JP2003296230A - Printing system, electronic device, storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] When a client-side electronic device prints content on a network transmitted from a server by requesting the server, the specification of a printing unit of the client-side electronic device. And transmitting a print job suitable for the printing means of each client-side electronic device by transmitting a print job suitable for the client to the server. SOLUTION: When print information (specifications of a printing apparatus) of a client is transmitted to a relay server together with a URL (S20).
1, S202), the data of the content stored in the location specified by the client with the URL is acquired by the relay server accessing the website at the location (S304, S305), and the print information of the client (print device After rendering and format conversion are performed based on the specification (S305), the content is transmitted to the client printing device (S306), and the content is printed on the client printing device (S204).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system for printing contents on a network, an electronic device, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a communication technique for outputting contents on a network by a client, for example, "information processing device" described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-161947.
Or, "HTML file image conversion apparatus for facsimile terminal output, method and recording medium recording the method" described in JP-A-11-15749.
1842, “Facsimile communication system and facsimile communication method”.

In this respect, the "information processing device" described in JP-A-10-161947 and JP-A-2000-18184.
In the "facsimile communication system and facsimile communication method" described in No. 2, a facsimile machine, a facsimile machine, or a facsimile machine according to the type of client (eg, FAX terminal, mail terminal, telephone terminal, etc.) requesting transmission of content
By converting to information formats such as text and voice,
A communication technique for transmitting the content to the client is described.

The "HTML file image conversion device for facsimile terminal output, method and recording medium on which the method is recorded" described in JP-A-11-15749,
A communication technique is described in which the resolution of a facsimile terminal of a client that has requested the transmission of content is assumed in advance and image information corresponding to the resolution is generated to transmit the content to the client.

[0005]

However, in all of these communication technologies, the clients are distinguished (for example, FAX terminals, mail terminals, telephone terminals, etc.).
Or, if the server does not know the resolution of the client's facsimile terminal in advance, it cannot function.

Therefore, even if the client is limited to the printing terminal, in the case of a network (for example, WWW) in which an unspecified number of clients exist, the specifications of the printing terminal of each client (for example, Since it is virtually impossible for the server side to know in advance the resolution, paper size, color / monochrome, memory capacity, printer description language, presence or absence of a reader, etc., the server side has only a standard format. The content requested by each client will be sent to each.

However, in the standard format, there are cases in which the specifications of the client's printing terminal cannot be fully utilized, and conversely, the specifications of the client's printing terminal are inadequate. When the version is upgraded on the client side, the printing terminal of the client also has to be updated in order to deal with it, so there has been a problem that the client side becomes complicated to deal with.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is a printing system, an electronic device, and a storage medium, which have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and store contents on the network transmitted from the server by requesting the server. When the electronic device on the client side prints by the printing means, by sending to the server the specifications that match the printing means of the electronic device on the client side, it is suitable for the printing means on the electronic device on the client side. The challenge is to enable printing.

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 made in order to solve this problem is an electronic device on the client side having a printing means, and a server connected to the electronic device via a network. And a site in which the content on the network is stored in a predetermined format,
Printing the content by transmitting the data of the content located at the location designated by the electronic device by the address information on the network to the electronic device after the server accesses and acquires the site of the location. In the printing system for printing by means, the specification information of the printing means is transmitted to the server together with the address information, the information notifying means provided in the electronic device, and the rendering and format conversion of the content are performed by the specifications. And a regenerating unit provided in the server, wherein the electronic device prints the content by the printing unit using the data of the content processed by the regenerating unit. It is characterized by doing.

In other words, in the printing system of the present invention, when the information notifying means of the electronic device on the client side sends the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side to the server together with the address information on the network, the address on the network The data of the content stored in the predetermined format in the location specified by the electronic device on the client side in the information is acquired by the server accessing the site of the location, and the regenerating means of the server allows the electronic device on the client side to store the data. The content is transmitted to the client after rendering and format conversion based on the specification information of the printing unit, and then the content is printed by the printing unit of the electronic device on the client side. On the network sent from When an electronic device on the client side prints a message with the printing means, the one that meets the specifications of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side is sent to the server, and the printing means of each electronic device on the client side sends Suitable printing is possible.

Further, the content data stored in a predetermined format at a location designated by the electronic device on the client side by the address information on the network is acquired by the server accessing the site at the location, and the server is regenerated. Since the means performs rendering and format conversion based on the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side, no matter what predetermined format the site side saves the content on the server side, the client side Does not affect.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is connected to a site in which contents are stored in a predetermined format through a network, and the content data at a location designated by address information on the network is stored in the location. To the server having re-generation means for rendering the content and converting the format based on the specification information when transmitting to the electronic device that is the sender of the address information after accessing and acquiring An electronic device on the client side that is connected via the printer and prints the content by a printing unit, and sends information related to the specifications of the printing unit to the server as the specification information together with the address information. The content data processed by the regeneration means of the server. Ri, printing the content in the printing means, and characterized.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is connected to a site in which contents are stored in a predetermined format via a network, and the content data at a location designated by address information on the network is stored in the location. After accessing and acquiring the site of the above, when transmitting to the electronic device that is the sender of the address information, the server having the regeneration means for performing the rendering and format conversion of the content based on the specification information, A storage medium that is connected via a network and that is used by a client-side electronic device that prints the content by a printing unit, and that relates to the specifications of the printing unit as the specification information, together with the address information, and the server. Information notification process to be sent to the The data Ceiling, it stores the print program of the process of printing the content in the printing unit, it has been characterized.

However, regarding the above-mentioned actions and effects,
It may be realized by a program stored in a storage medium read by an electronic device on the client side. Therefore,
The actions and effects described above can be similarly exerted in the client-side electronic device and the storage medium read by the client-side electronic device.

In the printing system, the electronic device and the storage medium of the present invention, when the information notifying means of the electronic device on the client side transmits the specification information of the electronic device on the printing means side of the client to the server, If each specification element forming the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side has a selection element, each specification element forming the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side is selected by the type selecting means of the server. Since any one of the selected elements among the selected elements is selected according to a predetermined rule, and the type selected by the type selection means of the server is added as a header to the data of the content by the type addition means of the server,
When there are a plurality of specification conditions that can be printed by the client-side electronic device, if at least one specification condition can be processed by the server, normal printing can be performed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which printing cannot be performed. .

That is, in the printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing system is provided in the server for selecting any one of the selection elements among the specification elements constituting the specification information. It is characterized by comprising a type selecting unit and a type adding unit provided in the server for adding the type selected by the type selecting unit to the data of the content as a header. .

The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the server connected via the network selects any one of the selection elements of the specification elements constituting the specification information. A type selecting unit for selecting, a type adding unit for adding the type selected by the type selecting unit as a header to the data of the content,
It is characterized by having.

Further, in the storage medium according to claim 3, the server, which is connected to the electronic device via the network, selects one of the specification elements constituting the specification information. The present invention is characterized by comprising a type selection unit for selecting one type and a type addition unit for adding the type selected by the type selection unit as a header to the data of the content.

Further, in the special function acting system, electronic device, and storage medium of the present invention, the network connecting the electronic device on the client side and the server includes the Internet, WWW, LAN, and the like, but in particular, WWW.
Has a high actual utility value and can remarkably exhibit the above-mentioned effects.

That is, it is characterized in that the network is WWW.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage pattern of a facsimile apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied,
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the facsimile device 1, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of the facsimile device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile machine 1
Includes a line control unit 3 and a communication module 5. The line control unit 3 is provided with an external connection port 4 (see FIG. 4). The external connection port 4 is connected to a telephone of a splitter 8 installed in a building (home, office, etc.). Analog wire L1 (2 core wire, 4
A so-called telephone line consisting of a core wire) is connected.

On the other hand, the communication module 5 has a WAN side connection port 6 and a LAN side connection port 7 (see FIG. 3), and the WAN side connection port 6 is an AD of the splitter 8.
The LAN side connection port 7 is connected to the LAN cable L3 connected to the ADSL modem 9 connected to the connection port for the SL modem via the LAN cable L2, and the LAN side connection port 7 is a hub (HU).
B) Connected to 11.

The hub (HUB) 11 includes a plurality of PCs 13 and 14 capable of bidirectional communication and a printer 16.
LAN terminals 13 to 17 such as an inkjet printer and a laser printer that can be connected to a network, an IP telephone 15 that can transmit and receive a voice signal by an IP (Internet Protocol) method, and an Internet facsimile machine 17 that can connect to the Internet are connected. ing. That is, the hub (HUB) 11 includes the LAN terminals 13-
It is connected to a local area network (LAN) in the building consisting of 17.

On the other hand, the splitter 8 is a well-known splitter used when using ADSL, and is approximately 4k transmitted from the splitter 19 set on the base station side.
A transmission signal in which a first signal of Hz or less and a second signal for ADSL having a higher frequency than that are superimposed is separated into the first signal and the second signal, and the first signal is the connection port for the telephone. In addition to outputting the second signal to the connection port for the ADSL modem, the signal input from each connection port is superimposed and transmitted to the splitter 19 on the base station side.

That is, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
Is configured to be connectable to a subscriber telephone in a public line network (that is, public switched telephone network: PSTN) by using the line control unit 3, and further, via a communication module 5 and an ADSL modem 9, a wide area network. It is configured to be connectable to the Internet as a (WAN).

Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 is operated by a router control unit 101 of the communication module 5, which will be described later, so that the communication apparatus (WWW server 21) in the Internet is operated.
Etc.) and each of the LAN terminals 13 to 17 in the LAN. The router functions as a router for routing data (IP packets) transmitted and received.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
Reads an image optically from a manuscript, converts the image data representing the image into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to the external facsimile device 23 connected to the public line network through the analog repeater L1 and the external facsimile device. In addition to the normal function (facsimile function) of receiving the facsimile data transmitted from 23 through the public line network and the analog line L1 and forming an image based on the facsimile data on the recording paper, the printer function and the copy function. have.

The printer function means a function of forming an image on a recording sheet based on the code data transmitted from the PCs 13 and 14, a word processor, etc., and the facsimile apparatus 1 is a PC interface (PC).
I / F) 24 to receive code data from an external PC, or the communication module 5 to connect to the PC 1 in the LAN.
When code data is received from 3, 14, etc., an image based on the data is formed on recording paper. The copy function means a copying function of reading an image from a document using a scanner unit 35 and a recording unit 37 described later and forming an image on a recording sheet based on the image data.

Facsimile apparatus having such a function
As shown in FIG. 2, a handset (H / S) 26 is attached to the side of the body case 25 of the body 1, and an operation panel 27 is provided to the front portion of the upper surface of the body 1. The operation panel 27 has a telephone number (FAX number) of the other party.
Numeric keys 271 for inputting and the start key 27
2. Various operation keys 270 such as a selection key 273 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 274 for displaying information related to various functions are provided.

In addition, a first paper feed tray 29 for accommodating the recording paper to be fed into the apparatus is provided at the rear of the upper portion of the main body, and the recording paper is placed on it. A second paper feed tray 31 for manually supplying the recording paper by the user is provided. Further, a document feed tray 33 for placing a document sheet for reading is provided thereon.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body has a scanner section 35 for reading an image from a document, a recording section 37 for forming a multicolor image on a recording sheet, and each of these sections. A board (not shown) on which a CPU 39 (see FIG. 4) that controls driving is mounted is incorporated.

In the scanner section 35, the document feed tray 3
The document placed on the sheet feeding roller 4 is detected by a document sensor (not shown), and as shown by an arrow A in FIG.
The sheet is picked up one by one by a sheet feeding function composed of 1 and separation pad 43 and the like, and thereafter, is conveyed to a reading device 47 by a conveying roller 45. Then, in the reading device 47,
The image formed on the document is read. Further, the document after the image is read by the reading device 47 is printed by the paper discharge roller 49
The sheet is ejected to the first sheet ejection tray 51 provided in the front through.

In addition to the document sensor, the scanner unit 35 includes a document front sensor 53 for detecting the beginning of the document.
And a document rear sensor 55 that detects the trailing edge of the document. The CPU 39 controls each unit in the scanner unit 35 to adjust the paper feed based on the detection results from these sensors, and the scanner unit 35 operations are realized.

On the other hand, in the recording section 37, the first paper feed tray 2
9 or the recording paper placed on the second paper feed tray 31,
As indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3, the sheets are taken one by one by a sheet feeding mechanism including a sheet feeding roller 57 and a separation pad 59. Then, the recording paper is sent to the image forming apparatus 63 via the carrying roller 61. In the image forming apparatus 63, a plurality of colors (cyan, magenta,
A multicolor image is formed by a combination of yellow and black toners. The recording paper that has passed through the image forming apparatus is sent to the fixing device 65 on the downstream side. And
In the fixing device 65, the image formed by the toner is fixed on the recording paper. Further, the recording paper after passing through the fixing device is discharged to a second paper discharge tray 69 provided on the entire surface of the main body via a paper discharge roller 67.

The image forming apparatus 63 is configured to operate the laser light scanning device 71 to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light and form an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof. This laser beam scanning device 71, in accordance with a command from the CPU 39, emits a laser beam based on image data to a laser emitting section 77, a laser beam reflecting lens 78, and a laser beam reflected by the lens 78 onto a photosensitive drum. A reflection mirror 79 for guiding is provided. In addition, the image forming offset 63
Is equipped with a toner tank 73 for storing toner,
The toner supplied from the toner tank 73 is attached to the photosensitive drum after the electrostatic latent image is formed, and the transfer roller 75 applies an electric charge to the recording paper to transfer the toner attached to the photosensitive drum to the recording paper. ing.

Next, the electrical configuration of the facsimile machine 1 will be described. 4. FIG. 4 is a flock diagram showing the electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the data configuration of the RAM 83 (FIG. 5A), an explanatory diagram showing the data configuration in the ROM 81 (FIG. 5B), and data in the destination information storage unit 83c described later. It is explanatory drawing (FIG.5 (c)) showing a structure.

The facsimile apparatus 1 mainly includes the CPU 3
9, ROM 81, RAM 83, scanner unit 35, encoder 85, recording unit 37, decoder 87, operation keys 270, LC
A D274, a modem 89, a line control unit 3, a PC interface (PC I / F) 24, a mail control unit 91, and a function expansion interface (I / F) 93 are provided, each of which is connected via a path 95. ing. The communication module 5 is connected to the function expansion interface 93.

The CPU 39 plays a central role in controlling the apparatus, and is configured to integrally control the entire apparatus. That is, for example, the CPU 39 reads a control processing program recorded in advance in the ROM 81, and executes processing such as transmission / reception of facsimile data and destination registration according to the program.

The ROM 81 stores a facsimile function program group 81a (see FIG. 5B) necessary for operating the apparatus as a facsimile apparatus. Specifically, for example, a reception program for forming an image based on the facsimile data received by the line control unit 3 from the external facsimile device 23 in the recording unit 37 is a ROM as a facsimile function program.
It is stored in 81.

In the ROM 81, the device is connected to a PC.
Printer function program group 8 required to operate as a printer for printing data transmitted from
1b is stored. Specifically, for example, a PC printing program for causing the communication module 5 to form an image on the recording unit 37 based on the data received from the PCs 13 and 14 in the LAN is R as the printer function program.
It is stored in the OM81. In addition, in the ROM 81, a recording unit control program 81c called by a program and the like, other various programs (not shown), and various data necessary for executing the programs are stored in advance.

On the other hand, the RAM 83 is a transmission / reception data storage section 83 for storing work memory 83a (see FIG. 5 (a)) necessary for performing various controls and facsimile data.
b, a destination information recording unit 83c that stores destination information that is quiet at the destination of the facsimile data.

The destination information storage section 83c is shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), a telephone number can be recorded as the destination information regarding the destination of the facsimile data, and a mail address can be stored in association with this telephone number. That is, the facsimile device 1 is a destination device (external facsimile device 2
In case 3) is configured to be able to send and receive e-mail via the Internet in addition to sending and receiving facsimile data via the public network, a telephone number and It is configured so that the destination information can be registered in a form in which both email addresses are written.

The scanner section 35 is for reading a document when transmitting or copying facsimile data (copying a document). The scanner unit 35 of the present embodiment is
As described above, the document is obtained from the document feed tray 33, the image is read by the reading device 47, and the image data as the reading result is output to the encoder 85 and the like.

Further, the encoder 85 executes an encoding process in order to convert the image data read by the scanner unit 35 into image data of G3 compression format which is a fax format, and outputs the image data after the processing. It is configured to do. On the other hand, the decoder 87 decodes the fax format image data,
The recording unit 37 is configured to convert the image data into processable image data.

As described above, the recording section 37 is configured to function as a so-called color laser printer capable of forming a color image, and the recording section control program 8 is provided.
Decoder 8 according to a command from CPU 39 which executes 1c.
A color image based on the image data decoded by 7 is printed on recording paper using the image forming apparatus 63, and the recording paper after printing is output.

The recording unit 37 of the present embodiment is provided with a silent print mode capable of forming an image with a quieter sound than usual, in addition to the normal print mode. It is configured to operate by switching according to a command from. The recording unit 37 is also configured to be capable of single-color printing, and is configured to be able to form an image using only toner of a designated color according to a command from the CPU 39. In addition, the operation key 27
0 is provided on the operation panel 27 as described above, and is a command signal for performing various processing operations such as registration of destination information, designation of destination, input and selection of memo information, etc. in accordance with the user's operation. The configuration is such that the data is input into the device (CPU 39 or the like).

Similarly, an LCD provided on the operation panel 27
The reference numeral 274 is provided as a display unit for displaying various messages such as a message for guiding the user in the operation procedure and error messages. Further, the LCD 274 of this embodiment has a function as a touch panel, and displays one-touch keys and acquires the user's operation information when the destination of facsimile data is designated or the destination information is registered. It is configured to input to the device.

The modem 89 is for transmitting and receiving facsimile data to and from an external facsimile device 23 connected to the public line network via the splitter 8 via the line controller 3. The line control unit 3 performs operations such as sending a dial signal to the public line network and responding to a calling signal from the public line network. For example, the line control unit 3 sets itself to an external facsimile device 23 via the public line network. Connect to communicate. On the other hand, the PC interface 24
It is used when connecting a PC and the facsimile device 1 via a parallel interface or the like,
It receives code data and the like from the PCs 13 and 14.

Further, the mail control section 91 realizes transmission / reception of facsimile data by electronic mail by transmitting / receiving electronic mail to / from an external communication device connected to the Internet. That is, the mail control unit 91 converts the binary image data of the fax format encoded by the encoder 85 into the image data of the text code and adds the header information including the mail address of the transmission destination to the data. By doing so, the format data of the fax format is converted into the image data of the email format that can be transmitted as an email, and conversely, the image data of the email format received via the communication module 5 via the Internet Performs the process of inverse format conversion to fax format image data. The data, which has been subjected to the inverse format conversion into the image data in the fax format by the mail control unit 91, is recorded by the decoder 87 in the recording unit 37.
Then, the image data is decrypted into image data that can be output with and then printed on recording paper.

Function expansion interface (I / F) 93
Is an AIO (analog input / output) or RS232C configured so that the communication module 5 including the router control unit 101 configured as a separate body can be detachably connected.
Etc. is a serial interface. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3, the communication module 5 is housed in the main body case 25 of the apparatus.

The communication module 5 also includes a router control unit 101, a hub (HUB) 103, an IP telephone unit 105, a wireless processing unit 107, a web print unit 110, an interface connection terminal 109 connected to the router control unit 101, and the like. ing. The communication module 5 is connected to the interface 93 via the interface connection terminal 109.

The router control unit 101 uses the ADSL modem 9
It is for transmitting / receiving IP packets to / from a communication device in the Internet via the Internet, and functions as a broadband router having a well-known IP masquerade function and a routing function. That is, this router control unit 10
1 is a private IP address used in the LAN and a global IP used in the WAN (in the embodiment, the Internet) by the IP masquerade function.
Mutual conversion between address and L by the routing function
A terminal on the AN side and a communication device on the WAN side (WWW server 2
1) and are connected so that bidirectional communication is possible. For example, the router control unit 101 includes an IP telephone unit 105, a wireless processing unit 107, and a web print unit 110 via a hub (HUB) 103.
By transmitting / receiving data to / from the IP telephone unit 105, the wireless processing unit 107, and the web print unit 11
0 is connected to the Internet via the ADSL modem 9 so that two-way communication is possible.

Further, the router control unit 101 communicates with the LAN terminals 13 to 17 in the LAN connected to the LAN side connection port 7 via the hub (HUB) 103, and The LAN terminals 13 to 17 are connected to the Internet so that two-way communication is possible. That is, for example, the router control unit 101 controls the route and transmits the data received from the WWW server 21 in the Internet to the destination LAN terminals 13 to 17.

In addition, the router control unit 101 is configured to be able to communicate with the CPU 39 on the apparatus main body side via the interface 93. That is, the LAN terminals 13 to 17, the IP telephone unit 105, the wireless processing unit 107,
The web print unit 110 can perform two-way communication with the CPU 39 on the apparatus main body side via the router control unit 101 and the interface 93. For example, the CPU 39 of the facsimile device 1 is L level via the router control unit 101.
When the printing code data is acquired from the PCs 13 and 14 in the AN, the CPU 39 executes the printer function program, calls the recording unit control program 81c in the program to control the recording unit 37, and the data To form an image based on.

On the other hand, the hub 10 is connected to the router control unit 101.
The IP telephone unit 105 connected via 3 stores the voice signal in an IP packet and can perform voice communication (call) with an external IP telephone via the Internet.

The wireless processing unit 107 is for performing wireless communication between an external wireless communication device and the corresponding facsimile device 1, and is a Bluetooth standard (a standard for short-range wireless communication) or an IrDA standard (an infrared ray). A wireless connection system according to the communication standard) is used to connect an external wireless communication device to each unit in the facsimile device 1 so that two-way communication is possible. That is, in the facsimile device 1,
By using the connection port 7 connected to the hub 103, each of the LAN terminals 13 to 17 can be connected to the facsimile apparatus 1 by the wired connection method, and by using the wireless processing unit 107, the wireless connection method can be used. At LAN
The terminals 13 to 17 can be connected to the facsimile device 1.

In addition to this, the web print unit 110 uses the CP
A U111, a ROM 113, a RAM 115, a network interface 117 and the like are provided, and by communicating with the router control unit 101 via the network interface 117, the device itself is connected to the Internet or the CPU 39 on the apparatus main body side. It is configured to communicate.

Here, FIG. 6 shows the web print unit 110.
Explanatory diagram showing the data structure in the RAM 115 of FIG.
FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure in the ROM 113 (FIG. 6B). As shown in FIG. 6A, the RAM 115 in the web print unit 110 stores the transmission / reception data storage unit 11 that stores the work memory 115 a and download data acquired from the WWW server 21.
5b, the address of the WWW server 21 (URL: Unif
orm Resource Locator) information, a URL information storage unit 115c, a transfer destination information storage unit 115d that stores transfer destination information regarding a data transfer destination when using a transfer function described later, an access prohibition database 115e, a keyword database 115f, and a history. It is configured to function as an information storage unit 115g, a log storage unit 115h, and the like.

The URL information storage section 115c is shown in FIG. 6 (c).
As shown in, a plurality of memo information and scheduler setting data can be recorded in association with the URL indicating the data acquisition destination. That is, the communication module 5
The memo information externally input by the user operating the operation panel 27 or the like can be registered in the URL information storage unit 115c in association with the corresponding URL. As is well known, the URL is the server address,
It is address information composed of directory information, file names, and the like. Further, FIG. 7 shows the web print unit 11
9 is a flowchart showing a URL / memo information registration process executed by the CPU 111 of 0.

When the processing is executed, the CPU 111 causes the S1
At 01, an input instruction message requesting input of the URL and memo information is transmitted to the apparatus main body side via the interface 93, and the input instruction message is displayed on the LCD 274 of the apparatus main body side. After this, the CPU 111
Waits in S103 until a command for registering the URL and the memo information is transmitted from the operation panel 27 through the interface 93, and when the command is received, the URL input from the operation panel 27 in S105. Also, the memo information is acquired from the apparatus main body side, and in S107, the URL and the memo information are associated with each other and recorded in the URL information storage unit 115c. In the memo information, the URL is currently written in Roman characters, and it is difficult to know which home page to access only by displaying the memo information. Furthermore, since the display area of the LCD 274 is limited, it is necessary to search for the target URL. Since it is not easy, it is provided so that the user can instantly identify the URL.

In addition to this, the transfer destination information storage unit 115d is configured to store address information for printer transfer and address information for PC transfer, which will be described later. The transfer destination information storage unit 115d is used for printer transfer and PC.
As the transfer address information, a port number is stored in addition to the private IP address in the LAN.

On the other hand, R in the web print section 110
In the OM 113, as shown in FIG. 6B, the data is acquired from the WWW server 21 and the recording unit 3 of the device.
7, a web print function program group 113a representing each process to be described later for printing the download data acquired from the WWW server 21, flag information 113b representing an operation condition during the web print function operation, and the like are stored. .

More specifically, the web print unit 110
Is a print function that causes the recording unit 37 to print an image based on the download data acquired from the WWW server 21 via the router control unit 101, a save function that temporarily saves the data in the RAM 115, and download data via the LAN-side connection port 7. Function to transfer to a transfer destination printer (printer specified by the printer transfer destination address information stored in the transfer destination information storage unit 115d) 16 connected to the LAN, and download data to the LAN
PC 13 connected to the LAN through the side connection port 7,
14 PC transfer function, a monochrome print function for printing an image based on the download data in the recording unit 37 in a single color, the recording unit 37 is operated in the silent print mode in which mechanical noise during printing is suppressed, and download data is obtained. Silent print function for printing an image based on the web print unit 110
It is equipped with a log saving function for saving log information related to each processing executed in step 1, and an error information display function for displaying an error message on the LCD 274.
A configuration configured to be realized by the web print function program group 113a stored in the M113, and whether to operate each function (that is, ON / OFF of the function) based on the flag information 113b shown in FIG. It has become. Note that in FIG. 8, RO is set as the flag information 113b.
It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the data memorize | stored in M113.

The web print unit 110 is
"Normal" operation mode, "URL access not allowed" operation mode, "Print cancel" operation mode, "Password error" operation mode, "Keyword error" operation mode, "Identical content detection" operation mode, "Nighttime" shown in FIG. "Print" operation mode, "Answering machine" operation mode, "Mass monochrome printing" operation mode, "Paperless error" operation mode,
Select one of the "Toner Out Error" operating modes,
The flag is set by writing the value of each function (hereinafter, referred to as “flag value”) in the RAM 115 as flag set information. Also,
The web print unit 110 is configured to operate (ON) the function when the flag value is “1” or more, and prohibit (OFF) the operation of the function when the flag value is “0”. Further, the symbol * shown in FIG. 8 indicates that the flag value stored as the flag set information is not rewritten before the operation mode is selected.

Next, the printing system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 shows the printing system 30 of the present embodiment.
1 shows a conceptual diagram of 1. In the specific function substitution system 301 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the client printing device 302, the relay server 303, and the website 30.
4 are connected via a WWW network. In this respect, the printing device 302 corresponds to the facsimile device 1 in FIG. Also, the relay server 303
Corresponds to the WWW server 21 in FIG.
In FIG. 9, the relay server 303 and the website 304
Although one and one are specified, each may have more than one.

Then, the printing system 30 of the present embodiment
1 operates according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 17 to print the content on the WWW transmitted from the relay server 303 by requesting the relay server 303 on the printing apparatus 302 of the client.
A print job suitable for the printing apparatus 302 of the client can be printed by transmitting to the relay server 303 the one that meets the specifications of the printing apparatus 302 of the client. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, in S201, when the client requests content on the WWW,
At 301, the relay server 303 receives a client request. Furthermore, in S202,
When the client notifies the print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302), in S302, the relay server 303
The print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302) is identified.

In this respect, the client's request and print information specify the server 303 and contents via the URL and send them as "address information" and "specification information" described in the HTTP protocol. It should be noted that those operations are performed using the operation keys 270 of FIG. Also,
The print information (specification of the printing device 302) includes, for example, resolution, paper size, color / monochrome, memory capacity, printer description language, presence / absence of a reading device, and the like.

After that, in the relay server 303, S303
In W, the content data specified by the URL
request to the eb site 304, and in S304, Web
When the data of the content is acquired from the site 304, the data of the content is rendered and the format is converted based on the print information (specification of the printing device 302) in S305, and the data is printed as print data in the client printing device 302 in S306. Send.

Then, in step S203, the client printing apparatus 302 receives the print data from the relay server 303, and in step S204, prints the print data on a recording sheet to output the requested content. In this respect, the client printing device 30
1 has a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function as a "printing unit". However, when the requested content is printed on the recording paper, the relay server This is performed by the function related to the print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302) transmitted to the 303.

Here, a detailed flowchart of the printing apparatus 302 of the client at this time is shown in FIG. 11, and detailed flowcharts of the relay server 303 at this time are shown in FIGS. 12 to 17.

That is, the client printing device 302
Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in S211, the content on the WWW is requested to the relay server 303, and S
When the relay server 303 is notified of the print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302) at 212, it is determined at S213 whether or not there is a reply from the relay server 303. Here, when it is determined that there is no reply from the relay server 303 (S213: No), the process returns to S213 and the determination of whether or not there is a reply from the relay server 303 is repeated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a reply from the relay server 303 (S213: Yes), the process proceeds to S214, and it is determined whether the transfer of print data can be accepted. If it is determined that the transfer of print data can be accepted (S214: Yes), S215
To receive the print data from the relay server 303,
In step S216, after the print data is printed on the recording paper, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transfer of the print data cannot be accepted (S214: No), the process of S215 and S216 is not executed and the process ends.

Further, in the relay server 303, as shown in FIG. 12, in S311, it is determined whether or not there is a request regarding the content on the WWW. Where W
If it is determined that there is no request for content on the WW (S311: No), the process returns to S311 and W
The determination as to whether or not there is a request for content on the WW is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a request for content on the WWW (S311: Yes)
In step S312, the print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302) is received, and in step S313, the website 30 is received.
The content data relating to the above request is acquired from 4.

Then, in step S314, the print information (printing device 302
One of the types is selected from the selected elements among the respective specification elements that compose the specification (1). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the layout setting in S321 and the setting in S322 are performed.
After the setting of the resolution of S, the setting of the color of S323, and the selection of the printer description language of S324 are performed, it is determined whether the print data can be generated in S325 based on the setting results. ing.

Here, the layout setting in S321 will be described. The layout setting in S321 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, in S331, the print layout is obtained from the paper size that constitutes one specification element of the print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302), and the process proceeds to the resolution setting in S322 of FIG.

The resolution setting in S322 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the resolution setting in S322 is based on the resolution, which constitutes one specification element of print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302), in S341. Then, the enlargement / reduction ratio is calculated, and the process proceeds to the color setting in S323 of FIG.

The color setting in S323 will be described. In the color setting in S323, as shown in FIG. 16, the content acquired from the website 304 is color content (S351: Yes), and the client If the printing apparatus 302 is capable of color printing (S352: Yes), the print data is set to be generated in color in S353, and We is set.
b If the content acquired from the site 304 is not a color content (S351: No), or if the printing apparatus 302 of the client is not capable of color printing (S352: No), the print data is monochrome in S354. It is set to be generated and S32 of FIG. 13 is set.
4 to select the printer description language.

The selection of the printer description language in S324 will be described. In the selection of the printer description language in S324, as shown in FIG. 17, one of the printer description languages of the client printing apparatus 302 is printed in S361. From the list of printer description languages forming one specification element of information (specification of the printing apparatus 302), S3
At 62, it is determined whether the relay server 303 itself supports it. Here, the relay server 30
3 When it is determined that it is supported by itself (S
362: Yes), the process proceeds to S363, the printer description language is set as the conversion language, and S325 in FIG.
Proceed to. On the other hand, if it is determined that the relay server 303 itself does not support it (S362: No), S
Proceeding to step 364, the pointer of the printer description language list forming one specification element of the print information (specification of the printing apparatus 302) is moved to the next, and it is determined in S365 whether there is the next data in the list. To do. If it is determined that there is the next data in the list (S365: No), the process returns to S361 and the above-described processing is repeated,
When it is determined that there is no next data in the list (S36
5: Yes), it is determined that printing is not possible and S325 in FIG.
Proceed to.

After the print processing conditions shown in FIG. 13 are set, the process proceeds to S315 in FIG. 12 to determine whether print data can be generated. Here, S32 in FIG.
No in 5 or Yes in S365 of FIG. 17 as a result,
When it is determined that the print data cannot be generated (S31
5: No), the process proceeds to S316, and the printing apparatus 302 of the client is notified that the content related to the request cannot be printed, and then the process returns to S311 to repeat the above-described processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the print data can be generated (S315: Yes), the process proceeds to S317, where the content data related to the request is rendered and the format is converted based on the result of the setting of the print processing condition. Then, the print data is regenerated.

After that, the process proceeds to S318, the print device 302 of the client is notified that the content related to the request can be printed, the print data is transferred to the print device 302 of the client in S319, and the process returns to S311. Then, the above-mentioned processing is repeated. still,
In S319, when transferring the print data to the printing apparatus 302 of the client, the identifier resulting from the setting of the print processing conditions is added to the head of the print data.

As described in detail above, in the printing system 301 of this embodiment, the printing device 3 of the client is used.
02, the print information of the client printing apparatus 302 (specification of the printing apparatus 302) is transmitted to the relay server 303 together with the URL on the WWW (S201, S20).
2) The data of the content saved in the predetermined format in the location designated by the client by the URL on the WWW is acquired by the relay server 303 accessing the website 304 of the location (S304, S305), and the client's Printing information of the printing device 302 (printing device 302
After the rendering and the format conversion are performed based on the specification (S305) (S305), the content is transmitted to the client printing apparatus 302 (S306), and then the content is printed by the client printing apparatus 302 (S).
204).

Therefore, the printing system 30 of the present embodiment
In No. 1, when the client prints the content on the WWW transmitted from the relay server 303 by requesting the relay server 303 with the printing apparatus 302, the relay server 303 selects the one that meets the specifications of the printing apparatus 302 of the client. And the printing suitable for the printing hand printing device 302 of each client can be performed.

Further, for the content data stored in a predetermined format at the location designated by the client by the URL on the WWW, the relay server 303 stores the data of the website 30 at the location.
4 (S304), the print information (printing device 30) of the client printing device 302 is acquired.
Since the rendering and the format conversion are performed based on the specification 2 (S305) (S305), even if the website 304 side saves the content in any predetermined format, the relay server 303 side will handle it and the client side will be affected. Absent.

Further, the printing system 301 of the present embodiment
Then, when the print information of the client printing apparatus 302 (specification of the printing apparatus 302) is transmitted to the relay server 302 (S202), each specification that constitutes the print information of the client printing apparatus 302 (specification of the printing apparatus 302). When there is a selected element (for example, resolution, paper size, color / monochrome, memory capacity, printer description language, presence / absence of a reading device, etc.), the printing processing condition is set (S314).
In, the client selects the type of any one of the selection elements among the specification elements constituting the print information of the printing apparatus 302 (specification of the printing apparatus 302), and prints the identifier resulting from the setting of the printing processing conditions. Since it is added to the head of the data (S319), even if the relay server 303 has an option for which rendering or format conversion is not possible, if there is another option that can be supported, printing is possible under that condition and printing is not possible. The effect is that the situation can be suppressed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the actions and effects of the printing system 301 of the present embodiment described above may be realized by a program stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk read by the client-side printing apparatus 302. Therefore, the printing system 301 of the present embodiment described above
For the operation and effect of the printing device 3 on the client side
02 or a storage medium such as a floppy disk read by the main body 302 on the client side.

In the printing system 301 of this embodiment, the network connecting the printing device 302, the server 303, and the mail server is WWW.
It may be the Internet, a LAN, or the like. However, the WWW has a high actual utility value and can significantly exhibit the above-mentioned effects.

[0088]

According to the printing system of the present invention, when the information notifying means of the electronic device on the client side transmits the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side to the server together with the address information on the network, the address on the network The content data saved in the specified format in the location specified by the electronic device on the client side in the information is
The server obtains it by accessing the site at the location, the server re-generation means performs rendering and format conversion based on the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side, and then transmits it to the client. After that, since the content is printed by the printing means of the electronic device on the client side, when the electronic device on the client side prints the content on the network transmitted from the server by requesting the server, The server is caused to send the one that meets the specifications of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side, and printing suitable for the printing means of the electronic device on the client side is possible.

Further, the content data stored in a predetermined format at the location designated by the electronic device on the client side by the address information on the network is acquired by the server accessing the site at the location, and the server is regenerated. Since the means performs rendering and format conversion based on the specification information of the printing means of the electronic device on the client side, no matter what predetermined format the site side saves the content on the server side, the client side Does not affect.

However, regarding the above-mentioned action and effect,
It may be realized by a program stored in a storage medium read by an electronic device on the client side. Therefore,
The actions and effects described above can be similarly exerted in the client-side electronic device and the storage medium read by the client-side electronic device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage pattern of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the facsimile apparatus 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the facsimile device 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 1.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration in a ROM 81 and a RAM 83.

FIG. 6 is a ROM 113 and R of the web print unit 110.
It is explanatory drawing showing the data structure in AM115.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a URL / memo information registration process executed by the CPU 111 of the web print unit 110.

FIG. 8 is flag information 1 stored in ROM 113.
It is explanatory drawing regarding 13b.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overall flowchart of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the printing apparatus (client) of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a relay server of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart of a relay server of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart of a relay server of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart of a relay server of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart of a relay server of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart of a relay server of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Facsimile machine 21 WWW server 37 Recording Section 81 ROM 83 RAM 113 ROM 115 RAM 270 operation keys 301 printing system 302 printing device 303 Relay server 304 Website

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/32 H04N 1/32 Z (72) Inventor Yuji Sato 15-1 Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya Brother Industries, Ltd. (72) Inventor Masatoshi Kokubo 15-1 Naedai-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya Brother Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HH03 HJ08 HK05 HN05 HN15 HN26 HP06 HQ17 5B021 AA05 BB00 CC02 5C062 AA05 AA13 AB26 AC41 AB42 AB42 AB41 AB42 AC30 AE15 AF02 AF10 5C075 BA05 CA03 CD02 CD04 CD05 CD09

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A client-side electronic device having a printing unit, a server connected to the electronic device via a network, and a site in which contents on the network are stored in a predetermined format. The data of the content located at the location designated by the electronic device by the address information on the network is transmitted to the electronic device after the server accesses the site at the location, and the content is printed by the printing unit. In the printing system for printing by, the specification information of the printing unit is transmitted to the server together with the address information, the information notification unit provided in the electronic device, and the specification information for rendering and format conversion of the content. And a regeneration means provided in the server, For example, the electronic device is a printing system wherein the data of the content processed by the regeneration unit, characterized in that printing the contents by the print means. 2. A site, which stores contents in a predetermined format, is connected via a network, and content data at a location designated by address information on the network is obtained by accessing the site at the location. After that, while being connected via the network to a server having a regeneration unit that performs rendering and format conversion of the content based on specification information when transmitting to the electronic device that is the source of the address information, An electronic device on the client side for printing the content by a printing means, comprising information notifying means for transmitting to the server the specification information of the printing means as the specification information together with the address information, and the regenerating means for the server. By the data of the content processed in Electronic apparatus, characterized in that the printing in the printing unit. 3. A site in which contents are stored in a predetermined format is connected via a network, and content data at a location specified by address information on the network is obtained by accessing the site at the location. After that, when the address information is transmitted to the transmission source electronic device, it is connected via the network to a server having a regeneration unit that renders the content and performs format conversion based on the specification information. A storage medium used in a client-side electronic device that prints the content with a printing unit, the information notifying process transmitting information related to the specifications of the printing unit to the server as the specification information together with the address information, By the data of the content processed by the regenerating means of the server, Storage medium, wherein a content storing print program of a process for printing by the print means.