JP6167896B2 - Mobile device, communication device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile device, a communication device that forms a specific state for performing communication with the mobile device, and receives a processing request from the mobile device that has formed the specific state, and a program.

  Conventionally, in a system in which a plurality of mobile devices use communication devices, a process for forming a specific state for performing communication between a certain mobile device and the communication device is known. By performing the processing, it becomes possible to use a predetermined function of the communication device from the mobile device, and use of the predetermined function of the communication device from other mobile devices is restricted.

  As a technique related to the use restriction, for example, there is a printer system disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this printer system, when the printer server receives an exclusive print request from the information processing apparatus, the printer is set to the exclusive state, and thereafter, until the print job from the setting information processing apparatus ends or is set. Until the occupation period expires, rejects print job processing requests from other information processing apparatuses.

JP 2000-330738 A

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. That is, when a request for releasing a specific state is input to the communication device while the communication device is executing processing based on an instruction from a mobile device in a specific state where communication is established, Processing may not be completed properly.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, the problem is that the mobile device is instructed even when a request to cancel the specific state is input to the communication device in a specific state where communication with the mobile device is established. It is to provide a technology that can appropriately complete the processing.

  A mobile device made for the purpose of solving this problem is a mobile device capable of executing communication with a communication device, and outputs a communication establishment instruction to the communication device. A forming unit that forms a specific state in which processing can be performed, wherein in the specific state, the first processing instructed from the mobile device can be performed, and an operation unit of the communication device is operated The forming unit that restricts execution of the second process executed in the communication device, an instruction unit that instructs the communication device to execute the first process, and the specific state are formed. A detection unit that detects that a release instruction for releasing the specific state is input to the communication device by a specific operation on the communication device while the first process is being performed; and the detection unit Enter the release instruction at A release unit that transmits a release instruction for releasing the specific state when the specific state is detected, and the second process started after the specific state is released after the specific state is released. On the condition that the communication device is established, a reestablishing unit that outputs a communication establishment instruction to the communication device and re-forms the specific state with the communication device is provided.

  The mobile device disclosed herein forms a specific state for communicating with a communication device. In the specific state, the mobile device can instruct the communication device to execute the first process. The first process corresponds to, for example, printing, scanning, FAX transmission, telephone directory editing, copying, and various settings that can be input by panel operation. There may be one first process or a plurality of processes. Further, in the specific state, the communication device is restricted from executing the second process executed by operating the operation unit of the communication device, and further releases the specific state by a specific operation on the communication device. A release instruction is received. For example, pressing of the release key corresponds to the specific operation. When the communication apparatus receives the cancellation instruction while executing the first process, the communication apparatus cancels the specific state and then executes the second process. For example, the second process may be an input of an image processing execution command via the operation unit, or various setting changes input via the operation unit. Note that the first process and the second process may both be the same process such as editing a telephone directory.

  Then, the mobile device disclosed in this specification forms the specific state again on the condition that the second processing in the communication device is completed. That is, even if the specific state is canceled by a specific operation on the communication device, the mobile device forms the specific state again without the user inputting the establishment instruction again. Therefore, even when the execution of the first process is interrupted due to the release of the specific state, the process is continued, and as a result, it can be expected that the process is properly completed.

  Further, in the specific state, processing by all instructions in accordance with the first protocol by another mobile device is restricted by the communication device, and a second different from the first protocol by the other mobile device. It is preferable that processing by an instruction according to a protocol is permitted in the communication device.

  In addition, when the communication unit is executing the first process when the detection unit detects the input of the release instruction, the release unit performs the first process as the communication apparatus. If the setting value in the memory is changed, the first process is interrupted, the release instruction is transmitted, and the first process is an image process executed by the image processing unit of the communication device. If there is, the release instruction may be transmitted after the first process is completed. Examples of the process for changing the setting value include telephone directory editing and various setting changes of the communication device. Examples of image processing include printing and scanning. In addition, the image processing includes, for example, processing during transmission of image data. In the process of changing the set value, the user needs to input the end explicitly, and the specific state is maintained until the change work is completed. For this reason, there is a possibility that the release of the specific state is delayed when waiting for the end of the change work, and it is preferable to interrupt the processing and give priority to the release. On the other hand, in the case of image processing, the processing is completed by transmitting image data. For this reason, it is preferable to complete the processing without interruption.

  In addition, when the first process is interrupted by the release unit, the re-forming unit forms the specific state again after the completion of the second process, and the release unit performs the first process. If the process is not interrupted, the specific state may not be formed again after the second process is completed. When the process is completed, there is a low possibility that there is a process to be continued even if the specific state is formed again. Therefore, it is preferable not to form a specific state.

  Further, in the present specification, when a communication device capable of executing communication with a mobile device, an operation unit that receives an operation from a user, and a communication establishment instruction are input from the first mobile device, A forming unit for forming a specific state for performing communication with the first mobile device, wherein in the specific state, a first process instructed by the first mobile device can be executed; The forming unit that is restricted from executing the second process that is executed when the operation unit is operated, and a release instruction for releasing the specific state by a specific operation is input while the specific state is formed. A release unit for releasing the specific state, and the release of the specific state by the release unit after the completion of the second process started after the release of the specific state. As the first When accepting the establishment instruction outputted from Vile device, a communication device is disclosed which is characterized by performing the re-forming portion for forming the specific state again.

  Further, the communication device disclosed in the present specification includes a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying the mobile device that has been released from the specific state by the release unit, and the forming unit includes the second process. After the execution is completed, the specific state may be formed in preference to the first mobile device over the second mobile device based on the identification information. When the specific state is canceled, the first process may be interrupted in the released first mobile device. Therefore, it is preferable that after the execution of the second process is completed, a specific state with the first mobile device is preferentially formed and the interrupted first process can be continued. For example, the forming unit forms the specific state with the second mobile device based on the identification information until a certain period of time elapses after the execution of the second process is completed. Don't do it. By not forming the specific state with the second mobile device for a certain period of time, the specific state with the first mobile device can be more reliably formed.

  In addition, the communication device disclosed in the present specification may include the first mobile device and the second mobile device between the release of the specific state by the release unit and the completion of the execution of the second process. It is preferable to provide a formation restriction unit that does not form the specific state with the mobile device. During the execution of the second process, by not forming a specific state with any mobile device, if there is a first process that is interrupted when the specific state is canceled, the safety of the first process is reduced. It can be secured.

  In addition, a control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the communication device are also novel and useful. A system including the communication device and the mobile device is also new and useful.

  According to the present invention, even when a request for releasing the specific state is input to the communication device in a specific state in which communication with the mobile device is established, the process instructed by the mobile device The technology that can be completed appropriately is realized.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of data communication between the mobile device and the MFP in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the procedure of the session formation process which a mobile device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the procedure of the session formation process which a mobile device performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of session management processing executed by an MFP (multifunction machine). 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation cancellation processing executed by the MFP.

  Hereinafter, a communication device and a mobile device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image processing system having a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having an image processing function and a mobile device that communicates with the MFP.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 900 of this embodiment includes a mobile device 100 having a telephone function and an MFP 200 that communicates with the mobile device 100. The MFP 200 can communicate with not only the mobile device 100 but also other mobile devices. The image processing system 900 may include a server or an access point, and may communicate with the MFP 200 from the mobile device 100 via the server or the access point. MFP 200 is an example of a communication device.

  Next, the configuration of the mobile device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile device 100 includes a controller 50 having a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, and an HDD 54. The mobile device 100 includes an operation unit 60 having a touch panel that serves both as a display function and an input function, a communication interface 55 that enables communication with an external device, and a telephone unit 70 that realizes a telephone function. These are controlled by the CPU 51. Note that the controller 50 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the mobile device 100, such as the CPU 51, and is not necessarily expressed as a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the mobile device 100. Absent.

  The HDD 54 incorporates an OS, a browser for browsing data on the Internet, application programs (hereinafter referred to as “applications”) that implement various functions, and the like. For example, the HDD 54 stores an application that realizes a telephone function and an application that instructs the MFP 200 to perform image processing such as printing or scanning and transfers image data associated with the image processing to the MFP 200.

  The CPU 51 performs various processes while storing the calculation results in the RAM 53 or the HDD 54 in accordance with the control program read from the ROM 52 or the program read from the HDD 54. The operations of various applications described above are also processed by the CPU 51.

  The telephone unit 70 is configured by hardware for realizing a telephone function, such as a microphone, a speaker, a telephone line interface, and the like. The communication interface 55 is hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication interface 55 includes, for example, a serial interface and a wireless communication interface for realizing wireless mobile communication. The mobile device 100 can transmit / receive data to / from the MFP 200 via the communication interface 55, for example.

  The operation unit 60 is provided on the front surface of the mobile device 100 and includes various buttons for receiving user input and a touch panel for displaying messages and setting contents. The touch panel can also be used for various inputs by a touch operation by a user. For example, print settings and selection of a job for executing printing are input from the touch panel.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the MFP 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 200 includes a controller 30 having a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 34. The MFP 200 includes an image forming unit 10 that prints an image on a sheet, an image reading unit 20 that reads an image of a document, an operation unit 40 that displays an operation status and accepts an input operation by a user, a communication interface 36, and the like. These are controlled by the CPU 31. The controller 30 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the MFP 200, such as the CPU 31, and is not necessarily represented as a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 200.

  The image forming unit 10 may be capable of color printing or only monochrome printing. In this embodiment, color printing is possible. Also, the printing method may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. The image forming unit 10 is an example of a printing unit. Further, the image reading unit 20 may be capable of color scanning or only monochrome scanning. In this embodiment, it is assumed that color scanning is possible. Also, the reading mechanism may be a CCD or a CIS.

  The ROM 32 stores firmware, which is a control program for controlling the MFP 200, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 and the NVRAM 34 are used as work areas from which various control programs are read or as storage areas for temporarily storing data. The MFP 200 has a database (hereinafter referred to as “phone book”) that holds information on destinations when performing facsimile (FAX) transmission and data transfer, and the NVRAM 34 also stores the phone book. .

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 200 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 according to the control program read from the ROM 32 and signals sent from various sensors.

  The communication interface 36 is hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication interface 36 includes, for example, a serial interface, a network interface, a wireless communication interface for realizing wireless mobile communication, and a FAX interface for realizing FAX transmission / reception. The MFP 200 can transmit and receive data to and from the mobile device 100 via the communication interface 36, for example.

  The operation unit 40 is provided on the exterior of the MFP 200 and includes various buttons for receiving user input and a touch panel 41 for displaying messages and setting contents. The touch panel 41 can be input variously by a user's touch operation. For example, print settings and selection of a job to execute printing are input from the touch panel 41.

  The various buttons of the operation unit 40 include, for example, an OK button for inputting a print start instruction and a cancel button for inputting a print cancel instruction. In addition, the operation unit 40 according to the present embodiment is provided with a release key 42 that forcibly releases a session that is in a specific state for communication with an external device. . The session will be described later.

  As described above, the MFP 200 has an image forming function and an image reading function. Furthermore, it has a FAX transmission / reception function and a telephone directory editing function. Therefore, the MFP 200 can execute various processes using these functions. Specific processing includes, for example, copying, FAX transmission, FAX reception transfer, reading of the telephone book, writing of the telephone book, scanning, and printing. The FAX reception transfer is processing for receiving FAX data and transferring the received FAX data to a designated external device. Reading the phone book is a process that simply refers to the phone book, and cannot be edited. Phone book writing is a process that allows the phone book to be edited, such as changing, adding, or deleting data.

  Next, a procedure for the mobile device 100 to use the MFP 200 in the image processing system 900 will be described. For example, existing protocols such as HTTP, SNTP, and FTP may be used to exchange data between the mobile device 100 and the MFP 200.

  In the image processing system 900, in order for the mobile device 100 to use the MFP 200, a session that is a specific state for performing communication between the mobile device 100 and the MFP 200 is formed. The MFP 200 permits the mobile device 100 to use the MFP 200 while a session is formed with the mobile device 100. Further, when the MFP 200 forms a session with the mobile device 100, use of the MFP 200 is restricted by another mobile device different from the mobile device 100. Further, when the MFP 200 forms a session with the other mobile device, the mobile device 100 is restricted from using the MFP 200. Note that when a session is formed, the MFP 200 is not permitted to input the operation unit 40 except for the release key 42, and is not permitted to input a job via the operation unit 40.

  In other words, the session is transmitted to the MFP 200 by the mobile device transmitting a session formation request to the MFP 200 prior to the instruction of the predetermined processing in order for the mobile device to cause the MFP 200 to execute the predetermined processing. It is formed with the MFP 200. By forming a session, communication using a specific protocol such as HTTP can be executed. In the MFP 200, only an instruction from a mobile device in which a session is formed is allowed for processing using a specific protocol. In other words, for a process using a specific protocol, an instruction from a mobile device in which no session is formed is rejected. For processing that does not use a specific protocol (for example, HTTP is not used, printing via a driver, etc.), an instruction from a mobile device in which no session is formed is allowed. The processing that appears in the following description is processing using a specific protocol.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the mobile device 100 forms a session with the MFP 200 while the MFP 200 has not formed a session with any mobile device, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

  First, the mobile device 100 transmits a session formation request to the MFP 200. The session formation request is transmitted, for example, when an application in the mobile device 100 that can request processing from the MFP 200 is activated.

  Since the session with the other mobile device is not formed, MFP 200 responds to mobile device 100 with a session permission indicating that the session formation is permitted. Then, a session is formed with the mobile device 100.

  When a session is formed, the MFP 200 restricts use of a specific protocol from another mobile device (for example, the mobile device 101) different from the mobile device 100 in which the session is formed. That is, even if the MFP 200 newly receives a session formation request from another mobile device 101, the MFP 200 responds with a session rejection indicating that the session formation is rejected. Since the session is not formed, other mobile devices 101 are restricted from using the MFP 200 using a specific protocol.

  When the session is formed, the MFP 200 displays a message indicating that communication with the mobile device 100 is in progress on the touch panel 41, and restricts input to the touch panel 41. Also, the MFP 200 is not permitted to input other buttons than the release key 42 to the operation unit 40. That is, execution of processing via the operation unit 40 is limited.

  The mobile device 100 that has received the session permission, that is, the mobile device 100 in which a session with the MFP 200 is formed transmits a processing request to the MFP 200. In response to the processing request, the MFP 200 starts executing the requested processing. The mobile device 100 may make a processing request for each job, or may make a processing request by collecting a plurality of jobs. Hereinafter, a process in which the mobile device 100 requests the MFP 200 for permission to use is referred to as “process A”. The process A corresponds to, for example, telephone book editing. Process A is an example of a first process.

  In addition, the mobile device 100 in which a session with the MFP 200 is formed starts a status check that periodically inquires the MFP 200 about the usage state. In response to the status check, the MFP 200 responds with the use state at that time. For example, if the use is within the restricted period, a response indicating that the use is not possible is returned, and if not within the period, a response indicating that the use is possible is returned. Even when an error such as a paper jam has occurred, the MFP 200 responds that it can be used. However, the MFP 200 cannot be used unless the error is canceled after the session is formed.

  Here, a case where the release key 42 of the MFP 200 is pressed in a state where a session is formed between the MFP 200 and the mobile device 100 will be described. When the release key 42 is pressed, the MFP 200 enters a use restriction state in which use from the outside is restricted. As a result, an unusable response is sent to the status check from the mobile device 100. Then, the mobile device 100 detects that the release key 42 has been pressed in the MFP 200 by receiving a message indicating that the use is not possible. The pressing of the release key 42 is an example of a specific operation.

  When detecting that the release key 42 is pressed, the mobile device 100 transmits a session release request to the MFP 200. Further, when the process A being executed is a specific process, the mobile device 100 interrupts the process A and stores the state of the application when the release key 42 is pressed. The app here is the app that triggered the session formation. For example, when the phone book editing application is activated and it is detected that the release key 42 is pressed during the writing to the phone book, the phone book editing application instructs the mobile device 100 to write the phone book information. That is, the state during editing of write information or the like is stored.

  When the MFP 200 receives a session release request from the mobile device 100, the MFP 200 releases the session with the mobile device 100. That is, when the release key 42 is pressed, the formed session is released according to an instruction from the mobile device 100. Thereby, in the MFP 200, the operation restriction of the operation unit 40 is released, and input to the touch panel 41 and various buttons of the operation unit 40 is permitted. And the execution of the process accompanied by the panel operation of the operation unit 40 is started. Hereinafter, the process involving the panel operation is referred to as “process B”. As the process B, for example, various setting changes and image processing execution instructions are applicable. Note that the process B may be the same phone book edit, assuming that the process A was a phone book edit. That is, the process B may be the same type of process as the process A. Process B is an example of a second process. Note that a session with any mobile device including the mobile device 100 is not formed while the process B is being executed.

  When the mobile device 100 cancels the session based on pressing of the cancel key 42, the mobile device 100 continues the status check. In response to this status check, the MFP 200 responds to the status check until the process B, which is the panel operation described above, is completed after the release key 42 is pressed. The mobile device 100 does not transmit a processing request to the MFP 200 when it receives the message “unusable” from the MFP 200.

  When the process B ends, the MFP 200 is released from the use restriction state and becomes usable. As a result, the availability check is returned to the status check from the mobile device 100. The end of the process B can be determined by, for example, displaying the home screen of the operation unit 40 or inputting an explicit end instruction such as an end button. When the mobile device 100 receives “available” by the status check, the mobile device 100 transmits a session formation request to the MFP 200 again.

  The MFP 200 responds with a session permission in response to the session creation request, and forms a session with the mobile device 100 again. The mobile device 100 restores the application state at the time of session cancellation based on the application state stored at the time of session cancellation. Thereby, in the mobile device 100, the process A can be continued without receiving a session formation instruction from the user.

  Next, processing of each device for realizing the procedure of the image processing system 900 described above will be described. First, session formation processing executed by the mobile device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The session formation process is executed by the CPU 51 when an application that communicates with the MFP 200 is activated. Examples of the application include a phone book editing application having a function of editing a telephone book, a FAX application having a function of outputting a FAX transmission instruction, and an image editing application capable of instructing scanning and printing.

  In the session formation process, first, a session formation request is transmitted to the MFP 200 (S101). Identification information for individually identifying the mobile device 100 is added to the session formation request. As the identification information, for example, the IP address or MAC address of the mobile device 100 is applicable. S101 is an example of a forming unit. Thereafter, it waits for a response from the MFP 200.

  After receiving the response from the MFP 200, it is determined whether a session permission has been received (S102). When the session permission is not received (S102: NO), such as when a session rejection is received or when there is no response from the MFP 200, the session forming process is terminated without transmitting the job.

  When the session permission is received (S102: YES), a session that can be used by the MFP 200 is formed. Accordingly, a status check for periodically acquiring the state of the MFP 200 is started (S103). The status check may be executed periodically, for example, it is repeated every second.

  Next, it is determined whether a job requesting processing from the MFP 200 has been received via the operation unit 60 (S104). If a job has not been received (S104: NO), it is determined whether or not an end of the application that triggered the session formation process has been instructed (S121). If the end of the application is not instructed (S121: NO), the process returns to S104.

  When the application termination is instructed (S121: YES), a session release request is transmitted to the MFP 200 (S122). As a result, the session with the MFP 00 is released. Further, the status check is terminated (S123). After S123, the session formation process ends.

  When the job is accepted (S104: YES), the job is transmitted to the MFP 200 (S105). S105 is an example of an instruction unit. After S105, it is determined whether or not the processing corresponding to the job has been completed (S106). Completion of the processing corresponding to the job corresponds to, for example, that the telephone book application is instructed to be finished if the phone book is edited, and that the printing processing based on the print data is completed if the processing is related to printing.

  When the process is completed (S106: YES), the process returns to S104. If the processing has not been completed (S106: NO), it is determined whether or not pressing of the release key 42 of the MFP 200 is detected (S107). The mobile device 100 can detect pressing of the release key 42 based on the result of the status check. S107 is an example of a detection unit. If pressing of the release key 42 is not detected (S107: NO), the process returns to S106.

  If it is detected that the release key 42 is pressed (S107: YES), the process proceeds to FIG. 4 to determine whether or not a process related to a function for changing the setting value stored in the NVRAM 34 of the MFP 200 is being executed (S140). . The function for changing the setting value includes, for example, processing for changing external identification information (such as phone book editing) that should be used when the MFP 200 performs communication with the outside, and various setting changes of the MFP 200. For example, in the case of editing a telephone directory, the user must explicitly input an end to complete the process. Therefore, the session is maintained until the editing work is completed. For this reason, there is a possibility that the release of the session may be delayed when waiting for the editing operation to end. Therefore, when the process related to the function for changing the set value is being executed (S140: YES), the process is interrupted (S151).

  On the other hand, if the process related to the function for changing the setting value is not being executed (S140: NO), it is determined whether the process for the MFP 200 is completed (S141). In the case of processing not related to the function of changing the set value, for example, in the case of processing related to execution of image processing such as printing, the processing to be executed by the mobile device 100 is completed upon completion of job transmission, and the user explicitly There is no need to enter an end. Therefore, even if waiting for the completion of the process, the possibility of delaying the session release is low. Therefore, if the process has not been completed (S141: NO), the process waits for completion.

  When the process related to the function for changing the setting value is completed (S141: YES), or after S151, a session release request is transmitted to the MFP 200 (S142). S142 is an example of a release unit. In this case, the session with the MFP 200 is released, but the status check is continued.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether there is an interrupted process (S143). If there is no interrupted process (S143: NO), the process moves to FIG. 3, the status check is stopped (S123), and the session formation process is terminated. In this case, since the processing for the MFP 200 has been completed, it is not necessary to recreate the session.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, in S <b> 143, YES is determined when the process is executed via S <b> 151. Therefore, if there is an interrupted process (S143: YES), the status of the interrupted application is stored (S144). For example, when the telephone book is being edited and the release key 42 is pressed during the editing operation, the state during the editing is stored. After S144, for example, a message indicating suspension is displayed on the operation unit 60, and the processing request to the MFP 200 is disabled.

  After S144, it is determined whether the MFP 200 is usable again (S145). As described above, the MFP 200 can be used again when the processing B started to be executed after the release key 42 is pressed ends. The mobile device 100 can detect whether the MFP 200 is usable based on the result of the status check. While the MFP 200 cannot be used (S145: NO), the MFP 200 waits until the use is detected.

  If it is detected that the MFP 200 is usable (S145: YES), a session formation request is transmitted again to the MFP 200 (S146). As a result, a session is formed again with the MFP 200. Identification information for individually identifying the mobile device 100 that requests session formation is added to the session formation request. S146 is an example of a reforming unit.

  After the session is formed, based on the application state stored in S144, the application state before the interruption by the release key 42 is restored (S147). For example, when the phone book is being edited and the status during editing is stored, the status during editing is restored. Thus, the user can continue (restart) the process before the release key 42 is pressed from the state at the time of interruption. After S147, the process returns to S106 in FIG. 3 and waits for the occurrence of an event such as the completion of the process (S106) or the pressing of the release key 42 (S107).

  Next, session management processing executed by the MFP 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The session management process is executed by the CPU 31 when a session formation request is received. In the following description, it is assumed that a session formation request from the mobile device 100 is received.

  In the session management process, first, it is determined whether or not a session can be formed (S201). For example, if a session has already been formed with another mobile device, the session cannot be formed. In addition, a session cannot be formed when a first restriction period or a second restriction period described later is set.

  When a session cannot be formed (S201: NO), a session rejection is transmitted to the mobile device 100 (S211). After S211, the session management process is terminated without forming a session with the mobile device 100.

  If a session can be formed (S201: YES), a session permission is transmitted to the mobile device 100 (S202). As a result, a session capable of executing a job is formed with the mobile device 100. When the session is formed, the MFP 200 restricts the operation on the touch panel 41. S202 is an example of a forming unit. S202 is also an example of a reforming unit. In addition, after S202, the status check from the mobile device 100 started by receiving the session permission is returned as “available”.

  After S202, it is determined whether a session release request has been received from the mobile device 100 that formed the session (S203). When a session release request is received from the mobile device 100 that formed the session (S203: YES), the session with the mobile device 100 is released (S205). By releasing the session, the operation restriction on the touch panel 41 is also released, and a processing request by panel operation is accepted. After S205, the session management process ends.

  If the session release request has not been received (S203: NO), it is determined whether or not the release key 42 has been pressed (S204). If the release key 42 has not been pressed (S204: NO), the process returns to S203 and waits for reception of a session release request (S203) or pressing of the release key 42 (S204).

  When the release key 42 is pressed (S204: YES), the session is released and an operation release process for performing the process B based on the panel operation is executed (S221). After S221, the session management process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 shows the detailed procedure of the operation cancellation process in S221. In the operation cancellation process, first, it is determined whether or not a session cancellation request transmitted from the mobile device 100 forming the session has been received in response to the pressing of the cancellation key 42 (S251). If a session release request has not been received (S251: NO), reception is awaited.

  If a session release request is received (S251: YES), the session is released (S261). S261 is an example of a release unit. In this case, the session with the mobile device 100 is released, but the status check from the mobile device 100 is continuously responded. For this reason, the status check from the mobile device 100 is returned as “unusable”.

  After S261, a first limit period, which is a period during which session creation requests are rejected for all mobile devices, is set (S262). During the first restriction period, even if a session formation request is accepted from any mobile device including the mobile device 100, S201 is NO and no session is formed. S262 is an example of a formation limiting unit.

  After S262, acceptance of panel operation is started (S263). Thereby, execution of the process B is started. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the process B started in S263 is completed (S264). While the process B is not completed (S264: NO), it waits until completion.

  When the process B is completed (S264: YES), the identification information added to the session formation request is stored (S271). S271 is an example of a storage unit. Then, the first restriction period is canceled, and a second restriction period is set, which is a period during which a session formation request from a mobile device other than the mobile device 100 whose session is forcibly canceled by pressing the release key 42 is rejected. (S272). During the second restriction period, even if a session creation request is received from a mobile device other than the mobile device 100 whose session has been forcibly canceled by pressing the release key 42, S201 is NO and no session is formed. On the other hand, session formation with the mobile device 100 is permitted. Whether or not the mobile device has been forcibly canceled by pressing the release key 42 can be determined by whether or not the identification information added to the session creation request matches the identification information stored in S271.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a new session is formed with the mobile device 100 that is not restricted by the second restriction period (S273). If the session is not formed (S273: NO), it is determined whether or not the mobile device 100 forcibly released by pressing the release key 42 is within the priority period in which the session can be preferentially formed. (S274). If it is within the priority period (S274: YES), the process returns to S273 and waits for the formation of a new session (S273) or the elapse of the priority period (S274). The priority period is stored in the MFP 200 in advance, and the completion of the process B is the starting point.

  When a new session is formed during the priority period (S273: YES), it means that a session from the mobile device 100 is formed. Therefore, the second restriction period is canceled (S275). Since a session with the mobile device 100 is formed, a session with a mobile device other than the mobile device 100 cannot be formed. If it is not within the priority period (S274: NO), the second restriction period is canceled (S275). By canceling the second restriction period as the priority period elapses, a mobile device other than the mobile device 100 can also form a session. After S275, the operation release process is terminated.

  As described in detail above, in the image processing system 900 according to the present embodiment, after forming a session in a specific state between the mobile device 100 and the MFP 200, the MFP 200 performs processing A while the process A is being executed. When the release key 42 is pressed, the session is released. Then, a session between the mobile device 100 and the MFP 200 is formed again on condition that the process B executed in response to the cancellation is completed. That is, even if the session is released by pressing the release key 42 of the MFP 200, the session is formed again when the process B started to be executed based on the release ends. As a result, there is no need to re-create the session by the user operation, and the process A can be continued. As a result, the process A can be appropriately completed.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the communication device only needs to have a function that can be used by the mobile device 100, and may be, for example, a copier, a printer, a scanner, or a FAX device in addition to the MFP.

  In the embodiment, the session formation request is transmitted when the application of the mobile device 100 is activated. However, the transmission timing of the session formation request is not limited to this. For example, a session formation request may be transmitted at the timing when a job execution command is input via the application after the application is activated.

  In the embodiment, the process permitted by the session formation is not specified, that is, all the processes can be an example of the first process, but the process permitted by the session formation may be specified. . In this case, for example, the type of processing for requesting permission may be added to the session formation request, and the MFP 200 may be configured to permit execution of the processing. In addition, the type of processing permitted in advance may be determined. In these cases, the permitted process is an example of the first process.

  In the embodiment, the status of the MFP 200 is periodically checked from the mobile device 100 by the status check, and after confirming that the mobile device 100 has completed the panel operation on the MFP 200 and becomes usable, the session formation is performed. Although the request has been sent, the session re-establishment procedure is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that a session creation request is periodically transmitted from the mobile device 100 after the session is released. In this case, MFP 200 may respond with a session rejection until the panel operation is completed, and respond with a session permission after the panel operation is completed.

  Further, in the embodiment, after the panel operation is completed, the second restriction period is provided so that the session is preferentially formed for the mobile device 100 for which the session has been canceled. However, this is not a limitation. For example, when a session with a mobile device other than the mobile device 100 is formed after the panel operation is completed, but there is a session formation request from the mobile device 100 thereafter, a session with the other mobile device is performed. The session may be canceled and a session with the mobile device 100 may be formed. In addition, it is not always necessary to form a session preferentially for the mobile device 100.

  In the embodiment, the mobile device 100 detects the pressing of the release key 42 based on the result of the status check, but the detection method is not limited to this. For example, the MFP 200 may output a signal indicating that the release key 42 has been pressed, and the mobile device 100 may receive the signal to detect the press of the release key 42.

  In the embodiment, if processing related to the function of changing the setting value when the release key 42 is pressed is being executed, the state of the application being changed is stored, and when the session is reconfigured, Although the state is restored, it is not necessary to store and restore the application state. In other words, even with a configuration that re-creates a session, the user can continue to use the application and can expect an appropriate completion of the process.

  In the embodiment, the session is re-formed when the process A is interrupted, but the session is re-formed regardless of the type of process executed when the release key 42 is pressed. It may be.

  In the embodiment, the MFP 200 restricts the formation of a session with the mobile device as the first restriction period from when the release key 42 is pressed until the process B is completed. It is not necessary to set a period. If a session with another mobile device is permitted during execution of process B, there is a possibility that consistency may not be achieved in the suspended process A. For this reason, it is preferable to refuse the formation of a session with the mobile device during the first limit period in order to ensure the safety of the suspended process A.

  The processing disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

41 Touch Panel 42 Release Key 100 Mobile Device 200 MFP

Claims (10)

A mobile device capable of communicating with a communication device,
A forming unit that outputs a communication establishment instruction to the communication device and forms a specific state in which the first process can be executed in the communication device, and is instructed from the mobile device in the specific state. The forming unit that is capable of executing the first process, wherein the operation unit of the communication device is operated and the second process executed by the communication device is restricted;
An instruction unit for instructing the communication device to execute the first process;
While the specific state is formed and the first process is being executed, it is detected that a release instruction for canceling the specific state is input to the communication device by a specific operation on the communication device A detection unit;
A release unit that transmits a release request for releasing the specific state when the detection unit detects an input of the release instruction;
After the specific state is released, a communication establishment instruction is output to the communication device on the condition that the second process started after the specific state is released is completed, and the communication device A re-forming part that re-forms the specific state;
Equipped with a,
When the release unit is executing the first process in the communication device when the detection unit detects the input of the release instruction,
If the first process is a process for changing a setting value in the memory of the communication device, the first process is interrupted and the release request is transmitted.
If the first process is the image processing executed by the image processing unit of the communication device, the mobile device characterized that you send the release request after the first process is completed. A mobile device according to claim 1, comprising:
In the specific state,
Processing by all instructions according to the first protocol by other mobile devices is restricted by the communication device,
Processing by an instruction according to a second protocol different from the first protocol by the other mobile device is allowed in the communication device;
A mobile device characterized by that. A mobile device according to claim 1 or claim 2 ,
The reforming part is
When the first process is interrupted by the release unit, after the second process is completed, the specific state is formed again,
The mobile device, wherein the specific state is not formed again after the completion of the second process when the first process is not interrupted by the release unit. A communication device capable of communicating with a mobile device,
An operation unit that receives operations from the user;
A forming unit configured to form a specific state for performing communication with the first mobile device when a communication establishment instruction is input from the first mobile device, wherein the first state includes the first state; The forming unit capable of executing a first process instructed by a mobile device and restricting execution of a second process performed by operating the operation unit;
A release unit for releasing the specific state when a release instruction for releasing the specific state is input by a specific operation while the specific state is formed;
An establishment instruction output from the first mobile device after the completion of the second process, which has been executed after the release of the specific state, on condition that the specific state has been released by the release unit A re-forming unit that re-forms the specific state,
Equipped with a,
The release unit is executing the first process when the release instruction is input by the specific operation.
If the first process is a process for changing a setting value in the memory of the communication device, a release for releasing the specific state in response to the first process being interrupted in the mobile device Receive the request,
If the image processing to be executed the first process in the image processing unit of the communication device, a communication which is characterized that you receive the release request from the mobile device after the first process is completed apparatus. A communication device according to claim 4 , wherein
In the specific state,
Processing by all instructions according to a first protocol by a second mobile device different from the first mobile device is limited;
Processing by an instruction according to a second protocol different from the first protocol by the second mobile device is allowed;
A communication device. A communication device according to claim 4 , wherein
A storage unit for storing identification information for identifying the mobile device whose specific state has been canceled by the cancellation unit;
After the execution of the second process is completed, the forming unit is configured to establish a connection between the first mobile device and a second mobile device different from the first mobile device based on the identification information. A communication apparatus characterized in that the specific state is preferentially formed. A communication device according to claim 6 , wherein
The forming unit does not form the specific state with the second mobile device based on the identification information until a certain period of time elapses after the execution of the second process is completed. A communication device characterized by the above. A communication device according to claim 4 , wherein
The first mobile device and a second mobile device different from the first mobile device from the release of the specific state by the release unit until the execution of the second process is completed A communication apparatus comprising a formation restriction unit that does not form the specific state. For mobile devices that communicate with communication devices,
A formation process for outputting a communication establishment instruction to the communication device and forming a specific state in which the first process can be executed in the communication device, and in the specific state, the mobile device is instructed. A forming process in which the first process is executable and the operation unit of the communication apparatus is operated to restrict the execution of the second process executed in the communication apparatus;
An instruction process for instructing the communication device to execute the first process;
While the specific state is formed and the first process is being executed, it is detected that a release instruction for canceling the specific state is input to the communication device by a specific operation on the communication device Detection processing,
A release process for transmitting a release request for releasing the specific state when the input of the release instruction is detected in the detection process;
After the specific state is released, a communication establishment instruction is output to the communication device on the condition that the second process started after the specific state is released is completed, and the communication device A re-forming process for re-forming the specific state;
Was executed,
In the release process, when the input of the release instruction is detected in the detection process, the communication device is executing the first process,
If the first process is a process for changing a setting value in the memory of the communication device, the first process is interrupted and the release request is transmitted.
If the image processing executed by the first processing by the image processing unit of the communication device, the program characterized that you send the release request after the first process is completed. For communication devices that communicate with mobile devices,
A forming process for forming a specific state for performing communication with the first mobile device when a communication establishment instruction is input from the first mobile device, wherein the first state includes the first state A forming process in which a first process instructed from a mobile device can be executed, and an operation unit of the communication apparatus is operated to restrict execution of a second process executed in the communication apparatus;
A release process for releasing the specific state when a release instruction for releasing the specific state is input by a specific operation while the specific state is formed;
From the first mobile device, on condition that the specific state has been released by the release process after the completion of the second process started in the communication device after the release of the specific state. A re-forming process for re-forming the specific state when an output establishment instruction is received;
Was executed,
In the release process, when the first process is being executed when the release instruction is input by the specific operation,
If the first process is a process for changing a setting value in the memory of the communication device, a release for releasing the specific state in response to the first process being interrupted in the mobile device Receive the request,
If the image processing to be executed the first process in the image processing unit of the communication device, the program characterized that you receive the release request from the mobile device after the first process is completed .

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