JP3167126B2 - Information providing system and information providing method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing method and an output control method capable of providing and obtaining information at a satisfactory level and with an appropriate layout for a side providing information and a side obtaining information. Method, apparatus and system

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, services for providing various types of information have been considered. As a form of the information service, for example, 1: Internet Web, 2: Internet push type news distribution service, 3: FAX information retrieval service, 4: Newspaper / magazine attached document request coupon sending, 5: Toll free inquiry, 6: Material It is known to send a postcard or the like. However, each has advantages and disadvantages, and better services that provide information to more people have been desired.

[0003]

On the other hand, with the spread of portable information terminals such as mobile phones, information providing services using character information and image information have become popular. However, the display capability of the mobile terminal is limited by size, color, resolution, and the like. Therefore, it is conceivable that the above service is used in a form that complements this.

However, the above-mentioned conventional information providing services have limitations. In 1 and 2, the users who receive the service are limited to only PC users or terminal users who are familiar with the Internet environment. In addition, the user has trouble finding the URL (Unifor Resource Locator) necessary to access the information to be obtained.

[0005] In No. 3, not only the user is squeezed by the FAX user, but also the print capability (monochrome, print preview) of the fax owned by the individual is limited. Output costs (telephone bill, paper bill, etc.) are also paid by the user.

[0006] In 4 and 6, an unspecified number of users are available. However, the user can get the information several hours or days after requesting the service. Further, the information provider needs to prepare a physical processing system for providing the information, which increases the cost of providing the information.

[0007] In the case of 5, the information is only information in a telephone. Even after the verbal exchange, even if the user can request materials and the like, it takes several hours or several days to provide the information, as in 4 and 6. Further, the information provider also needs to prepare a physical processing system such as an automatic response tape and an operator.

Therefore, in order to provide a better information providing service, a code system represented by symbols and numerals (hereinafter, referred to as a code system).
A system that outputs specific information using a P code (system) is conceivable. Then, it is considered that there is a demand that anyone can output detailed information at a desired place and at a desired time with high quality by using this system.

[0009] However, if all information is converted into user-input codes, the number of codes becomes enormous. As the number of digits in the code increases, erroneous input increases.

[0010] Even if the above problems are solved, there are various problems. For example, there is a problem of cost. For example, printing in color is still expensive. In the world of the Internet, a service is proposed in which information is provided free of charge by placing an advertisement of an advertisement provider on information of the information provider. However, when a general user outputs desired information at a copy shop, a convenience store, or the like, the printing process is charged. For this reason, general users have had difficulty resisting printing and acquiring information.

On the other hand, from the point of view of an advertisement provider, advertisements that are randomly placed, such as newspaper advertisements,
The ad hit rate (the percentage of customers who come to see the ad) is low. In addition, from the viewpoint of a user who has performed printing, advertisements placed at random are often advertisements not related to their own interests, and are often merely an obstacle. If these problems are not solved, paper will be wasted.

The information that the user wants to output includes information of various sizes and various layouts. Therefore, when an advertisement is inserted, there is a possibility that data slightly overflows on the paper and an extra sheet is printed for the advertisement. On the other hand, if the data is unconditionally reduced and printed, the data may be too small depending on the size of the data to make the print result invisible. As a result, the service becomes unattractive to advertisement providers and users.

[0013] Even if the user can freely select whether or not to output an advertisement each time, it is troublesome and time-consuming to confirm whether to print individual advertisements one by one. In particular, when a user performs a printing operation on a panel at a terminal in a store such as a convenience store, a long time is spent on panel operations, and there is a risk that one of the users occupies the terminal. In addition, it is necessary for the clerk to respond to complaints such as not knowing the operation of the panel, and a drawback that the service cannot be provided efficiently can be considered.

[0014] In addition, if the advertisement provider determines a contract in which the number of advertisements and the amount of money are fixed in expectation of the output of more than a certain number of sheets, the number of printed advertisements is smaller than expected, The number of copies may not be printed. Then, the result is not satisfactory for the advertisement provider, and there is a problem.

[0015] In addition, when printing information and an advertisement at the same time, it is difficult to put a large advertisement if both are to be printed on the same side. In addition, in order to simultaneously place a plurality of pieces of information and advertisements on the same surface, complicated processing is required in automatic layout.

[0016] Registering desired information in advance,
It is possible to output it later, but when registering information on the Internet, when you select a file to register, you want to check the preview as soon as possible to determine whether the selected file is correct. On the other hand, an accurate preview cannot be confirmed unless all information is registered and completed.

In a system that extracts information from a code, the code is usually recycled on the spot when the information expires. Even when the information expires, the user may unknowingly attempt to access the information from the code for the information. At that time, if the code is recycled and linked to other information, unpleasant information may appear for the user and the information provider. (For example, when information on a competitor appears.) Also, a hit rate is poor for an advertisement provider, regardless of the type of information, even if an advertisement is unconditionally displayed.

[0018] In addition, the spread of the Internet and the spread of portable terminals have made it possible to read mail from the portable terminal and access information on the Internet, but it is impossible to view all such information on the portable terminal. . For example, a long mail is cut off in the middle, or information with an image cannot access image information. You cannot always carry a PC to access that information. Therefore, there is a demand that a detailed information can be obtained at any time in a place where anyone can use it.

It is necessary to provide the output at a level that satisfies the user and as easily as possible. However, a variable printing fee is set based on the number of prints, the price of the printed fee-based information, and the advertising fee discounted therefrom. Getting out is not easy.

On the other hand, although a large amount of information is carried in newspapers, the information required by the user is rarely all of them. Even if you have some information that you want every day, searching from a PC is troublesome, time consuming, and time consuming. There is a service that provides some information as a pack, but the user cannot arbitrarily select a combination of information provided by the service.

Conventionally, information is generally provided by a specific IP.
(Internet provider), the general user simply pulls out information from the terminal for information acquisition.
In addition, PC owners can send information by opening a Home Page, but not everyone can easily do it, such as writing in html.

In addition, it may not be preferable to simultaneously place an advertisement for a food item or a restaurant in a place where an article on food poisoning appears. Searching for a character string in the information and placing an advertisement with matching content will have the opposite effect depending on the content of the information, but there is no means to prevent it. There is a need for a service that solves the above-mentioned various problems and the problems of a combination thereof.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a print service for printing registered output information, in which a fee is charged for printing the output information desired by a user. The first storage means for storing first value information indicating the value for the output information to be printed and the second storage means for storing second value information indicating the value for the additional information added to the output information. Reading is controlled, and based on the first value information of the output information and the second value information of the additional information added to the output information, the printing value when the output information and the additional information are printed. An information processing apparatus,
It is an object to provide an information processing method and an information processing program.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print service for printing registered output information, wherein a charge processing is performed for printing the output information desired by a user. Enter the code information for specifying the information, input the setting information for printing the output information, transmit the input code information and the input setting information to the external device, and specify the transmitted information based on the transmitted code information. The first value information indicating the value of the output information to be output, and the second value information indicating the value of the additional information to be added to the output information and printed. An object of the present invention is to provide an output control device, an output control method, and a control program, which receive value information from the external device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing system in which an information processing device and an output control device are connected via a network, and a print service for printing registered output information is provided. To provide, in order to perform a fee process for printing of the output information desired by the user, input the code information for specifying the output information, transmit the input code information to the information processing device, Controlling reading of information from a first storage unit for storing first value information for output information to be printed and a second storage unit for storing second value information indicating a value for additional information added to the output information; Receiving the code information from the output control device, first value information indicating the value of the output information specified by the received code information, and the output information An information providing system that determines a value for printing when printing the output information and the additional information based on second value information indicating a value of the additional information to be added and printed; It is intended to provide a method and a program.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an information providing method, apparatus and system according to the present invention. In this embodiment, reference numeral 100 denotes a database and a management unit that manages information to be provided, manages P-code numbers, controls an output layout, and the like. Here, it is tentatively called a CandiNet control unit.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a device which is installed at a place where an unspecified number of users can use it, such as a corner at a station or a convenience store at a station, for inputting / outputting information and inputting a P code. Here, it is tentatively called a kiosk terminal.

This kiosk terminal has a UI or a code input device (P code input device 1) for inputting a P code.
11) an information input device 112 for registering (inputting) information from the terminal, a P-code information output device 113 capable of printing out information in high quality on both sides in color, for example, and a user It is composed of a device for performing payment, authentication, and the like, such as a payment processing function device 114 for inputting and a personal user authentication function device 115.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a portable terminal device serving as a means for a user to obtain a P code necessary for information output. By using this, even a person who does not have a computer can find the information to be obtained, and input a P code corresponding to the found information to the kiosk terminal 110 to obtain a desired high-quality output Can be.

Reference numeral 130 denotes an information provider / IP (Information P
rovider), which is about to generate data for providing various information. This is divided into two types: a company that handles advertisements found on ordinary Internet homepages and a company that provides value-added information such as horse race predictions. These vendors provide data on the information they provide to Cand
By registering in the iNet control unit 100, a P code is assigned to the provided information. Then, the user searches for information on the information terminal device, and a P corresponding to the information is retrieved.
By inputting the code into the kiosk terminal 110, the information can be output (printed).

At this time, in some cases, the advertisement is printed on the space portion or the back side of the sheet together with the output information, and the printing cost to be paid by the user is reduced.

Reference numeral 121 denotes an information medium other than the portable information terminal 120. When a P-code is notified on the Internet, a newspaper, or the like, a person who has obtained the P-code goes to a convenience store and stores the P-code in a kiosk. By inputting the information to the terminal 110, the information can be easily output (printed).

Reference numeral 115 performs personal authentication as to whether or not the user is permitted to input a P code to output certain information. Reference numeral 114 denotes an apparatus for performing a billing process when a user outputs information. This may be linked with the POS system 140 at a store such as a convenience store.

There are, for example, the following four types of information providing services based on the above system.

1. Information service: This is a basic service of the system. As described above, the user can obtain the P code from the terminal 120 or another information medium 121 and input the P code into the kiosk terminal 110 so that the information provided by the IP 130 can be printed. Service. The fee for information output is variable depending on the presence or absence of an advertisement, backside printing, color / monochrome printing, and the like.

2. Mail print service: This is used, for example, when the contents of an e-mail sent to an information portable terminal are to be printed and retained, or when a user without a portable terminal wants to read an e-mail on the go. This system allows the user to input the P-code and print the contents (e-mail information) of the user's e-mail in order to answer the request. The fee is also variable depending on whether or not there is an advertisement, printing on the back side, color / black and white printing, and the like.

3. Personal information service: This allows the user to not only obtain individual information by individual P-codes, but also to select and collect favorite information and obtain an integrated version of the information by a user-specific P-code. Service. For example, "My Sports Newspaper", in which only articles of a certain baseball team are collected and output at a convenience store every morning, corresponds to this service. In order for a user to receive this service, it is necessary to become a personal member and have the user issue a unique P-code (called a personal P-code). Then, when inputting this P code, it is necessary to input a password or the like to the personal authentication function device 115. This too
The fee is variable depending on whether or not there is an advertisement, backside printing, color / black and white printing, and the like.

4. Data distribution service: This is a service that allows information (data) to be temporarily deposited and then withdrawn, such as depositing a car at a 100 yen park. The method of depositing information includes, for example, a case where information is input and deposited by the information input device 112 (scanner or the like) of the kiosk terminal 110 (case A), and a case where desired information (data) is controlled by CandiNet control via the Internet. There is a case where it is transferred to the unit 100 and deposited (case B).

Then, when the information is input (case A) or when the information is transferred (case B), a personal P code is issued, and by inputting the personal P code to the kiosk terminal 110, You can output it anywhere you like. The fee is also variable depending on whether or not there is an advertisement, printing on the back side, color / black and white printing, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of kiosk terminal 110 and CanDINet control unit 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, each may be a single device or a system including a plurality of devices. That is, the kiosk terminal 110 and the CanDINet control unit 100 may be constituted by one device. Further, the kiosk terminal 110 and the CanDINet control unit 100 may be a system in which the kiosk terminal 110 and the CanDINet control unit 100 are connected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN constructed by an optical cable or a public line. Further, it goes without saying that in the system, a plurality of CanDINet control units 100 may exist for each region or each country. In the present embodiment, this type is used. In FIG. 2, the information provider 130 is further connected to the kiosk terminal 100, the CanDINet control unit 100, and the like via a public line or the like.

<CanDINet control unit 100>
The CPU 201 performs document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables, and the like are mixed according to a program ROM stored in the ROM 203 or a program stored in a large-capacity external memory 211. Is executed, and the management of the database stored in the external memory 211 is executed. And CanDINet
The control unit 100 compresses or converts the data of the information and the advertisement information generated and processed by the document processing into a script format, and transfers the data to the kiosk terminal 110 according to the information output protocol.

When the information from the external information provider 130 is compressed data or script data, the CanDINet control unit 100 decompresses the compressed data or converts the script data into an image for editing. It can be performed.

The CPU 201 controls each device connected to the system bus 204. Also, this R
An operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program for the CPU 1, is stored in the program ROM or the external memory 211 in the OM 203. The font ROM in the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores font data and the like used in the document processing. The data ROM of the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores various data used when performing the document processing and the like. R
The AM 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

Keyboard controller (KBC) 205
Controls key input from the keyboard 209 or a pointing device (not shown). CRT controller (C
(RTC) 206 is a CRT display (CRT) 21
The display of 0 is controlled. These are used by the administrator as needed. The present invention is not directly related. A disk controller (DKC) 207 is a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (F) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter, printer driver), and the like.
D) controls access to the external memory 211. The interface controller 208 is connected to the kiosk terminal 110 via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network.

The CPU 201 is, for example, a RAM 20
2 by executing an outline font development (rasterization) process on the display information RAM in the CRT 2.
210 WYSIWYG (What You See Is What Yo
u Get). In addition, the CPU 201
Based on a command specified by the user with a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on T210, various registered windows are opened to execute various data processing. When the user instructs printing, a window related to print settings opens. In this window, the user can set the print processing method for the printer driver, such as setting the printer and selecting the print mode.

Information output device 250 of kiosk terminal 110
, The printer CPU 212 sends output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 217 connected to the system bus 215 based on a control program stored in a program ROM in the ROM 213 or a control program stored in the external memory 214. As an image signal. The program ROM in the ROM 213 stores a control program of the CPU 212 shown in a flowchart described later. The font ROM in the ROM 213 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.

The information input unit 218 is composed of an image scanner unit (abbreviated as a scanner unit) and an interface.
It is connected to the nDINet control unit 100. The scanner unit reads a document and performs digital signal processing to generate image information of the document. In the above-mentioned data distribution service, it is used when information is temporarily deposited from a store terminal.

The CPU 212 is capable of communicating with the CanDINet control unit 100 via an interface, and is configured to be able to notify the CanDINet control unit 100 of information in the printer and the like. The RAM 219 is a CPU 21
RAM functioning as main memory, work area, etc.
The option RA connected to the expansion port (not shown)
The memory capacity can be expanded by M. The RAM 219 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like.
Access to the external memory 214 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 220. The external memory 214
It is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.

The operation section 251 is provided with a display section for displaying various display screens described later, a touch panel on the screen, and / or a switch (button) for operation provided at another position. I have.

The above-mentioned external memory 214 is not limited to one. At least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in font, an external card storing an option card and a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system is used. It may be configured so that a plurality of connections can be made. Further, the external memory 214 may include an NVRAM (not shown), and may store the printer mode setting information input from the operation unit 251.

<Configuration of Printer> FIG. 3 shows an information output unit (printer) of the information output device 250 of the kiosk terminal 110.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a color output unit having a scanner and having a double-sided printing function in one example. Although shown in the drawings, it goes without saying that the information input device 218 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided.

This printer forms an electrostatic latent image by scanning the photosensitive drum 55 with the polygon mirror 31 using laser light modulated with image data for each color obtained based on print data input from the host computer. And
This electrostatic latent image is developed with toner to obtain a visible image, which is multiply transferred to the intermediate transfer body 49 for all colors to form a color visible image. Further, the color visible image is transferred to the transfer material 42, and the color visible image is fixed on the transfer material 42. The image forming unit that performs the above control is a photosensitive drum 5
5, a primary charging section having a contact charging roller 57, a cleaning section, a developing section, and an intermediate transfer member 4.
9, paper cassette 41 and various rollers 43, 44, 45,
The fixing unit 25 includes a sheet feeding unit including a transfer roller 47, a transfer unit including a transfer roller 50, and a fixing unit 25.

The drum unit 53 is formed by integrally forming a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 55 and a cleaner container 54 having a cleaning mechanism also serving as a holder for the photosensitive drum 55. The drum unit 53 is detachably supported by the printer main body, and is configured such that the unit can be easily replaced according to the life of the photosensitive drum 55. The photosensitive drum 55 is formed by applying an organic photoconductor layer to the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder, and is rotatably supported by a cleaner container 54. The photosensitive drum 55 rotates by transmitting a driving force of a drive motor (not shown). The drive motor rotates the photosensitive drum 55 counterclockwise in accordance with an image forming operation. Exposure to the photosensitive drum 55 is performed by the scanner unit 3.
The structure is such that an electrostatic latent image is formed by selectively exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 55 with the laser beam sent from the zero. In the scanner unit 30, the modulated laser light is reflected by a polygon mirror that rotates in synchronization with a horizontal synchronization signal of an image signal by a motor 31a, and irradiates the photosensitive drum via a lens 32 and a reflecting mirror 33.

The developing units are three color developing units 20Y and 20Y for developing yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) in order to visualize the electrostatic latent image.
M, 20C, and one black developing device 21B for developing black (B). Sleeves 20YS, 20MS, 20CS and 21B are provided in the color developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C and the black developing unit 21B.
S and these sleeves 20YS, 20MS, 20CS,
Coating blade 20Y pressed against the outer periphery of each 20BS
B, 20 MB, 20 CB, and 21 BB, respectively. Further, three color developing units 20Y, 20M, 20
C is provided with application rollers 20YR, 20MR and 20CR.

The black developing device 21B is detachably attached to the printer main body, and the color developing devices 20Y, 20M, and 20C are detachably attached to a developing rotary 23 that rotates around a rotation shaft 22. ing.

The sleeve 21BS of the black developing unit 21B
Are arranged at a minute interval of, for example, about 300 μm with respect to the photosensitive drum 55. Black developing unit 21B
Is a sleeve 21B rotating clockwise while conveying toner by a feeding member built in the container.
An electric charge is applied to the toner by frictional charging so that the toner is applied to the outer periphery of S by the application blade 21BB. Further, by applying a developing bias to the sleeve 21BS,
The photosensitive drum 55 is developed in accordance with the electrostatic latent image, and a visible image is formed on the photosensitive drum 55 using black toner.

The three color developing units 20Y, 20M, 20
C rotates with the rotation of the developing rotary 23 during image formation, and the predetermined sleeves 20YS, 20MS, 20
The CS faces the photosensitive drum 55 with a minute interval of about 300 μm.

Thus, the predetermined color developing units 20Y, 20Y
0M and 20C are stopped at the developing position facing the photosensitive drum 55, and a visible image is created on the photosensitive drum 55.

At the time of forming a color image, the developing rotary 23 rotates for each rotation of the intermediate transfer member 49, and the yellow developing device 20Y, the magenta developing device 20M, and the cyan developing device 20
C, and then the developing process is performed in the order of the black developing device 20B, and the intermediate transfer body 49 rotates four times to obtain yellow, magenta,
Visible images are sequentially formed by the respective toners of cyan and black, and as a result, a full-color visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 49.

The intermediate transfer member 49 is configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 55 in contact with the photosensitive drum 55. The intermediate transfer member 49 rotates clockwise when a color image is formed. Undergoes multiple transfers of visible images. Further, the intermediate transfer body 49 simultaneously transfers the color visible image on the intermediate transfer body 49 to the transfer material 42 by multiplex transfer by sandwiching and conveying the transfer material 42 by contacting a transfer roller 50 to be described later during image formation. On the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 49,
A TOP sensor 49a and an RS sensor 49b for detecting the position of the intermediate transfer member 49 in the rotation direction, and a density sensor 49c for detecting the density of the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer member are provided.

The transfer roller 50 is provided with a transfer charger which is supported so as to be able to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 55, and is constituted by winding a metal shaft with a medium-resistance foam elastic body.

The transfer roller 50 is separated downward so as not to disturb the color visible image during the multiple transfer of the color visible image on the intermediate transfer member 49 as shown by the solid line in FIG. After the four color visible images are formed on the intermediate transfer body 49, the transfer roller 50 is moved by a cam member (not shown) in accordance with the dotted line shown in FIG. It is located above indicated by. As a result, the transfer roller 50 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 49 via the transfer material 42 with a predetermined pressing force, and a bias voltage is applied to transfer the color visible image on the intermediate transfer body 49 to the transfer material 42.

The fixing unit 25 fixes the transferred color visible image while transporting the transfer material 42, and includes a fixing roller 26 for heating the transfer material 42 and a transfer material 42.
And a pressure roller 27 for pressing the fixing roller 26 against the fixing roller 26. The fixing roller 26 and the pressure roller 27 are formed in a hollow shape, and have heaters 28 and 29 therein, respectively.

That is, the transfer material 4 holding a color visible image
2 is conveyed by the fixing roller 26 and the pressure roller 27, and the toner is fixed on the surface by applying heat and pressure.

The transfer material 42 after the fixing of the visible image is thereafter discharged to the paper discharge section 37 by the paper discharge rollers 34, 35, 36, and the image forming operation is completed.

The cleaning means is for cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 55 and the intermediate transfer member 49, and is provided after the visible image formed by the toner formed on the photosensitive drum 55 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 49. The waste toner or the waste toner after transferring the four color visible images formed on the intermediate transfer body 49 to the transfer material 42 is stored in the cleaner container 54.

The transfer material (recording paper) 42 to be printed is taken out of the paper feed tray 41 by the paper feed roller 43 and is conveyed so as to be sandwiched between the intermediate transfer body 49 and the transfer roller 50 to be transferred to the color toner image. Is recorded, and the toner image passes through the fixing unit 25 and is fixed. For single-sided printing,
The conveyance path is formed so that the guide 38 guides the recording sheet to the upper sheet discharge unit, but the path is formed so that the sheet for double-sided printing is guided to the lower double-side unit.

The recording paper guided to the duplex unit is once fed into the lower portion of the tray 41 (the transport path indicated by the two-dot chain line) by the transport rollers 40, is transported in the opposite direction, and is sent to the duplex tray 39. On the double-sided tray 39, the sheet is turned upside down from the state of being placed on the sheet feeding tray 41, and the sheet is turned upside down in the transport direction. By transferring and fixing the toner image again in this state, double-sided printing can be performed.

The printer is not limited to the above-described electrophotographic printer, but may be a four-drum type electrophotographic printer, or may eject liquid droplets by using a thermal transfer printer or film boiling by thermal energy. A so-called bubble jet printer or a piezo type ink jet printer may be used.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an ink jet printer (not shown) capable of feeding a plurality of types of paper.
In the figure, a carriage 450 that engages with a spiral groove 404 of a lead screw 405 that rotates via driving force transmission gears 411 and 409 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a drive motor 413 has a pin (not shown). And reciprocate in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge 451 is mounted on the carriage 450.

Reference numeral 402 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the paper against the platen 400 in the moving direction of the carriage.
Reference numerals 407 and 408 denote home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the lever 406 of the carriage in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 413.

Reference numeral 416 denotes a member for supporting a cap member 422 for capping the front surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 415 denotes suction means for suctioning the inside of the cap.
, The suction recovery of the recording head is performed.

Reference numeral 417 denotes a cleaning blade.
Are members that allow the blades to move in the front-rear direction, and these are supported by the main body support plate 418. It goes without saying that the blade is not limited to this form and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example. Also, 421
Is a lever for starting suction for recovery of suction, and moves with the movement of the cam 420 engaging with the carriage, and the driving force from the drive motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at the corresponding position by the action of the lead screw 405 when the carriage comes to the area on the home position side. If a desired operation is performed at a timing, any of the examples can be applied.

In the present invention, a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) may be integrated.

Also, a software program for realizing the functions of the embodiment for achieving the object of the present invention or a recording medium on which the program is recorded is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus is supplied. (MPU) reads and executes the program code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium and the program storing the program code are within the scope of the present invention. As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used. it can.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

<P-Code of Information Provider> In this embodiment, when the information provider 130 desires to provide information,
A registration application is made to the CanDINet control unit 100, and a P code is issued. At this time, the information provider 130 accesses the CanDINet control unit via the network and
Information necessary for registration is entered on a registration screen as shown at 78.

First, on the registration screen of FIG. 71, the name and contact information of the information provider 130 are input.

In the registration screen of FIG. 72, the information provider 130
Specifies image data or text data for providing information (hereinafter referred to as information data). Then, a preview screen (FIG. 73) showing how the image data is printed out from kiosk terminal 110 is displayed. If there is no problem on the preview screen, the information provider 130 presses a “transfer to server” button. Then, the above information data is transferred to the CanDINet control unit 100.

On the registration screen shown in FIG.
Specifies the date on which information provision starts and the expiration date of information provision. When the expiration date has passed from the start date of the information provision, the information data is no longer printed out from the kiosk terminal 110. Alternatively, even if there is a request for information data from the kiosk terminal 110 to the CanDINet control unit 100, the information data is not transferred to the kiosk terminal 110. FIG.
In the registration screen 5, the information provider 130 specifies a character size and an image size when the information data is printed out. Here, when this information data is printed out, the character size can be changed between 8 pt and 14 pt, and the image can be reduced and scaled between 50% and 200%.
Indicates that expansion is possible.

Further, on the registration screen shown in FIG. 76, it is possible to specify whether or not to permit an advertisement to be placed on the same page when the information data is printed out. Specifies whether a password is required. Also, even if you allow ads to run,
It is possible to specify that printing on the back side is permitted.

Further, when providing information for a fee, FIG.
7. Set the fee on the registration screen of 7. Finally, on the registration screen shown in FIG. 78, the information provider 130 registers in the CanDINet control unit 100 what kind of information to provide with the information data. Here, the genre / sub-genre is selected from the contents of the information data to be provided. Furthermore, when an advertisement is to be posted simultaneously when this information data is printed out, a keyword for determining what kind of advertisement is to be inserted is input.

When the information provider 130 completes the registration work on the registration screens shown in FIGS. 71 to 78, the CanDINet control unit 100 issues a P code for this information data. At the same time, an IP information registration table for the P code is created based on the information input on the registration screen, and the P code D
B (P code database).

Reference numeral 4601 in FIG. 46 is an example of the IP information registration table. The P code is stored in the leftmost column. Furthermore, this table stores basic properties and the like regarding information data corresponding to the P code. The owner ID of the basic property of the information has a link to an owner information table for the information provider having the P code. Reference numeral 5101 in FIG. 51 is an example of an owner information table. The owner information table stores information input by the information provider 130 on a registration screen as shown in FIG.

<User P Code> In the present embodiment,
When the user applies for registration to the CanDINet control unit 100, the CanD
The INet control unit 100 can also issue a personal P code (hereinafter, referred to as a user P code) to the user. The user's P code is used in a mail print service, an information registration service (data depositing service), and a personal information service, which will be described in detail later.

The user can access the Kiosk terminal 110 or a personal computer at home via a network via a network.
The user accesses the nDINet control unit 100 and inputs information necessary for registration on a registration screen as shown in FIGS.

On the registration screen shown in FIG. 58, the user first inputs his / her name, contact information, and the like. In the registration screen of FIG. 59, a password required to change the contents of the user registration is input. In the case of new registration, set the password,
Thereafter, when changing the registered contents, the password set at the time of new registration is input.

In the registration screen shown in FIG. 60, the user specifies for which service the P-code to be issued will be used. 61 and 62, the user's personal information is input. In particular, on the registration screen shown in FIG. 62, the user can register in the CanDINet control unit 100 what information he or she is interested in.

Lastly, the user sends the information to the kiosk terminal 1
At the time of printing out at 10, the user specifies on the registration screen shown in FIG. 63 whether to print out with priority on visibility, to print out with page priority, or to print out with a default layout. FIG. 63
On the registration screen, the user can also specify the paper size and paper orientation when printing out the information. In the registration screen of FIG. 63, when printing out information or an advertisement, if double-sided printing is required, it is possible to register whether to perform double-sided printing with priority.

When the user completes the registration on the registration screens shown in FIGS. 58 to 63, the CanDINet control unit issues a P code to the user. At the same time, a user information table for the P code is created, and a P code DB
(P code database).

Reference numeral 4801 in FIG. 48 is an example of a user information table. The P code is stored in the leftmost column. Further, this table includes a user property relating to the user having the P code, a personal information table relating to the user having the P code, and the P code used for a mail service, an information registration service (delivery service), and a personal information service. Sometimes necessary information is stored. In the personal information table, a link to the personal information table relating to the user having the P code is provided. 501 of FIG. 50 is an example of a personal information table. In the personal information table, the user
The information input on the registration screen as shown in FIG.

<Processing Operation of Kiosk Terminal> The processing operation of the kiosk terminal 110 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a main flowchart of the processing operation of the kiosk terminal 110 after the user has started using the terminal while standing in front of the kiosk terminal 110. First, the user enters the kiosk terminal 110
When standing in front of the kiosk terminal 110, the operation unit 25
The initial screen shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the first panel (step S501). On the initial screen, three buttons 2301 and 230 for selecting an input method for inputting a P code are displayed.
2, 2303. A button 2304 pressed when the user wants to use the information registration service is displayed on the initial screen.
There is.

When the user presses any of the above buttons on the initial screen, the kiosk terminal determines which button has been pressed (step S501). If the “input from mobile phone” button 2302 is pressed (step S501-telephone), a screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. Then, the user looks at this screen, inputs a P-code from the information search device / terminal 120 such as a mobile phone, waits for the "OK" button on the screen, and then proceeds to step S508.

On the other hand, if the "handy scanner input" button 2303 is pressed (step S502-scanner), the screen shown in FIG. 27 is displayed (step S5).
05).

Then, when the user causes the scanner to read the code on the handy scanner code table placed beside the kiosk terminal 110, and the kiosk terminal 110 determines that the "OK" button has been pressed (step S506).
If so, the process moves to step S512. Since only the P code of the information print service is described in the handy scan code table, the process immediately proceeds to the information print service. If it is determined in step S506 that the user has pressed the "cancel" button (step S506-cancel), the process returns to step S501 and
Display the initial screen.

If the button of "please click here for information registration service" is pressed on the initial screen (step S501-data deposit), the process proceeds to information registration service (also called data deposit service). .

When the "input on touch panel" button is pressed on the initial screen (step S502-
The code input screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the touch panel. The code input screen includes a numeric keypad used when the user enters a code, an "OK" button, and "Cancel".
Button, a "correction button", and a "code input" button, and it is determined which button has been pressed (step S5).
02). When a numeric key is pressed, characters and numbers corresponding to the pressed key are displayed. When the "correction" button is pressed, the displayed code is temporarily deleted.

When the "cancel" button is pressed (step
In (S508-cancel), the process returns to step S501 to display the initial screen. If the "code input" button is pressed (step S508-code input), the currently input code is stored in the RAM 219, and a new code input screen is displayed so that the user can input the next code. It is displayed (step S507).

When the "OK" button is pressed (step
In S508-OK, the code input by the user and stored in the RAM 219 is transferred to the CanDINet control unit 100 (step S509). The CanDINet control unit:
Since the service type associated with the code is determined from the received code, the kiosk terminal receives the determination result (service type) (step S510).

Then, it is determined whether the received service type is an information print service (also referred to as an information service).
First, a determination is made (step S511). If it is not the information print service, other service processing is performed (step S512).

If the service type is the information print service (step S511-Yes), an information service process is performed (step S512). The details of the information service process will be described later.

In steps S512 and S512,
When each service process is completed, the settlement processing screen shown in FIG. 28 is displayed (step S513), and settlement processing is performed (step S514). If the service charge becomes free in the course of the service processing, step S
The main flow chart ends without performing the processing of 513 and S514.

The operation of the kiosk terminal 110 in each service processing and settlement processing will be described below.

<Information Service Processing> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when providing the information processing service. First, regarding the P-code transmitted in S509 of FIG. 5, the property data and the preview image data of the information corresponding to the P-code are transmitted to the CanDINet.
Received from the control unit. The property data referred to here is a title name (file name) of information, a fee, the number of sheets printed, and the like.

Next, a list screen as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed based on the acquired data. The list screen of FIG. 29 includes a list 2908 of information corresponding to the P code input by the user and print setting buttons 2901 and 2901 for each item.
902, “Advertisement setting” button 2903, “Print preview display” button 2904, “Print” button 290
5. "Return" button 2906, "Cancel" button 2907
There is.

The kiosk terminal 110 determines which button the user has pressed (step S602). When the user presses the print setting button (step S603)
-"Color", "B / W", "Never")
Remembers whether "black and white" or "no" is selected,
Change the display accordingly. It should be noted that “color”, “black and white”, and “no” indicate whether the information corresponding to the P code is printed in color, black and white (monochrome), or not printed. At the time of step S29, it is assumed that “color” has been selected for all the P codes.

If the "cancel" button is pressed (step S603-cancel), a cancel instruction is transmitted to the CanDINet control unit, and the process returns to step S501 in FIG.

If the "print preview display" button is pressed (step S603-preview), a preview screen as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed based on the preview image data received in step S601. The preview screen includes a preview image 3001 showing an overview of information to be printed, a “next page display” button for displaying a preview image of the next page, and a “previous page” for displaying a preview image of the previous page. There is a "display page" button and a "return to main screen" button for returning to the list screen. The kiosk terminal 110 determines which button on the preview screen has been pressed (step S6).
10).

If the "display next page" button or the "display previous page" button is pressed (No in step S610), a preview image of the next page or the previous page is displayed. When the "Return to main screen" button is pressed (step S6
In 10-Yes), a list screen as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed, and the process returns to step S603.

Note that in step S605, step S605
Although the preview image received at 601 is displayed, the preview image may be displayed in consideration of the output format of the advertisement selected by the user in “advertisement setting” described below. At this time, the output format of the advertisement currently selected by the user is transferred to the CanDINet control unit, and the preview image data with the advertisement is created by the CanDINet control unit. Then, the preview image data with the advertisement is received, and the preview image with the advertisement is displayed on the preview screen.

When the “advertisement setting” button is pressed on the list screen of FIG. 29 (step S603—advertisement setting)
, A screen of “print advertisement” as shown in FIG. 31 is displayed (step S604), and print fee processing (S609) is performed.

<Print Charge Processing> In this print service,
When the user prints out the information provided by the information provider 130, the user pays a printing fee including a service fee. However, when an advertisement is placed on a printed material, a part of the printing fee is covered by the advertising fee, and the printing fee is reduced. Furthermore, depending on how to place the advertisement and the amount of advertisement,
The amount of reduction in printing fee changes.

Therefore, on the screen of “advertisement printing” in FIG. 31, the user can select the neglect of the output of the advertisement while considering the reduction of the printing fee. "Print Ads"
A “Yes” and “No” button 310 for selecting whether or not to print the advertisement in the empty space of the article is displayed on the screen of
1. "Yes" or "No" button 3102 for selecting whether or not to print an advertisement on the back side, "Yes" or "No" for selecting whether or not to print an advertisement on another page
Button 3103, "OK" button, "Cancel" button.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing the printing fee processing. First, it is determined which button has been pressed on the "print advertisement" screen (step S701). "Do"
When the "No" button is pressed (step S701-
“Yes” or “No”) stores what output format is selected, and changes the screen display so that the user can recognize which of “Yes” and “No” is selected. .

If the "cancel" button is pressed (step S701-cancel), the process ends without setting the advertisement. If the "OK" button is pressed, the output format of the advertisement is transmitted to the CanDINet control unit (step S70).
3) Receive a print fee considering the output format of the advertisement.

When the advertisement is not posted, the CanDINet control unit 100 inputs the information on the registration screen of FIG. 77 and stores it in the information price column of the IP information registration table of FIG. 46. The printing fee is calculated based on the fee.
At this time, the printing fee is further calculated in consideration of the monochrome printing fee, the color printing fee, and the paper fee according to the selection of the print setting in FIG.

Further, when an advertisement is to be posted, the CanDINet control unit 100 calculates the printing fee as described above, and then subtracts the discount fee for the advertisement posting from the once calculated printing fee. Calculate the printing fee again. The discount rate is variable depending on the amount of the advertisement and whether the advertisement is printed on the front side or the back side.

However, if the charge becomes negative after subtracting the discount charge from the normal print charge, the print charge is set to 0 yen or set to a predetermined amount.

When the print charge processing is completed, the print charge in the column 2903 of the list screen is appropriately changed to display the list screen, and the process returns to step S603 in FIG.

<Print Processing> When the "print" button is pressed on the list screen shown in FIG. 29 (step S6 in FIG. 6).
03-printing), it is determined whether the current printing fee is free or paid. The printing fee is in Step S
The charge is calculated from the charge of the information regarding the P-code received in 601 and the print charge in consideration of the advertisement received in step S704.

If the printing fee is charged, the information service processing ends, and the routine goes to step S513 in FIG.
If the printing fee is free, the printing process is immediately performed (step S612), and the main flow ends from FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing the printing process. First, Ca
Requests print data (print data) to the nDINet control unit. (Step S801). At this time, the kiosk terminal 110 requests print data related to the P code selected to be printed on the list screen of FIG. At that time, you can choose whether to print in color or black and white.
By notifying the INet control unit, print data for color or black and white is received from the CanDINet control unit. Further, the output format of the advertisement selected in the printing fee processing is also notified to the CanDINet control unit.

Then, print data is received from the CanDINet control unit (step S802). Then, the print data is transferred to the printer (printing unit 17), and printing is started. Further, it is determined whether or not the printing is completed (Step S).
804), if printing is in progress (step S804-N)
o) A screen during printing is displayed, and if printing is completed (step S804-Yes), a screen for printing completion is displayed.

<Other Service Processing> In the above description, the kiosk terminal 1 in the information print service processing has been described.
A series of operations has been described, but the information registration service (data depositing service), personal information service, and mail print service will be described below.

<Information Registration Service (Data Deposit Service)> In the initial screen of the kiosk terminal 110 shown in FIG. 23, when the button 2304 "Press here for the information registration service" is pressed (step S5 in FIG. 5).
02-data deposit) includes an information registration service process (S5).
03).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when providing the information registration service. When a user uses the information registration service, the user needs to register a telephone number to identify the user. Therefore, first, a telephone number input screen as shown by 3801 in FIG. 38 is displayed (step S140).
1). On that screen, confirm that the "OK" button has been pressed by the user, and enter the entered telephone number into CanDIN.
It transmits to the et control unit (step S1402).

Then, the CanDINet control unit determines whether user registration has already been performed using the same P code as the telephone number as a key. That is, if the user has already been registered in the CanDINet control
It is determined whether the code is held. If the user already holds the P code, the CanDI
The Net control unit, as shown by 4801 in FIG.
Has a user information table for the code.

Accordingly, the CanDINet control unit specifies the user type (in this case, whether or not the user is a P-code holder) of the user from the input telephone number and transmits the user type to the kiosk terminal 110. 110 receives the user type (step S1403). Then, it is determined from the user type whether or not the user is a P-code holder (step S1404).

If the user is not a P-code holder (step S1404-No), the process immediately proceeds to step S1408. If the user is a P-code holder (step S1
404-Yes), a password input screen 3802 in FIG. 38 is displayed, and the user is caused to input a password. Then, the password is transferred to the CanDINet control unit (step S1406), and the CanDINet control unit performs a user inquiry. The kiosk terminal 110 uses Ca
If the password is correct from the nDINet control unit (step S1407-Y), the process moves to step S1408. If the user is notified that the password is incorrect (step S1407-N), step S14 is performed so that the user can input the password again.
Return to 05.

In step S1408, an information registration method (data depositing method) screen is displayed.

There are two methods for registering information: a method of inputting information by scanning an image with a scanner, and a method of inputting information from an external device. For example, in the former case, the user causes a paper medium such as a notebook or a book to be scanned by the scanner. In the latter case, the user inputs information to the kiosk terminal 110 from a notebook computer or mobile terminal via a cable line or a wireless line.

Therefore, the information registration method screen shown in FIG.
There is a “use scanner” button 3901 and a “use external device” button 3902. Then, it is determined which button has been pressed (step S1409).

If the “use scanner” button 3901 has been pressed (step S1409—Yes), a scanner process is performed (step S1410). FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing the scanner process. First, when the user selects the use of the scanner, a screen for a scanner input instruction as shown in FIG. 40 is displayed (step S1501).

It is confirmed that the user sets a document and presses the "OK" button 4001 on the scanner input instruction screen (step S1502-Yes), and causes the scanner to scan (step S1503). Then, it is determined whether the reading of the document is successful (step S150).
4).

If the reading of the document has not been successful (step S1504-N), the flow returns to step S1501 to read again. If the reading of the document is successful (step S1504-Y), a preview image of the read image data is displayed (step S1505). FIG. 41 is an example of the preview screen. A preview image is displayed at 4101. Since the preview screen includes a “next” button 4102, a “register another data” button 4103, and a “cancel registration” button 4104, it is determined which button has been pressed (step S15).
06).

[Register further data] button 4102
Is pressed (step S1506-Yes),
The image data read in step S1503 is
AM 19 or external memory 14 (step S
1507). Then, the scanner input instruction screen shown in FIG. 40 is displayed again (step S1510), and it is confirmed that the “OK” button on the scanner input instruction screen has been pressed (step S1511), and the process returns to step S1503.

When the “next” button is pressed on the preview screen of FIG. 41 (step S 1506 -No, step S 1508 -Yes), the image data read last is stored in the RAM 19 or the external memory 14. (Step S1509), this process ends. When the “cancel registration” button is pressed on the preview screen of FIG. 41 (step S1506-No, step S1508-No), the image data stored in step S1507 or step S1509 is invalidated (or deleted), and It returns to step S1401 of FIG.

When the “use external device” button 3902 is pressed on the information registration method screen of FIG. 39 (step S1409-No), the same processing as the scanner processing is performed (step S1411). Step S14
A detailed description of 11 will be omitted.

Steps S1410 and S141
When the process of 1 is completed, a password setting screen as shown in FIG. 42 is displayed. This password is a password that needs to be input when the user or another person other than the user prints out the information registered here by the information print service.

Further, an expiration date input screen as shown in FIG. 43 is displayed (step S1602). Then, the user is allowed to select how long the information is to be registered. On the expiration date input screen of FIG. 43, the user can select any of “until tomorrow”, “one week”, and “one month”, and the kiosk terminal 110 stores which is selected. deep.

After that, the input image data, the data type of the image data, the number of pages of the image data, the password, and the expiration date are transferred to the CanDINet control unit. Then, the CanDINet control unit issues a P-code for the registered information and transmits the P-code and the registration fee, and receives them (step S1604).

Finally, P regarding the stored image data
The code, password, data amount, expiration date, registration fee, etc. are displayed as shown in FIG. In the case of FIG.
P code "090276482" in the information print service
By designating "34 # 4", the image data registered earlier can be printed out. The period during which the P-code is valid is one week, after which the image data previously registered with this P-code cannot be printed out. Then, it is confirmed that the “OK” button 4401 has been pressed by the user, and this processing ends.

<Personal Information Service> If the service type is other than the information print service in step S511 in FIG. 5 (step S511-No), other service processing is performed (step S512). FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing other service processing. In the present embodiment,
Since there are a mail print service and a personal information service as other services, it is further determined whether the service type is a mail print service or a personal information service.

If the service type is the personal information service (step S1101-personal information service), personal information service processing is performed (step S1103).

More specifically, whether the service type is the personal information service is determined as follows.
In step S509 of FIG. 5, the input P code is CanD.
When transmitted to the INet control unit 100, the CanDINet control unit 10
0 determines whether or not the input P-code is "<phone number>##" or "<phone number>##<number>". If so, the service type is determined to be a personal information service, and the service type is returned to the kiosk terminal. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when providing the personal information service.

First, a password input screen as shown by 3802 in FIG. 38 is displayed (step S1201), and the user inputs a password. Confirm that the user has entered the password, and change the entered password to Can.
The data is transferred to the DINet control unit (step S1202).
Then, the CanDINet control unit proceeds to step S in FIG.
At 509, using the P code transmitted from the kiosk terminal 110 as a key, a user information table relating to the P code is searched. Then, the password stored in the personal information table linked from the user information table is compared with the received password. If they match, the kiosk terminal 110 is notified to that effect.

[0149] The kiosk terminal 110 uses the CanDINet.
Upon receiving a response from the control unit (step S120)
3) It is determined whether the response is that the password is correct (step S1204). If the password is incorrect (step S1204-N), step S1 is performed to prompt the user to enter the password again.
Return to 201. If the password is correct, FIG.
(Step S)
1205).

The user registers one or a plurality of P-codes for the registered frame, so that the P-code corresponding to the registered frame (here, this P-code is particularly called a personal P-code) is a kiosk. By simply inputting the information to the terminal, it is possible to easily print out a page made up of one or more pieces of information data registered for the registration frame.

For example, in FIG. 34, “sumo star list / professional baseball yesterday match result”, the user is required to enter the sumo information related P
By registering multiple P-codes such as P-codes and professional baseball-related P-codes in the registration frame “Sumo Star Table / Yesterday's Match Result”, personal favorite papers full of sumo information and professional baseball information Can be printed out.

A personal P code is issued for each registered frame. In this case, "<user's P code>##<framenumber>" is the personal P code. For example, when the user selects step S5 in FIG.
When the user's P code input at 07 is “24535”, the personal P code of the first registration frame in FIG. 34 is “24535 ## 1”.

When the user selects the personal information service on the registration screen shown in FIG. 60, first, the personal P code is registered in the “Personal P-Code service information” column of the user information table shown in FIG. A P-code table is generated. Since the personal P code is the first registration frame, it is “<user P code>## 1”. A plurality of registration frames can be created, and the personal P code of the second registration frame is “<user's P code>## 2”. In this embodiment, the user's P code is described as the user's telephone number. The P code registered for the registered frame is the “P-C
mode list ".

Note that the P registered for the registered frame
The information corresponding to the code may be fixed information, but is usually information such as “closing price of stock” or “tomorrow's weather”, and the information changes with time.

That is, the "P-Code list" in FIG.
Can be updated with time. Also, "P-Code
The P code stored in the “list” may be a personal P code (the original personal P code is A, and this personal P code is B). In this case,
Of the P codes registered in the personal P code B, the one with the latest information data can be the P code registered in the personal P code A.

Note that FIG. 81 and FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when displaying the registration frame screen 205. First,
The user's P code (phone number) is extracted from the P code input at the kiosk terminal 110 (step S8).
101). Then, the user information table of FIG. 48 is searched with the user's P code, and information on the user's P code is obtained (step S8102). If the user is provided with a personal information service,
A personal P code has been issued to this user, and the personal P code is stored in the user information table (Personal P-Code service information).

Next, the P entered by the kiosk terminal 110
It is determined whether the code ends with “##” (step S8104). If the processing has not been completed, that is, if the personal P code has been directly input, the flowchart of FIG. 82 is executed. If the processing ends with "##", the flowchart of steps S8105 to S8110 is executed in order to obtain information on all personal P codes issued to this user.

If it ends with "##", personal P codes are obtained one by one from the personal P code list in the Personal P-Code service information (step S8105). Further, with this personal P code,
The P-Code table for the personal P-Code service is searched to obtain information on the personal P-code (step S8106).

When a P code is registered in the registration frame, the registered P code is
al is stored in the P-Code table for P-Code service (registered P-Code information). Therefore, from the list of P codes in the registered P-Code information,
P codes are acquired one by one in order (step S810)
7).

Then, the obtained P code is used as the I
By searching the P information registration table, information on the P code is obtained (step S8108). Here, the acquired information includes the title of the P code and the like.

When acquiring information on the P-code, the identification unit of the IP information registration table is checked.
First, it is determined whether a P code of a link destination is stored in the “link” column. If stored, the link-destination P-code has entity information (information data to be printed, for example).
The IP information registration table of No. 6 is reconstructed, and information on the P code is obtained.

If the P code of the link destination is not stored in the “link” column, then the value stored in the “flag indicating whether or not it has a sub-code” is checked.
It is determined whether or not it has Sub-Code. Sub-
If it has a Code, this is the frame information.

Although the frame information is equivalent to the above-mentioned registered frame, the difference is that it is a frame provided by the information provider. That is, when the information provider wants to provide a plurality of pieces of information (each of which has a P code issued) with one P code, frame information is created. As a usage, for example, the history of information data that changes with time is managed by Sub-Code, and the history can be accessed by one P code.

Here, assuming that the largest Sub-Code is the latest information, and if it is determined that the Sub-Code is included, the largest of the P codes stored in the “Sub-Code section” Then, the IP information registration table is searched again to obtain information on the P code.

It is determined whether the P code acquired in step S8107 is the last P code in the registered P-Code information (step S8109). If not, the process returns to step S8107 to return to the next P code. Get information about

If it is the last P code, step S81
The personal P code acquired at 05 is Person
It is determined whether it is the last personal P code in the al P-Code service information (step S811).
0), if not the last, the process returns to the step S8105 to acquire information on the next personal P code, and if the last, the process proceeds to the step S8111.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8104 that the process ends with “##” and does not end,
With the input personal P code,
The P-Code table for the nal P-Code service is searched to obtain information on the personal P code (step S8112).

Further, P codes are sequentially obtained one by one from the list of P codes in the registered P-Code information of the personal P code (step S8113).
The IP information registration table is searched with the P code to obtain information on the P code (step S811).
4). The acquired information is the same as in step S8108.

Finally, the P acquired in step S8113
It is determined whether the code is the last P code in the registered P-Code information (step S8115). If it is not the last, the process returns to step S8113 to acquire information on the next P code, and if it is the last, the process proceeds to step S8111.

In step S8111, step S81
06 or S8108, or steps S8112 or S8
The information acquired at 114 is transmitted to the kiosk terminal 110. This information includes the title of the personal P code (registered frame), the title of each registered P code, and the like. Then, based on this information, the kiosk terminal 110 generates the display screen of FIG. 34 or FIG.

The registered frame screen shown in FIG. 34 has a list 341 of registered frames currently created by the user.
1. There are an "information registration / change" button 3406, a "print preview" button 3407, a "print" button 3408, and "yes" and "no" buttons.

Here, kiosk terminal 110 determines which button on the registration frame screen has been pressed (step S1206). When "Yes" or "No" button is pressed (step S1206-"Yes" or "No")
To change the flag indicating whether or not to print each registered frame, the screen display is also changed.

If the “information registration / change” button is pressed (step S1206—change registration), registration change processing is performed (step S1207). FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing the registration change process. First, the kiosk terminal 110 shown in FIG.
The change registration screen as shown in Fig. 7 is displayed. The change registration screen includes a numeric keypad and an “OK” button 3502 for designating a frame to be changed, and a “register new frame” button 3501 for designating registration of a new frame. It is determined whether or not the button has been pressed (step S1302).

If the “register new frame” button 3501 is pressed (step S1302-register), a new frame is created (step S1303), and FIG.
Is listed on the registration frame screen.

When the numeric key is pressed and then the "OK" field 3502 is pressed (step S1302-change)
Specifies the input frame number (step S1).
304), the contents of the registered frame corresponding to the frame number are displayed as shown in FIG. 36 (step S130).
5) On this screen, a list 3640 of P-codes registered in the registration frame, an "Add new P-Code" button, "Yes" and "No" buttons for designating not to register each P-code, "OK" button, "Back"
There are buttons and so on.

The kiosk terminal 110 determines whether any button has been pressed on this screen (step S13).
06). If the “Yes” or “No” button is pressed (step S1306— “Yes” or “No”), the flag indicating whether or not to register each P code is changed, and the screen is changed (step S1306). S1307).

[0177] If it is selected not to register a certain P-code, the kiosk terminal 110 informs the kiosk terminal 110 of that fact.
Transferred to et control unit 100. Then, the CanDINet control unit 100 stores the P code in the registered P-Code in FIG.
The information is deleted from the P-Code list.

[Add New P-Code] Button 360
6 is pressed (step S1306-new code)
Displays a code input screen and prompts the user to input a P code. Further, the input P code is transferred to the CanDINet control unit 100, and the content of the information data corresponding to the P code is received. Then, the newly registered P-code is listed on the screen of FIG. 36 (step S1).
312), and return to step S1306.

When the "return" button is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 36 (step S1306, otherwise step S13
(08-Return), the process returns to step S1304, and if the "OK" button is pressed (step S1306-other, step S1308-OK), this process ends.

When the "print preview" button 3407 is pressed on the registration frame screen of FIG. 34 (step S12).
In 06-preview), information data corresponding to the P-code registered in the registration frame is received, and a preview screen is displayed based on the data. Alternatively, preview data indicating an outline of the upper cloth data may be received, and a preview screen may be displayed based on the data. Furthermore,
In this step, a screen as shown in FIG. 37 is displayed,
The frame paper size or paper direction may be selectable. When the "OK" button is pressed on the preview screen, the process returns to step S1205.

Finally, when the “print” button is pressed on the registration frame screen of FIG. 34 (step S1206), a printing fee process is performed (step S1210). This printing fee processing is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, in the case of the personal information service, the advertisement is printed in a predetermined output format. However, similarly to the information print service, an “advertisement setting” button may be provided on the screen of the registration frame in FIG. 34, and a series of processes similar to steps S604 and S609 in FIG. 6 may be provided after step S1206.

As a result of performing the printing fee processing, it is determined whether or not the printing fee is charged (step S1211). If not (step S1211-N), the printing process is immediately performed (step S1213). If the user is charged (step S1211-Y), this process ends without performing the printing process.

<Mail Print Service> If it is determined in step S1101 of FIG. 11 that the service type is the mail print service (step S1101-mail print service), mail print service processing is performed (step S1102).

The mail print service process is almost the same as the information service process shown in the flowchart of FIG. However, in step S602 in FIG. 6, instead of receiving property data and preview image data of information from the CanDINet control unit 100, property data and preview image data of mail are received.

In step S602, a mailbox screen shown in FIG. 32 is displayed instead of the screen shown in FIG.
The mail box screen of FIG. 32 includes a mail list 3211 addressed to the user and a print setting button 32 for each item.
04, 3205, 3206, an “option setting” button 3207, a “print preview display” button 3207,
A "print" button 3208, a "return" button 3209,
There is a "Cancel" button 3210. The difference from the information service processing is that when the “option setting” button is pressed, a screen as shown in FIG. 33 is displayed, and the user can select a method of printing out the mail. Since e-mails are mainly sent as text data, a plurality of e-mails can be printed out collectively on one sheet of paper. Thus, the user can make a selection as shown in FIG.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the case of the mail print service, the advertisement is printed in a predetermined output format. However, like the information print service,
An "advertisement setting" button may be provided on the mailbox screen in FIG. 32, and a series of processes similar to steps S604 and S609 in FIG. 6 may be provided.

<Payment Processing> If the respective service processing has been completed in steps S512 and S512 in FIG. 5 and no printing processing has been performed during these processing, a payment processing screen as shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. Is displayed (step S513), and a settlement process is performed (step S5).
14).

In the settlement processing screen of FIG. 28, a “pay with fee” button 2801 and a “credit card” button 28
02, an “online payment” button 2803, a “debit card” button 2804, a “prepaid card” button 2805, and the like, and the user can select a desired payment method from a plurality of payment methods.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing the payment processing. After displaying the payment processing screen, it is determined which button the user has pressed (step S902). If the "cancel" button is pressed (step S902-cancel), Ca
A cancellation instruction is issued to the nDINet control unit 100, and the process returns to step S501 in FIG.

If the “online processing” button 2803 is pressed (step S902—online processing),
A screen for inputting a user name and a password is displayed (step S909), and the input information is transmitted to the CanDINet control unit 1
00 (step S910), and a predetermined online process is performed.

When the “debit card” button or the “credit card” button is pressed (step S902)
First, the card information is read for the (debit credit card) (step S904). Then, it is determined whether the reading is successful (step S905). If the reading is not successful (step S905-N), the process proceeds to step S904.
Return to

If successful (step S905-Y), an online process is requested to the CanDINet control unit 100 based on the card information (step S907), and the result of the online process is received (step S907). If payment is not possible as a result of the online processing (step S908-N
o) Step S902 to select another settlement method
And if payment is possible (step S908-Ye
s), and proceed to print processing.

When the “pay with cash” button is pressed (step S902—cash), cash processing is performed (step S903). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing cash processing.
First, cash payment methods include a method of paying cash at a cash register and a method of depositing cash into a coin slot installed in the kiosk terminal 110 according to options of the kiosk terminal and a policy of the shop.

Therefore, when cash is paid at the cash register, that is, when the barcode needs to be printed out on paper (step S1001-Y), the barcode print data is generated according to the printing fee, and the CanDINet is generated. Control unit 1
Preparations are made to add to the print data received from 00.

When cash is inserted from a coin slot (step S1001-N), a coin is counted (step S1002), and it is determined whether the cash has been paid for the printing fee (step S1003). When the printing fee has been paid (step S1003-Yes), this processing ends.

When the settlement is completed by one of the settlement methods, a printing process is performed (step S912).

<Generation of Print Data (Print Data)>
Here, the CanDINet control unit 100 sets the kiosk terminal 11
The operation of generating print data (print data) based on the P-code transmitted by 0, the output format of the advertisement, and the like will be described. Upon receiving a request for print data from the kiosk terminal 110, the CanDINet control unit 100 starts generating print data. FIG. 53 is a basic flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when generating print data, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when generating print data with an advertisement. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the case where print data is generated from the information data will be mainly described, but the processing is the same even if the information data is replaced with mail data.

First, the CanDINet control unit 100 acquires a P code that the user wants to print out (step S1701). When a request for print data is received from the kiosk terminal, the P code is already obtained from the kiosk terminal, so the P code is acquired here.

Further, the CanDINet control unit 100 acquires the advertisement setting (advertisement output format) (step S170).
2). In the information print service according to the present embodiment, since the user can select the output format of the advertisement at the kiosk terminal 110 (on the screen in FIG. 31), the output format transmitted from the kiosk terminal is obtained. Also,
If the information provider 130 issues a P-code to the CanDINet control unit 100 and specifies an advertisement posting availability condition, when the information provider 130 specifies an advertisement posting availability condition, the IP information registration table (1601 in FIG. 46) relating to the P-code is used. Since the advertisement insertion condition is stored in the basic property of the information, the output format of the advertisement is determined based on the condition.

Next, the P acquired in step S1701
Information data corresponding to the code is acquired from the database (step S1703). Then, step S170
It is determined whether or not to generate print data with an advertisement from the output format of the advertisement acquired in step 2 (step S1704).

If print data with an advertisement is to be generated (step S1704: YES), the sheet size determination processing (step S1705) and the layout determination processing (S17)
06), an advertisement size determination process (S1707), and an advertisement search process (S1708) are sequentially performed. Also, when generating print data without advertisement (step S1704-No)
, A sheet size determination process (step S1709) and a layout determination process (S1710) are sequentially performed.

Hereinafter, each process will be described.

<Paper Size Determination Processing> FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing the paper size determination processing. First, the service type is confirmed, and it is determined whether the service is a mail print service (step S1801). If it is not the mail printer service (step S1801-
Y), the processing is started according to the flowchart of FIG. If it is the mail print service (step S1801-N), the process starts according to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1802, first, the paper size is set to the basic paper size. The basic paper size is the paper size specified on the registration screen of FIG. 63 when the user has applied for registration to the CanDINet control unit 100, and the user can specify the paper size on the screen shown in FIG. 37 at the kiosk terminal. , The paper size specified on the screen is set as the basic paper size. If the user has not specified any case, A4 is set. If the user has applied for registration to the CanDINet control unit 100, the information necessary to determine the paper size is stored in a table format such as 4502 in FIG. If the user has not applied for registration to the CanDINet control unit 100, the process is as shown by 4503 in FIG.

Next, the information size of the first information data is obtained (step S1803). Here, the information size is not a data amount of the information data but a size on a paper surface when printed out. In the present embodiment, the information provider 130 transmits the information data to the CanDINet
When the information data is registered in the control unit 100, the setting when the information data is printed out is stored in a table format such as 4501 in FIG.

Next, according to the priority flag 4502 or 4503 in FIG. 45, it is determined whether print data is to be generated with priority on visibility or page number (step S1804). If visibility is prioritized (step S1804-No), temporary paper size = information size × reduction limit value (step S1805). If priority is given to the number of pages (step S1804-Yes), temporary paper size = information size (step S1809).

Then, in step S1805 or S18
It is determined whether the provisional paper size obtained in step S09 is larger than the paper size (step S1806). If the provisional paper size is larger than the paper size (step S1806-Ye)
s), paper size = minimum paper size that satisfies the provisional paper size (step S1810). If the temporary paper size is not larger than the paper size, to be precise, when the temporary paper size and the paper size are the same, the paper size is set to the temporary paper size (step S1807).

Once the paper size is determined, it is determined whether there is the next information data (step S180).
8). If there is the next information data (step S1808-
Yes), obtains the information size of the information data (step S1811), and returns to step S1804. If there is no next information data (step S1808-No),
The final paper size is determined from the current paper size and the standard advertisement ratio, and this processing ends.

When the service is the mail print service, the process is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. In step S1901, first, the paper size is set to the basic paper size. The basic paper size can be set by the user
In the case of applying for registration to the INet control unit 100, FIG.
If the user can specify the paper size on the screen shown in FIG. 37 using the kiosk terminal, the paper size specified on the screen is used as the basic paper size. If the user has not specified any case, A4 is set. If the user has applied for registration to the CanDINet control unit 100, the information necessary for determining the paper size is shown in FIG.
5 is stored in a table format such as 4502,
If the user has not applied for registration to the CanDINet control unit 100, the process is as indicated by 4503 in FIG.

Next, information on the first mail is obtained (step S1902). Here, the information about the mail includes whether or not there is an image file attached to the mail, and if so, the size of the image file.

Next, it is determined whether or not the mail has an attached image file (step S1903). If the image file is attached (step S1903: NO)
In step S190, the temporary paper size is set to 0x0.
7). When an image file is attached (step S
In step 1903-Yes), the process proceeds to step S1904.

In the step S1904, reference numeral 450 in FIG.
According to the priority flag of 2 or 4503, it is determined whether to generate print data with priority on visibility or to generate print data with priority on the number of pages. If visibility is prioritized (step S1
904-No), the temporary paper size = the size of the image file × the reduction limit value (step S1905). If priority is given to the number of pages (step S1904-Yes), provisional paper size = image file size (step S1)
906).

Then, steps S1905, S1906
Alternatively, it is determined whether the provisional paper size obtained in S1907 is larger than the paper size (step S1908). If the temporary paper size is larger than the paper size (step S1
908-Yes), the paper size is set to the minimum paper size that satisfies the provisional paper size (step S1910). If the temporary paper size is not larger than the paper size,
If the cut paper size is exactly the same as the paper size,
Paper size = temporary paper size (step S190
9).

[0214] Once the paper size is determined, it is determined whether there is a next mail (step S191).
1). If there is the next mail (step S1908-Ye
s) to obtain information about the mail (step S
1912), and the process returns to step S1903. If there is no next mail (step S1911-No), the final paper size is determined from the current paper size and the advertisement ratio, and this processing ends. In the present embodiment,
The advertisement ratio is the same as the standard ratio of the amount of advertisement of 4502 or 4503 in FIG.

<Layout Determination Processing> Next, the layout determination processing will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing the layout determination process. First, the CanDINet control unit 100 performs an advertisement area securing process to secure an advertisement area (step S2001).

FIG. 80 is a diagram showing a case where the advertisement area securing process is performed.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100. First, the ratio of the amount of advertisement is determined (step S80).
01). In the present embodiment, the advertisement ratio is 45 in FIG.
02 or 4503 as the standard ratio of the amount of advertisement. However, in the input screen of FIG. 31, when the user selects not to print in the empty space of the article, the user selects either or both of printing the advertisement on the back side and printing another advertisement separately. In this case, the advertisement ratio is set to 0. However, it is stored that an advertisement area is provided on the back surface when is selected, and that an advertisement area is provided on another sheet when is selected.

Next, it is determined whether a predetermined layout is used for all services or a different layout is used for each service type. This is determined according to how the CanDINet control unit 100 provides the advertisement service.

When a predetermined layout is used for all services, an advertisement area is reserved in the predetermined layout.
At this time, the size of the advertisement area follows the ratio of the amount of advertisement.
In this embodiment, 7902 in FIG. 79 is a predetermined layout.

When a different layout is used for each service, an advertisement area is secured with a layout for each service according to the service type. Also at this time, the size of the advertisement area follows the ratio of the amount of advertisement. In the present embodiment, 7901 or 7902 in FIG. 79 is used as the mail print service layout, and 7903 or 7903 in FIG.
Alternatively, 7904 is a layout for an information service / personal information service, and 7906 in FIG. 79 is a layout for an information registration service (data depositing service).

In the flowchart of FIG. 20, the layout of 7902 is used. Step S2 in FIG.
When 001 ends, 4502 or 4503 in FIG.
It is determined whether print data is to be generated with priority on visibility or print data with priority on the number of pages in accordance with the priority flag.

If print data is to be generated with priority on legibility (step S2002-Yes), first, the information size of the first information data is obtained (step S200).
3). Then, the information data is placed in accordance with the left corner of the paper (FIG. 20), and a space corresponding to the information size is secured as a place for storing the information data (step S2004).

Further, it is determined whether there is the next information data (step S2005). If there is the next information data (step S2005-Yes), the information size of the information data is obtained (step S2006). Then, the information data is placed below the first information data (FIG. 20), and a space corresponding to the information size is secured as a place for storing the information data (step S2004). The above is repeated until there is no next information data. In step S2004, information data is placed, and an attempt is made to secure the information size as a place for storing the information data.
If the area of the information data exceeds the paper size or enters the advertisement area, the layout is laid out on the next page.

If print data is to be generated with priority on the number of pages (step S2002-No), first, the information size of the first information data is obtained (step S2007). Then, a reduction limit value is applied to the information size (step S2008). At this time, if the information data includes a text and an image, and “may change the size” is checked on the registration screen in FIG. 75, the changeable range for each of the text and the image is checked. Multiply the reduction limit by. Then, the information data is placed at the left corner of the paper (FIG. 20), and a space for (information size × reduction limit value) is secured as a place for the information data (step S).
2009).

Further, it is determined whether there is the next information data (step S2010). If there is the next information data (step S2010-Yes), the information size of the information data is obtained (step S2011). Then, the information data is placed under the first information data (FIG. 20), and (information size × reduction limit value) is secured as a place for storing the information data (step S).
2008). The above is repeated until there is no next information data.

When the next information data is lost (step S
2010-No), the area where the information data is
The information is enlarged so as not to extend beyond the paper size and not to enter the advertisement area (step S2012) so that the information data becomes as large as possible.

In step S2009, information data is placed, and an attempt is made to secure an information size as a place for storing the information data. If so, lay out on the next page.

<Advertisement Area Determination Processing> Next, advertisement area determination processing will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing the advertisement area determination process.

First, the advertisement area is set to the printing area of the printing section of the kiosk terminal minus the information data area (step S2101).

Then, a variable “advertisement size” is prepared, and the advertisement size is initially set to the maximum advertisement size (step S8302). In the present embodiment, the size of the advertisement is defined in advance, and is limited to a plurality of types of sizes. The advertiser selects from the sizes specified when registering the advertisement.

Then, it is determined whether or not the advertisement size falls within the advertisement area (step S2103). When entering (step S2103-Yes), an advertisement area of the advertisement size is reserved (step S2104), and the advertisement area is set as the remaining advertisement area after the reservation (step S2105).

[0231] When not entering the advertisement area (step S21)
On 03-No), it is determined whether the advertisement size is already the smallest advertisement size (step S2106). When there is a smaller advertisement size (step S2106-N)
In o), advertisement size = the size of the next largest advertisement (step S2107), and the process returns to step S2103.
If there is no smaller advertisement size (step S2
In step 106-Yes), this process ends. In step S2104, the secured advertisement size and the secured locations are stored.

[0232] A process of determining an advertisement area when an advertisement is printed on the back surface or a separate sheet will be described. FIGS. 83 to 85
Is the CanDINet control unit 1 when the advertisement area is determined.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the 00.

First, the advertisement area is set to the printing area of the printing section of the kiosk terminal minus the information data area (step S8301).

Then, a variable “advertisement size” is prepared, and the advertisement size is initially set to the maximum advertisement size (step S8302). In the present embodiment, the size of the advertisement is defined in advance, and is limited to a plurality of types of sizes. The advertiser selects from the sizes specified when registering the advertisement.

Then, it is determined whether or not the advertisement size falls within the advertisement area (step S8303). When entering (step S8303-Yes), an advertisement area is secured with the advertisement size (step S8304), and the advertisement area =
The remaining advertisement area after the reservation is obtained (step S830).
5).

In the case where the advertisement does not enter the advertisement area (step S83)
On 03-No), it is determined whether the advertisement size is already the smallest advertisement size (step S8306). When there is still a smaller advertisement size (step S8306)
-No), the advertisement size = the size of the next largest advertisement (step S8307), and the process returns to step S8303. If there is no smaller advertisement size (step S8306-Yes), the process proceeds to step S84 in FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 84, when an advertisement area is secured on the back surface, the processing for determining the advertisement area is performed. Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not the advertisement area is secured on the back surface (step S8401). This determination is made by checking whether or not the provision of the advertisement area on the back surface is stored in step S8001 in FIG.

If the advertisement area is secured on the back surface, the advertisement area is set as the print area by the print unit of the kiosk terminal (step S8402). Hereinafter, step S8
Steps 403 to S8408 correspond to step S8303 in FIG.
To S8308, and a description thereof will be omitted. If there is no smaller advertisement size in step S8407, the process proceeds to step S8501 in FIG.
Proceed to.

In the flowchart of FIG. 85, when an advertisement area is secured on a separate sheet, the processing for determining the advertisement area is performed. Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not the advertisement area is secured on a separate sheet (step S8501). This determination is made by checking in step S8001 in FIG. 80 whether the provision of the advertisement area on a separate sheet is stored.

[0240] If the advertising area is secured on a separate sheet, the advertising area is set to the printing area by the printing unit of the kiosk terminal (step S8502). Hereinafter, step S8
Steps 403 to S8408 correspond to step S8303 in FIG.
To S8308, and a description thereof will be omitted. If there is no smaller advertisement size in step S8407, the advertisement area determination processing ends. Steps S8304, S8404, S850
In step 4, the secured advertisement size and the secured location are stored.

In FIG. 54, advertisement 1, advertisement 2, advertisement 3, and advertisement 4 are respectively secured in the advertisement area in order. Here, the size of the advertisement 1 is 10 × 20, and the size of the advertisement 2 is 10 × 1.
0, size of ad 3 is 5x10, size of ad 4 is 5x
It is 10.

<Registration of Advertisement> In the present embodiment, when an advertiser wants to insert an advertisement, the
Apply for registration to. At this time, the advertiser accesses the CanDINet control unit 100 via the network and
Information necessary for registration is input from a registration screen as shown in FIG.

In the registration screen shown in FIG. 64, the advertiser inputs a name and a contact. If you have already applied for registration, you may enter a password to change your registration. In the registration screen of FIG. 65, image data and text data (hereinafter, referred to as advertisement data) for advertisement insertion are specified. Then, the advertisement data is stored in the CanDINet control unit 100.
he transfer.

In the registration screen shown in FIG. 66, the advertiser specifies the date on which the advertisement is started and the expiration date of the advertisement. After the expiration date has passed from the start date of the advertisement insertion, the advertisement data is not used for the advertisement insertion. Further, on the registration screen in FIG. 67, the area where the advertisement data is printed out can be limited.

Further, on the registration screen of FIG. 68, the advertiser
It is possible to select an advertisement size when the advertisement data is printed from the predefined ones, and to select a condition for determining whether or not the advertisement size can be changed.

[0246] Further, on the registration screen shown in FIG.
Advertisement on the top and backside ads can be specified.
Further, on the registration screen in FIG. 70, it is possible to specify a limit on the number of times an advertisement is posted and printed, and a limit on an advertisement fee.

When the advertiser completes the registration work on the registration screens shown in FIGS. 64 to 70, the CanDINet control unit 100 issues a P code for the advertisement data. With it,
Based on the information input on the registration screen, an advertisement information table for the P-code is created and stored in the P-code DB.

Reference numeral 4701 in FIG. 47 is an example of an advertisement information table. The P code is stored in the leftmost column. Furthermore,
This table stores the properties of the advertisement corresponding to the P code, file information of the advertisement data, and the like.

<Advertisement Search Processing> The advertisement search processing in step S1711 in FIG. 17 will be described below.
FIG. 22 shows the CanDINet control unit 1 when performing the advertisement search process.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the 00. First, a keyword list for searching for an advertisement to be posted is created (step S2201). Here, the keyword list is obtained from the keyword list stored in the basic property of the information of the IP information registration table (4601 in FIG. 46) relating to the P code of the information data to be printed out, depending on the service type. The user information table (480 in FIG. 48) for the P code
It is created from the user profile of 1) or from the terminal information table (FIG. 52) relating to the kiosk terminal that is going to print out.

Reference numeral 5701 in FIG. 57 denotes an article (information data)
7 is an example of a keyword list created from an IP information registration table for a P code corresponding to. In the keyword list, a keyword and a weight of the keyword are grouped and listed.

Reference numeral 5702 in FIG. 57 is an example of a keyword list created from the terminal information table. Since this kiosk terminal is located in Shibuya, Tokyo, the keywords are “Shibuya” and “Tokyo”.

Next, a highest priority keyword list and a lowest keyword list are created. The priority keyword list is created when it is desired to place a specific advertisement group preferentially in a limited area or for a limited time. The lowest keyword list is created when a keyword list is not created in step S2202.

The above plurality of keyword lists are shown in FIG.
5703, the keywords are arranged in the priority order of the keyword list. Then, the keyword list having the highest priority is specified (step S2203).

Then, advertisement data is searched using the specified keyword in the keyword list as a search key (step S2204). The P code (advertisement ID) of the detected advertisement data is entered in the search result list (step S2205). Then, it is determined whether the search has been performed using all the keywords in the specified keyword list as the search key (step S2206), and the search has been performed using all the keywords as the search keys (step S2206).
-Yes), the process moves to step S2207, and when there is a keyword that is not used as a search key (step S2207).
(206-No), the process returns to step S2204.

[0255] In step S2207, the matching degree is obtained for the advertisement data having the advertisement P code in the search result list. The degree of matching is obtained by multiplying the weight of the keyword that detected the advertisement data by the priority of the keyword list to which the keyword belongs. Alternatively, the matching degree may be obtained again from the expiration date, the number of printings, the upper limit amount, the upper limit number of printings, the unit price, and the like stored in the properties of the advertisement related to the advertisement P code, and may be added to the matching degree. Also, based on the position setting of the ad properties, the size adjustment method, landscape orientation, etc., evaluate the one with a high degree of freedom highly and calculate the degree of matching again, and add it to the degree of matching earlier Is also good.

After obtaining all the matching degrees, the advertisement P codes in the search result list are sorted by the matching degrees. Reference numeral 5704 in FIG. 57 is an example of a final search result list.

After performing the above processing for one keyword list, it is determined whether or not there is another keyword list (step S2209). If there is another keyword list (step S2209-Yes),
The keyword list with the next highest priority is specified (step S2210), and the process returns to step S2204.

<Generation of Print Data> Finally, generation of print data (print data) in step S1711 of FIG. 17 will be described. Here, the advertisement data to be posted is selected and printed from the secured advertisement size and secured location stored in the advertisement size determination processing in step S1707, and the search result list created in the advertisement search processing in step S1708. Generate data.

The CanDINet control unit 100 determines the advertisement data to be posted, in the order of the advertisement P code having the highest matching degree in the search result list, and determines the advertisement size stored in the advertisement information table relating to the P code by the advertisement size determination processing. It is determined whether or not it matches the specified advertisement size. At this time, not only the advertisement size but also whether the size can be adjusted by the adjustment method is considered.

[0260] Further, if the selected advertisement data includes an advertisement for which the top posted advertisement is specified, the layout is also changed. For example, when advertisement data in which the top-placed advertisement is designated as the advertisement 3 in FIG. 54 is selected, the layout is changed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 56 shows an example when the generated print data is printed out.

As a result of determining the output format of the advertisement in step S1702 of FIG. 17, if the advertisement is to be printed on the back side or on the back side, first, the layout determination processing (FIG. 1)
7, print data for outputting information data with the layout determined in step S1706) is generated.
Generate print data for outputting the selected advertisement data to the back side.

As a result of determining the output format of the advertisement in step S1702 of FIG. 17, if another advertisement is to be printed, first, the layout determined by the layout determination processing (step S1706 of FIG. 17) is used. Print data for outputting information data is generated, and then, a page break is performed to generate print data for outputting the selected advertisement data to a new next page.

[0264]

As described in detail above, the above makes it possible to optimally add a sponsor advertisement or the like that bears the cost for reducing the information acquisition cost of the user.

Alternatively, the e-mail information sent to the portable terminal cannot be displayed completely, it is difficult to read, the user wants to print and read, the user wants to keep the print, or the user who does not have the portable terminal can use the ordinary e-mail. To respond to the desire to read on the go, you can assign a code to the user's email information and retrieve it with the code.

Alternatively, individual information can be obtained not only by code but also by assigning the user's favorite information to a code unique to the user in a selected, collected and integrated form.

Alternatively, the user inputs the information possessed by the user from the terminal as if temporarily depositing the information, obtains the assigned code, and obtains the information entered by the person who recognizes the code at an arbitrary time and place. Can be derived by code.

Alternatively, by providing the U / I including the control command, the input code can be shortened, and the U / I can be simplified. It is easier for the user to understand auxiliary information than to use inorganic codes when prompting user input interactively using a GUI.

Alternatively, by placing an advertisement in a printed matter, the fee paid by the user is variably reduced, so that it is easy to use.

Alternatively, it is possible to reduce the size of a printed matter in which the allowable range of enlargement and reduction of characters and images to be printed can be set without impairing the quality of the printed matter.

[0272] An upper limit or a lower limit is set, and during that period, a fee is charged according to the printing fee. This is solved by using a pay-as-you-go system. Alternatively, setting an upper limit eliminates the need to pay an unlimited contract fee.

[0273] Further, regarding the printing fee that can be changed by the advertisement, the barcode is printed together with the printing of the information, and by reading the barcode, the fee can be promptly judged at a cash register or the like, and the error of the fee is eliminated.

Also, by printing the advertisement on the back side of the advertisement, the paper can be effectively used even with a simple layout rule.
Unlike the display, the advertisement can be given without affecting the layout of the information, and the value of the advertisement does not decrease so much because the back of the paper is inevitably seen.
It also allows you to create large ads that use the entire space.

[0275] By making it possible to give an instruction to print all operations such as selecting various information at a store, troublesome labor can be saved and information to be output can be printed with simple operations.

When an information access terminal is installed at a store such as a convenience store and printing can be performed at a low price (free by attaching an advertisement), simple information can be obtained with a portable terminal, and details can be obtained. You can get it on paper. This has greatly improved the convenience of information access. Also, gathering people at a convenience store or the like will promote sales at the convenience store.

By registering a frame such as a frame and a layout in the Personal P-Code system, it becomes possible to acquire information required by the user by a simple procedure every day.

[0278]

That is, according to the present invention, in a print service for printing registered output information, in order to charge a fee for printing the output information desired by the user, the value for the output information to be printed is determined. Controlling the reading of information from the first storage means for storing the first value information to be displayed and the second storage means for storing the second value information indicating the value for the additional information added to the output information; (C) determining a value for printing when printing the output information and the additional information based on the first value information and the second value information of the additional information added to the output information; An apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program can be provided, and a fee paid by a user can be changed by adding additional information to a printed matter.

[0279] Alternatively, according to the present invention, in a print service for printing registered output information, code information for specifying output information is provided in order to charge a user for printing the output information. Input, input the setting information when printing the output information, send the input code information and the input setting information to an external device,
Determined by the external device based on first value information indicating the value of the output information specified by the transmitted code information and second value information indicating the value of the additional information added to the output information and printed An output control device, an output control method, and a control program, which are characterized by receiving the price information indicating the price of the printing to be performed from the external device, can be provided.
The fee paid by the user can be made variable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an information providing method, apparatus, and system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a kiosk terminal 110 showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration block diagram of a CanDINet control unit 100.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a color output unit having a double-sided printing function with a scanner, which is an example of an information output unit (printer) of the information output device 113 of the kiosk terminal 110.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an ink jet printer (not shown) capable of feeding a plurality of types of sheets.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main flowchart of a processing operation of the kiosk terminal 110.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when providing an information processing service.

FIG. 7 shows a kiosk terminal 110 when performing a printing fee process.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing a printing process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing a payment process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing cash processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when performing other service processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when providing a personal information service.

FIG. 13 is a kiosk terminal 11 when performing a registration change process.
11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the "0".

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of the kiosk terminal 110 when providing the information registration service.

FIG. 15 shows a kiosk terminal 11 for performing a scanner process.
11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the "0".

FIG. 16 shows a kiosk terminal 11 for performing a scanner process.
11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the "0".

FIG. 17 shows CanD when generating print data with an advertisement.
5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the INet control unit 100.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing a paper size determination process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing a paper size determination process in the mail print service.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing a layout determination process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing a process of determining an advertisement area.

FIG. 22: CanDINet control unit 1 when performing advertisement search processing
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the 00.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the kiosk terminal.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a code input screen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a password input screen.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a screen when a code is input from a mobile phone.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a screen when a code is input by a handy scanner.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a payment processing screen.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a list screen.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a preview screen.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an “advertisement setting” screen.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a mailbox screen.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting how to print out a mail.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a registration frame screen.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a change registration screen.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a screen displaying the contents of a registered frame corresponding to a frame number.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a frame paper size or a paper direction.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a telephone number input screen.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an information registration method screen.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a screen for a scanner input instruction.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a preview screen.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a password setting screen.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an expiration date input screen.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a screen for displaying a P-code, a password, a data amount, an expiration date, and a registration fee for the stored image data.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating information necessary for determining a paper size.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of an IP information registration table.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an advertisement information table.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of a user information table.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a P-code table for a personal P-code service.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an example of a personal information table.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an example of an owner information table.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a terminal information table.

FIG. 53 is a basic flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when generating print data.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of advertisement data.

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the advertisement data after the layout is changed.

FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating an example when the generated print data is printed out.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an example of a keyword list created from an IP information registration table.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a registration screen for a user to input a name, contact information, and the like.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a registration screen for inputting a password required to change the contents of user registration.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating for which service a P code to be issued is used;

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a registration screen for inputting personal information of a user.

FIG. 62 shows what information a user is interested in.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a registration screen for registering in a CanDINet control unit 100;

FIG. 63 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating which layout should be used for printing out with priority.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a registration screen for an advertiser to enter a name and contact information.

FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating image data and text data for advertisement insertion.

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing a registration screen for an advertiser to specify a date on which an advertisement is started and an expiration date of the advertisement.

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing a registration screen for limiting an area where advertisement data is printed out.

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing a registration screen for an advertiser to select an advertisement size when advertisement data is printed from among predetermined ones, and to select a condition of whether or not to change the advertisement size.

FIG. 69 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating a full-page advertisement, a top-placed advertisement, and a back-side advertisement.

FIG. 70 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating a limit on the number of times an advertisement is posted and printed, and a limit on an advertisement fee.

FIG. 71 is a diagram showing a registration screen for inputting the name and contact information of an information provider.

FIG. 72 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating image data or text data for providing information.

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing a preview screen showing how image data is printed out from the kiosk terminal.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing a registration screen for an information provider to specify a date on which information provision is started and an expiration date of information provision.

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating a character size and an image size when an information provider prints out information data.

FIG. 76 specifies whether to permit an advertisement to be placed on the same page when information data is printed out, and whether a password is required to print out the information data. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a registration screen for designating a password.

FIG. 77 is a diagram showing a registration screen for setting a fee.

FIG. 78 is a diagram showing a registration screen for registering what information is to be provided by an information provider using information data.

FIG. 79 is a diagram showing types of layout.

FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing an operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when performing an advertisement area securing process.

FIG. 81 is a flowchart showing an operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when displaying a registration frame screen.

FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CanDINet control unit 100 when displaying a registration frame screen.

FIG. 83: CanD when determining the advertising area on the surface
5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the INet control unit 100.

FIG. 84: CanD when determining the advertising area on the back side
5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the INet control unit 100.

FIG. 85: CanD when determining the advertising area on the separate sheet
5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the INet control unit 100.

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Kiosk terminal 100 CanDINet control unit 130 Information provider 251 Operation panel

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Inoue 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kenji Kasai 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku Tokyo Inside (72) Inventor Kosuke Ito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Jiro 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Masato Tamari 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yasushi Yakuma 3-30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-11-69024 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12 G06F 13/00 354 G06F 17/30

Claims (189)

(57) [Claims] In a print service for printing registered output information, there is provided an information processing apparatus for performing fee processing for printing of said output information desired by a user, wherein the information processing apparatus indicates a value for the output information to be printed. Reading control means for controlling reading of information from a first storage means for storing 1 value information and a second storage means for storing second value information indicating a value for additional information added to the output information; And determining means for determining a value for printing when printing the output information and the additional information based on the first value information and the second value information of the additional information added to the output information. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output information is plural, and the first value information corresponds to the plural output information. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional information is plural, and the second value information corresponds to the plural additional information. 4. The printing price determined by the determining means is based on an amount obtained by subtracting an amount corresponding to the second value information from an amount corresponding to the first value information. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
An information processing device according to any one of the above. 5. The printing price determined by the determining means includes a price for performing printing and the first price.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is based on an amount obtained by subtracting an amount corresponding to the second value information from an amount corresponding to the value information. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the price of the printing determined by the determining unit may be zero. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determining unit determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes zero when the deducted amount becomes negative. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determining unit determines the printing price so that the printing price becomes a predetermined value when the deducted amount becomes negative. 6. The information processing apparatus according to 5. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information.
An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the price for printing is different between when printing is color printing and when printing is monochrome printing. 11. A determination unit for determining whether to add the additional information to the output information, wherein the determination unit determines that the additional information is not to be added to the output information. 2. The printing fee is determined based on a price corresponding to one value information and a price for performing printing.
11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing is black and white printing or color printing. 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising issuing means for issuing the code information to the registered output information.
13. The information processing device according to any one of claims 12 to 12. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting code information for specifying the output information. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code information is based on information obtained from a device other than a computer such as a portable terminal. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing is performed by an ink jet type printer unit. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing includes a settlement processing function. 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing includes a personal authentication function. 21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the printing is performed on the assumption that a duplex unit capable of printing on the back surface is present.
21. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 20. 22. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for the printing. 23. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an external interface for acquiring the output information is assumed. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus recognizes status information of an external device for printing. 25. An output control device capable of processing a fee for printing of the output information desired by a user in a print service for printing registered output information, wherein code information for specifying the output information is provided. An input device for inputting setting information when printing output information; and an external device for transmitting the code information input by the code input device and the setting information input by the setting input device. A first value information indicating the value of the output information specified by the code information transmitted by the transmitting means, and a second value indicating the value of the additional information added to the output information and printed. Receiving means for receiving, from the external device, price information indicating a price for printing determined by the external device based on the value information. Output control apparatus for. 26. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the output information is plural, and the first value information corresponds to the plural output information. 27. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the additional information is plural, and the second value information corresponds to the plural additional information. 28. The printing price determined is based on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to the first value information. The output control device according to any one of claims 25 to 27. 29. The determined price for the printing is an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to printing and the amount corresponding to the first value information. The output control device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the output control device is based on: 30. The output control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the determined price for printing may be zero. 31. The output control according to claim 28, wherein when the deducted amount becomes negative, the price of the printing is determined so that the price of the printing becomes zero. apparatus. 32. The printing method according to claim 28, wherein when the deducted amount becomes negative, the printing price is determined so that the printing price becomes a predetermined value. Output control device. 33. A control method according to claim 25, wherein whether the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information. The output control device according to any one of the above. 34. The output control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the price for printing is different between when printing is in color and when printing is in black and white. 35. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an operation unit including said code input means and said setting means.
35. The output control device according to any one of items 5 to 34. 36. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the printing is monochrome printing. 37. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the printing is color printing. 38. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information. 39. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the code information is based on information obtained from a device other than a computer such as a portable terminal. 40. The printing method according to claim 25, wherein the printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
The output control device according to any one of the above. 41. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein printing is performed by an ink jet printer unit. 42. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein the printing has a settlement processing function. 43. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein printing includes a personal authentication function. 44. The printing method according to claim 2, wherein a duplex unit capable of printing on the back surface is present.
The output control device according to any one of items 5 to 43. 45. The output control device according to claim 25, wherein printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for information printing. 46. The output control device according to claim 25, further comprising information receiving means for receiving output information specified by the code information transmitted by said transmitting means. 47. The external device is connected to the external device via a network.
The output control device according to any one of the above. 48. The output control device according to claim 25, further comprising a status transmitting unit that transmits a status to the external device. 49. An information processing device and an output control device are connected via a network to provide a print service for printing registered output information and to provide a print service for printing the output information desired by a user. In an information providing system that performs fee processing, the output control device includes: a code input unit that inputs code information for specifying output information; and a code transmission unit that transmits the code information input by the code input unit. The information processing apparatus comprises: first storage means for storing first value information for output information to be printed; and second storage for storing second value information indicating a value for additional information added to the output information. Reading control means for controlling reading of information from the means, code receiving means for receiving the code information, and receiving means Based on the first value information indicating the value of the output information specified by the received code information and the second value information indicating the value of additional information added to the output information and printed, And an deciding unit for deciding a price for printing when the additional information is printed. 50. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the output information is plural, and the first value information corresponds to the plural output information. 51. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the additional information is plural, and the second value information corresponds to the plural additional information. 52. The price for printing determined by the determining means is calculated from an amount corresponding to the first value information,
53. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the information providing system is based on an amount obtained by subtracting and subtracting an amount corresponding to the second value information. 53. The price for printing determined by the determining means is determined by subtracting the price corresponding to the second value information from the price corresponding to printing and the price corresponding to the first value information. 53. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the information providing system is based on the deducted amount. 54. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the price of said printing determined by said determining means may be zero. 55. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the determining unit determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes zero when the deducted amount becomes negative.
The information providing system according to 2 or 53. 56. The printing apparatus according to claim 52, wherein when the deducted amount becomes negative, the determining unit determines the price of the printing so that the price of the printing becomes a predetermined amount. Information providing system described in. 57. A method according to claim 49, wherein whether or not the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information. Information providing system according to any of the above. 58. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the price for printing is different between when printing is color printing and when printing is monochrome printing. 59. The information processing apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether to add the additional information to the output information, wherein the determination unit determines that the additional information is not added to the output information 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the price of the printing is determined based on a price corresponding to the first value information and a price for performing printing.
59. The information providing system according to any one of 9 to 58. 60. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the printing is black and white printing or color printing. 61. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information. 62. The information processing apparatus further comprises issuing means for issuing the code information to the registered output information, and wherein the code input means inputs the code information issued by the issuing means. The information providing system according to any one of claims 49 to 61, characterized in that: 63. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit or an inkjet printer unit. 64. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the printing has a settlement processing function. 65. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the printing is accompanied by a personal authentication function. 66. A printing method according to claim 4, wherein a duplex unit capable of printing on the back surface is present.
The information providing system according to any one of Items 9 to 65. 67. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein the printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for the printing. 68. The information providing system according to claim 49, wherein said information processing device recognizes status information of said output control device for printing. 69. The information processing apparatus, further comprising: information transmitting means for transmitting output information specified by the code information received by the code receiving means to the output control apparatus, wherein the output control apparatus comprises: 69. The information providing system according to claim 49, further comprising information receiving means for receiving output information specified by the code information transmitted by the transmitting means. 70. The information processing apparatus further includes an additional information transmitting unit configured to transmit, to the output control device, additional information to be added to the output information specified by the code information received by the code receiving unit and printed. 50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the output control device includes an additional information receiving unit that receives additional information that is added to the output information specified by the code information transmitted by the code transmitting unit and printed. 70. The information providing system according to any one of the above items. 71. An information processing method for performing a fee process for printing of said output information desired by a user in a print service for printing registered output information, wherein said method indicates a value for output information to be printed. A read control step of controlling reading of information from a first storage unit for storing 1 value information and a second storage unit for storing second value information indicating a value for additional information added to the output information; And determining a value for printing when printing the output information and the additional information based on the first value information and the second value information of the additional information added to the output information. An information processing method, comprising: 72. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the output information is plural, and the first value information corresponds to the plural output information. 73. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the additional information is plural, and the second value information corresponds to the plural additional information. 74. The printing price determined in the determining step is based on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to the first value information. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein
73. The information processing method according to any one of 1 to 73. 75. The printing price determined in the determining step is obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to printing and the amount corresponding to the first value information. 74. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the information processing method is based on the deducted amount. 76. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the price for said printing determined in said determining step may be zero. 77. The printing method according to claim 74, wherein the determining step determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes zero when the deducted amount becomes negative. The information processing method described. 78. The method according to claim 74, wherein the determining step determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes a predetermined value when the deducted amount becomes negative. 75. The information processing method according to 75. 79. The method according to claim 71, wherein whether or not the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information. The information processing method according to any one of the above. 80. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the price for printing is different between when printing is color printing and when printing is monochrome printing. 81. A determining step of determining whether to add the additional information to the output information, wherein the determining step includes: determining that the additional information is not added to the output information; 81. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the price for the printing is determined based on a price corresponding to one piece of value information and a price for performing printing. 82. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the printing is black and white printing or color printing. 83. The information processing method according to claim 71, further comprising an issuing step of issuing the code information to the registered output information. 84. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein said additional information is information of an advertisement added to said output information. 85. The information processing method according to claim 71, further comprising an input step of inputting code information for specifying said output information. 86. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein said code information is based on information obtained from a device other than a computer such as a portable terminal. 87. The printing method according to claim 71, wherein the printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
The information processing method according to any one of the above. 88. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein printing is performed by an ink jet printer unit. 89. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the printing has a settlement processing function. 90. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein printing includes a personal authentication function. 91. The printing is based on the premise that a duplex unit capable of printing on the back side is present.
90. The information processing method according to any one of 1 to 90. 92. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein the printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for the printing. 93. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein it is assumed that an external interface for acquiring the output information exists. 94. The information processing method according to claim 71, wherein status information of an external device is recognized for printing. 95. An output control method in an output control device capable of processing a charge for printing of the output information desired by a user in a print service for printing registered output information, wherein the output information is specified. Code input step for inputting code information for setting, setting input step for inputting setting information when printing output information, code information input in the code input step, and setting information input in the setting input step Transmitting to the external device, first value information indicating the value of the output information specified by the code information transmitted in the transmitting step, and the value of the additional information added to the output information and printed. The price information indicating the price of printing determined by the external device based on the second value information indicating Output control method characterized by having a receiving step of receiving placed al. 96. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the output information is plural, and the first value information corresponds to the plural output information. 97. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the additional information is plural, and the second value information corresponds to the plural additional information. 98. The determined printing price is based on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to the first value information. An output control method according to any one of claims 95 to 97. 99. The determined printing consideration is an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to printing and the amount corresponding to the first value information. The output control method according to any one of claims 95 to 97, wherein the output control method is based on: The output control method according to any one of claims 95 to 99, wherein the determined value of the printing may be zero. 101. The printing method according to claim 98, wherein when the deducted amount becomes negative, the printing price is determined so that the printing price becomes zero.
Output control method. 102. The printing method according to claim 98, wherein when the deducted amount becomes negative, the printing price is determined so that the printing price becomes a predetermined value. Output control method. 103. A control method according to claim 95, wherein whether or not the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information. The output control method according to any one of the above. 104. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the price for said printing is different between when printing is in color and when printing is in black and white. 105. The output control device has an operation unit including code input means for inputting the code information and setting input means for inputting the setting information. Item 105. The output control method according to any one of Items 95 to 104. 106. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the printing is monochrome printing. 107. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the printing is color printing. 108. The apparatus according to claim 95, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information.
108. The output control method according to any one of claims 1 to 107. 109. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein said code information is based on information obtained from a device other than a computer such as a portable terminal. 110. The printing method according to claim 95, wherein the printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
09. The output control method according to any one of the above items. The printing is performed by an ink jet printer unit.
110. The output control method according to any one of claims 1 to 109. 112. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein printing includes a settlement processing function. 113. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein printing includes a personal authentication function. 114. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the printing is performed on the assumption that a duplex unit capable of printing on the back side is present. 115. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for information printing. 116. An information receiving step for receiving output information specified by the code information transmitted in the transmitting step.
15. The output control method according to any one of 15). 117. The output control method according to claim 95, wherein the output control device and the external device are connected via a network. 118. The output control method according to claim 95, further comprising a state transmitting step of transmitting a state to said external device. 119. An information providing system in which an information processing device and an output control device are connected via a network, wherein a print service for printing registered output information is provided, and the output information desired by a user is provided. An information providing method for processing a fee for printing, comprising: a code input step of inputting code information for specifying output information; and transmitting the code information input in the code input step to the information processing apparatus. A code transmitting step, a first storage unit for storing first value information for output information to be printed, and a second storage unit for storing second value information indicating a value for additional information added to the output information. A reading control step of controlling reading of the code, and a code receiving step of receiving the code information from the output control device. First value information indicating the value of the output information specified by the code information received in the receiving step, and second value information indicating the value of additional information added to the output information and printed. And a determining step of determining a price for printing when printing the output information and the additional information based on the information. 120. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the output information is plural, and the first value information corresponds to the plural output information. 121. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein said additional information is plural, and said second value information corresponds to said plural additional information. 122. The printing price determined in the determining step is based on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to the first value information. The information providing method according to any one of claims 119 to 121, wherein: 123. The consideration for the printing determined in the determining step is obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to printing and the amount corresponding to the first value information. The information providing method according to any one of claims 119 to 122, wherein the method is based on the deducted amount. 124. The information providing method according to claim 119 or 123, wherein the price of said printing determined in said determining step may be 0. 125. The method according to claim 122, wherein the determining step determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes zero when the deducted amount becomes negative. Information provision method described. 126. The method according to claim 122, wherein the determining step determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes a predetermined amount when the deducted amount becomes negative. Information provision method described in. 127. The apparatus according to claim 119, wherein whether the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information. Information provision method described in any of the above. 128. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the price for said printing is different between when printing is color printing and when printing is black and white printing. 129. A determining step of determining whether to add the additional information to the output information, wherein the determining step includes: determining that the additional information is not added to the output information; 129. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the price for printing is determined based on a price corresponding to one piece of value information and a price for performing printing. 130. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the printing is black-and-white printing or color printing. 131. The method according to claim 11, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information.
The information providing method according to any one of Items 9 to 130. 132. An issuing step for issuing the code information to the registered output information, wherein the code input step inputs the code information issued by the issuing step. 131, the information providing method according to any one of the above items. 133. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit or an inkjet printer unit. 134. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the printing includes a settlement processing function. 135. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the printing is accompanied by a personal authentication function. 136. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein the printing is performed on the assumption that a duplex unit capable of printing on the back side is present. 137. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for the printing. 138. The information providing method according to claim 119, wherein said information processing device recognizes status information of said output control device for printing. 139. An information transmitting step of transmitting output information specified by the code information received by the code receiving step to the output control device; and output information specified by the code information transmitted by the code transmitting step. 139. The information providing method according to claim 119, further comprising: an information receiving step of receiving information from the information processing apparatus. 140. An additional information transmitting step of transmitting, to the output control device, additional information to be added to the output information specified by the code information received in the code receiving step and printed, and transmitted by the code transmitting step. 140. An additional information receiving step of receiving, from the information processing apparatus, additional information to be printed by being added to the output information specified by the specified code information.
Information provision method described in any of the above. 141. A print medium for printing registered output information, wherein the computer-readable recording medium stores an information processing program for performing fee processing for printing the output information desired by a user. The information processing program comprises: a first storage unit for storing first value information indicating a value for output information to be printed; and a second storage for storing second value information indicating a value for additional information added to the output information. A read control step of controlling reading of information from the means, and the output information and the addition based on the first value information of the output information and the second value information of the additional information added to the output information. A determining step of determining a price for printing when printing information. 142. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein said output information is plural, and said first value information corresponds to said plural output information. 143. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein said additional information is plural, and said second value information corresponds to said plural additional information. 144. The printing price determined in the determining step is based on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to the first value information. The recording medium according to any one of claims 141 to 143, wherein: 145. The printing price determined in the determining step is obtained by subtracting the price corresponding to the second value information from the price corresponding to printing and the price corresponding to the first value information. 144. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein the recording medium is based on the deducted amount. 146. The recording medium according to any one of claims 141 to 145, wherein the price of the printing determined in the determining step may be zero. 147. The method according to claim 144 or 145, wherein the determining step determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes zero when the deducted amount becomes negative. The recording medium according to the above. 148. The method according to claim 144, wherein the determining step determines the price of the printing such that the price of the printing becomes a predetermined value when the deducted amount becomes negative. 145. The recording medium according to 145. 149. The method according to claim 71, wherein whether or not the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times of printing added to the output information. The recording medium according to any one of the above. 150. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein the price for said printing is different between when printing is color printing and when printing is monochrome printing. 151. The information processing program causes a computer to execute a determining step of determining whether to add the additional information to the output information, and the determining step does not add the additional information to the output information. 150. The method according to claim 141, wherein when the determination is made, the price for the printing is determined based on the price corresponding to the first value information and the price for performing printing. The recording medium according to the above. 152. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein the printing is black-and-white printing or color printing. 153. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the information processing program causes a computer to execute an issuing step of issuing the code information to registered output information.
144. The recording medium according to any one of 41 to 152. 154. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information.
150. The recording medium according to any one of 1 to 153. 155. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein said information processing program causes a computer to execute an input step of inputting code information for specifying said output information. 156. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein said code information is based on information obtained from a device other than a computer such as a portable terminal. 157. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit. 158. The printing method according to claim 14, wherein the printing is performed by an ink jet printer unit.
150. The recording medium according to any one of 1 to 156. 159. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein the printing has a settlement processing function. 160. A recording medium according to claim 141, wherein printing is accompanied by a personal authentication function. 161. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein the printing is performed on the assumption that a duplex unit capable of printing on the back surface is present. 162. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for the printing. 163. The recording medium according to claim 141, wherein it is assumed that there is an external interface for acquiring said output information. 164. The recording medium according to any one of claims 141 to 163, wherein said information processing program causes a computer to execute so as to recognize status information of an external device for printing. 165. A print service for printing registered output information, which is read by a computer storing a control program executed by an output control device capable of processing a fee for printing the output information desired by a user. A recording medium capable of inputting code information for specifying output information; a setting input step of inputting setting information for printing the output information; A transmitting step of transmitting the code information input in the step and the setting information input in the setting input step to an external device; and a first indicating the value of the output information specified by the code information transmitted in the transmitting step. Value information and a second value indicating the value of the additional information added to the output information and printed The consideration information indicating a price of printing, which is determined by the external device based on the information recording medium, characterized in that to execute a receiving step of receiving from said external device to said output control device. 166. The recording medium according to claim 165, wherein said output information is plural, and said first value information corresponds to said plural output information. 167. The recording medium according to claim 165, wherein the additional information is plural, and the second value information corresponds to the plural additional information. 168. The printing price determined is based on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to the first value information. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 167. 169. The determined price for the printing is an amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the second value information from the amount corresponding to printing and the amount corresponding to the first value information. 168. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 167, wherein the recording medium is based on: 170. The printing method according to claim 165, wherein the determined printing price may be zero.
10. The recording medium according to any one of 9. 171. The printing method according to claim 168, wherein the printing fee is determined so that the printing fee becomes zero when the deducted amount becomes negative.
69. The recording medium according to 69. 172. The printing method according to claim 168 or 169, wherein when the deducted amount becomes negative, the printing price is determined such that the printing price becomes a predetermined value. recoding media. 173. The information processing apparatus according to claim 95, wherein whether or not the additional information is added to the output information is controlled based on attribute information indicating the number of times that the additional information has been printed. The recording medium according to any one of the above. 174. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 173, wherein the price for said printing is different between when printing is in color and when printing is in black and white. 175. The output control device, comprising: an operation unit including code input means for inputting the code information and setting input means for inputting the setting information. Item 165. The recording medium according to any one of Items 165 to 174. 176. The recording medium according to claim 165, wherein the printing is black and white printing. 177. The recording medium according to claim 165, wherein the printing is color printing. 178. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the additional information is information of an advertisement added to the output information.
178. The recording medium according to any one of items 5 to 177. 179. The recording medium according to claim 165, wherein said code information is based on information obtained from a device other than a computer, such as a portable terminal. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 179, wherein printing is performed by an electrophotographic printer unit. 181. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the printing is performed by an ink jet type printer unit.
178. The recording medium according to any one of Items 5 to 179. 182. The recording medium according to claim 165, wherein the printing has a settlement processing function. 183. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 182, wherein printing has a personal authentication function. 184. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 183, wherein printing is performed on the assumption that a duplex unit capable of printing on the back side is present. 185. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 184, wherein printing is based on the existence of a coin counter for paying for information printing. 186. The control program causes the output control device to execute an information receiving step of receiving output information specified by the code information transmitted in the transmitting step.
The recording medium according to any one of the above. 187. The recording medium according to any one of claims 165 to 186, wherein said output control device and said external device are connected via a network. 188. The apparatus according to claim 165, wherein the control program causes the output control device to execute a status transmission step of transmitting a status to the external device.
8. The recording medium according to any one of 7. 189. An information providing system in which an information processing device and an output control device are connected via a network to provide a print service for printing registered output information and to provide a print service of the output information desired by a user. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing fee processing for printing, the program comprising: a code input step of inputting code information for specifying output information; and A code transmission step of transmitting the input code information to the information processing apparatus; a first storage unit for storing first value information for output information to be printed; A read control unit for controlling reading of information from the second storage means for storing the value information; Step, a code receiving step of receiving the code information from the output control device, first value information indicating a value of the output information specified by the code information received in the receiving step, and adding to the output information And determining, based on the second value information indicating the value of the additional information to be printed after printing, the output information and a printing step for printing the additional information. Recording medium.