Distribution system and distribution method

Abstract

Provided is a technology with which it is possible to select the type of print mode for each category of content, and to generate and distribute print data of content belonging to each category on the basis of the selected type of print mode. A distribution system 1 is a system for distributing data to a printer 200. The data includes content belonging to any of a plurality of categories. The category to which the content belongs and the type of print mode used when generating print data of the content belonging to the category can be selected. The distribution system 1 receives the selection of the category and the selection of the type of print mode, stores in a storage unit 115 the category and the type of print mode pertaining to the received selection, generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in the storage unit 115, on the basis of the type of print mode stored in the storage unit 115, and distributes the print data to the printer 200.

Description

Distribution System and Distribution Method

[0007]

[0001] This application relates to a distribution system and a distribution method for distributing data to a destination device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a data processing device that performs distribution control while changing the distribution form based on detailed personal information for result data obtained by laying out personal information registered for each user based on layout conditions.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 describes a data processing device that generates output data unique to a user, optimally processes the output data in accordance with the personal information registered by each user, and creates the best output data customized for each individual user.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-4665, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-4667

[0005] Although Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a configuration for laying out based on user information, selection of the type of printing mode for each category of content is not mentioned.

[0006] An object of the present application is to provide a technology that can select the type of printing mode for each category of content and generate and distribute print data of the content belonging to that category based on the selected type of printing mode.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the distribution system described in the embodiment is a distribution system that includes a destination device and distributes data to the destination device, wherein the data distributed to the destination device includes content belonging to one of several categories, and for the content distributed to the destination device, it is possible to select the category to which the content belongs and the type of printing mode to be used when generating print data for the content belonging to that category, and the distribution system comprises a receiving unit that accepts the selection of a category and the selection of a type of printing mode, a memory that stores the category and type of printing mode related to the selection accepted by the receiving unit, a generation unit that generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in the memory based on the type of printing mode stored in the memory, and a distribution unit that distributes the print data generated by the generation unit to the destination device.

[0008] According to the distribution system described in the embodiment, the type of print mode can be selected for each content category, and based on the selected type of print mode, print data for content belonging to that category can be generated and distributed.

[0009] Furthermore, the user selects the category and print type, which are then entered into the reception system. This allows users to select and print only the content that best fits their category and print type.

[0010] Furthermore, the categories include a first category to which only color content belongs, and a second category to which only monochrome content belongs. When the receiving unit accepts the selection of the first category, the generation unit generates print data in color for the color content belonging to the first category. When the receiving unit accepts the selection of the second category, the generation unit generates print data in monochrome for the monochrome content belonging to the second category. This allows the user to select only one of the first or second categories and not need to select a print format, thus saving the user time and effort.

[0011] Furthermore, the types of print modes include color print mode. When the receiving unit receives a category selection and a color print mode selection, the generation unit generates print data in color for the content belonging to the selected category. When the receiving unit receives a category selection and no color print mode selection, the generation unit generates print data in monochrome for the content belonging to the selected category. This is extremely convenient for users who habitually use monochrome print mode for distribution, as they do not need to actively select monochrome print mode.

[0012] Furthermore, the distribution system includes a billing unit that charges a fee based on the amount of print generated in monochrome and the amount of print generated in color when the destination device prints the print data generated by the generation unit and distributed by the distribution unit. This allows for billing based on the amount of print generated in monochrome and color.

[0013] Furthermore, the types of printing modes include print quality levels. When the receiving unit receives the selection of a category and a print quality level, the generation unit generates print data for content belonging to the selected category at the selected print quality level. This allows users to select their preferred print quality level for distribution printing.

[0014] Furthermore, the distribution system includes a billing unit that charges a fee based on the print quality level and print volume when the destination device prints the print data generated by the generation unit and distributed by the distribution unit. This allows for billing based on the print quality level and print volume.

[0015] Furthermore, the billing system uses the standard print quality level as a baseline. For print data generated at a higher quality level than the standard, the baseline charge is increased, and for print data generated at a lower quality level than the standard, the baseline charge is decreased. This allows users to use the delivery printing service while being mindful of the amount they are charged.

[0016] Furthermore, the types of printing include single-sided printing. When the receiving unit receives a category selection and a selection for single-sided printing, the generation unit generates print data for single-sided printing of content belonging to the selected category. When the receiving unit receives a category selection and no selection for single-sided printing, the generation unit generates print data for double-sided printing of content belonging to the selected category. This means that when a user desires single-sided printing for distribution, they must actively select single-sided printing, while when a user desires double-sided printing for distribution, they do not need to actively select double-sided printing. As a result, double-sided printing for distribution is prioritized, contributing to environmental ecology by reducing paper consumption.

[0017] To achieve the above objective, the distribution method described in the embodiment is a distribution method using a distribution system that includes a destination device and distributes data to the destination device, wherein the data distributed to the destination device includes content belonging to one of several categories, and for the content distributed to the destination device, it is possible to select the category to which the content belongs and the type of print mode to be used when generating print data for the content belonging to that category, and the distribution method includes an acceptance process that accepts the selection of a category and the selection of the type of print mode, a storage process that stores the category and the type of print mode related to the selection accepted in the acceptance process in memory, a generation process that generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in memory based on the type of print mode stored in memory, and a distribution process that distributes the print data generated in the generation process to the destination device.

[0018] According to the distribution method described in the embodiment, the type of print mode can be selected for each content category, and based on the selected type of print mode, print data for the content belonging to that category can be generated and distributed.

[0019] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a distribution system according to one embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of a user information registration screen displayed on a user terminal. This is a flowchart showing the procedure for the converted image saving process performed by the distribution server. This is a flowchart showing the procedure for the distribution printing process performed by the distribution server.

[0020] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (Overall Configuration of the Distribution System) Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a distribution system 1 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, a distribution system that mainly distributes newspaper articles as distribution content is given as an example. The distribution content is not limited to newspaper articles, but may also be magazine articles, flyers, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the distribution system 1 has a distribution server 100, a plurality of printing devices 200, a plurality of user terminals 300, a newspaper company terminal 400, and an image conversion server 500. Note that in Figure 1, only one of the plurality of printing devices 200 is shown, and one of the plurality of user terminals 300 is shown. The distribution server 100, printing devices 200, newspaper company terminals 400, user terminals 300, and image conversion server 500 are each equipped with a communication unit and can communicate with each other via a network NT. A printing device 200 is an example of a distribution destination device.

[0022] Network NT includes at least one of the following: the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), or WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication unit may be configured to include multiple types of communication circuits for connecting to Network NT. In this case, devices connected to Network NT may communicate with multiple other devices using different communication circuits. In this embodiment, the collective term for multiple types of communication circuits is referred to as the communication unit.

[0023] (Configuration of newspaper company terminals) The newspaper company terminal 400 is a terminal such as a PC owned by the newspaper company and is connected to the network NT. The newspaper company terminal 400 consists of, for example, a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, etc.

[0024] The newspaper terminal 400 includes a display unit 401, an operation unit 410, and a control unit, storage unit, communication unit, etc. (not shown). The storage unit is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD, etc., and stores various programs. The control unit is composed of a CPU and executes the various programs stored in the storage unit. The display unit 401 is composed of, for example, a display. The operation unit 410 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and accepts various input operations from the operator. The operator can input various instructions to the newspaper terminal 400 by appropriately operating the operation unit 410. In particular, in this embodiment, the operator can upload newspaper article draft data to the distribution server 100 via operations on the operation unit 410 of the newspaper terminal 400.

[0025] (User terminal configuration) The user terminal 300 is, for example, a terminal such as a PC owned by the user of the printing device 200, and is connected to the network NT. The user terminal 300 can be any suitable terminal other than the printing device 200, such as a tablet PC, notebook PC, desktop PC, smartphone, etc.

[0026] The user terminal 300 includes a display unit 301, an operation unit 310, and a control unit, storage unit, communication unit, etc. (not shown). The storage unit is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD, etc., and stores various programs. The control unit is composed of a CPU and executes the various programs stored in the storage unit.

[0027] The display unit 301 is composed of, for example, a display. The display unit 301 displays various types of information, including the user information registration screen 320, which will be described later based on Figure 2. The operation unit 310 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and accepts various input operations from the operator. The operator can input various instructions to the user terminal 300 by appropriately operating the operation unit 310. The operation unit 310 is an example of a reception unit.

[0028] (Configuration of the distribution server) The distribution server 100 is, for example, a server installed and managed by the operating company that operates the distribution system 1. As described above, the distribution server 100 sequentially stores the draft data of multiple newspaper articles uploaded by the newspaper terminal 400, and then outputs it to the image conversion server 500 at a predetermined timing.

[0029] The distribution server 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 115, a communication unit 140, etc. The storage unit 115 is an example of memory. The control unit 110, the storage unit 115, and the communication unit 140, etc. are connected via a bus 105 to enable information transmission and reception.

[0030] The storage unit 115 is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD, etc. The storage unit 115 stores various programs 120 and various data 130. The various programs 120 include programs that execute the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4, which will be described later, and the various data 130 include manuscript data of newspaper articles and page data after image conversion. The storage unit 115 stores the various data 130 in a database format. Page data generated by image conversion of manuscript data of newspaper articles is an example of content.

[0031] The control unit 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a processor like a CPU. The control unit 110 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 115. The control unit 110 performs various processes, including data communication with the printing device 200, user terminal 300, newspaper terminal 400, and image conversion server 500, all connected to the network NT. The communication unit 140 includes hardware that connects to the network NT, such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) for connecting to Ethernet®, and communicates with the printing device 200, user terminal 300, newspaper terminal 400, and image conversion server 500.

[0032] (Configuration of the image conversion server) The image conversion server 500 receives the original document data transmitted by the distribution server 100 at a predetermined timing, converts it into data in a predetermined format for printing by the printing device 200 (hereinafter referred to simply as "print data"), and then transmits it to the distribution server 100. The image conversion server 500 has a control unit (not shown), a storage unit, a communication unit, etc. The control unit, storage unit, and communication unit of the image conversion server 500 have the same configuration as those of the distribution server 100.

[0033] The distribution server 100 and the image conversion server 500 may each be composed of a single standalone "server," or they may each be composed of multiple servers. Alternatively, at least two of the functions of servers 100 and 500 may be provided by a single standalone "server."

[0034] (Configuration of the printing device) The printing device 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a communication unit 260, a printing unit 270, etc. The control unit 210, storage unit 215, display unit 240, operation unit 250, communication unit 260, and printing unit 270 are connected via a bus 205 to enable information transmission and reception.

[0035] The storage unit 215 is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD, etc. The storage unit 215 stores various programs 220 and various data 230. The various data 230 include print data received from the distribution server 100, that is, manuscript data of newspaper articles converted into a printable format.

[0036] The control unit 210 is a data processing device, such as a processor like a CPU. The control unit 210 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 215. The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, capable of displaying various information. The operation unit 250 is, for example, a keyboard or buttons, and accepts input operations from the operator. The operator can input various instructions to the printing device 200 by operating the operation unit 250. The communication unit 260 is connected to the network NT and can communicate with the distribution server 100, the image conversion server 500, the newspaper terminal 400, and the user terminal 300. The printing unit 270 includes a printing engine and, using a transport mechanism (not shown), removes and transports printing paper from a paper tray, while forming and printing an image on the paper, for example, using an inkjet method.

[0037] The cartridge holder 280 is configured to accommodate one cartridge 285. The cartridge holder 280 may also be capable of accommodating multiple ink color cartridges 285, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Furthermore, multiple cartridge holders 280 may be provided in the printing device 200.

[0038] The printing unit 270 consists of, for example, an inkjet head, a carriage, and a motor and belt that drive the carriage. The printing unit 270 performs printing while consuming ink by ejecting ink from the cartridge 285 from the inkjet head onto the printing paper. Ink is one example of a consumable, and printing paper may also be an example of a consumable. Note that the printing unit 270 is not limited to an inkjet system, but may also be a laser system. In the case of a laser system, toner cartridges and drums become consumables.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an example of a user information registration screen 320 displayed on the display unit 301 of the user terminal 300. The user information registration screen 320 shown in Figure 2 is displayed on the display unit 301 of the user terminal 300 when user A logs in to the distribution server 100 using the user terminal 300. On the user information registration screen 320, user A can select the content to be distributed via the printing device 200. Content selection is made by selecting the distribution category and the type of printing mode.

[0040] For distribution categories, users can choose from seven types, such as front page, sports, local events, culture, fishing, all color pages, and all monochrome pages. A checkbox 321 is displayed next to each category name, so user A operates the checkbox 321 next to the category name they want to select. This displays a checkmark in the checkbox 321, and that category is selected. If user A operates the checkmarked checkbox 321 again, the checkmark disappears from the checkbox 321, and that category is deselected.

[0041] For each category, you can select the type of printing method. The types of printing methods include, for example, whether or not to print in color, the level of print quality (high / medium / low), and whether or not to print on one side. The selection of the printing method is also done by manipulating checkboxes. Specifically, whether or not to print in color is done by manipulating checkbox 322. When a checkmark is displayed in checkbox 322, it indicates that color printing is selected; when the checkmark is not displayed in checkbox 322, it indicates that monochrome printing is selected. The level of print quality is selected by manipulating checkbox 323. When a checkmark is displayed in any of the checkboxes 323 corresponding to each level, it indicates that the print quality level for that level is selected. Furthermore, whether or not to print on one side is done by manipulating checkbox 324. When a checkmark is displayed in checkbox 324, it indicates that single-sided printing is selected; when the checkmark is not displayed in checkbox 324, it indicates that double-sided printing is selected.

[0042] In the user information registration screen 320 shown in Figure 2, the distribution categories selected are "Page 1," "Sports," "Local Events," and "Culture." For example, for "Page 1," the print type is set to "Monochrome printing on one side of the paper" within the print quality levels. Note that for the distribution categories "All Color Pages" and "All Monochrome Pages," it is not possible to select whether or not to print in color.

[0043] Furthermore, the user information registration screen 320 allows users to set the delivery time by entering the time in the time field 325. The user information registration screen 320 also displays the serial number (SN1234567...) 330 of the printing device 200, so that users can identify the printing device 200 that will receive the content selected on the user information registration screen 320.

[0044] When registering the content selected as described above, that is, the user information of User A, with the distribution server 100, User A operates the change button 326. When logging out, User A operates the logout button 327. In the storage unit 115 of the distribution server 100, content selected by a plurality of users including User A, that is, user information, is registered as various data 130.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the procedure of the converted image storage process executed by the distribution server 100, particularly the control unit 110. The converted image storage process is a process in which, in response to the distribution server 100 receiving manuscript data of a newspaper article from the newspaper company terminal 400, the received manuscript data is transmitted to the image conversion server 500, and the print data generated by the image conversion server 500 converting the manuscript data is received from the image conversion server 500 and stored in the storage unit 115 as various data 130. The converted image storage process starts when the power of the distribution server 100 is turned on. Hereinafter, in the description of each process, steps are denoted as "S".

[0046] In Figure 3, the control unit 110 waits until the manuscript data is received (S10: NO), and when the manuscript data is received (S10: YES), the process proceeds to S12. In S12, the control unit 110 obtains the distribution date and time, page number, and page category from the received manuscript data. Here, the distribution date and time is the date and time set by the newspaper company terminal 400 for distributing the received manuscript data, and is different from the time input in the time area 325 of the user information registration screen 320. The page number indicates which page of the newspaper article the received manuscript data corresponds to. The page category is the category to which the received manuscript data belongs. In this embodiment, since the manuscript data is data in page units, that is, page data, one category is set in page units.

[0047] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether there is one or more readers who wish to receive the distribution of the corresponding page (S14). This determination may be made based on referring to each user information registered in the storage unit 115 and checking whether there is user information in which the category to which the corresponding page belongs is selected. In this determination, if there is no reader who wishes to receive the distribution of the corresponding page (S14: NO), the control unit 110 ends the converted image storage process.

[0048] On the other hand, if there is one or more readers who wish to receive the distribution of the corresponding page (S14: YES), the control unit 110 determines whether there is one or more readers who wish to have the corresponding page printed in color (S16). This determination may be made based on referring to the user information in which the category to which the corresponding page belongs is selected and checking whether a dot is displayed in the checkbox 322 corresponding to that category. In this determination, if there is one or more readers who wish to have the corresponding page printed in color (S16: YES), the control unit 110 transmits the page data of the corresponding page, that is, the manuscript data, to the image conversion server 500 and requests conversion into print data for color printing (S18).

[0049] Then, the control unit 110 receives the print data converted for color printing (hereinafter simply referred to as "color printing print data" as appropriate) from the image conversion server 500 and stores it in the storage unit 115 (S20). Further, the control unit 110 transmits the page data of the corresponding page, that is, the manuscript data, to the image conversion server 500 and requests conversion into print data for monochrome printing (S22). In response, the control unit 110 receives the print data converted for monochrome printing (hereinafter simply referred to as "monochrome printing print data" as appropriate) transmitted by the image conversion server 500 and stores it in the storage unit 115 (S24). After that, the control unit 110 ends the converted image storage process.

[0050] On the other hand, in the determination of S16, if there is no reader who wishes to have the corresponding page printed in color (S16: NO), the control unit 110 skips S18 and S20 and advances the process from S16 to S22.

[0051] In this way, during the converted image saving process, if there is one or more readers who wish to receive the page in question (S14: YES) AND if there is one or more readers who wish to have the page printed in color (S16: YES), both the print data for color printing and the print data for monochrome printing are saved in the storage unit 115. On the other hand, if there is one or more readers who wish to receive the page in question (S14: YES) AND if there are no readers who wish to have the page printed in color (S16: NO), only the print data for monochrome printing is saved in the storage unit 115.

[0052] Note that the conversion image saving process in Figure 3 shows the process when one page of original document data is received. However, if the original document data contains page data for multiple pages, the control unit 110 should repeat the processes S12 to S24 while incrementing the page.

[0053] Figure 4 shows the procedure for print data distribution processing performed by the distribution server 100, particularly the control unit 110. In print data distribution processing, the main task is to distribute the color print data or monochrome print data stored in the storage unit 115 to the target printing device 200 at the distribution time and have it printed. Print data distribution processing is started, for example, just before midnight every day.

[0054] In Figure 4, the control unit 110 obtains a list of printing devices scheduled to deliver print data today (S30). The control unit 110 obtains the list of printing devices by referring to the user information registered in the storage unit 115, and adding printing devices 200 for which a delivery time is recorded to the list of printing devices, while not adding printing devices 200 for which a delivery time is not recorded to the list of printing devices.

[0055] Next, the control unit 110 determines, based on the acquired list of printing devices, whether or not there are any printing devices 200 scheduled for distribution today (S32). If, in this determination, there are no printing devices 200 scheduled for distribution today (S32: NO), the control unit 110 terminates the print data distribution process. On the other hand, if there are printing devices 200 scheduled for distribution today (S32: YES), the control unit 110 selects one printing device 200 to be distributed (S34). At this time, the devices are selected in order of earliest distribution time.

[0056] Next, the control unit 110 acquires the distribution category and printing mode of the target printing device 200 (S40). The distribution category and printing mode of the target printing device 200 are described in the user information corresponding to the target printing device 200, so the control unit 110 only needs to read the user information from the storage unit 115 to acquire them.

[0057] Next, the control unit 110 obtains the page number and page category of the print data to be distributed (hereinafter referred to as "distributed print data" as appropriate) (S42). As described above in S12 of Figure 3, the page number and page category can be obtained from the original document data that forms the basis of the print data, so they can also be obtained from the print data.

[0058] Then, the control unit 110 determines whether the page category acquired in S42 matches the distribution category acquired in S40 (S44). If they match (S44: YES), the control unit 110 determines whether the print mode acquired in S40 is color printing (S46). In this determination, if the print mode is color printing (S46: YES), the control unit 110 reads the print data for color printing from the storage unit 115 (S48) and then proceeds to S52. On the other hand, in the determination in S46, if the print mode is not color printing (S46: NO), that is, if the print mode is monochrome printing, the print control unit 110 reads the print data for monochrome printing from the storage unit 115 (S50) and then proceeds to S52.

[0059] In S52, the control unit 110 distributes the distribution print data, that is, the print data for color printing or the print data for monochrome printing, to the target printing device 200 and causes it to print, in other words, it performs distribution printing (S52). It goes without saying that this distribution printing is performed at the distribution time specified in the user information.

[0060] Next, the control unit 110 separately counts the number of monochrome printed pages when monochrome print data is distributed and printed, and the number of color printed pages when color print data is distributed and printed (S54). At this time, the print quality level is also stored in association with each page. This is because the print quality level will be needed for the billing process in S60, which will be described later.

[0061] The control unit 110 then determines whether there are any pages remaining to be printed (S56). If there are pages remaining to be printed (S56: YES), the control unit 110 determines the next page to be used as the print data (S58), then returns the process to S42 and repeats the process from S42 onward. On the other hand, if the determination in S56 indicates that there are no pages remaining to be printed (S56: NO), the control unit 110 performs a billing process on the print device 200 to be distributed (S60). Specifically, the billing process is performed based on the following billing price table. Note that the unit price refers to the price per page. <Billing Price Table> ・High-quality color printing: 35 yen; medium-quality color printing: 30 yen; low-quality color printing: 25 yen; ・High-quality monochrome printing: 20 yen; medium-quality monochrome printing: 15 yen; low-quality monochrome printing: 10 yen;

[0062] For example, if the target printing device 200 performs double-sided printing, with the first page front side being color high-quality print, the second page back side being monochrome medium-quality print, the second page front side being monochrome low-quality print, and the second page back side being blank, the control unit 110 calculates and charges 35 yen + 15 yen + 10 yen = 60 yen based on this billing price table, the number of monochrome and color printed pages counted in S54, and the print quality level stored in association with each page.

[0063] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether or not there are any remaining printing devices 200 to be distributed (S62). If, in this determination, there are still printing devices 200 to be distributed (S62: YES), the control unit 110 determines the next printing device 200 to be the printing device 200 to be distributed (S64), then returns the process to S40 and repeats the process from S40 onward. On the other hand, if, in the determination in S62, there are no remaining printing devices 200 to be distributed (S62: NO), the control unit 110 terminates the print data distribution process.

[0064] In this embodiment, a pay-per-use method based on the number of pages and printing style of the printed data is used as the method for charging the distribution target printing device 200, but it is not limited to this. For example, a fixed monthly charge method may be adopted. Specifically, if a fixed monthly payment of 4,000 yen is decided, the distribution printing can be enabled up to that limit of 4,000 yen, and the distribution printing can be stopped when the limit of 4,000 yen is exceeded or about to be exceeded. The calculation of the price per page can be done using the calculation method described above.

[0065] Another billing method involves setting a standard charge per page. For example, the standard charge per page might be set at 15 yen for a single page printed in monochrome medium quality. If the user requests printing in a higher quality format than the standard, the standard charge will be increased. Conversely, if the user requests printing in a lower quality format than the standard, the standard charge will be decreased. Specifically, if a user requests printing for three pages, and one of those pages is to be printed in color medium quality, the standard charge would be 15 yen x 3 pages = 45 yen, with an additional 15 yen for the color medium quality printing, resulting in a charge of 60 yen. In contrast, if a user requests a 3-page printout, and specifically requests that one of those pages be printed in monochrome at a low quality, the standard charge will be 15 yen x 3 pages = 45 yen, with a 5 yen deduction for the monochrome low-quality printout, resulting in a charge of 40 yen.

[0066] Furthermore, the charges listed in the above billing table apply when single-sided printing is selected, and the charges may be reduced when double-sided printing is selected.

[0067] As described above, the distribution system 1 of this embodiment includes a printing device 200 and is a distribution system 1 that distributes data to the printing device 200. The data distributed to the printing device 200 includes content belonging to one of a plurality of categories. For content distributed to the printing device 200, it is possible to select the category to which the content belongs and the type of printing mode to be used when generating print data for the content belonging to that category. The distribution system 1 includes an operation unit 310 that accepts the selection of a category and the selection of a type of printing mode, a storage unit 115 that stores the category and type of printing mode related to the selection accepted by the operation unit 310, an image conversion server 500 that generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in the storage unit 115 based on the type of printing mode stored in the storage unit 115, and a distribution server 100 that distributes the print data generated by the image conversion server 500 to the printing device 200.

[0068] Thus, according to the distribution system 1 of this embodiment, the type of print mode can be selected for each content category, and based on the selected type of print mode, print data for content belonging to that category can be generated and distributed.

[0069] Furthermore, the user inputs the category selection and print type selection into the operation unit 310. This allows the user to select and print only the content in the category and print type that is necessary for them.

[0070] Furthermore, the categories include a first category to which only color content belongs, and a second category to which only monochrome content belongs. When the operation unit 310 accepts the selection of the first category, the image conversion server 500 generates print data in color for the color content belonging to the first category, and when the operation unit 310 accepts the selection of the second category, it generates print data in monochrome for the monochrome content belonging to the second category. As a result, the user only needs to select one of the first or second categories and does not need to select a print format, thus saving the user time and effort.

[0071] Furthermore, the types of print modes include color print mode. When the image conversion server 500 receives a selection of a category and a selection of a color print mode from the operation unit 310, it generates print data for content belonging to the selected category in color print mode. When the operation unit 310 receives a selection of a category and a non-selection of a color print mode, it generates print data for content belonging to the selected category in monochrome print mode. This is extremely convenient for users who normally print in monochrome, as they do not need to actively select monochrome print mode.

[0072] Furthermore, the distribution system 1 includes a control unit 110 that charges an amount corresponding to the amount of print generated in monochrome and the amount of print generated in color when the print data generated by the image conversion server 500 and distributed by the distribution server 100 is printed by the printing device 200. This makes it possible to charge an amount according to the amount of print in monochrome and color.

[0073] Furthermore, the types of print modes include print quality levels. When the image conversion server 500 receives a selection of a category and a print quality level from the operation unit 310, it generates print data for content belonging to the selected category at the selected print quality level. This allows the user to select their preferred print quality level and have the print delivered.

[0074] Furthermore, the distribution system 1 includes a control unit 110 that charges an amount based on the print quality level and print volume when the printing device 200 prints the print data generated by the image conversion server 500 and distributed by the distribution server 100. This makes it possible to charge an amount based on the print quality level and print volume.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 110 uses the amount charged for print data generated at the standard print quality level as a baseline. For print data generated at a print quality level higher than the standard, the baseline amount is increased, and for print data generated at a print quality level lower than the standard, the baseline amount is decreased. This allows users to use the delivery printing service while being mindful of the charges.

[0076] Furthermore, the types of printing modes include single-sided printing. When the operation unit 310 receives a selection of a category and a selection of single-sided printing, the image conversion server 500 generates print data for single-sided printing of content belonging to the selected category. When the operation unit 310 receives a selection of a category and a non-selection of single-sided printing, the server generates print data for double-sided printing of content belonging to the selected category. This means that when a user desires single-sided printing for distribution, they must actively select single-sided printing, while when a user desires double-sided printing for distribution, they do not need to actively select double-sided printing. As a result, double-sided printing for distribution is prioritized, contributing to environmental ecology by reducing paper consumption.

[0077] As described above, the distribution method of this embodiment is a distribution method that includes a printing device 200 and uses a distribution system for distributing data to the printing device 200, wherein the data distributed to the printing device 200 includes content belonging to one of a plurality of categories, and for the content distributed to the printing device 200, it is possible to select the category to which the content belongs and the type of printing mode to be used when generating print data for the content belonging to that category, and the distribution method includes an acceptance process that accepts the selection of a category and the selection of the type of printing mode, a storage process that stores the category and type of printing mode related to the selection accepted in the acceptance process in a storage unit 115, a generation process that generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in the storage unit 115 based on the type of printing mode stored in the storage unit 115, and a distribution process that distributes the print data generated in the generation process to the printing device 200.

[0078] According to the distribution method of this embodiment, the type of print mode can be selected for each content category, and based on the selected type of print mode, print data for content belonging to that category can be generated and distributed.

[0079] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] (1) In the above embodiment, the distribution server 100 and the image conversion server 500 are configured as separate components, but the distribution server 100 may also include the image conversion server 500.

[0081] (2) In the above embodiment, the printing device 200 is one which forms an image on the printing paper using, for example, an inkjet method and prints it, but it is not limited to this and may also be one which forms a toner image on the printing paper using an electrophotographic method and prints it.

[0082] (3) In the above embodiment, the process of selecting the distribution category and printing method, creating user information, and registering it with the distribution server 100 is performed via the user terminal 300. However, the process is not limited to this, and may be performed on the printing device 200 without going through the user terminal 300.

[0083] (4) In the above embodiment, the printing device 200 was one that only had a printing function, but it is not limited to this, and a device that also has a scanning function and combines the printing function and the scanning function to realize a copying function may be adopted, or a device that also has a fax function may be adopted. If a device with a scanning function is adopted, it is also conceivable that the user information written on the paper can be read by the scanning function and sent to the distribution server 100 either as is or converted into text data and registered with the distribution server 100.

[0084] 1...Distribution system, 100...Distribution server, 110...Control unit, 115...Storage unit, 140...Communication unit, 200...Printing device, 210...Control unit, 240...Display unit, 250...Operation unit, 260...Communication unit, 270...Printing unit, 300...User terminal, 301...Display unit, 310...Operation unit, 400...Newspaper company terminal, 500...Image conversion server.

Claims

1. A distribution system that includes a destination device and distributes data to the destination device, wherein the data distributed to the destination device includes content belonging to one of a plurality of categories, and for the content distributed to the destination device, the category to which the content belongs and the type of printing mode to be used when generating print data for the content belonging to that category can be selected, and the distribution system comprises: a receiving unit that receives the selection of the category and the selection of the type of printing mode; a memory that stores the category and the type of printing mode related to the selection received by the receiving unit; a generating unit that generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in the memory based on the type of printing mode stored in the memory; and a distribution unit that distributes the print data generated by the generating unit to the destination device.

2. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the category and the selection of the type of printing mode are entered by the user into the reception unit.

3. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of categories include a first category to which only color content belongs and a second category to which only monochrome content belongs, and the generation unit generates the print data in color printing mode for the color content belonging to the first category when the reception unit accepts the selection of the first category, and generates the print data in monochrome printing mode for the monochrome content belonging to the second category when the reception unit accepts the selection of the second category.

4. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the types of printing modes include color printing modes, and the generation unit generates the print data in color printing mode for content belonging to the selected category when the reception unit receives the selection of the category and the selection of the color printing mode, and generates the print data in monochrome printing mode for content belonging to the selected category when the reception unit receives the selection of the category and the non-selection of the color printing mode.

5. The distribution system according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: a billing unit that charges an amount corresponding to the amount of print generated in monochrome and the amount of print generated in color when the destination device prints the print data generated by the generation unit and distributed by the distribution unit.

6. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the type of printing mode includes a level of printing quality, and when the receiving unit receives the selection of the category and the selection of the level of printing quality, the generating unit generates the content belonging to the selected category at the level of printing quality related to the selection.

7. The distribution system according to claim 6, further comprising a billing unit that charges an amount corresponding to the print quality level and print volume when the destination device prints the print data generated by the generation unit and distributed by the distribution unit.

8. The distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the billing unit charges an amount based on the amount charged for print data generated at a standard print quality level, increasing the base amount for print data generated at a print quality level higher than the standard, and decreasing the base amount for print data generated at a print quality level lower than the standard.

9. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the types of printing modes include single-sided printing, and the generation unit generates the print data for single-sided printing of content belonging to the selected category when the reception unit receives the selection of the category and the selection of single-sided printing, and generates the print data for double-sided printing of content belonging to the selected category when the reception unit receives the selection of the category and the non-selection of single-sided printing.

10. A distribution method using a distribution system that includes a destination device and distributes data to the destination device, wherein the data distributed to the destination device includes content belonging to one of a plurality of categories, and for the content distributed to the destination device, the category to which the content belongs and the type of printing mode to be used when generating print data for the content belonging to that category can be selected, and the distribution method includes: an acceptance process that accepts the selection of the category and the selection of the type of printing mode; a storage process that stores the category and the type of printing mode related to the selection accepted in the acceptance process in memory; a generation process that generates print data for printing content belonging to the category stored in memory based on the type of printing mode stored in memory; and a distribution process that distributes the print data generated in the generation process to the destination device.

Images