JP3951585B2 - Customized print data distribution method and system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a customized print data distribution method and system capable of printing out customized print data customized to the user's favorite contents at a desired time at a location designated by the user in advance.
[0002]
[Prior art]
One communication service using a network or the like is, for example, an electronic newspaper service that electronically distributes newspaper articles to users. Furthermore, today, a customized electronic newspaper that selects articles to be distributed according to the interest and convenience of each user has also appeared.
[0003]
For example, Point Cast (product name) is known as a typical customized electronic newspaper based on this electronic customized distribution.
[0004]
Point Cast system allows individual users to select only the genres that they are interested in from the ready-made genres such as “politics”, “economy”, “society”, “international”, “sports” (check) In response to an article distribution request from the user, the system confirms the genre selected in advance by the user and distributes only articles belonging to the genre.
[0005]
By using this system, it is possible to prevent the distribution of extra articles and to convey information that is valuable to the user, so that it is expected to have an effect of helping the user to search for information and understand the contents.
[0006]
However, this system is limited to electronic distribution of article data customized according to the user to the user terminal, and is not provided to the user as a newspaper printed on paper.
[0007]
Other prior art documents related to electronic customized distribution include Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-233698, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-328526, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-112978, and the like.
[0008]
The technologies described in these prior art documents, like the above-mentioned Point Cast system, electronically distribute customized data generated by extracting only data preferred by the user from the data source to the user side terminal, or generate customized data The printed side is printed out.
[0009]
For this reason, in the above-described conventional system, in order to see the contents of data customized to the contents desired by the user, the user must confirm on the display screen of the user terminal or send a printed version of the data. It was not possible to print out and receive it at a convenient location and at a convenient time.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the conventional system has a problem that data customized according to the user cannot be printed out and received at a convenient location and at a convenient timing.
[0011]
The present invention solves the above-described problems, allows the user to print out and receive data customized according to the user at his / her convenient location and timing, and the printing instruction operation at that time is simple and It is an object of the present invention to provide a customized print data distribution method and system that can reduce the print waiting time.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is the input of data extraction information for instructing extraction of a desired information source, desired data in the information source, and information for specifying a recipient. Accept one or more information sources Or Information source whose contents are updated Data of And the received information source Data of The data of the information source corresponding to the data extraction information is extracted for each user from the above, the data is appropriately laid out to generate customized print data for each user, and the generated customized print data is previously stored for each user. Distribution is made to the specified recipient printer.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the print data is generated by a preset time and distributed to the printing apparatus side.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the print data is stored in the latest information source. Data of It is generated again and distributed to the printing apparatus side.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the information source employed to generate the print data. Data of The user is charged according to the number of items.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the print data is encrypted and distributed, and a decryption code used to decrypt the cipher is notified to the user.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the print data amount information and payment fee payment information of the corresponding user are added to the print data and distributed to the printing apparatus, and the print data is distributed. The apparatus side determines the membership fee payment status of the corresponding user based on the membership fee payment information added to the received print data corresponding to the input authentication information, and if the membership fee is not paid, the membership fee is paid to the print data. After confirming that the amount corresponding to the amount information added together with the information has been deposited, the print data corresponding to the input authentication information is printed out.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus side has user information management means for managing user information necessary for user authentication of the user, and when the authentication information is input, User authentication for the authentication information is performed based on the user information managed by the user information management means.
[0019]
The invention described in claim 8 comprises a customized print data generation server that generates customized print data according to a user, and a printing device that receives the distribution of the customized print data from the server and prints out the data. Includes user information management means for managing data input information input from a user, data extraction information for instructing extraction of desired data in the information source, and information for specifying a recipient, and one or more Information So Or Information source whose contents are updated Data of Information source receiving means for receiving the received information source Data of Information source management means for managing the information source, and information sources stored in the information source management means Data of The data of the information source corresponding to the data extraction information is extracted for each user from the above, the print data generating means for appropriately laying out the data and generating the customized print data for the user, and the generated print data A distribution unit that distributes to the receiving printing device side designated in advance for each user, wherein the printing device side receives the printing data distributed from the server, and the received printing Storage means for storing data; print output means for accepting input of authentication information from the user; printing out print data corresponding to the authentication information; and deletion processing means for deleting print data stored in the storage means It is characterized by comprising.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 9 is the information source receiving unit according to claim 8, wherein the server generates the print data by a predetermined time and distributes the print data to the printing apparatus side. And a timing control means for controlling the print data generation means and the distribution means.
[0021]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the server sends the print data to the latest information source. Data of And a timing control means for controlling the information source receiving means, the print data generating means, and the distributing means so that the information is regenerated and transmitted to the printing apparatus.
[0022]
The invention described in claim 11 is the invention described in claim 8, wherein the server is used to generate the print data. Information source data And charging processing means for performing charging processing for the corresponding user according to the number of users.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the server encrypts the print data, and a notification means for notifying a user of a decryption code used for decrypting the encryption. It is characterized by comprising.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 13 is a customized print data generation server that generates customized print data according to a user, and distributes the customized print data to a receiving printing apparatus that is designated in advance by the user. User information management means for managing inputted information source information, data extraction information for instructing extraction of desired data in the information source, and information designating a recipient, and one or more information sources Or Information source whose contents are updated Data of Information source receiving means for receiving the received information source Data of Information source management means for managing the information source, and information sources stored in the information source management means Data of The data of the information source corresponding to the data extraction information is extracted for each user from the above, the print data generating means for appropriately laying out the data and generating the customized print data for the user, and the generated print data Distribution means for delivering to the receiving printing apparatus side designated in advance for each user.
[0025]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the information source receiving means, the print data generation, so that the print data is generated by a predetermined time and distributed to the printing apparatus side. And a timing control means for controlling the means and the distribution means.
[0026]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the thirteenth aspect, the print data is stored in the latest information source. Data of And a timing control means for controlling the information source receiving means, the print data generating means, and the distributing means so that the information is regenerated and transmitted to the printing apparatus.
[0027]
The invention described in claim 16 is adopted in the invention described in claim 13 for generating the print data. Information source data And charging processing means for performing charging processing for the corresponding user according to the number of users.
[0028]
The invention described in claim 17 includes the encryption means for encrypting the print data and the notification means for notifying the user of a decryption code used for decrypting the encryption in the invention described in claim 13. It is characterized by.
[0029]
The invention described in claim 18 is the invention described in claim 13, further comprising means for adding money amount information of the print data and membership payment information of the corresponding user to the print data when the print data is transmitted. It is characterized by that.
[0030]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the user information management unit receives an authentication request for authentication information input from the printing apparatus side to the printing apparatus side and based on the authentication information. And a user authentication means for judging the authentication and notifying the authentication request source to the printing apparatus side of the authentication request source.
[0031]
According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, there is provided the user authentication information transmitting means according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, wherein user information necessary for user authentication of a user is extracted from the user information management means and transmitted to the printing apparatus side. It is characterized by doing.
[0032]
A twenty-first aspect of the invention is a printing apparatus that receives and outputs the customized print data from a server that generates customized print data according to a user, and receives the customized print data distributed from the server. Receiving means; storage means for storing the received customized print data; print output means for accepting input of authentication information from the user and printing out the customized print data corresponding to the authentication information; and storing in the storage means And deletion processing means for deleting the customized print data.
[0033]
The invention described in claim 22 is the user according to the invention described in claim 21 above, based on payment processing means for receiving payment and membership fee payment information added to the print data corresponding to the input authentication information. If the membership fee has not been paid, it is confirmed that the amount corresponding to the amount information added to the print data together with the membership fee payment information has been deposited by the deposit processing means. And charging processing means each time processing is performed to print out customized print data corresponding to the input authentication information.
[0034]
The invention according to claim 23 is the invention according to claim 21, wherein user information management means for receiving and managing user information necessary for user authentication of the user sent from the server, and input of authentication information And local authentication means for performing user authentication on the authentication information based on the user information managed by the user information management means.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0036]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a customized print data distribution system according to the present invention.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 1, this system is configured by a network having a customized print data generation device (hereinafter abbreviated as a CPD generation device) 30 for generating customized print data as a core.
[0038]
The network includes a user terminal 10 (10a, 10b) connected to the CPD generation device 30 via the communication network 20, a spooler 50 and a printer 70 connected to the CPD generation device 30 via the communication network 40, A data source server 90 (90a, 90b, 90c) that supplies a data source to be customized to the CPD generating apparatus 30 is included.
[0039]
In this system, the CPD generating device 30 stores and manages at least data extraction information and data receiving destination information input from the user terminal 10 in association with the user ID, and at least received from the data source server 90. One data source is accumulated and managed, data is extracted from the data source according to the data extraction information for each user ID, print data is generated, and the print data is stored in an external device (spooler 50) designated in advance for each user ID. , Printer 70).
[0040]
In particular, this embodiment is premised on a system applied to a customized newspaper service, and the CPD generation device 30 captures preference information indicating the preference of newspaper article data from the user terminal 10 as the data extraction information. Newspaper article data is fetched from the data source server 90 of each newspaper company as the data source, article data is extracted from these data sources according to the preference information, and print data customized for each user is created. Is delivered to an external device (spooler 50, printer 70) corresponding to the data recipient information (corresponding to newspaper recipient information described later) designated in advance for each user.
[0041]
In this system, a user terminal 10 is connected to a CPD generating apparatus 30 via a communication network 20 that provides a communication service such as the Internet. As the user terminal 10, in addition to a wired communication terminal (indicated by reference numeral 10a) such as a PC (personal computer) or PDA (personal digital assistants) installed in the user's home, wireless communication such as an i-mode terminal A terminal (indicated by reference numeral 10b) is used.
[0042]
This user terminal 10 serves as a member registration window of a customized newspaper service provided with the CPD generating device 30 as a core.
[0043]
For member registration, the user uses the user terminal 10 to contact information (e-mail address, etc.), membership fee payment method (credit card number, etc.), as well as preference information necessary for customizing article data, It is necessary to register in advance the information on the recipient of the newspaper for picking up the customized newspaper. Of these, the preference information can be specified for each newspaper and each article data genre in the newspaper.
[0044]
The spooler 50 and the printer 70 are connected to the CPD generation device 30 via the communication network 40. The spooler 50 and the printer 70 serve as a reception desk for customized newspapers having article contents customized according to the preference information specified in advance by the user at the time of membership registration. It is installed in a place where it is easy to drop in.
[0045]
Each of the data source servers 90a, 90b, and 90c is connected to the CPD generating device 30 through, for example, a dedicated line. Each of these data source servers 90a, 90b, 90c accumulates article data collected and edited by each corresponding newspaper company, and transmits the article data to the CPD generating apparatus 30 at, for example, a fixed time or a fixed time period every day. .
[0046]
On the other hand, the CPD generation device 30 which is the core of this system includes a user / interface (U / I) unit 301, an article reception unit 302, a customized newspaper generation unit (hereinafter abbreviated as C newspaper generation unit) 303, distribution control. A unit 304, an article transmission unit 305, a mail transmission unit 306, a user authentication unit 307, a charging processing unit 308, a user information management database (DB) 310, an article database (DB) 320, and a control unit 330.
[0047]
The U / I unit 301 manages a user interface related to an operation when a user who wants to receive the customized newspaper service provided by the present system operates the user terminal 10 to perform user registration (member registration).
[0048]
The article receiving unit 302 performs processing of receiving article data from the data source servers 90a, 90b, and 90c of each newspaper company and registering the article data in the article DB 320.
[0049]
The C newspaper generation unit 303 searches the article data stored in the article DB 320 using the preference information for each user stored in the user information management DB 310 as a key, and customizes for each user based on the searched article data. Generate print data (customized newspaper).
[0050]
The distribution control unit 304 controls the distribution of various data to the outside in cooperation with the article transmission unit 305 and the mail transmission unit 306.
[0051]
Under the control of the distribution control unit 304, the article transmission unit 305 sends the customized print data for each user generated by the C newspaper generation unit 303 to the newspaper recipient (spooler 50) designated by each user at the time of member registration. Control to send to.
[0052]
The mail transmission unit 306 transmits mail to the user terminals 10a and 10b under the control of the distribution control unit 304. As the mail transmitted from the mail transmission unit 306, for example, when the customized print data generated by the C newspaper generation unit 303 is encrypted and transmitted, the decryption code used for decryption of the cipher is notified to the user terminals 10a and 10b. There is an email for. In addition, when a customized newspaper corresponding to an extra issue is issued from the CPD generating device 30, there is an email for notifying the user terminals 10a and 10b of the issue of the extra issue and the passcode necessary for receiving the extra issue.
[0053]
When a user inputs a user ID from the printer 70 in order to receive a customized newspaper at a newspaper recipient specified in advance at the time of membership registration, the user authentication unit 307 receives an authentication request for the user ID sent from the adjacent spooler 50. User authentication processing of receiving, performing authentication determination of “authentication OK” or “authentication NG” depending on whether or not the user ID is registered in the user information management DB 310, and returning the determination result to the spooler 50 of the authentication request source I do.
[0054]
The charging processing unit 308 performs processing for charging the usage fee for the customized newspaper service for each user registered as a member. As a charging method, for example, there is a method of determining the usage fee according to the number of data sources employed to generate customized print data for each user. In addition, there is a method for determining the usage fee according to the number of printed customized newspapers. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use the above two methods in combination.
[0055]
The user information management DB 310 stores various information input from the user terminal 10 at the time of user registration as a database.
[0056]
The article DB 320 stores article data from the data source servers 90a, 90b, and 90c of each newspaper company received by the article receiving unit 302 as a database for each newspaper company.
[0057]
The article data in the data source servers 90a, 90b, and 90c are updated regularly or sequentially due to the nature of the newspaper.
[0058]
Next, the basic operation of this system will be described.
[0059]
A user who intends to newly use the customized newspaper service provided by the present system needs to perform new user registration using the user terminal 10.
[0060]
When registering a new user, the user connects to the system from the Internet using the user terminal 10 and performs a logon input operation. By this logon input operation, the U / I unit 301 is activated, and a menu screen is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 10.
[0061]
When “new user registration” is selected on this menu screen, a menu screen for inputting information necessary for new user registration is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 10. The user sequentially inputs various information essential for user registration using the menu screen.
[0062]
Information necessary for user registration includes information such as a user's contact information (for example, an e-mail address), a fee payment method (for example, a credit card number), preference information for instructing article preferences, and a newspaper recipient.
[0063]
After selecting “new user registration”, the user first inputs an e-mail address and a credit card number on a new registration menu screen sequentially provided by the U / I unit 301. These pieces of information input from the user terminal 10 are registered in the user information management DB 310 via the U / I unit 301.
[0064]
When the registration of the e-mail address and credit card number is completed, the billing processing unit 308 performs processing for collecting the membership fee based on the credit card number. In this embodiment, for example, a monthly membership fee is collected from a registered member as a monthly member registration system.
[0065]
When the membership fee collection is complete, the following menu screen is displayed. The user sequentially inputs preference information for instructing article data preference and newspaper recipient information according to the menu screen. The preference information and the newspaper recipient information can be input, for example, by selecting from candidates displayed on the menu screen.
[0066]
The input preference information and newspaper recipient information are registered in the user information management DB 310 in association with the user ID issued at the time of the new user registration together with information such as the previously input mail address.
[0067]
The newly issued user ID is used as an authentication number when receiving the customized newspaper, and is notified to the user, for example, by displaying it on the above-described U / I menu screen. As will be described later, the user can use the user ID to receive the customized newspaper at the newspaper receiver (printer 70) designated at the time of user registration.
[0068]
After the logon input operation, by selecting “Update” on the menu screen provided by the U / I unit 301, the registered user information is updated in accordance with the update menu screens displayed sequentially thereafter. You can also.
[0069]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a form of registration of user information in the user information management DB 310 based on the above procedure.
[0070]
As shown in the figure, in the user information management DB 310, the mail address, credit card number, and preference information (from the user terminal 10 of each user (user A, user B, user C,...)) According to the above user registration procedure ( Profile) and newspaper recipient information are registered corresponding to the user ID of each user.
[0071]
In the profile shown in the figure, politics, economics, company, country, country, and country are the article genres of “politics”, “economy”, “society”, “international”, “sports”, and “niche”, respectively. The circle indicates that the genre is selected.
[0072]
Further, in the user information management DB 310, information related to membership fee payment (paid and unpaid) from each member in the charging processing unit 308 is also registered by processing on the system (CPD generation device 30) side.
[0073]
After completion of the user registration, the CPD generating device 30 starts a customized newspaper issuing service for the registered user.
[0074]
When issuing a customized newspaper to a registered user, the CPD generating device 30 receives article data from the data source servers 90a, 90b, and 90c of each newspaper company via the article receiving unit 302, for example, every night by a predetermined time. And stored in the article DB 320.
[0075]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a form of registering article data in the article DB 320 of the CPD generating apparatus 30.
[0076]
As shown in the figure, in the article DB 320, article data received from each newspaper company (A newspaper company, B newspaper company, C newspaper company) is, for example, “for each newspaper (newspaper ID)” in the data reference area. It is managed corresponding to the article ID of each genre such as “politics”, “economy”, “society”, “international”, “sports”, “niche”, etc. It is stored in the article data area indicated by the corresponding reference address.
[0077]
Among these article data, the article data of each genre excluding “niche” is the same as the article data published in a general newspaper published for everyone. On the other hand, article data of the genre “niche” is article data that is not published in the general newspaper.
[0078]
In this embodiment, in addition to article data in a genre such as “politics” and “economy” published in a general newspaper issued for everyone, article data in a genre “niche” that is not published in a general newspaper is also used by the user. It can be specified as preference information from the side.
[0079]
As a result, in this embodiment, not only articles published in general newspapers but also niche articles not published in general newspapers can be read on customized newspapers as desired by the user. .
[0080]
After all the article data of each newspaper company as the data source is accumulated in the article DB 320, the CPD generating apparatus 30 performs the article data in the article DB 320 and each user registered in the user information management DB 310. Control for generating customized print data corresponding to the customized newspaper to be issued for each user from the user's preference information, and distributing the print data to the newspaper recipient (spooler 50) designated at the time of user registration by the user. I do.
[0081]
The customized print data generation and distribution processing operations in the CPD generation apparatus 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0082]
First, in the CPD generation device 30, the control unit 330 monitors whether or not the current time has reached a preset time, and when it reaches the set time (YES in step S401), the C newspaper generation unit 303 is switched on. It starts up (step S402) and starts the C newspaper creation process.
[0083]
Thereby, the C newspaper generation unit 303 reads the first user information from the user information management DB 310 (step S403), and extracts the preference information (profile) therein (step S404).
[0084]
Next, using this profile as a key, article data of each genre corresponding to the profile is extracted from the article DB 320 (step S405), and the extracted article data is appropriately laid out according to the number of genres or the amount of data and customized printing. Data is generated (step S406).
[0085]
In the process of extracting article data corresponding to the profile in step S405, if the content of the profile specified by the user is, for example, “politics” or “economy” of A newspaper, newspapers corresponding to these Article data matching the ID and article ID is extracted.
[0086]
The customized print data generated by the C newspaper generation unit 303 is then sent to the distribution control unit 304.
[0087]
Upon receiving the customized print data from the C newspaper generation unit 303, the distribution control unit 304 extracts newspaper recipient information from the user information read in step S403, and instructs the article transmission unit 305 to send the customized print data. Is controlled to be transmitted to the spooler 50 of the newspaper recipient (step S408).
[0088]
At this time, the distribution control unit 304 adds a corresponding user ID to the customized print data to be transmitted. If necessary, the amount of the newspaper (news obtained by printing out the customized print data) and membership fee payment information are also added to the user ID.
[0089]
When the transmission of the customized print data is completed, the control unit 330 checks whether or not there is next user information (step S409). If there is no next user information (step S409 NO), the control unit 330 waits until the next set time. Get into position.
[0090]
On the other hand, if there is next user information (YES in step S409), the process returns to step S403, and through steps 403 to 409, generation and distribution control of customized print data corresponding to the user information is performed.
[0091]
Thereafter, similarly, the processes in steps 403 to 409 are repeatedly performed until the next user information disappears. When the next user information disappears (step S409 NO), the process shifts to the standby state.
[0092]
In this way, the process of generating and distributing customized print data for all users registered in the user information management DB 310 is performed.
[0093]
As a result, at the time when the distribution of the customized print data is completed, the customized newspaper (customized newspaper (customized newspaper) customized to the article content that matches the preference specified by each user at the time of user registration in the spooler 50 of the newspaper recipient specified by each user in advance. Customized print data) is prepared, and thereafter, each user can receive their own customized newspaper at any time by the print output of the printer 70 of the newspaper recipient.
[0094]
As for the generation and distribution timing of customized print data in the CPD generation device 30, the print data is generated by a predetermined time and transmitted by the printer 70, and the print data is updated to the latest data at regular intervals. A method of updating the data and transmitting it to the printer 70 is also conceivable.
[0095]
These controls can be realized, for example, by operating the article reception unit 302, the C newspaper generation unit 303, and the distribution control unit 304 at appropriate timings by timing control means (not shown) provided in the control unit 330. .
[0096]
In addition, although there is a method of setting the time when print data is generated and distributed by a time specified in advance on the CPD generation device 30 side, it may be specified from the user side.
[0097]
In this case, the time designation is also accepted at the time of user registration, the designated time information is also managed in the user information management db 310, and the timing control unit provided in the control unit 330 is configured to receive the article receiving unit based on the designated time information. The operation timing of the 302, the C newspaper generation unit 303, and the distribution control unit 304 may be controlled.
[0098]
Next, a procedure for receiving a customized newspaper for one's own use from the printer 70 of the newspaper receiving destination designated in advance by the user will be described.
[0099]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the spooler 50 and the printer 70 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0100]
The spooler 50 includes an interface (I / F) unit 501 that controls an interface between the device itself, the communication network 40 and the printer 70, and article data (customized print data) distributed from the CPD generation device 30. The article receiving unit 502 received via the storage, the storage unit 503 storing the article data received by the article receiving unit 502, the deletion processing unit 504 deleting the customized print data stored in the storage unit 503, and the control of the entire apparatus It is comprised from the control part 510 which performs.
[0101]
The printer 70 includes an interface (I / F) unit 701 that controls an interface between the self apparatus and the network 40 and the spooler 50, a touch panel, and the like, and an operation unit that inputs various information necessary for operations such as customized newspaper issuance. And an operation / display unit 702 including a display unit that displays various information corresponding to various operations, and a user ID authentication request input from the operation / display unit 702 when the customized newspaper is issued, etc. A user information inquiry unit 703 for inquiring information, a storage unit 710 for storing various data such as customized print data read from the spooler 50, and a print output for printing out data such as customized print data stored in the storage unit 710 And a control unit 720 that controls the entire apparatus.
[0102]
In FIG. 5, the article receiving unit 502 of the spooler 50 receives the customized print data sent from the CPD generating apparatus 30 through the process of step S408 (see FIG. 4) via the I / F unit 501, and prints the print data. The information is stored in the storage unit 503 together with the user ID, newspaper amount, and membership fee payment information received together with the data.
[0103]
On the other hand, the printer 70 waits for a customized newspaper issuance instruction operation from the operation / display unit 702. When the operation is performed, the corresponding customized print data is fetched from the storage unit 503 of the spooler 50 into the storage unit 710 of the own apparatus. Then, the print output unit 711 prints it out as a customized newspaper.
[0104]
The customized newspaper issuing operation by the spooler 50 and the printer 70 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0105]
A user who wants to receive a customized newspaper at a newspaper recipient designated in advance goes to the newspaper recipient and performs an operation necessary for receiving the newspaper with the operation / display unit 702 of the printer 70 installed in the store.
[0106]
As the first operation, the user selects “issue customized newspaper” from the menu displayed on the operation / display unit 702, and then inputs the user ID according to the customized newspaper issue procedure menu displayed. At this time, a password may be input together with the user ID.
[0107]
Meanwhile, on the printer 70 side, the control unit 720 monitors whether or not “customized newspaper issuance” has been selected on the operation / display unit 702 (step S601).
[0108]
When “customized newspaper issuance” is selected, the control unit 720 switches the display of the operation / display unit 702 to the customized newspaper issuance procedure menu, and accepts input of a user ID on the screen (step S602).
[0109]
Here, when a user ID is input from the operation / display unit 702, the user information inquiry unit 703 then makes an inquiry about the authentication of the input user ID to the user authentication unit 307 of the CPD generation device 30. (Step S603).
[0110]
On the other hand, the user authentication unit 307 of the CPD generation device 30 searches the user information management DB 310 using the user ID inquired from the user information inquiry unit 703 of the printer 70 as a key, and whether or not the user ID is registered. The authentication result “authentication OK” or “authentication NG” is sent back to the user information inquiry unit 703.
[0111]
The user information inquiry unit 703 determines whether it is “authentication OK” or “authentication NG” based on the authentication result sent back from the user authentication unit 307 (step S604).
[0112]
Here, if “authentication is OK” (YES in step S604), the control unit 720 reads customized print data corresponding to the user ID “authentication OK” from the storage unit 503 of the spooler 50 (step S605). The customized print data is transferred to the print output unit 711 via the storage unit 710 of the device itself, and is printed out as a customized newspaper (step S606).
[0113]
After printing the customized newspaper, the control unit 720 notifies the article deletion processing unit 504 of the spooler 50 of the fact. Upon receiving this notification, the article deletion processing unit 504 deletes the customized print data sent to the printer 70 in the current process from the storage unit 503 (step S607).
[0114]
Next, a customized newspaper output result by the printer 70 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0115]
FIG. 7 shows an output example of the customized newspaper for user A based on the user information management DB 310 in FIG.
[0116]
Here, the user A's newspaper recipient in the user information management DB 310 is a convenience store A (printer A), and the profile includes “politics” of the A newspaper, “society” of the A newspaper, and “sports” of the A newspaper. Since it is registered, from the printer 70 (printer A) at the convenience store A based on this profile, for example, as shown in FIG. A 2/4 page is an article in the “Social” genre of A newspaper, 3/4 pages and a 4/4 page (part) is an article in the “Sport” genre of A newspaper. Is output.
[0117]
FIG. 8 shows an output example of the customized newspaper for user B based on the user information management DB 310 in FIG.
[0118]
Here, the user B's newspaper recipient in the user information management DB 310 is a convenience store B (printer B), and the profiles “Sport” of the A newspaper, “Sports” of the B newspaper, and “Sports” of the C newspaper. Based on this profile, the printer 70 (printer B) at the convenience store B stores, for example, pages 1/6 and 2/6 (partial) as shown in FIG. Articles in the "Sports" genre of the A newspaper, pages 2/6 (part) and pages 3/6 and 4/6 are articles in the "Sports" genre of the B newspaper, pages 5/6 and 6/6 A customized newspaper spanning 6 pages, which is an article of the “sports” genre of the C newspaper, is printed out.
[0119]
FIG. 9 shows an output example of the customized newspaper for user C based on the user information management DB 310 in FIG.
[0120]
Here, the newspaper receiver of the user C in the user information management DB 310 is the station store C (printer C), and the profile includes “politics” of the A newspaper, “niche” of the A newspaper, “society” of the B newspaper, Since “Economic” of the C newspaper is registered, from the printer 70 (printer C) of the station store C based on this profile, for example, as shown in FIG. Articles in the "Political" genre, page 2/5 (part) are articles in the "Niche" genre of the A newspaper, pages 2/5 (part), pages 3/5 and 4/5 are B An article of “Society” genre of newspaper is printed out, and a 5/5 page customized newspaper of “Economy” genre of C newspaper is printed out.
[0121]
Thus, in the present invention, a user who registers article preference information (profile), newspaper recipient information, etc. according to the user registration procedure goes to the newspaper recipient and corresponds to the article preference information from the printer 70 there. You can receive your own personalized newspaper (for example, several sheets of A3 or A4 paper) customized to include only article data.
[0122]
In particular, in the case of the present invention, assuming that the place where the user receives the customized newspaper (newspaper recipient: a store at a station closest to the user's house, a convenience store, etc.) is basically the same place every day, the CPD generating device 30 side By extracting data from the data source according to the article preference information designated by the user to generate customized print data, and performing processing for transmitting the print data to a newspaper recipient (spooler 50) designated in advance by the user, By downloading print data corresponding to the customized newspaper to the spooler 50 side, the user does not need to input article preference information again in the printer 70 adjacent to the spooler 50, and a user ID (password) or the like. You can receive customized newspapers with just a simple operation of entering. In addition, the printing waiting time for the customized newspaper is shortened by omitting the download time of the print data corresponding to the customized newspaper.
[0123]
In the customized newspaper service, which is a premise in the present embodiment, it is considered that a case where a customized newspaper is picked up from a printer 70 installed in a station store or a convenience store on the way to work every morning seems to be common. However, it is very useful from the viewpoint of improving serviceability that the printing instruction operation for receiving the customized newspaper is simple and the waiting time for printing is small in such a busy and crowded time zone.
[0124]
In the processing operation illustrated in FIG. 6, an example in which the article deletion processing unit 504 of the spooler 50 deletes the customized print data corresponding to the user ID in the storage unit 503 immediately after the customized newspaper is printed out by the printer 70. As described above, the timing for deleting the customized print data is not limited to this example. For example, it may be performed at a fixed time (for example, at noon) regardless of the presence or absence of print output, or The entire day may be retained, and the customized print data of the previous day may be deleted after the next customized print data arrives.
[0125]
These deletion processing methods can be appropriately selected in the following embodiments.
[0126]
Next, another embodiment of the spooler 50 and the printer 70 according to the present invention will be described.
[0127]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the spooler 50B and the printer 70B according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0128]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, a deposit processing unit 505 is added to the spooler 50B in the first embodiment, and a charging processing unit 704 is added to the printer 70B in the first embodiment each time. Is added.
[0129]
In the spooler 50B, the deposit processing unit 505 receives an input of the price of the newspaper when the customized newspaper is issued, and is realized by card information reading means such as a coin kit or a prepaid card.
[0130]
In the printer 70B, each time the billing processing unit 704 determines that the user has not paid the membership fee when the customized newspaper is issued, the user is prompted to input the newspaper price, thereby depositing the amount by the deposit processing unit 505 of the spooler 50B. After confirming completion, the customized newspaper is controlled to be printed out.
[0131]
Therefore, when the spooler 50 and the printer 70 of the second embodiment are used, the CPD generating apparatus 30 is adapted to distribute customized print data to each newspaper recipient spooler 50B (corresponding to the process of step S408 in FIG. 4). In addition to the user ID, it is necessary to send a newspaper amount and membership fee payment information.
[0132]
By the processing of step S408 in the CPD generation device 30, each spooler 50B receives the customized print data sent from the CPD generation device 30 by the article receiving unit 502, and then receives the customized print data together with it. Stored in the storage unit 503 in association with the user ID, newspaper amount, and membership fee payment information.
[0133]
The operations of the spooler 50B and the printer 70B according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0134]
In the spooler 50B and the printer 70B according to the second embodiment, the processing operations in steps S601 to S604 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). To do.
[0135]
In the second embodiment, in the printer 70B, when the authentication result of the user ID inquired to the user authentication unit 307 of the CPD generation device 30 based on the user ID input from the operation / display unit 702 is “authentication OK” (step In each case, the billing processing unit 704 determines whether the membership fee is paid or not based on the membership fee payment information corresponding to the user ID “authenticated” stored in the storage unit 503 of the spooler 50B. (Step S610).
[0136]
Here, if the membership fee has already been paid (step S610 YES), the charging processing unit 704 notifies the control unit 720 accordingly.
[0137]
Based on this notification, the control unit 720 reads the customized print data corresponding to the user ID set as “authentication OK” from the storage unit 503 of the spooler 50B (step S611), and stores the customized print data in the storage unit 710. Then, it is transferred to the print output unit 711 and printed out as a customized newspaper (step S612).
[0138]
After the print output of the customized newspaper is completed, the control unit 720 notifies the article deletion processing unit 504 of the spooler 50B to that effect. In accordance with this notification, the article deletion processing unit 504 deletes the customized print data sent to the printer 70B in the current process from the storage unit 503 (step S613).
[0139]
Note that the processes in steps S611 to S613 are the same as the processes in steps S605 to S607 in FIG.
[0140]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S610 that the membership fee has not been paid (NO in step S610), the billing processing unit 704 is the user who is “authenticated OK” stored in the storage unit 503 of the spooler 50B each time. Based on the newspaper price corresponding to the ID, a message to the effect that the newspaper price should be input is displayed on the operation / display unit 702 (step S614).
[0141]
Thereafter, the billing processing unit 704 monitors whether the deposit processing unit 505 of the spooler 50B has completed the newspaper fee deposit process (step S615), and prompts the user to input the newspaper price while it is not completed (NO in step S615). The display (step S614) is continued.
[0142]
During this time, when it is recognized that the newspaper fee depositing process in the depositing processing unit 505 of the spooler 50B is completed (YES in step S615), the charging processing unit 704 notifies the control unit 720 accordingly. Based on this notification, the control unit 720 sequentially performs the processes of steps S611 to S613 described above.
[0143]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the spooler 50B is provided with the deposit processing unit 505 capable of depositing with a coin kit or a prepaid card, while the user ID for requesting the customized newspaper is not paid on the printer 70B side. The payment of the newspaper price is prompted, and after confirming the completion of the payment, the customized newspaper is printed out, so even if the user forgets to pay the membership fee, the payment of the newspaper price with a coin or prepaid card etc. on the spot You can receive your own customized newspaper.
[0144]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer 70C according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, parts having the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0145]
As shown in FIG. 12, a printer 70C according to the third embodiment is obtained by adding a user information management unit 705 to the printer according to the second embodiment. The user information management unit 705 stores and manages user information equivalent to the user information stored in the user information management DB 310 of the CPD generation device 30.
[0146]
In order to realize the management of user information by the user information management unit 705, for example, when the customized print data is transmitted from the CPD generation device 30 to each newspaper recipient spooler 50 (in the process of step S408 in FIG. 4). The user information used for generating the data together with the customized print data is distributed to the printer 70C corresponding to the spooler 50 (via the distribution control unit 304 and the article transmission unit 305), and the user information management is performed. It may be stored in the unit 705.
[0147]
The printer 70C according to the third embodiment has the same basic control functions as those according to the second embodiment except for the control related to the user information management unit 705.
[0148]
That is, the printer 70C according to the third embodiment performs user ID acceptance processing in the same manner as in the second embodiment after inputting the user ID for receiving the customized newspaper in the operation / display unit 702. Then, the process proceeds to user authentication. This user authentication process corresponds to the processes of steps S603 and S604 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 in the case of the second embodiment.
[0149]
In this user authentication, in the printer 70C, the user information inquiry unit 703 searches the user information stored in the user information management unit 705 using the input user ID as a key, and whether or not the user ID is registered. To make an authentication judgment of “authentication OK” or “authentication NG” (local authentication).
[0150]
Subsequent processing for this authentication result (processing in step S610 in FIG. 11) transitions in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
[0151]
As described above, in the printer 70C according to the third embodiment, user information having the same content as the user information management DB 310 in the CPD generation apparatus 30 is cached in the own apparatus (in the user information management unit 705). It has a function of performing local authentication of an input user ID based on cached user information.
[0152]
According to this configuration, when the customized newspaper is issued, the processing time for inquiring the user authentication unit 307 in the CPD generating device 30 for the authentication of the user ID input from the operation / display unit 702 is eliminated, and the user ID after the user ID is input The waiting time until the customized newspaper is issued can be shortened.
[0153]
The printer 70C shown in FIG. 12 is realized in a form that modifies the function of the printer 70B of the second embodiment (each time has a charging processing unit 704), but the printer 70C of the first embodiment is modified. This can also be realized in the form (without the charging processing unit 704 each time).
[0154]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the spooler 50D according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, parts having the same functions as those of the spoolers 50 and 50B according to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0155]
As shown in FIG. 13, the spooler 50D according to the fourth embodiment is obtained by adding an article ID / user ID management unit 506 to the spooler 50B according to the second embodiment.
[0156]
The spooler 50D according to the fourth embodiment is particularly suitable when the number of users and the number of news sources (in this example, newspaper companies) are N to 1.
[0157]
When this spooler 50D is used, the CPD generating device 30 side extracts necessary article data from the profile for each user, and lays out to generate customized print data (customized newspaper) (processing in step S406 in FIG. 4). Only a few types of templates (article data groups (customized print data) in which article data of each genre are combined in different combinations) are prepared, and the one having the closest profile is selected and used for each user.
[0158]
For each selected template, the user ID of the user who has selected each template is added and distributed to the spooler 50D.
[0159]
As a result, a plurality of newspapers (template: customized print data) to which a plurality of user IDs are added respectively arrive at the spooler 50D. The contents of the newspaper itself are stored in the storage unit 503, and the correspondence between the article ID of the newspaper and the user ID is managed by the article ID / user ID management unit 506.
[0160]
Thereafter, if there is a user ID in the operation / display unit 702 of the printer 70 connected to the spooler 50D, customized print data corresponding to the input ID is obtained based on the management content of the article ID / user ID management unit 506 of the spooler 50D. The data is read from the storage unit 503 and printed out from the print output unit 711 of the printer 70.
[0161]
According to the fourth embodiment, the amount of print data delivered from the CPD generating device 30 to the spooler 50D to issue a customized newspaper can be reduced, and the storage capacity of the storage unit 503 of the spooler 50D can be reduced accordingly. You can save.
[0162]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within a range not changing the gist thereof.
[0163]
For example, the customized print data is distributed as it is from the CPD generation device 30 to each newspaper recipient printer 70. For example, the C newspaper generation unit 303 encrypts the customized newspaper data and then distributes it. good.
[0164]
In this case, the distribution control unit 304 transmits a key code (pass code) for releasing the encryption to the user terminal 10b via the mail transmission unit 306.
[0165]
The user recognizes the passcode from this mail, and later inputs the passcode together with the user ID using the U / I of the printer 50, whereby the customized print data corresponding to the user ID is decrypted. It can be printed as a customized newspaper.
[0166]
Also, data can be received from secondary servers other than the main server (data source servers 90a, 90b, 90c of each newspaper company in FIG. 1), for example, corresponding to data extraction information specified by the user. When there is no data to be used, the data received from the secondary server is embedded in the corresponding field, or even if there is data corresponding to the data extraction information specified by the user, when there is a free space, the secondary server Processing such as embedding data received from can be performed. This process can further increase the value of the customized newspaper received by the user.
[0167]
Further, the spooler and the printer on the newspaper receiving side may be realized as an integrated printing apparatus.
[0168]
Further, if a Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone or printer is used, the trouble of inputting a user ID / password or the like can be saved.
[0169]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to customized newspapers, and receives and stores a data source for everyone with a personality that is updated regularly or sequentially, and generates customized print data by extracting data from the data source according to the data extraction information Applicable to all devices.
[0170]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a user receives input of a desired information source, data extraction information for instructing extraction of desired data in the information source, and information for specifying a recipient, One or more information sources Or Information source whose contents are updated Data of Receive this information source received Data of The data of the information source corresponding to the data extraction information is extracted for each user to generate the customized print data for each user, and the generated customized print data is sent to the receiving destination printing apparatus designated in advance for each user. I am trying to deliver. As a result, the user can print out the customized print data with the receiving device specified in advance after inputting the information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a customized print data distribution system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a registration form of user information in a user information management DB.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a registration form of article data in an article DB.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing print data generation and distribution operations in the customized print data generation apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a spooler and a printer according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a customized newspaper issuing operation by the spooler and printer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an output example of a customized newspaper for user A.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an output example of a customized newspaper for user B;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an output example of a customized newspaper for user C.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a spooler and a printer according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing customized newspaper issuing operation by the spooler and printer according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a spooler according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10a, 10b ... user terminal, 20, 40 ... communication network, 30 ... customized print data generation device (CPD generation device), 301 ... user / interface (U / I) unit, 302 ... article reception unit, 303 ... customized newspaper generation Part (C newspaper generation part), 304 ... distribution control part, 305 ... article transmission part, 306 ... mail transmission part, 307 ... user authentication part, 308 ... billing processing part, 310 ... user information management database (user information management DB) 320 ... article database (article DB), 330 ... control unit, 50, 50B, 50D ... spooler, 501 ... interface (I / F) unit, 502 ... article receiving unit, 503 ... storage unit, 504 ... article deletion processing unit 505 ... Deposit processing unit 506 ... Article ID / user ID management unit 510 ... Control unit 70, 70B, 70C ... 701 ... interface (I / F) section, 702 ... operation / display section, 703 ... user information inquiry section, 704 ... charge processing section, 705 ... user information management section, 710 ... storage section, 711 ... print output Part, 720 ... control part

Claims (23)

Accepting input of a desired information source, data extraction information for instructing extraction of desired data in the information source, and information specifying a recipient, from the user;
1 or more information sources or al, receives data information source to be content update,
Extracting data information source corresponding to the data extracting information for each of the user from the data information sources thus received, by appropriately laying out the data to generate customized print data for each said user,
The customized print data distribution method, wherein the generated customized print data is distributed to the receiving printing apparatus side designated in advance for each user.   2. The customized print data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the print data is generated by a preset time and distributed to the printing apparatus side. The customized print data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the print data is regenerated with data from the latest information source and distributed to the printing apparatus. The customized print data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the user is charged according to the number of data of the information source employed to generate the print data. The print data is encrypted and distributed,
The customized print data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein a decryption code used for decrypting the cipher is notified to a user. The print data is added to the printing device by adding the money amount information of the print data and the relevant user's dues payment information,
The printing apparatus side determines the membership fee payment status of the corresponding user based on the membership fee payment information added to the received print data corresponding to the input authentication information. The print data corresponding to the inputted authentication information is printed out after confirming that the amount corresponding to the amount information added together with the membership fee payment information has been deposited. Customized print data delivery method.   The printing apparatus side has user information management means for managing user information necessary for user authentication of the user, and the user is managed by the user information management means for the authentication information when the authentication information is input. The customized print data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein user authentication for the authentication information is performed based on the information. A customized print data generation server that generates customized print data according to a user, and a printing apparatus that receives the distribution of the customized print data from the server and prints out the data;
The server
User information management means for managing a desired information source input from a user, data extraction information for instructing extraction of desired data in the information source, and information specifying a recipient;
1 or more information sources or, et al., The information source receiving means for receiving data information source to be content update,
Information source management means for managing the data of the received information source;
Data of the information source corresponding to the data extraction information is extracted for each user from the data of the information source stored in the information source management means, and customized print data for each user is generated by appropriately laying out the data. Print data generation means;
Distribution means for distributing the generated print data to the receiving printing device side designated in advance for each user;
The printing device side
Receiving means for receiving print data distributed from the server;
Storage means for storing received print data;
Print output means for receiving input of authentication information from the user and printing out print data corresponding to the authentication information;
A customized print data distribution system comprising: deletion processing means for deleting print data stored in the storage means.   The server includes timing control means for controlling the information source receiving means, print data generating means, and delivery means so as to generate the print data by a predetermined time and deliver it to the printing apparatus side. 9. The customized print data distribution system according to claim 8, wherein: The server includes timing control means for controlling the information source receiving means, the print data generating means, and the distributing means so that the print data is regenerated with the data of the latest information source and transmitted to the printing apparatus. 9. The customized print data distribution system according to claim 8, wherein: 9. The customized print data according to claim 8, wherein the server includes charge processing means for performing charge processing for a corresponding user in accordance with the number of data of the information source adopted to generate the print data. Distribution system.   9. The customized print data distribution according to claim 8, wherein the server comprises encryption means for encrypting the print data, and notification means for notifying a user of a decryption code used for decrypting the encryption. system. A customized print data generation server that generates customized print data according to a user and distributes the customized print data to a receiving printing apparatus side designated in advance by the user,
User information management means for managing a desired information source input from a user, data extraction information for instructing extraction of desired data in the information source, and information specifying a recipient;
1 or more information sources or, et al., The information source receiving means for receiving data information source to be content update,
Information source management means for managing the data of the received information source;
Data of the information source corresponding to the data extraction information is extracted for each user from the data of the information source stored in the information source management means, and customized print data for each user is generated by appropriately laying out the data. Print data generation means;
A customized print data generation server, comprising: a distribution unit that distributes the generated print data to the receiving printing apparatus side designated in advance for each user.   And a timing control unit for controlling the information source receiving unit, the print data generating unit, and the distribution unit so that the print data is generated by a predetermined time and distributed to the printing apparatus side. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13. Timing control means for controlling the information source reception means, print data generation means and distribution means so that the print data is regenerated with the data of the latest information source and transmitted to the printing apparatus side. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13, wherein: 14. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13, further comprising a billing processing unit that performs billing processing for a corresponding user in accordance with the number of information source data employed to generate the print data.   14. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13, further comprising: an encryption unit that encrypts the print data; and a notification unit that notifies a user of a decryption code used for decrypting the encryption.   14. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13, further comprising means for adding money amount information of the print data and membership fee payment information of the corresponding user to the print data when the print data is transmitted.   Upon receiving an authentication request for authentication information input to the printing device from the printing device, the user information management means is searched for authentication based on the authentication information, and the authentication result is printed. 14. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13, further comprising user authentication means for notifying the apparatus side.   14. The customized print data generation server according to claim 13, further comprising user authentication information transmission means for extracting user information necessary for user authentication of the user from the user information management means and transmitting the user information to the printing apparatus side. A printing device that receives and outputs the customized print data from a server that generates customized print data according to a user,
Receiving means for receiving customized print data distributed from the server;
Storage means for storing the received customized print data;
Print output means for receiving input of authentication information from the user and printing out customized print data corresponding to the authentication information;
A printing apparatus comprising: deletion processing means for deleting customized print data stored in the storage means. A deposit processing means for receiving the deposit;
The membership fee payment status of the corresponding user is determined based on the membership fee payment information added to the print data corresponding to the input authentication information, and if the membership fee has not been paid, the amount added to the print data together with the membership fee payment information Charge processing means each time processing is performed to print out customized print data corresponding to the inputted authentication information after confirming that the amount corresponding to the information has been deposited by the deposit processing means. The printing apparatus according to claim 21.   User information management means for receiving and managing user information necessary for user authentication of users sent from the server, and when the authentication information is input, the authentication information is managed by the user information management means. The printing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a local authentication unit configured to perform user authentication for the authentication information based on the user information.

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