JP5077948B2 - Network printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network printer that is directly connected to a network based on, for example, a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol, and accesses and prints an image file on the network.

  In recent years, album services have been provided that allow images to be uploaded and browsed freely on the Internet. A user starts up a PC (Personal Computer), starts up a browser, inputs a URL (Uniform Resource Location) into the browser, and further enters an ID (IDentification) to view the uploaded image. If there is a favorite image in the browse, download it, turn on the printer, open the downloaded image file with the image viewer, press the print button, set the print settings, and wait for printing. However, this series of operations is often burdensome and difficult for users who are not familiar with computers such as elderly people.

  First, since each provider provides a setting service at the time of application, the Internet environment can be easily constructed by using the service. However, as to where on the Internet (URL) the target photo is, or how to operate and set the PC or printer to reach the target photo location, the provider side It should not be set, but basically must be operated and set by the user.

  Although a method of sending a photo or the like by e-mail is also conceivable, a series of operations such as starting up e-mail software, storing the attached photo, starting up an image viewer, and printing are required. Similar to the above operations and settings, this operation is often burdensome and difficult for users who are not familiar with computers such as elderly people.

  Therefore, in order to facilitate the operation, a technique has been proposed for a printer that can access the Internet by itself without using a PC, download print data from a site on the Internet, and perform printing (for example, Patent documents 1, 2, 3).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228867 discloses a technique for a printer that can print target image data from anywhere by accessing a network address stored in an IC (Integrated Circuit) card and reading the print data. Has been proposed.
JP 2007-276340 A JP 2006-69224 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-16354 JP 2002-91856 A

  However, in the printers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the user must instruct where the target image is located on the Internet (URL), and the user such as the elderly still has operations. There was a problem that it was difficult. Further, the printer described in Patent Document 4 has a problem that the IC card has to be always inserted into the printer and the convenience of the IC card is lacking.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes an interface (I / F) that can read and write a portable memory such as an SD (Secure Digital) memory card in which information such as a URL is recorded, and the Internet. The URL to be accessed is read from the portable memory without the user typing in with a keyboard or the like, the target image is printed by accessing based on the information, and the network stored in the recording medium It is an object of the present invention to provide a network printer capable of temporarily storing and storing information such as an address in a printer and printing the target image at any time by operating the printer.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium information reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium, and when the recording medium is paper, the information is obtained by scanning the paper by an integrated scanner unit. A paper information reading means for reading out, an access destination information read by the recording medium reading means, an information holding means for holding information read by the paper information reading means inside the printer, and a network according to a predetermined communication protocol A network printer comprising network communication means for performing communication, an interface for connecting to a personal computer terminal, personal computer printing means for receiving a print command from the personal computer terminal, and data display means for displaying data on a display unit, The network is accessed based on the information held by the information holding means, and the access is made. Download data display means for displaying data downloaded from the destination, download data printing means for accessing the network based on the information held by the information holding means, and printing the data downloaded from the access destination, Based on the information held by the information holding means, access to the network, download data storage means for saving the data downloaded from the access destination, and detecting that the recording medium has been inserted, the access destination information When read, the access destination information overwriting means for overwriting the access destination information held in the printer by the information holding means, and the access destination information is read by detecting that the recording medium has been inserted. If the information holding means Access destination information overwrite selection means for allowing the user to select whether or not to overwrite the access destination information held inside, and when the access destination information is read by detecting the insertion of the recording medium An access destination information adding means for adding to the access destination information held inside the printer by the information holding means, and when the access destination information is read by detecting that the recording medium is inserted, An access destination information adding / selecting unit that allows a user to select whether to add to the access destination information held in the printer by the information holding unit, and storing image data in the recording medium If the image data has been stored, the stored image data is printed or the access stored in the recording medium is stored. It is characterized by comprising print memory selection means for accessing the network based on the destination information and allowing the user to select whether to download the data downloaded from the access destination .

  According to the present invention, an image uploaded on the Internet can be easily printed because a target image is printed by reading and accessing from a portable memory without a user specifying a URL or the like. It becomes possible. In addition, since information such as the network address stored in the recording medium is temporarily stored in the printer, the recording medium can be removed from the network printer.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the printer 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an RMA backup device 104, an operation panel 105, a network controller 106, a network interface ( Network I / F) 107, display unit 108, USB (Universal Serial Bus) device controller 120, USB device connector 121, USB host controller 122, USB host connector 123, memory card controller 124, memory card reader 125, scanner unit 126, An image memory 127, an image memory backup device 128, a printer engine communication unit 129, an image reduction unit 130, and a printer engine 131 are provided.

  The printer 2 is connected to a network such as an intranet or the Internet through a network I / F 107, and various servers 1 are connected to the destination. The server 1 holds images and can be accessed through a network. The PC 4 is connected through a USB device connector 121, and the USB memory 3 is connected through a USB host connector 123. The memory card 5 is connected through a memory card reader 125.

  The CPU 101 is a centralized arithmetic device that controls each device. The ROM 102 is a memory in which software executed by the CPU 101 is stored. Flash ROM, EP (Erasable and Programmable) ROM, etc. are generally used. The RAM 103 is a memory used as a work area of the CPU 101, and is backed up by the backup device 104 so that it can be held even when the printer 2 is turned off. Of course, there is no problem even if a nonvolatile memory is used.

The operation panel 105 is a panel for a user to operate. The network controller 106 and the network I / F 107 are connected to the network and exchange data with the server 1 connected to the network. Of course, these may not be wired but may be a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. The display unit 108 is for displaying information for assisting input from the operation panel 105 and a downloaded image.

  The USB device controller 120 and the USB device connector 121 are necessary when the printer 2 is used as a normal printer. The USB device controller 120 and the USB device connector 121 are connected to the PC 4 and mainly receive print data from the PC 4. The USB host controller 122 and the USB host connector 123 are connected to a USB device such as the USB memory 3.

  The memory card controller 124 and the memory card reader 125 are connected to the memory card 5. The scanner unit 126 can read what is printed on paper or the like. The image memory 127 stores image data downloaded from the PC 4, the USB memory 3, the memory card 5, or the network. The image memory 127 is backed up by the image memory backup device 128, and the contents are retained even when the printer 2 is turned off. The image reduction unit 130 reads the image data temporarily stored (buffered) in the image memory 127 and performs reduction processing. A printer engine 131 that performs printing is connected via a printer engine communication unit 129. The printer engine 131 includes an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, a gel jet system, and the like.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for accessing the Internet from information recorded in the memory card 5 and printing an image. In the present embodiment, an example of a flow for accessing the Internet from information recorded in the memory card 5 and processing an image will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the memory card 5 is inserted in the memory card reader 125 (step S201). When the memory card 5 is inserted (step S201 / YES), the CPU 101 reads the access destination information stored in the memory card 5, for example, the URL / authentication code, and is backed up by the RMA backup device 104. And save (step S202). After the access destination is read, when there is a print request from the user on the operation panel 105 (step S203 / YES), the network printer 2 uses the access destination information stored in the RAM 103, for example, URL and authentication code. The network is accessed (step S204).

  Next, the target data file is downloaded, transferred to the image memory 127, and stored (step S205). The data once stored in the image memory 127 is displayed on the display unit 108 (step S206), and transmitted to the printer engine 131 via the printer engine communication unit 129 to be printed and discharged (step S207). At this time, if a dedicated button for instructing a print request is provided on the operation panel 105, the user can insert the memory card 5 into the printer 2 and the target image data can be obtained simply by touching the dedicated button on the operation panel 105. It becomes possible to print.

  The memory card 5 includes various types such as an SD memory card, a compact flash (registered trademark), and a memory stick. Similarly, when the access destination information is stored in the USB device 3 that can store data instead of the memory card, for example, the USB memory, the access destination information is transferred to the RAM 103.

  Further, once the access destination information in the memory card 5 is read and written in the RAM 103, the memory card 5 does not always have to be inserted and can be removed, so that it can be used for other purposes. It becomes possible. Further, since the backup is performed by the RAM backup device 104, it is possible to turn off the power of the device. That is, once the access destination information is read, the access destination can always be accessed.

  In addition, a plurality of data can be stored in the image memory 127, a target image can be selected and displayed from the stored plurality of data, and can be individually printed as necessary.

  According to the present embodiment, since the information of the access destination is taken into the internal memory such as the RAM 103, it is not necessary to connect the recording medium many times by holding the information from the recording medium once connected to the internal memory. Therefore, even if the recording medium is easily damaged, polluted, or lost, it can be connected to the network at any time once it is read without being used many times. Further, by storing the downloaded data, the data can be browsed and printed on the printer 2 even after the access to the network is completed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the downloaded data file is not a data file printed in the past. In the present embodiment, an example of processing when a data file that has not been printed in the past is downloaded will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the memory card 5 is inserted in the memory card reader 125 (step S301). When the memory card 5 is inserted (step S301 / YES), the CPU 101 reads access destination information stored in the memory card 5, for example, a URL / authentication code, and is backed up by the RMA backup device 104. And save (step S302). After the access destination is read, when there is a print request from the user on the operation panel 105 (step S303 / YES), the network printer 2 uses the access destination information stored in the RAM 103, for example, URL and authentication code. The network is accessed (step S304).

  Next, the target data file is downloaded, further transferred to the image memory 127, and stored (step S305). The CPU 101 determines whether or not the data file downloaded in step S305 has been printed in the past based on the file name of the data file recorded in the RAM 103 (step S306). If it has been printed in the past (step S306 / NO), the process ends without printing. If printing has not been performed in the past (step S306 / YES), data is displayed on the image display unit 108 (step S307), data is transmitted to the printer engine 131 via the printer engine communication unit 129, and printing is performed. This is performed (step S308).

  Finally, the file name of the data file printed in the RAM 103 is stored (step S309).

  According to the present embodiment, since the information of the data that has been printed once is held in the printer 2, it is possible to avoid printing the same data every time the network is accessed.

  Since the file name is stored in the RAM 103, it is possible to compare the file name of the access destination with the file name stored in the RAM 103 at the time of access, and not to download if they match.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the downloaded data file is a data file that has never been displayed on the image display unit 108 in the past. In the present embodiment, an example of processing when the downloaded data file is a data file that has never been displayed on the image display unit 108 in the past will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the memory card 5 is inserted in the memory card reader 125 (step S401). When the memory card 5 is inserted (step S401 / YES), the CPU 101 reads access destination information stored in the memory card 5, such as a URL / authentication code, and is backed up by the RMA backup device 104. And save (step S402). After the access destination is read, when there is a print request from the user on the operation panel 105 (step S403 / YES), the network printer 2 uses the access destination information stored in the RAM 103, for example, URL and authentication code. The network is accessed (step S404).

  Next, the target data file is downloaded, transferred to the image memory 127, and stored (step S405). The CPU 101 determines whether or not the data file downloaded in step S405 has been displayed on the display unit 108 in the past by comparing with the file displayed in the past stored in the RAM 103 (step S406). If it has been displayed in the past (step S406 / NO), the process ends without printing.

  If it has not been displayed on the display unit 108 in the past (step S406 / YES), the downloaded data is displayed on the image display unit 108 (step S407). If there is a print request from the user on the operation panel 105 based on the data displayed in step S407 (step S408 / YES), the data is transmitted to the printer engine 131 via the printer engine communication unit 129. Printing is performed (step S409).

  Finally, the file name of the data displayed on the display unit 108 in step S407 is stored in the RAM 103 (step S410).

  A plurality of methods are conceivable as a method for reading access destination information from a recording medium and recording it in the RAM 103. The above-described method for inserting the memory card 5, the method for inserting the USB memory 3 or other USB device into the USB host connector 123 and reading the data to be stored from the device, and the scanner unit 126 provided as shown in FIG. In this method, the paper on which the access destination is written is read and matched with the pattern stored in the ROM 102 so that the characters are recognized, converted into text, and written into the RAM 103. Of course, it is also possible to read and save using a general bar code or QR code.

  By displaying the downloaded data according to the present embodiment, the user can easily determine whether to print or not, and it is possible to avoid printing unnecessary data. In addition, it is possible to avoid having the user repeatedly determine data that has been displayed once and for which the user has determined whether to print.

  In addition, by using the scanner unit 126, it is possible to use inexpensive paper or film as a recording medium. The ability to use paper makes it possible to transfer the recording medium by postcard or fax.

  In the first to third embodiments, the file name of data once printed or displayed is stored in the RAM 103. However, it is also possible to save and compare a data size or a part of the data itself.

(Embodiment 4)
In the network printer 2 according to this embodiment, the memory card 5 or the USB device 3 is inserted, or there is an input from the scanner unit 126 described above, or there is a print request on the printer 2 side through the operation panel 105. There is a waiting state until there is a print request from the PC 4 connected to the printer 2.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the memory card 5 is inserted into the network printer 2 in the standby state. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the network printer 2 in the standby state has a print request from the printer 2 side. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the network printer 2 in the standby state has a print request from the PC 4. In the present embodiment, an example of the operation of the network printer 2 in a standby state will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, “A” is abbreviated that the network printer 2 is in the standby state.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the memory card 5 is inserted into the network printer 2 in the standby state (A) (step S501 / YES), the printer 2 adds / changes connection destination information. First, an instruction is received from the user via the operation panel 105 as to whether or not the information in the inserted memory card 5 is added to the information currently stored in the RAM 103 (step S502). If there is an addition instruction (step S502 / YES), information such as a URL is added to the RAM 103 (step S503). If there is no additional instruction (step S502 / NO), an instruction is received from the user as to whether or not to perform overwriting through the operation panel 105 (step S504). If there is an instruction to perform overwriting (step S504 / YES), the information in the RAM 103 is overwritten (step S505). When there is no overwrite instruction (step S504 / NO), the process returns to the standby state (A).

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the network printer 2 in the standby state (A) receives a print request (step S601 / YES) on the printer 2 side through the operation panel 105 from the user, printing on the network or from the memory is performed. An instruction for printing is received from the user through the operation panel 105 (step S602).

  When printing from the network is selected (step S602 / network), the CPU 101 first determines whether an access destination URL is registered (step S603). If the URL is not registered (step S603 / NO), the process returns to the standby state (A). If the URL is registered (step S603 / YES), the URL selected from the URL stored in the RAM 103 is selected by the user via the operation panel 105 (step S604). The URL is accessed (step S605).

  The data accessed in step 605 is downloaded and transferred to the image memory 127 (step S606). The data stored in the image memory 127 is once read and then reduced and / or compressed by the image reduction unit 130 up to the maximum size of recording paper that can be used by the printer 2 and transferred to the image memory 127 again. Are stored (step S607).

  The reduced data is read out and displayed on the image display unit 108 (step S608). The user selects whether or not this data is the target data (step S609). If the data is not the target data (step S609 / NO), a request command for the next data is transmitted to the connection destination (step S609). S612), the process returns to step S606, and the next data is downloaded. When the user inputs that the target data is displayed (step S609 / YES), the user is then prompted to select whether or not to print the displayed data (step S610). When printing is not performed (step S610 / NO), the process returns to the standby state (A). When printing is performed (step S610 / YES), the image in the image memory 127 is transmitted to the printer engine 131 via the printer engine communication unit 129, and printing is performed (step S611).

  On the other hand, if the printing request in step S602 is printing from the memory (step S602 / memory), it is printing from the image memory 127 in the printer 2 or an external device such as the memory card 5 or the USB device 3. The user is allowed to select whether printing is performed from the memory through the operation panel 105 (step S613).

  When printing from the internal image memory 127 is selected (step S613 / internal image memory), it is determined whether or not a desired one of the images in the image memory 127 or all stored data is printed as thumbnails. Let the user select (step S614). Next, the selected image is displayed on the display unit 108 (step S615). Whether the displayed image is the target data is determined by the user (step S616). If the image is not the target data (step S616 / NO), the above steps S614 and S615 are performed until the target data is displayed. , S616 is repeated.

  When it is input that the target data is displayed (step S616 / YES), it is selected whether or not to perform printing (step S617). When printing is performed (step S617 / YES), the image in the image memory 127 is transmitted to the printer engine 131 via the printer engine communication unit 129, and printing is performed (step S611). When printing is not performed (step S617 / NO), the process returns to the standby state (A).

  On the other hand, when printing from the external memory is selected (step S613 / external memory), among the image data stored in the external memory such as the memory card 5 or the USB device 3 connected to the outside of the printer 2 The user selects whether desired data or all stored data is printed as thumbnails (step S618). Next, the selected image is displayed on the display unit 108 (step S619). Whether the displayed image is the target data is determined by the user (step S620), and if it is not the target data (step S620 / NO), the target data is displayed in the above steps S618, S619, The process of S620 is repeated.

  When it is input that the target data is displayed (step S620 / YES), the user is allowed to select whether to perform printing (step S621). When printing is performed (step S621 / YES), the image in the image memory 127 is transmitted to the printer engine 131 via the printer engine communication unit 129, and printing is performed (step S611). When printing is not performed (step S621 / NO), the process returns to the standby state (A).

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the network printer 2 in the standby state (A) receives a print request from the PC 4 connected to the printer 2 (step S701), printing from the PC 4 is executed (step S701). Step S702).

  According to the present embodiment, the access destination information can be automatically overwritten in the RAM 103, so that a new connection destination can always be held. On the other hand, when there is access destination information that is not desired to be erased, it is possible to avoid overwriting the access destination information by allowing the user to select whether or not to overwrite.

  Further, by adding the access destination information to the RAM 103 instead of overwriting it, it becomes possible to access a plurality of access destinations. Further, it is possible to prevent the access destination from becoming redundant by allowing the user to select whether or not to add access destination information.

  Further, the image data 127 can be effectively utilized by storing the downloaded data in the image memory 127 after performing reduction processing or data compression. Further, the data size is reduced to the maximum recording paper size that can be used by the printer 2 that is the minimum necessary data size, and stored in the image memory 127, thereby adversely affecting printing by reducing the data. And the image memory 127 can be used effectively.

  In addition, since a command that supports transmission of the next data can be transmitted to the access destination, a plurality of data can be selected.

  In addition to reading the URL and authentication data necessary for access recorded on the recording medium and accessing the data based on the information, if the recording medium storing the image data is connected, the recording is performed. It is possible to print the image data recorded in the medium.

  In addition, since the normal display unit 108 is expensive, it is not possible to provide a display that is too large compared to currently available printers. Even if thumbnails are displayed on the display unit 108 as thumbnails, many thumbnails are displayed once. Cannot be displayed. Since a plurality of thumbnails can be displayed on paper, the user can easily select target data.

  Further, since it is connected to the PC 4, it is possible to receive a print request from the PC 4, and it is possible to make a composite.

  Note that the program for the CPU 101 to execute the processing shown in the flowcharts of the respective drawings constitutes a program according to the present invention. As a recording medium for recording this program, a semiconductor storage unit, an optical and / or magnetic storage unit, or the like can be used.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the network printer according to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Yes.

1 is a block diagram of a printer 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for accessing the Internet from information recorded on a memory card 5 and printing an image in the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a downloaded data file is not a data file printed in the past in the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a downloaded data file is not a data file displayed in the past in the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the memory card 5 is inserted into the printer 2 in the standby state (A) in the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention when there is a print request from the printer 2 to the printer 2 in the standby state (A). 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention when there is a print request from the PC 4 to the printer 2 in the standby state (A).

Explanation of symbols

1 Server 2 Printer 3 USB memory 4 PC
5 Memory card 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 RAM Backup Device 105 Operation Panel 106 Display Unit 107 Network I / F
108 Network controller 120 USB device controller 121 USB device connector 122 USB host controller 123 USB host connector 124 Memory card controller 125 Memory card reader 126 Scanner unit 127 Image memory 128 Image memory backup device 129 Printer engine communication unit 130 Image reduction unit 131 Printer engine

Claims (1)

Recording medium information reading means for reading information recorded on the recording medium;
When the recording medium is paper, paper information reading means for reading the information by scanning the paper with a scanner unit provided in an integrated type;
Information holding means for holding the access destination information read by the recording medium reading means and the information read by the paper information reading means inside the printer;
Network communication means for performing network communication according to a predetermined communication protocol;
A computer printing means having an interface for connecting to a personal computer terminal and receiving a print command from the personal computer terminal;
A network printer comprising data display means for displaying data on a display unit,
Download data display means for accessing the network based on the information held by the information holding means and displaying data downloaded from the access destination;
Download data printing means for accessing the network based on the information held by the information holding means and printing the data downloaded from the access destination;
Download data storage means for accessing the network based on the information held by the information holding means and storing the data downloaded from the access destination ;
An access destination information overwriting unit for overwriting the access destination information held in the printer by the information holding unit when the access destination information is read by detecting that the recording medium is inserted;
Access that allows the user to select whether or not to overwrite the access destination information held inside the printer by the information holding means when the access destination information is read by detecting the insertion of the recording medium Destination information overwrite selection means,
Access destination information adding means for adding to the access destination information held in the printer by the information holding means when the access destination information is read by detecting that the recording medium is inserted;
Access that allows the user to select whether or not to add to the access destination information held in the printer by the information holding means when the access destination information is read by detecting the insertion of the recording medium A network printer comprising destination information addition selection means,
When image data is stored in the recording medium, the stored image data is printed, or the network is accessed based on access destination information held in the recording medium, and the access destination A network printer comprising: a print memory selection unit that allows a user to select whether to download data downloaded from the network.

Images