WO2012118045A1 - Système d'impression - Google Patents

Système d'impression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012118045A1
WO2012118045A1 PCT/JP2012/054848 JP2012054848W WO2012118045A1 WO 2012118045 A1 WO2012118045 A1 WO 2012118045A1 JP 2012054848 W JP2012054848 W JP 2012054848W WO 2012118045 A1 WO2012118045 A1 WO 2012118045A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
printing
operation terminal
portable printer
printing apparatus
printer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/054848
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
志鵬 于
Original Assignee
ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ブラザー工業株式会社 filed Critical ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority to JP2013502352A priority Critical patent/JPWO2012118045A1/ja
Publication of WO2012118045A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012118045A1/fr

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/06—Authentication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
    • H04L63/0876—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities based on the identity of the terminal or configuration, e.g. MAC address, hardware or software configuration or device fingerprint
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/18—Selecting a network or a communication service
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/18—Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printing system including an operation terminal and a printing apparatus.
  • Patent Document 1 a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known as a printing system that performs printing by operating a printing apparatus from a portable operation terminal by wireless communication.
  • a printing apparatus and an operation terminal are connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.
  • the printing apparatus can execute printing corresponding to the printing information transmitted from the operation terminal only when the confirmation identifier corresponding to the printing apparatus is received via Bluetooth communication. That is, when the printing apparatus receives the confirmation identifier, the association (so-called pairing) via wireless communication that the printing apparatus and the operation terminal are mutually recognized is completed. When the pairing is completed, the operator can easily cause the printing apparatus to perform desired printing using the operation terminal.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of automatically performing pairing between an operation terminal and a printing apparatus without performing troublesome manual operation.
  • the first invention of the present application corresponds to print information transmitted from the operation terminal through the mutual recognition wireless communication in which the operation terminal and the printing apparatus are connected by mutual recognition wireless communication with connection authentication.
  • the printing system in which the desired printing is executed by the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus associates the confirmation identifier for the connection authentication that permits the operation of the printing apparatus with a predetermined regularity in advance.
  • the operation terminal searches for at least one printing device having a function of executing the mutual recognition wireless communication in response to a predetermined operation instruction of the operator,
  • An identification information acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information of at least one printing apparatus; and the predetermined regularity is applied to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit.
  • an identifier transmitting means in which the desired printing is executed by the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus associates the confirmation identifier for the connection authentication that permits the
  • the printing apparatus and the operation terminal are connected by mutual recognition wireless communication with connection authentication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication or ad hoc communication.
  • connection authentication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication or ad hoc communication.
  • a confirmation identifier for connection authentication permitting the operation is predetermined.
  • the printing apparatus can execute printing corresponding to the printing information transmitted from the operation terminal only when the confirmation identifier corresponding to the printing apparatus is received via the mutual recognition wireless communication.
  • the identification information acquisition unit of the operation terminal searches for a printing apparatus having a function corresponding to the mutual recognition wireless communication, and at least one having the function. Get one piece of identification information.
  • the confirmation identifier of each printing apparatus and the identification information of each printing apparatus are associated with each other with a predetermined regularity.
  • the identifier generation unit of the operation terminal generates a confirmation identifier corresponding to the printing apparatus having the identification information, using the regularity.
  • the generated confirmation identifier is transmitted to the printing apparatus by mutual recognition wireless communication by the identifier transmission unit. Accordingly, the association (so-called pairing) between the printing apparatus that has received the confirmation identifier and the operation terminal via the mutual recognition wireless communication is completed.
  • the operator generates and transmits a confirmation identifier automatically only by giving a predetermined operation instruction to the operation terminal. Pairing with the printing device is automatically performed. Accordingly, the operator can easily perform the pairing without performing troublesome various operation inputs other than the predetermined operation instruction. As a result, thereafter, the operator can easily cause the printing apparatus to perform desired printing using the operation terminal.
  • the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the operation terminal and the printing apparatus are connected by Bluetooth communication or ad hoc communication as the mutual recognition wireless communication with the connection authentication.
  • the operator automatically performs pairing between the operation terminal and the printing device only by giving a predetermined operation instruction to the operation terminal. be able to.
  • a related information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined device-related information related to each printing device, and a specification among the plurality of printing devices based on the device-related information of each of the plurality of printing devices acquired by the related information acquisition unit
  • the related information acquiring means acquires, as the device related information, a received signal strength of a radio wave transmitted from the printing apparatus when the identification information is acquired, and the selecting means Is characterized in that the specific one printing device having the maximum received signal strength is selected from among the plurality of printing devices.
  • the printing apparatus is configured to be drivable by a battery power source, and the related information acquisition unit receives the battery power source of the printing apparatus from the printing apparatus as the device related information. The remaining amount information is acquired, and the selection unit selects the specific one printing device having the maximum remaining battery power from the plurality of printing devices.
  • test print data transmission means for transmitting is provided.
  • test printing is executed in one specific printing apparatus paired with the operation terminal by the generated confirmation identifier. Therefore, the operator can easily visually identify a specific printing apparatus that has been paired, and can easily perform desired printing using the printing apparatus.
  • the printing device has lighting means for lighting in response to a lighting command signal, and the operation terminal receives the confirmation identifier from the identifier transmission means to the specific one printing device. After the transmission, a lighting command transmission means for transmitting the lighting command signal to the one specific printing apparatus is provided.
  • the lighting means is turned on. Therefore, the operator can easily visually identify a specific printing apparatus that has been paired, and can easily perform desired printing using the printing apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance structure of a portable printer.
  • FIG. 3 is a side sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2 showing the internal structure of the portable printer.
  • It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a portable printer and an operation terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of matching with apparatus ID and PIN code of a portable printer.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a main information flow when an instruction to start printing is given in the printing system. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of a portable printer and an operation terminal in a modification in which a printing apparatus having the maximum received signal strength is selected and paired. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal. It is a figure showing the example of received signal strength. It is a flowchart explaining the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal in the modification which confirms pairing by test printing. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a portable printer and an operation terminal in the modification which confirms pairing by lighting display. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal.
  • the printing system PS includes a plurality of portable printers 100 that can be driven by a battery power source (see FIG. 3 described later), and an operation terminal 200.
  • the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive information by mutual recognition wireless communication with connection authentication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication and ad hoc communication (hereinafter simply referred to as “Bluetooth communication” as appropriate).
  • Bluetooth registered trademark
  • ad hoc communication hereinafter simply referred to as “Bluetooth communication” as appropriate.
  • the operation terminal 200 is, for example, an information terminal such as a PDA (personal digital assistant) having a function corresponding to the Bluetooth communication or a smartphone (mobile phone having a PDA function).
  • the operation terminal 200 includes a display unit 201 such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 202 including, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a button.
  • the operation terminal 200 can print desired print data by transmitting a printer code to the portable printer 100 via Bluetooth communication.
  • the printer code is a control code for causing the portable printer 100 to print by designating characters and formats.
  • the portable printer 100 includes a housing 102 that is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.
  • a cover member 103 is openably and closably provided on the upper surface of the housing 102 on the back side in the drawing.
  • the printing paper S (see FIG. 4 described later) is inserted into the gap (not shown) of the cover member 103.
  • the side surface located on the front side of the housing 102 corresponds to the back surface portion of the portable printer 100, and the battery chamber cover 104 is detachably provided on the back surface portion.
  • a battery storage chamber 105 also see FIG. 3 to be described later
  • for accommodating the substantially rod-shaped battery power source 107 opens in the rear portion of the housing 102.
  • a platen roller 111 and a thermal line head 112 are provided in the housing 102.
  • the platen roller 111 is rotatably supported inside the housing 102 and is driven to rotate by a driving mechanism (not shown) to convey the printing paper S (see FIG. 4 described later).
  • the thermal line head 112 is installed so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the platen roller 111, and contacts the platen roller 111 with a predetermined pressing force during printing, and performs desired printing on the printing paper S inserted therebetween.
  • the printing paper S is inserted into the gap conveyance path with the cover member 103 closed, so that the printing paper S is conveyed by the platen roller 111, and the thermal line head is applied to the printing paper S.
  • the desired printing is performed by 112.
  • the cover member 103 is opened. At this time, since the platen roller 111 is released from the thermal line head 112, it is possible to easily pull out the paper.
  • the housing 102 includes a top cover 121, an under cover 131, and two side covers (not shown).
  • a portable printer 100 includes a thermal line head 112 that performs desired printing on a printing paper S, a platen roller 111, a control circuit 141, and a memory 144 such as a RAM or a ROM, A communication control unit 142 that controls the Bluetooth communication performed with the operation terminal 200, the battery power source 107, and a remaining amount detection unit 143 that detects the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 are provided.
  • the operation terminal 200 is an information terminal having a Bluetooth communication function as described above.
  • the operation terminal 200 includes a CPU 203, a memory 204 including, for example, a RAM and a ROM, the operation unit 202 for inputting instructions and information from a user, the display unit 201 for displaying various information and messages, A large-capacity storage device 205 that includes a hard disk device or the like and stores various types of information, and a communication control unit 206 that controls transmission / reception of information with the portable printer 100 via wireless communication.
  • the CPU 203 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM, thereby transmitting and receiving various instruction signals and information signals to and from the portable printer 100. Yes.
  • the mass storage device 205 (may be the memory 204) stores a program or a pairing program for converting a print command into a printer code (details will be described later) for each type of a predetermined format such as a character style and a font. The details are described later.
  • the feature of this embodiment is an automatic pairing function between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100. The details will be described below.
  • the portable printer 100 includes a device ID (model number), which is unique identification information associated with the PIN code in advance with a predetermined regularity.
  • This device ID is stored in the memory 144.
  • FIG. 5 shows an example of the association between the device ID of the portable printer and the PIN code described above.
  • the device ID of each portable printer 100 is shown on the left side of FIG. 5, and the PIN code of the portable printer 100 is shown on the right side.
  • the PIN code is a 4-digit number in this example.
  • the device ID is set so as to include the same numerical value as the PIN code with a hyphen after a six-digit character including an alphabet.
  • the operation terminal 200 transmits a printer code corresponding to a pairing command (described later) to the portable printer 100 via Bluetooth communication, and Bluetooth communication is performed.
  • a printer having a function is searched (for details, an inquiry signal is output; see step S20 in FIG. 8 described later).
  • the control circuit 141 of the portable printer 100 operates the device ID stored in the memory 144 via the communication control unit 142 correspondingly.
  • the data is output to the terminal 200 (see step S30 in FIG. 8 described later). Accordingly, the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 inputs the device ID of the portable printer 100 via the communication control unit 206 and acquires the device ID.
  • control circuit 141 can output the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 detected by the remaining amount detection unit 143 to the operation terminal 200 via the communication control unit 142 in addition to the device ID. It has become. Accordingly, the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 can input and acquire the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 in addition to the device ID via the communication control unit 206.
  • the device ID obtained by the operation terminal 200 from the portable printer 100 as described above includes the same information as the PIN code at the end as described above.
  • the operation terminal 200 acquires the device ID of one portable printer 100, it automatically extracts the PIN code of the portable printer 100 by extracting the last four digits included in the device ID. Can be obtained.
  • the operation terminal 200 transmits the acquired PIN code to the portable printer 100 via Bluetooth communication. Accordingly, the portable printer 100 that has received the PIN code can authenticate that the operation terminal 200 that is the transmission source is a valid operation subject, and pairing the operation terminal 200 with the portable printer 100 is possible. Is completed.
  • a pairing program is stored in the mass storage device 205 of the operation terminal 200 in order to execute the automatic pairing function.
  • This pairing program searches the portable printer 100 having the above-described operation, that is, the Bluetooth communication function, acquires a device ID unique to the searched portable printer 100, and obtains a PIN code from the acquired device ID. Is generated, and the generated PIN code is transmitted to transmit a pairing command for completing pairing between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100.
  • At least one application program AP and the printer driver PD are deployed and started on the memory 204 of the operation terminal 200, so that an instruction signal and an information signal can be transmitted and received between each other.
  • the application program AP transmits / receives a signal to / from the printer driver PD
  • the printer driver PD transmits / receives a signal to / from the portable printer 100 via Bluetooth communication between the communication control units 206 and 142.
  • Both the application program AP and the printer driver PD are executed by a single CPU 203 provided in the operation terminal 200.
  • the application program AP and the printer driver PD are individually independent by time-sharing interrupt control such as a time sharing system (TSS).
  • TSS time sharing system
  • the printer driver PD may be preinstalled in the basic OS of the operation terminal 200, or may be a program that is individually activated on the OS in the same manner as other applications.
  • an application program for document creation and image creation for example, a document management application program for document creation / management, and image creation / management for photographs and illustrations, etc.
  • Application program for image management As described above, the pairing program searches for a device having a Bluetooth communication function, sets various information for pairing, and the document management application program and the image management application program Each setting information (print data, etc.) required at the time is set. A print job including the setting information is output from the application program AP to the printer driver PD.
  • the printer driver PD accepts a print job output from the application program AP and converts it into a corresponding printer code.
  • the converted printer code is output to the portable printer 100.
  • the portable printer 100 performs various processes required for pairing based on the printer code input from the printer driver PD, and then performs necessary printing.
  • FIG. 7 is used to conceptually explain the main information flow when a printing start is instructed in the printing system PS of the present embodiment.
  • a print job signal is output from the application program AP to the printer driver PD.
  • This print job includes the above-described pairing command corresponding to pairing in addition to each print command corresponding to printing of each print data.
  • a print command corresponding to printing of print data includes print data to be printed on the printing paper S, character size designation information, and the like.
  • the printer driver PD receives it, converts it into a corresponding printer code, and outputs it to the portable printer 100. Thereby, the pairing between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 is completed, and the portable printer 100 can obtain a printing result according to the print data.
  • step S10 the CPU 203 determines whether or not there is a print job, in other words, whether or not a print job signal is output from the application program AP to the printer driver PD when the operator instructs the start of printing. judge. If the operator does not instruct the start of printing and there is no print job, the determination is not satisfied, and a loop waits. When the operator instructs to start printing and a print job is output, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S20.
  • step S20 the CPU 203 transmits an inquiry signal to the plurality of portable printers 100 via Bluetooth communication via the communication control unit 206, and searches for a printer having the Bluetooth communication function.
  • the control circuit 141 receives an inquiry signal via the communication control unit 142
  • the portable printer 100 is prompted to respond together with the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 detected by the remaining amount detection unit 143 in addition to the device ID. Contains information.
  • step S30 the CPU 203 extracts and acquires the device ID of the portable printer 100 and the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 from the received signal received by the search in step S20.
  • An example of the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 acquired at this time is shown in FIG.
  • the left side of FIG. 9 shows the device ID of the portable printer 100 acquired in step S30, and the right side shows the remaining amount information of the portable printer 100 by the numerical value.
  • the remaining battery information in FIG. 9 indicates that the larger the numerical value, the more remaining battery power.
  • step S40 the CPU 203 selects the portable printer having the maximum remaining battery capacity acquired in step S30 as the portable printer 100 used for printing.
  • the portable printer with the device ID “SS ⁇ ⁇ 1126” having the maximum remaining battery charge “5” is selected as the portable printer 100 used for printing (outlined). See arrow).
  • step S50 the CPU 203 determines the regularity described above based on the device ID for the portable printer 100 selected in step S40 (in the above example, the last four digits of the device ID represent a PIN code). To generate a PIN code.
  • the portable printer 100 selected in step S40 has the device ID “SS ⁇ ⁇ 1126”, a PIN code consisting of the numerical value “1126” is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.
  • step S60 the CPU 203 sets a communication port of the communication control unit 206. That is, for example, the CPU 203 checks whether or not a plurality of communication ports (COM ports) of the information terminal 200 can be used one by one in a predetermined order (whether they are used elsewhere or match the specifications) Any one COM port that can be used is assigned for Bluetooth communication using the PIN code generated in step S50.
  • COM ports communication ports
  • step S70 the CPU 203 transmits the PIN code generated in step S50 to the portable printer 100 by Bluetooth communication using the communication port of the communication control unit 206 set in step S60.
  • the portable printer 100 selected in step S40 (in the above example, the printer with the device ID “SS ⁇ ⁇ 1126”) authenticates that the operation terminal 200 is the operation subject. Thereby, the pairing via the Bluetooth communication between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 is completed, and the portable printer 100 can execute printing.
  • step S80 the CPU 203 converts a print command included in the print job output from the application AP into a printer code using the printer driver PD.
  • step S90 the CPU 203 outputs the printer code generated by the conversion in step S80 to the portable printer 100 via the communication control unit 206, and ends this flow.
  • the portable printer 100 receives the output printer code via the communication control unit 142, the thermal line head 112 performs printing of the content designated by the printer code on the printing paper S.
  • the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 are connected by Bluetooth communication with connection authentication.
  • a predetermined operation instruction in the above example, a print start instruction
  • the operation terminal 20 has a function corresponding to the Bluetooth communication. (See step S20), and the device ID of the portable printer 100 is acquired (see step S30).
  • a PIN code corresponding to the portable printer 100 is generated from the acquired device ID by the predetermined regularity (see step S50) and transmitted to the portable printer 100 (see step S70).
  • the association (pairing) between the portable printer 100 that has received the PIN code and the operation terminal 200 via Bluetooth communication is completed.
  • the PIN code is automatically generated and transmitted on the operation terminal 200 only by the operator giving a predetermined operation instruction to the operation terminal 200.
  • the pairing 200 and the portable printer 100 are automatically performed. Accordingly, the operator can easily perform the pairing without performing troublesome various operation inputs other than the predetermined operation instruction. As a result, thereafter, the operator can easily cause the portable printer 100 to perform desired printing using the operation terminal 200.
  • step S20 when a plurality of printers with Bluetooth function are searched in step S20, one specific portable printer 100 having the maximum remaining battery power is selected in step S40.
  • a printer suitable for executing printing as the operation target in this example, a printer that has the maximum remaining battery power and can operate reliably
  • Pairing is automatically performed, and desired printing can be executed.
  • the remaining battery level of the battery power source 107 as a printer to be used for printing. Has selected the largest portable printer 100 and performed pairing with the operation terminal 200, but is not limited thereto. That is, as the printer used for printing, the portable printer 100 having the maximum received signal strength (an example of device-related information) may be selected and paired with the operation terminal 200.
  • FIG. 10 shows functional configurations of the portable printer 100A and the operation terminal 200A in the printing system PS of the present modification.
  • the portable printer 100A does not have the remaining battery power detection unit of the battery power source 107, and the strength detection for detecting the received signal strength of the transmission signal from the portable printer 100A in the communication control unit 206 of the operation terminal 200A.
  • the point that the unit 206a is added is different from the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 shown in FIG. 4 of the above embodiment.
  • the other points of this modification are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 the same parts as those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.
  • the intensity detection unit 206a of the operation terminal 200A detects the reception signal intensity of the output radio wave of the transmission signal from the communication control unit 142 of the portable printer 100A.
  • the detected received signal strength is input to the CPU 203 and acquired.
  • the CPU 203 selects the printer having the maximum received signal strength acquired as described above, performs pairing with the operation terminal 200A, and uses it for printing. To do.
  • step S22, step S32, and step S42 are provided in place of step S20, step S30, and step S40 in the flow of FIG.
  • step S40 in place of step S20, step S30, and step S40 in the flow of FIG.
  • step S22, step S32, and step S42 are provided in place of step S20, step S30, and step S40 in the flow of FIG.
  • step S22, step S32, and step S42 are provided in place of step S20, step S30, and step S40 in the flow of FIG.
  • step S40 in place of step S20, step S30, and step S40 in the flow of FIG.
  • the other procedures in the flow of FIG. 11 are the same as the procedures of the flow of FIG.
  • step S10 similar to FIG. 8 when step S10 similar to FIG. 8 is completed, the process proceeds to newly provided step S22.
  • step S22 the CPU 203 transmits an inquiry signal to a plurality of portable printers 100 via Bluetooth communication via the communication control unit 206, and searches for a printer having a Bluetooth communication function.
  • the inquiry signal from the operation terminal 200 includes information that prompts the portable printer 100 to respond to the device ID, while responding together with the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107. 8 is different from step S20 in FIG. 8 in that the prompting information is not included.
  • step S32 the CPU 203 determines the device ID of the portable printer 100 included in the received signal received in the search in step S22 and the received signal strength detected by the strength detecting unit 206a when the received signal is received. And get.
  • FIG. 12 shows an example of the received signal strength acquired in step S32.
  • the device ID of the portable printer 100 acquired in step S32 is shown on the left side of FIG. 12, and the output radio wave from the portable printer 100 has reached the communication control unit 206 of the operation terminal 200 on the right side.
  • the received signal strength at the time is shown by the magnitude of the numerical value.
  • the received signal strength in FIG. 12 indicates that the larger the numerical value, the higher the received signal strength.
  • step S42 the CPU 203 selects, as the portable printer 100A used for printing, a portable printer having the maximum received signal intensity acquired in step S32.
  • the portable printer having the device ID “AK ⁇ ⁇ -8678” having the maximum received signal strength of “50” is selected as the portable printer 100 used for printing (outlined). See arrow).
  • Subsequent steps S50 to S80 are the same as those in FIG. 8, and a description thereof will be omitted.
  • the portable printer 100A having a high received signal strength is selected as a printer suitable for executing printing as the operation target. That is, it is possible to select the portable printer 100A that is the closest to the operation terminal 200A and reliably perform pairing automatically. As a result, printing can be performed using the portable printer 100A closest to the operator, so that convenience for the operator can be improved.
  • the selected portable printer 100 is not particularly requested without the user confirming the pairing.
  • the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the portable printer 100 to be used for printing is selected, the user is made to confirm the pairing by performing test printing, and then the selected portable printer 100 is caused to execute printing. Good.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates control contents executed by the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 in the present modification.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is that step S72 and step S74 are provided between step S70 and step S80 in the flow of FIG. 8 of the above embodiment, and step S40 ′ is provided instead of step S40.
  • step S72 and step S74 are provided between step S70 and step S80 in the flow of FIG. 8 of the above embodiment
  • step S40 ′ is provided instead of step S40.
  • the other procedures in the flow of FIG. 13 are the same as the procedures of the flow of FIG. 8 described above, and the same procedures are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
  • the functional configurations of the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 may be the same as those in the above embodiment.
  • step S40 ′ based on the remaining battery level acquired in step S30, the CPU 203 transmits a response signal in step S20 when step S40 ′ is executed first.
  • the portable printer 100 the one having the maximum remaining battery power is selected as the portable printer 100 used for printing.
  • steps S50 to S70 are the same as those in FIG. 8, and a description thereof will be omitted.
  • step S70 ends the process proceeds to newly provided step S72.
  • step S72 the CPU 203 communicates a printer code (preliminarily set in advance and stored in, for example, the memory 204) as test print data output from the application AP and generated by conversion by the printer driver PD.
  • the data is output to the portable printer 100 via the control unit 206.
  • the portable printer 100 executes test printing. Note that this test printing is for making the user confirm the portable printer 100 paired with the operation terminal 200, so that data corresponding to the blank paper is output and substantially non-printed (from the portable printer 100 to the blank paper). It is also possible to simply discharge the printing paper S. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S74.
  • step S74 the CPU 203 determines whether or not the user has confirmed pairing of the portable printer 100 by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 202 of the operation terminal 200.
  • the user visually confirms that the printing paper S that has been test printed from the portable printer 100 is discharged, confirms the pairing between the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200, and confirms the pairing by the operation unit 202. If the selection is made, the determination at step S74 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S80.
  • Step S80 and the subsequent step S90 are the same as those in FIG.
  • step S40 ′ the CPU 203 again selects the portable printer 100 to be processed at this point in time that has the maximum remaining battery level. That is, as described above, in the first step S40 ′ before returning to step S40 ′ without satisfying the determination in step S74 as described above, as described above, all the portable printers 100 that have transmitted the response signal in step S20. Is the processing target. Therefore, the portable printer 100 having the largest remaining battery capacity is selected from all the portable printers 100.
  • step S74 determines whether the portable printer 100 having the first remaining battery level is processed.
  • the one with the maximum remaining battery level is the plurality of portable types whose battery levels were originally acquired in step S30.
  • this is the printer with the second largest remaining battery level.
  • step S40 ' the printer with the second largest remaining battery capacity is selected as the portable printer 100 used for printing.
  • step S74 is executed through the same step S50, step S60, step S70, and step S72 as described above. If the determination in step S74 is not satisfied and the process returns to step S40 ′ again, the battery remaining amount is the third among the plurality of portable printers whose battery remaining amount was originally acquired in step S30 in the same manner as described above. Many printers are selected. Thereafter, each time the process returns to step S40 ′ without satisfying the determination in step S74, among the plurality of portable printers for which the remaining battery level is acquired in step S30, the printer with the fourth highest remaining battery level, and the fifth. The above selection is executed while decreasing the order in order, such as many printers.
  • the user can surely specify the paired portable printer 100 by visually observing that the printing paper S that has been test printed from the portable printer 100 is discharged. .
  • desired printing can be easily performed using the portable printer 100.
  • FIG. 14 shows functional configurations of the portable printer 100B and the operation terminal 200B in the printing system PS of the present modification.
  • This modification differs from the portable printer 100 shown in FIG. 4 of the above embodiment in that the portable printer 100B does not have a battery remaining amount detection unit of the battery power source 107 and an LED 145 is added.
  • the operation terminal 200B in this modification is the same as the operation terminal 200 shown in FIG. Further, other points of this modification are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 the same parts as those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.
  • the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 ⁇ / b> B gives a lighting command to the selected portable printer 100 ⁇ / b> B via the communication control unit 206 when the portable printer 100 ⁇ / b> B having the maximum remaining battery power of the battery power source 107 is selected.
  • a signal can be transmitted and the LED 145 can be turned on via the control circuit 141.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates the contents of control executed by the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200B in this modification.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 13 in that step S73 is provided instead of step S72 in the flow of FIG. 13 of the modification (2).
  • Other procedures in the flow of FIG. 15 are the same as the procedures of the flow of FIG. 13 described above, and the same procedures are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
  • steps S10 to S70 are the same as those in FIG. When step S70 ends, the process proceeds to newly provided step S73.
  • step S73 the CPU 203 outputs a lighting command signal output from the application AP and generated by conversion by the printer driver PD to the portable printer 100 via the communication control unit 206.
  • the portable printer 100B turns on the LED 145 under the control of the control circuit 141.
  • the user can confirm pairing of the portable printer 100 by visual observation.
  • steps S74 to S90 are the same as those in FIG. 13, and a description thereof will be omitted.
  • the user can reliably identify the paired portable printer 100 by visually observing that the LED 145 of the portable printer 100 is turned on. As a result, desired printing can be easily performed using the portable printer 100.
  • the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even when the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 are connected by mutual recognition wireless communication with appropriate connection authentication other than the above-described Bluetooth such as ad hoc communication, the present invention can be applied in the same manner as described above. Also in this case, as described above, the operator terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 can be automatically paired only by giving a predetermined operation instruction to the operation terminal 200.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as an example of a printing apparatus, for example, a printer that forms an image or prints characters on a normal printing paper of A4, A3, B4, B5 size, etc., or prints a desired label on a printing tape. You may apply this invention with respect to the printing label production apparatus produced. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)

Abstract

[Problème] Coupler automatiquement un terminal d'exploitation avec un dispositif d'impression sans exécuter des opérations manuelles malaisées. [Solution] Dans un système d'impression (PS), un terminal d'exploitation (200) et une imprimante portable (100) sont connectés par l'intermédiaire d'une communication Bluetooth et l'imprimante portable (100) imprime une copie désirée correspondant aux informations d'impression transmises par le terminal d'exploitation (200) via la communication Bluetooth. L'imprimante portable (100) comporte un identifiant de périphérique inhérent pré-associé avec une régularité prédéterminée à un code PIN destiné à authentifier une connexion. Le terminal d'exploitation (200) recherche l'imprimante portable (100) possédant une fonction permettant d'exécuter une communication Bluetooth lors de la réception d'une instruction d'opération prédéterminée à partir d'un opérateur, acquiert l'identifiant de périphérique de ladite imprimante portable (100), applique la régularité prédéterminée susmentionnée à l'identifiant de périphérique acquis, génère un code PIN associé à l'imprimante portable (100), et envoie le code PIN à l'imprimante portable (100) par l'intermédiaire d'une communication Bluetooth.
PCT/JP2012/054848 2011-02-28 2012-02-27 Système d'impression WO2012118045A1 (fr)

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JP2014059756A (ja) * 2012-09-18 2014-04-03 Ricoh Co Ltd 出力システム、情報処理装置及びプログラム
JP2015233196A (ja) * 2014-06-09 2015-12-24 福井コンピュータホールディングス株式会社 測量端末装置、及び回線設定プログラム
JP2016045625A (ja) * 2014-08-21 2016-04-04 キヤノン株式会社 情報処理装置、その制御方法、および制御プログラム
WO2016088310A1 (fr) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Dispositif d'impression, procédé de commande de dispositif d'impression et support d'enregistrement
JP2016107612A (ja) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-20 セイコーエプソン株式会社 印刷装置、印刷装置の制御方法、及び、記憶媒体
JP2016193611A (ja) * 2016-06-22 2016-11-17 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 画像形成システム
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JP2007249839A (ja) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-27 Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd 印刷システム
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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014059756A (ja) * 2012-09-18 2014-04-03 Ricoh Co Ltd 出力システム、情報処理装置及びプログラム
JP2015233196A (ja) * 2014-06-09 2015-12-24 福井コンピュータホールディングス株式会社 測量端末装置、及び回線設定プログラム
JP2016045625A (ja) * 2014-08-21 2016-04-04 キヤノン株式会社 情報処理装置、その制御方法、および制御プログラム
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WO2016088310A1 (fr) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Dispositif d'impression, procédé de commande de dispositif d'impression et support d'enregistrement
JP2016107612A (ja) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-20 セイコーエプソン株式会社 印刷装置、印刷装置の制御方法、及び、記憶媒体
US9753684B1 (en) 2016-03-09 2017-09-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Printer location aware detection and printing
US11257490B2 (en) 2016-04-01 2022-02-22 Intel Corporation Device identification through dialog
JP2016193611A (ja) * 2016-06-22 2016-11-17 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 画像形成システム
WO2022153810A1 (fr) * 2021-01-14 2022-07-21 株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ Dispositif de connexion sans fil

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