Printing systems, servers

Abstract

We provide printing systems and servers that can properly deliver printed materials to users. [Solution] The printing system comprises a reader 12 that reads an identification key K1 from a user U1 entering the venue V1, a printing device 14 that prints a printed document W1 based on the print data, and a server 17 that communicates with the reader and the printing device. The server performs the following actions: obtains the identification key from the reader, identifies the ID data corresponding to the identification key by comparing the identification key with a user database, and sends the print data to the printing device if the setting data indicating the necessity of printing a printed document and the setting data associated with the identification key or ID data indicates that printing a printed document is necessary.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system and a server.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the trend towards a paperless society has advanced, and ticketless services that issue electronic tickets are provided at venues such as concerts, theme parks, music festivals, aquariums, zoos, and art museums. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a management system that issues electronic tickets based on a user's biological elements. This management system manages user entry by verifying electronic tickets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Recently, not only tickets but also guide maps, pamphlets, etc. are increasingly provided as electronic media. In such a situation, some users may request printed materials instead of electronic media. For example, some users may want to keep a paper ticket as a souvenir. For example, some users may want to obtain information from printed materials because it is difficult to check information on electronic maps and pamphlets. Thus, some users may need printed materials while others may not. Therefore, it is difficult to provide printed materials according to the users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing system that solves the above problems comprises a reader that reads an identification key from a user entering the venue, a printing device that prints a printed document based on print data, and a server that communicates with the reader and the printing device. The server performs the following actions: obtains the identification key from the reader; identifies the ID data corresponding to the identification key by comparing the identification key with a user database; and transmits the print data to the printing device if the setting data indicating whether or not a printed document is required, and the setting data associated with the identification key or the ID data indicates that printing of the printed document is required.

[0006] A server that solves the above problem is a server that communicates with a reader that reads an identification key from a user entering the venue, and a printing device that prints printed materials based on print data, and performs the following: obtain the identification key from the reader; identify the ID data corresponding to the identification key by comparing the identification key with a user database; and transmit the print data to the printing device when the setting data indicating the necessity of printing materials, which is associated with the identification key or the ID data, indicates that printing of printed materials is necessary. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the printing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the server. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the user database. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a print database. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the settings screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the printing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes one embodiment of the printing system with reference to the diagrams. <Overview of the printing system> As shown in Figure 1, the printing system 11 is a system that provides printed materials W1 to users U1 entering the venue V1. The printing system 11 is configured to determine whether or not each user U1 needs printed materials W1. The printing system 11 is configured to provide printed materials W1 to users U1 who require them.

[0009] The printing system 11 is configured to manage the entry of user U1. The printing system 11 manages the entry of user U1 by authenticating user U1. The printing system 11 authenticates user U1 one after another as they move along the traffic path L1. Traffic path L1 represents a route extending into the venue V1.

[0010] The printing system 11 authenticates user U1 by confirming that user U1 is eligible to enter venue V1. In other words, the printing system 11 authenticates user U1 by confirming that user U1 is a legitimate entrant. For example, the printing system 11 authenticates user U1 by confirming that user U1 is the ticket purchaser. The ticket is an admission ticket to venue V1. If user U1 is the purchaser, the authentication by the printing system 11 is successful. The printing system 11 provides the authenticated user U1 with the printed material W1 if the user U1 requires it.

[0011] <Printing System Configuration> The printing system 11 includes a reader 12. The reader 12 is configured to read an identification key K1 from a user U1 entering the venue V1. The identification key K1 is information used to identify user U1. Based on the identification key K1, the printing system 11 verifies whether user U1 is eligible for entry.

[0012] The reader 12 may be configured to read code C1 as identification key K1. The reader 12 may include a scanner, camera, etc., for reading code C1. Code C1 may be a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. The reader 12 may read code C1 displayed on the terminal device 13, or the reader 12 may read code C1 printed on a sheet. The terminal device 13 is a terminal owned by user U1. The terminal device 13 has terminal memory such as ROM and RAM configured to store programs, and a terminal processor such as a CPU, GPU, MPU, APU configured to execute processing according to the program. The terminal device 13 is implemented as a computer. The terminal device 13 is, for example, a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, etc. The reader 12 may read code C1 provided to user U1 as an electronic ticket. The reader 12 may read code C1 provided to user U1 as a paper ticket. User U1 can enter venue V1 by having the reader 12 read code C1.

[0013] The reader 12 may be configured to read a biometric element as an identification key K1. The biometric element may be a face, voiceprint, fingerprint, etc. The reader 12 may be equipped with a camera to capture the face, fingerprint, etc., of user U1, or a microphone to capture the voice of user U1. In other words, the printing system 11 may verify whether user U1 is eligible for entry by biometric authentication.

[0014] The printing system 11 includes a printing device 14. The printing device 14 is configured to print a printed document W1. The printing device 14 provides the printed document W1 to user U1 by printing the document W1. User U1 may receive the printed document W1 directly from the printing device 14, or may receive the printed document W1 from staff member M1.

[0015] The printing device 14 may be configured together with the reading device 12, or it may be configured separately from the reading device 12. The printing device 14 is, for example, an inkjet printer. The printing device 14 may be a dot matrix printer or a laser printer.

[0016] The printing device 14 may be configured to perform post-processing on the printed material W1. The printing device 14 may be configured to discharge the printed material W1 in a folded state, for example. The printing device 14 may fold the printed material W1 in half, in thirds, or in a Z shape. The printing device 14 may be configured to discharge the printed material W1 with punch holes punched in it, for example. The printing device 14 may be configured to discharge the printed material W1 with staples attached, for example. The printing device 14 may be configured to discharge the printed material W1 with lamination applied, for example.

[0017] The printer 14 is configured to print document W1 when the authenticated user U1 requires it. The printer 14 is configured not to print document W1 when the authenticated user U1 does not require it. The printer 14 may be located downstream of the reader 12 in the traffic flow L1. In this case, user U1 can receive document W1 from the printer 14 while moving along the traffic flow L1 after having the reader 12 read the identification key K1. This reduces the risk of delays in user U1's entry. Furthermore, by positioning the printer 14 downstream of the reader 12 in the traffic flow L1, the next user U1 who does not require document W1 can enter more easily while avoiding the previous user U1 who does require it. This makes user U1's entry smoother.

[0018] The printed matter W1 includes a commemorative ticket WA, a guide map WB, a pamphlet WC, a memo sheet WD, a flyer WE, etc. The commemorative ticket WA is a ticket provided as a commemoration of entry. The commemorative ticket WA is a ticket that cannot be used for the entry of the user U1. The commemorative ticket WA is a ticket on which the code C1 is not printed. Seat numbers, names, event dates and times, etc. are printed on the commemorative ticket WA. The guide map WB is a printed matter W1 on which guiding information is printed. The guiding information is information for guiding the venue V1. The pamphlet WC is a printed matter W1 on which event information is printed. The event information is information regarding an event held at the venue V1. The event information may include a time table regarding the progress of the event. The memo sheet WD is a printed matter W1 on which creation information is printed. The creation information is information created by the user U1 in advance. The memo sheet WD is a printed matter W1 indicating a memo created by the user U1. The flyer WE is a printed matter W1 on which advertisement information is printed. The advertisement information is information such as announcements and promotions.

[0019] The printing device 14 may print an authentication sheet indicating the authentication result. In this case, the authentication sheet is printed regardless of the necessity by the user U1. The printing device 14 may print an authentication sheet indicating successful authentication, for example, when the user U1 can be identified by the identification key K1. The printing device 14 may print an authentication sheet indicating failed authentication, for example, when the user U1 cannot be identified by the identification key K1. Thus, the printing device 14 may notify the authentication result by printing the authentication sheet.

[0020] The printing system 11 may include a notification device 15. The notification device 15 is configured to notify the authentication result. When the user U1 can be identified by the identification key K1, the notification device 15 notifies that the authentication of the user U1 has succeeded. When the user U1 can be identified, the notification device 15 notifies that the user U1 is eligible to enter. When the user U1 cannot be identified by the identification key K1, the notification device 15 notifies that the authentication of the user U1 has failed. When the user U1 cannot be identified, the notification device 15 notifies that the user U1 is not eligible to enter.

[0021] The notification device 15 may be configured to notify the authentication result by light, sound, etc. The notification device 15 may notify the authentication result by a lamp, a speaker, etc. The notification device 15 may notify the authentication result by a monitor. The notification device 15 may notify the authentication result to the user U1, or to the staff M1, or to both.

[0022] The notification device 15 may be integrated with the reading device 12, or may be configured separately from the reading device 12. The notification device 15 may be integrated with the printing device 14, or may be configured separately from the printing device 14.

[0023] The printing system 11 may include a gate device 16. The gate device 16 is configured to allow the user U1 to enter. Specifically, the gate device 16 is configured to allow the user U1 to enter when the authentication is successful. The gate device 16 is configured not to allow the user U1 to enter when the authentication fails. The gate device 16, for example, allows or restricts the entry of the user U1 by opening and closing the gate.

[0024] The gate device 16 may be configured together with the reader device 12, or it may be configured separately from the reader device 12. The gate device 16 may be configured together with the printing device 14, or it may be configured separately from the printing device 14. The gate device 16 may be configured together with the notification device 15, or it may be configured separately from the notification device 15.

[0025] The printing system 11 may include a server 17. The server 17 is configured to communicate with the reader 12 and the printing device 14. Specifically, the server 17 communicates with the reader 12 and the printing device 14 via a network 18. The network 18 is a communication network including a LAN, WAN, etc. The server 17 may also be configured to communicate with an alarm device 15. The server 17 may also be configured to communicate with a gate device 16. In one example, the server 17 communicates with the alarm device 15 and the gate device 16 via the network 18. The server 17 may also communicate with a terminal device 13 via the network 18.

[0026] Server 17 is configured to control the printing system 11. Server 17 is configured to manage the reader 12, the printer 14, the notification device 15, and the gate device 16, etc. Server 17 manages the reading of the identification key K1. Server 17 manages the printing of the printed material W1. Server 17 manages the notification of the authentication result. Server 17 manages the opening and closing of the gate.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the server 17 includes memory 21. Memory 21 is configured to store programs. Memory 21 includes ROM and RAM. Memory 21 may also include storage media such as HDD and SSD. The server 17 includes a processor 22. The processor 22 is configured to execute processing according to the programs stored in memory 21. The processor 22 consists of a CPU, GPU, MPU, APU, etc.

[0028] Server 17 is implemented using a computer that includes memory 21 and a processor 22. Server 17 may be implemented using one computer or multiple computers.

[0029] Server 17 is configured to identify user U1. More specifically, Server 17 is configured to identify user U1 by identification key K1. Server 17 is configured to verify whether user U1 is eligible for entry. In other words, Server 17 manages the authentication of user U1. Server 17 manages the entry of user U1.

[0030] Server 17 is configured to acquire identification key K1 from reader 12. Server 17 is configured to acquire code C1, biometric elements, etc., read by reader 12 from reader 12.

[0031] Server 17 is configured to match identification key K1 against user database B1. User database B1 is a collection of data about user U1. Server 17 verifies whether user U1 is eligible for access by matching identification key K1 against user database B1. User database B1 may be stored on server 17 or on a computer other than server 17. User database B1 may consist of multiple computers, including the computers that make up server 17.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, user database B1 consists of a data table that stores data about user U1. User database B1 consists of one or more data records. A data record is a collection of data about one user U1. A data record has multiple data items. User database B1 is, for example, a list of users U1 who have purchased tickets. User database B1 may also include information registered by user U1 when purchasing tickets. User database B1 may also include information registered by user U1 on external membership sites. User database B1 may also include information such as user U1's name, address, age, and gender.

[0033] User database B1 contains ID data D1. ID data D1 is data that indicates the identifier of user U1. User database B1 contains key data D2. Key data D2 is data relating to identification key K1. Key data D2 is data that is matched against identification key K1. Key data D2 may also be data relating to code C1 issued to user U1. Code C1 may be issued by server 17 or by a computer other than server 17. Key data D2 may also be data relating to biometric elements previously registered by user U1.

[0034] Server 17 identifies the key data D2 corresponding to the identification key K1 by matching the identification key K1 with the user database B1. This allows Server 17 to identify the ID data D1 corresponding to the identification key K1. In this way, Server 17 identifies user U1 based on the identification key K1. If Server 17 can identify user U1, it determines that user U1 is eligible for entry. In this case, Server 17 determines that authentication was successful. If Server 17 cannot identify user U1, it determines that user U1 is not eligible for entry. In this case, Server 17 determines that authentication failed.

[0035] Server 17 may notify the authentication result. That is, Server 17 may notify the result of matching the identification key K1 with the user database B1. Server 17 may notify the matching result by controlling the printer 14, notification device 15, gate device 16, etc. Server 17 may notify the matching result by having the printer 14 print an authentication sheet showing the matching result. Server 17 may notify the matching result by lighting up the notification device 15 or by emitting a sound from the notification device 15. Server 17 may notify the matching result by opening and closing the gate device 16.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the server 17 may be configured to compare ID data D1 with the print database B2 if authentication is successful. The print database B2 is a collection of data related to the print item W1. The print database B2 is a collection of data related to the print item W1 desired by user U1. The server 17 confirms the print item W1 desired by user U1 by comparing ID data D1 with the print database B2. The print database B2 may be stored on the server 17 or on a computer other than the server 17. The print database B2 may be composed of multiple computers, including the computers that make up the server 17. The print database B2 may be a database shared with the user database B1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the print database B2 consists of data tables that store data about the printed material W1. The print database B2 is a collection of data records associated with the desired printed material W1 for each user U1.

[0038] The print database B2 contains ID data D1. Server 17 identifies user U1 by matching ID data D1 with print database B2. The print database B2 may include configuration data D3. Configuration data D3 is data indicating settings related to print item W1. Configuration data D3 also includes data indicating whether print item W1 is necessary. Configuration data D3 may also include data indicating the content of print item W1. Configuration data D3 is registered in the print database B2 based on information previously entered by user U1.

[0039] The print database B2 may include print data D4. Print data D4 is data that instructs the printing device 14 to print document W1. Print data D4 is data that instructs the printing device 14 to print document W1 as indicated by the setting data D3. Print data D4 includes job data that instructs the printing device 14 to perform printing and image data of document W1. The printing device 14 prints document W1 based on print data D4.

[0040] Print data D4 is created based on configuration data D3. Print data D4 may be created by server 17 or by a computer other than server 17. Print data D4 may also be created when configuration data D3 is registered in print database B2. Print data D4 may be registered in print database B2 after it has been created.

[0041] Server 17 is configured to send print data D4 to the printer 14. Specifically, Server 17 sends print data D4 to the printer 14 when configuration data D3 indicates that printing of document W1 is required. In one example, Server 17 verifies the configuration data D3 associated with ID data D1 by matching ID data D1 with the print database B2. Server 17 sends print data D4 associated with ID data D1 to the printer 14 when configuration data D3 indicates that printing of document W1 is required. This allows Server 17 to provide user U1 with the desired document W1.

[0042] The server 17 may be configured to generate print data D4 each time it sends print data D4. For example, the server 17 may generate print data D4 each time based on the configuration data D3 if the configuration data D3 indicates that printing of print item W1 is required. In other words, the server 17 may generate print data D4 based on the configuration data D3 without reading print data D4 from the print database B2 if the configuration data D3 indicates that printing of print item W1 is required. In this case as well, the server 17 can provide the user U1 with the print item W1 that the user U1 desires by sending the generated print data D4 to the printing device 14.

[0043] Server 17 may be configured to send common print data D4 to the printer 14 for each user U1 when the configuration data D3 indicates that printing of printout W1 is required. For example, Server 17 may be configured to send print data D4 to the printer 14 that causes the printer 14 to print a complete set of printout W1. In this case, a complete set of printout W1 can be provided to a user U1 who needs printout W1. User U1 can discard the printout W1 they do not need from the set of printout W1, keeping only the printout W1 they need. Since the print data D4 is not optimized for each user U1, the processing of Server 17 is less likely to be delayed.

[0044] Print data D4 may include data for printing information. In one example, the information is included in the guide map WB. Print data D4 may also include data for printing event information. In one example, the event information is included in the pamphlet WC. Print data D4 may also include data for printing creation information. In one example, the creation information is included in the memo sheet WD. Print data D4 may also include data for printing advertising information. In one example, the advertising information is included in the flyer WE.

[0045] In the print database B2, print data D4 may be set for each printing device 14. Depending on the event, it may be possible to enter multiple venues V1 with a single identification key K1. In this case, a reader 12 and a printing device 14 are installed in each venue V1. Therefore, by setting print data D4 for each printing device 14, the appropriate printed material W1 can be provided to the user U1 for each venue V1.

[0046] The print database B2 may include an entry flag D5. The entry flag D5 indicates that user U1 has already entered. When server 17 successfully authenticates user U1, it associates the entry flag D5 with the ID data D1 representing user U1. Server 17 may be configured to determine that authentication for user U1 has failed if user U1, who corresponds to the ID data D1 associated with the entry flag D5, attempts to enter. In this case, server 17 can prevent user U1 from re-entering.

[0047] In the print database B2, an entry flag D5 may be set for each reader 12. Depending on the event, it may be possible to enter multiple venues V1 with a single identification key K1. In this case, a reader 12 is installed in each venue V1. Therefore, by setting an entry flag D5 for each reader 12, user U1 can enter each venue V1 once.

[0048] The print database B2 may include a print flag D6. The print flag D6 indicates that the print item W1 has been printed. When the server 17 sends print data D4 to the printing device 14, it associates the print flag D6 with the ID data D1 that corresponds to the print data D4. The server 17 may be configured not to send print data D4 to the printing device 14 when a user U1 corresponding to the ID data D1 to which the print flag D6 is associated enters the system. In this case, the server 17 can reduce the risk of providing the print item W1 to user U1 again upon re-entry.

[0049] The print database B2 may include correspondence information indicating the relationship between the reader 12 and the printer 14. This correspondence information may, for example, be information indicating the address of the reader 12 and the address of the printer 14. In this case, the server 17 can send print data D4 to the printer 14 corresponding to the reader 12 that has acquired the identification key K1. The reader 12 and the printer 14 may be associated on a one-to-one basis, a one-to-many basis, or a many-to-one basis.

[0050] The print database B2 may include ticket data. The ticket data is data related to tickets purchased by user U1. In the print database B2, setting data D3, print data D4, etc., may be set for each ticket.

[0051] <Registration of settings data and registration of print data> Next, the registration of setting data D3 and print data D4 will be described. Setting data D3 and print data D4 may be registered in the print database B2 by server 17. Alternatively, setting data D3 may be registered in the print database B2 by a computer other than server 17, and print data D4 may be registered in the print database B2 by a computer other than server 17.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the setting data D3 is set through the setting screen G1. The setting screen G1 is a screen that accepts settings related to the printed document W1. The setting screen G1 is a screen that is displayed on a display. The setting screen G1 is displayed, for example, on the terminal device 13. The setting screen G1 is not limited to the terminal device 13; it may also be displayed on a personal computer owned by user U1, or on a dedicated terminal for purchasing tickets. The setting screen G1 is displayed through a general-purpose browser, a dedicated application, etc. The setting screen G1 is displayed, for example, when user U1 purchases a ticket from a ticket sales site. The setting screen G1 is a screen that displays, for example, an input form provided by the ticket sales site. By user U1 entering information into the setting screen G1, the setting data D3 is registered in the print database B2. The setting screen G1 may be a screen provided by the sales server that provides the ticket sales service, or a screen provided by the server 17 that provides the print service. The setting data D3 may be registered in the print database B2 by the sales server, or by the server 17. Server 17 may, by coordinating with the sales server, provide an application, website, etc., that displays the settings screen G1 to user U1 who has purchased a ticket.

[0053] The settings screen G1 may accept settings related to printed material W1 for each individual ticket. Alternatively, the settings screen G1 may accept settings related to printed material W1 for multiple tickets at once.

[0054] The settings screen G1 displays one or more setting items H1. In one example, the settings screen G1 displays setting items H1 related to commemorative tickets WA, seating charts, guide maps WB, pamphlets WC, timetables, memo sheets WD, etc. Setting item H1 is an item that accepts settings regarding whether or not printed materials W1 are necessary. Setting item H1 may be set arbitrarily by the operator. If setting item H1 for commemorative tickets WA is selected, setting data D3 indicating that commemorative tickets WA are necessary is registered. If setting item H1 for seating charts is selected, setting data D3 indicating that seating charts are necessary is registered. If setting item H1 for guide maps WB is selected, setting data D3 indicating that seating charts are necessary is registered. If setting item H1 for pamphlets WC is selected, setting data D3 indicating that pamphlets WC are necessary is registered. If setting item H1 for timetables is selected, setting data D3 indicating that timetables are necessary is registered. If setting item H1 for memo sheets WD is selected, setting data D3 indicating that memo sheets WD are necessary is registered. If one or more setting items H1 indicate that printed material W1 is required, setting data D3 indicating that flyer WE is required may be registered. In this case, advertisements will not be provided to users U1 who do not require printed material W1. Setting item H1 related to flyer WE may be displayed on the setting screen G1. In this case, user U1 can set whether or not they require advertisements.

[0055] On the settings screen G1, a preview image of the print document W1 may be displayed. For example, if the setting item H1 indicates that print document W1 is required, a preview image of that print document W1 may be displayed. When saving the settings, preview images of all print documents W1 that have been set as required to be printed may be displayed together.

[0056] The settings screen G1 may display one or more detail items H2. Detail item H2 is an item that accepts detailed settings related to setting item H1. Detail item H2 is an item that accepts settings related to the content of the printed document W1.

[0057] On the settings screen G1, items such as language registration, pattern selection, image registration, and lamination may be displayed as detailed items H2 for the commemorative ticket WA. The detailed item H2 for language registration is for registering the language for the text and sentences to be printed on the commemorative ticket WA. The detailed item H2 for language registration accepts languages ​​such as Japanese and English. The detailed item H2 for pattern selection is for selecting the pattern for the commemorative ticket WA. The detailed item H2 for image registration is for setting the image to be printed on the commemorative ticket WA. If the detailed item H2 for image registration is selected, a screen for uploading an image may be displayed. On this screen, there may be restrictions on the size and resolution of the images that can be uploaded. The detailed item H2 for lamination is for setting the lamination process.

[0058] The settings screen G1 may display items such as language registration, print size, and post-processing as detailed items H2 for the guide map WB. Detailed item H2 for language registration accepts language registration for the characters and text printed on the guide map WB. Detailed item H2 for print size accepts settings for the size of the guide map WB. The information printed on the guide map WB may change depending on the print size. Detailed item H2 for post-processing accepts settings for post-processing of the guide map WB. When detailed item H2 for post-processing is selected, a screen for selecting the post-processing content may be displayed.

[0059] The settings screen G1 may display detailed items H2 related to the seating chart, brochure WC, timetable, memo sheet WD, etc. For example, the settings screen G1 may display an item that accepts settings to highlight user U1's seat location as a detailed item H2 for the seating chart. The settings screen G1 may display an item that accepts events that user U1 plans to attend as a detailed item H2 for the brochure WC. In this case, the brochure WC may be printed to display only the events that user U1 plans to attend. The settings screen G1 may display an item that accepts events that user U1 plans to attend as a detailed item H2 for the timetable. In this case, the timetable may be printed to display only the events that user U1 plans to attend. The settings screen G1 may display an item that accepts uploads of memos created by user U1 as a detailed item for the memo sheet WD.

[0060] The settings screen G1 may display an item as the detailed item H2 of the guide map WB that accepts the setting to display route guidance for user U1. In this case, the settings screen G1 may be configured to accept user U1's planned activities. The guide map WB may be printed to display route guidance that matches user U1's planned activities.

[0061] The settings screen G1 may display an item as the detailed item H2 of the guide map WB that accepts a setting to highlight user U1's destination. In this case, the settings screen G1 may be configured to accept user U1's destination. The guide map WB may be printed to highlight user U1's destination.

[0062] The setting data D3 indicates the contents of the items set on the setting screen G1. Therefore, the print data D4 is generated based on the items set on the setting screen G1. For example, if it is set on the setting screen G1 that a commemorative ticket WA is required, print data D4 is generated to print the commemorative ticket WA on the printing device 14. If it is set on the setting screen G1 that a guide map WB is required, print data D4 is generated to print the guide map WB on the printing device 14. If it is set on the setting screen G1 that a pamphlet WC is required, print data D4 is generated to print the pamphlet WC on the printing device 14. If it is set on the setting screen G1 that a memo sheet WD is required, print data D4 is generated to print the memo sheet WD on the printing device 14. If it is set on the setting screen G1 that printed material W1 is required, print data D4 is generated to print the flyer WE on the printing device 14.

[0063] Code C1 may be issued when setting data D3 is set via setting screen G1. Code C1 may be issued with setting data D3 included. For example, code C1 may be issued with setting data D3 relating to setting item H1. That is, code C1 may be issued with setting data D3 indicating the setting regarding whether or not printed material W1 is required. In this case, setting data D3 is associated with identification key K1.

[0064] The configuration data D3 may be reset through the configuration screen G1. In this case, the print database B2 accepts the update of the configuration data D3. The print database B2 may accept updates to the configuration data D3 until, for example, the ticket is used. When the configuration data D3 is updated, the print data D4 may be updated. When the configuration data D3 is updated, the code C1 may be updated.

[0065] <Printing process> Next, an example of printing by the printing system 11 will be described. Printing is a process performed by the server 17. Printing is initiated when the reader 12 reads the identification key K1. Printing is also initiated when user U1 enters the system.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, in step S11, the server 17 obtains the identification key K1 from the reader 12. The server 17 may prohibit the reader 12 from reading again until the printing process is completed. The server 17 may prohibit the reader 12 from reading again until user U1 authentication is completed. The server 17 may allow the reader 12 to read again while the printer 14 is printing the document W1. The server 17 may allow the reader 12 to read again when the printer 14 has finished printing the document W1. The server 17 may allow the reader 12 to read again between the time the printer 14 prints the document W1 and when it ejects the document W1. By restricting reading by the reader 12, the risk of delays in the server 17's processing or the printer 14's processing is reduced. The server 17 may have the notification device 15 notify that reading by the reader 12 is prohibited. Server 17 may have notification device 15 notify that reading from reader device 12 has been permitted. If reading from reader device 12 is not restricted, user U1 can enter smoothly.

[0067] In step S12, server 17 identifies ID data D1 based on identification key K1. Server 17 identifies ID data D1 by matching identification key K1 with user database B1.

[0068] In step S13, server 17 determines whether authentication was successful. That is, server 17 determines whether it was able to identify ID data D1 by matching identification key K1 with user database B1. If server 17 was able to identify ID data D1, it determines that authentication was successful. If authentication is successful, server 17 proceeds to step S14. At this time, server 17 allows user U1 to enter through the gate device 16. Server 17 may also notify notification device 15 that authentication was successful. If authentication fails, server 17 terminates the printing process. At this time, server 17 may also restrict user U1's entry through the gate device 16. Server 17 may also notify notification device 15 that authentication failed.

[0069] In step S13, server 17 may determine whether the entry flag D5 is associated with ID data D1. Server 17 determines that authentication was successful if the entry flag D5 is not associated with ID data D1. Server 17 determines that authentication failed if the entry flag D5 is associated with ID data D1. If the entry flag D5 is associated with ID data D1, server 17 may notify the notification device 15 that user U1 has already entered.

[0070] Server 17 may set the entry flag D5 in step S14. Server 17 may associate the entry flag D5 with the ID data D1. Server 17 may set the entry flag D5 in the print database B2.

[0071] In step S15, server 17 verifies the configuration data D3. Server 17 verifies the configuration data D3 associated with the identification key K1 or ID data D1. That is, server 17 verifies the configuration data D3 contained in code C1, or the configuration data D3 stored in print database B2.

[0072] In step S16, server 17 determines whether printing of document W1 is necessary. Server 17 determines whether printing of document W1 is necessary by checking the configuration data D3. Specifically, server 17 determines whether the print flag D6 is set in ID data D1. Server 17 determines that printing of document W1 is necessary if the print flag D6 is not set. If printing of document W1 is necessary, server 17 proceeds to step S17. If the configuration data D3 indicates that printing of document W1 is not necessary, server 17 terminates the printing process. In addition to determining whether printing of document W1 is necessary, server 17 may also determine whether the print flag D6 is associated with ID data D1. If the print flag D6 is associated with ID data D1, server 17 may terminate the printing process. In this case, server 17 may notify the notification device 15 that printing has been completed.

[0073] In step S17, server 17 sends print data D4 to the printer 14. Specifically, server 17 sends print data D4 to the printer 14 if the setting data D3 indicates that printing of document W1 is required, and the print flag D6 is not associated with ID data D1. In this case, server 17 may send print data D4 associated with ID data D1 in the print database B2 to the printer 14. Server 17 may generate print data D4 from the setting data D3 confirmed in step S15 and send that print data D4 to the printer 14. Server 17 may also send common print data D4 to the printer 14 for each user U1. By sending print data D4, server 17 causes the printer 14 to print document W1.

[0074] Server 17 may set the print flag D6 in step S18. Server 17 may associate the print flag D6 with ID data D1. Server 17 may set the print flag D6 in the print database B2. After completing the process in step S18, Server 17 terminates the printing process.

[0075] <Effects and Effects of the Examples> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) Server 17 obtains identification key K1 from reader 12. Server 17 identifies ID data D1 corresponding to identification key K1 by comparing it with user database B1. Server 17 sends print data D4 to printer 14 if the setting data D3 associated with identification key K1 or ID data D1 indicates that printing of printout W1 is required. With the above configuration, when user U1 who requires printout W1 enters, printer 14 prints printout W1. This allows the printing system 11 to appropriately provide printout W1 to user U1.

[0076] (2) If the configuration data D3 indicates that printing of document W1 is required, and the print flag D6 is not associated with ID data D1, the server 17 sends print data D4 to the printer 14. With the above configuration, the risk of the printer 14 printing document W1 again when user U1 re-enters is reduced. This reduces the risk of providing user U1 with document W1 again.

[0077] (3) Server 17 notifies that user U1 has already entered if the entry flag D5, which indicates that user U1 has already entered, is associated with ID data D1. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent user U1 from re-entering. In addition, it is possible to prevent multiple users U1 from entering using ID data D1 with the usage flag set.

[0078] (4) The printing system 11 includes a notification device 15 that communicates with the server 17 and notifies the result of matching the identification key K1 with the user database B1. With the above configuration, it is easy for user U1 to know whether or not he is allowed to enter.

[0079] (5) The print data D4 includes data to print information that guides users to the venue V1. With the above configuration, a printed document W1 with the information printed on it can be provided to user U1, thus improving usability.

[0080] (6) The print data D4 includes data that allows user U1 to print the creation information that he has prepared in advance. With the above configuration, user U1 can be provided with a printed document W1 on which the creation information has been printed, thus improving usability.

[0081] (7) The print data D4 includes data for printing advertising information. With the above configuration, the business operator can inform user U1 of the information it wants to advertise by providing user U1 with a printed document W1 on which the advertising information has been printed.

[0082] (8) Server 17 allows user U1 to enter the gate device 16 if the matching of identification key K1 with user database B1 is successful. With the above configuration, user U1 can easily understand whether or not they are allowed to enter.

[0083] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0084] (A) The printing system comprises a reader that reads an identification key from a user entering the venue, a printing device that prints a document based on the print data, and a server that communicates with the reader and the printing device. The server performs the following actions: obtains the identification key from the reader, identifies the ID data corresponding to the identification key by comparing the identification key with a user database, and transmits the print data to the printing device if the setting data, which indicates the need for a printed document and is associated with the identification key or the ID data, indicates that the printed document needs to be printed. With this configuration, when a user who needs a printed document enters the venue, the printing device prints the document. This allows the printing system to appropriately provide printed documents to users.

[0085] (B) In the above printing system, the server may send the print data to the printing device if the configuration data indicates that printing of the document is required, and a print flag indicating that the print data has already been sent to the printing device is not associated with the ID data. With the above configuration, the risk of the printing device printing the document again when the user re-enters is reduced. This reduces the risk of providing the user with the document again.

[0086] (C) In the above printing system, the server may notify that the user has already entered if an entry flag indicating that the user has already entered is associated with the ID data. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from re-entering. In addition, it is possible to prevent multiple users from entering by ID data with a usage flag set.

[0087] (D) The above printing system may include a notification device that communicates with the server and notifies the result of matching the identification key with the user database. With the above configuration, it is easier for the user to understand whether or not they are allowed to enter.

[0088] (E) In the above printing system, the print data may include data that causes the printing of information that guides the venue. With the above configuration, the user can be provided with printed materials that include the information, thus improving usability.

[0089] (F) In the above printing system, the print data may include data that prints creation information previously created by the user. With the above configuration, the user can be provided with printed materials that have the creation information printed on them, thus improving usability.

[0090] (G) In the above printing system, the print data may include data that causes advertising information to be printed. With the above configuration, by providing users with printed materials on which advertising information has been printed, businesses can inform users of the information they wish to advertise.

[0091] (H) The above printing system includes a gate device that communicates with the server and allows the user to enter, and the server may, when the matching of the identification key with the user database is successful, cause the gate device to allow the user to enter. With the above configuration, it is easy for the user to know whether or not they are allowed to enter.

[0092] (I) The server is a server that communicates with a reader that reads an identification key from a user entering the venue, and a printing device that prints printed materials based on print data, and performs the following: obtaining the identification key from the reader, identifying the ID data corresponding to the identification key by comparing the identification key with a user database, and sending the print data to the printing device if the setting data indicating the necessity of printing materials, which is associated with the identification key or the ID data, indicates that printing of printed materials is necessary. With the above configuration, the same effects as the printing system described above can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 11...Printing system, 12...Reader, 13...Terminal device, 14...Printing device, 15...Notification device, 16...Gate device, 17...Server, 18...Network, 21...Memory, 22...Processor, B1...User database, B2...Printing database, C1...Code, D1...ID data, D2...Key data, D3...Setting data, D4...Printing data, D5...Entry flag, D6...Printing flag, G1...Setting screen, H1...Setting item, H2...Detailed item, K1...Identification key, L1...Traffic flow, M1...Staff, U1...User, V1...Venue, W1...Printed material, WA...Ticket, WB...Guide map, WC...Pamphlet, WD...Memo sheet, WE...Flyer.

Claims

1. A reader that reads identification keys from users entering the venue, A printing device that prints printed materials based on print data, The system comprises a server that communicates with the aforementioned reading device and the aforementioned printing device, The aforementioned server, Obtaining the identification key from the aforementioned reader, By matching the aforementioned identification key with the user database, the ID data corresponding to the identification key is identified, A printing system characterized by transmitting print data to the printing device when setting data indicating whether or not a printed document is required, and the setting data associated with the identification key or the ID data indicates that printing of the printed document is required.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the server transmits the print data to the printing device when the configuration data indicates that printing of a printout is required, and when a print flag indicating that the print data has already been transmitted to the printing device is not associated with the ID data.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the server performs the action of notifying the user that the user has entered if an entry flag indicating that the user has entered is associated with the ID data.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification device that communicates with the server, and which notifies the result of matching the identification key with the user database.

5. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the print data includes data for printing information that guides visitors to the venue.

6. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the print data includes data that causes the user to print creation information that the user has prepared in advance.

7. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the print data includes data for printing advertising information.

8. A gate device that communicates with the server, comprising the gate device that allows the user to enter, The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the server allows the gate device to enter if the matching of the identification key with the user database is successful.

9. A server that communicates with a reader that reads an identification key from a user entering the venue, and a printing device that prints printed materials based on print data, Obtaining the identification key from the aforementioned reader, By matching the aforementioned identification key with the user database, the ID data corresponding to the identification key is identified, A server characterized by performing the following: sending print data to the printing device when the setting data, which indicates a setting regarding the necessity of printing a printed document and is associated with the identification key or the ID data, indicates that printing a printed document is necessary.

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