JP2003256307A - Information providing system, information providing method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to use information on the Internet regardless of whether or not various output devices installed in a convenience store are connected to the Internet. In a system capable of transmitting and receiving electronic data via a communication network for communicating electronic information, a portable device connectable to a communication network, an information output unit capable of outputting information to paper, a monitor, or the like; Connecting means for connecting the portable device to the information output means; determining means for determining whether the information output means can be directly connected to a communication network; and Obtains electronic data from the communication network when it is determined that the information output means is not directly connected to the communication network; There is provided an information providing system or the like having switching means for switching to acquire electronic data from a communication network via a device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When a user obtains electronic data via a network, the individual authentication of the user is simply performed in order to receive the distribution service of the electronic data, and the electronic data can be retrieved easily. The present invention relates to a system capable of acquiring electronic data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Information printed on magazines, CDs, etc.
Services in which music data recorded on media such as the above are distributed as electronic data via the Internet, which has become widespread in recent years, are becoming widespread.

Up to now, a user went to a retail place and purchased a medium such as a paper or a CD on which information is recorded, whereas a personal computer owned by the user communicates with the Internet or the like. By connecting to a network and accessing a server that stores information such as electronic data in print and music information converted into a standardized format such as MP3, it is stored there. Information is being downloaded.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] So far, users have been on a communication network such as the Internet by using a printer / scanner function installed in a convenience store or the like and a multifunction peripheral (MFP) installed therein. When you want to download electronic data from a server to output to a recording medium such as paper, the multifunction peripheral (MFP) installed at the convenience store must be connected to a communication network such as the Internet. It was necessary to go to a specific place where an MFP connected to a communication network such as the Internet was installed to perform the work.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems, and in a system capable of transmitting and receiving electronic data via a communication network for communicating electronic information, communication is performed. A portable device connectable to a network, an information output unit capable of outputting information to paper, a monitor, etc., a connection unit for connecting the portable device to the information output unit, and the information output unit directly connected to a communication network. When determining that the information output means is directly connected to the communication network, the determination means for determining whether or not the connection is possible acquires electronic data from the communication network, and When the determination means determines that the information output means is not directly connected to the communication network, the switching means for switching to acquire electronic data from the communication network via the portable device. Authentication system, etc., to provide.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [First Embodiment] In this embodiment, a user can directly connect a multifunction system equipped with a printer, a scanner function, etc. installed in a convenience store or the like to a communication network such as the Internet. The description will be made assuming that electronic data is acquired from a distribution server that exists on a communication network such as the Internet.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a multi-function system (hereinafter referred to as MFP system) installed in a convenience store or the like, 2 is an information retrieval server, 3 is a distribution server for storing electronic data desired by the user, and 4 is a user. Is a service server for a mobile device or the like that processes charges when using a service, 5 is a communication network such as the Internet, and 6 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone used by a user and having a communication function.

The MFP system installed in the convenience store or the like includes a printer, a scanner, or a CRT monitor of the MFPs 11 and 12 having a copy function. 14 is a local area network inside the convenience store, for example, a plurality of MFs.
P is connected to the local area network.
Also, 12 CRTs are connected to 11 MFPs.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the digital copying machine 100 of the present invention.

Reference numeral 200 in FIG. 2 denotes an image reader unit 201 for reading a document image and an image reader unit 201.
The printer unit 202 that reproduces the image data read in step 2 is roughly divided. The image reader 201 is 400d
This is a part that reads a document at a resolution of pi (dots / inch) and performs digital signal processing. The printer unit 202 is a unit that outputs an image corresponding to the original image read by the image reader unit 201 in full color print at a resolution of 400 dpi on a designated sheet.

In the image reader unit 201, an original 204 on an original platen glass (hereinafter referred to as a platen) 203 is illuminated by a lamp 205, and mirrors 206, 207, 208.
A three-line sensor (hereinafter, CCD) 210 that guides the light and converts the condensed light into an electric signal by a lens 209.
An image is formed on the upper side and sent to the signal processing unit 211 as full color information red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components. The carriage fixing 205 and 206 has a speed v, and the carriages 207 and 208 have a speed of 1/2 v and are mechanically moved in a direction perpendicular to the electrical scanning (main scanning) direction of the line sensor. , Scan the entire surface of the document (sub-scan)
To do.

In the signal processing unit 211, the read image signal is electrically processed and decomposed into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), black (Bk) components, and the printer unit. Send to 202.

In addition, one component of M, C, Y, and Bk is sent to the printer unit 202 for each document scanning by the image reader unit 201, and one component is scanned by a total of four document scanning. The printout is completed. The M, C, Y, and Bk image signals sent from the image reader unit 201 are sent to the laser driver 212. The laser driver 212 modulates and drives the semiconductor laser 213 according to the sent image signal. The laser light scans the photosensitive drum 217 via the polygon mirror 214, the f-θ lens 215, and the mirror 216.

Reference numeral 218 denotes a rotary developing device, which has a magenta developing section 219, a cyan developing section 220, and a yellow developing section 22.
1. The black developing unit 222, four developing units alternately contact the photosensitive drum 217, and develop the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner.

Reference numeral 223 denotes a transfer drum, which winds the paper supplied from the paper cassette 224 or 225 around the transfer drum 223 and transfers the image developed on the photosensitive drum onto the paper. In this manner, after the four colors M, C, Y, and Bk are sequentially transferred, the paper passes through the fixing unit 226, the toner is fixed on the paper, and then the paper is ejected.

FIG. 3 shows in detail the construction of a portion for processing an electric signal of a printer section for printing on a recording medium such as paper in the 11th MFP. 301 is a CPU
Then, it is for controlling each part of the printer.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM, which is used to temporarily store the result of calculation by the CPU, image data handled by the printer, and the like. A ROM 303 stores a program for operating the CPU, font data for generating image data, and the like.

Reference numeral 304 is a local bus to which the CPU, RAM and ROM are connected. Reference numeral 305 denotes an I / O bus, which is an internal bus for function expansion. 306 is the local bus and I / O
It is a bridge circuit for connecting buses. A printer unit 307 is a unit for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper.

There are various types of printer units such as an electrophotographic system and a bubble jet (R) system. Numeral 308 is a printer interface unit for connecting the printer unit and the I / O bus, and is provided in accordance with the instruction of the CPU 30
It is possible to transfer the image data stored in the RAM 2 to the printer unit 307. Reference numeral 309 denotes a hard disk drive for spooling image data,
The CPU is for storing programs and the like for performing various processes.

A network interface controller 311 is used to connect to the local area network. An image processing unit (hereinafter, IPU) 312 is for performing image processing such as resolution conversion.

Reference numeral 313 denotes a raster image processor, which expands image data in a page description language transferred from the outside via a network interface circuit 311 into a bitmap image according to an instruction from the CPU 301, and stores it in a RAM 302. Used to store the expanded bitmap data. Reference numeral 314 is a video RAM in which display data displayed on an external CRT or LCD panel is written by the CPU. Reference numeral 315 is a video interface, which displays the display data stored in the VRAM to an external CRT or L
It is intended to be an interface for displaying on a CD panel. Reference numeral 316 is an expanded I / O interface, which is, for example, an interface circuit for the CPU of 301 to communicate with a portable device or the like. The communication mode is serial communication, Bicentro interface, or
There are formats such as wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

FIG. 4 shows in detail the structure of the portion of the 11th MFP that processes the electrical signals of the scanner section.

Reference numeral 401 denotes a CPU for controlling each part of the scanner. Reference numeral 402 denotes a RAM for temporarily storing a result calculated by the CPU, image data read by the scanner, and the like. Reference numeral 403 is a ROM in which programs for operating the CPU are stored. Reference numeral 404 is a local bus to which the CPU, RAM, and ROM are connected. Reference numeral 405 is an I / O bus, which is an internal bus for function expansion. 406 is the local bus and I
This is a bridge circuit for connecting the / O bus. A scanner unit 407 is a unit for converting an optical signal read from a document placed on a document table (not shown) into electronic data using a CCD or the like and transferring the electronic data.
A scanner interface unit 408 is for connecting the scanner unit to the I / O bus, and transfers electronic data obtained by reading a document transferred from the scanner to the RAM of 402 according to an instruction from the CPU. It is possible. 410 is a network interface controller, which is used to connect to a local area network.

An image processing unit (hereinafter referred to as IPU) 409 is for performing image processing such as resolution conversion. Reference numeral 411 denotes an expanded I / O interface, which is, for example, an interface circuit for allowing the CPU of 401 to communicate with a portable device or the like. The communication form is serial communication, Bicentro interface,
Alternatively, there are formats such as wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The above-described MFP of FIG. 1 can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet shown at 6 via the local area network.

On a communication network such as the Internet of 5,
Various servers are connected, and services such as 2 search servers that search information or 3 electronic data are stored and electronic data that is internally stored can be delivered at the request of the user. Delivery server, 4 more
There are various services for mobile devices such as mobile phones, and servers for services for mobile devices that can control charging.

The MFP of FIG. 1 can inquire information from the search server 2 through the communication network such as the Internet 5 by the user performing a predetermined operation, and can also receive the information from the search server. It is also possible to print out the generated data on the monitor shown by 12 in FIG. 1 or the 11 MFPs.

In FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the user operates the MFP system installed in a convenience store or the like and stores it in the distribution server 3 connected to the communication network 6 such as the Internet. The CPU of the printer unit shown in FIG. 3 is used to acquire the stored electronic data and output it to a recording medium such as paper from the printer unit of the MFP system.
310 is a flowchart for first detecting the state of network connection.

First, the CPU 310 waits until a request from the user to print out electronic data inside the distribution server on the Internet arrives (501). Next, when the user requests to print out the electronic data inside the distribution server on the Internet, the CPU 301 determines whether the network interface controller 311 shown in FIG. 3 is mounted or can operate normally. Judgment is made by reading the register etc. inside the controller 311 (50
2). Network interface controller 311
If it is confirmed that is installed, then the CPU 301 determines that the UR of the distribution server 3 connected to the communication network 5 such as the Internet which records the electronic data specified by the user.
Attempt to access L (503). When the CPU 301 determines that the access to the distribution server 3 has been normally performed,
A process of receiving electronic data stored in the distribution server, which will be described later, is performed (504), and all the processes are terminated. When the CPU 301 determines in 502 that the network interface controller 311 is not mounted or is not operating normally, the mode is switched to use the communication function of the mobile device 6 connected to the MFP 11. The mobile device 6 is connected via the 316 expansion I / O interface. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of a mobile device terminal. The mobile device terminal has an LCD display unit 604 and an operation unit 605, similar to a mobile phone.
Is connected and has a telephone function unit 602 for functioning as a telephone. A CPU 606 for controlling the entire device is mounted in the central portion 601 of the function, and a RAM 607 is connected as a temporary storage for the CPU to operate.

A ROM 609 storing personal information is installed, and a telephone number, ID information for the mobile device company to identify the individual, and the like are stored. ROM609 is
It is connected to the CPU via the ROM I / F 608, and only the portion of the ROM 609 can be attached / detached if necessary.

Further, the portable device terminal has an external expansion I / F indicated by 603, and it is possible to communicate with other devices by attaching a wireless I / F such as infrared communication. In this case, it can be used as an I / F for connecting to the MFP 1 and transmitting / receiving information.

An IC card or the like can be attached to the external expansion I / F, and personal information or information used by the user can be stored in the external expansion I / F instead of the internal ROM 609 or RAM 607.
It is also possible to store it in an IC card.

The portable device 6 is connected to the MFP 11 via the expansion I / O interface 316, and can read the information stored in the RAM 607 and the ROM 609 inside the portable device from the CPU 301. When the mode is switched to the mode of using the communication function of the mobile device 6 connected to the MFP 11, first, the CPU 301 operates the mobile device 6 via the expansion I / O interface of 316, and the mobile device 6 operates the Internet 5 or the like. A call is made to a server that provides a service connectable to the communication network (505). The CPU 301 waits until it is connected to a server that provides a service connectable to a communication network such as the Internet 5 (506). CPU3 notified from the mobile device 6 that the connection to the server providing the service connectable to the communication network such as the Internet 5 has ended
01 is then connected to the communication network 5, such as the Internet, which records the electronic data specified by the user, via the mobile device 6 and a server that provides a service capable of connecting to the communication network, such as the Internet 5. An attempt is made to access the URL of the distributed distribution server 3 (507).

Here, when the CPU 301 determines that the access to the distribution server 3 is normally performed, the CPU 301 performs a process of receiving electronic data stored in the distribution server, which will be described later (504), and executes all the processes. To finish. Also, the URL of the distribution server 3 connected to the communication network 5 such as the Internet that records the electronic data specified by the user.
If the access to the network was not successful, the CR in Figure 1
An error message indicating that communication is not possible is output to T12, etc., and all processing is terminated.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of FIG. 1 in which a user is installed in a convenience store or the like in one embodiment of the present invention.
Using the MFP system shown in FIG. 3, the search server 2 connected on the communication network 5 such as the Internet is used to search the leaf delivery server 3 that stores the electronic data of the information desired by the user. , Also, the usage fee for receiving information is charged on the server of the mobile device company,
This is for explaining the outline of the operation until obtaining the password for acquiring the electronic data.

The user operates the MFP at the location where the MFP system shown in 1 of FIG. 1 is installed, such as a convenience store, and the distribution service contents that can be currently received by using the MFP. Is input (701).

Next, the CPU 301 incorporated in the printer section of the MFP 11 performs the processing shown in FIG. 5 described above, and in this embodiment, the network interface controller.
It can be confirmed that the 311 is installed, and the MFP 11 directly transmits the electronic data specified by the user to the distribution server 3 connected to the communication network 5 such as the Internet via the communication network 5 such as the Internet. Data could be sent and received.

Upon receiving the inquiry about the electronic data distribution service currently available from the user, the MFP makes an inquiry to the search server shown by 2 in FIG. (702)

A magazine company or a trader whose purpose is to publish information in a medium such as a magazine has been described above in order to provide users with more detailed information and more advanced services using the environment such as the Internet. When posting the key code together with a medium such as a magazine, first apply to the institution that manages the search server 2 in FIG. As a result,
The organization that manages the second search server is to identify each magazine service provided by a magazine company or a trader who has the purpose of posting information in a medium such as a magazine on an environment such as the Internet. Issue a service registration number.

When there is an inquiry from the MFP or the like installed in a convenience store or the like regarding the electronic data distribution service, the search server replies with the service content and this registration number together (703).

Upon receiving the service content and the registration number from the search server, the MFP displays the service content sent and the registration number corresponding to the service on the monitor or the like shown in 12 of FIG. 1 ( 704).

Next, when the desired electronic data is included in the service content transmitted from the search server, the user inputs the registration number corresponding to the service content by operating the MFP (705).

Next, the MFP 1 transmits the registration number input by the user to the search server 2 of FIG. 1 through the environment such as the Internet network of FIG. 1 using the URL of the search server. (706).

The search server 2 which has received the service registration number from the MFP 1 searches the information of the distribution server 3 which provides the service from the received registration number. The search server 2 reads the information of the distribution server corresponding to the service registration number stored inside. Information such as the URL of the distribution server 3 that provides the service is stored inside the search server. The search server 2 detects the URL information of the distribution server 3 from the searched information, and then the Internet network 6 or the like. An inquiry about the presence / absence of service is transmitted to the distribution server 3 via (step 707).

The distribution server 3, which has received the inquiry about the presence or absence of the service from the search server 2, replies that the information can be distributed, and also returns the charging information necessary for the information distribution (708).

Upon receiving from the distribution server 3 that the distribution service is available, the search server 2 notifies the MFP system 1 that the information distribution service is available (709).

The MFP 1 notified by the search server 2 that the distribution service is available outputs the information available to the user to the monitor shown at 12 in FIG. 1 (710).

When the user operates the MFP 1 and inputs to continue using the distribution service (711), the MF
P1 is the mobile device that the user owns for the user M
A screen requesting to be attached to FP1 is output to the monitor 12 (712).

When the user connects the portable device terminal to the MFP 1 according to the instruction of the MFP 1, the MFP 1 independently operates the telephone number of the portable device terminal stored in the ROM 609 inside the connected portable device terminal or each portable device terminal. Read the ID managed by.

At the same time, information on the company that manages and operates the service for the mobile device terminal is also retrieved (713).

At this time, a scanner for reading a fingerprint can be attached to the external expansion I / F 603 of the mobile terminal, and personal fingerprint information can be transmitted together with personal data.

The personal information read by the MFP 1 and stored in the mobile device terminal is transferred to the search server 2 via the Internet 6 or the like, and manages and operates the service for the mobile device terminal. The company information is also transferred (714), and the information of the URL of the server providing the service to the mobile device terminal is searched based on this information. Next, the search server 2 transmits the personal information acquired from the mobile device terminal to the server of the mobile device terminal company via the Internet 6 or the like from the searched URL, and inquires about the personal information to search for the mobile device. It is confirmed whether the person is officially registered with the terminal company (715).

At this time, if a scanner for reading a fingerprint is attached to the external extension I / F 603, the fingerprint information of the individual is also received together, and the information of the portable device and the fingerprint information are combined to give the individual. It is also possible to specify. After it is confirmed that the mobile terminal is registered with the mobile device terminal company, the distribution server 3 requests the mobile device terminal company server to charge the cost of distributing the electronic data. The mobile device terminal company is notified of the information of the distribution server connected to the internet network 6 from the search server 2,
After receiving the billing information when using the service provided by this distribution server, contact the magazine company that manages and operates the distribution server, or the vendor who has the purpose of posting the information in media such as magazines. On the other hand, the usage fee of the service will be transferred. A mobile device company manages a distribution server,
The fee transferred to the magazine company that operates it or the vendor who has the purpose of posting the information in a medium such as a magazine is charged as a service of the mobile device terminal used by the user, and the user charges the mobile device. It will be transferred at a later date to the company that operates the terminal service.

When the charging procedure at the mobile device terminal company is completed as described above, the server 4 of the mobile device terminal company is completed.
Notifies the search server 2 that the charging procedure has been completed (716).

Next, the search server 2 uses the Internet network 5
For example, the delivery server 3 is notified of the completion of the billing procedure and requests to continue the electronic data delivery service (717). The distribution server 3 which has received the completion of the charging procedure for the distribution service
The electronic data stored in the distribution server is transmitted to the search server 2 (718).

Further, the distribution server 3 sends the electronic data to the MFP.
It is retransmitted to 11 (719).

Upon receiving the electronic data, the MFP 11 sends the electronic data to the printer unit 307 of FIG. 3, forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, and outputs it (720).

After the MFP system finishes outputting all the images, the user notifies the fact that the electronic data can be received by operating the MFP 11 for confirmation (521).
The MFP 11 outputs to the monitor 12 that all procedures have been completed, and ends all operations (522).

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the electronic data is received from the communication network such as the Internet using the MFP, the user determines whether or not the MFP is connected to the communication network such as the Internet. Even without doing so, the MFP side can automatically determine, and the user does not have to go through complicated procedures.

When the user acquires the distribution information,
The name of the electronic data for obtaining the distribution information and the operation request to the distribution server side can be almost automatically made without the user being aware.

Incidentally, the search server 2 in the present embodiment.
The information distribution server 3 may be a general computer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a general personal user terminal device. In FIG. 10, 12
00 is a computer PC. PC1200 is CP
U1201, which executes device control software stored in the ROM 1202 or the hard disk (HD) 1211 or supplied from the flexible disk drive (FD) 1212, and executes the system bus 120.
4 controls each device connected to 4.

CPU 1201 and RO of the PC 1200
The function of each unit of the present embodiment is realized by the program stored in the M1202 or the hard disk (HD) 1211.

A RAM 1203 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1201. A keyboard controller (KBC) 1205 is a keyboard (K
B) Control instruction input from 1209 or a device (not shown).

Reference numeral 1206 denotes a CRT controller (CRT
C) controls the display on the CRT display (CRT) 1210. 1207 is a disk controller (DK
In C), a boot program (startup program: a program for starting execution (operation) of hardware or software of a personal computer), a plurality of applications, edit files, user files, a hard disk (HD) 1211 for storing a network management program, and the like, and It controls access to the flexible disk (FD) 1212.

Reference numeral 1208 denotes a network interface card (NIC), which is a network printer, another network device, or another P device via the LAN 1220.
It exchanges bidirectional data with C.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an outline of a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the MFP installed in the convenience store or the like is not connected to the communication network 5 such as the Internet. Further, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the delivery data desired by the user is received on the MFP installed in the convenience store or the like, and is described on the assumption that the MFP outputs the data to a recording medium such as paper. I do.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 uses the portable device 6 owned by the user to communicate with the server 4 of the portable device company by utilizing the digital telephone line, and further to the Internet or the like. Using the search server 2 via the communication network 5, the distribution server 3 that stores electronic data of information desired by the user is searched, and the usage fee for receiving the information is calculated by the mobile device company. This is for explaining the outline of the operation until the electronic data is acquired by being charged on the server.

First, the user connects the portable device to the MFP 11 and then operates the MFP 11 to acquire electronic data from the distribution server 3 connected to the communication network 5 such as the Internet, and a recording medium such as paper. To output to. The CPU 301 of the printer unit of the MFP 11 performs the processing according to the flow of FIG. 5 as described above, determines that it cannot directly connect to the communication network 5 such as the Internet, switches the mode, and uses the mobile device 6 to communicate with the communication network such as the Internet. It comes to connect to 5.

First, the MFP 11 operates the portable device 6 through the extended I / O interface 316 to connect to the server 4 of the portable device company (900). The mobile device 6 uses the server 4 on the mobile device company side to perform a procedure for connecting a predetermined line.
(901) to complete the line connection. Next, the user inputs the URL of the search server 2 connected to the communication network 5 such as the Internet into the mobile device (902). The mobile device 6 notifies the URL information to the server 4 of the mobile device company (90
3), the server 4 of the mobile device company makes access 2 to the search server via the communication network 5 such as the Internet (904).

The search server 3 accessed by the server 4 of the mobile device company returns the service content and the registration number corresponding to the service content together regarding the electronic data distribution service (905).

Upon receiving the service content and the registration number corresponding to the service content from the search server, the server 4 of the mobile device company transmits the available electronic data distribution service information to the MFP 11 via the mobile device 6 (906). ). MFP11 that received the information of available electronic data distribution service
Displays the service content sent to the CRT 12 together with the registration number corresponding to the service (907).

Next, when the desired electronic data is included in the service contents transmitted from the search server, the user inputs the registration number corresponding to the service number by operating the MFP 11 (908).

Next, the MFP 11 transmits the registration number input by the user via the mobile device 6 to the server 4 of the mobile device company (909), and the server 4 of the mobile device company further uses the communication network 6 such as the Internet. Search server url via
Use to send the registration number (910).

The search server 2 which has received the service registration number from the server 4 of the mobile device company searches the information of the distribution server 3 which provides the service from the received registration number.

The search server 2 reads the information of the distribution server corresponding to the service registration number stored inside. Information such as the URL of the distribution server 3 that provides the service is stored inside the search server. The search server 2 detects the URL information of the distribution server 3 from the searched information, and then the Internet network 5 or the like. An inquiry about the presence or absence of a service is transmitted to the distribution server 3 via (91
1).

The distribution server 3, which receives the inquiry about the presence or absence of the service from the search server 2, replies that the information can be distributed, and also returns the billing information necessary for the information distribution (912).

Upon receiving from the distribution server 3 that the distribution service is available, the search server 2 notifies the server 4 of the mobile device company that the information distribution service is available (913). ).

Next, the server 4 of the mobile device company notifies the MFP 11 via the mobile device 6 that the information distribution service is available (914).

The MFP 11 notified from the server 4 of the mobile device company that the distribution service is available outputs the information available to the user to the CRT 12 (91).
Five).

When the user operates the MFP 11 and inputs to continue the use work of the distribution service (916), the MFP 11 subsequently notifies the server 4 of the mobile device company that the use work of the distribution service is to be continued. (917).

Next, the server 4 of the mobile device company requests the MFP 11 to transmit personal information (918).

Here, the MFP 11 is the connected mobile device 6
The telephone number of the mobile device terminal stored in the internal ROM 609 or the ID independently managed for each mobile device terminal is read out and transmitted to the server 4 of the mobile device company (91
9).

At the server 4 of the mobile device company, after receiving the transmitted information stored in the ROM 609 inside the mobile device, a person officially registered with the mobile device terminal company by inquiring about personal information. Check if there is. After it is confirmed that the mobile device terminal 6 is registered with the mobile device terminal company, the cost of distributing the electronic data from the distribution server 3 is managed by the magazine company that manages and operates the distribution server, and the advertisement. Transfer to a vendor whose purpose is to publish information in media such as magazines.

The mobile device terminal company manages the distribution server,
The fee transferred to the magazine company that operates it or the vendor who has the purpose of posting the information in a medium such as a magazine is charged as a service of the mobile device terminal used by the user, and the user charges the mobile device. It will be transferred at a later date to the company that operates the terminal service. When the charging procedure at the mobile device terminal company is completed as described above, the server 4 of the mobile device terminal company notifies the search server 2 that the charging process is completed (920).

Next, the search server 2 uses the Internet network 5
For example, the delivery server 3 is notified of the completion of the billing procedure and requests to continue the electronic data delivery service (921).

The distribution server 3, which has received the completion of the charging procedure for the distribution service, transmits the electronic data stored in the distribution server to the search server 2 (922).

The distribution server 3 is the server 4 of the mobile device company.
The electronic data is retransmitted to (923). The server 4 of the mobile device company that has received the electronic data further retransfers the electronic data to the MFP 11 (924).

After receiving the electronic data, the MFP 11 notifies the portable device terminal company server 4 that a series of information has been received (925), and sends the electronic data to the printer unit 307 of FIG.
An image is formed and output on a recording medium such as paper. Next MFP
11 outputs to the CRT 12 that all procedures are completed (926), and completes all operations.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the electronic data is received from the communication network such as the Internet using the MFP, the user determines whether the MFP is connected to the communication network such as the Internet. Even if you do not do so, the MFP can automatically judge, and even if the MFP cannot connect to the communication network such as the Internet, the user can automatically send data without the complicated procedure. You can switch modes to communicate through your mobile device. In addition, when the user acquires the distribution information, the name of the electronic data for acquiring the distribution information and the operation request to the distribution server side can be made almost automatically without the user being aware. .

[Other Embodiments] Note that according to the present invention, a plurality of devices (eg, host computer, interface device,
The present invention may be applied to a system including a reader, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium having a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply the computer (or CPU or M or M) of the system or apparatus.
It is needless to say that it is also achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in the recording medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk,
CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card,
ROM etc. can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where a part or all of the processing of (1) is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in the memory provided in the extended function board inserted into the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer, the program code is instructed based on the instruction. The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that the processing includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

[0098]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION Regardless of whether or not the information output device (means) installed in a convenience store or the like is connected to the network, the user can automatically connect to the network without complicated procedures. By grasping the state, it is possible to select whether to use the network function of the information output device (means) or use the communication function of the mobile device owned by the user to transmit and receive data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information providing method and a management authentication system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an MFP.

FIG. 3 is a detailed explanatory diagram of an electrical processing unit of the printer unit.

FIG. 4 is a detailed explanatory diagram of an electrical processing unit of a scanner unit.

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of a printer CPU.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of communication during an authentication procedure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an information providing method and a management authentication system.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of communication during an authentication procedure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a general computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: MFP system 2: Search server 3: Distribution server
4: Mobile device company server 5: Personal computer 6: Internet communication network 7: Mobile device 11: MF
P 12: Monitor 301: CPU 302: RAM 303: ROM 304: Local bus 305: I / O bus 306: Bridge circuit 307: Printer unit 308: Printer I / F 30
9: Hard disk 310: IDE I / F 311: Network I / F circuit 312: Image processing unit 313: Page language expansion unit 314: VRAM 315: VIDEOI / F 316: Extended I / OI / F 401: CPU 402: RAM 403: ROM 404: Local bus 405: I / O bus 406: Bridge circuit 407: Scanner unit 408: Scanner I / F 40
9: Image processing unit 410: Network I / F circuit 41
1: Extended I / O I / F 601: Mobile device main unit 602: Telephone function unit 60
3: External expansion I / F 604: LCD display 605: Operation buttons 606: CPU 607: RAM 608: ROM I / F 6
09: ROM

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Sozo Yamazaki             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Reiji Misawa             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Shigeo Yamagata             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F-term (reference) 5C062 AA05 AA12 AA29 AB38 AB46                       AC41 BA04 BB03                 5J104 AA07 AA12 AA13 KA01

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An information providing system capable of transmitting and receiving electronic data via a communication network for communicating electronic information, for connecting a portable device connectable to the communication network to an information output means capable of outputting information. Connection means, determination means for determining whether the information output means can be directly connected to the communication network, and the determination means the information output means is directly connected to the communication network If it is determined that the electronic data is obtained from the communication network, and if the determination means determines that the information output means is not directly connected to the communication network, the electronic data is transmitted from the communication network via the portable device. An information providing system, comprising: a switching unit that switches to acquire data. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a server in which electronic data is registered, and a distribution means for distributing the electronic data registered in the server. system. 3. The information providing system according to claim 2, wherein transmitting means for transmitting information for identifying an individual, which is stored in the portable device, and an individual transmitted by the transmitting means are identified. Authentication information for receiving the information for determining whether the user can use the distribution means, and receiving the encryption or ID information required when the user acquires the electronic data by the distribution means, An information providing system comprising: a registration unit that registers the code or ID information in a mobile device owned by the individual. 4. The information providing system according to claim 3, wherein the registration means transmits the encryption or ID information registered in the portable device owned by an individual to the distribution means by the transmission means, and the user An information providing system, comprising: a distribution permission determining unit that permits acquisition of distribution data from the distribution unit. 5. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is provided with a readable or writable memory for storing information for identifying an individual and for writing new information. An information providing system characterized in that 6. The information providing system according to claim 5, wherein information for identifying an individual stored in the readable / writable memory existing in the mobile device is managed for each mobile device, An information providing system comprising an inquiry unit for inquiring information for identifying an individual in response to an inquiry when the inquiry occurs via the communication network. 7. The information providing system according to claim 2, further comprising search means for searching the delivery network for recording the electronic data desired by the user on the communication network. Offer system. 8. The information providing system according to claim 7, wherein the searching unit uses an input unit for inputting information related to the electronic data, which is used when the user searches for electronic data desired by the user, and the distributing unit. And an output unit for outputting the information sent from the search unit to the user and for displaying the information stored in the portable device owned by the individual. 9. The information providing system according to claim 8, further comprising a local communication means for connecting the connection means and the input means and the output means to each other. 10. An information providing method for transmitting and receiving electronic data via a communication network for communicating electronic information, comprising: a step for connecting a portable device to an information output means; and the information output means for connecting to the communication network. When determining that the information output unit is directly connected to the communication network, a determination step for determining whether or not direct connection is possible, obtain electronic data from the communication network, and output the information. If it is determined that the means is not directly connected to the communication network, a switching step of switching to acquire electronic data from the communication network via the portable device is provided. 11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a function of each unit in the information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information providing method according to claim 10. . 12. A program for causing a computer to execute the function of each unit in the information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and each step of the information providing method according to claim 10.