JP4547822B2 - Network printing system and network printing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network printing system, and in particular, from a mobile terminal device owned by a user, selects a file stored in a file server of a local LAN, and from a printer in a printer installation store such as a convenience store on the go, The present invention relates to a network print system that obtains print data of a selected file.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Referring to FIG. 11, which is a diagram for explaining the prior art, a conventional network print system includes a user 21, a user portable terminal 22, a receiving device 23 that receives a signal from the portable terminal 22, a printer 27, A network 24 for connecting them, a PC 26 for storing print data desired by the user 21, and a LAN 25 to which the PC 26 is connected. A network 24 is a network on the go, and a LAN 25 indicates a network of its own office. The network 24 and the LAN 25 are connected to each other.
[0003]
The user 21 operates the portable terminal 22 to designate print data desired to be output, designate a network address of the printer 27, and transmit a print request. The transmitted print request is received by the PC 26 via the receiving device 23 via the network 24 and the LAN 25. The PC 26 transmits the designated print data to the designated network address in accordance with the received print request. The printer 27 outputs the received print data. Thus, the user 21 can obtain the print data stored in the PC 26 of his / her office on the go. An example of this system is described in JP-A-10-63601.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The problem with this prior art is that it is difficult to obtain the network address of the printer connected to the network on the go. For example, it is normal that the network address of a printer installed in a convenience store or the like is not known. There are not many cases where a printer connected to a network is provided as a service, but a convenience store with a FAX in the store is often found. However, there is almost no service that makes a telephone number public, automatically receives a call, and performs FAX printing. This is because printing a printed matter that does not know when to take it is not guaranteed as a service because there is no guarantee that the service price can be obtained with certainty. Therefore, the method of knowing the network address of the printer and transmitting the print data to it is not suitable to be realized by the printer at the printer store.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to select a file stored in a file server of a local LAN from a mobile terminal device owned by a user, and select the selected file from a printer at a printer store such as a convenience store on the go. Is to provide a network print system for obtaining the print data.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first network print system of the present invention includes a mobile terminal, an application server, and a file server, and the mobile terminal and the application server are connected via the Internet, and the file server is a local area. The mobile terminal is connected to the Internet via a network, and the mobile terminal transmits a print request including an identifier capable of identifying a file to the application server, and the application server sends an e-mail including the print request to the Internet and the local Sent to the file server via an area network, the file server sends the file identified by the identifier contained in the email attached to the email and sent to the application server, Application server accumulates by converting the file to the print image. The first network printing method of the present invention transmits a print request including an identifier for identifying a file via the Internet, and includes the transmitted print request via the Internet and a local area network. Sending an e-mail, sending the file identified by the identifier contained in the sent e-mail via the Internet and the local area network as an attachment to the e-mail, and sending the sent Convert the file to a print image and store it.
[0007]
In the network print system of the present invention, the user specifies a file name of the file stored in the file server of the local LAN from the portable terminal, and the specified file is acquired from the file server, It is characterized in that it is converted into a print image and stored by an application server arranged on a network such as the Internet.
[0008]
Furthermore, the network print system according to the present invention is characterized in that when the user operates the printer, the printer connects to the application server via a network and prints out the stored print image.
[0009]
Furthermore, the network print system of the present invention is a network print print system that performs print output in a facsimile apparatus of a facsimile store such as a convenience store based on a print instruction by an operation from a user's portable terminal. A file stored in a LAN file server is printed out.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
Referring to FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment of the present invention in block form, the network print system of this embodiment includes a user 1, a portable terminal 2, a provider 3, the Internet 4, a gateway 5, A LAN 6, a local file server 7, an application server 8, and a printer 9 are included.
[0012]
The portable terminal 2 and the provider 3 are connected via a wireless line or the like. The provider 3, the gateway 5, the application server 8, and the printer 9 are connected to the Internet 4. The gateway 5 and the local file server 7 are mutually connected to the LAN 6.
[0013]
The mobile terminal 2 is an information processing apparatus having an Internet access function that is carried by the user 1. Specifically, it is assumed that the Internet access function has a mail function and a WEB browsing function. For example, a mobile phone / PHS equipped with a WEB browser such as i-mode, an Internet terminal such as a PDA or a notebook PC. The mobile terminal 2 is connected to the provider 3 by a wireless line or the like.
[0014]
The provider 3 is a device that connects the mobile terminal 2 and the Internet 4. This corresponds to a gateway server owned by an Internet service provider (Internet connection provider).
[0015]
The Internet 4 is a computer network connected to the world called the Internet.
[0016]
The gateway 5 is a device that connects the Internet 4 and the LAN 6. This is installed in order to perform address conversion for connecting the LAN 6 to the Internet and to perform access control for unauthorized access from the Internet 4 to the LAN 6.
[0017]
The LAN 6 is connected to each network device on the premises by a local area network.
[0018]
The local file server 7 is a file server connected to the LAN 6. A plurality of files are stored in the server, and there are files that the user 1 desires to output. The file server 7 has a function in which a resident program is running, receives request information from the application server 8, performs necessary processing in accordance with the request information, and transmits response information.
[0019]
The application server 8 is a server connected to the Internet 4. A homepage that can be browsed on the mobile terminal 2 is established, and a WEB program corresponding to the homepage is operating. In addition, it has a function of generating, storing, and managing print data in cooperation with the local file server 7. In addition, a function of transmitting result information to the portable terminal 2 and a function of transmitting print data accumulated by connection of the printer 9 are provided.
[0020]
The printer 9 is a printer device in a printer installation store such as a convenience store. There is a function to connect to the Internet 4. By connecting to the application server 8 by the apparatus operation, the received print data can be printed.
[0021]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
[0022]
Referring to FIG. 2, which shows a flow of an operation for obtaining a file list by the user in the first embodiment, the user 1 operates the mobile terminal 2 owned by the user 1 to activate the WEB browser (S101). ). The WEB browser operating on the portable terminal 2 accesses the application server 8 via the provider 3 and the Internet 4 (S102). In response to this, the application server 8 responds (S103), and displays a screen requesting transmission of the file list of the local file server 7 on the WEB browser operating on the portable terminal 2 (S104). FIG. 3 shows an example of this screen. The user 1 inputs necessary input items displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 2 and presses a transmission request button (OK button in FIG. 3) (S105). The WEB browser operating on the portable terminal 2 transmits a file list transmission request instruction to the application server 8 by pressing the button (S106). The file list transmission request instruction includes information on the server name, directory name, designation of whether to include the directory and the like entered by the user 1, and the mail address of the portable terminal 2.
[0023]
Upon receiving the file list transmission request instruction, the application server 8 transmits file list transmission request information to the local file server 7 via the Internet 4, the gateway 5, and the LAN 6 (S107). The file list transmission request information includes information included in the file list transmission request instruction, that is, a server name, a directory name, a designation of whether or not to include directories and the like, and a mail address.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that communication between the application server 8 and the local file server 7 is performed by electronic mail. The local file server 7 is connected to the LAN 6 and is provided with a gateway 5 to prevent unauthorized access from the Internet 4 and operates as a firewall. Therefore, there is a limit to the communication procedure, not a Uwake have an actual say anything to. Generally, e-mail transmission / reception is a communication means that is not restricted most. Considering such a situation, it is assumed that communication between the application server 8 and the local file server 7 is performed by mail.
[0025]
Therefore, the file list transmission request information transmitted from the application server 8 to the local file server 7 is transmitted by mail (S107). The mail contains an identifier, a server name, a directory name, a designation of whether or not to include the directory and the like, and a mail address as a file list transmission request.
[0026]
The local file server 7 receives the file list transmission request information. On the local file server 7, a program that receives mail and monitors the contents of the mail is always operating. If the received mail contains an identifier that is a file list transmission request, specify whether or not to search the file with the server name and directory name listed in the mail and also include the directories below the mail listed In accordance with this, a file list is created (S108). The created file list is mailed as file list information with the mail address described in the mail, that is, the mail address of the portable terminal 2 as the transmission destination (S109). It is transmitted via the LAN 6, gateway 5, Internet 4, and provider 3.
An example of the contents of this mail is shown in FIG. The user 1 operates the portable terminal 2 to receive a mail as shown in FIG. 4 and checks the contents of the mail to confirm which file is in which directory (S110).
[0027]
Next, referring to FIG. 5 showing the flow of operations from when the user requests creation of print data of a file to obtain storage completion information according to the first embodiment, the user 1 owns it. The mobile browser 2 is operated to start a WEB browser (S201). The WEB browser operating on the portable terminal 2 accesses the application server 8 (S202). In response to this, the application server 8 responds (S203), and displays a screen for requesting creation of print data of the file designated by the local file server 7 on the WEB browser operating on the portable terminal 2 (S204). FIG. 6 shows an example of this screen. The user 1 inputs necessary input items displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 2 and presses a creation request button (OK button in FIG. 6) (S205). The WEB browser operating on the portable terminal 2 transmits a print data creation request instruction to the application server 8 by pressing the button (S206). The print data creation request instruction includes the server name, directory name / file name, and mail address of the portable terminal 2 input by the user 1.
[0028]
Upon receiving the print data creation request instruction, the application server 8 sends file transfer request information to the local file server 7 by mail (S207). The mail content includes an identifier, a server name, and a directory name / file name that are file transfer requests.
[0029]
The local file server 7 receives the file transfer request information by mail. If an identifier that is a file transfer request is described in the received mail, a file specified by the server name and directory name / file name described in the mail is acquired (S208). The acquired file is sent by e-mail as an attached file with the application server 8 as the transmission destination (S209).
[0030]
When the application server 8 receives the mail, the application server 8 extracts the attached file, starts a necessary application according to the extension of the file name, converts the file into print data, and stores it in the internal file storage mechanism ( S210). Next, an ID and a password corresponding to the accumulated print data are generated (S211). Next, the e-mail address included in the print data creation request instruction received in S206, that is, the e-mail address of the portable terminal 2 is taken out, and the storage completion information is e-mailed using this as the transmission destination (S212). In this accumulation completion information, the fact that the accumulation of the file designated by the user 1 is completed, and the corresponding ID and password are described. An example of the contents of this mail is shown in FIG.
[0031]
The user 1 operates the portable terminal 2 to receive the mail as shown in FIG. 7 and can see the mail contents to know that the print data has been accumulated and the ID / password (S213).
[0032]
Next, referring to FIG. 8, which is a diagram showing the flow of operations until the user executes an operation on the printer and obtains a printed matter in the first embodiment, the user 1 visits a printer store such as a convenience store. The printer 9 is visited and the printer 9 is operated (S301). Here, the ID / password written in the received mail is input. The printer 9 connects to the application server 8 via the Internet 4 (S302), and the input ID / password is passed. The application server 8 searches the internal file storage mechanism using the passed ID / password as a key, and acquires the stored print data (S303). The acquired print data is transmitted to the printer 9 (S304). The printer 9 prints the received print data from the apparatus recording unit (S305). The user 1 obtains the printed material of the designated file (S306) and pays a service fee as a price for the printed material to the printer installation store (S307).
[0033]
Referring to FIG. 9 showing the second embodiment of the present invention in block form, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the printer 9 is a FAX 11 and the FAX 11 is different from the first embodiment. The application server 8 is connected by the telephone network 10. The file specified by the user is printed by FAX instead of a printer.
[0034]
The process is the same as that in the first embodiment from when the user 1 activates the browser on the mobile terminal 2 (S101 in FIG. 2) until the user 1 confirms the storage completion information (S213 in FIG. 5). The subsequent operation will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 10 shows a procedure for printing the print data stored in the application server 8 using the FAX 11. The user 1 goes to the FAX 11 in a FAX store such as a convenience store, inputs the FAX number of the application server 8, and makes a call (S401). The FAX 11 dials with the designated FAX number and connects to the application server 8 (S402). When the user 1 confirms the line connection, the user 1 inputs the ID / password (S403), and the FAX 11 sends the second dial (S404). When the user 1 presses the start key (S405), the FAX procedure is started (S406). The application server 8 detects the transmitted second dial and acquires an ID / password. Then, the internal file storage mechanism is searched using the ID / password as a key, and the stored print data is acquired (S407). The acquired print data is converted into FAX data and transmitted to FAX 11 (S408). The FAX 11 prints the received FAX data from the apparatus recording unit (S409). The user 1 obtains the printed material of the designated file (S410) and pays a service fee as a price for the printed material to the printer installation store (S411).
[0036]
This second embodiment has the following merits compared to the first embodiment. Since the printer of the first embodiment is connected to the Internet and performs original communication with the application server, a commercially available printer that is generally used cannot be used as it is. However, in the second embodiment, the printer is changed to FAX. Since this FAX can use a normal FAX apparatus as it is, the system becomes easier to introduce.
[0037]
However, there are the following disadvantages. One is that the print data is transferred by FAX communication, so the line speed (33.6 kbps or less) is slow, and the printing waiting time is long. The other is that the maximum resolution of ordinary FAX is 400 dpi, and the printer is 600 dpi or higher, so that the image quality is worse than that of the printer.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the first effect of the present invention is that a printer store such as a convenience store can provide a user with a service for printing a file in a local area LAN that the user usually uses in the office. That's what it means. As a result, the environment for printing files used in the user's office has increased. The reason for this is that the printer installation store has started to deliver the printed matter and pay for the service, so that the business as the printer installation store has been established.
[0039]
The second effect is that a user can print a file in his / her local area LAN on the go with a mobile terminal having only a simple Internet access function such as a mobile phone / PHS. This is because the necessary functions of the terminal used by the user can be minimized by providing the application server with a mechanism for converting, storing, and managing files into print data.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of an operation in which a user obtains a file list in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an example of a screen for requesting file list transmission in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an example of mail contents of file list information in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation flow until a user requests to create print data of a file and obtains storage completion information in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an example of a screen for requesting creation of file print data in the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is an example of the contents of a mail indicating the completion of accumulation in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation flow until a user obtains a printed matter by executing an operation on the printer in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow until a user obtains a printed matter by executing an operation by FAX in the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional network print system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 User 2 Mobile terminal 3 Provider 4 Internet 5 Gateway 6 LAN
7 On-premises file server 8 Application server 9 Printer 10 Telephone network 11 FAX

Claims (5)

  A mobile terminal, an application server, and a file server;
  The portable terminal and the application server are connected via the Internet,
  The file server is connected to the Internet via a local area network;
  The mobile terminal transmits a print request including an identifier capable of identifying a file to the application server,
  The application server sends an email including the print request to the file server via the Internet and the local area network;
  The file server attaches the file identified by the identifier included in the email to the email and sends it to the application server,
  The network printing system, wherein the application server converts the file into a print image and stores it.   The network print system according to claim 1,
  Data output means,
  The application server sends an email including an identifier corresponding to the print image to the mobile terminal;
  When the data output means receives an identifier corresponding to the print image, it passes the identifier to the application server,
  The application server sends a print image corresponding to the received identifier to the data output means;
  The network output system, wherein the data output means outputs a received print image.   The network print system according to claim 1 or 2,
  The network print system, wherein the data output means is a printer or a facsimile machine.   The network print system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
  The mobile terminal transmits a file reference request to the application server,
  The application server sends an email containing the file reference request to the file server;
  When the file server receives the email, the file server sends an email including file list information indicating a list of files stored in the file server to the application server,
  The network application system, wherein the application server transmits the file list information included in the e-mail to the mobile terminal.   A print request including an identifier for identifying a file is transmitted via the Internet, an e-mail including the transmitted print request is transmitted via the Internet and a local area network, and the Internet and the local area are transmitted. A network that attaches a file identified by the identifier included in the transmitted e-mail to the e-mail, transmits the file, converts the transmitted file into a print image, and stores the file. How to print.

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