JP2007004508A - Output system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an output system selecting an output device suitable for a user's schedule as an output destination and immediately starting outputting at the output device. <P>SOLUTION: This output system 100 comprises: an output management server 120 which manages schedule information (place where one has gone, schedule arrival time, etc.) and output files which are registered by a client PC 110; and an output device management server 130 which manages a plurality of output devices 140. The output management server 120 makes inquiry to an output device management server 130 based on the schedule information and acquires information (an installation place, etc.) regarding the output device 140 as the output destination. It also determines a transmission process start time on the basis of the schedule information and starts a transmission process to the output device 140 as the output destination of the output file at the transmission process start time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an output system that enables printout or the like on the go.

  Conventionally, there is a high need for print output at a business trip destination, such as when a business trip suddenly needs a printed out product or when there is no time to print at the office due to a sudden outing.

  In response to such printing needs on the go, there are services that can be printed at a printing device installed in a store such as a convenience store or a hot spot accessible to the Internet.

  Normally, in such a service, a user first accesses a server (Web site) that provides the service from his / her personal computer (PC) or the like, and loads a document (document file or the like) to be output to the server. Upload. When the registration of the document to the server is completed, a reservation code corresponding to the registered document is issued and notified to the user by display on a screen of a PC or the like, or by e-mail. Then, when the reservation code is entered on the operation screen of the printing device installed in a store or the like, the corresponding document registered in the server is converted into data that can be printed by the printing device, and then the reservation code Is downloaded and output to the printing apparatus that has input.

  By the way, when a document is output on the go, there are usually many cases where there is not enough time. However, in the above service, since the print data is downloaded from the server to the printing device after the reservation code is input, a large amount of documents are required. When a message is output, it takes a long time to download, and as a result, the user has to wait for a long time to obtain the output result.

  In the above service, it takes time and effort to find a printing apparatus that performs output on the go. In particular, it was necessary to investigate a store or a place where a printing apparatus capable of outputting in advance was installed at the first time when going out.

In JP-A-2002-32205, print data from a user is stored by a server device on a wide-area network, and identification data is assigned to the print data and stored, and installed in a convenience store or the like. A network printing system is disclosed in which, when there is a notification that identification data has been input from a printer, print data corresponding to the identification data is transferred to the printer for printing.
JP 2002-32205 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an output system that can select an output device that matches a user's schedule as an output destination and can immediately start output from the output device.

  An output system according to the present invention includes an output management server that manages user schedule information and output files, and an output device management server that manages a plurality of output devices, and the output management server includes the output device. The management server is inquired based on the schedule information, acquires information related to the output device as an output destination, determines the transmission processing start time based on the schedule information, and sets the transmission processing start time The transmission process of the output file to the output device as the output destination is started.

  In this case, when the schedule information is changed, the output management server makes an inquiry to the output device management server based on the changed schedule information, and obtains information on the output device that is the output destination. The transmission process start time is determined again based on the changed schedule information, and the transmission process of the output file to the output device serving as the output destination is started at the transmission process start time. May be.

  In the above case, the output device management server manages installation location information of the output device, and the information related to the output device serving as the output destination may include installation location information of the output device. . The schedule information may include destination information and scheduled arrival time information for the destination.

  In the above case, the output management server, in the transmission process, after converting the output file into output data that can be output by the output device that is the output destination, to the output device that is the output destination, The output data may be transmitted.

  The output management server issues a reservation code for outputting the output file when the output device as the output destination is specified, and informs the user together with information about the output device as the output destination. You may make it notify. In this case, the output management server notifies the user of the reservation code and information related to the output device serving as the output destination by an e-mail addressed to a mail address registered in association with the schedule information. You may do it.

  The output device may include an output data storage unit that stores the output data of the output file in association with the reservation code. In this case, when the reservation code is input, the output device may output output data corresponding to the reservation code. The output data stored in the output data storage unit may be deleted from the output data storage unit when it is not output after a predetermined time.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to select an output device that matches a user's action schedule, and it is possible to immediately start output from an output device outside the home.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote output system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the remote output system 100 according to the present invention includes a client PC 110, an output management server 120, an output device management server 130, and a plurality of output devices 140.

  The client PC 110 and the output management server 120, the output management server 120 and the output device management server 130, and the output device management server 130 and the output device 140 are connected by a network.

  The client PC 110 is for registering a user schedule, an output file (for example, a document file) to be output on the go, etc., with the output management server 120. For example, a normal personal computer (PC) is used. Consists of other computers. More specifically, the client PC 110 includes a CPU, a main memory, a display device, a hard disk device, an input device, and the like. The display device is configured by, for example, a CRT display device or an LCD display device, and the input device is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or other pointing device.

  The output management server 120 manages the user's schedule and manages output files to be output on the go. Further, the output management server 120 controls the output of the registered output file on the output device 140 in cooperation with the output device management server 130. The output management server 120 is configured by, for example, a normal PC or other computer.

  The output device management server 130 manages a plurality of output devices 140, and includes a database in which information (installation location, etc.) regarding each output device 140 is registered. The output device management server 130 monitors the operating status of each output device 140, searches the database in response to an inquiry from the output management server 120, selects an appropriate output device, and information on the output device 140 (Installation location etc.) is provided to the output management server 120. The output device management server 130 is configured by, for example, a normal PC or other computer.

  The output device 140 outputs an output file designated by the user, and includes, for example, a network-connected printing device (printer, multifunction device, etc.). The output device 140 includes an output data storage unit for storing output data transmitted from the output management server 120 in advance. For example, the output device 140 is placed in each store such as a convenience store, and when the user inputs a reservation code, the output device 140 performs output processing of corresponding output data stored in the output data storage unit.

  The output data held in the output data storage unit of the output device 140 is deleted when the output process is completed. It is also erased when a certain time has elapsed without actually being output. Further, when an erase command is sent from the output device management server 130 or the like, the command is also erased.

  Next, the operation of the remote output system 100 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, a case will be described in which a user makes a reservation only for print output in an office or the like and goes out, and performs actual print output at the destination.

  In this case, first, the user accesses the output management server 120 from the client PC 110 installed in the office or the like, and registers schedule information (eg, outing destination, travel route, estimated arrival time, etc.) in the output management server 120. To do. Further, the user registers a document file to be printed out on the go and the print setting information in the output management server 120. The output management server 120 has a Web server function for the schedule management service, and the user registers schedule information and the like using a Web browser installed in the client PC 110.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a schedule registration Web page provided by the output management server 120.

  As shown in the figure, it is possible to register an outing destination (movement destination), a movement route, and a scheduled arrival time as schedule information. Also, it is possible to register a document to be output on the go and its print settings in correspondence with the schedule information. Furthermore, a notification destination e-mail address for making various notifications to the user of the schedule can be registered.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a registered document is displayed together with a corresponding reservation code and transmission time.

  When the schedule information, document file, etc. are registered by the user, the output management server 120 sends the schedule information (outing destination information, etc.) to the output device management server 130, and the periphery of the destination or the periphery of the movement route The output device management server 130 is inquired about output devices 140 that can be used.

  The output device management server 130 selects the optimum output device 140 based on the schedule information sent from the output management server 120 and provides the output management server 120 with information (installation location, etc.) regarding the selected output device 140. To do. Instead of selecting the optimum output device 140, a plurality of output devices 140 suitable as output destinations are selected as candidates, and the candidate list is provided to the output management server 120. Also good. In this case, the user selects the output device 140 that actually performs output from the client PC 110. The output device 140 may be selected by accessing the output management server 120 from a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone while moving.

  When the output device 140 that performs output is specified, the output management server 120 issues a reservation code for identifying the output reservation and notifies the user together with information such as the installation location of the specified output device 140. . The notification is performed by, for example, screen display on the client PC 110 or the like and an e-mail addressed to a notification destination e-mail address registered by the user together with the schedule information.

  The output management server 120 can output the registered output file to the output device 140 that is the output destination at the transmission processing start time determined based on the estimated arrival time information included in the registered schedule information ( Output data), and then transmitted to the output device 140 as the output destination. Since the transmission processing start time is calculated by predicting the conversion time to output data and the transmission time of output data, the transmission of output data is performed at the place where the output device 140 that is the output destination of the user is installed. It will be completed by the time you arrive. The output management server 120 transmits the corresponding reservation code together with the output data to the output device 140 that is the output destination. The output device 140 associates the output data sent from the output management server 120 with the reservation code and stores them in the output data storage unit.

  A user who arrives at a place where the output device 140 as an output destination is installed inputs the notified reservation code to the output device 140. When the reservation code is input, the output device 140 performs output processing of output data corresponding to the input reservation code among the output data stored in the output data storage unit.

  As described above, in the remote output system 100, an appropriate output device 140 is selected according to the user's schedule, and information (installation location, etc.) regarding the output device 140 is notified to the user. It is possible to reduce the trouble of searching for the output device 140 that performs.

  In addition, since the output data is transmitted to the output data storage unit of the output device 140 in advance according to the user's schedule, the output device 140 starts the output process immediately after the user inputs the reservation code. can do. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time until the user obtains a print output at the place where the user is away from home.

  Next, a description will be given of a case where another user (in-house employee) who remains in the office or the like makes a print output reservation for a user who is out (outside).

  In this case, first, a person in the office or the like accesses the output management server 120 from the client PC 110 installed in the office or the like, and calls the schedule of the outing person registered in the output management server 120. The person in the office registers the document file that the outsider needs to print out and the print setting information in the output management server 120.

  The subsequent operation is the same as that described above. In other words, the output device 140 that is the output destination is identified based on the schedule information (such as whereabouts information), and information on the identified output device 140 (installation location, etc.) and the reservation code are viewed by the company employees. It is displayed on the screen of the client PC 110 and is notified to the person in the office, and is also addressed to a notification destination e-mail address registered in the outsider's schedule (for example, an e-mail address for a mobile phone carried by the outsider) An e-mail is sent to notify the outsider.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a mobile phone or the like of an e-mail transmitted to an outsider.

  As shown in the figure, as information relating to the specified output device, the location (store name) and location information (nearest station) where the output device is located, URL information for displaying a detailed map that can be referred to if necessary, and output device Status information is displayed, and as registered attribute information, print setting information, output charge information, time information for transmitting output data from the output management server 120 to the output device 140, and reserved print output are canceled. Time information and reservation code information to be input to the output device 140 are displayed.

  A person who has received such an e-mail with his / her mobile phone goes to the notified installation location of the output device 140 and inputs the notified reservation code to the output device 140 so that the e-mail is transmitted to the output device 140 in advance. The stored output data can be output to obtain the necessary documents.

  As described above, in the remote output system 100, even for a person who goes out only having a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a necessary document is delivered at a necessary timing according to the schedule of the person who goes out. Is possible.

  Next, a case will be described in which the schedule (for example, the destination or arrival time) is changed after the user makes a print output reservation in the office or the like and goes out.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the remote output system 100 in this case.

  The operation at the time of print output reservation before going out is the same as that described above. That is, the user accesses the output management server 120 from the client PC 110 installed in the office or the like, and registers the schedule information, the document file to be output on the go, and the print setting information in the output management server 120.

  When the schedule information, document file, and the like are registered, the output management server 120 sends schedule information (such as whereabouts information) to the output device management server 130 to inquire the output device management server 130 about the optimum output device 140. .

  The output device management server 130 selects an optimal output device (for example, the output device 140a) based on schedule information (such as outing destination information) sent from the output management server 120, and information on the selected output device 140a. (Installation location etc.) is provided to the output management server 120.

  When the output device 140a that performs output is specified, the output management server 120 issues a reservation code a for identifying the output reservation, and informs the user together with information (installation location, etc.) regarding the specified output device 140a. Notice.

  As described above, after making a print output reservation in an office or the like, the user goes out. When the schedule is changed while moving to the destination after going out, the user uses the Web browser installed in the mobile terminal (mobile PC, PDA, mobile phone, etc.) to output control server 120. To change the schedule registered in the output management server 120.

  When the schedule information is changed, the output management server 120 makes an inquiry to the output device management server 130 again about the output device 140 suitable for the changed schedule based on the changed schedule information. The output device management server 130 selects the optimum output device (for example, the output device 140b) based on the changed schedule information (such as the outing destination information) sent from the output management server 120, and the selected output device Information (installation location etc.) regarding 140b is provided to the output management server 120.

  When the output device 140b that performs the output is specified, the output management server 120 newly issues a reservation code b for identifying the output reservation after the schedule change, and information such as the installation location of the specified output device 140b At the same time, the user is notified. At this time, the print output reservation corresponding to the reservation code a is cancelled.

  The output management server 120 can output the registered document file to the output device 140b that is the output destination at the transmission processing start time determined based on the estimated arrival time information included in the changed schedule information ( Output data) and then transmitted to the output device 140b. The output management server 120 transmits the corresponding reservation code b together with the output data to the output device 140b that is the output destination. The output device 140b associates the output data sent from the output management server 120 with the reservation code b and stores them in the output data storage unit.

  The user who arrives at the place where the output device 140b is installed inputs the notified reservation code b to the output device 140b. When the reservation code b is input, the output device 140b performs output processing of output data corresponding to the input reservation code b among the output data stored in the output data storage unit.

  As described above, in the remote output system 100, the user simply obtains the necessary document by the output device 140 that matches the schedule after the change only by changing the schedule information registered in the output management server 120. It becomes possible.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the remote output system by this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a schedule registration Web page provided by the output management server 120. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the email transmitted to addressed persons. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the remote output system 100.

Explanation of symbols

100 Remote output system 110 Client PC
120 Output management server 130 Output device management server 140, 140a, 140b Output device

Claims (10)

An output management server that manages user schedule information and output files;
An output device management server for managing a plurality of output devices;
The output management server
Inquiries to the output device management server based on the schedule information, to obtain information about the output device as the output destination,
Based on the schedule information, determine the transmission processing start time,
An output system characterized by starting transmission processing of the output file to the output device serving as the output destination at the transmission processing start time. When the schedule information is changed, the output management server makes an inquiry to the output device management server based on the changed schedule information, and obtains information related to the output device as an output destination again. ,
Based on the changed schedule information, the transmission process start time is determined again,
The output system according to claim 1, wherein a transmission process of the output file to the output device serving as the output destination is started at the transmission process start time. The output device management server manages installation location information of the output device,
The output system according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the output device serving as the output destination includes installation location information of the output device. The output system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the schedule information includes destination information and scheduled arrival time information to the destination. In the transmission process, the output management server transmits the output data to the output device serving as the output destination after converting the output file into output data that can be output by the output device serving as the output destination. The output system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The output management server issues a reservation code for outputting the output file when the output device as the output destination is specified, and notifies the user together with information regarding the output device as the output destination. The output system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The output management server notifies the user of the reservation code and information related to the output device serving as the output destination by an e-mail addressed to an e-mail address registered in association with the schedule information. The output system according to claim 6. The output system according to claim 6, wherein the output device includes an output data storage unit that stores output data of the output file in association with the reservation code. 9. The output system according to claim 8, wherein when the reservation code is input, the output device outputs output data corresponding to the reservation code. 10. The output system according to claim 8, wherein the output data stored in the output data storage unit is deleted from the output data storage unit when the output data is not output after a predetermined time.

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