JPH1040042A - Image recording system and image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Image] An image recording apparatus capable of independently editing and outputting data taken in the image recording apparatus in a predetermined format without mounting large-scale storage means in the image recording apparatus. Provide system. An image recording system includes an editing device, a management storage device, and an image recording device interconnected via a communication network. The editing device 2 creates a template and an ID for providing a function of independently editing the arrangement of the image data and printing the image data on the image recording device 4. Is stored in association with. The management storage device 3 returns a corresponding template to the image recording device 4 in response to the template request from the image recording device 4. The image recording device 4 autonomously edits and prints the input data based on the returned template.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network. The present invention relates to an image recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printer, which is one of image recording apparatuses, includes a peer-to-peer system that directly connects a printer to an external device such as a host computer that generates print data and uses the image data and control codes. There are a peer mode and a shared usage mode in which a plurality of host computers connected to a network use a shared printer connected to the network.

[0003] Each of the above-mentioned utilization forms will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a usage form of a conventional printer.

In a peer-to-peer configuration, FIG.
As shown in (a), print data generated by the host computer 901 is sent to the printer 900 via serial or parallel communication, and the printer 900 captures print data from the host computer 901 and prints based on the print data. Perform output.

In the shared use mode, as shown in FIG. 15B, a local area network (Local Area Network) is used.
Networks) 907 is connected to a plurality of host computers 902, 903, 904, and 905.
, And share and use the printer 906 connected to
The printer 906 is connected to each of the host computers 902 and 90
The print data transmitted from the host computer via the LAN 907 in response to a use command from one of the printers 3, 904, and 905, and prints out based on the print data.

[0006] Printer 90 in any of the usage modes
0, 906 is also provided with a so-called "test print mode", which is a function for performing print output independently without relying on control from each host computer. In the "test print mode", the printer environment setting state, printer It performs only print output to indicate its own status such as functions. Except for the “test print mode”, the printer 90
0,906 is each host computer 901,902,9
03, 904, 905, and prints are controlled by a control code included in the print data from each of the host computers 901, 902, 903, 904, 905.
Printer 900 without depending on the control by the control code of
906 cannot independently perform print output for print data fetched from outside.

To obtain a print output of data generated by the host computer, first, application software installed in the host computer is started, and images, documents, databases, and the like are started by the started application software as needed. After the data is edited in a desired format, a print output of the data is set. When the print output is set, print data is generated, and the generated print data is provided to the printer. The printer performs a corresponding print output based on the given print data.

[0008]

Usually, data whose print format is predetermined is often updated daily, and such data is printed out in a predetermined print format every time it is updated. You. The print output of data whose print format is determined in advance and which is updated daily includes the following.

1. Paragraph-edited data to make it easier to read e-mail messages and other messages, such as personal communications, e-mail messages typified by the Internet, and messages from conference rooms that you are always watching.

[0010] 2. Stock market data represented by teletext, news, new product introductions, sports bulletins, weather forecasts, product price information, and other information classified and edited, and stock market data in which information from several days ago is graphed.

3. Data in which comments associated with images taken by a digital camera are arranged.

In order to obtain a print output in such a predetermined print format, a series of procedures is required from the start-up of the host computer, and the print output cannot be performed by the printer alone. That is, data printed in a predetermined format cannot be easily obtained. In particular, in ordinary households, it is rare that the computer is always started up, and it is not possible to easily obtain the printed output of the data. In addition, it is more difficult for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of a computer to obtain a printout of the above-described data.

Although it is possible to provide a printer that operates independently in accordance with one or two of the predetermined formats, a new apparatus must be provided to support other formats. There is a need to. That is, in order to support various formats, it is necessary to provide a means for inputting information regarding various formats on the printer side, and it is necessary to make software relating to these formats resident. Therefore, in order to enable the printer to operate independently in various formats, it is necessary to mount a large-scale storage unit typified by a hard disk in the printer, which results in an increase in the size of the printer and an increase in manufacturing cost. Will be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording system which can independently edit and output data taken in by a predetermined format without mounting large-scale storage means in the image recording apparatus. Is to provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus which can independently edit and output data taken in a predetermined format without mounting large-scale storage means. .

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In an image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are connected to each other via a communication network so that they can communicate with each other, the editing device is connected to the image recording device. A printing software creating means for creating printing software for providing a function of independently editing the arrangement of image data and printing the image data, and a software identifier used for acquiring the printing software by the image recording apparatus An identifier generating unit for generating the generated identifier; a transmitting unit for transmitting the printing software together with the identifier to the management storage device via the communication network; The printing software transmitted from the editing device via the communication network; Receiving means for receiving the software, managing the received printing software, managing means for storing, and selecting the printing software corresponding to the provision request of the printing software issued from the image recording device based on the identifier, Transmitting means for transmitting the selected printing software to the image recording apparatus which has issued the provision request via the communication network, the image recording apparatus comprising: an inputting means for inputting the identifier; Requesting means for making a request for providing the printing software using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, software receiving means for receiving printing software sent from the management storage device via the communication network, and the received printing A software storage unit for storing software, and a storage unit for capturing image data to be printed. Means, by executing the printing software thus received, characterized in that it comprises a printing means for performing printing processing on the captured image data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the first aspect, the identifier generating means of the editing apparatus includes an identifier for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for a specific image recording apparatus. It has a function of generating

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the first aspect, the identifier generating means of the editing device is provided for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for an unspecified image recording device. It has a function of generating an identifier.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the first aspect, the loading means of the image recording apparatus is detachably provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the first aspect, the identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for recording the identifier on a card-like recording medium such as a magnetic card. The input means of the image recording apparatus comprises means for reading the identifier from the recording medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the first aspect, character information including a numeral is used as the identifier, and the identifier holding means of the editing device displays the character information indicating the identifier. Input means of the image recording apparatus,
It is characterized by comprising means for inputting character information indicating the identifier.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the first aspect, the printing software and the identifier generated by the editing device are data that can be transmitted through the communication network when the editing is completed. The data is converted into a format and sent to the management storage device via the communication network.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network. The editing apparatus, wherein the image recording apparatus independently creates tabulation software for providing printing software for providing a function of counting numerical data and printing the counting result in a predetermined format; and Identifier generating means for generating a software identifier used for acquiring the printing software by an apparatus, identifier holding means for holding the generated identifier, and the management storage device via the communication network with the printing software together with the identifier Transmitting means for transmitting to the communication device from the editing device. Receiving means for receiving the printing software transmitted via the MFP, management means for managing and storing the received printing software, and printing software corresponding to a provision request of the printing software issued from the image recording apparatus. Is selected based on the identifier,
Transmitting means for transmitting the selected printing software to the image recording apparatus which has issued the provision request via the communication network, the image recording apparatus comprising: an inputting means for inputting the identifier; Requesting means for making a request for providing the printing software using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, software receiving means for receiving printing software sent from the management storage device via the communication network, and the received printing Software storage means for storing software, capture means for capturing numeric data to be processed, and print processing means for performing processing on the captured numeric data by executing the received print software. It is characterized by the following.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the eighth aspect, the identifier generating means of the editing device includes an identifier for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for a specific image recording device. It has a function of generating

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the eighth aspect, the identifier generating means of the editing device is provided for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for an unspecified image recording device. It has a function of generating an identifier.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the eighth aspect, the fetch means of the image recording apparatus is detachably provided.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the eighth aspect, the identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for recording the identifier on a card-like recording medium such as a magnetic card. The input means of the image recording apparatus comprises means for reading the identifier from the recording medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the eighth aspect, character information including a numeral is used as the identifier, and the identifier holding means of the editing device displays the character information indicating the identifier. Input means of the image recording apparatus,
It is characterized by comprising means for inputting character information indicating the identifier.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the eighth aspect, the printing software and the identifier generated by the editing device are data that can be transmitted through the communication network when the editing is completed. The data is converted into a format and sent to the management storage device via the communication network.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network. A software creating unit that creates performance improvement software for improving the performance of the image recording device; and an identifier that generates a software identifier used for acquiring the performance improvement software by the image recording device. Generating means, identifier holding means for holding the generated identifier, and transmitting means for transmitting the performance improvement software together with the identifier to the management storage device via the communication network, the management storage device, The performance improvement software transmitted from the editing device via the communication network; Receiving means for receiving, the managing means for managing and storing the received performance improvement software, and selecting the performance improvement software corresponding to the performance improvement software provision request issued from the image recording apparatus based on the identifier. Transmitting means for transmitting the selected performance improvement software to the image recording device that has issued the provision request via the communication network, the image recording device comprising: an input unit for inputting the identifier; and the management storage device. Requesting means for making a request for providing the printing software to the printing software using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, software receiving means for receiving performance improvement software sent from the management storage device via the communication network, Software storing means for storing the received performance improvement software; and By executing the Touea, characterized in that it comprises a improvement processing means for performing processing to improve performance.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, the identifier generating means of the editing device is provided for enabling the performance improvement software to be effectively used for a specific image recording device. It has a function of generating an identifier.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, the identifier generation means of the editing device is provided to enable the performance improvement software to be effectively used for an unspecified image recording device. Characterized by having a function of generating an identifier.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, the identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for recording the identifier on a card-like recording medium such as a magnetic card. The input means of the image recording apparatus comprises means for reading the identifier from the recording medium.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, character information including a numeral is used as the identifier, and the identifier holding means of the editing device displays the character information indicating the identifier. Wherein the input means of the image recording apparatus comprises means for inputting character information indicating the identifier.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, the printing software and the identifier generated by the editing device are data that can be transmitted through the communication network when the editing is completed. The data is converted into a format and sent to the management storage device via the communication network.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, the image recording apparatus includes a fetch means for fetching numerical data to be processed.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the fifteenth aspect, the image recording apparatus includes a fetch means for fetching image data to be subjected to printing processing.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image recording system according to the twenty-first or the twenty-second aspect, the loading means of the image recording apparatus is detachably provided.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, printing software for providing a function of editing the arrangement of image data and printing the image data is managed in association with an identifier.
In an image recording apparatus communicably connected to a storing software management storage device via a communication network, input means for inputting the identifier, and a request for providing the printing software to the management storage device is transmitted to the printing software. Requesting means for using the corresponding identifier, software receiving means for receiving the printing software sent from the management storage device via the communication network in response to the provision request of the printing software, and the received printing software Software storing means for storing, capturing means for capturing image data to be subjected to printing processing, and printing means for performing printing processing on the captured image data by executing the received printing software. It is characterized by.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a software management and storage device which manages and stores print software for providing a function of printing numerical data and printing the calculated result in a predetermined format in association with an identifier. In an image recording apparatus communicably connected via a communication network, input means for inputting the identifier and a request for providing the printing software to the management storage device are made using an identifier corresponding to the printing software. Requesting means, software receiving means for receiving the printing software sent out from the management storage device via the communication network in response to the provision request of the printing software, software storing means for storing the received printing software, Capturing means for capturing numeric data to be processed, and the received printing software By row, characterized in that it comprises a printing processing means for performing processing for numeric data that the captured.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, an image recording apparatus communicably connected via a communication network to a software management and storage device for managing and storing performance improvement software for improving performance in association with an identifier. An input means for inputting the identifier, and a request means for making a request for providing the performance improvement software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the performance improvement software,
Software receiving means for receiving performance improvement software sent from the management storage device via the communication network in response to the provision request of the performance improvement software, software storage means for storing the received performance improvement software, An improvement processing unit that performs processing for improving performance by executing the received performance improvement software.

[0042]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the image recording system of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram in which the image recording system of FIG. 1 is extended.

The image recording system, as shown in FIG.
Editing device 2, management storage device 3, image recording device 4,
A communication network 1 connects the editing device 2, the management storage device 3, and the image recording device so that they can communicate with each other. The communication network 1 includes, for example, a communication network using a telephone line, a LAN, and the like.

The editing device 2 includes printing software (hereinafter, referred to as a template) for providing the image recording device 4 with a function of independently editing the layout of image data and printing the image data by user interface means. Management identifier (hereinafter referred to as ID) of the template created using template editing software and created at the same time
Generate The created template includes a custom template and a fixed template.

The custom template is a template created according to the specification requested by the user. Specifically, the user submits an order card describing the required specifications to a facility where the editing device 2 is installed, for example, a store of the image recording device 4, and the operator of the editing device 2 writes the contents of the order card. A custom template is created by inputting and editing through an interface of the template editing software of the editing apparatus 2. The custom template is assigned a one-to-one ID so that the custom template is distributed via the communication network 1 only to the image recording device 4 owned by the user who has specified the specification. This ID is recorded on a card such as a magnetic card, and the card is issued to a corresponding user. In the present embodiment,
The card that records the ID of the custom template is issued.
May be directly orally notified to the corresponding user.

The standard template is a template that can be used by an unspecified number of users for general use. The standard template may be created at a facility where the editing device 2 is installed, similarly to the custom template. After the template is created at another facility, it is possible to input the created template to the editing device 2. Similar to the custom template, the fixed template is provided with a corresponding ID, and a card recording this ID is issued. This card is prepared so that it can be obtained by an unspecified user at a store of the image recording device 4, a general store, a vending machine on the street, or the like.

The management storage device 3 fetches the fixed templates and custom templates and the IDs assigned to these templates from the editing device 2 and manages and stores the fixed templates and custom templates in association with the IDs. When a template request is issued from the image recording device 4 via the communication network 1, the management storage device 3 returns a corresponding template to the requesting image recording device 4 via the communication network 1 in response to the template request.

The image recording device 4 has a card reader for reading the record ID of the card issued to the user.
When the ID recorded on the card is read by the card reader, a template request using this ID is issued. Upon receiving the template returned from the management storage device 3 in response to the template request, the image recording device 4 executes the template to independently edit and print the input data.

As described above, the image recording device 4 fetches the template corresponding to the ID read from the card from the management storage device 3 and executes the fetched template to independently edit and print the input data. It becomes possible.

Further, by maintaining a one-to-one correspondence between the custom template and the ID, the image recording apparatus 4 having acquired the ID can reliably acquire the custom template corresponding to the ID. Even in a system in which a plurality of image recording devices 4 are provided,
The template corresponding to the ID can be reliably delivered to a predetermined one of the plurality of image recording devices 4. Therefore, such an image recording system can be composed of a plurality of editing devices 2, a plurality of management storage devices 3, and a plurality of image recording devices 4 mutually connected via the communication network 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of editing devices 200, 201, 202, a plurality of management storage devices 300,
301, 302 and a plurality of image recording devices 400, 40
An image recording system in which the image recording systems 1 and 402 are mutually connected via the communication network 1 can be configured.

The above-described editing device 2 and image recording device 4
Can be placed at the user's hand. In this case, the template created by the editing device 2 is automatically transmitted to the management storage device 3 via the communication network 1.

The editing device 2 can also be constituted by a personal computer or the like. In this case, the personal computer is equipped with the above-mentioned means provided in the editing device 2.

Further, a unit in which the editing device 2 and the image recording device 4 are integrally formed may be used.
This unit includes the components of the editing device 2 and the components of the image recording device 4, and the template created by the editing device 2 is automatically transmitted to the management storage device 3 via the communication network 1.

Next, the configuration of the editing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the editing device of the image recording system of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the editing device 2 includes a communication unit 20 supporting a communication protocol and an interface corresponding to the communication network 1 and a user interface 21.
And a control unit 24 that controls the entire editing apparatus 2.

The user interface 21 is an interface for inputting data relating to template specifications requested by the user (hereinafter referred to as template specification data). From this user interface 21, template specification data is input by an operator using an order card created by the user.

The procedure for inputting the template specification data and editing the template is determined by the template editing software 23. The template editing software 23 is software for editing a template based on the input template specification data. This software is stored in a storage unit of the control unit 24 together with software for controlling the entire editing apparatus 2.

When the template is edited by the template editing software 23, the template editing software 23 generates a template management ID for identifying the edited template, and the ID is sent to the identifier recording unit 22. When the edited template is a custom template, the template editing software 23 further prompts for user-specific information such as a telephone number, and this information and the template management ID are sent to the identifier recording unit 22. In the present embodiment, a telephone number is exemplified as user-specific information, but a fingerprint or the like may be used as user-specific information instead.

The identifier recording unit 22 stores the template management I
When only D is input, the template management I
D is recorded on the card 25 as an ID, and the card 25 is issued. On the other hand, when the template management ID and the user unique information are input, the template management ID and the user unique information are recorded on the card 25 as IDs, and the card 25 is issued. Note that other information other than the ID may be recorded on the card 25.

Next, the configuration of the management storage device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management storage device of the image recording system of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the management storage device 3 includes a plurality of communication units 310, 311, 31 that support a communication protocol and an interface corresponding to the communication network 1.
2, 313, and each of the communication units 310, 311, 312,
313, the communication network 1 from one or more editing devices 2;
And the ID of the template transmitted to the communication network 1 from the one or more image recording devices 4 and the function of receiving the template corresponding to the template request from each image recording device 4. And a function of transmitting the image to the requesting image recording apparatus 4. Although the number of communication units is set to four in the present embodiment, the number is not limited to four.

The templates and IDs received by the communication units 310, 311, 312, and 313 are stored in the storage unit 32 via the selection unit 33. In the storage unit 32, a plurality of custom templates 3204, 3205, and 3206 are stored in association with respective IDs, and a plurality of fixed templates 3201, 3202, and 3203 are stored in association with the respective IDs. .

The selection unit 33 includes communication units 310, 311 and 3
When a template request from the image recording apparatus 4 is received at 12, 313, the corresponding template is extracted from the storage unit 32 in response to the received template request, and the extracted template is transmitted to the communication unit that has received the template request. Can be The communication unit converts the template sent from the selection unit 33 into a data packet according to the protocol of the communication network 1, and the data packet is sent to the requesting image recording apparatus 4 via the communication network 1.

The above-mentioned communication units 310, 311, 312, 3
The control section 34 controls the entire management storage device 3 including the control of the selection section 33 and the like.

Next, the configuration of the image recording apparatus 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image recording device of the image recording system of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image recording device 4 has a communication unit 40 that supports a communication protocol and an interface corresponding to the communication network 1. When a data packet corresponding to the template transmitted from the management storage device 3 via the communication network 1 is received by the communication unit 40, the template is reconstructed from the data packet, and the template is associated with the ID. It is stored in the storage unit 43.

The storage unit 43 has a storage area for firmware for controlling the communication unit 40, the print unit 44, the identifier input unit 42, and the external information input unit 45, in addition to the above-described template storage area. And storage unit 43
Has a capacity capable of storing each software.

The identifier input section 42 reads the ID recorded on the card 25 (shown in FIG. 3) issued by the editing device 2 and, together with the template management ID included in the read ID, a template for requesting a template. The request is sent to the communication unit 40. The communication unit 40 converts the template request and the template management ID into a data packet according to the protocol of the communication network 1, and the data packet is sent to the corresponding management storage device 3 via the communication network 1.

For example, when the communication network 1 is constituted by a telephone line and the communication unit 40 is constituted by a FAX modem, the communication unit 4 is read by the ID input of the card by the identifier input unit 42.
0 automatically starts dialing and establishes a communication line connection with the corresponding management storage device 3. When a communication line with the corresponding management storage device 3 is connected, a data packet including the above-described template request is transmitted to the management storage device 3,
As a response to this data packet, the management storage device 3
Sends the corresponding template. in this way,
By causing the identifier input unit 42 to read the ID of the card, a corresponding template can be provided from the management storage device 3.

For connection to the communication line with the management storage device 3, the dial number for the management storage device 3
It is also possible to use a method in which the dial number of the management storage device 3 corresponding to the set dial number is taken out of the set dial number. It is also possible to use a method of recording the dial number of the management storage device 3 and reading the recorded dial number. In addition, information for making a communication line connection to the management storage device 3 is recorded on the card 25 at a predetermined time every day, and a method of reading this recorded information is used to automatically correspond to a predetermined time every day. It is also possible to cause the management storage device 3 to start dialing.

The printing unit 44 is composed of an engine having an interface with an external device such as a host computer and performing printing by an ink jet system, a thermal sublimation system, or another system. An input unit (not shown) is provided which enables print output in accordance with print data from the external device in a peer-to-peer connection mode with the external device.

The external information input section 45 comprises means for inputting data to be edited by the template provided from the management storage device 3, and includes means for inputting an image, an image input section for inputting an image, characters, Each part of a text input unit such as a keyboard for inputting numerical values, a buffer for temporarily storing input data, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the entire external information input unit 45 in cooperation with the control unit 47
Having. The external information input unit 45 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image recording apparatus 4 and, for example, when it is necessary to obtain a print output combining an image photographed by a digital camera or the like and characters, as required. Attached to. When the external information input section 45 is attached to the image / image recording apparatus 4 main body, an I / F (interface)
It is electrically connected to a bus 48 via 46.

Each software stored in the storage unit 43 is executed by the control unit 47, and the entire image recording apparatus 4 is controlled by executing each software. The control unit 47 is connected to each of the above-described blocks via a bus 48.

Next, a procedure from editing a template for obtaining a print output in a format desired by the user to providing the template to the image recording apparatus 4 owned by the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure from editing of the template to provision of the template to the image recording apparatus in the image recording system of FIG.

As shown at (A) in the figure, first, the user goes to the facility where the editing apparatus 2 is installed, and fills in the prepared order sheet with the required template specifications. The order sheet on which the specifications are written is given to the operator, who inputs the specifications written on the order sheet in accordance with an instruction issued by the template editing software 23 of the editing device 2. Template editing software 2
3 creates and edits a template requested by the user, that is, a custom template based on the input template specification, and edits the custom template, and the telephone number of the user and the template management I arbitrarily determined.
D is input.

Next, as shown in (B) in the figure, the template editing software 23 generates an ID including the input telephone number and the template management ID. Also,
If necessary, an ID including information other than the telephone number and the template management ID is generated.

I for identifying a custom template
When D is generated, the generated ID is sent to the identifier generation unit 32, as shown in FIG.
2 records the ID on the card 25. The card 25 on which the ID is recorded is issued to the user who has requested the custom template, and the user who has received the card 25 pays a commission, royalty, and template management fee to the institution to which the operator belongs. The details of the billing will not be described here. Also, an example is shown in which the order sheet is placed in a facility where the editing device 2 is installed, but the order sheet is distributed to the user at another place, and the user writes a predetermined template specification on the order sheet. It is also possible to adopt a method of mailing the order sheet later or bringing it directly to the facility where the editing device 2 is installed. Further, a method of mailing the issued card 25 to the user other than the method of directly handing the issued card 25 to the user can be used.

Next, as shown in (D) in the figure, the edited custom template and ID are sent to the management storage device 3 via the communication network 1.

The management storage device 3 receives the custom template sent to the communication network 1 and stores the received custom template in the storage unit 32 in association with the ID, as shown in FIG. Is stored.

The operations and processes (A) to (E) described above are performed when the editing apparatus 2 is installed at another place apart from the user's location.
Is placed at the user's hand, the above-described operations (A) to (E) and the same operations and processes as the processing are performed at the user's hand instead of the operator.

Next, when the user obtains a printout by using the image recording device 4 placed at hand, as shown in (F) in the figure, the user first requests the provision of a custom template or a fixed template. Card 25 to do
Is inserted by the user into the identifier input section 42 of the image recording apparatus 4, and the ID and other information recorded on the card 25 are read by the identifier input section 42.

When the reading of the card 25 is completed, the image recording apparatus 4 sets the identifier input section 4 as shown in FIG.
2 automatically dials the management storage device 3 based on the ID and other information read. When the management storage device 3 is connected to the image recording device 4 via the communication network 1 in response to the dial of the image recording device 4, as shown in FIG. The ID indicating the requested template is transmitted from the image recording device 4 to the management storage device 3 via the communication network 1.

When the management storage device 3 receives the template request and the ID, the selection unit 33 selects the corresponding template from the templates in the storage unit 32 based on the received ID, as shown in FIG. . The selected template is converted into a data packet and sent from the management storage device 3 to the requesting image recording device 4 via the communication network 1 as shown by (J) in the figure.

When the image recording device 4 receives the data packet sent from the management storage device 3, the control unit 47 reconstructs the received data packet into a template as shown in FIG. Template is storage unit 4
3 is stored.

As described above, the template requested by the user is stored in the requesting image recording apparatus 4 by the processing from (G) to (K) described above, and the external information input unit 45
Can be printed out in a format desired by the user.

Next, a configuration example of the external information input section 45 and a specific example of a template applied to data input from the external information input section 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an external information input unit provided in the image recording apparatus of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for printing data input from the external information input unit of FIG. 7 using a provided template. It is a figure showing the example of outputting.

As described above, the external information input unit 45
This is a means for inputting data including images and characters, which is used when, for example, it is desired to obtain a print output combining an image and characters captured by a digital camera or the like. As shown in FIG. A digital camera 450 for inputting image data and a keyboard 452 for inputting text data such as characters and numbers are included.

The image taken by the digital camera 450 is
After being converted into data of a predetermined format, it is output as image data. This output image data is RS
Input unit 4 by serial communication represented by H.-232C, IEEE1394, etc., Centronics, parallel communication
It is sent to 51. The image data sent to the input unit 451 is stored in the buffer 455 via the internal bus 454.

The text data input from the keyboard 452 is sent to the input unit 453, and the input unit 453 sends the text data to the FEP 456 via the internal bus 454. FEP456 converts text data to Japanese,
The data converted into Japanese is stored in the buffer 455. The keyboard 452 is a DOS / V personal computer.
A 06 keyboard may be used, but a type such as a controller used in a game machine may be used.

Each data stored in the buffer 455 is sent to the control unit 47 via the internal bus 454 and the I / F 46. The operation of each unit described above, for example, writing and reading of data to and from the buffer 455 is controlled by the control unit 457.

The template provided for the data input from the external information input unit 45 arranges and edits the input image data and text data at desired positions, and prints the edited data. This is a custom template for performing output, and a program for storing font data of text in the buffer 455 is incorporated in the template. The font data is determined when the editing device 2 edits the template.
The template is executed by the control unit 47 of the image recording apparatus 4. By executing the template, the input image data and text data are arranged at the user's desired position, and the edited print output, for example, FIGS. 8A and 8B ) And (c) are obtained.

In this embodiment, the digital camera 450 is used as a means for taking in image data. Instead, a means for receiving terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, cable broadcasting, etc. and taking in image data is used. When this means is used, a function of decoding a received signal into image data may be provided in the input unit.

Further, it is possible to set processing for displaying data edited by the template on a monitor so that the data can be confirmed before the printout.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the card 25
Is read by the identifier input unit 42 of the image recording apparatus 4, the image recording apparatus 4 executes the provided template without control of the host computer. Therefore, the data input by the image recording apparatus 4 The user can edit the data in a predetermined format and print out the edited data. It is also possible to provide a clock in the external information input unit 45, monitor the clock from the template side, and when a predetermined time has arrived, fetch data to be printed and print out the fetched data. become. Therefore, as before,
It is possible to obtain a print output in a format desired by the user without performing a complicated operation in the host computer for obtaining a print output in a format desired by the user from the image recording apparatus, and greatly reduce the user's labor required for the operation. Can be reduced.

Further, since a template for editing input data in accordance with the format desired by the user is supplied as needed, the storage capacity of the main body of the image recording apparatus 4 required for storing various formats can be increased. In addition, it is possible to obtain a print output in a format desired by the user for the input data. That is, print output in various formats can be obtained for input data without increasing the cost of the image recording apparatus 4 due to an increase in the storage capacity of the image recording apparatus 4 itself.

Further, when the user requests a new format for new data, the template corresponding to the format requested in the above-described procedure is edited by the editing device 2 and the external information enabling input of new data. This can be dealt with by preparing the input unit. Further, since the image recording device 4 is provided with an input unit that enables print output according to print data from the external device in a peer-to-peer connection configuration as in the related art, It is also possible to print out print data from an external device.

Further, when an improved or newly emerging digital camera does not have an interface for the currently used image, the image data obtained from the digital camera can be handled by replacing the external information input unit 45 or the template. It is possible. Of course, if the interface of the new image can be dealt with by changing the external information input unit 45 or the template, it is sufficient to change each of them.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an external information input unit provided in an image recording device in an image recording system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an image recording system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of input data and an example of a print output thereof.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the external information input unit, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the editing device arranges information such as stock information from communication media such as personal computer communication in another expression format such as a graph different from a simple character array.
By preparing a template for editing, inputting information such as stock information from a communication medium such as a personal computer communication with the image recording device, and processing the input information using the template, the The information is arranged in another representation format and the printed output is edited.

First, the configuration of the external information input unit detachably provided in the image recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the external information input unit arranges information such as stock information from a communication medium such as personal computer communication in another expression format such as a graph different from a simple character array, and obtains an edited print output. As shown in FIG. 9, the configuration includes a control unit 461 for controlling the operation of the communication unit 40 communicably connected to a communication medium.

The control unit 461 stores the information of the communication medium fetched by the communication unit 40 in the buffer 460 via the internal bus 48 and the I / F 46 based on the template provided from the management storage device. The information stored in the buffer 460 is arranged and edited in an expression format such as a graph by a template, and the edited data is printed by a printing unit. For example, when the stock information shown in FIG. 10 (a) is input, the stock information is converted into graph data indicating how the stock price changes according to the year for each brand,
A print output shown in FIG. 10B is obtained for the graph data. In this example, the template incorporates stock brands, combinations of graphs, and the like. In addition, text font data is stored in buffer 4
60, a program for storing the program is stored.

As described above, by preparing in advance a template for arranging and editing information such as stock information from a communication medium such as a personal computer communication in another expression format such as a graph different from a mere character array, complicated information can be obtained. The data can be tabulated based on information such as stock information and a printed output in a predetermined format such as a graph can be easily obtained without any complicated operation.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of input data and an example of a print output thereof in an image recording system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, an editing device transmits data from a communication medium such as personal computer communication to a specific individual. Prepare a template for converting the received e-mail into an e-mail graphically represented instead of a mere character array expression format, and process the e-mail input from a communication medium such as a personal computer communication with the image recording device using the template. Is different in that a printout of a graphically expressed mail is obtained.

For example, when an e-mail shown in FIG. 11A is input, the e-mail is converted into an e-mail graphically represented, and the e-mail is sent to the e-mail shown in FIG.
The print output shown in (b) is obtained. In the case of this example, printout is performed every time data of one page of output paper is edited.

In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which an electronic mail is edited using a template and a printout is performed on the edited electronic mail. It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the column information is re-edited and converted into an expression format desired by the user.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a memory map in an image recording apparatus provided in an image recording system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The present embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment. However, in the first embodiment, the image recording apparatus is provided with performance improvement software for improving the performance, and the image recording apparatus is provided with the same software. The difference is that the image recording apparatus itself performs processing for improving performance by executing the performance improvement software.

In the image recording apparatus, the print unit has R
An OM and a RAM are provided, and an NV-RAM represented by a flash memory is provided in a storage unit thereof.
These ROM, RAM, and NV-RAM are assigned addresses based on the memory map shown in FIG.
The ROM area has addresses RA from address 0 to address X-1.
In the M area, from address X to address Y-1, NV-R
The AM areas are arranged so as to correspond to addresses Y to Z, respectively.

The performance improvement software provided to the image recording apparatus comprises software for changing the firmware stored in advance in the ROM of the image recording apparatus, and the software is stored in an area from address Y to address W of the NV-RAM. Is done. In the firmware stored in advance in the ROM, a program for accessing the performance improvement software storage address of the NV-RAM is incorporated. If the performance improvement software provided in the NV-RAM is stored, The performance improvement software is read and executed. On the other hand, NV-RAM
If the performance improvement software is not stored in the NV-RAM or the performance improvement software is unnecessary, a process of directly returning the process to the access to the performance improvement software storage address of the NV-RAM is executed by the firmware stored in the NV-RAM. You.

The provision of the performance improvement software is achieved by notifying the user that the performance of the image recording apparatus needs to be improved from the maker to the user, and by providing the user with a card on which an ID for identifying the performance improvement software is recorded. And the recording ID of the card is read by an image recording apparatus to automatically perform the recording. Also, when accessing the management storage device in response to a user's template request,
It is also possible to set so that the performance improvement software is automatically provided to the image recording apparatus.

As described above, by providing the performance improvement software to the image recording apparatus, the operation of improving the performance of the image recording apparatus which is already operated by the user, ie, changing the firmware can be easily performed. it can.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an external information input unit provided in an image recording apparatus in an image recording system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an image recording system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of input data and an example of a print output thereof.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the external information input unit and the contents of the template, and the other configurations are the same as the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a template for arranging and editing images and characters in combination by an editing device is prepared, a teletext program in a television broadcast signal is input by an image recording device, and the input is performed. By processing a program using the template, a printout is obtained in which images and characters broadcast in the program are arranged and edited in a predetermined format.

First, the configuration of the external information input unit detachably provided in the image recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the external information input unit processes the teletext program in the television broadcast signal using the template, so that the images and text broadcast in the program are arranged and edited in a predetermined format. This is input means used to obtain a print output.
As shown in (1), a control unit 478 for controlling the entire external information input unit 45 and a signal processing unit 470 are included.

The control section 478 is provided with a ROM for storing firmware for controlling each section and a RAM for providing a work area. As will be described later, the firmware generates a video signal indicating an editing state in which the image based on the received video signal and the character based on the character signal are combined in a predetermined format defined in the template, and edits using the video signal. Contains a program for displaying status on a monitor.

The signal processing section 470 receives a video signal including a teletext and separates the video signal and the text signal in the video signal. The video signal is digitized by the A / D unit 471, and the digitized image data is sent to the data bus 47.
7 is stored in the buffer 472. The character signal is digitized by the character extraction unit 473, and the character code is separated and generated. Character code, like image data,
The data is stored in the buffer 472 via the data bus 477.

The image data and the character code stored in the buffer 472 are edited in a predetermined format by a template provided from the management storage device, and the data composed of the combination of the edited image data and the character code is transmitted via the I / F 46. Output to the print unit. The printing unit prints out the edited data.

The above-described program is executed when the data composed of a combination of the edited image data and the character code is confirmed on the monitor before the printout. The data edited by this program is D
A / A unit 475 converts the analog video signal into an analog video signal, and the analog video signal is sent to a monitor via a video output unit 476. Note that data stored in the kanji ROM 474 is used to display an image corresponding to the character code on a monitor.

For example, when a cooking program shown in FIG. 14A is input as a text broadcast, the characters constituting the cooking program and the corresponding video are combined and edited, and the edited data is printed out. 14 (b) is obtained.

As described above, by preparing a template for arranging and editing images and characters in combination, it is possible to easily obtain a print output in a predetermined format desired by the user without performing complicated operations. .

[0127]

As described above, according to the image recording system of the first aspect, the editing apparatus independently edits the arrangement of image data and prints the image data on the image recording apparatus. Printing software creating means for creating printing software for providing the function, identifier generating means for generating a software identifier used for obtaining the printing software by the image recording apparatus, identifier holding means for holding the generated identifier, Transmitting means for transmitting the printing software together with the identifier to the management storage device via the communication network, wherein the management storage device receives the printing software transmitted from the editing device via the communication network; Corresponds to the management means for managing and storing software, and to the provision request of printing software issued from the image recording device Transmission software for selecting the printing software based on the identifier, and transmitting the selected printing software to the image recording device that has issued the provision request via a communication network, wherein the image recording device inputs the identifier, Requesting means for making a request for provision of printing software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, software receiving means for receiving printing software sent from the management storage device via the communication network, Software storage means for storing print software, capture means for capturing image data to be subjected to print processing, and print means for performing print processing on the captured image data by executing the received print software. Thus, the image recording apparatus can be automatically installed without installing large-scale storage means in the image recording apparatus. Data taken into it by can be output by editing in a predetermined format.

According to the image recording system of the present invention, the fetching means of the image recording apparatus is detachably provided, so that the fetching means can be used in accordance with the interface with the supply source of the data to be printed. By replacing, this data source can be accommodated.

According to the image recording system of the present invention, the editing apparatus provides printing software for providing the function of independently counting numerical data to the image recording apparatus and printing the counting result in a predetermined format. Creates and manages printing software in the management storage device in association with the identifier, and processes the numerical data captured by executing the printing software provided from the management storage device in response to the provision request in the image recording device. Is performed, the image recording apparatus can autonomously sum up the numerical data taken into it and output the result without mounting large-scale storage means in the image recording apparatus.

According to the image recording system of the present invention, since the capturing means of the image recording apparatus is detachably provided, the capturing means can be provided in accordance with the interface with the supply source of the data to be printed. By replacing, this data source can be accommodated.

According to the image recording system of the present invention, the editing apparatus creates performance improvement software for improving the performance of the image recording apparatus, and the management storage device manages the performance improvement software in association with the identifier. The image recording apparatus performs processing for improving the performance by executing the performance improvement software provided from the management storage apparatus in response to the provision request. The operation for improving the performance of the device, that is, changing the firmware, can be easily performed.

According to the image recording apparatus of the twenty-fourth aspect,
An input unit for inputting an identifier; a request unit for requesting provision of printing software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the printing software; and a management storage device via the communication network in response to the printing software provision request. Software receiving means for receiving the printing software sent out by the user, software storing means for storing the received printing software, loading means for capturing image data to be subjected to printing processing, and execution of the received printing software. Since printing means for performing printing processing on captured image data is provided, it is possible to independently edit and output the captured data in a predetermined format without mounting a large-scale storage means.

According to the image recording apparatus of claim 25,
An input unit for inputting an identifier; a request unit for requesting provision of printing software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the printing software; and a management storage device via the communication network in response to the printing software provision request. By executing the received printing software, software receiving means for receiving the received printing software, software storing means for storing the received printing software, loading means for capturing numerical data to be processed, and Since there is provided a printing processing means for performing processing on the captured numerical data, the numerical data captured therein can be totaled and the result can be output independently without mounting a large-scale storage means.

According to the image recording apparatus of the twenty-sixth aspect,
Input means for inputting an identifier, request means for requesting provision of performance improvement software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the performance improvement software, and communication from the management storage device in response to a request for provision of performance improvement software Software receiving means for receiving the performance improvement software sent out via the network, software storage means for storing the received performance improvement software, and processing for improving the performance by executing the received performance improvement software Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the operation for improving the performance of the device that is already operated by the user, that is, changing the firmware.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of an image recording system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram in which the image recording system of FIG. 1 is extended.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an editing device of the image recording system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management storage device of the image recording system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording device of the image recording system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure from editing of a template to provision of the template to the image recording apparatus in the image recording system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an external information input unit provided in the image recording apparatus of FIG. 5;

8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which data input from the external information input unit in FIG. 7 is printed out using a provided template.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an external information input unit provided in an image recording device in an image recording system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of input data and an example of a printout thereof in the image recording system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of input data and an example of a print output thereof in the image recording system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in an image recording apparatus provided in an image recording system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an external information input unit provided in an image recording device in an image recording system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of input data and an example of a print output thereof in the image recording system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a usage form of a conventional printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 communication network 2 editing device 3 management storage device 4 image recording device 22 management identifier recording unit 23 template editing software 25 card 32, 43 storage unit 33 selection unit 42 management identifier input unit 45 external information input unit

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. An image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network, wherein the editing device is A printing software creation unit for creating printing software for providing a function of independently editing the arrangement of image data and printing the image data on the image recording device, and obtaining the printing software by the image recording device Identifier generating means for generating a software identifier used for, identifier holding means for holding the generated identifier, and transmitting means for transmitting the printing software together with the identifier to the management storage device via the communication network. The management storage device is transmitted from the editing device via the communication network. Receiving means for receiving the printing software, management means for managing and storing the received printing software, and selecting the printing software corresponding to the request for providing the printing software issued from the image recording device based on the identifier. Transmitting means for transmitting the selected printing software to the image recording device which has issued the provision request via the communication network, wherein the image recording device inputs the identifier and the management storage device. Requesting means for making a request for provision of the printing software using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, software receiving means for receiving printing software sent out from the management storage device via the communication network, and Software storage means for storing printing software, and image data to be printed Image recording system for the capturing means, by executing the printing software that the received, characterized in that it comprises a printing means for performing printing processing on the captured image data capturing. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identifier generating means of the editing apparatus has a function of generating an identifier for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for a specific image recording apparatus. Image recording system. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identifier generating means of the editing apparatus has a function of generating an identifier for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for an unspecified image recording apparatus. Image recording system. 4. The image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said taking means of said image recording apparatus is detachably provided. 5. The identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for recording the identifier on a card-like recording medium such as a magnetic card, and the input means of the image recording device reads the identifier from the recording medium. 2. The image recording system according to claim 1, comprising means. 6. The character information including a numeral is used as the identifier, and the identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for displaying character information indicating the identifier on a display means for displaying the character information. 2. An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said means comprises means for inputting character information indicating said identifier. 7. The printing software and the identifier generated by the editing device, when the editing is completed,
2. The image recording system according to claim 1, wherein the data is converted into a data format that can be transmitted through the communication network and sent to the management storage device via the communication network. 8. An image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network, wherein the editing device comprises: The image recording apparatus, self-sustaining tabulation of numerical data, printing software creating means for creating printing software for providing a function of printing the result of the counting in a predetermined format, and the printing software by the image recording apparatus Identifier generation means for generating a software identifier used for acquisition, identifier holding means for holding the generated identifier, and transmission means for transmitting the printing software together with the identifier to the management storage device via the communication network; And wherein the management storage device is transmitted from the editing device via the communication network. Receiving means for receiving the printing software, managing means for managing and storing the received printing software, and selecting the printing software corresponding to the provision request of the printing software issued from the image recording apparatus based on the identifier. Transmitting means for transmitting the selected printing software to the image recording apparatus which has issued the provision request via the communication network, the image recording apparatus comprising: an input means for inputting the identifier; and the management storage device Requesting means for making a request to provide the printing software to the printing software using an identifier corresponding to the printing software; software receiving means for receiving printing software sent from the management storage device via the communication network; Storage means for storing the printing software and the numerical data to be processed Image recording system for the capturing means, by executing the printing software that the received, characterized in that it comprises a printing processing means for performing processing for the captured numeric data capturing. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the identifier generating means of the editing apparatus has a function of generating an identifier for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for a specific image recording apparatus. Image recording system. 10. The identifier generating means of the editing device has a function of generating an identifier for enabling the printing software to be effectively used for an unspecified image recording device. Image recording system. 11. The image recording system according to claim 8, wherein said taking means of said image recording apparatus is detachably provided. 12. The identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for recording the identifier on a card-like recording medium such as a magnetic card, and the input means of the image recording device reads the identifier from the recording medium. 9. The image recording system according to claim 8, comprising means. 13. The identifier using character information including a number as the identifier, wherein the identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for displaying the character information indicating the identifier on display means for displaying the identifier. 9. An image recording system according to claim 8, wherein said means comprises means for inputting character information indicating said identifier. 14. The printing software and the identifier generated by the editing device are converted into a data format that can be transmitted through the communication network when the editing is completed, and are converted to the management storage device via the communication network. 9. The image recording system according to claim 8, wherein the image is sent. 15. An image recording system in which at least one editing device, at least one management storage device, and at least one image recording device are communicably connected to each other via a communication network, wherein the editing device comprises: Software creating means for creating performance improvement software for improving the performance of the image recording device; identifier generating means for generating a software identifier used for acquiring the performance improvement software by the image recording device; Identifier storing means for storing the generated identifier, and transmitting means for transmitting the performance improvement software together with the identifier to the management storage device via the communication network, wherein the management storage device transmits the communication from the editing device to the management storage device. Receiving means for receiving the performance improvement software transmitted via a network, Managing the serial received performance improvement software,
Management means for storing, and the performance improvement software corresponding to the performance improvement software provision request issued from the image recording apparatus are selected based on the identifier, and the selected performance improvement software is image-recorded when the provision request is issued. A transmitting unit that transmits the device via the communication network, wherein the image recording device inputs the identifier, and sends a request for providing the performance improvement software to the management storage device to the performance improvement software. Requesting means using a corresponding identifier, software receiving means for receiving performance improvement software sent from the management storage device via the communication network, software storage means for storing the received performance improvement software, By executing the received performance improvement software,
An image recording system, comprising: an improvement processing unit that performs processing for improving performance. 16. The editing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the identifier generating means has a function of generating an identifier for enabling the performance improvement software to be effectively used for a specific image recording apparatus. Image recording system. 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the identifier generation means of the editing apparatus has a function of generating an identifier for enabling the performance improvement software to be effectively used for an unspecified image recording apparatus. The image recording system as described. 18. The identifier holding means of the editing device comprises means for recording the identifier on a card-like recording medium such as a magnetic card, and the input means of the image recording device reads the identifier from the recording medium. The image recording system according to claim 15, comprising means. 19. The character information including a number is used as the identifier, and the identifier holding means of the editing device includes means for displaying character information indicating the identifier on a display means for displaying the identifier. The image recording system according to claim 15, wherein the means comprises means for inputting character information indicating the identifier. 20. When the editing is completed, the printing software and the identifier generated by the editing device are converted into a data format that can be transmitted through the communication network, and are converted to the management storage device via the communication network. The image recording system according to claim 15, wherein the image recording system is sent out. 21. The image recording system according to claim 15, wherein said image recording apparatus includes a fetching unit for fetching numerical data to be processed. 22. The image recording system according to claim 15, wherein said image recording apparatus includes a fetching unit for fetching image data to be subjected to a printing process. 23. The image recording system according to claim 21, wherein said taking means of said image recording apparatus is detachably provided. 24. A software management storage device that manages and stores printing software for providing a function of editing the arrangement of image data and printing the image data in association with an identifier via a communication network so as to be communicable. Input means for inputting the identifier, request means for requesting provision of the printing software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, and the printing software Software receiving means for receiving print software sent from the management storage device via the communication network in response to the provision request, software storage means for storing the received print software, and image data to be subjected to print processing By executing the received printing software, An image recording device for performing an image printing process on the captured image data. 25. A communication network communicable with a software management storage device that manages and stores print software for providing a function of totalizing numerical data and printing the totalized result in a predetermined format in association with an identifier. Input means for inputting the identifier, requesting provision of the printing software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the printing software, and Software receiving means for receiving print software sent from the management storage device via the communication network in response to a software provision request, software storage means for storing the received print software, and numerical data to be processed By executing the received printing software, An image recording apparatus comprising: a printing processing unit that performs processing on the captured numeric data. 26. An image recording apparatus which is connected via a communication network to a software management and storage device which manages and stores performance improvement software for improving performance in association with an identifier and inputs the identifier. Requesting means for making a request to provide the performance improvement software to the management storage device using an identifier corresponding to the performance improvement software; and Software receiving means for receiving the performance improvement software sent out via the communication network; software storage means for storing the received performance improvement software; and executing the received performance improvement software to improve the performance. Characterized by comprising an improvement processing means for performing processing for performing Recording device.