display unit 116, and a storage unit 317.

The control unit 311 is a functional unit for controlling the entire mobile terminal device 31. Since the mobile terminal device 31 does not have the print request information generation unit 228, the function of controlling the print request information generation unit 228 such as the control unit 111 of the first embodiment can be omitted.

The storage unit 317 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal device 31. In the third embodiment, the print request information 172 transmitted from the server 32 is stored.

(Server configuration)
As shown in FIG. 11, the server 32 mainly includes a control unit 321 and a communication unit 125 and a storage unit 127, and further includes a print request information generation unit 228 and a print setting unit 322. There is.

The control unit 321 is a functional unit for controlling the entire server 32.
In the third embodiment, the control unit 321 further controls the operation process of the print request information generation unit 228 and the process of performing the print setting by the print setting unit 322.

The print setting unit 322 accesses the server 32 from the mobile terminal device 31, and sets the print by using the print driver on the server 32 by the mobile terminal device 31.
In the third embodiment, the print setting is not made in the mobile terminal device 31.

(Configuration of image processing device)
The image processing device 33 forms an image based on print data, and is configured in the same manner as the image processing device 13 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the image processing device 33 will be omitted by referring to the configuration of the image processing device 13 shown in FIG.

(Operation processing to execute printing by the printing system)
Next, an operation process for executing printing by the printing system 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to a sequence diagram.

The operation process for executing printing by the printing system 3 according to the third embodiment is a point that the mobile terminal device 31 accesses the server 32 as compared with the operation process in the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment. The difference is that the print settings are made on the 32 side.

Therefore, the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 3 according to the third embodiment is designated by a reference numeral indicating the same operation process where the same process as the operation process in the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment is performed. The explanation will be omitted.

Here, the difference between the printing system 3 and the operation processing in the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described.

In the printing system 3 according to the third embodiment, as shown in the broken line area A3 of FIG. 12, the mobile terminal device 31 accesses the server 32 (S301), and the server 32 permits the success of the mobile terminal device 31. (S321). Then, in the server 32, the print setting of the image processing device 33 is performed by the operation from the mobile terminal device 31 (S323).

With the above configuration, according to the third embodiment, in the printing system 3, the mobile terminal device 31 accesses the server 32 and sets the print of the image processing device 33 by the operation of the server 32. Therefore, in addition to the operation and effect of the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment, the printing setting can be easily performed without giving the mobile terminal device 21 the printing setting function.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the fourth embodiment, in the printing system, the server includes a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of the print image output based on the print data, and the image processing device has a display unit that displays the preview image. It is characterized by having.

For convenience of explanation, configurations having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server constituting the printing system according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus constituting the printing system according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 4 A sequence diagram showing an example of an operation process for executing printing in the printing system according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 16 shows an example of a display mode of a display unit of an image processing device constituting the printing system according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, printing is performed by the image processing device 43 in which the mobile terminal device 41, the image processing device 43, and the server 42 are communicably connected to each other. In the system 4, the server 42 is provided with a preview image generation unit 428, and the image processing device 43 is characterized in that the preview image is displayed on the display unit 136.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device)
The mobile terminal device 41 is a terminal device that is portable and has a display unit (display screen), and includes a so-called tablet, smartphone, or the like. The mobile terminal device 41 is configured in the same manner as the mobile terminal device 11 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the mobile terminal device 41 will be omitted by referring to the configuration of the mobile terminal device 11 shown in FIG.

(Server configuration)
As shown in FIG. 13, the server 42 mainly includes a control unit 421, a communication unit 125, a storage unit 427, and further includes a preview image generation unit 428.

The storage unit 427 stores print data 171 for printing by the user, print request information 172, and preview image information 473.

The preview image generation unit 428 generates a preview image of the print image to be output based on the print data.

(Configuration of image processing device)
The image processing device 43 forms an image based on print data, and as shown in FIG. 14, mainly a control unit 431, an image input unit 132, an image forming unit 133, and an image processing unit 134. A communication unit 135, a display unit 136, and a storage unit 437 are provided, and an information reading unit 138 and a print request information determination unit 139 are further provided.

The control unit 431 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image processing device 43.
In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 431 controls the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 428 to be displayed on the display unit 136.

The storage unit 437 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image processing device 43.

In the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 437 stores print data 171 for printing by the user, print request information 172, and preview image information 473 generated by the preview image generation unit 428.

As shown in FIG. 16, the display unit 136 includes, for example, a preview image display area 1362 and a print setting area 1363 on the display screen 1361. A preview image 473a is displayed in the preview image display area 1362. In the print setting area 1363, the print setting item 1364 and the input key 1365 corresponding to the print setting item 1364 are displayed.

(Operation processing to execute printing by the printing system)
Next, an operation process for executing printing by the printing system 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to a sequence diagram.

The operation process for executing printing by the printing system 4 according to the fourth embodiment generates a preview image based on the print data on the server 42 side as compared with the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. It differs in that it has processing, that the image processing device 43 displays the preview image on the display unit 136 based on the preview image information transmitted from the server 42, and that the user determines to print the print data after displaying the preview image.

Therefore, the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 4 according to the fourth embodiment is designated by a reference numeral indicating the same operation process where the same process as the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment is performed. The explanation will be omitted.

Here, the difference between the printing system 4 and the operation processing in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

In the printing system 4 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, preview image information 473 is generated based on the print data 171 printed by the preview image generation unit 428 on the server 42 side (S421).

Then, when the server 42 receives the print request information 172 transmitted from the image processing device 43 (S125), the server 42 transmits the preview image information 473 to the image processing device 43 (S423).

The image processing device 43 receives the preview image information 473 transmitted from the server 42 (S431). Then, the preview image is displayed on the display unit 136 based on the preview image information 473 (S433). Then, the user determines whether or not to execute printing, and the image processing device 43 transmits the determination result to the server 42 (S435).

When the image processing apparatus 43 determines that printing is not executed, the image processing apparatus 43 returns to the state of S131. On the other hand, if it is determined to execute printing, printing is executed.

If the server 42 determines that printing is not executed based on the print execution determination result, the server 42 returns to the state of S125. on the other hand. When it is determined that printing is to be executed, print data is transmitted to the image processing device 43 (S425).

According to the fourth embodiment, in the printing system 4, the server 42 is provided with the preview image generation unit 428, and the image processing device 43 displays the preview image on the display unit 136. In addition to the effects of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, since the user executes printing after confirming the preview image of the print data 171, it is possible to reliably perform the printing process without waste.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
A fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in a printing system, an image processing apparatus includes a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of a print image output based on print data, and displays the preview image on the display unit. It is something to do.

For convenience of explanation, configurations having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus constituting the printing system according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation process for executing printing in the printing system according to the fifth embodiment. is there.

A fifth embodiment is a printing system 5 in which the mobile terminal device 51, the image processing device 53, and the server 52 are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device 53, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Therefore, the image processing device 53 is provided with a preview image generation unit 538, and is characterized in that the preview image is displayed on the display unit 136.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device)
The mobile terminal device 51 is a portable terminal device having a display unit (display screen), and includes a so-called tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The mobile terminal device 51 is configured in the same manner as the mobile terminal device 11 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the mobile terminal device 51 will be omitted by referring to the configuration of the mobile terminal device 11 shown in FIG.

(Server configuration)
The server 52 is configured in the same manner as the server 12 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the server 52 will be omitted by referring to the configuration of the server 12 shown in FIG.

(Configuration of image processing device)
The image processing device 53 forms an image based on print data, and as shown in FIG. 17, the image processing device 53 mainly forms a control unit 531, an image input unit 132, an image forming unit 133, and an image processing unit 134. The communication unit 135, the display unit 136, and the storage unit 537 are provided, and further, an information reading unit 138, a print request information determination unit 139, and a preview image generation unit 538 are provided.

The control unit 531 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image processing device 53.
In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 531 controls to display the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 538 on the display unit 136.

The storage unit 537 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image processing device 53.

In the fifth embodiment, the storage unit 537 stores print data 171 for printing by the user, print request information 172, and preview image information 573 generated by the preview image generation unit 538.

The preview image generation unit 538 generates a preview image of the print image to be output based on the print data.

(Operation processing to execute printing by the printing system)
Next, an operation process for executing printing by the printing system 4 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to a sequence diagram.

In the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 5 according to the fifth embodiment, a preview image is produced on the image processing device 53 side based on the print data as compared with the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. It differs in that it has a process of generating, that a preview image is displayed on the display unit 136 of the image processing device 53, and that the user determines to print the print data after the preview image is displayed.

Therefore, the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 5 according to the fifth embodiment is designated by a reference numeral indicating the same operation process where the same process as the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment is performed. The explanation will be omitted.

Here, the difference between the printing system 5 and the operation processing in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

In the printing system 5 according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, preview image information 573 is generated based on the print data 171 printed by the preview image generation unit 538 on the image processing apparatus 53 side (S531). ..

Then, the preview image is displayed on the display unit 136 based on the preview image information 573 (S533). Then, the user determines whether or not to execute printing, and based on the determination result, determines whether or not to execute printing (S535).

With the above configuration, according to the fifth embodiment, in the printing system 5, the image processing device 53 is provided with the preview image generation unit 538, and the preview image is displayed on the display unit 136. In addition to the operation and effect of the printing system 1 according to the above, since the user executes printing after confirming the preview image of the print data 171, it is possible to surely perform the printing process without waste.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the sixth embodiment, in the printing system, the mobile terminal device side is provided with a print request information generation unit, and the QR code generation unit (code generation unit) is provided to print the print data specified based on the QR code on the server side. It is characterized in that it is transmitted from the image processing device to the image processing device and printing is executed by the image processing device.

For convenience of explanation, configurations having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal device constituting the printing system according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing device constituting the printing system according to the sixth embodiment, FIG. 21. Is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation process for executing printing in the printing system according to the sixth embodiment.

The sixth embodiment is as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21.
A printing system 6 in which a mobile terminal device 61, an image processing device 63, and a server 62 are communicably connected and printed by the image processing device 63.
The mobile terminal device 61 includes a print request information generation unit 118 and a QR code generation unit 619, and the image processing device 63 has an information reading unit 638 that reads print request information and a QR code, and a QR code that is decoded and printed. The server 62 includes a QR code decoding unit 639 that returns the request information, and the server 62 has a storage unit that stores print data for printing, and when the print request information transmitted from the image processing device 63 is received. The print data to be printed is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 63.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device)
As shown in FIG. 19, the mobile terminal device 61 mainly includes a control unit 611, a print setting unit 112, a communication unit 115, a display unit 116, and a storage unit 617, and further, print request information generation. A unit 118 and a QR code generation unit 619 are provided.

The mobile terminal device 61 is a portable terminal device having a display unit (display screen), and includes a so-called tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

The control unit 611 is a functional unit for controlling the entire mobile terminal device 11.
In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 611 controls the print request information generation unit 118 and the QR code generation unit 619 to function. Further, the control unit 611 controls the display unit 116 to display the print request information and the QR code.

The storage unit 617 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal device 61.
In the sixth embodiment, the storage unit 617 stores print data 171 for printing by the user, print request information 172, and a QR code.

The QR code generation unit 619 generates a QR code based on the print request information.

(Server configuration)
The server 62 is configured in the same manner as the server 12 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the server 62 will be omitted by referring to the configuration of the server 12 shown in FIG.

(Configuration of image processing device)
The image processing device 63 forms an image based on print data, and as shown in FIG. 20, mainly includes a control unit 631, an image input unit 132, an image forming unit 133, and an image processing unit 134. The communication unit 135, the display unit 136, and the storage unit 637 are provided, and further, an information reading unit 638 and a QR code decoding unit 639 are provided.

The control unit 631 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image processing device 13.
In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 631 controls the information reading unit 638 and the QR code decoding unit 639 to function.

The storage unit 637 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image processing device 63.

In the sixth embodiment, the storage unit 637 stores print data 171 and print request information 172 for printing by the user.

The information reading unit 638 is configured by using an image capturing device such as a camera, reads an image or a QR code displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61, and recognizes the read image or QR code information.

The QR code decoding unit 639 decodes the QR code read by the information reading unit 638 and returns it to the print request information.

(Operation processing to execute printing by the printing system)
Next, the operation process of executing the printing of the print data specified based on the QR code by the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram.

In addition, the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment is compared with the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, and the print request information of the print data is added to the mobile terminal device 61 side. It differs in that a QR code is generated based on this, that the QR code displayed on the image processing device 63 is read by the image processing device 63, and that the image processing device 63 decodes the QR code to acquire print request information.

Therefore, the operation process for executing printing by the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment is designated by a reference numeral indicating the same operation process where the same process as the operation process in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment is performed. The explanation will be omitted.

Here, the difference between the printing system 6 and the operation processing in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

(QR code reading pattern 1)
First, in the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment, a case where a plurality of QR codes are simultaneously read by the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61 as the QR code reading pattern 1 will be described.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of the QR code of the reading pattern 1 displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal device constituting the printing system according to the sixth embodiment.

Here, as shown in FIG. 22, two QR codes 674a and 674b are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61.

In the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the mobile terminal device 61 generates a QR code based on the print request information 172 printed by the QR code generation unit 619 (S611). Then, the QR code is displayed on the display unit 116 (S613).

The image processing device 63 activates the QR code recognition mode (S631), and the information reading unit 638 reads the QR code (S632). The read QR code is normalized (S633), and a part of the data of the QR code is decoded (recognized) by the QR code decoding unit 639 (S634). Then, it is determined whether or not some of the data is related to the print data (S635).

When it is determined that some of the data is related to the print data, all the read QR codes are decoded by the QR code decoding unit 639 to acquire the print request information 172 (S636).

On the other hand, when it is determined that a part of the data decoded by the QR code decoding unit 639 is not related to the print data, the display unit 136 of the image processing device 63 is displayed from the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61. A warning is displayed to the effect that the read information is not print request information (S637). Then, the process returns to the process of S631.

In this way, in the sixth embodiment, the print request information 172 acquired from the QR code 674 is transmitted from the image processing device 63 to the server 62 to acquire the print data based on the print request information 172. ..

(QR code reading pattern 2)
Next, in the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment, as the QR code reading pattern 2, a QR code is displayed one by one on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61, and a plurality of QR codes are read a plurality of times. Will be described.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of the QR code of the reading pattern 2 displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal device constituting the printing system according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 24 is a printing according to the sixth embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the operation process which executes printing in a system.
Is.

Here, as shown in FIG. 23, the QR codes 674a and 674b are displayed one by one on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61, and are read twice one by one.

In the printing system 6 according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the mobile terminal device 61 generates a QR code based on the print request information 172 printed by the QR code generation unit 619 (S611). Then, the QR code is displayed on the display unit 116 (S613).

The image processing device 63 activates the QR code recognition mode (S631), and the information reading unit 638 reads the QR code (S632). The read QR code is normalized (S633), and a part of the data of the QR code is decoded (recognized) by the QR code decoding unit 639 (S634). Then, it is determined whether or not some of the data is related to the print data (S635).

If it is determined that some of the data is related to the print data, it is determined whether or not there is a QR code to be read next (S636). If there is a QR code to be read next, the next QR code is read (S632). If there is no QR code to be read next, the QR code decoding unit 639 decodes all the read QR codes to acquire the print request information 172 (S636).

On the other hand, when it is determined that a part of the data decoded by the QR code decoding unit 639 is not related to the print data, the display unit 136 of the image processing device 63 is displayed from the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61. A warning is displayed to the effect that the read information is not print request information (S637). Then, the QR code read immediately before is deleted (S638). Then, the process returns to the process of reading the QR code (S632).

In this way, in the sixth embodiment, the print request information 172 acquired from the QR code 674 is transmitted from the image processing device 63 to the server 62 to acquire the print data based on the print request information 172. ..

With the above configuration, according to the sixth embodiment, in the printing system 6, the mobile terminal device 61 is provided with a QR code generator 619, and the print request information 172 is encrypted as a QR code. In addition to the effects of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, a large amount of information can be easily encrypted. Then, by combining a plurality of QR codes, it is possible to obtain print request information having different purposes, for example, the first is authentication information and the second is content information such as an image. ..

Further, in the QR code reading pattern 1, two QR codes 674a and 674b are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61, and the information reading unit 613 of the image processing device 63 simultaneously reads the two QR codes. A lot of information can be read efficiently.

Further, in the QR code reading pattern 2, the QR codes 674a and 674b are displayed one by one on the display unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 61, and the information reading unit 613 of the image processing device 63 reads one by one. , The necessary information can be reliably read without wasting the reading process.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, that is, the modifications are made as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. Embodiments obtained by combining technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1,2,3,4,5,6 Printing system 11,21,31,41,51,61 Mobile terminal device 12,22,32,42,52,62 Server 13,23,33,43,53,63 Image processing devices 111, 121, 131, 211,221, 311, 321,
421,431,531,611,631 Control unit 112,322 Print setting unit 115,125,135 Communication unit 116,136 Display unit 117,127,137,227,427,437,537,617,637 Storage unit 118, 228 Print request information generation unit 138, 638 Information reading unit 139 Print request information judgment unit 171 Print data 172 Print request information 229 Tag generation unit 273 Tag information 428,538 Preview image generation unit 473,573 Preview image information 613 Information reading unit 619 Code generation unit 639 Code decoding unit 674,674a, 674b QR code

Claims (12)

A printing system in which a mobile terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device.
The mobile terminal device includes a display unit that displays print request information associated with print data on which printing is executed.
The image processing device includes an information reading unit that reads the print request information displayed on the display unit, and a print request information determination unit that determines the print request information.
The server includes a storage unit that stores print data for which printing is executed, and when the print request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus is received, the print data for which printing is executed is processed for image processing. A printing system characterized by transmitting to a device. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal device includes a print request information generation unit that generates the print request information. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the server includes a print request information generation unit that generates the print request information. The server includes a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of a print image output based on the print data.
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device includes a display unit for displaying the preview image. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of a print image output based on the print data, and a display unit that displays the preview image. Printing system. A printing system in which a mobile terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device.
The mobile terminal device includes a display unit that displays a matrix-type two-dimensional code based on print request information associated with print data on which printing is executed.
The image processing device includes a code reading unit that reads the matrix-type two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit, and a code decoding unit that decodes the matrix-type two-dimensional code and returns it to print request information.
The server includes a storage unit that stores print data for which printing is executed, and when the print request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus is received, the print data for which printing is executed is processed for image processing. A printing system characterized by transmitting to a device. The mobile terminal device is
A print request information generation unit that generates the print request information,
A code generator that generates a matrix-type two-dimensional code based on the print request information,
With
The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the code generation unit generates a plurality of related matrix-type two-dimensional codes based on the print request information. A plurality of matrix-type two-dimensional codes are simultaneously displayed on the display unit.
The printing system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the code reading unit simultaneously reads information of a series of matrix-type two-dimensional codes when the plurality of matrix-type two-dimensional codes are related. .. A plurality of matrix-type two-dimensional codes are displayed one by one on the display unit a plurality of times.
The code reading unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein when the plurality of matrix-type two-dimensional codes are related, the code reading unit continuously reads the information as a series of matrix-type two-dimensional codes. Printing system. An image processing device that is communicably connected to a server that stores print data and a mobile terminal device that stores print request information associated with the print data to execute printing.
An information reading unit that reads print request information associated with print data for which printing is executed displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal device, and an information reading unit.
A print request information determination unit that determines the print request information,
With
An image processing device characterized in that print data associated with the print request information read from the mobile terminal device is received from the server and printing is executed based on the print data. A printing method in which a mobile terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device.
The mobile terminal device includes a step of displaying print request information associated with print data to be printed on a display unit.
The image processing apparatus includes a step of reading the print request information displayed on the display unit and a step of determining the print request information.
When the server stores the print data in which printing is executed and the print request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus is received, the print data in which printing is executed is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. A printing method characterized by comprising a process of printing. A printing method in which a mobile terminal device, an image processing device, and a server are communicably connected and printing is executed by the image processing device.
The mobile terminal device includes a step of displaying a matrix-type two-dimensional code based on print request information associated with print data to be printed on a display unit.
The image processing apparatus includes a step of reading the matrix-type two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit and a step of decoding the matrix-type two-dimensional code and returning it to print request information.
When the server stores the print data in which printing is executed and the print request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus is received, the print data in which printing is executed is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. A printing method characterized by comprising a process of printing.

Images