JP6648576B2 - Image forming apparatus, terminal device connection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for connecting a terminal device to an image forming apparatus via a wireless line.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses in which functions such as copying, network printing, facsimile, scanning, and a file server are integrated have become widespread. Such an image forming apparatus is called a “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”. The image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of users in an office or the like.

  In recent years, a technique of connecting a terminal device to an image forming apparatus via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and performing processing in cooperation with the two apparatuses, or remotely controlling the image forming apparatus by the terminal apparatus has become widespread. ing. There are the following two methods for connecting a terminal device to an image forming apparatus via a wireless LAN.

  The first method is to connect a terminal device to an image forming apparatus via a wireless base station in an intranet.

  The second method is a method of connecting directly without going through a wireless base station. This method is sometimes called “direct connection”.

  By the second method, a plurality of terminal devices can be connected to the image forming apparatus at the same time.

  In addition, the following technology has been proposed as a technology relating to wireless communication between an image forming apparatus and a terminal device.

  The wireless communication terminal 1 on the host side and the two wireless communication terminals on the guest side are stacked, for example. Then, each wireless communication terminal generates an access point list within a range where short-range wireless communication is possible. The wireless communication terminal on the host side stores, as reference data, data of a vibration waveform generated when the user taps the housing with a finger or the like, for example. The wireless communication end on the guest side detects a vibration waveform that has propagated through the housing of the host-side device or the like, and transmits the vibration waveform data as key data to the host by short-range wireless communication. When the key data and the reference data match, the wireless communication device on the host side performs short-range wireless communication pairing with the wireless communication device that has transmitted the key data (Patent Document 1).

  The MFP has a first mode for processing a job input from a wirelessly connected terminal device, and a second mode for processing a job input by operating the main body. Then, when the user who switches between the first mode and the second mode is switched, the wireless connection information necessary for the wireless connection is updated (Patent Document 2).

  An external device different from the first device from the start of communication with the first device via the first communication unit to the reception of an execution instruction for causing the function unit to execute the function process from the first device. When communication with the second device, which is the device, via the first communication unit is started, second information, which is wireless information, is generated based on the start of the communication, and is stored in the storage unit. If the first device is performing the conversion using the conversion unit when the second information is generated, the first device is connected to the first device using the first information set prior to the second information. Performs communication via the second communication unit, and sets the second information stored in the storage unit in place of the set first information on condition that the reception of the information on the execution of the function process is completed. (Patent Document 3).

  If an error occurs during the printing process after disconnection of wireless communication, error information is transmitted when the data supply device becomes communicable again (Patent Document 4).

JP 2012-157006 A JP 2015-106875 A JP 2015-104017 A JP 2010-6016 A

  By the way, according to the direct connection described above, the number of devices that can be connected at the same time is limited. That is, the number of simultaneous connections is determined.

  Therefore, when the number of simultaneous connections has been reached, the user cannot connect his or her own terminal device to the image forming apparatus until the terminal device of another user ends the connection.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its object to make it easier to connect a terminal device to an image forming apparatus in which the number of simultaneous connections via a wireless line is determined.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of partners that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined. Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via the wireless line when a request is received from any one of the plurality of terminal devices; and a terminal of the number of sessions of the plurality of terminal devices. When the devices are connected, the terminal having the lowest priority among the current states of the processes instructed by the terminal devices of the number is selected, and the selected state of the terminal devices of the number is set to the selected state. the connection with the corresponding terminal device terminates preferentially, a connection termination unit, storage means for storing the identifier of the connection termination unit by connecting an end to end terminal device of the plural terminal devices, Serial When the number of connected terminals among a plurality of terminal devices becomes less than the number of said sessions, said storage means back to the corresponding terminal device to the identifier stored, connected, reconnecting state possess means, wherein the priority, which state that a setting management settings related management is performed successfully completed in the image forming apparatus, the job is performed under different conditions than the specified conditions ended, A state in which a job involving data transmission has been completed normally, a state in which a job involving printing has terminated normally, a state in which the management setting is being executed, immediately after data transmission has been completed, the transmission being executed, or an image A state in which data generation is being performed, a state in which processing for printing an image on paper has been completed or a state in which the processing is being performed, an application for controlling the image forming apparatus, Serial management settings, and job is not to be executed, or the process of reading the image from the sheet is higher in the order of state running.

An image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of partners that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined. Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via the wireless line when a request for the request is received from any one of the terminal devices, and the number of sessions of the plurality of terminal devices When the terminal devices are connected, the connection with any one of the terminal devices of the number concerned is terminated, and the connection is terminated by the connection termination unit and the connection termination unit of the plurality of terminal devices. Storage means for storing an identifier of a terminal device, wherein the number of connected terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices is less than the number of sessions, and wherein the plurality of identifiers are stored in the storage means. If it is, the terminal having the highest priority among the current states of the processing instructed from the terminal device corresponding to each of the identifiers is selected, and is connected again to the terminal device corresponding to the selected state. , Reconnection means, wherein the priority is a state in which a job or a management setting which is a setting relating to management of the image forming apparatus is stopped due to a paper jam, a state in which the job is stopped due to paper out, The state where the job is stopped due to a shortage of consumables other than paper, the state where the management setting is stopped due to an abnormality, the state where the management setting is completed, the state where the job is completed without being completed due to abnormality Job has been executed and completed under conditions different from those that have been completed, jobs with data transmission have completed normally, and jobs with printing have completed normally. High in the order of the state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier to connect a terminal device to an image forming apparatus in which the number of simultaneous connections via a wireless line is determined, as compared with the related art.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial state of communication path data. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a new connection part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a new connection process. It is a figure showing an example of a continuation priority table. It is a figure showing a specific example, such as a processing state. It is a figure showing a specific example, such as a processing state. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of communication path data when a session with a first terminal device is established. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of communication path data. It is a figure which shows the example of the state of the preparation session data and communication path data after session disconnection. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a change response part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a change response process. It is a figure showing an example of transition of preparation session data. It is a figure showing an example of transition of standby session data. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a first release process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a 2nd opening process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a reconnection process. It is a figure showing an example of a reconnection priority table. It is a figure showing an example of transition of standby session data. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of communication path data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a connection changing unit. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a connection change process. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of communication path data. It is a figure showing an example of transition of standby session data. It is a figure showing an example of transition of preparation session data. It is a figure showing an example of a pop-up screen and an error message screen. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of a session management process in the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 4 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of terminal devices 2, a communication line 3, and the like, and executes various processes related to images.

  The image processing system 4 is used by members of an organization such as a company, a government office, or a school.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2 can communicate via the communication line 3. As the communication line 3, the Internet, a so-called wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus in which functions such as copy, network print, fax, scan, and box are integrated. Generally, it may be called a “multifunction device” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  The network print function is a service for printing an image on a sheet based on image data received from the terminal device 2. It may be called “network printing” or “PC print”.

  The box function is a service in which a storage area called “box” or “personal box” is provided for each user, and each user stores and manages image data and the like in his / her own storage area. The box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, an auxiliary storage device 10d, a touch panel display 10e, and an operation key panel 10f. , NIC (Network Interface Card) 10g, modem 10h, wireless LAN communication device 10i, external interface device 10j, scan unit 10k, input / output image processing unit 10m, print unit 10n, finisher 10p, and the like.

  The touch panel display 10e displays a screen showing a message to the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing the result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. The touch panel display 10e sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

  The operation key panel 10f is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes ten keys, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The NIC 10g communicates with the terminal device 2 and the like via a wired LAN using a protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP).

  The modem 10h exchanges image data with a fax terminal via a public line using a protocol such as G3.

  The wireless LAN communication device 10i communicates with another device via a wireless LAN based on the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. As the wireless LAN communication device 10i, a wireless communication device that has been authenticated by the Wi-Fi Alliance is used.

  Also, the wireless LAN communication device 10i can communicate with the terminal device 2 without passing through the wireless base station of the communication line 3. Further, a plurality of terminal devices 2 can be connected at the same time. However, the number of devices that can be connected at the same time is limited. That is, the number of simultaneous connections (the number of simultaneous sessions) is determined. Hereinafter, a case where the number of simultaneous connections is “3” will be described as an example.

  The external interface device 10j is a device for connecting peripheral devices to the image forming apparatus 1. As the external interface device 10j, for example, a communication device of the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is used.

  The scanning unit 10k reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  The input / output image processing unit 10m performs image processing for printing an image with the print unit 10n on image data input by the NIC 10g, the modem 10h, the wireless LAN communication device 10i, or the external interface device 10j.

  The print unit 10n prints an image on a sheet based on image data on which image processing has been performed by the input / output image processing unit 10m.

  The finisher 10p performs a finishing process on a sheet on which an image is printed by the print unit 10n, that is, a printed matter. The finishing process includes a process of binding printed materials with staples, a process of punching printed materials, a process of bending printed materials, and the like.

  The ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d stores programs for executing various types of jobs using the above-described functions such as copying. Further, a connection program 1P (see FIG. 4) for connecting to the terminal device 2 via the wireless LAN without passing through the wireless base station is stored.

  These programs are loaded into the RAM 10b as needed, and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD) is used as the auxiliary storage device 10d.

  The terminal device 2 is a client for remotely using the above-described functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the user can remotely access the image forming apparatus 1 and use the terminal device 2 as an input device of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of the touch panel display 10e and the operation key panel 10f.

  As the terminal device 2, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a mobile phone terminal, a personal computer, or the like is used. Hereinafter, a case where a notebook personal computer is used as the terminal device 2 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, an auxiliary storage device 20d, a liquid crystal display 20e, an NIC 20f, a wireless LAN communication device 20g, a keyboard 20h, a pointing device 20i, and the like.

  On the liquid crystal display 20e, a document to be printed, a screen for a print command, and the like are displayed.

  The NIC 20f communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 and the like via a wired LAN according to a protocol such as TCP / IP.

  The wireless LAN communication device 20g communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 and the like via a wireless LAN. As the wireless LAN communication device 20g, a wireless communication device that has been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance is used.

  The keyboard 20h and the pointing device 20i are used by a user to input information and commands.

  The operating system, various applications, control applications, and the like are stored in the ROM 20c or the auxiliary storage device 20d. The control application is a program for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job.

  These programs are loaded into the RAM 20b as needed, and executed by the CPU 20a. A hard disk or an SSD is used as the auxiliary storage device 20d.

  Hereinafter, each terminal device 2 may be separately described as “terminal device 2A”, “terminal device 2B”, “terminal device 2C”, “terminal device 2D”,.

  As described above, the connection program 1P is a program for connecting to the terminal device 2 by a wireless LAN without passing through a wireless base station. The number of simultaneous connections to the wireless LAN communication device 10i is determined to be “3”. That is, there are only three virtual communication paths for communicating with the terminal device 2 by the wireless LAN. Hereinafter, the three virtual communication paths are referred to as “virtual communication path 3T1”, “virtual communication path 3T2”, and “virtual communication path 3T3”, respectively, and the virtual communication paths 3T1 to 3T3 are referred to as “virtual communication paths 3T”. Collectively.

  The virtual communication paths 3T1 to 3T3 are realized by dividing a predetermined band into three by a method such as CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance).

  Further, according to the connection program 1P, the virtual communication paths 3T1 to 3T3 can be used more efficiently than before. Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial state of the communication path data 5A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the new connection unit 101. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a new connection process. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the continuation priority table 5B. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating specific examples of the processing state and the like. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the communication path data 5A when a session with the first terminal device 2 is established. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the communication path data 5A. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the preparation session data 5E and the communication path data 5A after the session is disconnected.

  According to the connection program 1P, the new connection unit 101, the job command reception unit 102, the management setting command reception unit 103, the first release processing unit 104, the second release processing unit 105, the change response unit 106 shown in FIG. Reconnection unit 107, connection change unit 108, job execution unit 121, management setting unit 122, job state detection unit 123, management setting state detection unit 124, job state notification unit 125, management setting state notification unit 126, communication path data storage The functions of the unit 131, the priority table storage unit 132, the preparation session data storage unit 133, and the standby session data storage unit 134 are realized in the image forming apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 4, the flow of data at the time of processing in the new connection unit 101, the change response unit 106, and the connection change unit 108 is omitted. See FIG. 6, FIG. 14, or FIG. 24 for this.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the communication path data storage unit 131 stores communication path data 5A for each virtual communication path 3T.

  The communication path data 5A indicates a communication path_ID, a use state, a processing state, a work_ID, a MAC address, and the like.

  “Communication path_ID” is an ID (identification) for identifying the virtual communication path 3T corresponding to the communication path data 5A.

  “Use state” is a use state of the virtual communication path 3T. The default value is "unused", indicating that it is not used.

  The “processing state” is a state such as the progress of a job or management setting instructed from the terminal device 2 using the virtual communication path 3T.

  The “management setting” is a setting process related to management of the image forming apparatus 1. Management settings are generally dictated by an administrator. Therefore, it is sometimes called “administrator setting”.

  Registering a fax number in an address book, adding or deleting a user account, changing default conditions of a copy job, and formatting a hard disk are examples of management settings.

  “Work_ID” is an ID for identifying the process (job or management setting). “MAC address” is a MAC (Media Access Control) address of the terminal device 2. These three default values are "NULL". In the present embodiment, "-" means NULL.

  Hereinafter, the communication path data 5A of each of the virtual communication paths 3T1, 3T2, and 3T3 may be separately described as "communication path data 5A1," "communication path data 5A2," and "communication path data 5A3."

  The priority table storage unit 132 stores a continuation priority table 5B (see FIG. 8) and a reconnection priority table 5C (see FIG. 21) in advance. Information shown in these tables will be described later.

  As is conventional, the terminal device 2 can establish a connection with the other party by wireless LAN, basically, if it knows the other party's SSID (Service Set Identifier) and the encryption key. The SSID and the encryption key of the wireless LAN communication device 10i of the image forming device 1 are stored in the terminal device 2 in advance. Therefore, the terminal device 2 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 without passing through the wireless base station of the communication line 3 by the same method as in the related art.

  For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation, the terminal device 2 causes the liquid crystal display 20e to display a screen for connection of a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi). Then, when the user specifies the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1 and inputs a connection command, the terminal device 2 attempts to connect to the image forming apparatus 1 based on the specified SSID. At this time, the connection request data 5D is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. The connection request data 5D indicates the MAC address of the terminal device 2 itself as an identifier of the terminal device 2 itself.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 6, the new connection unit 101 includes an air communication path search unit 141, an open candidate selection unit 142, a communication path open unit 143, a connection processing unit 144, and the like.

  Upon receiving the connection request data 5D, the new connection unit 101 executes a process for connecting the terminal device 2 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless LAN according to the procedure shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the processing of each unit of the new connection unit 101 will be described by taking as an example a case where the connection request data 5D is received from the terminal device 2A.

  The air communication path search unit 141 searches the communication path data storage unit 131 (see FIG. 5) for the communication path data 5A whose “usage state” is “unused”, and thereby performs virtual communication that is not currently used. The path 3T (hereinafter, referred to as an “empty virtual communication path”) is searched (# 701 in FIG. 7).

  When no free virtual communication path is found (No in # 702), the open candidate selection unit 142 has a continuation priority lower than “5” and a continuation priority among the three virtual communication paths 3T. Is selected (# 703).

  “Continuation priority” is a degree of suitability of continuing a session without disconnecting it. The continuation priority is higher in the order of “1”, “2”, “3”,.

  The continuation priority is defined in advance in the continuation priority table 5B for each processing state, as shown in FIG.

  “Management setting-receiving content” is a state in which a process of receiving the content of the management setting is being executed. “Management setting-receiving image data” is a state in which a process of receiving image data used in the management setting is being executed. "Management setting-select document" is a state in which the administrator selects a document to be used in the management setting.

  “Job abnormal stop-jam” is a state in which the job is stopped due to a jam (paper jam) in the scan unit 10k or the print unit 10n. "Job abnormal stop-life stop" is a state in which the job is stopped due to a shortage of consumables other than paper, such as running out of toner or staples. “Abnormal job stop-out of paper” is a state in which the job is stopped due to out of paper.

  “Abnormal termination—management setting” is a state in which the management setting has ended abnormally, that is, a state in which the management setting has failed and ended. Failure to format the hard disk is an example of this situation.

  “New connection request” is a state in which a new connection to the image forming apparatus 1 by the wireless LAN is requested.

  “Normal end—management setting” is a state in which the management setting has been completed normally, that is, a state in which the management setting has been completed successfully.

  “Abnormal termination of a job” is a state in which a job is executed and terminated under a condition different from the designated condition. An example of this state is a state in which printing has been performed in gray scale due to a shortage of color toner and the job has been completed although color printing has been designated as a condition.

  “Job normal end-data transmission” is a state in which a job involving data transmission has ended normally, that is, a state in which the job has ended successfully. “Job normal end-printing” is a state in which a job involving printing has ended normally, that is, a state in which the job has ended successfully.

  “In operation—management setting” is a state in which the management setting is being executed. “In operation—generation of image data” is a state in which a process of generating image data is being executed.

  “Operating—transmitting data” is a state in which data transmission processing is being executed. “Operating—data transmission completed” is a state immediately after data transmission is completed.

  “During operation—during printing” is a state in which a process of printing an image on paper is being executed. “Operating—print completed” is a state immediately after the process of printing an image on paper is completed. “During operation—reading” is a state in which a process of reading an image from paper is being executed. “Idle” is a state in which an application for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 in the terminal device 2 is not running or a state in which no management setting and no job are executed.

  The states shown in the continuation priority table 5B of FIG. 8 are a part of the states of the job and the management setting.

  More specifically, the status of each of the job and the management setting transitions as shown in “Normal procedure” in FIGS. Further, each of the job and the management setting stops in an abnormal state (the cause of the abnormality) such as “abnormal stop” and ends in an abnormal state as “abnormal end”. Although not illustrated in FIG. 8, the continuation priority for each state illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is defined in the continuation priority table 5B.

  8 to 10, the respective states are schematically illustrated as "management setting-receiving image data" for easy understanding of the present embodiment. A code may be allocated in advance for each state, and each state may be identified by the code. A code (for example, an error code) used in the operating system of the image forming apparatus 1 may be used as the code.

  The continuation priority of each state is set higher by the administrator or developer of the image forming apparatus 1 as the importance or urgency of the data transmitted to the terminal device 2 or the data received from the terminal device 2 is higher in that state. Have been.

  The same applies to the reconnection priority table 5C (see FIG. 21) and the reconnection priority described later.

  The open candidate selection unit 142 obtains the continuation priority corresponding to the processing state of each of the three virtual communication paths 3T from the continuation priority table 5B and the respective communication path data 5A. That is, the continuation priority corresponding to the processing state indicated in the communication path data 5A is obtained by searching the continuation priority table 5B. Then, the virtual communication channel 3T having the communication channel data 5A whose continuation priority is lower than “5” and the lowest is selected.

  When there are a plurality of such virtual communication paths 3T, the open candidate selection unit 142 selects one of them. For example, it may be randomly selected.

  When the virtual communication path 3T is not selected by the open candidate selection unit 142 (No in # 704), the connection with the terminal device 2A is stopped (# 705).

  When the virtual communication channel 3T is selected by the release candidate selection unit 142 (Yes in # 704), the communication channel release unit 143 performs a process for releasing the virtual communication channel 3T as follows.

  The communication path opening unit 143 generates preparation session data 5E (see FIG. 13B) for the terminal device 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the virtual communication path 3T, and stores the preparation session data. The storage 133 stores the communication path data 5A of the virtual communication path 3T to the initial value (# 706).

  The preparation session data 5E indicates the work_ID, the MAC address, and the processing state indicated in the communication path data 5A before returning to the initial value. In addition, "necessity of reconnection" shows "necessary" as a default value, which means that it is necessary to reconnect later to the terminal device 2 later.

  However, the processing state is appropriately changed to more specific contents or updated to abstract contents based on a predetermined rule. The same applies to the case where the standby session data 5F is generated based on the preparation session data 5E and the case where the communication path data 5A is updated based on the standby session data 5F, which will be described later.

  The preparation session data 5E is data of the terminal device 2 waiting for the need to re-establish a session.

  Then, the communication path opening unit 143 opens the virtual communication path 3T by disconnecting the session with the terminal device 2 (# 707). As a result, an empty virtual communication path is secured.

  When an empty virtual communication path is found by the air communication path search unit 141 (Yes in # 702) and when an empty virtual communication path is secured by the communication path opening unit 143, the connection processing unit 144 The process of connecting to the transmission source of the connection request data 5D, that is, the terminal device 2A via the communication path is executed as follows.

  The connection processing unit 144 acquires information such as the MAC address of the terminal device 2A from the terminal device 2A (# 708). The obtained MAC address is written in the “MAC address” of the communication path data 5A of the free virtual communication path, “in use” meaning “in use” is written in the “use state”, and the “new connection request” is “processed”. The state is written (# 709).

  Then, the connection processing unit 144 establishes a session between the terminal device 2A and the image forming apparatus 1 itself via the free virtual communication path (# 710).

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 waits for a job or management setting command from the terminal device 2A (# 711).

  For example, when the connection request data 5D is received from the terminal device 2A, if the virtual communication path 3T1 is an empty virtual communication path, the “use state” of the communication path data 5A1 is “unused” as shown in FIG. Is shown.

  Therefore, the new connection unit 101 establishes a session between the terminal device 2A and the image forming apparatus 1 itself via the virtual communication path 3T1. At this time, the virtual communication path 3T1 is updated as shown in FIG.

  Alternatively, when the connection request data 5D is received from the terminal device 2A, the virtual communication paths 3T1, 3T2, and 3T3 are all in use, and the communication path data 5A1, 5A2, and 5A3 are as shown in FIG. When such information is indicated, the new connection unit 101 obtains “10”, “13”, “and” 2 as the continuation priority of the virtual communication paths 3T1, 3T2, and 3T3, respectively. Among the virtual communication paths 3T whose continuation priority is lower than “5”, the one having the lowest continuation priority is the virtual communication path 3T2.

  Therefore, the new connection unit 101 selects the virtual communication path 3T2, disconnects the session using the virtual communication path 3T2, and opens the virtual communication path 3T2. At this time, the communication path data 5A2 is updated as shown in FIG. Further, based on the information indicated in the communication path data 5A2 before the update, the preparation session data 5E as shown in FIG. 13A is newly generated and stored in the preparation session data storage unit 133.

  Then, the new connection unit 101 establishes a session between the terminal device 2A and the image forming apparatus 1 via the virtual communication path 3T2, and updates the communication path data 5A2 as shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the job command receiving unit 102 receives a job command from the newly connected terminal device 2. The receiving method is the same as the conventional one.

  For example, the job command receiving unit 102 receives a network print job command from the terminal device 2 together with print data described in PDL (Page Description Language).

  The job executing unit 121 controls each unit as in the related art so that the job is executed based on the received command and data.

  Further, the job execution unit 121 issues the work_ID of the job and writes the work_ID into the communication path data 5A of the virtual communication path 3T used by the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the job. Further, the value of the processing state is updated so as to indicate that the first phase of the job is being executed.

  The management setting command receiving unit 103 receives a management setting command from the newly connected terminal device 2. The receiving method is the same as the conventional one.

  For example, the management setting command receiving unit 103 distributes data for displaying a web page for specifying a condition of the management setting to the terminal device 2.

  Upon receiving the data, the terminal device 2 displays the web page. Then, when the administrator inputs the management setting conditions for the web page, the administrator transmits the management setting command and the input conditions to the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the management setting command receiving unit 103 receives the command together with the condition.

  The management setting unit 122 controls each unit as in the related art so that the management setting is executed based on the received command, condition, and the like.

  Further, the management setting unit 122 issues the work_ID of the management setting, and writes the work_ID into the communication path data 5A of the virtual communication path 3T used by the terminal device 2 which is the command source of the management setting. Further, the value of the processing state is updated so as to indicate that the first phase of the management setting is being executed.

  As described above, a new session with the terminal device 2 is established by the new connection unit 101, a command is received from the terminal device 2 by the job command reception unit 102 or the management setting command reception unit 103, and the job execution unit 121 or the management The setting unit 122 starts a job or management setting.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the change response unit 106. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a change response process. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the preparation session data 5E. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the standby session data 5F.

  The job status detection unit 123 monitors the progress of the job and detects the status. By periodically inquiring the operating system of the image forming apparatus 1 about the status of the job, the progress of the job can be monitored and the status can be detected. Alternatively, a change in the job status may be notified from the operating system.

  The management setting state detection unit 124 monitors the progress of the management setting and detects the state. As in the case of a job, monitoring and detection may be performed by making an inquiry to the operating system or receiving a notification from the operating system.

  The change response unit 106 determines whether a new state of a job has been detected by the job state detection unit 123 and a new state of the management setting has been detected by the management setting When a change occurs in the state, processing corresponding to the change is performed.

  The change response unit 106 includes a data updating unit 161, a communication necessity determining unit 162, a connection standby processing unit 163, a communication path opening unit 164, and the like, as shown in FIG. Then, each unit of the change response unit 106 performs a process corresponding to a change in the status of the job or the management setting according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  The data update unit 161 searches the communication path data storage unit 131 or the preparation session data storage unit 133 for the communication path data 5A or the preparation session data 5E indicating the job whose status has changed or the work_ID of the management setting, and detects the detected state. Is updated as the processing state, the communication path data 5A or the preparation session data 5E is updated (# 721 in FIG. 15).

  When the preparation session data 5E has been updated, a session between the device having the MAC address indicated in the preparation session data 5E (that is, the terminal device 2 as a command source) and the image forming apparatus 1 itself has not been established. I understand.

  In this case, that is, when a session with the terminal device 2 has not been established (No in # 722), the communication necessity determining unit 162 determines that the job or the management setting requires communication with the terminal device 2. It is determined whether or not the phase is approaching (# 723). The determination may be made as follows, for example.

  For each type of job and management setting, a table defining the flow of the phase (process, step) and the phase requiring communication is prepared in the communication necessity determination unit 162 in advance. Then, the communication necessity determining unit 162 checks whether or not the next phase to be executed in the job or the management setting requires communication, based on the job or management setting table whose status has changed, and In this case, it is determined that it is approaching a phase that requires communication.

  If the communication necessity determination section 162 determines that the phase requiring communication is approaching (Yes in # 724), the connection standby processing section 163 sets the standby session indicating the same content as the preparation session data 5E. Data 5F is generated and stored at the end of the standby session data storage unit 134, and the preparation session data 5E is deleted from the preparation session data storage unit 133 (# 725).

  The standby session data 5F is data of a job or management setting that requires immediate reconnection with the terminal device 2 that is the command source or within a predetermined time.

  If a session with the terminal device 2 has been established (Yes in # 722) and a phase requiring communication is not approaching (No in # 724), the connection standby processing unit 163 sets the standby session data 5F Is not generated and the preparation session data 5E is not deleted.

  If the session with the terminal device 2 has been established (Yes in # 722) and there is no phase to be executed for the job or the management setting (No in # 726), the communication path opening unit 164 Then, the communication channel data 5A of the virtual communication channel 3T used for the session is returned to the initial value (# 727), and the session is disconnected (# 728).

  If there are no more phases to be executed, for example, if the job or management setting ends normally and the terminal device 2 is notified to that effect, the job or management setting is changed according to the specified conditions. Was not executed, but was executed under other conditions and ended, and the terminal device 2 was notified of that. If the job or management setting stopped halfway due to an error or the like and the user instructed cancellation, It is.

  In step # 721, when neither the communication path data 5A nor the preparation session data 5E is found, the change response unit 106 searches the standby session data storage unit 134 for the standby session data 5F. Then, the found standby session data 5F is updated so that the detected state is indicated as the processing state. In this case, since the procedure for waiting for the connection has already been performed, the processing of steps # 723 and # 725 is skipped.

  For example, the change response unit 106 updates the preparation session data 5E1 shown in FIG. 16A in step # 721, and needs to communicate with the terminal device 2 having the MAC address shown in the preparation session data 5E1 in step # 723. If it is determined that the phase is approaching, the standby session data 5F1 indicating the same content as the preparation session data 5E1 is generated and stored at the end of the standby session data storage unit 134 as shown in FIG. Let it. FIG. 17A shows the state of the standby session data storage unit 134 before the standby session data 5F1 is stored.

  Then, the change response unit 106 deletes the preparation session data 5E1 from the preparation session data storage unit 133, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the first release process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second release process.

  After the start of a job or management setting, communication with the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the job or management setting may become unnecessary for a while. In such a case, if the virtual communication path 3T used for the session with the terminal device 2 is released, the virtual communication path 3T can be used more effectively.

  Therefore, the first release processing unit 104 and the second release processing unit 105 execute a process of releasing the virtual communication path 3T (hereinafter, referred to as “release process”) as follows.

  The first release processing unit 104 executes the release processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. The first release processing unit 104 checks whether or not the standby session data 5F is stored in the standby session data storage unit 134 (# 731). That is, it checks whether there is a job waiting for reconnection or a management setting.

  If the standby session data 5F is stored (Yes in # 732), the first release processing unit 104 performs processing for releasing the virtual communication path 3T. This processing is as described above in steps # 706 and # 707 of FIG.

  That is, the first opening processing unit 104 generates the preparation session data 5E of the terminal device 2 based on the communication path data 5A of the virtual communication path 3T, stores the prepared session data 5E in the preparation session data storage unit 133, and performs the communication. The road data 5A is returned to the initial value (# 733). Then, the session with the terminal device 2 is disconnected to release the virtual communication path 3T (# 734).

  If the standby session data 5F is not stored (No in # 732), the first release processing unit 104 does not release the virtual communication path 3T. As a result, the session is maintained.

  On the other hand, the second release processing unit 105 executes release processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. The second release processing unit 105 estimates the time (required time) required to execute the management setting (# 741). The required time may be estimated by a known method. For example, when the management setting is in the format of a hard disk, it may be calculated according to the capacity of the hard disk.

  If the required time is equal to or longer than the predetermined length (Yes in # 742), the second release processing unit 105 checks whether or not the standby session data 5F is stored in the standby session data storage unit 134 (see FIG. 4). # 743).

  When the standby session data 5F is stored (Yes in # 744), the second release processing unit 105 performs processing for releasing the virtual communication path 3T (# 745, # 746). This processing is as described above in steps # 706 and # 707 of FIG.

  When the required time is less than the predetermined length (No in # 742) and when the standby session data 5F is not stored (No in # 744), the second opening processing unit 105 sets the virtual communication path 3T Do not release. As a result, the session is maintained.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the reconnection process. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reconnection priority table 5C. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the standby session data 5F. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the communication path data 5A.

  The reconnection unit 107 monitors the virtual communication path 3T, and when detecting the virtual communication path 3T in which the session with a certain terminal apparatus 2 has been disconnected, reconnects to another terminal apparatus 2 using the virtual communication path 3T. Perform the following processing. The procedure of this processing is as shown in FIG.

  The reconnection unit 107 selects, as a reconnection candidate, the highest-order job or management setting from the jobs or management settings in which the standby session data storage unit 134 stores the standby session data 5F (# 751 in FIG. 20). .

  The top-level job or management setting may be selected, for example, as follows. The reconnection unit 107 selects a job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F stored at the head of the standby session data storage unit 134 as a reconnection candidate. That is, the job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F stored first in the standby session data storage unit 134 is selected as a reconnection candidate.

  Alternatively, the reconnection unit 107 reads the reconnection priority table 5C of FIG. 21 from the priority table storage unit 132, and reconnects the processing state indicated by each of the standby session data 5F based on the reconnection priority table 5C. Find priority. Then, a job or management process related to the standby session data 5F having the highest reconnection priority is selected as a reconnection candidate. When there are a plurality of such standby session data 5F, a job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F stored first in the standby session data storage unit 134 among them may be selected as a reconnection candidate.

  “Reconnection priority” is a degree of suitability of establishing a session again. Like the continuation priority, the reconnection priority is higher in the order of “1”, “2”, “3”,.

  The reconnection priority is defined in advance in the reconnection priority table 5C for each processing state, as shown in FIG.

  “Abnormal stop-scan jam” is a state in which a job or management setting is stopped due to a jam (paper jam) in the scan unit 10k. “Abnormal stop-print jam” is a state in which the job is stopped due to a jam (paper jam) in the print unit 10n.

  “Abnormal stop-out of paper” is a state in which the job is stopped due to out of paper. “Abnormal stop-life stop” is a state in which the job is stopped due to a shortage of consumables other than paper, such as running out of toner or staples.

  “Abnormal stop-management setting error” is a state in which the management setting is stopped due to some abnormality.

  “Abnormal termination—management setting” is a state in which the management setting has ended abnormally, that is, a state in which the management setting has failed and ended. “Normal end—management setting” is a state in which the management setting has been completed normally, that is, a state in which the management setting has been completed successfully.

  “Abnormal termination—job not completed” is a state in which the job has been completed without any completion due to some abnormality. An example is a state in which the job is stopped due to the occurrence of an abnormality and then the job is canceled.

  “Abnormal termination—job completed” is a state in which the job has been executed and terminated under conditions different from the designated conditions.

  “Normal end-data transmission” is a state in which a job involving data transmission has ended normally, that is, a state in which the job has been successfully completed. “Job normal end-printing” is a state in which a job involving printing has ended normally, that is, a state in which the job has ended successfully.

  Upon selecting a reconnection candidate, the reconnection unit 107 moves the reconnection candidate as follows (# 752). Each of the work_ID, the MAC address, and the processing state of the standby session data 5F (see FIG. 17) selected as the reconnection candidate, using the virtual communication path 3T having the session disconnected, that is, the communication path data 5A of the empty virtual communication path. Update as indicated. Then, the standby session data 5F is deleted from the standby session data storage unit 134.

  Further, the reconnection unit 107 updates the communication path data 5A so that “in use” is indicated as the use state (# 753). Then, a process of connecting to the terminal device 2 having the MAC address indicated by the communication channel data 5A (that is, the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the reconnection candidate) via the free virtual communication channel is performed (# 754). . Thereby, a session between the terminal device 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 itself is established.

  When the other virtual communication path 3T is free (Yes in # 755), the reconnection unit 107 executes the processing of steps # 751 to # 754.

  For example, when three pieces of standby session data 5F2, 5F3, and 5F4 as shown in FIG. 22A are stored in the standby session data storage unit 134, the reconnection unit 107 transmits the first standby session data 5F, A job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F2 is selected as a reconnection candidate.

  Alternatively, the reconnection unit 107 obtains “5”, “2”, and “9” as the respective reconnection priorities based on the reconnection priority table 5C. Then, the job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F having the highest reconnection priority, that is, the standby session data 5F3 is selected as a reconnection candidate. Hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where a job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F3 is selected as a reconnection candidate.

  Then, the reconnection unit 107 performs a process of connecting to the selected job or the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the management setting via the free virtual communication path. Further, as shown in FIG. 22B, the standby session data 5F of the job or the management setting is deleted from the standby session data storage unit 134, and as shown in FIG. The data 5A (in this example, the communication path data 5A2) is updated. FIG. 23A shows each communication path data 5A before updating.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the connection changing unit 108. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a connection change process. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the communication path data 5A. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the standby session data 5F. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the preparation session data 5E. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of the pop-up screen 6A and the error message screen 6B.

  The connection changing unit 108 performs processing for disconnecting a session with a certain terminal device 2 and establishing a session with another terminal device 2. That is, the connection switching process is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the connection changing unit 108 includes a switching candidate selecting unit 181, a communication path opening unit 182, a connection processing unit 183, and the like. Each unit of the connection changing unit 108 performs a connection switching process according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  The switching candidate selection unit 181 is configured to re-establish a session with a terminal device 2 (hereinafter, referred to as a “disconnection target device”) that may disconnect the session (hereinafter, described as a “reconnection target device”). Is selected as follows.

  The switching candidate selection unit 181 selects a job or a management process related to the standby session data 5F having the highest reconnection priority as a reconnection candidate (# 761). The method of selection is as described above in # 751 of FIG.

  Further, the switching candidate selecting unit 181 selects the virtual communication path 3T having the lowest continuation priority (# 762).

  The switching candidate selection unit 181 compares the reconnection priority of the selected reconnection candidate with the continuation priority of the selected virtual communication path 3T (# 763). If the reconnection priority is higher than the continuation priority (Yes in # 764), the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the reconnection candidate is selected as a reconnection target device, and the virtual communication path 3T is set. The terminal device 2 connected via this is selected as a disconnection target device (# 765). Otherwise (No in # 764), the connection switching process is stopped.

  The switching candidate selection unit 181 selects the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the reconnection candidate selected in step # 761 as the reconnection target device without performing the comparison, and selects the virtual communication path 3T selected in step # 762. May be selected as the disconnection target device.

  The communication path opening unit 182 generates the preparation session data 5E for the device to be disconnected and stores it in the preparation session data storage unit 133, and returns the communication path data 5A of the selected virtual communication path 3T to the initial value ( # 766). Then, the session with the disconnection target device is disconnected (# 767).

  The connection processing unit 183 updates the communication path data 5A of the virtual communication path 3T so as to indicate each information of the work_ID, the MAC address, and the processing state of the standby session data 5F selected as a reconnection candidate, The use state is updated to indicate “in use”, and the standby session data 5F is deleted from the standby session data storage unit 134 (# 768).

  Then, the connection processing unit 183 performs a process of connecting to the reconnection target device via the virtual communication path 3T (# 769).

  Thus, the terminal device 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the disconnection target device to the reconnection target candidate.

  If the standby session data 5F remains in the standby session data storage unit 134 (Yes in # 770), the connection changing unit 108 returns to step # 761 and performs the connection switching process.

  The connection changing unit 108 may perform the connection switching process periodically. Alternatively, it may be performed at a timing when the standby session data 5F is newly stored in the standby session data storage unit 134.

  For example, in the case where the channel data 5A1 to 5A3 are stored in the channel data storage unit 131 as shown in FIG. 26A and the standby session data 5F5 to 5F7 are stored as shown in FIG. The connection changing unit 108 selects a job or management setting related to the first standby session data 5F, that is, the standby session data 5F5, as a reconnection candidate. Alternatively, a job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F having the highest reconnection priority, that is, the standby session data 5F6 is selected as a reconnection candidate. Hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where a job or management setting related to the standby session data 5F6 is selected. The reconnection priority of this job or management setting is “2”.

  Further, the connection changing unit 108 selects the virtual communication path 3T having the lowest continuation priority, that is, the virtual communication path 3T2. The continuation priority of the virtual communication path 3T2 is “13”.

  The reconnection priority is higher than the continuation priority. Therefore, the connection changing unit 108 selects the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the selected reconnection candidate as the reconnection target device, and selects the terminal device connected via the selected virtual communication path 3T, that is, the virtual communication path 3T2. 2 is selected as a device to be cut.

  The connection changing unit 108 disconnects the session using the virtual communication path 3T2, updates the communication path data 5A2 as shown in FIG. 26B, and generates the preparation session data 5E7 for the disconnection target device. , And stored in the preparation session data storage unit 133 as shown in FIG. FIG. 28A shows the state of the preparation session data storage unit 133 before the preparation session data 5E7 is stored.

  Then, the connection changing unit 108 performs a process of connecting the reconnection target device via the virtual communication path 3T2. Further, as shown in FIG. 27B, the standby session data 5F, that is, the standby session data 5F6 of the reconnection target device is deleted from the standby session data storage unit 134, and as shown in FIG. Update 5A2.

  The job status notification unit 125 notifies the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the job of the status of the job (normal completion, interruption, change of condition, failure, generated error, etc.) as necessary. If the session with the terminal device 2 has been disconnected, the notification is made after the session is established again.

  The management setting status notifying unit 126 notifies the status of the management setting (normal completion, interruption, change of condition, failure, generated error, etc.) to the terminal device 2 that is the command source of the management setting, as necessary. . If the session with the terminal device 2 has been disconnected, the notification is made after the session is established again.

  When receiving the notification from the job status notification unit 125 or the management setting status notification unit 126, the terminal device 2 displays a screen corresponding to the content.

  For example, when the terminal device 2 is notified that the job or management setting has been completed normally, the terminal device 2 displays a pop-up screen 6A as shown in FIG. In this case, there is no need to start the control application.

  Alternatively, when notified that an error has occurred in the job or the management setting, the terminal device 2 activates the control application and, as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of session management in image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, the overall process of managing a wireless LAN session in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  The image forming apparatus 1 executes processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 30 based on the connection program 1P.

  When receiving the connection request data 5D from the terminal device 2 (Yes in # 11 of FIG. 30), the image forming device 1 executes a process of establishing a session between the terminal device 2 and the image forming device 1 itself ( # 12). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when the image forming apparatus 1 starts executing the job (Yes in # 13), the communication path data 5A, the preparation session data 5E, or the standby session data 5F indicating the work_ID of the job is updated (# 14). . Further, if the session with the terminal device 2 which is the command source of the job is continued, a process for disconnecting the session is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (# 15). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when the image forming apparatus 1 starts executing the management setting (Yes in # 16), the communication path data 5A, the preparation session data 5E, or the standby session data 5F indicating the work_ID of the management setting is updated (# 17). Further, if the session with the terminal device 2 which is the command source of the management process is continued, a process for disconnecting the session is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (# 18). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when the state of the job or the management setting changes (Yes in # 19), the image forming apparatus 1 executes a process according to the changed state (# 20). The procedure of this processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 detects that one of the virtual communication paths 3T has become free due to completion of a job or management setting (Yes in # 21), and stores the standby session data 5F in the standby session data. If it is stored in the unit 134 (Yes in # 22), a process of re-establishing a session with any of the terminal devices 2 is executed using the virtual communication path 3T (# 23). The procedure of this processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when a predetermined event occurs (Yes in # 24) and the standby session data 5F is stored in the standby session data storage unit 134 (Yes in # 25), the image forming apparatus 1 performs connection switching processing. Is executed (# 26). The procedure of this processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the terminal device 2 can be more easily connected to the image forming apparatus 1 in which the number of simultaneous direct connections of the wireless LAN is determined than before.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 19, when the time required for the management setting is equal to or longer than the predetermined length, the image forming apparatus 1 disconnects the session used for the management setting after starting the management setting. Continued without. Similarly, when the job is executed, if the required time is equal to or longer than the predetermined length, the session used for the job may be continued without disconnecting after the start of the job.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 18 or FIG. 19, when a new session is established and a job or management setting command is received, the image forming apparatus 1 attempts to disconnect the session. . After a new session is established, if a job or management setting command is not issued from the other terminal device 2 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the session may be disconnected.

  In the present embodiment, the communication path data 5A, the connection request data 5D, the preparation session data 5E, and the standby session data 5F indicate the MAC address of the terminal device 2 as the identifier of the terminal device 2. It may be shown. Alternatively, both the MAC address and the SSID may be indicated.

  In order for the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 to be connected again, the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 may perform the following processing.

  The terminal device 2 transmits the connection request data 5D periodically (for example, every several seconds to several tens of seconds) after the session is disconnected.

  Upon receiving the connection request data 5D, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the identifier indicated by the connection request data 5D is indicated by the preparation session data 5E or the standby session data 5F.

  In the case of the preparation session data 5E, the image forming apparatus 1 ignores the connection request data 5D. On the other hand, when indicated by the standby session data 5F, the session with the terminal device 2 is appropriately established by the above-described method.

  The image forming apparatus 1 may not disconnect the session depending on the type or condition of the job or the management setting. For example, in the case of a PC fax job (a job of receiving image data from the terminal device 2 and transmitting the image data to another device by fax), the session may not be disconnected. In the case of a confirmation print job (a print job for confirming the state of a printed material before printing a large number of copies), the session may not be disconnected.

  Alternatively, depending on the type or condition of the job or the management setting, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured not to disconnect the session after the start and after a specific phase. For example, in the case of a job in which reading an image of a document from a sheet must be performed a plurality of times, the session may not be disconnected until the last reading is completed.

  In addition, the configuration of the whole or each part of the image processing system 4, the image forming apparatus 1, and the terminal device 2, the content of the processing, the order of the processing, the data configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Terminal device 104 1st opening processing part (connection termination means)
105 Second release processing unit (connection termination means)
107 reconnection unit (reconnection means)
133 preparation session data storage unit (storage means)
134 standby session data storage unit (storage means)
143 Communication path opener (connection termination means)
144 connection processing unit (connection means)
164 communication path opener (connection termination means)
182 Communication path opening unit (connection termination means)
183 connection processing unit (reconnection means)
5D connection request data 5E preparation session data 5F standby session data

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of partners that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined,
Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via the wireless line when a request for connection is received from any of the terminal devices,
When the number of terminal devices of the number of sessions is connected among the plurality of terminal devices, the terminal having the lowest priority among the current states of the processes instructed by the respective number of terminal devices is selected. and, a connection between the terminal device corresponding to the selected state ends preferentially of the terminal apparatus of the number, and connection termination unit,
Storage means for storing the identifier of the connection termination unit by connecting an end to end terminal device of the plural terminal devices,
When the number of connected terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices becomes less than the number of sessions , the terminal device corresponding to the identifier stored in the storage unit is connected again, and reconnection is performed. Means,
Have a,
The priority is a state in which management settings, which are settings relating to management of the image forming apparatus, are executed and completed normally, a state in which a job is executed and terminated under a condition different from a designated condition, and a job involving data transmission is performed. A state in which the job has been completed normally, a state in which a job involving printing has been completed normally, a state in which the management setting is being executed, immediately after the data transmission has been completed, the transmission being performed, or image data generation being in progress. A certain state, a state immediately after the processing of printing an image on a sheet is completed or the processing is being executed, an application for controlling the image forming apparatus, the management setting, and a job not being executed; In the order in which the process of reading from the paper is being executed,
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of parties that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined,
Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via the wireless line when a request for connection is received from any of the terminal devices,
When the terminal devices of the number of sessions of the plurality of terminal devices are connected , the connection with any one of the terminal devices of the number is terminated , connection termination means,
Storage means for storing the identifier of the connection termination unit by connecting an end to end terminal device of the plural terminal devices,
When the number of connected terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices is less than the number of sessions, and when the plurality of identifiers are stored in the storage unit, the terminal device corresponding to each of the identifiers Reconnection means for selecting the highest priority among the current states of the processing instructed from and reconnecting to the terminal device corresponding to the selected state ,
Have a,
The priority includes a state in which a job or a management setting, which is a setting related to management of the image forming apparatus, is stopped due to a paper jam, a state in which the job is stopped due to paper exhaustion, and a state in which the job is stopped due to lack of consumables other than paper. The job is executed under a condition different from the specified condition, such as a stopped status, a status in which the management setting is stopped due to an error, a status in which the management setting is completed, a status in which the job has been completed without being completed due to an error. And the status in which the job with data transmission has been completed normally, and the status with the job in which printing has been completed normally.
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A terminal device connection method in an image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of parties that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined,
When a request for connection is received from any of the plurality of terminal devices, connect to the terminal device via the wireless line,
When the number of terminal devices of the number of sessions is connected among the plurality of terminal devices, the terminal having the lowest priority among the current states of the processes instructed by the respective number of terminal devices is selected. And preferentially terminates connection with the terminal device corresponding to the selected state among the number of terminal devices ,
May be stored in the storage means an identifier of the plurality of end terminal device a connection is terminated within the terminal device,
When the number of connected terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices becomes less than the number of sessions , the terminal device corresponding to the identifier stored in the storage unit is connected again,
The priority is a state in which management settings, which are settings relating to management of the image forming apparatus, are executed and completed normally, a state in which a job is executed and terminated under a condition different from a designated condition, and a job involving data transmission is performed. A state in which the job has been completed normally, a state in which a job involving printing has been completed normally, a state in which the management setting is being executed, immediately after the data transmission has been completed, the transmission being performed, or image data generation being in progress. A certain state, a state immediately after the processing of printing an image on a sheet is completed, or a state in which the processing is being executed, an application for controlling the image forming apparatus, the management setting, and a job not being executed; In the order in which the process of reading from the paper is being executed,
A method of connecting a terminal device. A terminal device connection method in an image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of parties that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined,
When a request for connection is received from any of the plurality of terminal devices, connect to the terminal device via the wireless line,
When the terminal devices of the number of sessions of the plurality of terminal devices are connected, end the connection with any of the terminal devices of the number ,
May be stored in the storage means an identifier of the plurality of end terminal device a connection is terminated within the terminal device,
When the number of connected terminal devices out of the plurality of terminal devices is less than the number of sessions and the plurality of identifiers are stored in the storage unit, the terminal device corresponding to each of the identifiers From the current state of the process instructed from the highest priority is selected, and again connected to the terminal device corresponding to the selected state ,
The priority is a state in which a job or a management setting, which is a setting relating to management of the image forming apparatus, is stopped due to a paper jam, a state in which the job is stopped due to paper exhaustion, or a state in which the job is stopped due to a shortage of consumables other than paper. The job is executed under a condition different from the specified condition, such as a stopped state, a state in which the management setting has been stopped due to an error, a state in which the management setting has been completed, a state in which the job has been completed without being completed due to an abnormality. And the status in which the job with data transmission ended normally, and the status in which the job with printing ended normally,
A method of connecting a terminal device. A computer program used in an image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of parties that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined,
In the image forming apparatus,
When a request for connection is received from any of the plurality of terminal devices, a process of connecting to the terminal device via the wireless line is executed,
When the number of terminal devices of the number of sessions is connected among the plurality of terminal devices, the terminal having the lowest priority among the current states of the processes instructed by the respective number of terminal devices is selected. Then, a process of preferentially terminating the connection with the terminal device corresponding to the selected state among the number of terminal devices is executed,
The connection is to execute the process of storing an identifier of the terminated end terminal device in the storing means of the plurality of terminal devices,
If the number of connected terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices is less than the number of sessions , execute a process of connecting to the terminal device corresponding to the identifier stored in the storage unit again. Let
The priority is a state in which management settings, which are settings relating to management of the image forming apparatus, are executed and completed normally, a state in which a job is executed and terminated under a condition different from a designated condition, and a job involving data transmission is performed. A state in which the job has been completed normally, a state in which a job involving printing has been completed normally, a state in which the management setting is being executed, immediately after the data transmission has been completed, the transmission being performed, or image data generation being in progress. A certain state, a state immediately after the processing of printing an image on a sheet is completed or the processing is being executed, an application for controlling the image forming apparatus, the management setting, and a job not being executed; In the order in which the process of reading from the paper is being executed,
A computer program characterized by the above-mentioned. A computer program used in an image forming apparatus in which the number of sessions, which is the number of parties that can be connected at the same time via a wireless line, is determined,
In the image forming apparatus,
When a request for connection is received from any of the plurality of terminal devices, a process of connecting to the terminal device via the wireless line is executed,
When the number of terminal devices of the number of sessions among the plurality of terminal devices are connected, a process of ending the connection with any of the number of terminal devices ,
The connection is to execute the process of storing an identifier of the terminated end terminal device in the storing means of the plurality of terminal devices,
When the number of connected terminal devices out of the plurality of terminal devices is less than the number of sessions and the plurality of identifiers are stored in the storage unit, the terminal device corresponding to each of the identifiers From the current state of the process instructed from the highest priority is selected, and the terminal device corresponding to the selected state is again connected, the process is executed,
The priority is a state in which a job or a management setting, which is a setting relating to management of the image forming apparatus, is stopped due to a paper jam, a state in which the job is stopped due to paper exhaustion, or a state in which the job is stopped due to a shortage of consumables other than paper. The job is executed under a condition different from the specified condition, such as a stopped status, a status in which the management setting is stopped due to an error, a status in which the management setting is completed, a status in which the job has been completed without being completed due to an error. And the status in which the job with data transmission has been completed normally, and the status with the job in which printing has been completed normally.
A computer program characterized by the above-mentioned.

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