JP6822136B2 - Print data processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for processing print data generated by an information processing apparatus.

A printing system having a security printing function is known as a printing system configured to be able to output print data generated by an information processing device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) to a printing device for printing. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

The security printing function is a function that allows the user to set a password when outputting print data from a PC to a printing device, and after outputting the print data, executes printing when the set password is entered in the printing device. ..

By using the security print function, the user can obtain the print result without the printed contents being seen by others.

JP-A-2002-187317

However, in order to use the security printing function, it is necessary to enter the password on both the PC and the printing device, and it is also necessary to remember the password entered on the PC. Further, depending on the specifications of the printing device, the print data stored in the memory may be erased when the power of the printing device is turned off.

An object of the present invention is to enable a highly reliable security printing function to be realized while reducing the time and effort of the user.

The print data processing system of the present invention includes an information processing device and a wireless communication terminal. The information processing device includes a first communication unit and a first control unit. The first communication unit is configured to enable wireless communication with a wireless communication terminal and communication with a printing device.

The first control unit executes a setting request acquisition process, a setting process, a print target data acquisition process, a print data generation process, an output request acquisition process, and a first transmission process.
The setting request acquisition process is a process of acquiring a setting request for setting a wireless communication terminal as an output destination of print data in a data format that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus. In the setting process, when a setting request is acquired by the setting request acquisition process, the wireless communication terminal can be specified as the output destination of print data by performing a specific wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit. This is the process to set. The print target data acquisition process is a process for acquiring print target data. The print data generation process is a process of generating print data from the print target data acquired by the print target data acquisition process. The output request acquisition process is a process of acquiring a specific output request specified by a wireless communication terminal among a plurality of output destinations including a printing device and a wireless communication terminal as an output destination of print data. In the first transmission process, when a specific output request is acquired by the output request acquisition process, the print data generated by the print data generation process and the storage instruction of the print data are transmitted to the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit. It is a process to send to.

The wireless communication terminal includes a second communication unit and a second control unit. The second communication unit is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the information processing device and the printing device.
The second control unit executes the print data reception process, the storage process, and the second transmission process. The print data reception process is a process of receiving the print data and the storage instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus via the second communication unit. The storage process is a process of storing the print data in the storage unit based on the storage instruction when the print data and the storage instruction are received by the print data reception process. In the second transmission process, when a specific print execution operation for printing the print data stored in the storage unit is performed by the printing device, the print data is stored in the storage unit by a transmission method according to the print execution operation. This is a process of transmitting the printed data to the printing apparatus via the second communication unit.

In a print data processing system having such a configuration, print data is transmitted to a wireless communication terminal and temporarily stored in the wireless communication terminal, and the print data is transmitted from the wireless communication terminal to a printing device by a print execution operation by the user for printing. Can be made to.

In order to realize such a function, the information processing apparatus performs setting processing so that a wireless communication terminal can be specified as an output destination of print data in response to a setting request. By this setting process, the user can specify the wireless communication terminal as the output destination of the print data.

In the wireless communication terminal, when print data is received from the information processing device, the print data is temporarily stored in the storage unit. Then, when the print execution operation is performed, the print data is transmitted to the printing device by the transmission method corresponding to the print execution operation, and printing is performed by the printing device. After outputting the print data from the information processing device to the wireless communication terminal, the user can, for example, bring the wireless communication terminal close to the printing device to perform the print execution operation so that the printed contents cannot be seen by others. The print result can be obtained.

Therefore, according to the print data processing system having the above configuration, it is possible to realize a highly reliable security printing function while reducing the time and effort of the user.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the print data processing system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of print data in the print data processing system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the execution procedure of stock printing by a mobile application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process performed in the PC and the wireless communication terminal in order to make the stock printing function available. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process performed in the PC and the wireless communication terminal at the time of execution of a stock printing function. It is a flowchart which shows the mobile control process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(1-1) Outline of Print Data Processing System The print data processing system shown in FIG. 1 includes an MFP 10, a PC 20, a wireless communication terminal 40, and an AP 110. In addition, MFP is an abbreviation for Multifunction Peripheral (multifunctional peripheral device), and AP is an abbreviation for Access Point.

The MFP 10 has a plurality of functions such as a scanning function for reading an image of a document and generating image data of the read image, and a printing function for printing an image on recording paper. The wireless communication terminal 40 is a so-called portable wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

The PC 20 and the MFP 10 can perform data communication by wire and wirelessly. FIG. 1 shows, as an example, a state in which the PC 20 and the MFP 10 are connected by wire. The wireless communication terminal 40 can wirelessly communicate data with the PC 20. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication method between the wireless communication terminal 40 and the PC 20 is, for example, a wireless LAN.

In addition, wireless communication by wireless LAN can be either a so-called infrastructure mode via AP110 or a so-called ad hoc mode in which radio waves are directly transmitted / received without going through AP110.

Further, the wireless communication terminal 40 can wirelessly perform data communication with the MFP 10. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication method between the wireless communication terminal 40 and the MFP 10 is, for example, a wireless LAN. Further, the wireless communication terminal 40 is configured to be capable of performing non-contact communication in accordance with a specific short-range wireless communication standard in addition to the wireless communication of the wireless communication method. The short-range wireless communication standard in the non-contact communication of this embodiment is, for example, NFC. NFC is an abbreviation for NearField Communication.

Various application software (hereinafter referred to as "application") is installed on the PC20, and images such as a document creation application, a spreadsheet application, an image drawing and image processing application are displayed in the application software. Various applications having functions (hereinafter referred to as GDI applications) are included. GDI is an abbreviation for Graphics Device Interface. Various images created by the GDI application can be printed by a printing device such as the MFP10.

The data indicating various images created by the GDI application, that is, the print target data indicating the image to be printed is converted into print data in a data format that can be interpreted by the MFP 10 by the printer driver and output to the MFP 10 as described later. .. In addition to being able to output the print data directly from the PC 20 to the MFP 10, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to output the print data via the wireless communication terminal 40.

That is, in the print data processing system of the present embodiment, the print data generated by the printer driver on the PC 20 is transmitted to the wireless communication terminal 40 and temporarily stored, and then the print data is transferred from the wireless communication terminal 40 to the MFP 10 by the user's print execution operation. It has a stock printing function that can be sent to and printed. As a user's print execution operation for transmitting print data from the wireless communication terminal 40 to the MFP 10, in the present embodiment, a predetermined input operation for the wireless communication terminal 40 and an NFC for transmitting print data by wireless LAN. There is an operation of holding the wireless communication terminal 40 over a predetermined position of the MFP 10 in order to transmit print data by communication. The term "holding" here means that the wireless communication terminal 40 is brought close to the MFP 10 so that the wireless communication terminal 40 and the MFP 10 are in a positional relationship capable of NFC communication.

(1-2) Configuration of MFP 10 As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an input unit 14, a wired communication unit 15, and a wireless communication unit 16. It includes a non-contact communication unit 17, an image reading unit 18, and a printing unit 19.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 has a CPU. The storage unit 12 has a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory. That is, the MFP 10 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory.

The control unit 11 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitional substantive recording medium. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 12 corresponds to a non-transitional substantive recording medium in which a program is stored. The various functions of the MFP 10 are basically realized by the control unit 11 executing the program stored in the storage unit 12.

The various functions realized by the control unit 11 are not limited to those realized by executing the program, and some or all of them may be realized by using one or more hardware. The same applies to the control unit 41 of the wireless communication terminal 40 and the control unit 21 of the PC 20, which will be described later.

The display unit 13 has a display device capable of displaying an image, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input unit 14 has an input device for receiving various input operations.

The wired communication unit 15 is a communication interface for connecting the MFP 10 to the wired communication network. Wired data communication between the MFP 10 and the PC 20 is performed in the MFP 10 via the wired communication unit 15. The wireless communication unit 16 is a communication interface for connecting the MFP 10 to the wireless communication network. The wireless communication network of this embodiment is a wireless LAN as described above. Data communication between the MFP 10 and other devices via a wireless LAN is performed in the MFP 10 via the wireless communication unit 16. The non-contact communication unit 17 is a communication interface for performing the above-mentioned non-contact communication. The non-contact communication between the MFP 10 and the wireless communication terminal 40 is performed in the MFP 10 via the non-contact communication unit 17.

The image reading unit 18 includes an image sensor, reads an image of a document, and generates image data of the read image. The printing unit 19 has a printing mechanism using an inkjet technique or an electrophotographic technique, and can print an image on a sheet-shaped recording paper.

(1-3) Configuration of Wireless Communication Terminal 40 As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a display unit 43, an input unit 44, and a first wireless communication unit 45. A second wireless communication unit 46, a non-contact communication unit 47, an audio input / output unit 48, an external I / F 49, and a photographing unit 50 are provided. I / F is an abbreviation for the interface unit.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 41 has a CPU. The storage unit 42 has a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory. That is, the wireless communication terminal 40 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory.

The control unit 41 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitional substantive recording medium. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 42 corresponds to a non-transitional substantive recording medium in which a program is stored. Various functions of the wireless communication terminal 40 are basically realized by the control unit 41 executing a program stored in the storage unit 42.

The display unit 43 has a display device capable of displaying an image, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input unit 44 has an input device for receiving various input operations. The input device included in the input unit 44 includes a touch panel capable of accepting various touch operations by the indicator body. The touch panel detects the position where the indicator is in contact and outputs the position information indicating the detected position.

The control unit 41 detects the type of various touch operations by the indicator with respect to the touch panel and the position of the indicator based on the position information input from the touch panel of the input unit 44.
The first wireless communication unit 45 is a communication interface for connecting the wireless communication terminal 40 to the wireless communication network. Data communication by wireless LAN between the wireless communication terminal 40 and other devices is performed in the wireless communication terminal 40 via the first wireless communication unit 45.

The non-contact communication unit 47 is a communication interface for performing the above-mentioned non-contact communication. The non-contact communication between the wireless communication terminal 40 and the MFP 10 is performed in the wireless communication terminal 40 via the non-contact communication unit 47.

The second wireless communication unit 46 is an interface unit for performing voice communication and data communication via the mobile communication network. The second wireless communication unit 46 may have a configuration capable of performing wireless communication according to the LTE standard, for example. LTE is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution.

The audio input / output unit 48 is an audio input / output device composed of a microphone, a speaker, and the like. The external I / F 49 is an interface unit to which a rewritable non-volatile storage medium (not shown) is mounted, and controls writing and reading of data to the mounted storage medium. The photographing unit 50 functions as a so-called digital camera, and can take an image and generate image data indicating the image. The image data captured by the photographing unit 50 is stored in, for example, the storage unit 42.

Various software and data are stored in the storage unit 42. In the present embodiment, the OS (abbreviation of operating system) and the mobile application are stored as software in the storage unit 42. The OS and the mobile application are installed in the computer system including the control unit 41.

The mobile application is software for wirelessly using the MFP 10 from the wireless communication terminal 40, and is provided by, for example, a vendor of the MFP 10. As a function that can be realized by a mobile application, for example, there is a remote printing function. The remote printing function is a function of transmitting data stored in the wireless communication terminal 40, an external server, or the like to the MFP 10 and printing the data on the MFP 10. The above-mentioned stock printing function is a function realized by the PC 20, the wireless communication terminal 40, and the MFP 10, but in realizing the stock printing function, the remote printing function of the mobile application is used in the wireless communication terminal 40. It will be used.

(1-4) Configuration of PC 20 As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, a wired communication unit 25, and a wireless communication unit 26. Be prepared.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 21 has a CPU. The storage unit 22 has a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory. That is, the PC 20 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory. Further, the storage unit 22 of the PC 20 has a hard disk drive.

The control unit 21 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitional substantive recording medium. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 22 corresponds to a non-transitional substantive recording medium in which a program is stored. The various functions of the PC 20 are basically realized by the control unit 21 executing the program stored in the storage unit 22.

The display unit 23 has at least one of various display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. The input unit 24 has various input devices for receiving various input operations. The input unit 24 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

The wired communication unit 25 is a communication interface for connecting the PC 20 to the wired communication network. Wired data communication between the PC 20 and the MFP 10 is performed in the PC 20 via the wired communication unit 25.

The wireless communication unit 26 is a communication interface for connecting the PC 20 to the wireless communication network. Data communication between the PC 20 and other devices via a wireless LAN is performed in the PC 20 via the wireless communication unit 26.

Various software and data are stored in the storage unit 22. In the present embodiment, in addition to the OS, the storage unit 22 stores the GDI application 31, the printer driver 32, the specified port monitor 33, and the stock port monitor 34 as software, as shown in FIG. Each of these softwares is installed in a computer system including the control unit 21.

(1-5) Outline of Print Data Flow An outline of the print data flow when using the print function of the MFP 10 from the PC 20 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, a CPU that executes various programs such as an OS and a printer driver may be simply described by a program name. For example, the description "the printer driver is" may mean "the CPU that executes the printer driver".

As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 20 has a GDI application 31, a printer driver 32, a default port monitor 33, and a stock port monitor 34 installed. The printer driver 32 is a device driver for controlling a printing function among various functions of the MFP 10, and is provided by, for example, a vendor of the MFP 10.

The printer driver 32 has a function of converting print target data generated by various software such as the GDI application 31 into print data in a data format that can be interpreted by the MFP 10. Examples of the data format that the MFP 10 can interpret include the EMF format and the RAW format. EMF is an abbreviation for Enhanced MetaFile, which means Enhanced MetaFile. Further, the printer driver 32 has a function of outputting the generated print data for printing by the MFP 10.

The print data generated by the printer driver 32 is output via the port monitor. The port monitor is software having a function of relaying transmission / reception of various data including print data between the printer driver 32 and the print data output destination device. The port monitor is generated by a port generation request from the printer driver 32 and is managed by the OS. The port monitor may be a part of the printer driver 32.

In the present embodiment, at least a specified port and a stock port can be set as output ports for print data generated by the printer driver 32. The default port is a port used when printing print data is directly output to the MFP 10. The stock port is a port used when printing using the above-mentioned stock printing function. That is, the stock port is a port for outputting print data to the wireless communication terminal 40.

The transmission and reception of print data via the specified port is managed by the specified port monitor 33. That is, when the print data generated by the printer driver 32 is output to the MFP 10, the default port monitor 33 outputs the print data from the default port to the MFP 10.

The transmission and reception of print data via the stockport is managed by the stockport monitor 34. That is, when the print data generated by the printer driver 32 is output to the wireless communication terminal 40, the stock port monitor 34 outputs the print data from the stock port to the wireless communication terminal 40.

The default port monitor 33 and the stock port monitor 34 can be individually installed when the printer driver 32 is installed, for example, by the installer of the printer driver 32. Further, the port monitors 33 and 34 can be individually installed by the printer driver 32 or by a separate installer or the like even after the printer driver 32 is installed.

In the present embodiment, when the print data is directly output to the MFP 10 via the specified port, the print data is output as an LPR command based on the LPR protocol. LPR is an abbreviation for Line Printer daemon protocol.

Various information necessary for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the MFP 10 is set in the specified port monitor 33 via the specified port monitor 33. As various information set in the specified port monitor 33, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a port name of the specified port, data output destination information, a protocol to be used, setting information related to the protocol, SNMP status information, and the like. .. Of these, the data output destination information is information indicating the MFP 10, and for example, the IP address of the MFP 10 is set. Further, as the protocol, either LPR or RAW can be set in the present embodiment, but in the present embodiment, LPR is set as described above.

The stockport monitor 34 is set with various information necessary for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the wireless communication terminal 40 via the stockport monitor 34. As various information set in the stockport monitor 34, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a port name of the stockport, data output destination information, a protocol to be used, and the like. Of these, the data output destination information is information indicating the wireless communication terminal 40, and for example, the IP address of the wireless communication terminal 40 is set.

When the user wants the MFP 10 to print the print target data created by using the GDI application 31, the user can issue a print instruction from the GDI application 31. Specifically, it is possible to specify from which port the print data should be output, that is, whether the print data should be output directly to the MFP 10 for printing, or whether the print data should be temporarily stored in the wireless communication terminal 40 by using the stock printing function.

When direct output to the MFP 10 is specified, the printer driver 32 converts the print target data created by the GDI application 31 into print data that can be interpreted by the MFP 10, and causes the default port monitor 33 to output the print target data from the default port to the MFP 10. As a result, the print data is output to the MFP 10 as an LPR command, and the MFP 10 executes printing based on the print data. In the present embodiment, the LPR command is transmitted from the wired communication unit 25 of the PC 20 to the MFP 10 via the wired communication network.

On the other hand, when the stock print function is specified, that is, the output to the wireless communication terminal 40 is specified, the printer driver 32 converts the print target data created by the GDI application 31 into print data, and the stock port monitor 34 converts the print target data from the stock port. Output to the wireless communication terminal 40. As a result, the print data is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication unit 26. The print data output from the stock port is also hereinafter referred to as stock print data.

When the stock print data output from the stock port of the PC 20 is received by the first wireless communication unit 45, the mobile application installed in the wireless communication terminal 40 stores the stock print data in the stock area of the storage unit 42. Save once to. The stock area is a specific storage area for storing the stock print data output from the stock port of the PC 20 in the storage unit 42.

Then, when the user performs the above-mentioned print execution operation on the wireless communication terminal 40, the mobile application wirelessly transmits the stock print data stored in the stock area to the MFP 10. When the stock print data is transmitted to the MFP 10, the MFP 10 executes printing based on the stock print data, whereby the user can obtain a print result of the stock print data.

When the mobile application is activated on the wireless communication terminal 40, the main menu screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 43 of the wireless communication terminal 40 as shown in FIG. On the main menu screen 60, icons indicating various functions available in the mobile application are displayed. Among the various icons displayed on the main menu screen 60, a print icon 61 for using the remote printing function is included.

When the stock print data is stored in the stock area of the storage unit 42, information indicating that the stock print data is stored is displayed in the vicinity of the print icon 61. In the present embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the stock number icon 66 indicating the number of stored stock print data is displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the print icon 61.

In addition, information indicating the name of the MFP 10 is displayed on the main menu screen 60. In this embodiment, for example, the text "MFP-ABC" indicating the name of the MFP 10 is displayed as shown in FIG.

In order to enable the MFP 10 to be used by using the mobile application, it is necessary not only to install the mobile application on the wireless communication terminal 40 but also to register the device used by the mobile application at the time of installation or after the installation. By registering the MFP 10 as a device used by the mobile application, information indicating the name of the MFP 10 is displayed on the main menu screen 60 as shown in FIG. 3, and the mobile application can use the MFP 10.

The number of devices that can use the mobile app is not limited to one, and a plurality of devices can be registered and used. That is, another device can be registered in a state where, for example, the MFP 10 is registered as the device to be used. When a plurality of devices are registered, the user can select and use the device to be used from the plurality of registered devices.

When a plurality of available devices are registered in the mobile application, it may be appropriately determined which device information is to be displayed on the main menu screen 60. For example, the device specified by the user as the default device among a plurality of devices may be displayed. Alternatively, the device used immediately before may be displayed.

The device to be used by the mobile application is basically a device displayed on the main menu screen 60. However, when a plurality of devices are registered, the displayed device can be changed, that is, the device to be used can be changed on the main menu screen 60. It should be noted that the device to be used may be changed as appropriate on other screens transitioning from the main menu screen 60.

When the main menu screen 60 is displayed and the user taps the print icon 61 with an indicator 100 such as the user's own fingertip, the print menu screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 43. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the print menu screen 70 displays a list of a plurality of selection buttons for selecting the type and location of data to be printed. The list includes a stock print button 71, which is a selection button corresponding to the stock print data stored in the stock area. The stock print button 71 may be configured to be displayed when stock print data is stored in the stock area.

When the user taps the stock print button 71 with the indicator body 100, the stock list screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 43. On the stock list screen 80, individual stock print data buttons 81, 82, ... For each stock print data stored in the stock area are displayed. Information (for example, data name) indicating the corresponding stock print data, generation date / time or storage date / time of the stock print data, and the like are displayed on the stock print data buttons 81, 82, ....

The print button 86 is also displayed on the stock list screen 80. Further, on the stock list screen 80, information indicating a printing device to which the stock print data is transmitted is displayed. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the name of the destination printing device is displayed in the vicinity of the print button 86. The name displayed in FIG. 3 is the name of the MFP 10.

In the present embodiment, the printing device to which the stock print data is transmitted, which is displayed on the stock list screen 80, is the printing device whose registration is requested by the PC 20 when the stock port monitor 34 is set in the PC 20.

When the stock port monitor 34 is set in the PC 20, the PC 20 notifies the print device registration request for designating the print device to which the stock print data is transmitted, as will be described later. When the print device registration request is notified, the mobile application registers the print device specified by the print device registration request as the print device to which the stock print data is transmitted.

When the print device registration request is not notified from the PC 20, the destination of the stock print data is the print device pre-registered as the print device used by the mobile application. When the print device registration request is not notified from the PC 20, the stock list screen 80 displays the print device pre-registered as the device used by the mobile application as the print device to which the stock print data is transmitted.

When a plurality of print devices that can use the mobile application are registered, for example, the default print device may be displayed in the same manner as the device information displayed on the main menu screen 60. Alternatively, the printing device to which the stock print data was transmitted immediately before may be displayed. Further, on the stock list screen 80, the print device to which the stock print data is transmitted may be changed from the currently displayed print device.

In the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the MFP 10 is registered in advance as the printing device to which the stock print data is transmitted.
The user can select any one or more of the stock print data buttons displayed on the stock list screen 80, for example, by the indicator 100. Then, when the print button 86 is tapped with the indicator 100 after selection, the stock print data corresponding to the selected stock print data button is a printing device set as a transmission destination by the first wireless communication unit 45. It is wirelessly transmitted to the MFP 10. Alternatively, when the wireless communication terminal 40 is held over the MFP 10, the stock print data corresponding to the selected stock print data button is wirelessly transmitted from the non-contact communication unit 47 to the MFP 10. When the stock print data is wirelessly transmitted to the MFP 10 in this way, printing based on the transmitted stock print data is executed.

When the wireless communication terminal 40 is held over a printing device capable of non-contact communication, the stock print data is held over the printing device regardless of whether or not the printing device is registered as a device to be used by the mobile application. The printing device may be transmitted by non-contact communication to print.

Further, when the print button 86 is tapped or the wireless communication terminal 40 is held over the MFP 10 in a state where none of the stock print data buttons is selected on the stock list screen 80, the data is saved in the stock area. All stock print data may be configured to be transmitted to the MFP 10.

Further, when the main menu screen 60 is displayed and the stock print data is saved in the stock area, that is, when the stock number icon 66 is displayed, the main menu screen 60 is displayed. When the wireless communication terminal 40 is held over the MFP 10 as it is, all the stock print data stored in the stock area is transmitted to the MFP 10 and printed.

Further, when the stock number icon 66 is displayed on the main menu screen 60, the screen may be changed to the stock list screen 80 when the stock number icon 66 is tapped.

In addition, the user can set the stock printing function to be enabled or disabled for the mobile application. The stock printing function can be used when the stock printing function is enabled, and cannot be used when the stock printing function is disabled. Specifically, when the stock print function is disabled in the mobile application, the stock print data is not saved even if it is received from the PC 20. Further, when the stock print function is disabled in the mobile application, even if the stock print data is stored in the stock area of the storage unit 42, the data is not transmitted to the MFP 10.

(1-6) Description of Process for Making Use of Stock Printing Function Next, a series of processes performed for making available the stock printing function will be described with reference to FIG. In order to be able to use the stock printing function, it is necessary to install the stockport monitor and set the stockport on the PC20. Further, as a premise, a mobile application is installed on the wireless communication terminal 40.

When the printer driver 32 or its installer (hereinafter referred to as a stockport installer) is started on the PC20 and a stock print setting request is made by a specific input operation by the user, the stockport installer acquires the stock print setting request. (S110). This stock print setting request is a setting request for setting the wireless communication terminal 40 as an output destination of print data in a data format that can be interpreted by the MFP 10.

When the stock port installer acquires the stock print setting request based on the user operation, in S120 or later, the stock port installer performs wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal 40 via the wireless communication unit 26 in a specific procedure, thereby serving as a print data output destination. A process for setting the wireless communication terminal 40 so that it can be specified, that is, a process for setting the stock port monitor 34 is performed.

First, a stockport generation process is performed (S120). Specifically, by making a port generation request to the OS, the stockport monitor 34 is generated in cooperation with the OS (S130). The stockport monitor 34 may be generated without the intervention of the OS. Further, the software of the stockport monitor 34 may be started, thereby generating the stockport monitor 34.

When the stockport monitor 34 is generated by the stockport generation process, the stockport installer requests link processing (S140). The link processing request is to request an external wireless communication terminal on which the mobile application is installed to be registered as a transmission destination of stock print data from the PC 20.

The link processing request is made via the stockport monitor 34. Specifically, the stockport installer instructs the stockport monitor 34 to make a link processing request, and in response to this, the stockport monitor 34 makes a link processing request via the stockport (S150). The link processing request by the stockport monitor 34 is performed by broadcasting specific link request information from the wireless communication unit 26.

On the other hand, in the wireless communication terminal 40, when the mobile application is activated, various input correspondence processes are performed (S100). These various input-corresponding processes are processes performed in response to an input by a user operation or a data input from an external device.

When the mobile application receives the link request information from the PC 20, the display unit 43 displays the reception screen (S160). If the link request information is received when the mobile app is not running, the mobile app may be forcibly started and the reception screen may be displayed.

After displaying the reception screen, the mobile application accepts a specific input operation by the user (S170). When a specific input operation is performed by the user, the mobile application sends a linkable response to the PC 20 (S180). The linkable response includes information that the wireless communication terminal 40 on which the mobile application is installed may be set as a transmission destination of stock print data, and information indicating the wireless communication terminal 40. The information indicating the wireless communication terminal 40 includes, for example, the IP address of the wireless communication terminal 40.

When the PC 20 receives the linkable response from the wireless communication terminal 40, the stockport monitor 34 relays the linkable response and passes it to the stockport installer (S190).

When the stockport installer receives the linkable response via the stockport monitor 34, it makes a stock printing function activation request (S200). The stock print function activation request is to request the wireless communication terminal 40, which is the source of the linkable response, to specifically register the stock print data as the transmission destination from the PC 20.

The stock print function activation request is made via the stock port monitor 34. Specifically, the stockport installer instructs the stockport monitor 34 to make a stock print function activation request, and in response to this, the stockport monitor 34 makes a stock print function activation request via the stockport ( S210). The stock print function activation request by the stock port monitor 34 is performed by transmitting specific activation request information from the wireless communication unit 26 to the wireless communication terminal 40. The activation request information includes various information of the PC 20 including the IP address of the PC 20 and information requesting the effective setting of the stock printing function in the mobile application.

When the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal 40 receives the stock print function activation request from the PC 20, the stock print function is turned on, that is, enabled (S220). Then, the linked device information is registered (S230). That is, by registering various information of the PC 20 including the IP address of the PC 20, the PC 20 is registered as a storage target source device to be stored in the stock area when the stock print data is received.

Then, the mobile application sends a registration completion notification to the PC 20, indicating that the stock print data has been registered as a storage target, that is, the stock print function can be used from the PC 20 via the wireless communication terminal 40. Wireless transmission to (S240).

When the registration completion notification is received from the wireless communication terminal 40 in the PC 20, the stockport monitor 34 relays the registration completion notification and passes it to the stockport installer (S250).

When the stockport installer receives the registration completion notification via the stockport monitor 34, it makes a print device registration request (S260). This print device registration request is to request the wireless communication terminal 40, which is the transmission source of the registration completion notification, to register a specific print device as a print device for transmitting the stored stock print data. In this embodiment, the stockport installer requests that the MFP 10 be registered as a particular printing device.

The print device registration request is made via the stockport monitor 34. Specifically, the stockport installer instructs the stockport monitor 34 to make a print device registration request, and in response to this, the stockport monitor 34 makes a print device registration request via the stockport (S270). The print device registration request by the stockport monitor 34 is performed by transmitting specific device registration request information from the wireless communication unit 26 to the wireless communication terminal 40. The device registration request information includes various information of the MFP 10 including the IP address of the MFP 10 and information requesting the default registration of the MFP 10 as an output destination of stock print data.

When the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal 40 receives the print device registration request from the PC 20, the print device registration request is used as the print device of the destination of the stock print data based on various information included in the print device registration request. The requested printing device, that is, the MFP10 is registered by default (S280).

As a result, the stock list screen 80 shown in FIG. 3 displays information indicating the default registered MFP 10 as information on the printing device. After registering the print device, the mobile application wirelessly transmits a print device registration response indicating that the registration of the print device is completed to the PC 20 (S290).

When the PC 20 receives the print device registration response from the wireless communication terminal 40, the stockport monitor 34 relays the print device registration response and passes it to the stockport installer (S300).

When the stockport installer receives the print device registration response via the stockport monitor 34, the stockport installer completes the link processing (S310). Specifically, the stockport monitor 34 is provided so that the association of various information of the wireless communication terminal 40 and necessary setting information with the stockport monitor 34 is completed and the wireless communication terminal 40 can be specified as the output destination of the stock print data. to register.

As a result, the installation of the stock port monitor 34, that is, the registration in the OS is completed in the PC 20, and thereafter, the user uses the wireless communication terminal as the destination of the print data when printing the print target data created by the GDI application 31. You will be able to specify 40. Further, in the wireless communication terminal 40, the stock printing function for the stock printing data from the PC 20 can be used in the mobile application.

(1-7) Description of Processing at Time of Execution of Stock Printing Function Next, a series of processing when the stock printing function is actually executed will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the specified port monitor 33 and the stock port monitor 34 have already been generated in the PC 20, and at least one of the MFP 10 and the wireless communication terminal 40 can be specified as the output destination of the print data. Further, it is assumed that the wireless communication terminal 40 is in a state where the stock printing function for the stock printing data from the PC 20 can be used.

It is assumed that the user chooses to use the stock printing function when printing the print target data created by the GDI application 31 on the PC 20. That is, it is assumed that the wireless communication terminal 40 is designated as the output destination of the print data. In this case, the printer driver 32 acquires a stock print request indicating the wireless communication terminal 40 as the output destination of the print data from the GDI application 31 (S410).

When the printer driver 32 acquires the stock print request, the printer driver 32 acquires the print target data from the GDI application 31 and converts the print target data into stock print data that can be interpreted by the MFP 10 to generate stock print data ( S420).

Then, the printer driver 32 makes a stock availability inquiry to the wireless communication terminal 40 (S430). The stock availability inquiry is to inquire the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal 40 whether or not the stock print data can be stored in the stock area.

The stock availability inquiry is made via the stock port monitor 34. Specifically, the printer driver 32 instructs the stock port monitor 34 to make a stock availability inquiry, and in response to this, the stock port monitor 34 makes a stock availability inquiry via the stock port (S440). The stock availability inquiry by the stock port monitor 34 is performed by transmitting specific inquiry information from the wireless communication unit 26 to the wireless communication terminal 40. The inquiry information includes, for example, the IP address of the PC 20 as the source information.

On the other hand, in the wireless communication terminal 40, when the mobile application is activated, various input correspondence processes are performed as in S100 of FIG. 4 (S400). Here, since the stock print function is already available in the mobile application, the user can set the stock print function to either enable or disable as described above. Therefore, the various input-corresponding processes of the S400 include a process (S400a) for accepting an operation of enabling or disabling the stock printing function by the user. In S400a of FIG. 5, "off" means disabling the stock printing function.

When the mobile application receives the stock availability inquiry from the PC 20, it determines whether or not the stock print data can be saved (S450). Specifically, based on the source information included in the received inquiry information, it is determined whether or not the PC 20 is registered as a storage target device for storing the stock print data. If the PC 20 is not registered as a save target, it is determined that the stock print data cannot be saved. In addition, it is determined whether or not the stock print function is enabled, and if it is disabled, it is determined that the stock print data cannot be saved. Further, the free space of the stock area in the storage unit 42 is confirmed, and if there is no free space that can store the stock print data, it is determined that the stock print data cannot be saved.

Whether or not there is free space that can be stored can be determined by various methods. For example, the inquiry information transmitted from the PC 20 includes information indicating the amount of stock print data, and the stock print data cannot be saved unless there is enough free space to store the stock print data of that amount of data. You may judge that. Further, for example, regardless of the amount of stock print data, if there is no free space above a certain threshold value, it may be determined that the stock print data cannot be saved. The capacity of the stock area in the storage unit 42 may be fixed to a constant value in advance, may be changed according to the free capacity of the entire storage unit 42, or the entire free capacity of the storage unit 42 may be stocked. It may be made available as an area.

When the mobile application determines that the stock print data cannot be saved, it sends a stock non-stock response to the PC 20 (S460).
When the non-stock response is received from the wireless communication terminal 40 in the PC 20, the stock port monitor 34 relays the non-stock response and passes it to the printer driver 32 (S480). When the printer driver 32 receives the stock non-capable response via the stock port monitor 34, the printer driver 32 determines whether or not the stock print data can be stored in the wireless communication terminal 40 (S490).

When the non-stock response is received, the stock print data cannot be saved, so the non-stock processing is executed (S500). Specifically, the display unit 23 displays specific error information indicating that the stock print data cannot be transmitted to the wireless communication terminal 40, that is, the stock print function cannot be used.

On the other hand, when the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal 40 determines that the stock print data can be stored, it transmits a stockable response to the PC 20 (S470).
When the stockable response is received from the wireless communication terminal 40 in the PC 20, the stock port monitor 34 relays the stockable response and passes it to the printer driver 32 (S480). When the printer driver 32 receives the stockable response via the stockport monitor 34, the printer driver 32 determines whether or not the stock print data can be stored in the wireless communication terminal 40 (S490).

When the stockable response is received, the stock print data can be stored, so a stock request is made (S510). A stock request is a request to a mobile app to store stock print data in the stock area.

The stock request is made via the stockport monitor 34. Specifically, the printer driver 32 instructs the stock port monitor 34 to make a stock request, and in response to this, the stock port monitor 34 makes a stock request via the stock port (S520). The stock request by the stock port monitor 34 is performed by transmitting at least the generated stock print data and instruction information instructing to save the print data in the stock area from the wireless communication unit 26 to the wireless communication terminal 40. Will be. Further, the stock request includes, for example, the IP address of the PC 20 as the source information.

When the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal receives the stock request from the PC 20, it determines whether or not the received stock print data can be saved, as in the case of S450 described above (S530). When the mobile application determines that the received stock print data cannot be saved, it transmits a stock non-stock response to the PC 20 (S540).

When the non-stock response is received from the wireless communication terminal 40 in the PC 20, the stock port monitor 34 relays the non-stock response and passes it to the printer driver 32 (S570). When the printer driver 32 receives the non-stock response via the stock port monitor 34 after the stock request of S510, the printer driver 32 determines whether or not the stock of the stock print data, that is, the storage in the stock area is completed in the wireless communication terminal 40. (S580).

If the non-stock response is received, the stock print data has not been stocked, so the non-stock processing is executed (S500). In this case as well, as described above, the display unit 23 displays specific error information indicating that the stock printing function cannot be used.

On the other hand, when the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal 40 determines that the stock print data can be saved, the mobile application saves the stock print data in the stock area (S550). After saving the stock print data, the mobile application sends a stock completion response indicating that the storage of the stock print data is completed to the PC 20.

When the stock completion response is received from the wireless communication terminal 40 in the PC 20, the stock port monitor 34 relays the stock completion response and passes it to the printer driver 32 (S570). Upon receiving the stock completion response via the stock port monitor 34, the printer driver 32 determines whether or not the stock of stock print data has been completed in the wireless communication terminal 40 (S580).

When the stock completion response is received, it means that the stock of the stock print data has been completed, so the completion correspondence process is executed (S590). The completion handling process includes, for example, a process of displaying on the display unit 23 information indicating that the storage of the stock print data in the wireless communication terminal 40 has been completed normally. In addition, the display unit 23 may display information prompting the wireless communication terminal 40 to transmit stock print data to the MFP 10 for printing.

(1-8) Description of Mobile Control Process by Mobile App Here, the mobile control process executed based on the mobile app of the wireless communication terminal 40 will be described again with reference to FIG. When the mobile application is activated in the wireless communication terminal 40, the control unit 41 reads the program of the mobile control process of FIG. 6 from the storage unit 42 and periodically executes it. The mobile control processing program is a program that constitutes a mobile application. That is, executing the mobile control process of FIG. 6 is synonymous with executing the mobile application.

When the control unit 41 of the wireless communication terminal 40 starts the mobile control process of FIG. 6, the display unit 43 displays the main menu screen 60 illustrated in FIG. 3 in S710. In S720, it is determined whether or not the stock print data is stored in the stock area. If the stock print data is not saved, the input correspondence process is executed in S730. The input correspondence process is a process performed in response to an input by a user operation or a data input from an external device. The processing of the mobile application shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is included in the input corresponding processing of S730.

When the stock print data is saved in S720, the stock number icon 66 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed in S740. In S750, it is determined whether or not the non-contact communication operation has been performed, that is, whether or not the wireless communication terminal 40 is held over the MFP 10 or another printing device capable of non-contact communication.

When the non-contact communication operation is performed, in S840, the stock print data stored in the stock area is transmitted to the printing device over which the wireless communication terminal 40 is held. As a result, printing of stock print data is executed on the printing device over which the wireless communication terminal 40 is held. After the stock print data is transmitted to the printing device in S840, the transmitted stock print data is erased from the stock area in S850.

If the non-contact communication operation is not performed in S750, the process proceeds to S760. In S760, it is determined whether or not the stock print is selected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stock print button 71 has been tapped by transitioning to the print menu screen 70 illustrated in FIG. If stock print is not selected, S770 determines in S770 whether or not there was another input, that is, whether or not there was an input operation by the user or data input from an external device. If there is no other input, the process returns to S750, and if there is another input, the process proceeds to S730. In this case, in S730, input correspondence processing corresponding to other inputs is performed.

When stock print is selected in S760, the stock list screen 80 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed in S780. In S790, it is determined whether or not the data selection operation on the stock list screen 80, that is, whether or not any of the listed stock print data buttons has been tapped. If the stock print data button is not tapped, the process proceeds to S810. When the stock print data button is tapped, the stock print data corresponding to the tapped stock print data button is set as the data to be transmitted to the wireless communication terminal 40 in S800, and the process proceeds to S810.

In S810, it is determined whether or not the print button 86 displayed on the stock list screen 80 has been tapped. If the print button 86 is not tapped, the process proceeds to S830. In S830, as in S750, it is determined whether or not a non-contact communication operation has been performed. If a non-contact communication operation is performed, the process proceeds to S840. If the non-contact communication operation is not performed, the process returns to S790.

If the print button 86 is tapped in S810, the process proceeds to S820. In S820, the stock print data set as the data to be transmitted in S800 is transmitted to the print device registered for the stock print function by wireless LAN communication. As described above, the printing device registered for the stock printing function is the printing device displayed on the stock list screen 80, and is the MFP 10 in the present embodiment. After the processing of S820, the processing of S850 is executed.

(1-9) Effects of the Embodiment According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
That is, in the present embodiment, when the print target data created by the GDI application 31 of the PC 20 is printed by the MFP 10 by the stock print function, the stock port can be specified in addition to the specified port as the output destination port of the print data. By designating the stock port as the output destination, the print data generated by the printer driver 32 is not directly output to the MFP 10 but is output to the wireless communication terminal 40.

When the mobile application of the wireless communication terminal 40 receives the stock print data from the MFP 10, the mobile application temporarily stores the stock print data in the stock area. Then, when the print execution operation targeting the MFP 10 is performed while the stock print data is stored, the mobile application transmits the stock print data to the MFP 10. As a result, the stock print data is printed by the MFP 10.

By using the stock print function, the user outputs stock print data from the PC 20 to the wireless communication terminal 40, and then performs a print execution operation on the wireless communication terminal 40 so that another person can see the printed contents. The print result can be obtained without any need. Therefore, according to the print data processing system of the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a highly reliable security printing function while reducing the time and effort of the user.

Further, as the print execution operation by the user, in the present embodiment, there are two types: holding the wireless communication terminal 40 over the print device capable of non-contact communication and tapping the print button 86 in the stock list screen 80. Yes, users can selectively use these. Therefore, the usability of the user for transmitting the stock print data from the wireless communication terminal 40 to the printing device is improved.

Further, when the mobile application receives a stock availability inquiry from the PC 20, it determines whether the stock print data can be saved in the stock area, and if it is not in a state where it can be saved, sends a stock non-stock response. In this case, since the non-response process is performed on the PC 20, the user can easily and quickly recognize that the stock printing function cannot be used.

If the stock print data can be saved when the stock availability inquiry is made, the stock availability response is transmitted to the PC 20. The printer driver 32 of the PC 20 transmits stock print data when there is a stock availability response to the stock availability inquiry. In this way, it is possible to suppress unnecessary transmission of stock print data by determining whether or not to transmit stock print data according to the response result to the stock availability inquiry.

Further, even when the mobile application receives the stock print data from the PC 20, it determines whether or not the stock print data can be saved in the stock area again. Then, if it is not in a state where it can be saved, a non-stock response is sent. In this case, since the non-response process is performed on the PC 20, the user can easily and quickly recognize that the stock printing function cannot be used.

In addition, the mobile application determines whether or not the stock print data can be stored, specifically, whether or not the PC 20 is registered as a storage target device for storing the stock print data, and stocks. It is determined whether or not the print function is effectively set, and whether or not there is free space in the storage unit 42 that can store the stock print data. Then, if any one of these judgments gives a negative judgment result, the stock non-stock response is transmitted without saving the stock print data.

In this way, it is appropriately determined whether or not the stock print data can be saved, and whether or not the stock print data is saved is determined according to the determination result.
Further, in order to make the stock printing function available, data is exchanged between the PC 20 and the wireless communication terminal 40 as described with reference to FIG. Specifically, in the PC 20, a stock port monitor 34 is generated, and various setting information for the wireless communication terminal 40 for enabling the stock printing function is associated with the stock port monitor 34. Also in the wireless communication terminal 40, the stock printing function can be used in the mobile application, so that the stock printing function can be used as the entire system.

Therefore, when it is desired to execute the stock printing function using a specific wireless communication terminal from the PC 20, the wireless communication terminal can be easily and efficiently registered as a usage target of the stock printing function.

(1-10) Correspondence with the wording of the claims Here, the correspondence between the wording of the present embodiment and the wording of the claims will be described. The MFP 10 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus. The PC 20 corresponds to an example of an information processing device. The control unit 21 of the PC 20 corresponds to an example of the first control unit. The wired communication unit 25 and the wireless communication unit of the PC 20 correspond to an example of the first communication unit. The control unit 41 of the wireless communication terminal 40 corresponds to an example of the second control unit. The first wireless communication unit 45 and the non-contact communication unit 47 of the wireless communication terminal 40 correspond to an example of the second communication unit.

Further, the process of S110 in FIG. 4 corresponds to an example of the setting request acquisition process. Each process on the PC20 side after S120 in FIG. 4 corresponds to an example of the setting process. The processes of S140 and S150 in FIG. 4 correspond to an example of communication request processing. The process of S180 in FIG. 4 corresponds to an example of the response information transmission process. The processes of S200 and S210 in FIG. 4 correspond to an example of the registration request transmission process. The processes S220 to S240 in FIG. 4 correspond to an example of the target registration process. The processes of S220 in FIG. 4 and S400a in FIG. 5 correspond to an example of the function setting process. The processes of S260 and S270 in FIG. 4 correspond to an example of device registration request processing. The process of S280 in FIG. 4 corresponds to an example of a destination registration process.

Further, the process of S410 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of an output request acquisition process. The process of S420 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of the print target data acquisition process and the print data generation process. The processing of S430 and S440 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of inquiry processing. The process of S450 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of the feasibility determination process. The processes of S460 and S470 in FIG. 5 correspond to an example of the pass / fail transmission process. The process of S480 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of the pass / fail reception process. The process of S500 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of error output process. The processes of S510 and S520 in FIG. 5 correspond to an example of the first transmission process. The process of S530 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of the storage availability determination process. The process of S540 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of error notification process. The process of S550 in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of print data reception process and storage process. Further, the processes of S820 and S840 in FIG. 6 correspond to an example of the second transmission process.

(1-11) Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications.

For example, the wireless communication method between the wireless communication terminal 40 and the PC 20 and the MFP 10 is not limited to the wireless LAN. In addition to or in place of the wireless LAN, other wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.) may be available.

Further, the MFP 10 is an example of a printing device, and the present invention can be applied to a printing device having a configuration other than the MFP 10.
As for the information processing device, the PC 20 is just an example, and the present invention can be applied to an information processing device other than the PC 20.

As for the wireless communication terminal, the wireless communication terminal 40 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the present invention can be applied to a wireless communication terminal having a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG.
Further, it is only an example that the information processing apparatus includes the printer driver 32 and the stock port monitor 34 as the software configuration for realizing the stock printing function. One software having the functions of these two softwares may be provided. On the contrary, the stock printing function may be realized by three or more softwares. Further, the relationship between the software for realizing the stock printing function and the OS is not particularly limited, and a part of the necessary software may be included in the OS.

Further, as software for realizing the stock printing function in the wireless communication terminal, the mobile application of the above embodiment is only an example, and the printing device is operated by the user after temporarily storing the stock printing data transmitted from the information processing device. Other software configured to send to may be employed. In that case, for example, dedicated software specialized for the stock printing function may be used.

In addition, a plurality of functions possessed by one component in the above embodiment may be realized by a plurality of components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by a plurality of components. Further, a plurality of functions possessed by the plurality of components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by the plurality of components may be realized by one component. Further, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added or replaced with the configuration of the other above embodiment. It should be noted that all aspects included in the technical idea specified from the wording described in the claims are embodiments of the present invention.

10 ... MFP, 11,21,41 ... Control unit, 12,22,42 ... Storage unit, 13,23,43 ... Display unit, 14,24,44 ... Input unit, 15,25 ... Wired communication unit, 16, 26 ... wireless communication unit, 17, 47 ... non-contact communication unit, 18 ... image reading unit, 19 ... printing unit, 20 ... PC, 31 ... GDI application, 32 ... printer driver, 33 ... specified port monitor, 34 ... stock port Monitor, 40 ... Wireless communication terminal, 45 ... 1st wireless communication unit, 46 ... 2nd wireless communication unit, 60 ... Main menu screen, 61 ... Print icon, 66 ... Stock number icon, 70 ... Print menu screen, 71 ... Stock Print button, 80 ... Stock list screen, 81, 82 ... Stock print data button, 86 ... Print button, 100 ... Indicator.

Claims (6)

Information processing device and
Wireless communication terminal and
With
The information processing device
A first communication unit configured to enable wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal and communication with a printing device, and
1st control unit and
With
The first control unit
A setting request acquisition process for acquiring a setting request for setting the wireless communication terminal as an output destination of print data in a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device.
When the setting request is acquired by the setting request acquisition process, the wireless communication terminal is designated as the output destination of the print data by performing a specific wireless communication with the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit. Setting process to set possible and
Print target data acquisition process to acquire print target data and
A print data generation process for generating the print data from the print target data acquired by the print target data acquisition process, and a print data generation process.
An output request acquisition process for acquiring a specific output request specified by the wireless communication terminal among a plurality of output destinations including the printing device and the wireless communication terminal as the output destination of the print data.
When the specific output request is acquired by the output request acquisition process, the print data generated by the print data generation process and the storage instruction of the print data are sent to the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit. The first transmission process to send to
And run
The wireless communication terminal is
A second communication unit configured to enable wireless communication with the information processing device and the printing device,
Memory and
2nd control unit and
With
The second control unit
A print data reception process for receiving the print data and the storage instruction transmitted from the information processing device via the second communication unit, and
When the print data and the storage instruction are received by the print data reception process, the storage process of storing the print data in the storage unit based on the storage instruction, and
When a specific print execution operation for printing the print data stored in the storage unit with the printing apparatus is performed, the print data is stored in the storage unit by a transmission method according to the print execution operation. The second transmission process of transmitting the print data to the printing device via the second communication unit, and
Being configured to run,
In the information processing device
In the setting process,
When the setting request is acquired by the setting request acquisition process, the communication request process of transmitting a specific communication request via the first communication unit and the communication request process.
When specific response information is received from the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit in response to the communication request transmitted by the communication request processing, the wireless communication terminal is sent to the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit. Registration request transmission process to send a specific registration request, and
And run
When a specific registration completion notification is received from the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit in response to the registration request transmission process, the wireless communication terminal is registered so that the wireless communication terminal can be designated as the output destination of the print data. ,
In the wireless communication terminal
The second control unit
A response information transmission process for transmitting the response information to the information processing device via the second communication unit when the communication request transmitted from the information processing device is received via the second communication unit.
When the registration request transmitted from the information processing device is received via the second communication unit, the information processing device is registered as a target device for storing the print data, and the registration is shown. The target registration process of transmitting the registration completion notification to the information processing apparatus via the second communication unit, and
And run
When print data is received from the information processing device, the received print data is stored in the storage unit when the information processing device is registered as the target device.
Print data processing system. The print data processing system according to claim 1.
In the wireless communication terminal
The second control unit
When the print data and the storage instruction are received by the print data reception process, a storage availability determination process for determining whether or not the received print data can be stored in the storage unit, and a storage availability determination process.
When it is not determined to be memorable by the memorability determination process, an error notification process of transmitting a specific error notification to the information processing device via the second communication unit, and an error notification process.
And run
It is configured to execute the storage process when it is determined that the memory can be stored by the memory availability determination process.
In the information processing device
The first control unit
After executing the first transmission process, when the error notification is received from the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit, an error output process for outputting specific error information is executed.
Print data processing system. The print data processing system according to claim 2.
In the wireless communication terminal
The second control unit
A function setting process for setting the storage function for storing the print data in the storage unit to be valid or invalid is executed.
In the storage availability determination process, at least it is determined whether the storage function is set to be valid or invalid, and if it is set to invalid, the print data can be stored in the storage unit. Judge that there is no
Print data processing system. The print data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
In the information processing device
The first control unit
When the specific output request is acquired by the output request acquisition process, inquiry information for inquiring whether or not the print data can be stored is transmitted to the wireless communication terminal via the first communication unit. Query processing and
In response to the inquiry process, the possibility / reception process of receiving the storability information transmitted from the wireless communication terminal indicating whether or not the print data can be stored is received via the first communication unit.
And run
The first transmission process is configured to execute the first transmission process when the storability information received by the possibility reception process indicates that the print data can be stored.
In wireless communication terminals
The second control unit
When the inquiry information is received from the information processing device via the second communication unit, it is possible to determine whether or not the print data can be received, and a process for determining whether or not the print data can be received.
The possibility transmission process of transmitting the storage possibility information, which is the determination result of the possibility determination process, to the information processing apparatus via the second communication unit, and
A print data processing system that runs. The print data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .
In the wireless communication terminal, the second control unit can execute a function setting process for setting the storage function for storing the print data in the storage unit to be valid or invalid.
In the information processing apparatus, the registration request by the first control unit includes an activation request requesting that the storage function be effectively set.
In the wireless communication terminal, the target registration process by the second control unit includes a process of effectively setting the storage function by the function setting process.
Print data processing system. The print data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .
In the information processing device
After executing the setting process, the first control unit executes a device registration request process for transmitting a device registration request including information on the printing device via the first communication unit.
In the wireless communication terminal
The second control unit
When the device registration request is received from the information processing device via the second communication unit after the execution of the target registration process, the printing device is used based on the information of the printing device included in the device registration request. Execute the destination registration process to be registered as the destination of the print data,
In the second transmission process, the print data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the printing device registered as a destination by the destination registration process.
Print data processing system.