JP2005252495A - Data supply apparatus, data processing apparatus, and control method and program for them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data supply apparatus whereby a user can easily grasp a position of a data processing apparatus connected to a wireless communication network, and to provide the data processing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The data processing apparatus (image processing apparatus 14) distributes estimate radio wave strength information formed by relating an estimate strength of a radio wave transmitted from the data processing apparatus to relative positional information on the basis of the position of the data processing apparatus as a reference (estimate radio wave strength information distribution section 32) to the data supply apparatus. The data supply apparatus (client terminal 12) receives the estimate radio wave strength information and acquires the strength of the radio wave received from the data processing apparatus. Then the data supply apparatus displays the relative positional information of the data supply apparatus on the basis of the position of the data processing apparatus as a reference depending on the information above. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data supply device, a data processing device, a control method thereof, and a program.

Data communication means using wireless communication has been put into practical use. By installing a wireless communication function in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or an image processing apparatus, data can be transmitted and received between these information processing apparatuses wirelessly. In particular, for an information processing device (data processing device) installed at, for example, an outing destination or a visiting site, from an information processing device (data supply device) such as a mobile personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a mobile phone. It is possible to connect wirelessly and use the information processing apparatus. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 discloses a technique for facilitating the use of such an information processing apparatus, which allows a user to easily grasp whether a desired information processing apparatus is connected to a network. Has been. As wireless data communication means, wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard (IEEE 802.11) and wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard are known (Non-patent Documents 1 and 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-30585 Bob O'Hara, Al Petrick, "The IEEE 802.11 Handbook: A Designer's Companion" IEEE, December 1999 Brent A. Miller, Chastchik Bisdiyan, "Bluetooth Revealed: The Insider's Guide to an Open Specification for Global Wire Communications, Second Eid, 200%."

  In order to facilitate the use of the information processing apparatus as described above, the user can easily grasp whether or not the desired information processing apparatus (data processing apparatus) exists on the wireless communication network. It is necessary that the user can easily grasp the installation position of the information processing apparatus, for example, where the information processing apparatus is arranged on the floor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a data supply device, a data processing device, and the like that enable a user to easily grasp the position of a data processing device connected to a wireless communication network. And providing a control method and program.

  In order to solve the above problems, a data supply device according to the present invention is configured to be capable of wireless data communication with a data processing device, transmits data to the data processing device, and performs processing based on the data to the data processing device. In the data supply apparatus to be executed, the received radio wave intensity acquisition means for acquiring the intensity of the radio wave received from the data processing apparatus, and the relative position based on the position of the data processing apparatus distributed from the data processing apparatus Estimated radio wave intensity information receiving means for receiving estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating information with an estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing device; estimated radio wave intensity information received by the estimated radio wave intensity information receiving means; Based on the received radio wave intensity acquired by the received radio wave intensity acquiring means, the data based on the position of the data processing device is used. Display means for displaying the relative position information of the feed device, characterized in that it comprises a.

  The data supply device control method according to the present invention is configured to enable wireless data communication with a data processing device, transmit data to the data processing device, and cause the data processing device to execute processing based on the data. In the control method of the supply device, the received radio wave intensity acquisition step for acquiring the intensity of the radio wave received from the data processing device, and the relative position based on the position of the data processing device distributed from the data processing device Estimated radio wave intensity information receiving step for receiving estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating the estimated position of the radio wave transmitted from the data processing device with accurate position information, and the estimated radio wave received in the estimated radio wave intensity information receiving step Based on the intensity information and the received radio wave intensity acquired in the received radio wave intensity acquiring step, the data processing Characterized by comprising a display step for displaying the relative position information of the data supply device relative to the position of the location on the display means.

  The program according to the present invention is configured to be capable of wireless data communication with a data processing apparatus, and transmits a data to the data processing apparatus, and a computer as a data supply apparatus that causes the data processing apparatus to execute processing based on the data. A program for functioning, a received radio wave intensity acquisition means for acquiring the intensity of a radio wave received from the data processing apparatus, and a relative distribution based on the position of the data processing apparatus distributed from the data processing apparatus Estimated radio wave intensity information receiving means for receiving estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating position information with estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing device, and estimated radio wave intensity information received by the estimated radio wave intensity information receiving means And the received radio wave intensity acquired by the received radio wave intensity acquiring means, based on the data processing device Display means for displaying the relative position information of the data supply device with reference to the position, such as a personal computer, a portable information terminal, a mobile phone, a printer device, a scanner device, a FAX device, a copier, a multifunction device, etc. It is a program for causing a computer to function.

  A data processing device according to the present invention is configured to be capable of wireless data communication, receives data from a data supply device, and executes processing based on the data, with the position of the data processing device as a reference. Estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition means for acquiring estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating estimated relative intensity of radio waves transmitted from the data processing device with relative position information, and estimation acquired by the estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition means An estimated radio wave intensity information distribution means for distributing radio wave intensity information, and causing the data supply apparatus to display relative position information of the data supply apparatus with reference to the position of the data processing apparatus. To do.

  The data processing apparatus control method according to the present invention is configured to be capable of wireless data communication, receives data from a data supply apparatus, and executes processing based on the data. An estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition step for acquiring estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating an estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing apparatus with relative position information based on the position of the apparatus; and An estimated radio wave intensity information distribution step for distributing the estimated radio wave intensity information acquired in the information acquisition step, wherein the data supply apparatus is relative to the data supply apparatus relative to the position of the data processing apparatus. It is characterized by displaying various position information.

  The program according to the present invention is a program configured to enable wireless data communication, receive data from a data supply device, and cause a computer to function as a data processing device that executes processing based on the data. Estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition means for acquiring estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the computer with relative position information based on the position of the computer, and the estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition means As the estimated radio field intensity information distribution means for distributing the estimated radio field intensity information acquired by the above function, the computer such as a personal computer, a portable information terminal, a mobile phone, a printer apparatus, a scanner apparatus, a FAX apparatus, a copier, a multifunction machine, etc. And let the data supply device have the position of the computer as a reference. Is a program for displaying the relative position information over data supply device.

  The present invention relates to a data supply device and a data processing device that executes processing based on data transmitted from the data supply device through wireless data communication. According to the present invention, the data processing device distributes the estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating the estimated position of the radio wave transmitted from the data processing device with the relative position information based on the position of the data processing device. . Then, the data supply device receives the estimated radio wave intensity information distributed from the data processing device. In addition, the data supply device acquires the intensity of the radio wave received from the data processing device. Then, the data supply device displays relative position information of the data supply device with reference to the position of the data processing device based on the received estimated radio wave intensity information and the acquired received radio wave intensity. Therefore, the user can grasp the relative position information of the data supply device with reference to the position of the data processing device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus is information indicating a range of a distance from the position of the data processing apparatus. In this way, on the data supply apparatus side, it is possible to display the distance from the position of the data processing apparatus to the position of the data supply apparatus. For this reason, the user can grasp the distance from the position of the data processing apparatus to the position of the data supply apparatus.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus is information indicating a predetermined range based on the position of the data processing apparatus. In this way, on the data supply apparatus side, it is possible to display which of the ranges based on the position of the data processing apparatus includes the position of the data supply apparatus. For this reason, the user can grasp which of the ranges based on the position of the data processing device includes the position of the data supply device.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system (information processing system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image processing system 10 includes a client terminal 12 (data supply device) and image processing devices 14a, 14b, and 14c (data processing device).

  The client terminal 12 is constituted by a known personal computer (for example, a mobile personal computer or a portable personal computer) provided with, for example, a CPU, a hard disk storage device, a display, and an input device. The image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c are configured by, for example, a printer that includes a printer, a scanner, a FAX apparatus, a copier, or a combination of these. The client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c include a wireless LAN interface for performing wireless data communication in accordance with the wireless LAN standard (IEEE 802.11).

  Through the above-described wireless data communication using the wireless LAN interface, the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c can exchange data with each other. For example, the client terminal 12 can transmit image data to the image processing devices 14a, 14b, and 14c, and cause the image processing devices 14a, 14b, and 14c to print the image data. Further, for example, the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c (data supply apparatuses) read image data, transmit the image data to the client terminal 12 (data processing apparatus), and cause the client terminal 12 to store the image data. It can be done.

  In addition, the wireless LAN interface described above directly transmits and receives data to and from other information processing apparatuses without using an access point, and an infrastructure connection for transmitting and receiving data to and from other information processing apparatuses via an access point. Ad hoc connection is possible. In the present embodiment, the wireless LAN interface provided in the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c is set to perform ad hoc connection. For this reason, in this embodiment, for example, when the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c are used from the client terminal 12 brought in from the outside, such use can be realized while ensuring security. That is, when the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c are used via an access point (in the case of infrastructure connection), it is possible to connect to another information processing apparatus via the access point. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, access to information processing apparatuses other than the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c can be restricted, and security can be ensured.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user related to the connection setting between the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c. That is, when the wireless data communication is restricted based on the MAC address at the access point (for example, when the MAC address is registered in the access point and the wireless data communication with other than the registered MAC address is restricted) ), If the MAC address is not registered in advance in the access point, the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c cannot be used from the client terminal 12 via the access point. In the present embodiment, There is no need to perform such registration, and the burden on the user related to the presetting can be reduced.

  Here, functional blocks realized in the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram mainly showing those related to the present invention among functional blocks realized in the client terminal 12 and the image processing device 14 (14a, 14b, 14c).

  As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a control unit 30, a wireless LAN communication unit 34, a storage unit 36, an image output unit 38, and an image input unit 39. These functions are realized by being executed by a computer such as a printer device, a scanner device, a FAX device, a copier, or a multifunction device (supplied by an information storage medium or a communication network readable by the computer).

  The storage unit 36 mainly includes an information storage medium such as a main memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a hard disk storage device. The storage unit 36 stores estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating the estimated intensity of radio waves transmitted from the image processing apparatus 14 with relative position information based on the position of the image processing apparatus 14. The estimated radio wave intensity information may be information obtained by associating the estimated intensity with information indicating the range of the distance from the position of the image processing device 14, for example. The storage unit 36 may store an estimated radio wave intensity table as shown in FIG. 3, for example. As shown in the figure, the estimated radio field strength table includes a distance range column and an estimated radio field strength column. Information indicating the range of distance from the position of the image processing device 14 is stored in the distance range column. Information indicating the estimated intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the image processing device 14 is stored in the estimated radio wave intensity column. Thus, the estimated radio wave intensity table associates information indicating the estimated radio wave intensity with the range of distance from the image processing apparatus 14 that can receive the radio wave transmitted from the image processing apparatus 14 with the estimated radio wave intensity. ing. Note that information indicating the range of the estimated intensity may be stored in the estimated radio wave intensity column.

  Further, the estimated radio wave intensity information is information obtained by associating information indicating a predetermined range based on the position of the image processing apparatus 14 with an estimated intensity when a radio wave transmitted from the image processing apparatus 14 is received in the predetermined range. Also good. For example, the storage unit 36 may store information indicating the distribution of estimated intensity on the floor where the image processing apparatus 14 is installed as estimated radio wave intensity information. In this case, the storage unit 36 may store an image representing a floor plan on which the image processing apparatus 14 is installed, and store estimated intensity distribution information so as to be associated with the image.

  The storage unit 36 stores attribute information of the image processing device 14. The attribute information is information indicating the attribute of the image processing apparatus 14, and is, for example, the model number, identification name, or the like of the image processing apparatus 14. Also, for example, information on the contents of the functions provided in the image processing apparatus 14, for example, the contents of services provided by the printing function of the image processing apparatus 14 (selectable color mode type, whether double-sided printing is possible, imposition This is information (service information) indicating whether it is possible and selectable imposition types, selectable paper size types, selectable direct print format types, and the like.

  Further, the storage unit 36 stores connection information for ad hoc connection to the image processing apparatus 14. The connection information is, for example, MAC address information, IP address information, host name information set for the image processing apparatus 14 (wireless LAN interface). Also, for example, wireless LAN setting information (ESSID information, channel (CH) information, encryption (WEP) information, encryption key information, etc.) set for the wireless LAN communication unit 34 (wireless LAN interface). The ESSID information is information for identifying each wireless LAN. Wireless LAN terminals (client terminal 12, image processing apparatus 14) having the same ESSID information belong to the same wireless LAN. In other words, the ESSID information is information for identifying groups that can exchange data with each other by data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard. The channel information indicates a frequency band used for data communication by wireless LAN. The encryption information indicates whether or not data to be transmitted / received is encrypted, and an encryption method (encryption key data length or the like) when encryption is performed. The encryption key information indicates a character string for authenticating the client terminal 12 that can communicate with the image processing apparatus 14 and for encrypting / decrypting data transmitted / received wirelessly.

  The wireless LAN communication unit 34 mainly includes a known wireless LAN interface for performing wireless data communication in accordance with the wireless LAN standard. The wireless LAN communication unit 34 converts the data supplied from the control unit 30 into an analog signal, converts it into a radio wave, and sends it out from the antenna. In addition, the radio wave received by the antenna is converted into an analog signal, which is converted into data and supplied to the control unit 30.

  The wireless LAN communication unit 34 includes an estimated radio wave intensity information distribution unit 32. The estimated radio wave intensity information distribution unit 32 distributes the estimated radio wave intensity information stored in the storage unit 36. The attribute information and connection information stored in the storage unit 36 are also distributed by the wireless LAN communication unit 34. Such distribution is performed at a predetermined cycle. That is, data including estimated radio wave intensity information, attribute information, and connection information is broadcast at regular intervals.

  For example, the wireless LAN communication unit 34 transmits data having a configuration as shown in FIG. 4 as a beacon signal. As shown in the figure, this frame includes a preamble part, a header part, and a data part. When distributing the estimated radio field intensity information, attribute information, and connection information, the wireless LAN communication unit 34 stores these information in the frame body field of the data portion. For example, the frame body field of the data portion stores ESSID information, MAC address information, and host name information set for the wireless LAN communication unit 34 (wireless LAN interface). Other connection information such as IP address information may be stored. Further, for example, attribute information of the image processing device 14 is stored. For example, the identification name of the image processing device 14, various service information supported by the image processing device 14 (for example, the type of color mode that can be selected, whether or not double-sided printing is possible, whether or not imposition is possible, and the surface that can be selected) Information indicating an attachment type, a selectable paper size type, a selectable direct print format type, and the like). Further, for example, estimated radio wave intensity information of the image processing device 14 is stored.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU, and controls the wireless LAN communication unit 34, the storage unit 36, the image output unit 38, and the image input unit 39. The image output unit 38 includes, for example, an image printing unit and a FAX transmission unit, and executes printing and transmission of image data. The image input unit 39 includes, for example, an image reading unit and a FAX receiving unit, and executes reading and receiving of image data.

  As shown in the figure, the client terminal 12 includes a control unit 20, a wireless LAN communication unit 24, a storage unit 26, and a display unit 28. These functions are realized by executing a program (supplied by an information storage medium readable by a computer or a communication network) by a computer such as a personal computer, a portable information terminal, or a mobile phone.

  The wireless LAN communication unit 24 corresponds to the wireless LAN communication unit 34 and mainly includes a known wireless LAN interface for performing wireless data communication in accordance with the wireless LAN standard. The wireless LAN communication unit 24 converts the data supplied from the control unit 20 into an analog signal, converts it into a radio wave, and sends it out from the antenna. Further, the radio wave received by the antenna is converted into an analog signal, which is converted into data and supplied to the control unit 20.

  The wireless LAN communication unit 24 includes an estimated radio wave intensity information receiving unit 22. The estimated radio wave intensity information receiving unit 22 receives the estimated radio wave intensity information distributed by the estimated radio wave intensity information distributing unit 32. The wireless LAN communication unit 24 (estimated radio wave strength information receiving unit 22) receives a beacon signal transmitted by the wireless LAN communication unit 34 (estimated radio wave strength information distribution unit 32). The estimated radio wave intensity information, attribute information, and connection information included in the received beacon signal are stored in the storage unit 26 by the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 mainly includes a CPU, and controls the wireless LAN communication unit 24, the storage unit 26, and the display unit 28. The control unit 20 includes a received radio wave intensity acquisition unit 21. The received radio wave intensity acquisition unit 21 acquires the intensity of radio waves (radio waves transmitted from the image processing device 14) received by the wireless LAN communication unit 24. The reception radio wave intensity acquisition unit 21 stores information indicating the acquired reception intensity in the storage unit 26 in association with the image processing device 14.

  The display unit 28 mainly includes a display. For example, in response to a request from the user, the control unit 20 reads the estimated radio wave intensity information, attribute information, and connection information of the image processing device 14 and causes the display unit 28 to display these information. The display unit 28 uses the position of the image processing device 14 as a reference based on the estimated radio field intensity information received by the estimated radio field intensity information receiving unit 22 and the received radio field intensity acquired by the received radio field intensity acquiring unit 21. The relative position information of the client terminal 12 is displayed.

  Here, the process executed in the client terminal 12 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processes related to the present invention among the processes executed by the client terminal 12. Here, a description will be given by taking an example of processing executed by the client terminal 12 when the user performs an operation for printing desired document data on the client terminal 12. This process is realized by the client terminal 12 executing a program supplied by a computer-readable information storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication network.

  As shown in the figure, in this process, first, the control unit 20 of the client terminal 12 reads connection information and attribute information of each image processing apparatus 14 stored in the storage unit 26 (S101). Based on the read information, the selection screen of the image processing device 14 is displayed on the display unit 28 (S102).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the selection screen of the image processing apparatus. As shown in the figure, connection information and attribute information of each image processing apparatus 14 are displayed in a list. More specifically, information indicating the identification name of each image processing device 14 and information necessary for accessing each image processing device 14 via a wireless LAN (ESSID information, channel information, encryption information, IP address) Information). In this screen, option buttons are displayed in association with each image processing apparatus. The user selects an image processing apparatus 14 that prints document data by pressing any one of the option buttons. If the cancel button is pressed, this process ends (S103).

  The control unit 20 monitors whether or not the next button is pressed while the selection screen is displayed (S104). When the next button is pressed, the control unit 20 reads out the estimated radio wave intensity information and the received radio wave intensity information of the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen from the storage unit 26 (S105), and based on these information The position information screen is displayed on the display unit 28 (S106).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the position information screen. On this position information screen, an image indicating the relative position information of the client terminal 12 based on the position of the image processing device 14 selected on the selection screen is displayed. As shown in the figure, an image indicating the position of the image processing device 14 (in the example of the figure, a black square image) is displayed on the position information screen. In addition, an image indicating the position of the client terminal 12 (a black circle image in the example in the figure) is displayed. Further, an image indicating the distance from the image processing device 14 is displayed. This image is displayed based on the estimated radio wave intensity information read from the storage unit 26. For example, the distance range stored in the distance range column of the estimated radio wave intensity table (FIG. 3) can be identified. In the example shown in the figure, the distances from the image processing apparatus 14 are a) 0 or more and less than r1, b) r1 or more and less than r2, and c) r2 or more.

  On the same screen, an image showing the image processing device 14 is displayed at a predetermined display position. An image indicating the distance from the image processing device 14 is displayed based on the estimated radio wave intensity information read from the storage unit 26. The display position of the image indicating the client terminal 12 is determined based on the received radio wave intensity information and the estimated radio wave intensity information read from the storage unit 26. That is, the distance range corresponding to the radio wave intensity indicated by the received radio wave intensity information is acquired based on the estimated radio wave intensity information. Then, an image indicating the client terminal 12 is displayed so as to be associated with a portion indicating the acquired distance range in the image indicating the distance from the image processing apparatus. In the example of the figure, the radio wave intensity indicated by the received radio wave intensity information (reception intensity of the radio wave received by the client terminal 12 from the image processing apparatus 14) is “radio wave intensity 2”, and the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatus 14 It is shown that the distance between is estimated to be greater than or equal to r1 and less than r2.

  The control unit 20 monitors whether or not the return button is pressed while the position information screen is displayed (S107). When the return button is pressed, the selection screen of the image processing apparatus 14 is displayed again (S101 and S102). Further, the control unit 20 monitors whether or not the next button is pressed while the position information screen is displayed (S108). When the next button is pressed, the control unit 20 reads the attribute information of the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen from the storage unit 26 (S109), and displays the print execution screen based on the read attribute information. (S110).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the print execution screen. As shown in the figure, in the print execution screen, when document data is printed by the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen, the type of color mode that can be selected, whether double-sided printing is possible, and imposition can be performed. And the imposition type that can be selected, the type of paper size that can be selected, and the direct print format type that can be selected. For items that can be selected by the user, the selectable options are displayed, and an option button is displayed in association with each option. In addition, a print button for instructing print execution is displayed on the print execution screen.

  The control unit 20 monitors whether the return button has been pressed and whether the print button has been pressed while the print execution screen is displayed (S111, S112). When the return button is pressed, the position information screen of the image processing apparatus 14 is displayed again (S105 and S106). On the other hand, when the print button is pressed, the control unit 20 acquires the content (print setting information) set on the print execution screen and stores it in the main memory (S113). Then, the control unit 20 generates print data based on the document data to be printed and the print setting information acquired in S113 (S114).

  Next, the control unit 20 performs setting for the wireless LAN communication unit 24 (S115). That is, the control unit 20 can read the connection information of the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen from the storage unit 26, and can transmit data to the image processing apparatus 14 from the wireless LAN communication unit 24 based on the read attribute information. Set to be. More specifically, the wireless LAN setting information on the client terminal 12 side is updated so that the wireless LAN setting information of the image processing apparatus 14 is the same as the ESSID information, channel information, encryption information, and encryption key information. To do.

  Then, the control unit 20 supplies the print data generated in S114 to the wireless LAN communication unit 24 and transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen (S116). In the image processing apparatus 14 that has received the print data, print processing is executed based on the print data, and the document data is output on paper.

  As described above, according to the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the position of the image processing device 14 is displayed on the display unit 28 of the client terminal 12 connected to the image processing device 14 via the wireless communication network. The relative position information of the client terminal 12 as a reference is displayed. For this reason, the user can grasp the relative position of the client terminal 12 with respect to the position of the image processing apparatus 14. As a result, the user can easily grasp the position of the image processing apparatus 14 connected to the wireless communication network.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, the timing for displaying the position information screen (FIG. 7), that is, the timing for displaying the relative position information of the client terminal 12 based on the position of the image processing apparatus 14 may be any time. For example, it may be displayed when printing is normally completed by the image processing apparatus 14 or may be integrated with a selection screen of the image processing apparatus 14.

  Further, for example, on the position information screen (FIG. 7), an image representing a floor plan (around) on which the image processing device 14 is arranged may be displayed. In this case, an image showing the image processing device 14 may be displayed at a position on the sketch map image corresponding to the installation position of the image processing device 14. Further, the distribution information of the estimated intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the image processing device 14 may be displayed in association with the image. Further, based on the received radio wave intensity information and the estimated radio wave intensity information, the range estimated to belong to the client terminal 12 may be displayed so as to be distinguishable in the sketch image. For example, a distance range corresponding to the radio wave intensity indicated by the received radio wave intensity information is acquired, and a range on the floor plan image indicating a range in which the distance from the display position of the image indicating the image processing device 14 falls within the distance range is predetermined. You may make it display with the color of.

  In this case, the image data of the sketch image may be stored in advance in the storage unit 26 of the client terminal 12 or may be stored in the storage unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 14. . In the former case, when the position information screen (FIG. 7) is displayed, the control unit 20 may read out the image data stored in the storage unit 26 and display the floor plan image on the position information display screen. . In the latter case, before displaying the position information screen, the wireless LAN communication unit 24 may be set (S115), and the floor plan image may be downloaded separately by wireless data communication by the wireless LAN communication unit 24. .

  Further, for example, in the above description, the estimated radio wave intensity information is distributed as information for assisting in grasping the position of the image processing apparatus 14, but more specific position information may be distributed. For example, peripheral information about the image processing apparatus 14 may be distributed. For example, when the image processing apparatus 14 is installed in the vicinity of a mark that can be a mark (for example, a specific pillar or the like), information indicating that fact or information specifying a mark that can be the mark is distributed. You may do it. These pieces of information may be displayed on the selection screen (FIG. 6) or the position information screen (FIG. 7) of the image processing apparatus 14.

  Further, for example, in the above description, it has been described that the estimated radio wave intensity information is stored in the storage unit 36 in advance in the image processing device 14 and is acquired (read) from the storage unit 36 when distribution is performed. You may make it acquire by producing | generating. In addition, an information processing apparatus including positioning means and wireless communication means (wireless LAN interface) may be used to generate estimated radio wave intensity information. For example, the information processing apparatus receives a radio wave transmitted from the image processing apparatus 14, acquires the intensity of the received radio wave, and transmits the received radio wave intensity information together with the position information acquired by the positioning unit to the image processing apparatus 14. You may make it transmit to. Then, the image processing device 14 may generate or update the estimated radio wave intensity information based on the received radio wave intensity information and the position information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus may transmit position information acquired by the positioning unit to the image processing apparatus 14. Then, the image processing apparatus 14 may receive the position information transmitted from the information processing apparatus and acquire the reception intensity of the radio wave (the radio wave transmitted from the information processing apparatus). Then, the image processing device 14 may generate or update the estimated radio wave intensity information based on the position information and the received radio wave intensity information.

  In addition, for example, the case where print data is transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the image processing apparatus 14 has been described above as an example. However, the present invention is directed to the client terminal 12 in order to save the image data read by the image processing apparatus 14, for example. The present invention can also be applied to the case of transmitting image data. In this case, estimated radio wave intensity information, connection information, and attribute information are distributed from the client terminal 12, and the display unit of the image processing apparatus 14 has a relative position of the image processing apparatus 14 relative to the position of the client terminal 12. It is sufficient to display the correct position information.

  Further, for example, authentication processing may be performed when the client terminal 12 is connected to the image processing apparatus 14 or when processing is performed (for example, printing is performed). For example, an authentication code may be input, or an authentication code may be input to the client terminal 12 in advance. These codes may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 14 so that authentication processing is performed on the image processing apparatus 14 side.

  For example, in the above description, the case where wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard is used as the wireless data communication unit has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to other wireless data communication units. .

  Further, for example, the example in the case where the present invention is applied to the image processing system 10 (the client terminal 12 and the image processing device 14) has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the image processing system 10 (information processing device). ).

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the client terminal and image processing apparatus which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of an estimated electromagnetic wave strength table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data delivered from an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process in a client terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a position information screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing execution screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing system, 12 Client terminal, 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Image processing apparatus, 20, 30 Control part, 21 Received radio wave intensity information acquisition part, 22 Estimated radio wave intensity information reception part, 24, 34 Wireless LAN communication part, 26, 36 Storage unit, 28 Display unit, 32 Estimated radio wave intensity information distribution unit, 38 Image output unit, 39 Image input unit

Claims (10)

In a data supply device configured to be capable of wireless data communication with a data processing device, transmitting data to the data processing device, and causing the data processing device to execute processing based on the data,
A received radio wave intensity acquisition means for acquiring the intensity of a radio wave received from the data processing device;
Estimated radio waves received from the data processing apparatus that receive estimated radio field intensity information that relates the relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus and the estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing apparatus. Intensity information receiving means;
Based on the estimated radio field intensity information received by the estimated radio field intensity information receiving unit and the received radio field intensity acquired by the received radio field intensity acquiring unit, the data supply device based on the position of the data processing device Display means for displaying relative position information of
A data supply device comprising: The data supply device according to claim 1,
The relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus is information indicating a range of distance from the position of the data processing apparatus. The data supply device according to claim 1,
The relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus is information indicating a predetermined range based on the position of the data processing apparatus. In a data supply device control method configured to be capable of wireless data communication with a data processing device, transmitting data to the data processing device, and causing the data processing device to execute processing based on the data,
A received radio wave intensity acquisition step for acquiring the intensity of the radio wave received from the data processing device;
For receiving estimated radio wave intensity information that is distributed from the data processing apparatus and relates to the relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus and the estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing apparatus. Estimated radio wave intensity information receiving step;
The data supply device based on the position of the data processing device based on the estimated radio wave strength information received in the estimated radio wave strength information receiving step and the received radio wave strength acquired in the received radio wave strength acquisition step A display step for displaying relative position information on the display means;
A method for controlling a data supply apparatus, comprising: A program for allowing a computer to function as a data supply device configured to be capable of wireless data communication with a data processing device, transmitting data to the data processing device, and causing the data processing device to execute processing based on the data,
A received radio wave intensity acquisition means for acquiring the intensity of the radio wave received from the data processing device;
Estimated radio waves received from the data processing apparatus that receive estimated radio field intensity information that relates the relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus and the estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing apparatus. Intensity information receiving means, and
Based on the estimated radio field intensity information received by the estimated radio field intensity information receiving unit and the received radio field intensity acquired by the received radio field intensity acquiring unit, the data supply device based on the position of the data processing device Display means for displaying relative position information of
A program for causing the computer to function as In a data processing device configured to be capable of wireless data communication, receiving data from a data supply device, and executing processing based on the data,
Estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition means for acquiring estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing apparatus with relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus;
Including estimated radio wave intensity information distributing means for distributing estimated radio wave intensity information acquired by the estimated radio wave intensity information acquiring means,
Displaying the relative position information of the data supply device relative to the position of the data processing device on the data supply device;
A data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus is information indicating a range of a distance from the position of the data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus is information indicating a predetermined range based on the position of the data processing apparatus. In a method for controlling a data processing device configured to be capable of wireless data communication, receiving data from a data supply device, and executing processing based on the data,
An estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition step for acquiring estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating an estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the data processing apparatus with relative position information based on the position of the data processing apparatus;
An estimated radio wave intensity information distribution step for distributing the estimated radio wave intensity information acquired in the estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition step,
Displaying the relative position information of the data supply device relative to the position of the data processing device on the data supply device;
A method for controlling a data processing apparatus. A program configured to enable wireless data communication, receive data from a data supply device, and cause a computer to function as a data processing device that executes processing based on the data,
Estimated radio wave intensity information obtaining means for obtaining estimated radio wave intensity information obtained by associating estimated radio wave intensity transmitted from the computer with relative position information based on the position of the computer; and
Causing the computer to function as estimated radio wave intensity information distribution means for distributing the estimated radio wave intensity information acquired by the estimated radio wave intensity information acquisition means,
A program for causing the data supply apparatus to display relative position information of the data supply apparatus with reference to the position of the computer.

Images