JP5780339B2 - Client device, printing device, and printing system - Google Patents

Description

The present specification relates to a client device that causes a printing device to print a target image, a printing device that executes printing of the target image, and a printing system .

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a plurality of devices including a client PC, a route search server, a plurality of print servers, and a plurality of printers. Each print server converts the data format of the target data to be printed into a data format that can be interpreted by the printer. However, each print server has a different data format that it can interpret. Each printer has a different data format that can be interpreted by itself. Therefore, when a print instruction is input to the client PC, the route search server converts the target data on which print server based on the data format of the target data, and transmits the converted data to which printer. The communication path indicating whether or not is determined.

JP 2008-102903 A

  In the system of Patent Document 1, it is assumed that all devices can communicate with each other. However, a system in which not all devices can communicate with each other can also be constructed. In the technique of Patent Document 1, for example, even when a system in which target data cannot be transmitted from the first device to the second device is constructed, the target data is transmitted from the first device to the second device. A communication path for doing so can be determined. In this case, the target data cannot be properly transmitted, and as a result, printing of the image represented by the target data is not executed.

  The present specification provides a technique capable of suppressing the occurrence of an event in which printing of an image represented by target data is not executed.

In the present specification, a client device for causing a printing device to print a target image represented by target data, a memory for storing the target data, target data specifying information for specifying the target data, The client device allows the print device specifying information to specify a print device, and a monitoring device to send a confirmation signal to the print device and receive a response signal, thereby monitoring the print device. A first confirmation unit that confirms whether or not direct communication with the printing device specified by the device identification information is possible, and it is confirmed that the client device can directly communicate with the printing device. The printing device and a conversion device different from the printing device, the object Communication information regarding whether or not the conversion device for generating print data having a data format interpretable by the printing device by directly converting the data is directly communicable from the printing device. A communication information acquisition unit to acquire; a format information acquisition unit to acquire format information describing the data format interpretable by the printing device by transmitting a transmission instruction to the printing device; and the target data specifying information And the result of the confirmation executed by the first confirmation unit, the communication information acquired by the communication information acquisition unit, and the format information acquired by the format information acquisition unit. Necessary to cause the first device identified by the particular communication path to be executed to print the target image A print instruction transmitting unit that transmits the print instruction including the target data, wherein the first device is executed first to cause the printing device to print the target image When the target data has the data format that can be interpreted by the printing device, the specific communication path is a path that does not pass through the conversion device, and the target data is When the print device does not have the interpretable data format, the specific communication path includes the print instruction transmission unit that is a path through the conversion device, and the first confirmation unit Checks whether the client device can communicate directly with the printing device before the printing instruction is sent to the first device; The communication information acquisition unit acquires the communication information before the print instruction is transmitted to the first device, and the format information acquisition unit acquires the print instruction before the print instruction is transmitted to the first device. A client device that obtains the format information is disclosed.
The present specification further includes a confirmation received from the client device when printing the target image represented by the target data when the print device and the client device can directly communicate with each other. A response signal transmission unit that transmits a response signal to the client device, and an inquiry signal transmitted from the client device in response to transmission of the response signal. Whether the conversion device is different from the device and can directly communicate with the conversion device for generating print data having a data format interpretable by the printing device by converting the target data Communication that provides communication information regarding whether or not to the client device A format information supply unit that supplies the client device with format information describing the data format that can be interpreted by the printing device in response to a transmission instruction from the client device, and printing the target image. Is a print instruction necessary for causing the printing device to execute the print instruction, the print instruction including the target data is transmitted from the client device according to a specific communication path, and the target data is the print device. Is supplied with the target data acquired from the client device to the conversion device, and the print data generated by converting the target data is A print data acquisition unit that acquires from a conversion device, wherein the specific communication path is the communication path. The communication information supplied by the information supply unit and the format information supplied by the format information supply unit are determined by the client device, and the print instruction is sent from the client device according to the specific communication path. When the target data is transmitted and has the data format that can be interpreted by the printing device, the print data acquisition unit that does not supply the target data to the conversion device and can be interpreted by the printing device A print execution unit that executes printing of the target image using the target data having the data format or the print data acquired from the conversion device, and the response signal transmission unit includes the print data Before the instruction is transmitted from the client device, the response signal is transmitted, and the communication information The supply unit supplies the communication information before the print instruction is transmitted from the client device, and the format information supply unit receives the format information before the print instruction is transmitted from the client device. A printing device is disclosed.
In the present specification, further, a storage device for storing target data to be printed, a printing device for printing a target image represented by the target data, and a printing device for causing the printing device to print the target image. A planning device for planning the processing procedure is disclosed, and a planning device used in a system including a plurality of devices is disclosed. The planning device includes a memory, a determination unit, a generation unit, and a transmission unit.

  The memory stores, for each combination of two devices out of a plurality of devices, communication information regarding whether or not the two devices constituting the combination are directly communicable. The determination unit determines a specific communication path through which print data obtained from target data in the storage device can be supplied to the print device, using communication information in the memory. The print data has a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device. The generation unit includes one or more devices such that one or more devices on a specific communication path among a plurality of devices sequentially execute one or more processes for realizing printing of the target image. Process procedure data for instructing execution of the process is generated. A transmission part transmits process sequence data to the 1st device which performs the process which should be performed first among said 1 or more processes among said 1 or more devices.

  According to the above configuration, the planning device uses the communication information in the memory to determine the specific communication path that can supply the print data to the printing device. Thus, for example, when two devices cannot communicate directly, the planning device does not determine the communication path that needs to be communicated between the two devices, and print data is not transmitted. The specific communication path that can be reliably supplied to the printing device can be determined. Further, the planning device generates processing procedure data based on the determined specific communication path, and then transmits the processing procedure data to the first device that executes the processing to be executed first. As a result, the print data is reliably supplied to the printing device, and the printing device can execute printing of the target image. According to said structure, it can suppress that the event in which printing of a target image is not performed occurs.

  The plurality of devices may further include a conversion device that generates print data by executing a conversion process on the target data. The determination unit may determine the specific communication path so that the conversion device exists on the specific communication path. The generation unit may generate the processing procedure data so that the conversion process is executed by the conversion device and the print data generated by the conversion process is supplied to the print device. According to the above configuration, the conversion device can generate print data having a data format that can be interpreted by the print device.

  The planning device may further include a determination unit that determines whether or not the data format of the target data is a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device. In the first case where the data format of the target data is determined not to be a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device, the determination unit causes the conversion device to exist on the specific communication path. The communication path may be determined, and the generation unit may generate the processing procedure data so that the conversion process is executed by the conversion device and the print data generated by the conversion process is supplied to the print device. In the second case where the data format of the target data is determined to be a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device, the determination unit performs the specific communication so that the conversion device does not exist on the specific communication path. The route may be determined, and the generation unit may generate processing procedure data so that print data that is the same as the target data is supplied to the printing device. According to the above configuration, the planning device can determine an appropriate communication decision depending on whether or not the data format of the target data is a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device.

  The planning device may further include a first acquisition unit that acquires first information and second information from a second device that can directly communicate with the planning device among the plurality of devices. Good. The first information may include information indicating whether or not the second device can execute the conversion process. The second information may include information indicating whether or not a third device that can directly communicate with the second device among the plurality of devices can execute the conversion process. The determination unit identifies a conversion device that is to perform the conversion process on the target data based on the first and second information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and has already been specified on the specific communication path. The specific communication path may be determined so that the conversion device exists. According to the above configuration, the planning device not only includes the first information indicating whether or not the second device can execute the conversion process from the second device that can directly communicate with the planning device. Second information indicating whether or not the third device can execute the conversion process can also be acquired. Furthermore, the planning device can appropriately identify the conversion device that should execute the conversion process based on the first and second information.

  The planning device may further include a first confirmation unit, a second acquisition unit, and a storage control unit. The first confirmation unit transmits a specific signal to each of the first-type device group of the plurality of devices and monitors whether a response signal is received, so that the planning device can receive the first-type device. It may be confirmed whether or not it is possible to directly communicate with each of the device groups. The second acquisition unit includes the second type device and the second type device from each of the second type device group that is confirmed to be directly communicable with the planning device among the first type device group. You may acquire the information regarding whether a device different from two types of devices can communicate directly. The storage control unit may store the communication information in the memory using the result of the confirmation executed by the confirmation unit and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit. According to the above configuration, the planning device can appropriately store the communication information in the memory.

  The first type of device group may include a printing device specified by position information of the printing device designated by the user. When it is confirmed that the planning device can directly communicate with the printing device, the second acquisition unit stores target data specified by the printing device and position information of target data specified by the user. Information about whether or not the printing device and the storage device can directly communicate with each other by inquiring of the printing device whether or not the storage device can directly communicate with the storage device. May be obtained. According to the above configuration, the planning device can acquire information regarding whether or not the printing device and the storage device can directly communicate with each other from the printing device.

  The first type device group may include a storage device for storing target data specified by position information of target data specified by the user. The second acquisition unit, when it is confirmed that the planning device can directly communicate with the storage device, the storage device, the printing device specified by the position information of the printing device specified by the user, By inquiring of the storage device whether or not it is directly communicable, information regarding whether or not the storage device and the printing device can communicate directly may be acquired from the storage device. According to the above configuration, the planning device can acquire information on whether or not the storage device and the printing device can directly communicate with each other from the storage device.

  The planning device may further include a second confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the target data actually exists in the position information of the target data designated by the user. The determination unit may determine the specific communication path when it is confirmed that the target data actually exists.

  The planning device executes the specific process instructed by the process procedure data when the process procedure data via the first device is received, and executes the next process of the specific process among the plurality of devices. The fourth device to be provided may further include a specific process execution unit that transmits process procedure data.

  The determination unit may determine the specific communication path so that the number of communication times of the target data and the print data among the plurality of devices is minimized. According to said structure, it can suppress that the communication traffic between said several devices increases.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the planning device are also novel and useful. In addition, a system including the plurality of devices described above is also new and useful, and a method used in the system is also new and useful.

The structure of the communication system of an Example is shown. Each communication path is shown schematically. The flowchart of the process performed by a portable terminal is shown. 6 shows a flowchart of a print preparation process. The flowchart of a communication path | route investigation process is shown. The flowchart of object data investigation processing is shown. 6 shows a flowchart of a printer format check process. The flowchart of a converter investigation process is shown. Case A is shown where a converter is required. Case B in which no converter is required is shown. Case C in which the target data exists in the data server is shown. Case D in which target data exists in the mobile terminal is shown. Case E in which a converter is present in the mobile terminal is shown.

(System configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a mobile terminal 10, a plurality of LANs 51 and 61, and a plurality of servers 70 and 80 on the Internet.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 10)
The mobile terminal 10 is a portable terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable music player, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, or the like. The mobile terminal 10 includes a display unit 12, an operation unit 14, a wireless interface 16, and a control unit 20. Each unit 12, 14, 16, 20 is connected to a bus line 18. The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 14 includes a plurality of keys. The user of the mobile terminal 10 can input various information to the mobile terminal 10 by operating the operation unit 14. The wireless interface 16 is an interface for wireless communication. In the state of FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 10 is wirelessly connected to the LAN 51 via the wireless interface 16.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The memory 24 stores a print application 26. The print application 26 is a program for realizing each process shown in FIGS. The print application 26 may be installed in the mobile terminal 10 from a server provided by the vendor of the printer 54, for example. The print application 26 may be installed in the mobile terminal 10 from, for example, media provided by the vendor of the printer 54 (media packaged with the printer 54 at the shipping stage of the printer 54).

  The CPU 22 executes processing according to the print application 26 stored in the memory 24. When the CPU 22 executes processing according to the print application 26, the functions of the units 32 to 50 are realized. The memory 24 further stores an OS program, a web browser program, etc. (not shown), and the CPU 22 can also execute processing according to these programs.

  In FIG. 1, the converter CON and the target data TD (Target Data) in the memory 24 are indicated by broken lines. This means that the converter CON and the target data TD may or may not be stored in the memory 24. For other devices (for example, the mediation server 70, the data server 80, and the PC 64) described later, the broken lines of the converter CON and the target data TD have the same meaning. Note that the target data TD is data to be printed. The converter CON is a program for converting the target data TD into print data that can be interpreted by the printer 54.

(Configuration of LAN 51)
The LAN 51 is a network constructed in a company where the user of the mobile terminal 10 works, for example. The LAN 51 includes an access point (hereinafter referred to as “AP”) 52, a printer 54, and a router 56. The devices 52, 54, and 56 in the LAN 51 are connected by wire so that they can communicate with each other.

  The AP 52 functions as a relay point (that is, AP) for wireless communication. The printer 54 executes printing according to the print data. A data format that can be interpreted by the printer 54 (that is, printable) (hereinafter referred to as “printer format of the printer 54”) is determined in advance. In this embodiment, the printer format of the printer 54 is PDF. The router 56 has a NAT (Network Address Translation) function and is connected to the Internet 4.

  In the state of FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 10 can communicate with a device (for example, the printer 54) in the LAN 51 via the AP 52. In the state of FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 10 can communicate with a device (for example, the mediation server 70) on the Internet 4 via the AP 52 and the router 56.

(Configuration of LAN61)
The LAN 61 is a network constructed in a home where a user of the mobile terminal 10 resides, for example. The LAN 61 includes a router 62 and a PC 64. The devices 62 and 64 in the LAN 61 are connected by wires so that they can communicate with each other.

  The router 62 has a NAT function and is connected to the Internet 4. Note that an application provided by the vendor of the printer 54 is installed in the PC 64. The PC 64 can execute various processes according to the application. For example, the PC 64 executes various investigation processes in accordance with later-described investigation instruction data (reference numerals 124 and 164 in FIGS. 6 and 8). Further, for example, the PC 64 executes processing for printing in accordance with print instruction data (200a in FIG. 9) described later. The PC 64 can store the converter CON and / or the target data TD.

(Configuration of Mediation Server 70)
The mediation server 70 is a server provided by the vendor of the printer 54. The mediation server 70 executes various processes for mediating (that is, supporting) printing to be executed by the printer 54. For example, the mediation server 70 executes various investigation processes in accordance with later-described investigation instruction data (reference numerals 124, 144, and 164 in FIGS. 6 to 8). Further, for example, the mediation server 70 executes processing for printing in accordance with print instruction data (200a in FIG. 9) described later. The mediation server 70 can store the converter CON and / or the target data TD.

(Configuration of data server 80)
The data server 80 is, for example, a web server on the Internet 4. The data server 80 can store the target data TD.

(Communication path between each device)
Next, communication paths between the devices 10, 54, 64, and 70 will be described with reference to FIG. The unidirectional arrows (R2A, R2B, R3A, R3B, R4A, R4B) in FIG. 2 can directly communicate (send data) from the device at the start point of the arrow to the device at the end point of the arrow. ). For example, the arrow R2B indicates that data can be directly communicated from the mediation server 70 to the printer 54. Note that “directly communicable” means data from the device at the start point of the arrow to the device at the end point of the arrow without passing through other devices among the plurality of devices 10, 54, 64, and 70. Means that communication is possible. Therefore, for example, the arrow R2B means that data can be communicated from the mediation server 70 to the printer 54 without passing through the other devices 10 and 64. Note that “directly communicable” may be communication via an AP, a router, or the like, or may be communication not via an AP, a router, or the like.

  Note that the one-way arrow in FIG. 2 indicates that the device at the start point of the arrow can directly communicate data to the device at the end point of the arrow in response to a request from the device at the end point of the arrow. Does not mean that (that is, does not mean so-called pull-type communication). A one-way arrow means that the device at the start of the arrow can communicate data directly to the device at the end of the arrow without a request from the device at the end of the arrow. (That means so-called push-type communication). In addition, in the arrow in one direction in FIG. 2, the arrow “A” is attached to the arrow indicating the communication direction from the LAN side to the Internet side (for example, R2A), and the communication direction from the Internet side to the LAN side is indicated. A symbol “B” is attached to the arrow (for example, R2B).

  In addition, bidirectional arrows (R1, R5, R6) in FIG. 2 indicate that the two devices at both ends of the arrow can directly communicate (transmit) data with each other. For example, the arrow R6 indicates that data can be directly communicated from the PC 64 to the mobile terminal 10, and data can be directly communicated from the mobile terminal 10 to the PC 64. Hereinafter, the fact that data can be directly communicated between two devices may be expressed as “a communication path has been established”.

(Communication path R1)
For example, when the LAN 51 (see FIG. 1) including the printer 54 is a network that conforms to Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like, the mobile terminal 10 uses the AP 52 in the LAN 51 according to Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Wireless communication is possible. In this case, since a state in which the mobile terminal 10 and the printer 54 can directly communicate with each other can be established, the communication path R1 can be established. Further, for example, even when both the mobile terminal 10 and the printer 54 are capable of wireless communication using a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA (Infrared Data Association), the communication path R1 can be established. . Further, for example, when the mobile terminal 10 and the printer 54 are connected by a cable such as a USB cable, the communication path R1 can be established. That is, the communication path R1 may be established by wireless communication (Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.) via the AP 52 in the LAN 51, or wireless communication (Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.) not via the AP 52 in the LAN 51. May be established by wired communication (USB cable or the like).

(Communication paths R2A, R2B)
For example, if the printer 54 in the LAN 51 (see FIG. 1) can access the Internet 4 via the router 56, the communication path R2A from the printer 54 to the mediation server 70 can be established. For example, when the printer 54 is set to allow push-type communication from the mediation server 70 to the printer 54, the communication path R2B from the mediation server 70 to the printer 54 can be established.

(Communication paths R3A, R3B)
For example, if the mobile terminal 10 can access the Internet 4 via the LAN 51 (see FIG. 1), a communication path R3A from the mobile terminal 10 to the mediation server 70 can be established. Further, for example, if the mobile terminal 10 can use the Internet communication line provided by the communication provider for the mobile terminal 10, the communication path R3A from the mobile terminal 10 to the mediation server 70 can be established. For example, when the mobile terminal 10 is set to allow push-type communication from the mediation server 70 to the mobile terminal 10, the communication path R <b> 3 </ b> B from the mediation server 70 to the mobile terminal 10 is established. obtain.

(Communication paths R4A, R4B)
For example, if the PC 64 in the LAN 61 (see FIG. 1) can access the Internet 4 via the router 62, the communication path R4A from the PC 64 to the mediation server 70 can be established. Further, for example, when the PC 64 is set to allow push-type communication from the mediation server 70 to the PC 64, the communication path R4B from the mediation server 70 to the PC 64 can be established.

(Communication path R5)
For example, when a VPN (Virtual Private Network) via the Internet 4 is established between the printer 54 in the LAN 51 (see FIG. 1) and the PC 64 in the LAN 61, the communication path R5 can be established. .

(Communication path R6)
For example, when a VPN via the Internet 4 is established between the PC 64 in the LAN 61 (see FIG. 1) and the mobile terminal 10, the communication path R6 can be established.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the communication paths R1 to R6 can be constructed according to various communication methods. However, for example, if the mobile terminal 10 cannot communicate according to Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like, and further does not have an interface for inserting a USB cable, communication is performed. The route R1 may not be established. For example, if the printer 54 is not set to allow push-type communication from the mediation server 70 to the printer 54, the communication path R2B may not be established. That is, not all of the communication paths R1 to R6 are established. In view of such a situation, in the present embodiment, the following processing shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is executed to cause the printer 54 to print the image represented by the target data TD.

(Mobile terminal processing in FIG. 3)
As shown in FIG. 3, in S <b> 10, the control unit 20 (see FIG. 1) of the mobile terminal 10 monitors the occurrence of an event. For example, the user can perform an operation for starting the print application 26 by operating the operation unit 14 of the mobile terminal 10. In this case, the control unit 20 determines that an event has occurred (YES in S10), further determines that a print preparation operation has been performed (YES in S12), and proceeds to S14. Note that the following processing of S14 to S22 (and further, the processing of FIGS. 4 to 8) is executed according to the print application 26. On the other hand, the processes of S10, S12, and S24 are executed according to the OS program, for example.

  In S14, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a print setting screen. The print setting screen includes a printer designation field and a data designation field. The user can input the URL of the printer to be printed into the printer designation field by operating the operation unit 14. In this embodiment, the following description will be continued by taking as an example a case where the URL of the printer 54 (see FIG. 1) in the LAN 51 is input.

  The data designation field includes two radio buttons. One radio button corresponds to an external URL input field for inputting the URL of the target data TD existing outside the mobile terminal 10, and the other radio button is the target data existing inside the mobile terminal 10. This corresponds to an internal URL input field for inputting the URL (namely, path name) of TD (target data TD stored in the memory 24). The user can operate the operation unit 14 to select one of the radio buttons, and can input the URL of the target data TD existing outside the mobile terminal 10 in the external URL input field. Further, the user can operate the operation unit 14 to select the other radio button, and can further operate the “reference” button. In this case, path names (file names) of a plurality of data existing inside the mobile terminal 10 are displayed on the display unit 12, and the user can select a path name of the target data TD from the path names of the plurality of data. Can be selected.

  Next, the user can operate the operation unit 14 to execute a print start operation. In this case, the control unit 20 determines that the print start operation has been executed (YES in S16), and proceeds to S18. In S18, the control unit 20 activates a print preparation process (see FIG. 4) as a task process different from the process of FIG. When S18 ends, the process returns to S10.

  Note that the mobile terminal 10 may receive print instruction data (see reference numeral 200a in FIG. 9) described later. In this case, the control unit 20 determines that an event has occurred (YES in S10), further determines that print instruction data has been received (YES in S20), and proceeds to S22. In S22, the specific process execution unit 50 (see FIG. 1) executes the process according to the received print instruction data. Details of the process of S22 will be described later in detail.

  When an event different from the execution of the print preparation operation and the reception of the print instruction data occurs, the control unit 20 executes a process corresponding to the event in S24.

(Print preparation process in FIG. 4)
In the print preparation process activated in S18 of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 4, in S40, the control unit 20 first executes a communication path investigation process.

(Communication path investigation process in FIG. 5)
In the communication path investigation process executed in S40 of FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 5, in S80, the first confirmation unit 42 (see FIG. 1) sends the URL of the printer 54 input in S14 of FIG. A confirmation signal is transmitted using as a transmission destination.

  When the communication path R1 (see FIG. 2) is established between the mobile terminal 10 and the printer 54, the printer 54 receives the confirmation signal transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 and sends a response signal to the mobile terminal. 10 to send. On the other hand, when the communication path R1 is not established between the portable terminal 10 and the printer 54, the printer 54 cannot receive the confirmation signal transmitted from the portable terminal 10 and carries the response signal as a portable signal. Not transmitted to the terminal 10. In S <b> 82, the first confirmation unit 42 monitors reception of a response signal from the printer 54. If a response signal is received from the printer 54 (YES in S82), the process proceeds to S84. If a response signal is not received from the printer 54 (NO in S82), the process proceeds to S90.

  In S84, the storage control unit 46 (see FIG. 1) stores information (R1 = OK) indicating that the communication path R1 is established in the memory 24. Further, in S84, the second acquisition unit 44 (see FIG. 1) inquires of the printer 54 whether or not the communication paths R2A and R5 are established. Note that the user of the mobile terminal 10 stores the URL of the mediation server 70 and the URL of the PC 64 in the mobile terminal 10 in advance. In S <b> 84, the second acquisition unit 44 transmits an inquiry signal including the URL of the mediation server 70 and the URL of the PC 64 stored in advance in the mobile terminal 10 to the printer 54.

  When the printer 54 receives the inquiry signal, the printer 54 transmits a confirmation signal with the URL of the mediation server 70 and the URL of the PC 64 as destinations. When the response signal is received from the mediation server 70, the printer 54 transmits information (R2A = OK) indicating that the communication path R2A has been established to the portable terminal 10. In addition, when a response signal is received from the PC 64, the printer 54 transmits information (R5 = OK) indicating that the communication path R5 is established to the portable terminal 10.

  In S <b> 84, the second acquisition unit 44 of the mobile terminal 10 acquires information (R2A = OK or the like) from the printer 54. Next, in S86, the storage control unit 46 stores the information (R2A = OK, etc.) acquired from the printer 54 in the memory 24. That is, the storage control unit 46 stores information indicating that the communication path is established in the memory 24. In the present embodiment, information indicating that a communication path has not been established is not stored in the memory 24. The same applies to other communication paths described below. When S84 ends, the process proceeds to S90.

  In S90, the first confirmation unit 42 transmits a confirmation signal with the URL of the mediation server 70 stored in advance in the mobile terminal 10 as a transmission destination, and then receives a response signal from the mediation server 70 in S92. Monitor that. When a response signal is received from the mediation server 70 (YES in S92), in S94, the storage control unit 46 stores information (R3A = OK) indicating that the communication path R3A is established in the memory 24. Remember me. Further, in S94, the second acquisition unit 44 inquires to the mediation server 70 whether or not the communication paths R2B, R3B, R4B are established. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 44 obtains the URL of the printer 54, the URL of the mobile terminal 10, and the URL of the PC 64 stored in advance in the mobile terminal 10 in S14 of FIG. The inquiry signal including this is transmitted to the mediation server 70.

  Upon receiving the inquiry signal, the mediation server 70 transmits a confirmation signal with the URL of the printer 54, the URL of the mobile terminal 10, and the URL of the PC 64 as transmission destinations. When the response signal is received from the printer 54, the mediation server 70 transmits information (R2B = OK) indicating that the communication path R2B has been established to the mobile terminal 10. When a response signal is received from the mobile terminal 10, the mediation server 70 transmits information (R3B = OK) indicating that the communication path R3B is established to the mobile terminal 10. Further, when a response signal is received from the PC 64, the mediation server 70 transmits information (R4B = OK) indicating that the communication path R4B has been established to the mobile terminal 10.

  In S94, the second acquisition unit 44 of the mobile terminal 10 acquires information (R2B = OK or the like) from the mediation server 70. Next, in S <b> 96, the storage control unit 46 stores the information (R2B = OK or the like) acquired from the mediation server 70 in the memory 24. When S94 ends, the process proceeds to S100.

  In S100, the first confirmation unit 42 transmits a confirmation signal with the URL of the PC 64 stored in advance in the mobile terminal 10 as a transmission destination, and then monitors whether a response signal is received from the PC 64 in S102. When a response signal is received from the PC 64 (YES in S102), in S104, the storage control unit 46 stores in the memory 24 information (R6 = OK) indicating that the communication path R6 has been established. Let Further, in S104, the second acquisition unit 44 inquires of the PC 64 whether or not the communication paths R4A and R5 are established. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 44 transmits to the PC 64 an inquiry signal including the URL of the mediation server 70 stored in advance and the URL of the printer 54 input in S14 of FIG. .

  Upon receiving the inquiry signal, the PC 64 transmits a confirmation signal with the URL of the mediation server 70 and the URL of the printer 54 as the transmission destination. When the response signal is received from the mediation server 70, the PC 64 transmits information (R4A = OK) indicating that the communication path R4A is established to the portable terminal 10. When the response signal is received from the printer 54, the PC 64 transmits information (R5 = OK) indicating that the communication path R5 is established to the mobile terminal 10.

  In S104, the second acquisition unit 44 of the mobile terminal 10 acquires information (R4A = OK or the like) from the PC 64. Next, in S106, the storage control unit 46 causes the memory 24 to store information (R4A = OK or the like) acquired from the PC 64. When S106 is finished, the communication route investigation process is finished. In both S84 and S104, an inquiry signal for investigating whether or not the communication path R5 has been established may be transmitted. In such a situation, when two investigation results regarding the communication path R5 are different, that is, one investigation result indicates that the communication path R5 is established, and the other investigation result indicates that the communication path R5 is established. If it is indicated that the communication path R5 is not established, the control unit 20 may treat the communication path R5 as not established. That is, in this case, the storage control unit 46 does not have to store in the memory 24 information indicating that the communication path R5 is established.

(Continuation of the print preparation process in FIG. 4)
When the communication route investigation process in S40 of FIG. 4 is completed, in S42, the control unit 20 executes the target data investigation process.

(Target data survey processing in FIG. 6)
In the target data investigation process executed in S42 of FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 6, in S120, the second confirmation unit 48 (see FIG. 1) has the target data TD existing inside the mobile terminal 10. It is determined whether or not. When the “reference” button included in the print setting screen is operated in S14 of FIG. 3 and then the path name of the target data TD is selected, the second confirmation unit 48 determines that the target data TD is the portable terminal. 10 is present (YES in S120). In this case, the control unit 20 stores “OK” in the memory 24 as the investigation result of the target data investigation process in S128.

  On the other hand, when the URL of the target data TD is input to the external input field included in the print setting screen in S14 of FIG. It is determined that it does not exist (NO in S120). In this case, in S122, the second confirmation unit 48 specifies a communication path for investigating whether or not the target data TD actually exists in the URL of the target data TD input in S14 of FIG. . The contents of the process of S122 will be described in detail below.

  The user may input the URL of the target data TD existing in the PC 64 in S14 of FIG. In this case, the URL of the target data TD input in S14 of FIG. 3 includes the URL of the PC 64 (this is stored in advance in the mobile terminal 10). When the URL of the target data TD includes the URL of the PC 64, the second confirmation unit 48 uses the survey result stored in the memory 24 in the communication path survey process in S40 of FIG. A communication path for investigating whether or not exists is specified.

  For example, when the information indicating that the communication path R6 is established is stored in the memory 24, the second confirmation unit 48 transmits later-described investigation instruction data using the communication path R6, and then Then, the communication path of acquiring the investigation result using the communication path R6 is specified. In the following, the communication path from the transmission of the survey instruction data to the acquisition of the survey result is described as “R6 → R6”. Note that the same expression is used not only for the survey instruction data but also for other instruction data (such as print instruction data described later). For example, when information indicating that the communication paths R3A, R3B, R4A, and R4B are established is stored in the memory 24, the second confirmation unit 48 determines that “R3A → R4B → R4A → R3B”. Is specified.

  On the other hand, the user may input the URL of the target data TD existing in the data server 80 on the Internet 4 in S14 of FIG. In this case, the URL of the target data TD input in S14 of FIG. 3 does not include the URL of the PC 64. When the URL of the target data TD does not include the URL of the PC 64, the second confirmation unit 48 uses the survey result stored in the memory 24 in the communication path survey process of S40 in FIG. A communication path for investigating whether or not the target data TD exists is specified.

  For example, when information indicating that the communication paths R3A and R3B are established is stored in the memory 24, the second confirmation unit 48 specifies “R3A → R3B”. For example, when information indicating that the communication paths R4A, R4B, and R6 are established is stored in the memory 24, the second confirmation unit 48 changes “R6 → R4A → R4B → R6”. Identify. Note that, when there are a plurality of communication paths that can be investigated, the second confirmation unit 48 identifies a communication path with the smallest number of communications performed between a pair of devices. For example, when the investigation can be executed by either “R3A → R3B” or “R6 → R4A → R4B → R6”, the second confirmation unit 48 identifies “R3A → R3B”.

  In S122, the second confirmation unit 48 determines whether or not a communication path for investigating the target data TD has been identified. If NO in S122, that is, if the survey is not executable, the control unit 20 stores “NG” in the memory 24 as the survey result of the target data survey process in S128. On the other hand, if YES in S122, that is, if a communication path for investigating the target data TD is specified, the process proceeds to S124.

  In S124, the second confirmation unit 48 generates survey instruction data including the URL of the target data TD input in S14 of FIG. 3 so that the survey is executed according to the communication path specified in S122. S124 shows an example of the investigation instruction data 124 generated when “R6 → R4A → R4B → R6” is specified in S122. The survey instruction data 124 includes a command indicating which device performs what process. The survey instruction data 124 includes three commands. Check boxes 124a, 124b, and 124c corresponding to each command are provided. In actuality, the survey instruction data 124 is a command in which a command according to a predetermined protocol is described. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, a sentence (for example, “PC is a survey instruction The survey instruction data 124 in which “Send data to mediation server” is described is shown. This also applies to survey instruction data 144 and 164 (see FIGS. 7 and 8), which will be described later, and print instruction data 200a in FIG.

  Next, in S <b> 126, the second confirmation unit 48 transmits the investigation instruction data 124 to the device that should execute the process corresponding to the first command among the three commands described in the investigation instruction data 124. That is, the second confirmation unit 48 transmits the survey instruction data 124 to the PC 64 using the communication path R6. Thereby, the PC 64 or the like executes the following processing.

  That is, the PC 64 checks the check box corresponding to the first command, and transmits the investigation instruction data 124 to the mediation server 70 using the communication path R4A. Next, the mediation server 70 transmits a confirmation signal according to the second command, with the URL of the target data TD included in the survey instruction data 124 as a transmission destination. The mediation server 70 checks whether or not the target data TD actually exists in the URL by monitoring the presence or absence of a response signal. The mediation server 70 describes the confirmation result (“OK” or “NG”) in the survey instruction data 124, further checks the check box corresponding to the second command, and uses the communication path R4B to investigate. Data 124 is transmitted to the PC 64. Next, the PC 64 checks the check box corresponding to the third command, and transmits the investigation instruction data 124 to the mobile terminal 10 using the communication path R6. Note that check boxes are also checked in various instruction data 144, 164, 200a, etc., which will be described later, but description thereof will be omitted below.

  The second confirmation unit 48 acquires the survey instruction data 124 transmitted from the PC 64. The second confirmation unit 48 confirms whether or not the target data TD actually exists in the URL of the target data TD input in S14 of FIG. 3 by confirming the contents of the acquired survey instruction data 124. Check. Next, in S <b> 128, the control unit 20 stores “OK” or “NG” in the memory 24 as the investigation result of the target data investigation process. When S128 ends, the target data investigation process ends.

(Continuation of the print preparation process in FIG. 4)
When the target data investigation process in S42 of FIG. 4 ends, in S44, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the investigation result of the target data investigation process is “OK”. When the investigation result of the target data investigation process is “NG” (NO in S44), the control unit 20 skips the processes of S46 to S60, and cannot execute printing in S62. Is displayed on the display unit 12, and the print preparation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the investigation result of the target data investigation process is “OK” (YES in S44), the control unit 20 executes the printer format confirmation process in S46.

(Printer format check process in FIG. 7)
In the printer format check process executed in S46 of FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 7, in S142, the control unit 20 causes the printer 54 (the printer specified by the URL of the printer input in S14 of FIG. 3). Specify the communication path for checking the printer format. That is, the control unit 20 specifies a communication path capable of communicating from the portable terminal 10 to the portable terminal 10 via the printer 54 using the investigation result stored in the memory 24 in the communication route investigation process of S40 of FIG. To do.

  For example, when information indicating that the communication path R1 is established is stored in the memory 24, the control unit 20 specifies “R1 → R1”. For example, when information indicating that the communication paths R2A, R2B, R3A, and R3B are established is stored in the memory 24, the control unit 20 identifies “R3A → R2B → R2A → R3B”. To do. In addition, when there are a plurality of communication paths that can be investigated, the control unit 20 specifies a communication path with the smallest number of communications performed between a pair of devices.

  In step S142, the control unit 20 determines whether a communication path for checking the printer format has been identified. If NO in S142, that is, if the investigation is not possible, the control unit 20 stores “NG” in the memory 24 as the investigation result of the printer format investigation process in S148. On the other hand, if YES in S142, that is, if a communication path for checking the printer format is specified, the process proceeds to S144.

  In S144, the control unit 20 generates survey instruction data so that the survey is executed according to the communication path specified in S142. S144 shows an example of the survey instruction data 144 generated when “R3A → R2B → R2A → R3B” is specified in S142. As in the case of the investigation instruction data 124 in FIG. 6, the investigation instruction data 144 includes a command indicating which device performs what process.

  Next, in S146, the control unit 20 transmits the investigation instruction data 144 to the device that should execute the process corresponding to the first command among the three commands described in the investigation instruction data 144. That is, the control unit 20 transmits the survey instruction data 144 to the mediation server 70 using the communication path R3A. Thereby, the mediation server 70 and the like execute the following processing.

  That is, the mediation server 70 transmits the survey instruction data 144 to the printer 54 using the communication path R2B according to the first command. Next, in accordance with the second command, the printer 54 describes the print data format interpretable by itself (that is, “PDF” which is the printer format of the printer 54) in the investigation instruction data 144, and further uses the communication path R2A. The survey instruction data 144 is transmitted to the mediation server 70. Next, the mediation server 70 transmits the survey instruction data 144 to the mobile terminal 10 using the communication path R3B according to the third command.

  The control unit 20 acquires the survey instruction data 144 transmitted from the mediation server 70. The control unit 20 identifies the printer format (that is, “PDF”) of the printer 54 by confirming the contents of the acquired survey instruction data 144. Next, in S <b> 148, the control unit 20 stores “OK” as the investigation result of the printer format investigation process in the memory 24 and also stores the specified printer format in the memory 24. When S148 ends, the printer format check process ends.

(Continuation of the print preparation process in FIG. 4)
When the printer format check process in S46 of FIG. 4 is completed, in S48, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the check result of the printer format check process is “OK”. When the investigation result of the printer format investigation process is “NG” (NO in S48), the control unit 20 skips the processes of S50 to S60 and executes the process of S62 to execute the print preparation process. finish.

  On the other hand, if the survey result of the printer format survey process is “OK” (YES in S48), in S50, the determination unit 38 (see FIG. 1) determines that the format of the target data TD is the printer format survey. It is determined whether or not the printer format of the printer 54 obtained by the processing (ie, “PDF”) is matched. The determination unit 38 determines the extension (for example, the last character string “pdf” of the target data TD) based on the URL (for example, “aaa.bbb.ccc.pdf”) of the target data TD input in S14 of FIG. )) Is specified, the format of the target data TD is specified. If the format of the target data TD matches the printer format of the printer 54 (YES in S50), the control unit 20 skips the processing of S52 and S54 and proceeds to S56. On the other hand, if the format of the target data TD matches the printer format of the printer 54 (NO in S50), in S52, the control unit 20 executes converter investigation processing.

(Converter investigation process in Fig. 8)
In the converter investigation process executed in S52 of FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 8, in S160, the control unit 20 causes the portable terminal 10 to change the format of the target data TD to the printer obtained in S46 of FIG. It is investigated whether or not it has a converter CON that can be converted into 54 printer formats (ie, “PDF”).

  Next, in S162, the control unit 20 specifies a communication path for investigating the converter CON. As described above, the converter CON can exist in both the PC 64 and the mediation server 70. Therefore, in S162, the control unit 20 communicates from the portable terminal 10 to the portable terminal 10 via the PC 64 and the mediation server 70 using the investigation result stored in the memory 24 in the communication route investigation process in S40 of FIG. Identify possible communication paths.

  For example, when information indicating that the communication paths R3A, R4B, and R6 are established is stored in the memory 24, the control unit 20 specifies “R3 → R4B → R6”. For example, when information indicating that the communication paths R3B, R4A, and R6 are established is stored in the memory 24, the control unit 20 specifies “R6 → R4A → R3B”. In addition, when there are a plurality of communication paths that can be investigated, the control unit 20 specifies a communication path with the smallest number of communications performed between a pair of devices. When there is no communication path that passes through both the PC 64 and the mediation server 70 and there is a communication path that passes through only one of the PC 64 and the mediation server 70, the control unit 20 passes only through the one. Identify the communication path.

  In S162, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a communication path for investigating the converter CON has been identified. If NO in S162, and if it is confirmed in S160 that the portable terminal 10 has the converter CON, in S168, the control unit 20 stores “OK” as the investigation result of the printer format investigation process. 24, and “local” is stored in the memory 24 as the position of the converter CON. If NO in S162, and if it is confirmed in S160 that the mobile terminal 10 does not have the converter CON, in S168, the control unit 20 displays “ NG "is stored in the memory 24. On the other hand, if YES in S162, that is, if a communication path for checking the printer format is specified, the process proceeds to S164.

  In S164, the control unit 20 generates survey instruction data including the format of the target data TD and the printer format of the printer 54 so that the survey is executed according to the communication path specified in S162. In S164, an example of the survey instruction data 164 generated when “R3A → R4B → R6” is specified in S162 is shown. As in the case of the investigation instruction data 124 and 144 in FIGS. 6 and 7, the investigation instruction data 164 includes a command indicating which device performs what processing.

  Next, in S166, the first acquisition unit 40 (see FIG. 1) sends the survey instruction data to the device that should execute the process corresponding to the first command of the two commands described in the survey instruction data 164. 164 is transmitted. That is, the first acquisition unit 40 transmits the survey instruction data 164 to the mediation server 70 using the communication path R3A. Thereby, the mediation server 70 and the like execute the following processing.

  In accordance with the first command, the mediation server 70 stores information indicating whether or not the mediation server 70 itself has a converter CON for converting the format of the target data TD into the printer format of the printer 54 in the survey instruction data 164. Describe. Further, the mediation server 70 transmits the survey instruction data 164 to the PC 64 using the communication path R4B. Next, the PC 64 describes information indicating whether or not the PC 64 itself has a converter CON that can convert the format of the target data TD into the printer format of the printer 54 in the investigation instruction data 164 in accordance with the second command. The PC 64 further transmits survey instruction data 164 to the mobile terminal 10 using the communication path R6.

  The first acquisition unit 40 acquires survey instruction data 164 transmitted from the PC 64. As described above, the acquired survey instruction data 164 includes information indicating whether the PC 64 has the converter CON and information indicating whether the mediation server 70 has the converter CON. In S <b> 168, the control unit 20 stores the investigation result of the printer format investigation process in the memory 24 according to the contents of the obtained investigation instruction data 164. When “OK” is stored in the memory 24 as a result of the printer format check process, information indicating the position of the converter CON (ie, one of “local”, “PC”, and “mediation server”) is displayed. Information indicating more than one device) is also stored in the memory 24. When S168 ends, the converter investigation process ends.

(Continuation of the print preparation process in FIG. 4)
When the converter investigation process in S52 of FIG. 4 ends, in S54, the control unit 20 determines whether the investigation result of the converter investigation process is “OK”. When the investigation result of the converter investigation process is “NG” (NO in S54), the control unit 20 skips the processes of S56 to S60, executes the process of S62, and ends the print preparation process. To do.

  On the other hand, when the investigation result of the converter investigation process is “OK” (YES in S54), in S56, the determination unit 32 (see FIG. 1) determines each investigation result stored in the memory 24 (see FIG. 1). Using the survey results of S40, S42, S46, and S52, a communication path for realizing the printing of the target data TD, that is, a communication path for communicating print instruction data 200a and the like (hereinafter referred to as “specific”). Called “communication path”). Next, in S58, the generation unit 34 (see FIG. 1) generates print instruction data. Further, in S60, the transmission unit 36 (see FIG. 1) transmits print instruction data. The contents of the processing of S56 to S60 corresponding to various cases will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13, broken arrows indicate that communication paths corresponding to the arrows are established, and solid arrows indicate the order in which print instruction data is communicated.

(Case A in FIG. 9)
Case A shows an example in which the converter CON is necessary because the format of the target data TD does not match the printer format of the printer 54 (that is, “NO” in S50 of FIG. 4). In case A, the PC 64 stores the target data TD, and the mediation server 70 has the converter CON.

  In S56, the determination unit 32 communicates the target data TD and the converted data obtained by converting the target data TD by the converter CON between the devices 10, 54, 64, and 70 ( Hereinafter, the specific communication path is determined so as to minimize the number of times of data communication. In addition, the determining unit 32 performs a conversion process from the target data TD to the converted data (case) based on the result of the converter check process in S52 of FIG. 4 so that the number of data communication times is minimized. In A, the mediation server 70) is specified. The determination unit 32 determines the specific communication path so that the mediation server 70 having the converter CON exists on the specific communication path.

  Therefore, in case A, the determination unit 32 determines “R6 → R4A → R3B → R1” as the specific communication path. In this case, the number of times of data communication is three (that is, “PC 64 → mediation server 70 → mobile terminal 10 → printer 54”). As communication paths of the target data TD and the converted data, “PC64 → mobile terminal 10 → mediation server 70 (where converted data is generated from the target data TD) → mobile terminal 10 → printer 54”, “PC64 → mediation server 70 (here, generation of converted data from target data TD) → PC 64 → portable terminal 10 → printer 54 ”, etc., is considered, but the number of times of data communication is four or more. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 32 can suppress an increase in network communication traffic in order to determine the specific communication path with the least number of data communication.

  In S58, the generation unit 34 generates the print instruction data 200a according to the specific communication path determined in S56. As in the case of the investigation instruction data 124, 144, and 164 in FIGS. 6 to 8, the print instruction data 200a includes a command indicating which device performs what process. The print instruction data 200a includes four commands.

  In S60, the transmission unit 36 transmits the print instruction data 200a to the device that should execute the process corresponding to the first command among the four commands included in the print instruction data 200a. That is, the transmission unit 36 transmits the print instruction data 200a to the PC 64 using the communication path R6. As a result, the PC 64 or the like sequentially executes the following processes in accordance with the print instruction data 200a.

  That is, the PC 64 attaches the target data TD stored in the PC 64 to the print instruction data 200a according to the first command. Further, the PC 64 transmits the print instruction data 200a to the mediation server 70 using the communication path R4A. Next, the mediation server 70 generates converted data from the target data TD using the converter CON in accordance with the second command. As a result, the mediation server 70 can generate converted data having a format interpretable by the printer 54 (ie, “PDF”). Further, the mediation server 70 transmits the print instruction data 200a with the converted data attached thereto to the mobile terminal 10 using the communication path R3B. In this case, the control unit 20 of the mobile terminal 10 determines YES in S20 of FIG. 3, and in S22 of FIG. 3, the specific process execution unit 50 checks the check box corresponding to the third command according to the third command. Then, the print instruction data 200a is transmitted to the printer 54 using the communication path R1. The printer 54 executes printing using the converted data attached to the print instruction data 200a according to the fourth command. As a result, a print medium on which an image represented by the target data TD is printed is output from the printer 54.

(Case B in FIG. 10)
Case B shows an example in which the converter CON is unnecessary because the format of the target data TD matches the printer format of the printer 54 (that is, “YES” in S50 of FIG. 4). In case B, the PC 64 stores the target data TD.

  In S56, the determination unit 32 determines the specific communication path so that the number of times of data communication is the smallest and the mediation server 70 having the converter CON does not exist on the specific communication path. To do. Accordingly, the determination unit 32 determines “R6 → R6 → R1” as the specific communication path (that is, the number of times of data communication is two). In S58, the generation unit 34 generates the print instruction data 200b. In S60, the transmission unit 36 transmits the print instruction data 200b to the PC 64 using the communication path R6. As a result, the PC 64 or the like sequentially executes the following processes according to the print instruction data 200b.

  That is, the PC 64 transmits the print instruction data 200b to which the target data TD is attached to the mobile terminal 10 using the communication path R6. In this case, the control unit 20 of the mobile terminal 10 determines YES in S20 of FIG. 3, and in S22 of FIG. 3, the specific process execution unit 50 sends the print instruction data 200b to the printer 54 using the communication path R1. Send. The printer 54 performs printing using the target data TD itself.

  As is clear from Case A and Case B, the mobile terminal 10 appropriately determines the specific communication path according to whether or not the format of the target data TD matches the printer format of the printer 54. Can do. In particular, in case B, since the specific communication path that does not pass through the mediation server 70 having the converter CON is determined, it is possible to prevent unnecessary communication from being executed via the mediation server 70. An increase in network communication traffic can be suppressed.

(Case C in FIG. 11)
Case C shows an example in which the target data TD exists in the data server 80 on the Internet 4. In case C, the converter CON is necessary, and the mediation server 70 has the converter CON.

  In S56, the determination unit 32 determines the specific communication path so that the number of times of the data communication is the smallest and the mediation server 70 having the converter CON exists on the specific communication path. To do. Accordingly, the determination unit 32 determines “R3A → R2B” as the specific communication path (that is, the number of times of data communication is one). In S58, the generation unit 34 generates the print instruction data 200c. In S60, the transmission unit 36 transmits the print instruction data 200c to the mediation server 70 using the communication path R3A. Thereby, the mediation server 70 and the like sequentially execute the following processes in accordance with the print instruction data 200c.

  That is, the mediation server 70 acquires the target data TD from the data server 80 and temporarily stores the target data TD in the memory of the mediation server 70 itself. Further, the mediation server 70 generates converted data from the target data TD, and transmits the print instruction data 200c with the converted data attached thereto to the printer 54 using the communication path R2B. The printer 54 performs printing using the converted data.

(Case D in FIG. 12)
Case D shows an example in which the target data TD exists in the mobile terminal 10. In case D, the converter CON is necessary, and the mediation server 70 has the converter CON.

  In S56, the determination unit 32 determines the specific communication path so that the number of times of the data communication is the smallest and the mediation server 70 having the converter CON exists on the specific communication path. To do. Accordingly, the determination unit 32 determines “R3A → R2B” as the specific communication path (that is, the number of data communication is two). In S58, the generation unit 34 generates the print instruction data 200d. In S60, the transmission unit 36 attaches the target data TD stored in the memory 24 of the mobile terminal 10 to the print instruction data 200d, and further transmits the print instruction data 200d to the mediation server 70 using the communication path R3A. To do. Thereby, the mediation server 70 or the like sequentially executes the following processes in accordance with the print instruction data 200d.

  That is, the mediation server 70 generates converted data from the target data TD, and transmits the print instruction data 200d with the converted data attached thereto to the printer 54 using the communication path R2B. The printer 54 performs printing using the converted data.

(Case E in FIG. 13)
Case E shows an example in which the converter CON is necessary and the mobile terminal 10 has the converter CON. In case E, the target data TD exists in the PC 64.

  In S56, the determination unit 32 determines the specific communication path so that the number of times of data communication is the smallest and the portable terminal 10 having the converter CON exists on the specific communication path. To do. Accordingly, the determination unit 32 determines “R6 → R6 → R1” as the specific communication path (that is, the number of times of data communication is two). In S58, the generation unit 34 generates the print instruction data 200e. In S60, the transmission unit 36 transmits the print instruction data 200e to the PC 64 using the communication path R6. Thereby, the PC 64 and the like sequentially execute the following processes in accordance with the print instruction data 200e.

  That is, the PC 64 attaches the target data TD to the print instruction data 200e, and further transmits the print instruction data 200e to the mobile terminal 10 using the communication path R6. In this case, the control unit 20 of the mobile terminal 10 determines YES in S20 of FIG. 3, and in S22 of FIG. 3, the specific process execution unit 50 generates converted data from the print instruction data 200e, and the communication path R1. Is used to send the print instruction data 200e with the converted data attached thereto to the printer 54. The printer 54 performs printing using the converted data.

(Effect of this embodiment)
According to the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 supplies the target data TD or the converted data to the printer 54 using the investigation result in the memory 24 obtained in the communication path investigation process (see FIG. 5) of S40 in FIG. The above-described specific communication path that is possible is determined (S56 in FIG. 4). Therefore, for example, as shown in case A in FIG. 9, when the communication path between the mediation server 70 and the printer 54 is not established, the portable terminal 10 is connected between the mediation server 70 and the printer 54. The above-described specific communication path that can reliably supply the target data TD or the converted data to the printer 54 can be determined without determining the communication path that needs to be communicated with. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 10 generates the print instruction data 200a and the like based on the determined specific communication path, and then prints it on a device (PC 64 in the case of FIG. 9) that executes the process to be executed first. Instruction data 200a and the like are transmitted. As a result, since the target data TD or the converted data is reliably supplied to the printer 54, the printer 54 can print the image represented by the target data TD. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event in which the printing of the image represented by the target data TD is not executed.

  The correspondence between each element of the present embodiment and each element of the present invention will be described. The printer 54 and the mobile terminal 10 are examples of “printing device” and “planning device”, respectively. In cases A, B, and E, the PC 64 is an example of a “storage device”. In case C, the mediation server 70 that acquires the target data TD from the data server 80 and temporarily stores it is an example of the “storage device”. In case D, the mobile terminal 10 is an example of a “storage device”. In cases A, C, and D, the mediation server 70 is an example of a “conversion device”, and in case E, the mobile terminal 10 is an example of a “conversion device”. As is clear from the present embodiment, in case D, the mobile terminal 10 corresponds to both “planning device” and “storage device”, and in case E, the mobile terminal 10 corresponds to “planning device” and “conversion device”. And both. That is, generally speaking, two or more devices of “a plurality of devices” may be integrally configured.

  For example, in case A, the PC 64 is an example of a “first device”. For example, in the survey instruction data 164 of FIG. 8, the PC 64 and the mediation server 70 are examples of “second device” and “third device”, respectively. For example, in case A, the printer 54 is an example of a “fourth device”. Further, the printer 54, the PC 64, and the mediation server 70 are examples of the “first type device group”. Therefore, the confirmation signal transmitted in S80, S90, and S100 in FIG. 5 is an example of the “specific signal”. A device group that transmits a response signal to the confirmation signal is an example of a “second type device group”.

  In case A, checking the check box corresponding to the third command is an example of “specific processing”. In case E, converted data is generated from the target data TD, and the second command is used. Checking the corresponding check box is an example of “specific processing”. Note that the information stored in the memory 24 in S84, S86, S94, S96, S104, and S106 in FIG. 5 is an example of “communication information”. The target data TD or the converted data is an example of “print data”. That is, the “print data” may be the target data TD itself (see case B), or may be converted data generated from the target data TD (see cases A and C to E). Generally speaking, the “print data” is data obtained from the target data TD and may be data having a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device.

(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, all of the plurality of elements 32 to 50 are provided in the mobile terminal 10, but all of the plurality of elements 32 to 50 are not provided in the mobile terminal 10. Also good. For example, the determination unit 32 and the memory 24 may be provided in the mobile terminal 10, and the generation unit 34 and the transmission unit 36 may be provided in a server on the Internet 4. Generally speaking, a plurality of elements (a memory, a determination unit, a generation unit, a transmission unit, etc.) included in the “planning device” may be provided in one device or in two or more devices. It may be provided in a distributed manner.

(Modification 2) In the above embodiment, “PDF” is adopted as a data format that can be interpreted by the printer 54, but other data formats (for example, “PS”) may be adopted.

(Modification 3) In the above embodiment, in S56 of FIG. 4, the determination unit 32 determines the specific communication path so that the number of data communication is minimized, but instead, for example, The specific communication path may be determined so that the communication fee is minimized, or the specific communication path may be determined so that the time until printing is the shortest.

(Modification 4) In the above embodiment, when a print instruction is input from the user (YES in S12 of FIG. 3), the mobile terminal 10 determines whether each device can communicate directly. The investigation result is stored in the memory 24 (see FIG. 5). Instead, communication information indicating whether each device can directly communicate is stored in the memory 24 of the mobile terminal 10. May be stored in advance. For example, the user may store the communication information in the memory 24 in advance.

(Modification 5) In the above embodiment, the memory 24 stores only communication paths that can be directly communicated, but instead may store only communication paths that cannot be directly communicated. Alternatively, both a communication path that can be directly communicated and a communication path that cannot be directly communicated may be distinguished and stored. That is, generally speaking, the “communication information” may be any information as long as it is related to whether or not two devices can directly communicate with each other.

(Modification 6) In the above embodiment, the portable terminal 10 is employed as an example of the “planning device”, but a PC, server, printer, scanner, facsimile, or the like may be employed instead.

(Modification 7) When an inquiry signal for investigating whether or not the communication path R5 is established is transmitted in both S84 and S104 of FIG. 5, and the two investigation results regarding the communication path R5 are different. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may determine whether or not the communication path R5 has been established according to the investigation result obtained later (that is, the investigation result obtained in S104). For example, when the inquiry signal is transmitted in S84, the communication path R5 is established, but the communication path R5 may be disconnected before the inquiry signal is transmitted in S104. Further, when an inquiry signal related to the communication path R5 is transmitted in S84, the inquiry signal related to the communication path R5 may not be transmitted in S104.

(Modification 8) In the above embodiment, a check box is provided in each instruction data, and the check box corresponding to the processed instruction is checked. Thereby, each device can specify an unprocessed instruction in the instruction data. Instead of this configuration, each device may delete the processed instruction in the instruction data. Also in this modification, each device can specify an unprocessed instruction in the instruction data.

(Modification 9) The functions of the units 32 to 50 in the above embodiment may be realized by software as in the above embodiment, but may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  2: communication system, 10: portable terminal, 54: printer, 64: PC, 70: mediation server, 80: data server, 200a to 200e: print instruction data, R1 to R6: communication path

Claims (5)

A client device for causing a printing device to print a target image represented by target data,
A memory for storing the target data;
A specific information acquisition unit for acquiring target data specifying information for specifying the target data; and printing device specifying information for specifying the printing device ;
By sending a confirmation signal before Symbol print device, or by monitoring to receive a response signal, the said client device is a directly communicable with the printing device identified by the printing device specifying information A first confirmation unit for confirming whether or not,
When it is confirmed that the client device can directly communicate with the printing device, the printing device is a conversion device different from the printing device, and the printing device is converted by converting the target data. A communication information acquisition unit that acquires, from the printing device, communication information regarding whether or not the conversion device for generating print data having a data format that can be interpreted is directly communicable;
A format information acquisition unit that acquires format information in which the data format interpretable by the printing device is described by transmitting a transmission instruction to the printing device;
The target data specifying information, the result of the confirmation executed by the first confirmation unit, the communication information acquired by the communication information acquisition unit, and the format information acquired by the format information acquisition unit , A print instruction necessary for causing the first device specified by the specific communication path determined by using the print device to print the target image, the print instruction including the target data The first device is a device that executes a process to be executed first in order to cause the printing device to print the target image, and the target data is When the printing device has the interpretable data format, the specific communication path is a path that does not pass through the conversion device, and the target device Data is, when the printing device does not have the data format interpretable, the specific communication path is a path through the conversion device, said print instruction transmission unit,
Equipped with a,
The first confirmation unit confirms whether or not the client device can directly communicate with the printing device before the printing instruction is transmitted to the first device;
The communication information acquisition unit acquires the communication information before the print instruction is transmitted to the first device,
The format information acquisition unit is a client device that acquires the format information before the print instruction is transmitted to the first device. The client device further includes a second confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the client device and the conversion device can directly communicate before the print instruction is transmitted,
The print instruction transmission unit transmits the print instruction to the first device specified by the specific communication path determined by further using the result of the confirmation executed by the second confirmation unit. Item 2. The client device according to Item 1. A printing device that executes printing of a target image represented by target data,
A response signal transmission unit that transmits a response signal to the client device in response to the confirmation signal received from the client device when the printing device and the client device can communicate directly;
When an inquiry signal transmitted from the client device is received in response to transmission of the response signal, the printing device is a conversion device different from the printing device, and the conversion is performed by converting the target data. and said conversion device for generating the print data to the printing device has a data format interpretable, the communication information about whether it is directly communicable, and communication information supply unit for supplying to the client device,
A format information supply unit that supplies the client device with format information describing the data format interpretable by the printing device in response to a transmission instruction from the client device;
A print instruction required for causing the printing device to print the target image, wherein the print instruction including the target data is transmitted from the client device according to a specific communication path , and the target data Is generated by supplying the target data acquired from the client device to the conversion device and converting the target data when the printing device does not have the interpretable data format. A print data acquisition unit that acquires the print data from the conversion device, wherein the specific communication path includes the communication information supplied by the communication information supply unit and the format supplied by the format information supply unit. And the print instruction is determined by the client device using the information Said transmitted from the client device, and the target data, when the printing device has the data format interpretable not supply the target data to the conversion device, the print data acquisition unit in accordance with,
A print execution unit that executes printing of the target image using the target data having the data format interpretable by the printing device or the print data acquired from the conversion device ;
Equipped with a,
The response signal transmission unit transmits the response signal before the print instruction is transmitted from the client device,
The communication information supply unit supplies the communication information before the print instruction is transmitted from the client device,
The format information supply unit supplies the format information before the print instruction is transmitted from the client device. A printing system comprising: a printing device that performs printing of a target image represented by target data; and a client device that causes the printing device to print the target image.
The client device is
A memory for storing the target data;
A specific information acquisition unit for acquiring target data specifying information for specifying the target data; and printing device specifying information for specifying the printing device ;
By sending a confirmation signal before Symbol print device, or by monitoring to receive a response signal, the said client device is a directly communicable with the printing device identified by the printing device specifying information A first confirmation unit for confirming whether or not,
When it is confirmed that the client device can directly communicate with the printing device, the printing device is a conversion device different from the printing device, and the printing device is converted by converting the target data. A communication information acquisition unit that acquires, from the printing device, communication information regarding whether or not the conversion device for generating print data having a data format that can be interpreted is directly communicable;
A format information acquisition unit that acquires format information in which the data format interpretable by the printing device is described by transmitting a transmission instruction to the printing device;
The target data specifying information, the result of the confirmation executed by the first confirmation unit, the communication information acquired by the communication information acquisition unit, and the format information acquired by the format information acquisition unit , A print instruction necessary for causing the first device specified by the specific communication path determined by using the print device to print the target image, the print instruction including the target data The first device is a device that executes a process to be executed first in order to cause the printing device to print the target image, and the target data is When the printing device has the interpretable data format, the specific communication path is a path that does not pass through the conversion device, and the target device Data is, when the printing device does not have the data format interpretable, the specific communication path is a path through the conversion device, said print instruction transmission unit,
With
The first confirmation unit confirms whether or not the client device can directly communicate with the printing device before the printing instruction is transmitted to the first device;
The communication information acquisition unit acquires the communication information before the print instruction is transmitted to the first device,
The format information acquisition unit acquires the format information before the print instruction is transmitted to the first device,
The printing device is
A response signal transmission unit that transmits the response signal to the client device in response to the confirmation signal received from the client device when the printing device and the client device can communicate directly;
After the response signal is transmitted, the communication information supply unit for supplying the communication information to the client device,
A format information supply unit that supplies the format information to the client device in response to the transmission instruction from the client device;
When the print instruction is transmitted from the client device and the target data does not have the data format that can be interpreted by the print device, the target data acquired from the client device is sent to the conversion device. A print data acquisition unit that supplies the print data generated by converting the target data from the conversion device, wherein the print instruction is transmitted from the client device, and the target data However, when the printing device has the interpretable data format, the print data acquisition unit does not supply the target data to the conversion device ;
A print execution unit that executes printing of the target image using the target data having the data format interpretable by the printing device or the print data acquired from the conversion device ;
A printing system comprising: The client device further includes a second confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the client device and the conversion device can directly communicate before the print instruction is transmitted,
The print instruction transmission unit transmits the print instruction to the first device specified by the specific communication path determined by further using the result of the confirmation executed by the second confirmation unit. Item 5. The printing system according to Item 4.

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