WO2002046905A1

WO2002046905A1 - Remote controlled printing server, printing system, printing method, record medium, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2002046905A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/010621
Authority: WO
Inventors: Minoru Yamamoto; Motoaki Yamanashi; Keiji Seo; Naohito Asai; Akihiko Niwa; Masaru Torii; Hiroshi Taira
Original assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2000-12-07
Filing date: 2001-12-05
Publication date: 2002-06-13
Also published as: AU2002221051A1; JP3906803B2; JPWO2002046905A1

Abstract

The operator of a cellular phone (3) transmits data specifying contents data which needs to be printed to a remote printing server (2). The printing server (2) converts the specified contents data by a converting section (21a) into a format conforming to a printer (4) which prints this data and then transmits it to the remote printer (4). This constitution provides a desired printout in a high quality even under an environment where there are only a cellular phone and a printer

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a remote control print server, a printing system, a printing method, a recording medium, and a program.

The present invention relates to a remote control print server, a printing system, and a printing method that enable printing by remote control using a communication network. Background art

A portable facsimile apparatus that can be connected to a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone via a cable based on a standard such as RCR-27H is known. Using such a facsimile machine, it is possible to print out a document stored in a paper medium or electronic storage in an office or the like when needed at a place away from the office or outside. Is possible.

However, in the case of G3 standard facsimile machines that are currently widely used, the resolution is as low as 200 dpi, the print quality is not sufficient, and there is a problem that reduction or enlargement printing and color printing cannot be performed.

Therefore, a document to be printed is temporarily stored as electronic data in a computer via a mobile phone, and the electronic data is further converted into a format that can be connected to the computer using a device driver in the computer. It is conceivable that the power is output after the conversion before printing. However, in this case, it is necessary to carry the computer with the printer at all times, which is complicated and imposes an excessive physical burden on the user.

It is also conceivable to connect the mobile phone and the printer directly and output the electronic data received by the mobile phone directly to the printer for printing. Storing the printer device driver in a small-capacity memory located inside the printer is not practical because it consumes a great deal of memory. In addition, various types of printers from different manufacturers and models are not practical. There is a problem that it is virtually impossible in terms of memory capacity to deal with.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control print server capable of obtaining a desired print output with high quality even in an environment where there is no computer but only a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone and a printer. System and printing method. Disclosure of the invention

In order to achieve the above object, a remote control print server of the present invention performs data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network to transmit a print command including content data to be printed or data designating the same. First communication means for receiving from the wireless communication terminal, conversion means for converting the content designated by the wireless communication terminal into a format in accordance with a printer on which content data is to be printed, and a communication network. And second communication means for performing data communication with the printer via the network and transmitting the content data converted by the conversion means to the printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in the printing system shown in FIG.

Fig. 4 shows examples of display on the mobile phone at each stage of the printing procedure in Fig. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a print example.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. '

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the printing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in the printing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the printing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in a printing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in the printing system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a printing server 2, a mobile phone 3 as a wireless communication terminal, and a printer 4. The mobile phone 3 gives a desired print command to the print server 2 by performing data communication with the print server 2 via a base station, an exchange (not shown), and the Internet 5. The print server 2 is a computer including a content database 26 and a wireless interface 28, and includes content data designated by a print command from the mobile phone 3 (included in the content database 26). May be stored in another web server or may be stored in another web server) into a format according to the printer 4, that is, a format that can be printed by the printer 4. The printer 4 includes a wireless interface 44 for performing data communication with the wireless interface 28 of the print server 2, and converts the converted content data received from the print server 2 into an ink jet type printer. Printing is performed by any of known printing methods such as the Z-type.

In the present embodiment, as the wireless interfaces 28 and 44, any of known interfaces can be used. For example, the wireless interface 28, 44 can use a communication card for a mobile phone or a PHS, a wireless LAN card, a bluetooth communication card, or the like. For example, if a mobile phone or a PHS communication power is used as the wireless interfaces 28 and 44, a mobile phone and a base station / exchange station of the mobile phone are connected between the print server 2 and the printer 4. Connection. If a Bluetooth communication card is used as both wireless interfaces 28 and 44, the print server 2 and the printer 4 that is relatively close to it must pass through a relay point such as a base station. Connection. In the case of Bluetooth, the communicable distance is about 10 m.

Note that the two wireless interfaces 28 and 44 need not necessarily be of the same type, but may be of different types. However, in that case, some conversion equipment is required at the relay point. As a communication interface between the print server 2 and the printer 4, a wired communication interface may be used instead of the wireless interfaces 28 and 44, but the wireless interfaces 28 and 44 are used. The use of this method has an advantage that a printed output can be obtained as long as the radio wave can be reached even when the user is out of the office. In the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a description will be given below in accordance with a case where a foreign sales representative on the go submits a quote to a customer. As a communication interface between the two, two wireless interfaces 28, 44 are desirable.

Next, a control system of the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the print server 2 is a communication interface between the CPU 21, the hard disk 22, the ROM 23, the RAM 24, and the Internet 5. It has a router 25, a content database 26, a user data base 27, and a wireless interface 28, which are interconnected by a bus 29.

The CPU 21 has a storage area in which programs functioning as the conversion unit 21a and the processing unit 21b are stored. The conversion unit 2la converts the content data to be printed by the printer 4 into a format according to the printer 4 using a printer driver for the printer 4. Performing such conversion by the print server 2 eliminates the need for the mobile phone 3 to store the print driver, thereby making it possible to use the memory capacity of the mobile phone 3 effectively, and Printers of a single manufacturer and model, as well as various types of printers, so that high-quality printing can be performed as long as the print server 2 is compatible, without the need for a separate computer. Becomes possible.

The processing unit 2 lb adds data from the mobile phone 3 to the content data to be printed by the printer 4. For example, the processing unit 2 lb adds data transmitted from the mobile phone 3 (for example, data such as a customer's address and name) to a predetermined column of content data to be printed (for example, a quote). The processing performed by the processing unit 21b may be performed before or after the conversion is performed by the conversion unit 21a. As described above, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 2 lb can perform processing of the entire content, so that the desired contents changed according to the operator's desire of the mobile phone 3 are printed by the printer 4. It is possible to do. The hard disk 22 stores various software including a GUI (Graphical User Interface) -based network and a WWW server application, and as a part of the hard disk, a connection to the print server 2 is scheduled. It stores printer drivers for various types of printers. Various software stored in the hard disk 22 is read and executed based on an instruction from the CPU 21.

The content database 26 stores content data related to a large number of contents (for example, office documents such as quotes, delivery notes, and invoices) to be printed in the printer 4 in association with the headline information. I have. The contents of the content database 26 are sent to the mobile phone 3 when the mobile phone 3 accesses the print server 2 and displayed on the display 36 in a menu format (preferably a hierarchical menu format). You. By sequentially selecting the menu displayed on the display 36, the operator of the mobile phone 3 can easily find the desired content and issue a print command of the content to the print server 2.

The user database 27 stores information such as the ID, name, address, and mobile phone number of a user who wants to print on the printer 4 by connecting to the print server 2 and data for specifying the printer to output the content ( (Such as printer phone number and IP address).

The user database 27 may store a plurality of printers in association with one user. In this case, the operator of the mobile phone 3 sends a print request for selecting a print destination to the print server 2, and the print server 2 converts the content print to a format according to the selected print target. Then, the content data is transmitted to the selected printer. According to this, users can select not only one specific type of printer but also the printer that is most convenient for output, such as a printer located in the office where they are away from home, and print it out. Becomes possible.

When the operator accesses the print server 2 from the mobile phone 3, the contents of the user database 27 are transmitted from the print server 2 to the mobile phone 3 and displayed on the display 36 in a menu format. As a result, the operator can check the contents of his / her own user's database, change personal information, add or change the output destination printer, and select the output destination printer. Can be performed easily.

The mobile phone 3 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, an operation unit 34 including a numeric key and a selection button 34a manually operated by an operator, a DSP (digital signal processor), a display 36, and the like. It has a radio controller 37 and a radio section 38, which are interconnected by a bus 39. The RAM 32 is a volatile semiconductor memory, and can store character data and message messages created or received by the operator. The RAM 32 includes a display image storage unit that stores the character data displayed on the display 36 as a bitmap image. ROM33 is a rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores font data expressed in bitmap image format for characters displayed on the display 36, as well as operation programs for the mobile phone 3 and kana-kanji conversion programs. are doing.

The DSP 35 is a processor for performing audio processing. The DSP 35 is connected with a microphone 35a and a speaker 35b via an AZD converter and a D / A converter (both not shown). The wireless unit controller 37 controls the operation of the wireless unit 38 connected thereto based on a signal from the CPU 31. Then, the wireless unit 38 wirelessly transmits desired voice data and character data as digital signals from the antenna to the base station. Conversely, the radio section 38 is also used to receive data transmitted from a base station via an antenna. You.

The printer 4 includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a wireless interface 44 for communicating with a wireless interface 28 of the print server 2, and a power button 4. 5 An operation unit 45 including a, etc., a printing unit 46 for printing on paper by a predetermined method such as an ink jet type, and a display 47 for notifying the operator of information such as printing status are provided. These are connected to each other by a bus 48.

Next, a printing procedure in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example and a print example on the mobile phone 3 at each stage of the printing procedure. The example described below is suitably applied, for example, to a diplomatic salesperson, such as a car dealer or an insurance seller, for printing out a document such as a quote on the go.

First, in step S1, the operator operates the operation unit 34 of the mobile phone 3 to access the print server 2 via the Internet 5. Thus, in step S2, a session between the mobile phone 3 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step S 3, the print server 2, the mobile telephone 3 near point Ddeta base - data follower over arm comprising a portion of the contents of the scan ₂ 6 and the user data base Ichisu 2 7 (View menu) Send The form is a menu for allowing the operator of the mobile phone 3 to easily select the content to be printed and the printer of the output destination. In step S4, the operator performs a series of operations as described below while referring to this menu on the display 36.

The top screen of the menu displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3 is as shown at the left end (display A) in FIG. 4 (a). In the current display A, There is a force sol on "Print destination selection". Therefore, “Print destination selection” is highlighted. On this screen, when the operator operates the operation unit 34 to move the cursor on the “form selection” and presses the selection button 34 a to confirm it, the center of FIG. The print form selection screen as shown in the section (display Al, display A2) is displayed on the display 36. Hereinafter, the selection operation performed by the operator is a repetition of an operation of moving the cursor to a desired portion on the display 36 and then pressing the confirmation button 34 a to confirm the operation. In the example shown in Fig. 4 (a), it is possible to select any one of the five print forms from 1 to 5. Each of the print forms 1 to 5 corresponds to a different content as shown in the right end of Fig. 4 (a). Here, only four contents are shown.

When a desired print form is selected on the print form selection screen shown in the center of FIG. 4 (a), the print destination selection and the print destination shown in the left end (display B) of FIG. 4 (b) are selected. The customer name input screen is displayed on the display 36. When "Print destination selection" is selected on this screen, a print destination selection screen is displayed on the display 36 as shown in the central part (display B1) of FIG. 4 (b). In the example of Fig. 4 (b), it is possible to select any one of four printing destinations from 1 to 4. Each of the printing destinations 1 to 4 corresponds to a different printing destination 4 as shown in the right end of FIG. 4 (b). Although only two printers 4 are shown here, the four printing destinations actually correspond to different printers 4, respectively.

When a desired printing destination printer is selected on the printing destination selection screen shown in the center of FIG. 4 (b), the printing destination selection and the printing destination shown in the left end (display B) of FIG. The customer name input screen (same as the one shown at the left end of Fig. 4 (b)) is displayed again on the display 36. When "Customer Name" is selected on this screen, a customer name input screen as shown in the center (Display C) in Fig. 4 (c) is displayed. Displayed on Display 36. In the example of FIG. 4 (c), the operator operates the operation unit 34 of the mobile phone 3 to input and display “Tankeki” as the customer name on the customer name input screen.

When the desired customer name is entered on the customer name input screen shown in the center of FIG. 4 (c) and the confirmation button (not shown) is pressed by the operator, the left end of FIG. 4 (d) is displayed. The print destination selection and customer name input screen shown in (Display B) (the same as that shown on the left end of FIG. 4 (b)) is displayed again on the display 36. When “execute printing” is selected on this screen, in step S5, the data on the print form and the printer to be selected and the data on the customer name selected as described above are transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the print server 2. Sent to. In step S6, the print server 2 refers to the data received from the mobile phone 3 and retrieves the specified content data from the content database 26 or deletes the specified content data. It accesses an existing web server and receives the data via the Internet 5. Then, the processing unit 21b inserts the customer name entered on the customer name input screen into a predetermined location of the designated content data. Further, the conversion unit 2la converts the processed content data into a format according to the printer 4 using the printer driver of the printer 4 of the designated printing destination. The print image data created in this manner is stored in the RAM 24 of the print server 2.

Next, in step S7, the print server 2 accesses the selected printer 4 via the wireless interface 28, 44 (the printer 4 is operated by operating the power button 45a in advance). On and ready to receive). Depending on the selected printer, the user may access the printer 4 via the wireless interface 25 instead of the wireless interface 28. With this access, the session between the print server 2 and the printer 4 is performed in step S8. Is established.

After the two sessions are established, in step S9, the content data desired and printed by the operator of the mobile phone 3 is stored in the print server.

2 is transmitted from the RAM 24 to the printer 4 via the wireless interfaces 28 and 44. The printer 4 stores the received content data in the buffer area of the RAM 42.

When the printer 4 finishes receiving all the content data, the content data stored in the RAM 42 is supplied to the printing unit 46 in step S10. As a result, in step S11, the printing unit 46 performs printing of the entire content. As a result, as shown on the right end of Fig. 4 (d), the provisional quotation with “Tanaki” inserted in the customer name entry 檷 is discharged from the pudding area 4. When the operator needs to operate the printer 4, the operator operates the printer 4. At this time, the operator may be the same person as the operator of the mobile phone 3 or may be another person.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the print server 2 converts the content data into a format according to the printer 4 in accordance with the print command from the mobile phone 3, so that the computer such as a destination can use the content data. Even in an environment where it is not possible, if you have a mobile phone 3 and a printer 4, for example, you can print the desired document on your company's intranet at the printer 4 at hand with high quality. Also, since it is not necessary to store the driver of the printer 4 in the mobile phone 3, the memory of the mobile phone 3 is not occupied by the printer driver, and the memory of the mobile phone 3 can be used effectively. become.

In the above-described embodiment, the mobile phone 3 transmits a print command including data designating content data to be printed to the print server 2. A print command including the content data itself may be transmitted to the server 2. Further, in the present embodiment, the content data included in the content data base 26 is printed, but as described above, the content data stored in another web server may be printed. Good. In this case, the print server 2 having received the print command from the mobile phone 3 accesses the URL specified by the print command via the Internet 5 and receives the content data included therein. Then, the received content data is processed and converted, and transmitted to the printer 4. By doing so, it is possible to print arbitrarily selected contents from a large amount of contents on the Internet 5. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. In this embodiment, the same members as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 51 shown in FIG. 5 includes a print server 52, a mobile phone 53 as a wireless communication terminal, and a printer 54, similarly to the printing system 1 of the first embodiment. I have. In the present embodiment, the printer 54 does not directly communicate with the print server 52. Instead, the printer 54 is connected to the mobile phone 53 via a cable 56, and the print server 52 transmits the converted content data to the printer 54 via the mobile phone 53. Communication between the printer 54 and the mobile phone 53 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 56, but may be wireless communication such as infrared communication or bluetooth.

Next, a control system of the printing system 51 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the print server 52 is configured such that the CPU 21 further includes a fax processing unit 21 c in addition to the conversion unit 21 a and the processing unit 21 b, and a wireless interface. The configuration is the same as that of the print server 2 described in the first embodiment, except that 28 does not exist. Fax processing The processing part 21c is the core processed by the conversion part 21a and the processing part 21b.

Performs the necessary processing to transmit the overnight message from the fax server 25 using the fax transfer binary transfer mode (BTM).

The mobile phone 53 has the same configuration as the mobile phone 3 described in the first embodiment, except that a cable interface 30 is further connected to a bus 39. The cable interface 30 is an interface for connecting the cable 56 to the bus 39.

The printer 4 is the same as the printer 4 described in the first embodiment except that the cable interface 49 is further connected to the bus 48 and the wireless interface 44 does not exist. It is configured similarly to. The cable interface 49 is an interface for connecting the cable 56 to the bus 48, similarly to the cable interface 30 on the mobile phone 53 side.

Next, a printing procedure in the printing system 51 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing procedure in the printing system 51 of the present embodiment.

First, in step T1, the operator accesses the print server 52 via the Internet 5 by operating the operation unit 34 of the mobile phone 53. Thus, in step T2, a session between the mobile phone 53 and the print server 52 is established.

Next, in step T3, the print server 52 transmits a form (display menu) including a part of the contents of the content database 26 and the user database 27 to the mobile phone 53. The form is a menu that allows the operator of the mobile phone 53 to easily select the content to be printed and the printer to output to. In step T4, while referring to this menu, the operator performs a series of operations similar to those described in the first embodiment. Perform the above operations.

Then, when the operator of the mobile phone 53 presses the “execute printing” selection button 34 a and confirms it, in step T 5, data relating to the printing form and printing destination selected in step T 4 is printed. The data relating to the customer name is transmitted from the mobile phone 53 to the print server 52.

In step T6, the print server 52 retrieves the specified content data from the content database 26 with reference to the data received from the mobile phone 53, or executes a web server in which the specified content data exists. Server to receive the data via the Internet 5. Then, the processing unit 2lb inserts the customer name input on the customer name input screen at a predetermined position of the specified content data. Further, the conversion unit 2la converts the processed content data into a format according to the printer 54 by using a printer driver of the printer 54 of the designated printing destination.

Next, in step T7, the print server 52 processes the content data converted in step T6 in the FAX processing unit 21c, so that the content is converted into binary data via the router 25 and the Internet 5. Send to mobile phone 53 in transfer mode. The transmitted content data is received by the printer 54 via the mobile phone 53 and the cable 56. The printer 54 stores the received content data in the RAM 42 buffer area.

Then, in step T8, the operator operates the operation unit 45 of the printer 54, and the content data stored in the RAM 42 is printed.

Supplied to 6. Thus, in step T9, the printing section 46 prints the content data. As described above, in the present embodiment, the data communication between the printer 54 and the print server 52 is not performed, and the printer 54 receives the print data from the mobile phone 53 via the cable 56. The communication device of the print server 52 Only 5 is required, and the printer 54 does not require a wireless communication function. Therefore, in addition to the advantage of the first embodiment, there is an advantage that the configuration of the system is simplified.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the printing system 1 ′ of the present embodiment is configured in hardware substantially in the same manner as the printing system 1 described in the first embodiment. However, unlike the printing system 1, the operation unit 45 of the printer 4 has a call button 45b in addition to the power button 45a. The call button 45b is a button for instructing the start of a call to another wireless interface, such as the wireless interface 28 of the print server 2, via the hot water interface 44. It is. Therefore, description of the hardware is omitted here, and the printing procedure in the printing system of the present embodiment will be described below.

First, in step U1, the operator operates the operation unit 34 of the mobile phone 3 to access the print server 2 via the internet 5. Thereby, in step U2, a session between the mobile phone 3 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step U3, the print server 2 transmits a form (display menu) including a part of the contents of the content overnight base 26 and the user database 27 to the mobile phone 3. In step U4, the operator performs a series of operations similar to those described in the first embodiment while referring to this menu.

Then, when the operator of the mobile phone 3 presses the selection button 34a to confirm the execution of the printing, in step U5, the data and the customer relating to the printing form and the printing destination printer selected in step U4 are printed. Data about the destination name is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the print server 2. In step U6, the print server 2 retrieves the specified content data from the content database 26 by referring to the data received from the mobile phone 3, or accesses the web server where the specified content data exists. Then, the data is received via the Internet 5. Then, the processing unit 21b inserts the customer name input on the customer name input screen at a predetermined location of the designated content data. Further, the conversion unit 2 la converts the processed content data into a format according to the printer 4 using the printer driver of the printer 4 of the designated printing destination.

Next, in Step U7, since the print server 2 is ready to print from the print server 2 to the mobile phone 3, turn on the power button 45a of the printer 4 and press the call button 45b. Is transmitted on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, “Print is possible. Set the printer to ON.” Is displayed on the display 36.

Then, in step U8, the operator presses the power button 45a on the operation unit 45 of the printer 4 to turn on the power of the printer 4, and further in step U9, the call button 45b Is turned on (if the power supply of the printer is 〇N from the beginning, the power-on process is skipped and the calling button 45b is turned on). In step U10, the wireless interface of the printer 4 is turned off. A call is made using, and an attempt is made to access print server 2. This establishes a session between the two at step U11.

Next, in step U12, when the establishment of the session is confirmed by the print server 2, in step U13, the content data is transmitted as image data from the print server 2 to the printer 4. . Thus, in step U14, the printing unit 46 of the printer 4 prints the content data. Thereafter, in step U15, the print server 2 sends the ^: 'Since the transmission was sent to the printer 4, the data for displaying on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3 that the user wants to confirm whether the desired printed matter has been discharged from the printer 4 is transmitted. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, “Please check the printed matter” is displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3.

As described above, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the print server 2 responds to the call from the printer 4 side, that is, the call from the side desiring to print the content data. Sends the content data to printer 4. Therefore, the user of the printer 4 pays the communication cost related to the transmission of the content data, so that the communication cost can be properly charged. In the present embodiment, data for urging the operator to turn on the printer 4 and data for urging the operator to confirm the printed matter are transmitted to the mobile phone 3. The evening may be sent to pudding 4 or to another communication device (whether wired or wireless).

Also, in the third embodiment, the content data is transmitted from the print server 2 to the printer 4 in response to the call from the printer 4 side. It may be configured to call the printer 4 and establish a session between the two. In this case, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a quote or the like without imposing a communication fee on the printer 4 side, that is, a customer.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printing system 61 according to the present embodiment has a hardware configuration in that the print server 2 and the printer 64 do not have wireless interfaces 28 and 44, and the mobile phone 63 is connected to the printer 64. A connection force part 63a for connecting the mobile phone 63 and the printer 64 by inserting the connection card part 63a. Slot 6 4a pudding evening 6 The configuration is the same as that of the printing system 1 described in the first embodiment, except that the printing system 1 has the same. Therefore, the description of the hardware is omitted here, and the printing procedure in the printing system 61 of the present embodiment will be described below.

First, in step V1, the operator operates the operation unit 3 of the mobile phone 63, so that the mobile phone 63 accesses the print server 2 via the Internet 5. Thus, in step V2, a session between the mobile phone 63 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step V3, the print server 2 sends a form (display menu) including a part of the content overnight base 26 and the content overnight 27 to the mobile phone 63. I do. In step V4, the operator performs a series of operations similar to those described in the first embodiment while referring to this menu.

Then, when the operator of the mobile phone 63 selects “execute printing” by pressing the selection button 34 a, in step V 5, data relating to the printing form and the printing destination printer selected in step V 4 are printed. The data relating to the customer name is transmitted from the mobile phone 63 to the print server 2 via the Internet 5.

In step V6, the print server 2 refers to the data received from the mobile phone 63 and retrieves the specified content data from the content server 26 or deletes the specified content data. It accesses an existing web server and receives its data via the Internet 5. Then, the processing unit 2 lb inserts the customer name input on the customer name input screen at a predetermined position of the designated content data. Further, the conversion unit 2 la converts the processed content data into a format according to the printer 64 using a printer driver of the printer 64 of the designated printing destination. Next, in Step V7, since the print server 2 is ready for printing from the print server 2 to the mobile phone 63, the connection card section 63a of the mobile phone 63 is inserted into the card slot of the printer 64. Enter the data into 6 4 a and transmit the data for displaying on the display 36 of the mobile phone 63 that the power button 45 a of the printer 64 is to be turned on. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the display 36 displays "Please insert the card into the pudding and turn on the pudding."

Then, in step V8, the operator inserts the connection card section 63a of the mobile phone '63 into the card slot 64a of the printer 64, and further, in step V9, the operation section 4 of the printer 64. 5 Press the power button 4 5a on 5 to turn on the power of the printer 6 4 .In step VI 0, the connection card section 6 3 a inserted in the force slot 6 4 a Upon recognition, the printer 64 automatically enters the data communication mode.

When the printer 64 enters the data communication mode, a data reception ready signal is transmitted from the printer 64 to the print server 2 via the mobile phone 63 in step VII. Then, in step VI 2, the print server 2 that has received the data reception ready signal transmits the converted content data to the printer 64 via the Internet 5 and the mobile phone 63. As a result, in step V13, the printing section 46 of the printer 64 prints the content data.

Thereafter, in step VI 4, the print server 2 transmitted the content to the printer 64 via the mobile phone 63 to the mobile phone 63, so that the desired printed matter was discharged from the printer 64. Transmit data for displaying on the display 36 of the mobile phone 63 that the user wants to confirm whether or not it is desired. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the message “Check the printed matter” is displayed on the display 36. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the mobile phone 63 has the connection card section 63 a that can be directly connected to the printer 64, the mobile phone 63 and the print server are connected in step V2. After the session with the server 2 has been established, the session continues until the series of data communication up to step V14 ends. Therefore, compared with the first and third embodiments described in FIGS. 3 and 8, it is possible to omit the time required for establishing a session between the printer 64 and the print server 2. The time required for printing to be completed is shortened. Also, since the printer 64 can obtain print output even if it does not have a communication function such as a wireless interface, both the mobile phone 3 and the printer 4 communicate as in the first embodiment. It is possible to reduce the basic communication charge compared to the case where it has a function.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the printing system 71 according to the present embodiment includes, as hardware, a point that the print server 2 does not have the wireless interface 28 and that the printers 4 and 7 4 A wireless interface that is connected and sends content data to them (the wireless interface here may be configured by a computer equivalent to the print server 2). 5, except that it is present on the printing system 5 described above in the first embodiment.

In the printing system 71 depicted in FIG. 11, the content data converted and processed by the conversion unit 21 a and the processing unit 21 b of the print server 2 is transferred from the network 25 to the network 5. It is supplied to the wireless interfaces 7 and 73 via Then, the converted content is transmitted by radio to the printers 4 and 7 connected to the wireless interfaces 72 and 73, respectively. As described above, according to the printing system 71 of the present embodiment, the wireless interfaces 72 and 73 for transmitting content data to the printer are separated from the print server 2 and are separated. Since a plurality of printers are arranged on the Internet 5, it is possible to print the content data simultaneously using a plurality of printers 4 and 74.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the printing system 91 of the present embodiment includes, as hardware, a print server 2 included in the printing system 1 ′ described in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9. In addition to the mobile phone 3 and the printer 4, one mobile phone 81 and two computers 82, 83 are further included. Here, a detailed description of the hardware is omitted, and a printing procedure in the printing system 91 of the present embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is suitable to be applied to promptly check or approve the quote written by the sales representative by the boss or colleague in the office and proceed with quick business negotiations with the customer. is there.

First, in step W1, the operator (sales representative) accesses the print server 2 via the Internet 5 by operating the operation unit 34 of the mobile phone 3. Thus, in step W2, a session between the mobile phone 3 and the print server 2 is established.

Next, in step W3, the print server 2 sends a form (display menu) including a part of the content 26 and the content 27 to the mobile phone 3 (display menu). Send In step W4, the operator performs a series of operations similar to those described in the first embodiment while referring to this menu.

Then, when the selection button 34a is pressed and confirmed by the operator of the mobile phone 3 and the "execute printing" button is pressed, in step W5, data relating to the printing form and printing destination selected in step W4 are printed. And the data about the customer name are transmitted from the mobile phone 3 to the print server 2.

In step W6, the print server 2 receives the data received from the mobile phone 3 With reference to the content data, the specified content data is extracted from the content data base 26 or the web server in which the specified content data exists is accessed to receive the data via the Internet 5. Then, the processing unit 2 lb inserts the customer name input on the customer name input screen at a predetermined position of the designated content data. Further, the conversion unit 21a converts the processed content data into a format in accordance with the printer 4 using a printer driver of the printer 4 of the designated printing destination. In the present embodiment, the conversion unit 2 la not only converts the content data into a format compatible with the printer 4 but also converts the content data into a format that can be displayed on the mobile phone 81 and a computer device 82, 8 Also convert separately to a format that can be displayed in 3 respectively.

Next, in Step W7, the boss from the print server 2 (in the present embodiment, three people, Mr. A, Mr. B, and Mr. C. In this case, Mr. A, Mr. B, Mr. C. It is assumed that the right of approval has been granted, and if one of the three employees approves the quote, the sales representative can issue the quote to the customer.) The converted content data is sent as image data to the computers 82 and 83 in the office in the form of e-mail. As a result, a quote created by the print server 2 by the sales representative operating the mobile phone 3 is displayed on the displays of the mobile phone 81 and the computers 82, 83. Note that the print server 2 sends a URL containing the created quotation as electronic data instead of directly transmitting the quotation data to the mobile phone 81 or the like. May be sent. Then, the supervisor who sees the fax may access the URL described using a computer, so that the sales representative can view the quote created by operating the mobile phone 3. Then, in step W8, each operator of the mobile phone 81 or the computers 82, 83 confirms whether or not to approve the quote sent from the print server 2. Select whether to notify print server 2. Specifically, the selection is performed by pressing a selection button (not shown) of the mobile phone 81 or by clicking a mouse on a selection button (not shown) displayed on the displays of the computers 82 and 83.

In step W9, the print server 2 determines whether at least A's approval has been obtained from among A, B, and C. That is, as described above, in this embodiment, three bosses, Mr. A, Mr. B, and Mr. C, have been given the approval right. Or it is only necessary to obtain the approval of Mr. C. If Mr. A has not approved, the print server 2 determines whether or not Mr. B's approval has been obtained. If Mr. B has not approved, the print server 2 determines whether or not Mr. C has obtained the approval. Print server 2 judges. Therefore, if Mr. A's approval is obtained first, the judgment in Step W9 is terminated. Then, in accordance with this determination result, in step W10, the print server 2 transmits the text data to the mobile phone 3 of the sales representative. If Mr. A's approval is obtained at least, a message such as "Mr. A's approval. Please turn on the printer" is displayed on the display 36. Send to 3. If Mr. A's approval has not been obtained and Mr. B's approval has been obtained, data such as "Mr. B has approved. Change the printer to 〇N" is displayed on the display 36. Is transmitted to the mobile phone 3 by the print server 2. In addition, if the approval of only Mr. C is obtained, the print server 2 transmits data such as “Mr. C is approved. Please turn on the printer” on the display 36 to the mobile phone 3. I do. On the other hand, if the approval is not obtained from any of A, B, and C, the print server 2 prints data that displays “Not approved” on the display 36. Send to mobile phone 3. In this case, the subsequent processing is stopped. Then, in step Wl1, the processed part 2 lb is converted into the converted content. Add the image of one of A, B, and C to the data. If the print server 2 determines that at least the approval of Mr. A has been obtained in step W9, the processing unit 2 lb further adds the stamp image of Mr. A to the converted content data. If the print server 2 determines in step W9 that at least Mr. B's approval has been obtained, the processing unit 21b adds the stamp image of Mr. B to the converted content data. If the print server 2 determines in step W9 that Mr. C's approval has been obtained, the processing unit 2 lb further adds the stamp image of Mr. C to the converted content data.

Also, in step W12, the sales representative who learned from the display 36 of the mobile phone 3 that at least one of A, B, and C When the power button 45a is turned on and the call button 45b of the printer 4 is turned on in step W13 (If the printer power is on from the beginning, the call is skipped without turning on the power. In step W14, a call is made using the wireless interface 44 of the printer 4 and an attempt is made to access the print server 2. As a result, in step W15, a session between both parties is established. Next, when the establishment of the session is confirmed by the print server 2, in step W16, the content data is transmitted from the print server 2 to the printer 4 as image data. Thus, in step W17, the printing unit 46 of the printer 4 prints the content data.

Thereafter, in step W 18, the print server 2 transmitted the content data to the mobile phone 3 and the printer 4 to the printer 4 .Therefore, it is requested that the user confirm that the desired printed matter has been discharged from the printer 4. The data to be displayed on the display 36 of the mobile phone 3 is transmitted. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, "Please check the printed matter" is displayed on the display 36. Is done.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible for a sales staff who is out of the office to immediately obtain the approval of a manager such as a supervisor and print it on a document such as an estimate. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the business negotiations smoothly and promptly. In addition, content data such as a quote is transmitted from the print server 2 to the supervisor's mobile phone 81 and the computers 82 and 83, and the print server 2 receives an approval notification from the mobile phone 81 and the like. The contents can be displayed on the display of a mobile phone 81 or a computer 82, 83 operated by an administrator such as a supervisor, and the approval of the administrator such as the supervisor can be promptly obtained. Also, in step W9, it is determined whether or not A's approval has been obtained preferentially, and the approval of B and C has been obtained only if the approval of A has not been obtained. Although the decision was made as to whether or not they were approved, all persons who have obtained approval may be judged. For example, only A and C have approved. In this case, the print server 2 may transmit to the mobile phone 3 data that displays “A and C have approved the printer. Turn the printer ON” in step W10. Further, in step W11, the processing unit 2lb may add the stamp images of Mr. A and Mr. C to the converted content data. Also, if everyone seems to have approved, at step W10, the message "Everyone (or A, B and C) has approved. Please set the printer to 0N" will be displayed. The print server 2 may transmit unnecessary data to the mobile phone 3. Further, in step W11, the processing unit 2lb may add a stamp image of all (A, B, and J) to the converted content data.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes are possible as long as they are described in the appended claims. . For example, in the above embodiment, Although the Internet was used as a communication network between the telephone and the print server, it can be applied to an intranet as a communication network other than the Internet. Further, in the above embodiment, a mobile phone is used as a wireless communication terminal, but a PHS, a transceiver, or the like can be used in addition to the mobile phone. The connection between the printer and the print server can be established by using any of known communication networks, regardless of wired or wireless. Further, in the present invention, it is possible to use various types of printers such as a label printer that prints a long adhesive tape, cuts the tape at an arbitrary position, and carries out the tape.

As described above, according to the present invention, even in an environment where there is no computer and there is only a wireless communication terminal and a printer that cannot convert print data into a format according to the printer, Desired contents can be printed with high quality. This makes it possible to print the required documents in high quality without having to carry a notebook computer, etc., as long as the wireless communication terminal is within the transmission / reception area. Also, it is possible to obtain a printed output arranged according to an instruction from the wireless communication terminal.

Further, according to the present invention, the operator of the wireless communication terminal can select a printer most suitable for his / her current position. In addition, since the output destination can be specified simply by selecting from the list, the operation of the wireless communication terminal becomes easy. Furthermore, the operator of the wireless communication terminal can check the contents of his or her own user database.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the content to be printed can be specified by simply selecting from the list, so that the operation of the wireless communication terminal is facilitated. Also, the operator of the wireless communication terminal can determine the content desired to be printed while referring to the content of the content database.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if the user is out of the office and within the range of radio waves, Print output can be obtained. Also, print output can be obtained even if the printer does not have a communication function.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the user of the printer pays the communication cost for transmitting the content data, and the communication cost can be properly charged. Further, since data urging the operator to put the printer in a printable state is sent to the wireless communication terminal, only the operator of the wireless communication terminal can be notified that printing is to be performed in the printer.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the session establishment time can be eliminated, so that the time until printing can be reduced. Also, print output can be obtained even if the printer does not have a communication function. In addition, simultaneous printing on many puddings is possible. In addition, it is possible for out-of-office sales staff to easily obtain the approval of the supervisor or other managers and print it out on documents such as quotations. Furthermore, since the content can be displayed on a display of a mobile phone or a computer operated by the manager such as the boss, the approval of the manager such as the boss can be promptly obtained. Industrial applicability

As described above, according to the present invention, a desired print output can be obtained with high quality even in a place where there is no computer if only a portable wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone and a printer are used.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A first communication unit that performs data communication with a wireless communication terminal via a communication network and receives a print command including the content data to be printed or data specifying the content data from the wireless communication terminal,

A conversion unit for converting the content data designated by the wireless communication terminal into a format in accordance with the printer on which the content data is printed; and performing data communication with the printer via a communication network. A second communication unit for transmitting the content data converted by the conversion unit to the printer.

2. The remote control print server according to claim 1, further comprising processing means for processing content data designated by the wireless communication terminal based on an instruction from the wireless communication terminal.

3. If there are multiple printers,

The first communication means receives data for selecting an output destination printer from the wireless communication terminal;

The converting means converts the content data into a format according to the printing selected by the wireless communication terminal,

3. The remote control print server according to claim 2, wherein the second communication unit transmits content data to the selected printer.

4. The remote control print server according to claim 3, further comprising a user database storing a list in which each user is associated with an output destination of the printer.

5. The remote control print server according to claim 4, wherein the first communication means transmits the contents of the user database to the corresponding wireless communication terminal.

6. The remote control print server according to claim 5, further comprising a contents database storing a list of contents.

7. The remote control print server according to claim 6, wherein the first communication unit transmits at least a part of the content of the content database to the wireless communication terminal.

8. First communication in which data communication is performed with the wireless communication terminal via the communication network and a print command including the content data to be printed or the data specifying the content is received from the wireless communication terminal. Means for converting the content data specified by the wireless communication terminal into a format in accordance with a printer on which the content data is printed; and A remote control print server comprising: a second communication unit for performing communication and transmitting the content data converted by the conversion unit to the printer;

A wireless communication terminal capable of data communication with the remote control print server by connecting to a communication network;

A printing system comprising a printer connected to a communication network and capable of data communication with the remote control print server.

9. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein the printer has a wireless communication function.

10. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the remote control print server transmits content data to the printer via the wireless communication terminal.

11. The remote control print server transmits, to a communication terminal, data for urging an operator to put the printer into a printable state in response to a print command from the wireless communication terminal.

The printer makes a call after the printer is ready for printing and calls the remote control print server. 10. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the printing system receives data from a server.

12. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the communication terminal is the wireless communication terminal.

13. The printing system according to claim 12, wherein the wireless communication terminal has a terminal that can be directly connected to the printer.

14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein one or a plurality of transmission units for transmitting content data to the printer are provided on the communication network.

15. When the remote control print server receives the print command from the wireless communication terminal, the remote control print server has approved the content data based on the separate approval notification of the content related to the print command. 15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein the print is transmitted to the printer after being added so as to be displayed as the print job.

16. When the remote control print server receives a print command from the wireless communication terminal, the remote control print server transmits a content message related to the print command to another communication terminal, thereby receiving an approval notification from the communication terminal. 16. The printing system according to claim 15, wherein the printing system receives the print request.

1 7. In a printing method by a remote control print server that performs data communication with a wireless communication terminal and a printer via a communication network,

Receiving from the wireless communication terminal a print command including content data to be printed or data specifying the content data;

A step of converting content data received from the wireless communication terminal or specified by the wireless communication terminal into a format according to the printer, and transmitting the converted content data to the printer. A printing method characterized in that:

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of: processing content data received from or specified by the wireless communication terminal based on an instruction from the wireless communication terminal. Printing method described in 1.

19. A step of transmitting to the communication terminal data for urging an operator to put the printer into a printable state in response to a print command from the wireless communication terminal;

19. The printing method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of: confirming that the print is in a printable state.

20. receiving a print command including content data to be printed or data designating the same from a wireless communication terminal via a communication network;

Converting the content data received from the wireless communication terminal or specified by the wireless communication terminal into a format conforming to a printer, and transmitting the converted content data to the printer. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a program to be executed by a wireless communication terminal and a computer that is a remote control print server that performs data communication with the printer.

21. A program capable of causing a computer to further execute a step of processing content data received from or specified by the wireless communication terminal based on an instruction of the wireless communication terminal is recorded. A recording medium readable by a computer according to claim 20.

22. a step of transmitting to the communication terminal data for urging an operator to put the printer into a printable state in response to a print command from the wireless communication terminal;

And a step of confirming that the printer is ready for printing. The computer-readable recording medium according to the above.

23. receiving a print instruction including the content data to be printed or data specifying the content data from the wireless communication terminal via the communication network;

Converting the content data received from the wireless communication terminal or specified by the wireless communication terminal into a format in accordance with the print data, and transmitting the converted content data to the print data. A program to be executed by a computer that is a remote control print server that performs data communication with the wireless communication terminal and the printer.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of processing the content data received from the wireless communication terminal or specified by the wireless communication terminal based on an instruction from the wireless communication terminal. The program described in.

25. transmitting, to the communication terminal, data for urging an operator to put the printer into a printable state in response to a print command from the wireless communication terminal;

25. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 24, further comprising the step of: confirming that said printing machine is ready for printing.