JP2016167742A - Image forming system, image forming device, remote control method and remote control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress increase of power consumption while continuing remote control by remote handling equipment.SOLUTION: A composite machine includes an operation mode switching section 77 for switching the operation mode, a take-over section 65 for instructing continuation of a remote operation to a first device, a reproducing unit 67 for reproducing a state under which a second device is remotely operated, a proxy device determination unit 71 for determining a proxy device among other image forming devices, a power saving time controller 63 for determining the first device as a proxy device in response to reception of a connection request from a remote operation device in a power saving mode, and determining the second device as a proxy device in response to the instruction of continuation of the remote operation from the proxy device, and a driving time controller 61 for determining the second device as a connection device in response to the instruction of continuation of the remote operation from the connection device, and determining the first device as the connection device in accordance with acceptance of an execution instruction operation from the remote operation device in the driving mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, a remote control method, and a remote control program, and in particular, an image forming system including a remote operation device and an image forming device remotely operated by the remote operation device, and image formation thereof The present invention relates to an apparatus, a remote control method and a remote control program executed by the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a technology for remotely operating a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) using a portable information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal is known. The portable information device can be connected to the MFP, and the MFP can be remotely operated by the portable information device. On the other hand, the MFP switches the operation mode to a power saving mode with low power consumption in order to reduce power consumption. When the portable information device is remotely operated while the operation mode is switched to the power consumption mode, the operation mode is switched from the power saving mode to the drive mode. Therefore, the power saving mode is canceled even while the user of the portable information device is inputting an instruction other than an instruction for causing the MFP to execute processing, for example, an instruction for setting a setting value.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-131187 discloses a printer that can receive and print print data via a network line and can acquire and set setting information via the network line. A storage unit that stores setting information, a proxy server information storage unit that stores information for specifying a proxy server that is a save destination of setting information, and setting information is transmitted to the proxy server when shifting to the power saving mode. A printer having a control unit that requests setting information from the proxy server when canceling the power saving mode is described.

However, in the printer described in JP2012-131187A, a proxy server must be determined in advance, and the proxy server must cancel a mode with low power consumption when proxying the printer. I must. For this reason, when both the printer and the server are in the power saving mode, power is consumed by the server, and there is a problem that there is a limit to reducing the total power consumed.
JP 2012-131187 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that suppresses an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by a remote control device. It is.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by a remote control device.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control method capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by a remote control device.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control program capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by a remote control device.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes: a plurality of image forming apparatuses; and a remote control device capable of remotely operating any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. In the image forming system, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes an operation mode switching unit that switches the operation mode between a drive mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode, and one or more other images. The take-over means for instructing the first device among the forming devices to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device, and the second device among the one or more other image forming devices is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device In response, the second device reproduces the state of being remotely operated by the remote operation device, and also includes reproduction means connected to the remote operation device and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. A proxy device determination unit that determines a proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode from among one or more other image forming apparatuses, and a connection request is received from the remote operation device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode. Accordingly, the proxy device is determined to be the first device, and after the handover means instructs the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device, the proxy device instructs the continuation of the remote operation by the remote control device. And a power-saving control unit that determines the proxy device as the second device according to the operation mode, and the remote control device among the one or more other image forming devices in the state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. The connection device is determined as the second device in response to an instruction from the connection device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device, and the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device by the reproducing means. After a state of being is reproduced, comprising a drive time control means for determining a connection device in response to accepting an execution instruction operation to the first device for instructing the execution of the process from the remote control device.

  According to this aspect, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses determines a proxy apparatus whose operation mode is the drive mode from one or more other image forming apparatuses, and the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode. In response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device, the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote control device, and then the proxy device is remotely controlled in response to an instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation. Reproduce the state of being remotely operated by the operating device, and connect to the remote operating device. On the other hand, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is connected in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device while the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. The state in which the device was remotely operated is reproduced, connected to the remote operation device, and then the connection device is remotely controlled by the remote operation device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the remote operation device. Instruct to continue operation. For this reason, in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device. In addition, it is not necessary to switch the operation mode to the drive mode. Therefore, increase in power consumption can be suppressed. Further, since the operation mode of the proxy device is the drive mode, the power consumed by the proxy device does not increase significantly. Further, when the operation mode is the drive mode, the state where the connection device is remotely operated is reproduced in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation from the connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device. Since the operation device is connected, the remote operation of the connection device by the remote operation device can be continued. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming system that suppresses an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote control device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an operation mode switching unit that switches an operation mode between a driving mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the driving mode, and one or more other image forming devices. The take-over means for instructing the first device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device, and the second device among the one or more other image forming devices is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device. Accordingly, the state in which the second device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced, and the operation mode is driven from the reproduction unit connected to the remote operation device and one or more other image forming apparatuses. A proxy device determining means for determining a proxy device for the mode, and the proxy device in response to receiving the connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode. The proxy device is designated as a second device in response to an instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device after the handover means instructs the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device. In the state where the power saving control means is determined and the operation mode is switched to the drive mode, the remote operation device can be operated remotely from the connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device among the one or more other image forming apparatuses. The connection device is determined as the second device in response to the instruction to continue, and after the state in which the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced by the reproduction means, the processing is executed from the remote operation device. Drive-time control means for determining the connection device as the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation to be instructed.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote operation device.

  Preferably, when receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing the execution of the process from the remote operation device, the apparatus further includes a process execution means for executing the process according to the execution instruction operation. When the received execution instruction operation is received from the proxy device, the processing unit executes the process according to the execution instruction operation received from the proxy device after the reproduction unit reproduces the state in which the connection device was remotely operated by the remote operation device. Let

  According to this aspect, the power saving mode can be maintained until an execution instruction operation is received from the proxy device.

  Preferably, when the driving control means accepts an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the remote operation device, the drive means accepts from the remote operation device after the takeover means instructs the connection device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device. The execution instruction operation is transmitted to the connected device.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the connection device to execute processing according to the execution instruction operation.

  Preferably, the operation mode is further provided with communication means capable of communicating regardless of whether the operation mode is the drive mode or the power saving mode in which the power consumption is lower than that of the drive mode, and the operation mode switching means has the operation mode set to the power saving mode. When the connection request is received from the remote operation device in the state of switching to the operation mode, the operation mode is not switched to the drive mode until the proxy device receives the execution instruction operation received from the remote operation device from the proxy device.

  According to this aspect, the power saving mode can be maintained until the execution instruction operation is received from the proxy device after the connection request is received from the remote operation device.

  Preferably, the operation mode switching means switches the operation mode to the drive mode in response to receiving a connection request from the remote operation device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the takeover means remotely operates the proxy device. The operation mode is switched to the power saving mode in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the power saving mode can be maintained until the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote control device until the execution instruction operation is received from the proxy device.

  Preferably, the proxy device determination unit preferentially determines a device with low power consumption among the plurality of image forming devices as a proxy device.

  According to this aspect, the power consumption can be prevented from increasing as much as possible.

  Preferably, the proxy device determination unit preferentially determines a device having a low processing load for generating the operation screen as the proxy device.

  According to this aspect, since the speed of the process for generating the remote operation screen can be increased, the response time of the remote operation device can be shortened.

  Preferably, the proxy device determination unit preferentially determines a device having a large number of accumulated jobs as a proxy device.

  According to this aspect, a device with a large number of stored jobs is switched to the drive mode for a longer time than a device with a small number of stored jobs, so a device with a small number of stored jobs is shifted to the power saving mode at an early stage. Can be made.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an operation mode switching unit that switches an operation mode between a drive mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode, and one or more other information. Proxy device determining means for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode from among the processing devices, and when a connection request is received from the remote control device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the proxy device is remotely operated. In response to the handover means for instructing the continuation of the remote operation by the device and the continuation means instructing the continuation of the remote operation by the remote operation device after the handover means instructs the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device In addition to reproducing the state in which the proxy device was remotely operated by the remote operation device, the reproduction means connected to the remote operation device and the reproduction means Processing execution means for executing processing in accordance with the execution instruction operation in response to receiving an execution instruction operation instructing execution of processing from the proxy device after the state in which the proxy device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced; Is provided.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote operation device.

  Preferably, the operation mode is further provided with communication means capable of communicating regardless of whether the operation mode is the drive mode or the power saving mode in which the power consumption is lower than that of the drive mode, and the operation mode switching means has the operation mode set to the power saving mode. When the connection request is received from the remote operation device in the state of switching to the operation mode, the operation mode is not switched to the drive mode until the proxy device receives the execution instruction operation received from the remote operation device from the proxy device.

  According to this aspect, the power saving mode can be maintained until the execution instruction operation is received from the proxy device after the connection request is received from the remote operation device.

  Preferably, the operation mode switching means switches the operation mode to the drive mode in response to receiving a connection request from the remote operation device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the takeover means remotely operates the proxy device. The operation mode is switched to the power saving mode in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the power saving mode can be maintained until the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote control device until the execution instruction operation is received from the proxy device.

  Preferably, the one or more other information processing apparatuses include an apparatus having the same function as the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the one or more other information processing apparatuses include a server.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the remote control method includes an operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to one of a drive mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode, and one or more other images. A take-over step for instructing the first apparatus of the forming apparatus to continue the remote operation by the remote operation apparatus, and the second apparatus among the one or more other image forming apparatuses is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote operation apparatus. Accordingly, the second device reproduces the state of being remotely operated by the remote operation device, and the reproduction step for connecting to the remote operation device, and one or more other image formations among the plurality of image forming devices A proxy device determination step for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode from among the devices, and from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode The proxy device is determined to be the first device in response to receiving the connection request, and after the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device in the takeover step, the remote operation from the proxy device by the remote operation device is continued. A power saving control step of determining the proxy device as the second device in response to the instruction, and a remote operation device among one or more other image forming devices in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode The connection device is determined as the second device in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the connection device remotely operated by the remote device, and the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device in the reproduction step After the state is reproduced, a drive timing system that determines the connection device as the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the remote operation device. A step, the to be executed by the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control method capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote operation device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the remote control method includes an operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to one of a drive mode and a power saving mode with less power consumption than the drive mode, and one or more other information. A proxy device determining step for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode from among the processing devices, and the proxy device in response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode To take over the remote operation by the remote operation device, and instruct the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device in the takeover step, and then instruct the continuation of the remote operation by the remote operation device from the proxy device Depending on the situation, the proxy device reproduces the state where it was remotely operated by the remote control device and connected to the remote control device. The reproduction step, and after the state in which the proxy device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced in the reproduction step, the processing is performed according to the execution instruction operation in response to receiving the execution instruction operation instructing the execution of the process from the proxy device. The image forming apparatus executes a process execution step of executing

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control method capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote operation device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the remote control program includes an operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to one of a drive mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode, and one or more other images. A take-over step for instructing the first apparatus of the forming apparatus to continue the remote operation by the remote operation apparatus, and the second apparatus among the one or more other image forming apparatuses is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote operation apparatus. Accordingly, the second device reproduces the state of being remotely operated by the remote operation device, and the reproduction step for connecting to the remote operation device, and one or more other image formations among the plurality of image forming devices A proxy device determination step for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode from among the devices, and a remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode. In response to receiving the connection request from the proxy device, the proxy device is determined as the first device, and in the takeover step, the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote control device, and then the proxy device performs the remote control by the remote control device. The power saving control step of determining the proxy device as the second device in response to an instruction to continue, and remote operation of one or more other image forming devices in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode The connection device is determined as the second device in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the connection device remotely operated by the device, and the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device in the reproduction step. After the reproduced state is reproduced, the connection device is determined to be the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the remote operation device. A time control step, the to be executed by a computer for controlling the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control program that can suppress an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote control device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the remote control program includes an operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to one of a drive mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode, and one or more other information. A proxy device determining step for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is the drive mode from among the processing devices, and the proxy device in response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode To take over the remote operation by the remote operation device, and instruct the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device in the takeover step, and then instruct the continuation of the remote operation by the remote operation device from the proxy device Depending on the situation, the proxy device reproduces the state of being remotely operated by the remote control device, and the remote control device. In accordance with the execution instruction operation in response to accepting an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the proxy device after the reproduction step to be connected and the state in which the proxy device is remotely operated by the remote operation device are reproduced in the reproduction step And a process execution step for executing the process is executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control program that can suppress an increase in power consumption while continuing remote control by the remote control device.

1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system in one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a basic configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of a portable information device. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU provided in the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the outline | summary of the function of CPU with which a portable information device is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a remote control process. It is a flowchart which shows the position of the flow of a proxy apparatus determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 1st reproduction process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 2nd reproduction process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a remote operation process. It is a figure which shows the timing of the data transmitted / received between a remote control device, a connection apparatus, and a proxy apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming system 1 includes MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B that function as remote control devices, a server 300, a wireless station 5, and portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B. MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, server 300, and wireless station 5 are connected to network 3. The portable information devices 200, 200 </ b> A, 200 </ b> B are connected to the network 3 through the wireless station 5.

  The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  The server 300 is a general computer. Since the hardware configuration is well known, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B are computers that are carried and used by users, such as smartphones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Since the portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B have the same hardware configuration and functions, the portable information device 200 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified. Here, the portable information device 200 is a smartphone, and has a wireless LAN function and a call function. For this reason, the portable information device 200 is connected to the cellular phone network by wirelessly communicating with the cellular phone base station, and can make a call.

  In image forming system 1 in the present embodiment, portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B remotely operate MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, respectively. In this case, each of portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B functions as a remote operation device that remotely operates MFP 100, 100A, and 100B, and each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B is remotely controlled by either portable information device 200, 200A, or 200B. Functions as a remote control device to be operated. Portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B are installed with a remote operation program for remotely operating MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. The remote operation program is an application program that is common to MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, and is compatible with any of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. On the other hand, the MFP 100 is installed with a remote control program that is remotely operated by the portable information device 200 and executes processing. Here, a case where portable information device 200 remotely operates MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  In image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B have different configurations and executable functions, but have the same basic configuration. Here, the basic configuration of MFP 100 will be described using MFP 100 as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the basic configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, an automatic document feeder 120 for transporting a document to document reading unit 130, and a document reading unit 130. An image forming unit 140 for forming an image on a sheet or the like based on image data output by reading the image, a sheet feeding unit 150 for supplying the image to the image forming unit 140, and processing the sheet on which the image is formed A post-processing unit 155 and an operation panel 160 as a user interface.

  The post-processing unit 155 executes a sorting process for sorting and discharging one or more sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 140, a punching process for punch hole processing, and a staple process for driving staple needles.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk). ROM) 118 is mounted on the external storage device 117. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feeding unit 150, post-processing unit 155, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. Further, the RAM 114 includes a set value storage area. The set value storage area is an area for storing a set value for executing a function. The RAM 114 temporarily stores read data (image data) continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 3. CPU 111 communicates with other MFPs 100A, 2100B, server 300 or portable information devices 200, 200A, 200B via communication I / F unit 112 to transmit / receive data. The communication I / F unit 112 can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet via the network 3.

  The facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 115 or outputs it to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 116 on a sheet. Further, the facsimile unit 116 converts the data stored in the HDD 115 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN.

  The external storage device 117 is loaded with a CD-ROM 118. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 118 via the external storage device 117. The CPU 111 loads the program recorded on the CD-ROM 118 attached to the external storage device 117 to the RAM 114 and executes it. The medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the CD-ROM 118, but an optical disc (MO (Magnetic Optical disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card, optical card, It may be a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM).

  Further, the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program recorded on the CD-ROM 118, and the program stored in the HDD 115 may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the network 3 may rewrite the program stored in the HDD 115 of the MFP 100 or may add a new program and write it. Further, MFP 100 may download a program from another computer connected to network 3 and store the program in HDD 115. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  Operation panel 160 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100. Operation panel 160 includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 163. The display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for a user, information about acquired image data, and the like.

  The operation unit 163 includes a touch panel 165 and a hard key unit 167. The touch panel 165 is provided to overlap the display unit 161 on the upper surface or the lower surface of the display unit 161. Hard key portion 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard key is, for example, a contact switch. The touch panel 165 detects a position designated by the user on the display surface of the display unit 161. When the user operates the MFP 100, the user often takes an upright posture, and thus the display surface of the display unit 161, the operation surface of the touch panel 165, and the hard key unit 167 are arranged facing upward. This is because the user can easily visually recognize the display surface of the display unit 161 and the user can easily instruct the operation unit 163 with a finger.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the portable information device. Referring to FIG. 3, portable information device 200 in the present embodiment includes a CPU 201 for controlling the entire portable information device 200, a camera 202, a flash memory 203 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, and a calling unit. 205 includes a wireless communication unit 204 connected to 205, a display unit 206 that displays information, an operation unit 207 that receives user operations, a wireless LAN I / F 208, an acceleration sensor 210, and an external storage device 211.

  The display unit 206 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD, and displays an instruction menu for a user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 207 includes a main key 207A and a touch panel 207B. When the user instructs the display surface of the display unit 206, the operation unit 207 outputs the position of the display surface detected by the touch panel 207B to the CPU 201. Based on the position detected by the touch panel 207B, the CPU 201 detects a position designated by the user in the screen displayed on the display unit 206. Based on the screen displayed on the display unit 206 and the position detected by the touch panel 207 </ b> B, the CPU 201 accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations. For example, when a screen including a numeric keypad image is displayed on the display unit 206, a number corresponding to the key displayed at the position detected by the touch panel 207B is received.

  The camera 202 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element. The light focused by the lens is imaged on the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts the received light and outputs image data to the CPU 201. The photoelectric conversion element is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, or the like.

  The wireless communication unit 204 performs wireless communication with a mobile phone base station connected to a telephone communication network. The wireless communication unit 204 connects the portable information device 200 to a telephone communication network and enables a call using the call unit 205. The radio communication unit 204 decodes a voice signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal received from the mobile phone base station and outputs the decoded signal to the call unit 205. Further, the wireless communication unit 204 encodes the voice input from the call unit 205 and transmits it to the mobile phone base station. The call unit 205 includes a microphone and a speaker, and outputs the sound input from the wireless communication unit 204 from the speaker, and outputs the sound input from the microphone to the wireless communication unit 204. Further, the wireless communication unit 204 is controlled by the CPU 201, connects the portable information device 200 to an electronic mail server, and transmits and receives electronic mail.

  The wireless LAN I / F 208 is an interface for communicating with the wireless station 5 and connecting the portable information device 200 to the network 3. By registering IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of server 300 and MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B in portable information device 200, portable information device 200 can communicate with server 300 and MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Data transmission / reception becomes possible. In this embodiment, a case where portable information device 200 communicates with server 300 and MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B using wireless LAN I / F 208 will be described as an example. However, communication is performed using another communication method. You may do it. Specifically, when portable information device 200, server 300, and MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are mounted with short-range wireless devices such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), portable information device 200 is connected to server 300, MFP 100, You may make it communicate one-to-one with either 100A or 100B.

  The flash memory 203 stores a program executed by the CPU 201 or data necessary for executing the program. The CPU 201 loads the program recorded in the flash memory 203 to the RAM included in the CPU 201 and executes it.

  The acceleration sensor 210 is a triaxial acceleration sensor that measures accelerations in three directions of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The acceleration sensor 210 outputs the detected acceleration to the CPU 201.

  The external storage device 211 is detachable from the portable information device 200, and a CD-ROM 211A storing a remote operation program can be attached thereto. The CPU 201 can access the CD-ROM 211A via the external storage device 211. The CPU 201 can load a remote operation program recorded on the CD-ROM 211A attached to the external storage device 211 into a RAM included in the CPU 201 and execute it.

  Although the program recorded in the flash memory 203 or the CD-ROM 211A has been described as a program executed by the CPU 201, a program in which another computer connected to the network 3 rewrites the program stored in the flash memory 203, Alternatively, it may be a new program written additionally. Further, the portable information device 200 may be a program downloaded from another computer connected to the network 3. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 201 is not limited to the CD-ROM 211A, and may be a semiconductor memory such as an optical disk (MO / MD / DVD), IC card, optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM. Good.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU provided in the MFP according to the present embodiment. The functions shown in FIG. 4 are functions formed in CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a remote control program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, and CD-ROM 118.

  Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 111 includes connection control unit 51, remote operation screen transmission unit 53, remote operation reception unit 55, remote operation screen generation unit 57, setting unit 59, and drive time control unit 61. , Power saving control unit 63, takeover unit 65, reproduction unit 67, device state detection unit 69, proxy device determination unit 71, panel control unit 73, function execution unit 75, and operation mode switching unit 77. And including.

  The operation mode switching unit 77 switches the operation mode between the driving mode and the power saving mode in which the power consumption is lower than that in the driving mode. The operation mode switching unit 77 switches the operation mode to the power saving mode when the sleep transition condition is satisfied in the drive mode. The sleep transition condition is not limited, but is, for example, a case where the operation unit 163 does not accept an operation for a predetermined time. When the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the operation mode switching unit 77 cuts off the power supplied to the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the paper feeding unit 150, and the HDD 113. The operation mode switching unit 77 and the communication I / F unit 112 and the facsimile unit 116 continue to supply power even when the operation mode is the power saving mode. This is for receiving data transmitted from the outside.

  The panel control unit 73 controls the operation panel 160, displays an operation screen on the display unit 161, and accepts an operation input by the user to the operation unit 163. The panel control unit 73 displays an operation screen included in the display instruction on the display unit 161 in response to the display instruction input from the function execution unit 75. Panel control unit 73 accepts an operation that the user inputs to operation unit 163 according to the operation screen displayed on display unit 161, and outputs the accepted operation to function execution unit 75.

  The function execution unit 75 executes a function corresponding to the operation according to the operation input from the panel control unit 73. When the operation input from the panel control unit 73 corresponds to a plurality of functions, the function execution unit 75 executes a plurality of functions corresponding to the operation. The operation input from the panel control unit 73 includes a setting operation for setting a setting value used for the function execution unit 75 to execute the function, a screen transition operation for instructing switching of the operation screen to another operation screen, a function Including an execution instruction operation for instructing execution. When a setting operation is input, the function execution unit 75 sets a setting value determined by the setting operation to a setting item determined by the setting operation. For example, the setting operation for instructing five copies includes a setting item “number” indicating the number of copies to be printed and a setting value “5”. When the screen transition operation is input, the function execution unit 75 determines an operation screen determined by the screen transition operation, and outputs a display instruction for displaying the determined operation screen to the panel control unit 73. When the execution instruction operation is input, the function execution unit 75 executes the mounted function specified by the execution instruction operation according to the setting value set so far. For example, in the execution instruction operation for instructing execution of the print function, if the setting item “numerical value” and the setting value “5” are set, the function of forming the data image is executed five times.

  The connection control unit 51 controls the communication I / F unit 112, and when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from any one of the portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B that are remote operation devices, the portable information device 200. , 200A, 200B, a communication path is established with the device that has transmitted the connection request. A device whose communication path is established by the connection control unit 51 is referred to as a remotely operated device. The connection control unit 51 sets a set of path identification information for identifying a communication path established with the remotely operated apparatus and device identification information for identifying the remotely operated apparatus to the remote operation screen transmitting unit 53. The remote operation receiving unit 55, the driving time control unit 61, and the power saving time control unit 63 are output.

  The remote operation receiving unit 55, the remote operation screen generating unit 57, the setting unit 59, and the remote operation screen transmitting unit 53 function in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode.

  When a set of route identification information and device identification information is input from the connection control unit 51, the remote operation receiving unit 55 outputs a set of an initial screen generation instruction and device identification information to the remote operation screen generation unit 57. The remote operation receiving unit 55 outputs a set of the initial screen generation instruction and the device identification information, and then controls the communication I / F unit 112 to identify the device via the communication path specified by the route identification information. A remote operation command transmitted from the remotely operated device specified by the information is received. In response to receiving a remote operation command from the device during remote operation, the remote operation reception unit 55 remotely sets a set of operation identification information and device identification information for identifying the remote operation corresponding to the remote operation command. The data is output to the operation screen generation unit 57, the setting unit 59, and the driving time control unit 61.

  The remote operation screen generator 57 generates a remote operation screen. The remote operation screen generated by the remote operation screen generation unit 57 is the same as the operation screen displayed on the display unit 161 by the panel control unit 73. In order to display on portable information device 200, a remote operation screen different from the operation screen may be used. For example, the remote operation screen is a screen in which the format of the operation screen is different. When a set of an initial screen generation instruction and device identification information is input from the remote operation receiving unit 55, the remote operation screen generation unit 57 reads a remote operation screen defined as a default as an initial screen from the HDD 116, A set of the operation screen and device identification information is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53. Further, when a set of operation identification information and device identification information is input from the remote operation receiving unit 55, the remote operation screen generation unit 57 generates a remote operation screen corresponding to the remote operation specified by the operation identification information. The set of the generated remote operation screen and device identification information is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53.

  The remote operation screen transmission unit 53 receives a set of route identification information and device identification information from the connection control unit 51. In response to the input of the remote operation screen and the device identification information from the remote operation screen generation unit 57, the remote operation screen transmission unit 53 transmits the remote operation screen to the remotely operated device specified by the device identification information. Specifically, based on the combination of the route identification information and the device identification information input from the connection control unit 51, the route identification information paired with the device identification information input from the remote operation screen generation unit 57 is identified. Identify the communication path to be used. Then, the remote operation screen transmission unit 53 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the remote operation screen via the specified communication path.

  The remote operation command transmitted to the MFP 100 by the device during remote operation includes a setting command corresponding to a setting operation for setting a setting value, and a screen transition corresponding to a screen transition operation instructing switching of the remote operation screen to another remote operation screen. A command and an execution instruction command corresponding to an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of a function. When the remote operation command received after the remote operation screen is transmitted includes the position information, the remote operation reception unit 55 includes the position information and the remote operation screen transmitted to the remote operation device by the remote operation screen transmission unit 53. Based on the, identify the remote operation. Specifically, if the position specified in the remote operation screen is within the transition button included in the remote operation screen based on the position information, the screen transition operation is specified. If the position specified on the remote operation screen by the position information is within an area to which a command for setting a setting value is assigned, the setting operation is specified. If the position specified on the remote operation screen by the position information is within the area of the button to which the execution command is assigned, the execution instruction operation is specified.

  When the set of operation identification information of the setting operation and device identification information is input from the remote operation reception unit 55, the setting unit 59 sets a setting value according to the setting operation. The setting operation includes a setting item and a setting value. The setting unit 59 sets a setting value included in the setting operation to a setting item included in the setting operation. When setting the setting value, the setting unit 59 outputs a generation instruction including the device identification information to the remote operation screen generation unit 57.

  The remote operation screen generation unit 57 generates the same remote operation screen as the previously generated remote operation screen in response to the generation instruction input from the setting unit 59, and includes the generated remote operation screen and the generation instruction. The device identification information set is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53. The remote operation screen generated in response to the generation instruction input by the remote operation screen generation unit 57 includes a value after the setting value is updated. For this reason, the remote operation screen including the value after the set value is updated is transmitted to the remote operating device and displayed on the remote operating device.

  The remote operation screen generation unit 57 generates and generates a remote operation screen determined by the screen transition operation in response to the input of the operation identification information and device identification information of the screen transition operation from the remote operation reception unit 55. The set of the remote operation screen thus received and the device identification information input from the remote operation reception unit 55 is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53. For this reason, the remote operation screen determined by the screen transition operation is transmitted to the device during remote operation, and the remote operation screen is displayed on the device during remote operation.

  The device state detection unit 69 detects the device state of another information processing device. Here, the other information processing apparatuses are MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300. The device states of MFPs 100A and 100B include an operation mode state, a job state being executed, and a job state waiting for execution. The device status of the server 300 includes the status of the operation mode. More specifically, by controlling the communication I / F unit 112, transmitting a device status transmission request by broadcast, and receiving device status information indicating the device status returned from each of the MFPs 100A and 100B and the server 300, The device states of MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300 are detected. The apparatus status information received from each of MFPs 100A and 100B is stored with operation mode information indicating whether the operation mode is a drive mode or a power saving mode, and execution job information indicating the type of job being executed. The number of stored jobs, stored job information indicating the status of the stored jobs, and power consumption. The device status information received from the server 300 includes operation mode information indicating whether the operation mode is the drive mode or the power saving mode. When MFP 100A, 100B and the server are in the power saving mode, the MFP 100A, 100B and the server may not respond to the device status transmission request. In this case, the operation mode of the device is in the power saving mode. Judge. Device state detection unit 69 outputs device state information indicating the device states of MFPs 100 </ b> A and 100 </ b> B to proxy device determination unit 71.

  Proxy device determination unit 71 receives device status information of MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300 from device status detection unit 69, and determines one proxy device from MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300. Specifically, the device whose operation mode is set to the drive mode is determined as the proxy device based on the operation mode information included in the state information. When there are a plurality of devices whose operation mode is set to the drive mode according to the operation mode information included in the state information, the proxy device determination unit 71 determines that the type of job being executed indicated by the execution job information included in the device state is Prioritize a device that is executing a job that does not execute a process for generating an operation screen as a proxy device. In addition, when there are a plurality of devices whose operation mode is set to the drive mode according to the operation mode information included in the state information, the proxy device determination unit 71 sets the waiting job indicated by the accumulated job information included in the device state. A device with a large number is preferentially determined as a proxy device. When determining the proxy device, the proxy device determination unit 71 outputs device identification information for identifying the proxy device to the takeover unit 65.

  When the device state detection unit 69 detects the device state at predetermined time intervals, the proxy device determination unit 71 determines a proxy device every time a device state is detected, and outputs the device identification information of the proxy device to the takeover unit 65. . In addition, when there is an instruction from the takeover unit 65, the proxy device determination unit 71 requests the device status detection unit 69 to detect the device status, and the proxy device determination unit 71 performs proxy in response to the detection of the device status. The device may be determined and the device identification information of the proxy device may be output to the takeover unit 65.

<For connected devices>
When the MFP 100 is remotely operated by the portable information device 200 in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the MFP 100 functions as a remote operation device that is remotely operated by the portable information device 200 that is a remotely operated device. . In this case, it is referred to as an MFP 100 connection device.

  When the power saving control unit 63 switches the operation mode to the power saving mode, when the combination of the path identification information and the device identification information of the remotely operated device is input from the connection control unit 51, the takeover unit 65 To output a first takeover instruction. The first takeover instruction includes a set of route identification information and device identification information of the remotely operated device.

  In response to the input of the first takeover instruction from the power saving time control unit 63, the takeover unit 65 changes the remote control device specified by the device identification information included in the first takeover instruction from the proxy device determination unit 71. A switching instruction for switching the connection is transmitted to the proxy device specified by the input device identification information, and the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote control device. Specifically, the takeover unit 65 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to give a first switching instruction to the remotely operated device via the communication path specified by the path identification information included in the first takeover instruction. Is output. The first switching instruction includes device identification information of the proxy device input from the proxy device determination unit 71. In addition, the takeover unit 65 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to communicate with the proxy device specified by the device identification information input from the proxy device determination unit 71, and transmits a first takeover request signal. The first takeover request signal includes all of the setting values set by the setting unit 59 until the first takeover instruction is input from the power saving time control unit 63, and the remote operating device included in the first takeover instruction. Identification information. When the takeover unit 65 transmits the first takeover request signal to the proxy device, the takeover unit 65 outputs the device identification information of the proxy device to the power saving control unit 63.

  Although the details of the proxy device will be described later, when the first takeover request signal is received, the MFP 100 is remotely operated by the remote operation device specified by the device identification information included in the first takeover request signal instead of the MFP 100. The state is reproduced, and is remotely operated by the remote operation apparatus instead of the MFP 100. When the proxy device receives the execution instruction command from the remotely operated device, the proxy device transmits the second takeover request signal and the execution instruction command to the MFP 100 that has transmitted the first takeover request signal. The second takeover request signal is sent to the proxy device in place of the MFP 100, all of the setting values set by remote operation by the remotely operated device, device identification information of the remotely operated device, and finally the remotely operated device. Screen identification information of the transmitted remote operation screen.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives the second takeover request signal from the proxy device after the device identification information of the proxy device is input from the takeover unit 65, the power saving time control unit 63 performs the second reproduction in the reproduction unit 67. Output instructions. The second reproduction instruction includes device identification information, a setting value, and screen identification information of the remotely operated device included in the second takeover request signal. The operation mode switching unit 77 switches the operation mode to the drive mode in response to the communication I / F unit 112 receiving the second takeover request signal from the proxy device.

  The reproduction unit 67 reproduces the state in which the proxy device is remotely operated by the remotely operated device in response to the input of the second reproduction instruction from the power saving control unit 63. Specifically, the reproduction unit 67 includes a connection reproduction unit 81 and a set value reproduction unit 83. The connection reproduction unit 81 outputs a second re-establishment instruction including the device identification information and screen identification information of the remotely operated device included in the second reproduction instruction to the connection control unit 51 and the remote operation reception unit 55.

  The connection control unit 51 controls the communication I / F unit 112 in response to the input of the second re-establishment instruction from the connection reproduction unit 81, and the communication I / F unit 112 controls the portable information devices 200, 200A, 200B. When a connection request is received from the remote operation device specified by the device identification information included in the second re-establishment instruction, a communication path is established with the remote operation device that has transmitted the connection request. The connection control unit 51 sets a set of path identification information for identifying a communication path established with the remote operation device and device identification information for identifying the remote operation device, as a remote operation reception unit 55, remote operation The data is output to the screen transmission unit 53 and the power saving control unit 63. Thereafter, each of the remote operation reception unit 55, the remote operation screen transmission unit 53, and the power saving control unit 63 treats the remote operation device specified by the device identification information as a device during remote operation.

  The setting value reproduction unit 83 outputs a setting instruction including the setting value included in the second takeover instruction to the setting unit 59. The setting unit 59 sets all of the setting values included in the setting instruction in response to the setting instruction input from the setting value reproducing unit 83. In addition, when the setting value included in the second takeover instruction includes a setting value for the function of forming an image, the setting value reproduction unit 83 outputs an instruction to set the confidential print function to be effective to the setting unit 59. The confidential print function is a function that executes a function of forming an image on the condition that the operation unit 163 receives permission from a user who operates the apparatus during remote operation. Even when the distance to the MFP 100 is long and it takes a long time to move, the MFP 100 does not form an image unless operated by a user who has remotely operated the MFP 100, thereby preventing others from seeing the output result. can do. As the setting value for executing the confidential print function, user identification information for identifying the user is required. For example, the MFP 100 may authenticate the user who operates the device during remote operation.

  When a pair of path identification information and device identification information is input from the connection control unit 51 after the reconnection instruction is input from the connection reproduction unit 81, the remote operation reception unit 55 A set of a continuous screen generation instruction and device identification information is output without outputting a set of the initial screen generation instruction and device identification information. The continuous screen generation instruction includes screen identification information included in the reconnection instruction.

  The remote operation screen generation unit 57 receives the combination of the continuous screen generation instruction and the device identification information from the remote operation reception unit 55, and the remote operation specified by the screen identification information included in the continuous screen generation instruction A screen is generated, and a set of the generated remote operation screen and device identification information input from the remote operation reception unit 55 together with the continuation screen generation instruction is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53. At this stage, the remote operation screen generated by the remote operation screen generation unit 57 is the remote operation screen generated based on the setting value after the setting unit 59 sets the setting value according to the setting instruction from the setting value reproduction unit 83. The proxy device that has transmitted the second takeover request signal is the same as the remote operation screen last transmitted to the remotely operated device.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives an execution instruction command from the proxy device after the device identification information of the proxy device is input from the takeover unit 65, the power saving time control unit 63 sends the execution instruction command to the function execution unit 75. The function execution unit 75 executes the function specified by the execution instruction command.

  The function execution unit 75 executes the function specified by the execution instruction command according to the set value set by the setting unit 59. At this stage, since the setting value set by the setting unit 59 is a setting value set by the setting unit 59 in accordance with the setting instruction from the setting value reproduction unit 83, the user of the remotely operated device can perform the remote operation by the remotely operated device. Even when the target of switching from the MFP 100 to the proxy device, the setting value can be set in the MFP 100 and the function can be executed in the same way as when one MFP 100 is remotely operated.

<For proxy devices>
When one of the other MFPs 100A and 100B, for example, MFP 100A is switched to the power saving mode and is remotely operated by portable information device 200, MFP 100A functions as a connection device. In this case, MFP 100A determines any of other MFPs 100 and 100B as a proxy device. Here, a case where MFP 100 is determined as a proxy device by MFP 100A will be described as an example.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives the first takeover request signal from the MFP 100A as the connection device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode, the driving control unit 61 issues a first reproduction instruction to the reproduction unit 67. Output. The first reproduction instruction includes device identification information of the remotely operated device included in the first takeover request signal and a set value.

  The reproduction unit 67 reproduces a state in which the connection device is remotely operated by the remotely operated device in response to the input of the first reproduction instruction from the power saving control unit 63. The setting value reproduction unit 83 outputs a setting instruction including the setting value included in the first reproduction instruction to the setting unit 59 in response to the input of the first reproduction instruction. The setting unit 59 sets all of the setting values included in the setting instruction in response to the setting instruction input from the setting value reproducing unit 83. The connection reproduction unit 81 outputs a first re-establishment instruction including device identification information of the remotely operated device included in the first reproduction instruction to the connection control unit 51 and the remote operation reception unit 55.

  The connection control unit 51 controls the communication I / F unit 112 in response to the input of the first re-establishment instruction from the connection reproduction unit 81, and the communication I / F unit 112 controls the portable information devices 200, 200A, 200B. When a connection request is received from the remote operation device specified by the device identification information included in the first re-establishment instruction, a communication path is established with the remote operation device that has transmitted the connection request. The connection control unit 51 sets a set of path identification information for identifying a communication path established with the remote operation device and device identification information for identifying the remote operation device, as a remote operation reception unit 55, remote operation It outputs to the screen transmission part 53 and the drive time control part 61. Thereafter, each of the remote operation reception unit 55, the remote operation screen transmission unit 53, and the driving time control unit 61 treats the remote operation device specified by the device identification information as a device during remote operation.

  The remote operation receiving unit 55 receives the first reconnection instruction from the connection reproduction unit 81 and then receives a pair of route identification information and device identification information from the connection control unit 51. In addition, a set of an initial screen generation instruction and device identification information is output. The remote operation receiving unit 55 outputs a set of the initial screen generation instruction and the device identification information to the remote operation screen generation unit 57 and then controls the communication I / F unit 112 to determine the communication path specified by the path identification information. The remote control command transmitted from the remote control device is received via the remote control. In response to receiving a remote operation command from the device during remote operation, the remote operation reception unit 55 remotely sets a set of operation identification information and device identification information for identifying the remote operation corresponding to the remote operation command. The data is output to the operation screen generation unit 57, the setting unit 59, and the driving time control unit 61.

  When a set of an initial screen generation instruction and device identification information is input from the remote operation receiving unit 55, the remote operation screen generation unit 57 reads a remote operation screen defined as a default as an initial screen from the HDD 116, A set of the operation screen and device identification information is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53. Further, when a set of operation identification information and device identification information is input from the remote operation receiving unit 55, the remote operation screen generation unit 57 generates a remote operation screen corresponding to the remote operation specified by the operation identification information. The set of the generated remote operation screen and device identification information is output to the remote operation screen transmission unit 53.

  The remote operation screen transmission unit 53 receives a set of route identification information and device identification information from the connection control unit 51, and inputs a remote operation screen and device identification information from the remote operation screen generation unit 57. A remote operation screen is transmitted to the device during remote operation by controlling the communication I / F unit 112 for the device during remote operation specified by the device identification information.

  The driving control unit 61 outputs the second takeover instruction to the takeover unit 65 when the communication I / F unit 112 receives the execution instruction command from the remotely operated device after outputting the first reproduction instruction to the reproduction unit 67. Then, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to transmit an execution instruction command to the connection device.

  In response to the input of the second takeover instruction from the driving control unit 61, the takeover unit 65 transmits a switching instruction for switching the connection to the connection device to the remote operation device, and the connection device uses the remote operation device. Instruct to continue remote operation. Specifically, the takeover unit 65 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to give a second switching instruction to the remotely operated device via the communication path specified by the path identification information included in the second takeover instruction. Is output. The second switching instruction includes device identification information of the connection device. Further, the takeover unit 65 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to communicate with the connection device and transmit a second takeover request signal. The second takeover request signal includes all of the set values set by the setting unit 59 until the second takeover instruction is input from the driving-time control unit 61, device identification information of the remotely operated device, and remote operation screen transmission. And screen identification information of the remote operation screen that the unit 53 has finally transmitted to the device during remote operation.

  In this way, after receiving the first takeover request signal from MFP 100A as the connection device, MFP 100 functions as a proxy device, reproduces the setting values set in MFP 100A as the connection device, and performs the remote operation device. The remote control is performed by the portable information device 200, and the setting value is updated. When the execution instruction command is received from the portable information device 200, the second takeover request signal and the execution instruction command are transmitted to the MFP 100A as the connection device, and the connection destination is switched to the MFP 100A as the connection device in the portable information device 200. A second switching instruction is output. Thus, portable information device 200 enters a state in which MFP 100A, which is a connection device, is remotely operated, and MFP 100A uses the same setting value as that set when MFP 100 is remotely operated by portable information device 200. The function specified by the execution command is executed.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an outline of functions of a CPU provided in the portable information device. The functions shown in FIG. 5 are functions formed in the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the portable information device 200 executes a remote operation program stored in the flash memory 203 or the CD-ROM 211A. Referring to FIG. 5, the CPU 201 includes a communication control unit 251, a remote operation screen reception unit 253, an image display control unit 255, an operation reception unit 257, a remote operation transmission unit 259, a switching control unit 261, A connection destination display unit 263.

  The communication control unit 251 establishes a communication path with a remote control device that is a target of remote operation. Specifically, communication control unit 251 controls wireless LAN I / F 208 when the user operates operation unit 207 to indicate a remote control device to be remotely operated among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Then, a connection request is transmitted to the remote control device, and a communication path with the remote control device is established. Here, the communication control unit 251 establishes a communication path, and the remote control device to be remotely operated is a connection device.

  In the present embodiment, the remote control device is one of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. When the communication control unit 251 establishes a communication path with the connection device, the communication control unit 251 outputs the path identification information of the communication path to the remote operation screen reception unit 253, the remote operation transmission unit 259, and the switching control unit 261, and The device identification information of the device is output to the connection destination display unit 263.

  The connection destination display unit 263 displays device identification information of the connection device on the display unit 206. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user who operates the remote operation device which of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B is the connection device that is the remote control device that is the target of the remote operation.

  When the route identification information is input from the communication control unit 251, the remote operation screen receiving unit 253 controls the wireless LAN I / F 208, and the wireless LAN I / F 208 is remote from the connection device through the communication route specified by the route identification information. Receive the operation screen. The remote operation screen receiving unit 253 outputs the received remote operation screen to the image display control unit 255.

  The image display control unit 255 controls the display unit 206 and displays an image of the remote operation screen on the display unit 206 in response to the input of the remote operation screen.

  The operation reception unit 257 controls the operation unit 207, receives an operation input by the user to the operation unit 207 as a remote operation, and outputs the remote operation to the remote operation transmission unit 259. When the user instructs touch panel 207 </ b> B included in operation unit 207, operation reception unit 257 outputs a remote operation including position information indicating the position in the remote operation screen displayed on display unit 206 to remote operation transmission unit 259. .

  When a remote operation is input from the operation accepting unit 257, the remote operation screen receiving unit 253 controls the wireless LAN I / F 208 and performs a remote operation command corresponding to the remote operation via the communication path specified by the path identification information. To the connected device.

  When the route identification information is input from the communication control unit 251, the switching control unit 261 controls the wireless LAN I / F 208, and the wireless LAN I / F 208 is a communication route specified by the route identification information, from the connection device or the proxy device. A switching instruction is received. When the switching control unit 261 receives the switching instruction, the switching control unit 261 requests the communication control unit 251 to establish a communication path with the remote control device specified by the device identification information included in the switching instruction. Specifically, when receiving the switching instruction, the switching control unit 261 outputs an establishment request including the device identification information included in the switching instruction to the communication control unit 251.

  In response to the establishment request input from the switching control unit 261, the communication control unit 251 establishes a communication path with the remote control device specified by the device identification information included in the establishment request. Specifically, the communication control unit 251 controls the wireless LAN I / F 208 in response to the establishment request being input, and is specified by the device identification information included in the establishment request among the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. A connection request is transmitted to the remote control device, and a communication path with the remote control device is established. When the communication control unit 251 establishes a communication path, the communication control unit 251 outputs the path identification information of the communication path to the remote operation screen reception unit 253, the remote operation transmission unit 259, and the switching control unit 261, and device identification information of the remote control device. Is output to the connection destination display unit 263. Thereafter, in the remote operation screen receiving unit 253, the remote operation transmitting unit 259, and the switching control unit 261, the remote control device with which the communication control unit 251 has established a communication path is newly handled as a device to be remotely operated. For this reason, the device display information included in the switching instruction is displayed on the display unit 206 by the connection destination display unit 263.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of remote control processing. The remote control process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a remote control program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, and CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 111 determines whether a connection request has been received (step S01). It is determined whether communication I / F unit 112 has received a connection request from any of portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B. If a connection request is received, the process proceeds to step S02; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S12. Here, a case where a connection request is received from portable information device 200 will be described as an example.

  In step S02, a communication path is established with the device that has transmitted the connection request, here, with portable information device 200. In the next step S03, it is determined whether or not the operation mode is a power saving mode. If the operation mode is the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S04; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, a normal remote control process is executed, and the process returns to step S01. Since normal remote control processing is well known, description thereof will not be repeated here, but a remote operation screen is transmitted to portable information device 200 and processing is executed in accordance with a remote operation command received from portable information device 200.

  In step S04, the apparatus states of other MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300 are detected. More specifically, by controlling the communication I / F unit 112, transmitting a device status transmission request by broadcast, and receiving device status information indicating the device status returned from each of the MFPs 100A and 100B and the server 300, The device states of MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300 are detected. When MFP 100A, 100B and the server are in the power saving mode, the MFP 100A, 100B and the server may not respond to the device status transmission request. In this case, the operation mode of the device is in the power saving mode. Judge.

  In step S05, a proxy device determination process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S06. Although details of the proxy device determination process will be described later, this is a process of determining one proxy device based on the device status. Here, a case where MFP 100A is determined as a proxy device will be described as an example. In step S06, a first takeover request signal is transmitted to MFP 100A as the proxy device, and the process proceeds to step S07. The first takeover request signal is a signal for requesting the proxy device to perform a remote operation by the portable information device 200, and includes device identification information of the portable information device 200 and setting values set so far. In step S07, a first switching instruction is transmitted to portable information device 200, and the process proceeds to step S08. The first switching instruction is a signal instructing to switch the connection destination to the proxy device, and includes device identification information for identifying the proxy device.

  In step S08, the communication path established in step S02 is disconnected, and the process proceeds to step S09. In step S09, it is determined whether a second takeover request signal has been received. The second takeover request signal is a signal received from the proxy device that has transmitted the first takeover request signal, the device identification information of the portable information device 200, the setting value set by the proxy device so far, and the proxy And the screen identification information of the remote operation screen that was last transmitted to the portable information device 200 by the device.

  In step S10, the second reproduction process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S11. Although details of the second reproduction process will be described later, the proxy apparatus reproduces a setting value set by remote operation by the portable information device 200 and executes the function.

  In step S12, it is determined whether a first takeover request signal has been received. The first takeover request signal is a signal received from a connection device that is remotely operated by a remote operation device among other MFPs 100A and 100B when the operation mode is the drive mode, and is a remote operation device that remotely controls the connection device Device identification information and setting values set by the connection device so far. If the first takeover request signal is received, the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process returns to step S01.

  In the next step S13, the first reproduction process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S14. Although details of the first reproduction process will be described later, it is a process of setting a setting value in place of the connection device by being remotely operated by the remote operation device.

  In the next step S14, the second takeover request signal is transmitted to the connection device that has transmitted the first takeover request signal, and the process proceeds to step S15. The second takeover request signal is finally transmitted to the portable information device 200, the device identification information of the portable information device 200 that is the device being remotely operated, the setting value that has been set by remote operation by the device that has been remotely operated so far. Screen identification information of the remote operation screen.

  In the next step S15, a second switching instruction signal is transmitted to the remotely operated device, and the process proceeds to step S16. The second switching instruction is a signal for instructing to switch the connection destination to the connection apparatus, and includes apparatus identification information for identifying the connection apparatus. In step S16, the communication path established with the remotely operated device is disconnected, and the process returns to step S01.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the position of the proxy device determination process. The proxy device determination process is a process executed in step S05 of FIG. The device states of MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300 are detected before the proxy device determination process is executed. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 extracts a device whose operation mode is a drive mode based on the device states of MFPs 100A and 100B and server 300 (step S21). In the next step S22, it is determined whether or not there is a single device whose operation mode is the drive mode. If there is a single device whose operation mode is drive mode, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S23, the device whose operation mode is the drive mode is determined as the proxy device, and the process returns to the remote control process. When a device whose operation mode is the power saving mode is used as a proxy device, the proxy device switches the operation mode to the drive mode, so that the power consumed by the proxy device increases. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the power consumed by the proxy device from increasing by determining the device whose operation mode is the drive mode as the proxy device.

  In step S24, a device that does not include a process in which the job being executed generates an operation screen is extracted based on the device state of each device whose operation mode is the drive mode. In the next step S25, it is determined whether or not the device extracted in step S24 is singular.

  If the running job includes a single device that does not include a process for generating an operation screen, the process proceeds to step S26; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S26, the operation mode is the drive mode, and a device whose execution job does not include the operation screen generation process is determined as a proxy device, and the process returns to the remote control process. Since the apparatus that is executing the operation screen generation process has a large processing load for generating the remote operation screen, the apparatus with the low processing load for generating the remote operation screen is preferentially determined as the proxy apparatus. Further, since the processing speed for generating the remote operation screen can be increased, the response time of the remote operation device can be shortened.

  In step S27, the operation mode is the drive mode, and the apparatus with the largest number of stored jobs is selected from the apparatuses whose execution jobs do not include the operation screen generation process, and the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the device selected in step S27 is determined as a proxy device, and the process returns to the remote control process. A device with a larger number of stored jobs takes a longer time to switch the operation mode to the power saving mode. For this reason, a device having a long time for maintaining the operation mode in the drive mode is preferentially determined as the proxy device. Thereby, an apparatus with a small number of accumulated jobs can be shifted to the power saving mode at an early stage.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the first reproduction process. The first reproduction process is a process executed when MFP 100 is a proxy device, and is a process executed in step S13 of FIG. The first takeover request signal is received from the connection device at a stage before the first reproduction process is executed. Here, a case where a first takeover request signal is received from MFP 100A which is a connection device remotely controlled by portable information device 200 will be described as an example. The first takeover request signal includes device identification information of portable information device 200 which is a remote operating device, and a setting value set in MFP 100A.

  Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 reproduces the set value (step S31). A setting value included in the first takeover request signal is set. In the next step S32, it is determined whether or not a connection request is received from the remotely operated device. Specifically, the remote operating device is identified from the device identification information included in the first takeover request signal, and the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to determine whether or not a connection request is received from the remote operating device. to decide. The process waits until a connection request is received from the remotely operated apparatus (NO in step S32). If a connection request is received from the remotely operated apparatus (YES in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, a communication path is established with the remotely operated device, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, an initial screen is determined as the remote operation screen. Then, the remote operation screen determined as the initial screen is transmitted to the device during remote operation (step S35). Specifically, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled, and the remote operation screen is transmitted to the remotely operated device via the communication path established in step S33.

  In the next step S36, it is determined whether or not a remote operation command has been received. It is determined whether communication I / F unit 112 has received a remote control command via the communication path established in step S33. The process waits until a remote operation command is received (NO in step S36). If a remote operation command is received (YES in step S36), the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the process is branched by a remote operation specified by the remote operation command. If the remote operation is a screen transition operation, the process proceeds to step S38. If the remote operation is a setting operation, the process proceeds to step S39. If the remote operation is an execution instruction operation, the process returns to the remote control process.

  In step S38, the remote operation screen specified by the screen transition operation is determined, and the process returns to step S35. In step S35, when the process proceeds from step S38, the remote operation screen determined in step S38 is generated, and the generated remote operation screen is transmitted. In step S39, a set value is set according to the setting operation, and the process returns to step S35. In step S35, when the process proceeds from step S39, the remote operation screen after the setting value is set is generated, and the generated remote operation screen is transmitted.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second reproduction process. The second reproduction process is a process executed in step S10 of FIG. 6, which is a process executed when MFP 100 is a connection device. The second takeover request signal is received from the proxy device at a stage before the second reproduction process is executed. Here, a case will be described as an example where MFP 100 is remotely operated by portable information device 200 which is a remotely operated device, and MFP 100 receives the second takeover request signal from MFP 100A determined as the proxy device. The second takeover request signal includes device identification information of portable information device 200 that is a remotely operated device, a setting value that is set by remote operation of MFP 100B that is a proxy device, and MFP 100B that is a proxy device. Screen identification information of the remote operation screen last transmitted to the device during remote operation.

  Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 111 reproduces the set value (step S21). Then, it is determined whether an execution instruction command is received from the proxy device. The process waits until an execution instruction command is received (NO in step S41). When the execution instruction command is received (YES in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42. In step S43, the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. Then, the function specified by the execution instruction command is executed (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, it is determined whether or not a connection request is received from the remotely operated device. Specifically, the remote operation device is identified from the device identification information included in the second takeover request signal, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled, and whether or not a connection request is received from the remote operation device. to decide. If a connection request is received from the remotely operated device, the process proceeds to step S46; otherwise, the process returns to step S44. In step S46, a communication path is established with the remotely operated device, and the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, a continuation screen is determined, and the process proceeds to step S48. Specifically, the remote operation screen specified by the screen identification information included in the second takeover request signal is determined as the continuation screen. In step S48, the remote operation screen determined as the continuation screen is generated, and the generated remote operation screen is being remotely operated via the communication path established in step S46 by controlling the communication I / F unit 112. Send to device and return process to remote control process.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of remote operation processing. The remote operation process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in each of the portable information devices 200, 200A, and 200B executes a remote operation program stored in the flash memory 203 or the CD-ROM 211A. Here, a case where the portable information device 200 executes remote operation processing will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 10, CPU 201 determines whether a remote operation instruction has been accepted (step S51). If the operation unit 207 receives a remote operation instruction input by the user, the remote operation instruction is received. The process waits until a remote operation instruction is accepted (NO in step S51). If a remote operation instruction is accepted (YES in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52. The remote operation instruction includes an instruction for specifying a remote control device to be remotely operated. Here, a case where MFP 100 is specified as a remote operation target will be described as an example.

  In step S52, a connection request is transmitted to MFP 100 that is the target of remote operation. The wireless LAN I / F 208 is controlled to transmit a connection request in order to establish a communication path with the MFP 100. Then, it is determined whether or not a communication path has been established (step S53). A communication path is established by negotiating with the MFP 100. Step S52 is repeated until the communication path is established (NO in step S53). If the communication path is established (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S54.

  In step S54, the connection destination is displayed on display 206, and the process proceeds to step S55. In step S 52, the device identification information or name of the device that has transmitted the connection request, here, MFP 100 is displayed on display unit 206. Thus, the user can know the device that is the target of remote operation among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B.

  In step S55, it is determined whether a remote operation screen has been received. It is determined whether or not wireless LAN I / F 208 has received a remote operation screen from MFP 100 via the communication path established in step S53. If the remote operation screen is received, the process proceeds to step S56; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S59.

  In step S56, the received remote operation screen is displayed on display unit 206, and the process proceeds to step S57. In step S57, it is determined whether an instruction from the user has been accepted. The process waits until an instruction is accepted (NO in step S57). If the instruction is accepted (YES in step S57), the process proceeds to step S58. When touch panel 207B detects the position instructed by the user, the instruction is accepted.

  In step S58, the remote operation is transmitted to MFP 100 as the remote control device, and the process returns to step S55. Specifically, based on the position instructed by the user detected in step S57, the position in the image on the operation screen is specified, the wireless LAN I / F 208 is controlled, and the position information indicating the specified position is included. The remote operation is transmitted to MFP 100 via the communication path established in step S53.

On the other hand, in step S59, it is determined whether a switching instruction has been received. It is determined whether or not wireless LAN I / F 208 has received a switching instruction from MFP 100 that is the target of remote operation via the communication path established in step S53. If a switching instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S60; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S61.
The switching instruction includes a first switching instruction and a second switching instruction. The first switching instruction includes device identification information of the proxy device received from the connection device and determined by the connection device. The second switching instruction is received from the proxy device and includes device identification information of the connection device. For example, when receiving the first switching instruction from MFP 100, MFP 100 determines that one of MFP 100A, MFP 100B, or server 300 is the proxy device. Here, a case where MFP 100 determines MFP 100A as a proxy device will be described as an example. In this case, in the next step S52, a connection request is transmitted to MFP 100A, which is a proxy device, and communication is performed with MFP 100A, and the processes of steps S53 to S58 are executed. Thereafter, when the second switching instruction is received from MFP 100A as the proxy device in step S59, in the next step S52, a connection request is transmitted to MFP 100 as the connection device, and communication with MFP 100 is performed. The process from S53 to step S58 is executed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating timing of data transmitted and received between the remote control device, the connection device, and the proxy device. Referring to FIG. 10, the remote operation device is portable information device 200, the connection device remotely operated by portable information device 200 is MFP 100, and the proxy device remotely operated by portable information device 200 in place of MFP 100 is MFP 100A. Yes.

  The portable information device 200 transmits a connection request to the MFP 100 in order to remotely operate the MFP 100. MFP 100 establishes a communication path with portable information device 200, but since the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, MFP 100A is determined as a proxy device, and a first takeover request signal is transmitted to MFP 100A. A first switching signal is transmitted to portable information device 200, and the communication path established with portable information device 200 is disconnected.

  When the MFP 100A receives the first takeover request signal, the MFP 100A sets a setting value included in the first takeover request signal. On the other hand, when portable information device 200 receives the first switching signal from MFP 100, portable information device 200 transmits a connection request to MFP 100A in accordance with the first switching signal. MFP 100A establishes a communication path with portable information device 200, is remotely operated by portable information device 200, and is remotely controlled by portable information device 200 on behalf of MFP 100 until an execution instruction command is received from portable information device 200. Is done. Specifically, when a setting command is received, the setting value is changed, and when a screen transition command is received, a remote operation screen is generated and transmitted to the portable information device 200.

  When MFP 100A receives the execution instruction command from portable information device 200, MFP 100A transmits the second takeover request signal to MFP 100, then transmits the execution instruction command, and transmits the second switching signal to portable information device 200. When receiving the second takeover request signal, MFP 100 reproduces the setting value set in MFP 100A by setting the setting value included in the second takeover request signal. When MFP 100 receives the execution instruction command, MFP 100 switches the operation mode to the drive mode, and executes the function specified by the execution instruction command according to the reproduced setting value.

  When portable information device 200 receives the second switching signal from MFP 100A, portable information device 200 transmits a connection request to MFP 100 in accordance with the second switching signal. MFP 100 establishes a communication path with portable information device 200 and is remotely operated by portable information device 200. For example, a remote operation screen specified by the screen identification information included in the second takeover request signal is generated and transmitted to the portable information device 200. The remote operation screen specified by the screen identification information included in the second takeover request signal is the remote operation screen that MFP 100A last transmitted to portable information device 200. Therefore, the device with which portable information device 200 actually communicates is switched from MFP 100 to MFP 100A, and further to MFP 100, but the screen displayed on portable information device 200 can be prevented from being switched.

  In the present embodiment, the proxy apparatus is MFP 100A as an example, but the proxy apparatus may be server 300. In this case, server 300 has the same function as MFP 100A. Specifically, among functions of CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 shown in FIG. 4, connection control unit 51, remote operation screen transmission unit 53, remote operation reception unit. 55, the remote operation screen generation part 57, the setting part 59, the drive time control part 61, the reproduction part 67, and the takeover part 65 should just be provided.

  In addition, each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B according to the present embodiment includes CPU 111, and CPU 111 is driven even when the operation mode is the power saving mode and the drive mode, but automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, and image forming unit. 140, the power supplied to the paper feeding unit 150 and the HDD 113 is cut off, so that the power consumption can be reduced.

  Further, the CPU 111 may be configured such that the power is cut off in the power saving mode and the power is supplied in the driving mode. In this case, the communication I / F unit 112 is driven by being supplied with power regardless of whether the operation mode is the power saving mode or the drive mode, so the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from the portable information device 200. In response to this, or in response to receiving the second takeover request signal from the proxy device, the operation mode may be switched to the drive mode and power may be supplied to the CPU 111. In this case, the CPU 111 transmits the first switching instruction to the portable information device 200 and transmits the first takeover request signal to the proxy device, and then switches the operation mode to the power saving mode. Therefore, after the first takeover request signal is transmitted to the proxy device, the operation mode can be switched to the power saving mode until the second takeover request signal is received from the proxy device, thereby reducing power consumption during this period. it can.

  Further, the CPU 111 may be composed of a main CPU and a sub CPU that consumes less power than the main CPU. In this case, when the operation mode is the drive mode, the main CPU is driven and the sub CPU is stopped, and when the operation mode is the power saving mode, the sub CPU is driven and the main CPU is stopped. When the operation mode is the power saving mode, when the sub CPU receives a connection request from the portable information device 200 that is a remote control device, the sub CPU communicates with the portable information device 200 to transmit a first switching instruction, and When the second takeover request signal is received from the proxy device, the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. When the operation mode is switched to the drive mode, the main CPU is activated, and the main CPU executes a function in accordance with an execution instruction command received from the proxy device. In this case, power consumption when the operation mode is the power saving mode can be further reduced. Specifically, since the sub CPU executes processing from receiving the connection request from the portable information device 200 until receiving the second takeover request signal from the proxy device, the main CPU performs the second takeover from the proxy device. After receiving the request signal, power is supplied and the function is executed according to the execution instruction command received from the proxy device.

  Further, when the operation mode is the power saving mode, a main RAM used as a work area of the main CPU and a sub RAM that consumes less power than the main RAM and is used as a work area of the sub CPU are provided. Drives the sub CPU and the sub RAM, stops the main CPU and the main RAM, and when the operation mode is the drive mode, drives the main CPU and the main RAM and stops the sub CPU and the sub RAM. Good. In this case, power consumption when the operation mode is the power saving mode can be further reduced. When the operation mode is switched from the drive mode to the power saving mode, the setting information is transferred from the main RAM to the sub RAM. When the operation mode is switched from the power saving mode to the drive mode, the setting information is transferred from the sub RAM. It must be transferred to the main RAM.

  As described above, each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B in the present embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus. For example, MFP 100 is a connection device that is remotely operated by portable information device 200, and MFP 100A is a proxy device determined by MFP 100. In this case, MFP 100 determines that MFP 100A whose operation mode is drive mode is a proxy device, and receives a connection request from portable information device 200 which is a remote operation device in a state where operation mode is switched to power saving mode. Accordingly, MFP 100A is instructed to continue remote operation by portable information device 200. MFP 100A reproduces the state in which MFP 100 was remotely operated in response to an instruction from MFP 100 to continue remote operation, and portable information device. In response to receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the portable information device 200, the MFP 100 is instructed to continue the remote operation by the portable information device 200. , Send an execution instruction operation. When the MFP 100A is instructed to continue the remote operation, the MFP 100 reproduces the state in which the MFP 100A is remotely operated. When the MFP 100A receives the execution instruction operation, the MFP 100A switches the operation mode to the drive mode and performs processing according to the execution instruction device. Execute. Therefore, MFP 100A instructs MFP 100A, whose operation mode is drive mode, in the state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, to continue the remote operation by portable information device 200. Therefore, MFP 100A continues the remote operation. During this time, it is not necessary to switch the operation mode to the drive mode. Therefore, an increase in power consumption of MFP 100 can be suppressed. In addition, since the operation mode of the MFP 100A is the drive mode, the power consumed by the MFP 100A does not increase significantly. On the other hand, since MFP 100A reproduces the state in which MFP 100 was remotely operated by portable information device 200 and is connected to portable information device 200, remote operation of MFP 100 by portable information device 200 can be continued.

  When MFP 100A accepts an execution instruction operation received from portable information device 200 from MFP 100A, MFP 100 sets a setting value according to setting information received from MFP 100A, and then executes processing according to the execution instruction operation accepted from MFP 100A. . Therefore, the power saving mode can be maintained until an execution instruction operation is received from MFP 100.

  Further, when communication I / F unit 112 can communicate regardless of whether the operation mode is the drive mode or the power saving mode, the operation mode is set to the power saving mode even if a connection request is received from portable information device 200. Can be maintained. In this case, the operation mode can be prevented from being switched to the drive mode until an execution instruction operation is received from MFP 100A.

  When the operation mode is switched to the drive mode in response to receiving a connection request from the portable information device 200, the operation mode is set to the power saving mode in response to instructing the MFP 100A to continue the remote operation by the portable information device 200. Switch to. In this case, the power saving mode can be maintained from when the MFP 100 is instructed to continue the remote operation by the portable information device 200 until the execution instruction operation is received from the MFP 100.

  Further, since MFP 100 preferentially determines a device with low power consumption from MFPs 100A, 100B and server 300 as a proxy device, power consumption can be prevented from increasing as much as possible.

  Further, since MFP 100 preferentially determines a device with a low processing load for generating an operation screen as a proxy device, the processing speed for generating a remote operation screen can be increased, and the response time of portable information device 200 can be increased. Can be shortened.

  In addition, the MFP 100 preferentially determines a device having a large number of accumulated jobs as a proxy device. An apparatus with a large number of stored jobs is switched to the drive mode for a longer time than an apparatus with a small number of stored jobs, so that an apparatus with a small number of stored jobs can be shifted to the power saving mode at an early stage.

  Although the screen forming system 1 has been described in the above-described embodiment, the remote control method for causing the MFP 100 to execute the remote control processing illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9 and the CPU 111 for controlling the MFP 100 as the remote control method. The present invention is understood as a remote control program to be executed by the mobile information device 200, a remote operation method for causing the portable information device 200 to execute the remote control processing shown in FIG. 10, and a remote operation program for causing the CPU 201 that controls the portable information device 200 to execute the remote operation method. Needless to say, you can.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the takeover unit further instructs the remote operation device to connect to the first operation device.

1 image forming system, 3 network, 5 wireless station, 100, 100A, 100B MFP, 200, 200A, 200B portable information device, 300 server, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 118 CD-ROM, 120 automatic document feeder, 130 document reading unit, 140 image forming unit, 150 paper feeding unit, 155 post-processing unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display Unit, 163 operation unit, 165 touch panel, 165 hard key unit, 167 hard key unit, 200, 200A, 200B portable information device, 201 CPU, 202 camera, 203 flash memory, 204 wireless communication unit, 205 call unit, 206 display unit 207 Operation unit 20 7A main key, 207B touch panel, 208 wireless LAN I / F, 210 acceleration sensor, 211 external storage device, 51 connection control unit, 53 remote operation screen transmission unit, 55 remote operation reception unit, 57 remote operation screen generation unit, 59 setting unit 61, driving control unit, 63 power saving control unit, 65 takeover unit, 67 reproduction unit, 69 device state detection unit, 71 proxy device determination unit, 73 panel control unit, 75 function execution unit, 77 operation mode switching unit, 81 connection reproduction unit, 83 set value reproduction unit, 251 communication control unit, 253 remote operation screen reception unit, 255 image display control unit, 257 operation reception unit, 259 remote operation transmission unit, 261 switching control unit, 263 connection destination display unit .

Claims (18)

An image forming system comprising: a plurality of image forming apparatuses; and a remote control device capable of remotely operating any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
An operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode with less power consumption than the drive mode;
Takeover means for instructing the first device among one or more other image forming apparatuses to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device;
A state in which the second device is remotely operated by the remote operation device in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the second device among one or more other image forming apparatuses And reproducing means for connecting to the remote control device,
A proxy device determining unit that determines a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from one or more other image forming devices among the plurality of image forming devices;
In a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the proxy device is determined to be the first device in response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device, and the takeover means transmits the remote device to the remote device. After instructing the continuation of the remote operation by the operating device, the power saving control means for determining the proxy device as the second device in response to an instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operating device When,
In response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from a connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device among one or more other image forming apparatuses in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. The connection device is determined to be the second device, and after the state where the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced by the reproduction unit, execution of processing is instructed from the remote operation device An image forming system comprising: a driving control unit that determines the connection device as the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation. An operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode with less power consumption than the drive mode;
Takeover means for instructing the first device among the one or more other image forming apparatuses to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device;
A state in which the second device is remotely operated by the remote operation device in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the second device among one or more other image forming apparatuses And reproducing means for connecting to the remote control device,
Proxy device determining means for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from among the one or more other image forming apparatuses;
The proxy device is determined to be the first device in response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the takeover means controls the remote device to the remote control. Power-saving control means for determining the second device as the proxy device in response to an instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device after instructing the device to continue the remote operation. ,
In response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from a connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device among one or more other image forming apparatuses in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. The connection device is determined to be the second device, and after the state where the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced by the reproduction unit, execution of processing is instructed from the remote operation device An image forming apparatus comprising: a drive-time control unit that determines the connection device as the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation. When receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of a process from the remote operation device, further comprising a process execution means for executing a process according to the execution instruction operation,
When the power saving control means accepts the execution instruction operation received by the proxy device from the remote operation device from the proxy device, the state where the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device by the reproduction means is The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein after the reproduction, the process execution unit causes the process to be executed in accordance with the execution instruction operation received from the proxy apparatus.   When the driving time control unit accepts an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the remote operation device, the remote operation device instructs the connection device to instruct the continuation of the remote operation by the remote operation device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an execution instruction operation received from the apparatus is transmitted to the connection apparatus. A communication means capable of communicating regardless of whether the operation mode is a drive mode or a power saving mode with less power consumption than the drive mode, further comprises:
When the operation mode switching unit receives a connection request from the remote operation device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the proxy device receives an execution instruction operation received from the remote operation device from the proxy device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation mode is not switched to the drive mode until acceptance.   The operation mode switching means switches the operation mode to a drive mode in response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the takeover means sends the proxy device to the proxy device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation mode is switched to a power saving mode in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the proxy device determining unit preferentially determines a device having low power consumption among the plurality of image forming devices as a proxy device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the proxy device determination unit preferentially determines a device having a low processing load for generating an operation screen as a proxy device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the proxy device determination unit preferentially determines a device having a large number of accumulated jobs as a proxy device. An operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode with less power consumption than the drive mode;
Proxy device determining means for determining a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from among the one or more other information processing devices;
In the case where a connection request is received from the remote operation device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, a handover unit that instructs the proxy device to continue remote operation by the remote operation device;
After the handover means instructs the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device, the proxy device is instructed to continue the remote operation by the remote control device. Reproducing the state of being remotely operated by the operating device, and reproducing means for connecting to the remote operating device,
After the state where the proxy device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced by the reproduction unit, the processing according to the execution instruction operation is performed in response to receiving an execution instruction operation for instructing execution of processing from the proxy device. An image forming apparatus. A communication means capable of communicating regardless of whether the operation mode is a drive mode or a power saving mode with less power consumption than the drive mode, further comprises:
When the operation mode switching unit receives a connection request from the remote operation device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, the proxy device receives an execution instruction operation received from the remote operation device from the proxy device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the operation mode is not switched to the drive mode until it is accepted.   The operation mode switching means switches the operation mode to a drive mode in response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the takeover means sends the proxy device to the proxy device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the operation mode is switched to a power saving mode in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the one or more other information processing apparatuses include an apparatus having the same function as the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the one or more other information processing apparatuses include a server. An operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode;
A handover step of instructing the first device among the one or more other image forming devices to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device;
A state in which the second device is remotely operated by the remote operation device in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the second device among one or more other image forming apparatuses And reproducing step of connecting to the remote control device,
A proxy device determining step of determining a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from one or more other image forming devices among the plurality of image forming devices;
The proxy device is determined to be the first device in response to receiving a connection request from the remote operation device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the remote operation is performed on the proxy device in the takeover step. A power saving control step of determining the second device as the proxy device in response to an instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device after instructing the device to continue the remote operation; ,
In response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from a connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device among one or more other image forming apparatuses in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. The connection device is determined to be the second device, and after the state in which the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced in the reproduction step, execution of processing is instructed from the remote operation device. A remote control method for causing an image forming apparatus to execute a drive control step of determining the connection device as the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation. An operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode;
A proxy device determination step of determining a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from among the one or more other information processing devices;
In response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, a handover step of instructing the proxy device to continue remote operation by the remote control device;
In response to the instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device after instructing the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device in the handover step, the proxy device Reproducing the state of being remotely operated by the operating device, and reproducing step for connecting to the remote operating device;
After the state in which the proxy device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced in the reproduction step, processing is performed according to the execution instruction operation in response to receiving an execution instruction operation instructing execution of processing from the proxy device. A remote control method for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a process execution step of executing An operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode;
A handover step of instructing the first device among the one or more other image forming devices to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device;
A state in which the second device is remotely operated by the remote operation device in response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from the second device among one or more other image forming apparatuses And reproducing step of connecting to the remote control device,
A proxy device determining step of determining a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from one or more other image forming devices among the plurality of image forming devices;
The proxy device is determined to be the first device in response to receiving a connection request from the remote operation device while the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the remote operation is performed on the proxy device in the takeover step. A power saving control step of determining the second device as the proxy device in response to an instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote control device after instructing the device to continue the remote operation; ,
In response to an instruction to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device from a connection device remotely operated by the remote operation device among one or more other image forming apparatuses in a state where the operation mode is switched to the drive mode. The connection device is determined to be the second device, and after the state in which the connection device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced in the reproduction step, execution of processing is instructed from the remote operation device. A remote control program that causes a computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute a drive control step of determining the connection device as the first device in response to receiving an execution instruction operation. An operation mode switching step for switching the operation mode to either a drive mode or a power saving mode that consumes less power than the drive mode;
A proxy device determination step of determining a proxy device whose operation mode is a drive mode from among the one or more other information processing devices;
In response to receiving a connection request from the remote control device in a state where the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, a handover step of instructing the proxy device to continue remote operation by the remote control device;
In response to the instruction from the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device after instructing the proxy device to continue the remote operation by the remote operation device in the handover step, the proxy device Reproducing the state of being remotely operated by the operating device, and reproducing step for connecting to the remote operating device;
After the state in which the proxy device is remotely operated by the remote operation device is reproduced in the reproduction step, processing is performed according to the execution instruction operation in response to receiving an execution instruction operation instructing execution of processing from the proxy device. And a remote control program for causing a computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute the process execution step.

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