JP6649621B2 - Remote operation system, image forming apparatus, remote operation method, and remote operation program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote operation system, an image forming apparatus, a remote operation method, and a remote operation program, and more particularly to a remote operation system including an image forming apparatus that can be remotely operated by a portable information device, the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a remote control method and a remote control program to be executed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses such as MFPs are remotely operated by a portable information device by communicating with the portable information device. On the other hand, the MFP may limit the number of devices that can communicate simultaneously. Further, the method of remotely controlling the MFP using the portable information device includes a first method using a portable information device instead of the operation panel of the MFP and a method of inputting a setting value for causing the MFP to execute a process. There is a second method using a function of the information device. In the case where the MFP is remotely operated by the portable information device using the second method, the portable information is used to input the set value using the function of the portable information device at a stage where the setting is partially performed using the operation panel of the MFP. The device may attempt to establish a communication connection with the MFP. If the maximum number of devices that can communicate with the MFP has been reached at the time that the portable information device attempts to establish a communication connection with the MFP, the portable information device may not be able to communicate with the MFP. For this reason, there is a problem that the MFP cannot be remotely operated by the portable information device using the second method.

  There is a technique for reserving a communication connection when the communication connection is known in advance. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-296473 has a server cooperation function of transmitting data to a data processing server connected via a network and receiving the data after execution of the processing by the server, An image forming apparatus capable of performing communication by simultaneous connection with a plurality of external devices, wherein the number of current connections with the external device is an upper limit value for simultaneous connection when executing the server cooperation function. Determining means for determining whether the number has reached the number, and when the determining means determines that the current number of connections with the external device has not reached the connection limit number, reserves and secures a connection with the server. And a control unit for canceling a reservation for connection with the server after the server cooperation function ends.

However, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-296473, the MFP is carried by the user before the portable information device is connected to the MFP by communication, for example, at the stage when the user operates the operation panel of the MFP. Since the portable information device cannot be specified, there is a problem that the MFP cannot make a connection reservation.
JP 2009-296473 A

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to improve the probability of establishing a communication path when remotely controlling an image forming apparatus using a portable information device. And to provide a remote control system.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the probability of establishing a communication path is improved when remote control is performed using a portable information device.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of transferring a user operation received before being remotely operated to the remote operation.

  It is still another object of the present invention to provide a remote control method and a remote control program that improve the probability of establishing a communication path when performing remote control using a portable information device.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control method and a remote control program capable of taking over a user operation received before being remotely operated, to the remote operation.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system including an image forming apparatus, and a portable information device capable of remotely controlling the image forming apparatus. The portable information device includes a first portable communication device capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range, a second portable communication device different from the first portable communication device, and a first portable communication device. A first type of application that defines processing for controlling a second portable communication unit to establish a communication path with the image forming apparatus in response to the communication unit being able to communicate with the image forming apparatus; A first remote control unit that remotely controls the image forming apparatus by executing a program, and a second mobile communication unit that controls a communication path between the first remote control unit and the image forming apparatus according to a predetermined operation by a user. The second that defines the process to be established A second remote control means for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus by executing the application program of the type, wherein the first image forming apparatus is capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range. Means, a second device-side communication means different from the first device-side communication means, and a portable information device, wherein the first device-side communication means is capable of communicating with the portable information device. Determining means for determining an application program to be used, and a path for reserving a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device when the determined application program is a second type of application program. When the reservation unit and the second device-side communication unit receive a connection request from the portable information device, the route reservation unit responds to the portable information device. If the signal path is reserved, provided by controlling the second device-side communication unit, and a remote control means for establishing a communication path with the mobile information device by using the communication path reserved, the.

  According to this aspect, the image forming apparatus determines an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to being able to communicate with the portable information device located within a predetermined range, and determines the determined application program. In the case of a second type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the image forming apparatus in response to a predetermined operation by a user, reserves a communication path for communicating with the portable information device; If a communication path corresponding to the portable information device is reserved in response to receiving the connection request from the portable information device, a communication path with the portable information device is established using the reserved communication path. . For this reason, when the second type of application program is executed on the portable information device, the communication path is reserved at a stage where the portable information device is located in the predetermined range. The image forming apparatus can be placed in a state in which a communication path with the portable information device can be established until the connection request is received from the portable information device afterwards. As a result, it is possible to provide a remote operation system in which the probability of establishing a communication path is improved when the user remotely operates the image forming apparatus using the portable information device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a first device-side communication unit capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range, and a second device that is different from the first device-side communication unit. Device-side communication means, program determination means for determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device, and the determined application program Is different from the first type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in response to the fact that communication with the first device-side communication means becomes possible. In the case of a second type of application program, which is a program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in response to a predetermined operation by a user, A path reservation unit for reserving a communication path for the device-side communication unit to communicate with the portable information device; If a communication path corresponding to the information device is reserved, remote control means for controlling the second device-side communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path. And.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the probability of establishing a communication path is improved when a user performs remote control using a portable information device.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes an authentication unit for authenticating a user assigned to the portable information device when the first device-side communication unit becomes communicable with the portable information device. If the authentication is successful, reserve a communication path.

  According to this aspect, the user is authenticated in response to being able to communicate with the portable information device, and if the authentication is successful, a communication path is reserved. Therefore, there is no need to authenticate the user when establishing a communication path with the portable information device. Further, the image forming apparatus can be in a state in which a communication path with the portable information apparatus can be established between the time when the image forming apparatus is authenticated using the portable information apparatus and the time when the connection request is received from the portable information apparatus.

  Preferably, the program determining unit further includes a starting unit that determines a predetermined application program and starts the determined application program in the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates.

  Preferably, the program deciding unit acquires the type of the application program from the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates.

Preferably, the path reservation means a reservation information transmission means first device side communication means to transmit the reservation information to the portable information device communicating, the transmitted reservation information a second mobile communication unit portable information device Associating means for associating with a communication path for communicating with the communication path. The remote control means associates the reservation information received from the portable information device by the second device-side communication means with the communication path by the associating means. A communication path corresponding to the portable information device is established on condition that the information is present.

  According to this aspect, the reservation information is transmitted to the portable information device, the transmitted reservation information is associated with a communication path for communicating with the portable information device, and the reservation information received from the portable information device is associated with the communication path. A communication path is established with the portable information device. Devices connected via the reserved communication path can be limited to portable information devices that have transmitted the reservation information.

Preferably, the route reservation unit associates device identification information for identifying a portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates with a communication route for the second portable-side communication unit to communicate with the portable information device. An associating means, wherein the remote control means, when the device identification information for identifying the device with which the second device-side communication means has become communicable, is associated with the communication path by the associating means, It is determined that the communication path corresponding to the information device is reserved.

  According to this aspect, the device identification information of the portable information device located in the predetermined range is associated with the communication path for communicating with the portable information device, and the portable information device is associated with the device identification information of the portable information device. Establish a communication path with the device. Devices connected via the reserved communication path can be limited to portable information devices located in a predetermined range.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: an operation receiving unit that receives an operation by a user; a first device-side communication unit capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range; The second device-side communication unit is connected to the portable information device in response to the second device-side communication unit different from the device-side communication unit and the first device-side communication unit being able to communicate with the portable information device. A route reserving unit for reserving a communication route for communication, and canceling the reservation of the communication route when a predetermined time elapses without the operation being received by the operation receiving unit after the communication route is reserved by the route reserving unit. When the cancel unit and the second device-side communication unit receive a connection request from the portable information device, and the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by the route reservation unit, the second device-side communication is performed. means And a remote control means for establishing a communication path with the mobile information device by using the control to reserved communication path.

  According to this aspect, a communication path is reserved in response to communication with a portable information device located within a predetermined range, and a predetermined time elapses without receiving a user operation after the reservation of the communication path. Then, when the reservation of the communication path is canceled and a connection request is received from the portable information device, if the communication path is reserved, the communication path with the portable information device is set using the reserved communication path. Establish. For this reason, the communication path is reserved when the portable information device is located in the predetermined range, and the image forming apparatus can establish the communication path with the portable information device until a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation by the user has been accepted. Can be For this reason, it is possible to receive a remote operation from the portable information device following the user's operation received from when the portable information device is located within the predetermined range to when the connection request is received from the portable information device. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of transferring a user operation received before being remotely operated to a remote operation.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a program determining means for determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device, The applied application program is a program different from the second type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in response to a predetermined operation by the user. In the case of a first type of application program that defines a process for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in response to becoming communicable with the first device-side communication means, Do not book.

  According to this aspect, when a second type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path in response to a predetermined operation by the user is executed on the portable information device, the communication path is reserved and communication becomes possible. Accordingly, the communication path is not reserved when the first type of application program that defines the process of establishing the communication path is executed on the portable information device. Therefore, the communication path can be reserved only when it is necessary to take over the operation of the user accepted before the remote operation to the remote operation. Therefore, the communication path can be used effectively.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes an authentication unit for authenticating a user to which the portable information device is assigned, in response to the first device-side communication unit being able to communicate with the portable information device. An operation accepted after successful authentication is accepted as an operation by an authenticated user.

  According to this aspect, the user is authenticated in response to being able to communicate with the portable information device, and an operation accepted after successful authentication is accepted as an operation by the authenticated user. For this reason, the operation by the user before the remote operation can be transferred to the remote operation by the user.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control method is a remote control method executed by an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device, wherein the image forming apparatus is located within a predetermined range. A first device-side communication unit capable of communicating with the device; and a second device-side communication unit different from the first device-side communication unit, wherein the first device-side communication unit is connected to a portable information device. A program determining step of determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the communication being enabled; and a determining that the determined application program is capable of communicating with the first device-side communication means. It is a program different from the first type of application program that defines a process of establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means, and according to a predetermined operation by the user, In the case of a second type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means, a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device is reserved. a path reservation step of, in response to the second device-side communication means receives a connection request from the portable information device, if the communication path corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by the route reservation step, the second A remote control step of controlling the device-side communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control method that improves the probability of establishing a communication path when a user remotely operates an image forming apparatus using a portable information device.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control method is a remote control method executed by an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device, wherein the image forming apparatus receives an operation by a user. Means, first device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range, and second device-side communication means different from the first device-side communication means. The second device-side communication means reserves a communication path for communicating with the portable information device in response to the device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device; After a route is reserved, when a predetermined time elapses without an operation being received by the operation receiving unit, a canceling step for canceling the reservation of the communication route, and the second device-side communication unit performs When receiving al connection request, if the communication path corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by a path reservation step, the portable information using a communication path reserved by controlling the second device-side communication means A remote control step of establishing a communication path with the device.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control method capable of taking over the operation of the user received before being remotely operated to the remote operation.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control program is a remote control program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device, wherein the image forming apparatus has a predetermined range. A first device-side communication unit capable of communicating with a device located in the first device-side communication unit, and a second device-side communication unit different from the first device-side communication unit. A program determining step of determining an application program to be executed on the mobile information device in response to the communication with the mobile information device; and the determined application program becoming communicable with the first device-side communication means. Is a program different from the first type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in accordance with In the case of a second type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in response to a predetermined operation by the user, the second device-side communication means uses the portable information A path reservation step of reserving a communication path for communicating with the device, and a communication path corresponding to the portable information device by the path reservation step in response to the second device-side communication means receiving a connection request from the portable information device. Is controlled, the remote control step of controlling the second device-side communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path is performed by the computer. .

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control program that improves the probability of establishing a communication path when a user remotely operates an image forming apparatus using a portable information device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a remote control program is a remote control program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device, wherein the image forming apparatus is operated by a user. An operation receiving unit for receiving an operation, a first device-side communication unit capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range, and a second device-side communication unit different from the first device-side communication unit. A path reservation step for reserving a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means becoming communicable with the portable information device; After a communication path is reserved in the reservation step, when a predetermined time elapses without an operation being received by the operation receiving means, a cancel step of canceling the reservation of the communication path. If the second device-side communication means receives a connection request from the portable information device, if the communication path corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by a path reservation step controls the second device-side communication means A remote control step of establishing a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a remote control method capable of taking over the operation of the user received before being remotely operated to the remote operation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of a remote operation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of a smartphone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication path table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a remote control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a connection process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of the remote control processing in the 1st modification. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a connection process according to a first modification. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP according to a second embodiment.

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

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of a remote operation system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, remote operation system 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 and a smartphone 200.

  The smartphone 200 is an example of a portable information device, and is used by being carried by a user. MFP 100 has a document reading function for reading a document, an image forming function for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data, and a facsimile transmitting / receiving function for transmitting / receiving facsimile data.

  Each of wireless station 5 and MFP 100 is connected to network 3. The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a network using a public switched telephone network (Public Switched Telephone Networks). Further, the network 3 may be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

  The smartphone 200 has a wireless LAN function and can communicate with the wireless station 5. The wireless station 5 is a relay device of the network 3 and communicates with the smartphone 200 having a communication function using a wireless LAN to connect the smartphone 200 to the network 3. Therefore, smartphone 200 can communicate with MFP 100 via wireless station 5. The network 3 may be further connected to the Internet. In this case, each of smartphone 200 and MFP 100 can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet via network 3.

  Further, MFP 100 and smartphone 200 each have a short-range wireless communication function, and can communicate with each other in a one-to-one manner when a partner device is within a predetermined range.

  Here, the smartphone 200 is described as an example of the portable information device, but a computer such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be used as long as the device is portable by a user.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment. 2 and 3, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, an automatic document feeder 120 for transferring the document to document reading unit 130, and a document reading unit. An image forming unit 140 for forming an image on a sheet or the like based on image data read and output by the document 130, a sheet feeding unit 150 for supplying a sheet to the image forming unit 140, and an image formed thereon It includes a post-processing unit 155 for processing paper and an operation panel 160 as a user interface.

  The post-processing unit 155 executes a sorting process for rearranging and discharging one or more sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 140, a punching process for punching holes, and a stapling process for driving staples.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a large-capacity storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and a CD-ROM 118. External storage device 117 and a short-range communication unit 119. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, sheet feeding unit 150, post-processing unit 155, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. Further, the RAM 114 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

  Operation panel 160 is provided on an upper surface of MFP 100 and includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 163. The display unit 161 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro-Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for a user, information on acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 163 includes a hard key unit 167 including a plurality of keys, and receives various instructions and data input of characters, numerals, and the like by a user operation corresponding to the keys. Operation unit 163 further includes a touch panel 165 provided on display unit 161.

  Communication I / F section 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 3. The CPU 111 communicates with the smartphone 200 via the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit and receive data. The communication I / F unit 112 can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet via the network 3.

  The short-range communication unit 119 communicates with the smartphone 200 wirelessly using a near-field wireless communication method of NFC (Near Field Communication). The short-range communication unit 119 communicates with the smartphone 200 when, for example, the distance to the smartphone 200 becomes equal to or less than the communicable distance. In this case, the distance over which the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate is several tens of cm. The short-range communication unit 119 may wirelessly communicate with the smartphone 200 based on a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard GAP (Generic Access Profile) or the like. In this case, the distance over which the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate is several meters.

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

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

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

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of the smartphone according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, smartphone 200 according to the present embodiment is connected to CPU 201 for controlling the entirety of smartphone 200, camera 202, flash memory 203 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, and communication unit 205. A wireless communication unit 204, a display unit 206 for displaying information, an operation unit 207 for receiving a user operation, a wireless LAN I / F 208, a short-range communication unit 209, an acceleration sensor 210, an external storage device 211, including.

  The display unit 206 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD, and displays an instruction menu for a user, information on acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 207 includes a main key 207A and a touch panel 207B. When the user designates the display surface of the display unit 206, the operation unit 207 outputs the position of the display surface detected by the touch panel 207B to the CPU 201. CPU 201 detects a position designated by the user on the screen displayed on display unit 206 based on the position detected by touch panel 207B. The CPU 201 receives various instructions and data input of characters, numerals, and the like by a user's operation based on the screen displayed on the display unit 206 and the position detected by the touch panel 207B. For example, when displaying a screen including a ten-key image on the display unit 206, a number corresponding to a key displayed at a position detected by the touch panel 207B is received.

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

  The wireless communication unit 204 wirelessly communicates with a mobile phone base station connected to a telephone communication network. The wireless communication unit 204 connects the smartphone 200 to a telephone communication network, and enables a call using the call unit 205. Radio communication section 204 decodes a voice signal obtained by demodulating a radio signal received from the mobile phone base station, and outputs the signal to communication section 205. Further, wireless communication section 204 encodes the voice input from communication section 205 and transmits the encoded voice to the mobile phone base station. The communication unit 205 includes a microphone and a speaker, and outputs audio input from the wireless communication unit 204 from the speaker, and outputs audio input from the microphone to the wireless communication unit 204. Further, the wireless communication unit 204 is controlled by the CPU 201, connects the smartphone 200 to an email server, and sends and receives email.

  The wireless LAN I / F 208 is an interface for communicating with the wireless station 5 and connecting the smartphone 200 to the network 3. By registering the IP (Internet Protocol) address of MFP 100 in smartphone 200, smartphone 200 can communicate with MFP 100 and can transmit and receive data.

  The short-range communication unit 209 wirelessly communicates with the MFP 100 by the NFC short-range wireless communication method. The short-range communication unit 209 communicates with the smart watch 300, for example, when the distance from the MFP 100 becomes equal to or less than the communicable distance. The distance over which the short-range communication unit 309 can communicate is several tens of cm. Further, the short-range communication unit 209 may communicate with the MFP 100 based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard GAP or the like. In this case, the distance over which the short-range communication unit 209 can communicate is several meters.

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

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

  Although the program recorded in flash memory 203 or CD-ROM 210A has been described as the program executed by CPU 201, another computer connected to network 3 or the Internet has rewritten the program stored in flash memory 203. It may be a program or a new program additionally written. Further, the program that the smartphone 200 downloads from another computer connected to the network 3 may be used. The program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

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

  In the remote control system according to the present embodiment, a user can remotely control MFP 100 using smartphone 200. In this case, the user causes the smartphone 200 to execute the remote operation program. The remote control program includes a first type of remote control program and a second type of remote control program. The first type of remote control program is an application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the MFP 100 by the wireless LAN I / F 208 in response to the short-range communication unit 209 being able to communicate with the MFP 100. . The second type of remote operation program is an application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the MFP 100 by the wireless LAN I / F 208 in accordance with a predetermined operation by a user. Further, the first type of remote control program is also an application program that defines a process of returning data corresponding to data received from MFP 100. In this case, the data received from MFP 100 is an operation screen for remotely operating MFP 100, and the data corresponding to the operation screen is, for example, a set value for setting in MFP 100 and an operation screen for another operation screen. The command is for switching. The operation screen is a screen for setting a setting value in the MFP. The second type of remote operation program is an application program different from the first type of remote operation program, and is also an application program that defines processing for transmitting data for setting to MFP 100.

  An example of a first type of remote operation program includes a process of displaying an image of an operation screen on the display unit 206 in response to receiving an image of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 161 by the MFP 100 from the MFP 100; When the touch panel 207 </ b> B detects an instruction in the operation screen by the touch panel 207 </ b> B, a process of transmitting position information indicating a position in the operation screen detected by the touch panel 207 </ b> B to the MFP 100 is provided.

  As a usage mode of the first type of remote operation program, when the user carrying the smartphone 200 causes the smartphone 200 to execute the first type of remote operation program, the wireless LAN I / F 208 of the smartphone 200 To enable communication, the smartphone 200 is brought closer to the MFP 100. At this stage, the short-range communication unit 209 of the smartphone 200 can communicate with the short-range communication unit 119 of the MFP 100. The smartphone 200 recognizes each other in response to the short-range communication unit 209 being able to communicate with the MFP 100, while the MFP 100 recognizes each other in response to the short-range communication unit 119 being able to communicate with the smartphone 200. A communication path is established between the wireless LAN I / F 208 of the MFP 200 and the communication I / F unit 112 of the MFP 100. When a communication path is established with MFP 100, smartphone 200 remotely controls MFP 100 via the communication path. Specifically, smartphone 200 receives the operation screen from MFP 100, displays the received operation screen on display unit 206, and transmits the operation received by operation unit 207 to MFP 100.

  As a first example of the second type of remote operation program, a process of displaying a keyboard on the display unit 206 and transmitting character information to the MFP 100 in response to a user inputting character information using the keyboard. There is an application program that defines processing. Further, as a second example of the second type of remote control program, a process of selecting from data stored in the flash memory 203 according to an operation input to the operation unit 207 by the user, and a process of selecting the selected data There is an application program that defines processing to be transmitted to MFP 100. The data stored in the flash memory 203 includes, for example, address book data in which destinations such as e-mail addresses, facsimile numbers, and IP addresses are defined for each of a plurality of users.

  As a usage mode of the second type of remote operation program, a user carrying the smartphone 200 operates the operation unit 163 of the MFP 100 and inputs a character information or a destination indicating a transmission destination of data to the display unit 161. The operation screen for the smartphone 200 is displayed, the smartphone 200 is in a state in which the second type of remote operation program is executed, and the smartphone 200 is in a state in which the second type of remote operation program is executed. The smartphone 200 is moved closer to the MFP 100 so that the wireless LAN I / F 208 can communicate with the MFP 100. At this stage, the short-range communication unit 209 of the smartphone 200 can communicate with the short-range communication unit 119 of the MFP 100. The smartphone 200 recognizes each other in response to the short-range communication unit 209 being able to communicate with the MFP 100 and the MFP 100 being able to communicate with the smartphone 200 in response to the short-range communication unit 119 being able to communicate with the smartphone 200. A communication path is established between LAN I / F 208 and communication I / F section 112 of MFP 100. When a communication path is established with MFP 100, smartphone 200 transmits character information or a destination to MFP 100 via the communication path. Thereby, MFP 100 sets the character information or destination received from smartphone 200 in a predetermined area of the operation screen displayed at that time.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU included in the MFP according to the first embodiment. The function shown in FIG. 5 is a function formed by CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 when CPU 111 executes a remote control program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115 or CD-ROM 118. Note that each function of the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 5 executes a predetermined process on an input and outputs a processing result. Therefore, each function of the CPU 111 can be realized by an electronic circuit using a relay or the like.

  Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 111 includes a device detection unit 51, an authentication unit 53, a program determination unit 55, a route reservation unit 57, and a remote control unit 59. The device detection unit 51 controls the short-range communication unit 119 to detect a device with which the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate. The device detection unit 51 outputs device identification information for identifying the detected device to the authentication unit 53. Here, the case where the device detection unit 51 detects the smartphone 200 will be described as an example.

  The authentication unit 53 authenticates the user assigned to the device identification information input from the device detection unit 51. Specifically, MFP 100 registers a user who is permitted to operate MFP 100 in advance. For example, the HDD 115 stores a user record including a set of user identification information for identifying a user who is permitted to operate the MFP 100 in advance and device identification information of a portable information device assigned to the user. If the user record including the device identification information input from the device detection unit 51 is stored in the HDD 115, the authentication unit 53 authenticates the user specified by the user identification information paired with the device identification information by the user record. I do.

  When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 53, an operation accepted by the operation unit 163 thereafter is accepted as an operation by the user authenticated by the authentication unit 53. If the user is not authenticated by the authentication unit 53, operations accepted by the operation unit 163 thereafter become invalid. When authenticating the user, the authentication unit 53 outputs the device identification information of the device detected by the device detection unit 51 to the program determination unit 55. If the user is not authenticated, the authentication unit 53 does not output the device identification information to the program determination unit 55. Further, the user of the smartphone 200 may be notified of the authentication failure by a sound such as a buzzer.

  Note that the CPU 111 may not include the authentication unit 53. In this case, since the user who has input the operation accepted by the operation unit 163 cannot be specified, the operation accepted by the operation unit 163 is accepted as an operation by any user. Further, the device detection unit 51 outputs the device identification information of the detected device to the program determination unit 55.

  The program determination unit 55 determines a device specified by the device identification information, here, a remote operation program to be executed by the smartphone 200, in response to the device identification information being input from the authentication unit 53 or the device detection unit 51. . The program determining unit 55 includes an activation unit 61 and a program type acquisition unit 63. Either the activation unit 61 or the program type acquisition unit 63 is set to be valid in advance. When the activation unit 61 is set to be valid, the activation unit 61 determines a remote operation program to be executed by the smartphone 200. The activation unit 61 stores, in the HDD 115, activation program information that defines a remote operation program to be executed by the smartphone 200. The start-up unit 61 reads out the start-up program information stored in the HDD 115 and determines a remote operation program defined by the start-up program information. When determining the remote operation program, the activation unit 61 outputs the device identification information and the determined type of the remote operation program to the route reservation unit 57. The startup program information may determine a remote operation program for each device identification information.

  In addition, the activation unit 61 controls the short-range communication unit 119 to transmit an activation instruction including a command for executing the determined remote operation program. Since the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate with the smartphone 200, the activation instruction is received by the smartphone 200. When receiving the activation instruction, the smartphone 200 executes the command included in the activation instruction, and executes the remote operation program determined by the activation unit 61.

  When the program type acquisition unit 63 is set to be valid, the program type acquisition unit 63 determines a remote operation program to be executed by the smartphone 200. The program type acquisition unit 63 controls the short-range communication unit 119 to communicate with the smartphone 200, and inquires of the smartphone 200 about a remote operation program. In response to the inquiry from MFP 100, smartphone 200 returns the program identification information for identifying the remote operation program that is being executed at that time. The remote control program specified by the program identification information received from the server is determined. When determining the remote operation program, the program type acquisition unit 63 outputs the device identification information and the determined type of the remote operation program to the route reservation unit 57.

  Note that the activation unit 61 and the program type acquisition unit 63 may be set to be valid. In this case, the program type acquisition unit 63 has priority over the activation unit 61. Specifically, when the program type acquisition unit 63 determines the remote operation program, the program type acquisition unit 63 outputs the program identification information of the determined remote operation program to the route reservation unit 57. When the program type acquisition unit 63 determines a remote operation program, the activation unit 61 does not determine a remote operation program. If the remote operation program is not being executed on the smartphone 200, the program type acquisition unit 63 cannot determine the remote operation program. When the program type acquisition unit 63 does not determine the remote operation program, the activation unit 61 determines the remote operation program, and outputs the program identification information of the determined remote operation program to the route reservation unit 57.

  The route reservation unit 57 receives the device identification information and the type of the remote operation program from the program determination unit 55. The route reservation unit 57 reserves a communication route when the remote control program is of the second type, but does not reserve a communication route when the remote control program is of the first type. Communication I / F section 112 has an upper limit on the number of communication paths that can be established. The route reservation unit 57 reserves a communication route when the number of communication routes already established by the communication I / F unit 112 does not reach the upper limit, but the communication I / F unit 112 has already been established. If the number of communication paths has reached the upper limit, no communication path is reserved.

  The route reservation unit 57 includes a reservation information transmission unit 65. When reserving a communication path, the reservation information transmitting unit 65 generates reservation information corresponding to the reserved communication path, and transmits the generated reservation information via the short-range communication unit 119.

  The route reservation unit 57 determines whether or not the number of communication routes already established by the communication I / F unit 112 has reached the upper limit when the type of the remote control program is input from the program determination unit 55. In order to determine whether or not the communication path is reserved, a communication path table indicating the use state of the communication path is stored in the HDD 115.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the communication path table. Here, an example is shown in which the upper limit of the number of communication paths that can be simultaneously established by the communication I / F unit 112 is “5”. Referring to FIG. 6, the communication route table includes five communication route records including a route number item, a status item, and a reservation code item. In the item of the path number, a number assigned to a communication path that can be established is set. For the status item, the status of the communication path is set, “in use” is set if the communication path is established, “unused” is set if the communication path is not established, and the communication path is set. If the reservation is not established but reserved, "reserved" is set. In the item of the reservation code, reservation information is set. For example, a communication path record in which “1” is set in the path number item has “in use” set in the state item, indicating a state in which the communication path is established. A communication path record in which the path number item is set to "4" indicates that the state item is set to "reserved", indicating that the communication path is not established but is reserved. Also, the reservation information “12345678” is set in the item of the reservation code. A communication path record in which the path number item is set to “5” indicates that the state item is set to “unused”, the communication path is not established, and the reservation is not made. .

  Returning to FIG. 5, at the time when the type of the remote control program is input from the program determining unit 55, the route reservation unit 57 stores a communication route record in which “unused” is set in the status item in the communication route table. If it exists, it is determined that the communication route can be reserved. When the communication route can be reserved, the route reservation unit 57 sets “reserved” in the status item of the communication route record in which “unused” is set in the status item, and sets the reservation information in the reservation code item. Set. When the type of the remote control program is input from the program determining unit 55, the route reservation unit 57 determines if the communication route record in which the status item is set to “unused” does not exist in the communication route table. Is determined to be unreservable, and the communication path is not reserved.

  After setting “reserved” in the status item of the communication route record, if the status item of the communication route record is “reserved” after a predetermined time has elapsed, the route reservation unit 57 Set the status item of the communication path record to "unused". This is because the communication path is effectively used by preventing the state in which the communication path has been reserved from continuing.

  The remote control unit 59 controls the communication I / F unit 112, and when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from outside to request establishment of a communication path, determines whether the connection request includes reservation information. Judge. When the connection request includes the reservation information, the communication path table having the status item set to “reserved” is extracted by referring to the communication path table, and set in the reservation code item of the extracted communication path record. If the reservation information matches the reservation information included in the connection request, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request. When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59 sets the status item of the communication path record to “in use”.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request requesting the establishment of a communication path from the outside, the remote control unit 59 determines that the connection request includes reservation information, and the status item is “reserved”. If there is no communication path record in which "Unused" is set in the item of status, if there is a communication path record in which "Not used" is set, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled and the device that has transmitted the connection request is Establish a communication path between When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59 sets the status item of the communication path record to “in use”.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request for requesting the establishment of a communication path from the outside, when the connection request does not include the reservation information, the remote control unit 59 refers to the communication path table to check the state of the state. If there is a communication path record in which the item is set to “unused”, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request. When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59 sets the status item of the communication path record to “in use”.

  If the connection request received by the communication I / F unit 112 does not include the reservation information, and there is no communication route record in which the status item is set to “unused”, the remote control unit 59 Do not establish.

  When establishing a communication path, the remote control section 59 controls the communication I / F section 112 to execute processing according to a remote operation received from a device connected via the established communication path.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the remote control process. The remote control process is a process executed by CPU 111 of MFP 100 when CPU 111 executes a remote control program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a device with which short-range communication unit 209 has become able to communicate (step S01). The process waits until the short-range communication unit 209 can communicate with the external device. When the short-range communication unit 209 can communicate with the external device, the process proceeds to step S02. Here, a case where the short-range communication unit 209 can communicate with the smartphone 200 will be described as an example. In step S02, the short-range communication unit 209 acquires the device identification information of the device with which communication is possible. More specifically, a MAC (Media Access Control address) address received from the smartphone 200 with which the short-range communication unit 209 has become communicable is acquired as device identification information. Here, a case where the MAC address of the smartphone is used as the device identification information will be described as an example, but a network address such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to the smartphone 200 in the network 3 may be used.

  In the next step S03, the user is authenticated. If the HDD 115 includes a user record including the device identification information acquired in step S02 among the stored user records, the user identified by the user identification information paired with the device identification information by the user record is identified. Authenticate.

  In step S04, the remote control program executed by the device specified by the device identification information acquired in step S02 is determined. The remote control program determined by the boot program information stored in HDD 115 is determined, and short-range communication section 119 is controlled to transmit a start instruction including a command for executing the determined remote control program to smartphone 200. Upon receiving the activation instruction, smartphone 200 executes a command included in the activation instruction, and executes the remote operation program specified by the activation instruction. Further, the short-range communication unit 119 may be controlled to acquire program identification information for identifying the remote operation program being executed at that time from the smartphone 200. Furthermore, acquisition of the program identification information from the smartphone 200 may be attempted, and when the program identification information cannot be acquired, the remote operation program determined by the startup program information stored in the HDD 115 may be determined.

  In step S05, it is determined whether or not the remote control program determined in step S04 is the second type of remote control program. If the remote control program determined in step S04 is the second type of remote control program, the process proceeds to step S06; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S06, it is determined whether or not there is an available communication path that communication I / F section 112 can establish. If there is a communication path record in the communication path table stored in the HDD 115 in which the status item is set to “unused”, it is determined that the communication path is free. If there is a vacancy in the communication path, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S07, reservation information is generated. For example, a randomly generated sequence is used as the reservation information. Then, a communication path is reserved (step S08). From the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, a communication path record in which the status item is set to “unused” is selected, the status item is set to “reserved”, and the reservation code item is set in step S07. Set the generated reservation information. In next step S09, short-range communication section 119 is controlled to transmit the reservation information generated in step S07 to the portable information device, and the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not communication I / F section 112 has received a connection request. If communication I / F section 112 has received the connection request, the process proceeds to step S11; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S11, a connection process is performed, and the process ends. The connection process will be described later.

  In step S12, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. After receiving the connection request in step S10, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without directly accepting an operation in step S15 described below. If the time during which the direct operation is not received is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S13; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S13, the reservation is released, and the process proceeds to step S14. From the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, a communication path record in which the status item is set to "reserved" is selected, the status item is set to "unused", and the reservation code item is set to blank. I do. In the next step S14, a process of logging out the user authenticated in step S03 is executed, and the process returns to step S01.

  In step S15, it is determined whether a direct operation has been received. The direct operation is an operation accepted by the operation unit 163. If a direct operation has been received, the process proceeds to step S16; otherwise, the process returns to step S10. In step S16, the process is executed according to the direct operation, and the process returns to step S10. The process according to the direct operation includes, for example, a process of switching an operation screen to another operation screen, a process of receiving and setting a set value according to the operation screen, and a process of executing a process according to the set value set up to that time.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the connection process. The connection process is a process executed in step S11 of the remote control process shown in FIG. In step S10 before step S11 is executed, the communication I / F unit 112 has received a connection request from an external device. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 determines whether or not a reserved communication path exists (step S21). If there is a communication path record in which the status item is set to “reserved” in the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, the communication path record is selected and it is determined that the reserved communication path exists. If there is a reserved communication path, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S22, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to request reservation information from the device that has transmitted the connection request. Then, it controls the communication I / F unit 112 to receive the reservation information from the device that has transmitted the connection request (step S23).

  In the next step S24, it is determined whether or not the reservation information received from the smartphone 200 matches the reservation information set in the item of the reservation code of the communication path record selected in step S21. If they match, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S25, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, here, the smartphone 200, and the process proceeds to step S26. If the device that has transmitted the connection request received in step S10 of FIG. 7 is the smartphone 200, the reservation information received from the smartphone 200 in step S23 is transmitted to the smartphone 200 in step S09 of FIG. The information is the same as the reservation information transmitted to the smartphone 200 in step S09 in FIG. Therefore, a communication path reserved for the smartphone 200 that has transmitted the reservation information in step S08 of FIG. 7 can be established with the smartphone 200.

  In step S26, the reservation is released, and the process proceeds to step S30. From the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, a communication path record in which the status item is set to "reserved" is selected, the status item is set to "in use", and a blank is set in the reservation code item. I do.

  In step S27, it is determined whether there is a free communication path that can be established by communication I / F section 112. If there is a communication path record whose status item is set to “unused” from the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, it is determined that the communication path is empty. If there is an available communication path, the process proceeds to step S28; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S28, communication I / F section 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with smartphone 200, and the process proceeds to step S30. At this stage, a communication path record in which “reserved” is set as the status item is selected from the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, and the status item is set to “in use”. In step S29, communication I / F section 112 is controlled to notify smartphone 200 of an error, and the process returns to the remote operation process.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not the remote operation program executed on smartphone 200 is the second type of remote operation program. If the type of the remote control program determined in step S04 of the remote control process is the second type, the process proceeds to step S31; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S31, communication I / F section 112 is controlled to determine whether or not a remote operation has been received. If a remote operation has been received, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S32, a process according to the remote operation is performed, and the process proceeds to step S35. In step S33, it is determined whether a direct operation has been received. If the operation unit 163 receives the operation, it is determined that the operation has been directly received. If a direct operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S34; otherwise, the process returns to step S31.

  In step S34, a process according to the direct operation is performed, and the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, it is determined whether the remote operation received in step S31 or the direct operation received in step S33 is an operation for instructing termination. If so, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the communication path established in step S25 or S28 is disconnected, and the process returns to the remote control process. At this stage, a communication path record corresponding to the communication path established in step S25 or S28 is extracted from the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, and the status item of the extracted communication path record is set to “in use”. From "unused" to "unused". In step S29, communication I / F section 112 is controlled to notify smartphone 200 of an error, and the process returns to the remote operation process.

  When the process proceeds to step S37, a first type of remote control program is being executed in smartphone 200. In step S37, it is set to a state where direct operation cannot be accepted, and the process proceeds to step S38. A state is set in which the operation accepted by the operation unit 163 is canceled. Further, for example, a message “Remote operation is in progress. Operation is not possible.” May be displayed on the display unit 161.

  In step S38, communication I / F section 112 is controlled to transmit an operation screen, and thereafter, it is determined whether or not a remote operation has been received. If a remote operation has been received, the process proceeds to step S39; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S39, a process according to the remote operation received in step S38 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, it is determined whether or not the remote operation received in step S38 is an operation for instructing termination. If so, the process proceeds to step S41; otherwise, the process returns to step S38. In step S41, the communication path established in step S25 or S28 is disconnected, and the process returns to the remote control process. At this stage, a communication path record corresponding to the communication path established in step S25 or S28 is extracted from the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, and the status item of the extracted communication path record is set to “in use”. From "unused" to "unused". In step S29, communication I / F section 112 is controlled to notify smartphone 200 of an error, and the process returns to the remote operation process.

<First Modification of Communication Route Reservation>
In the first modification, the route reservation unit 57 does not use the reservation information. In the first modification, in the communication path table, the device identification information of the device with which the device detection unit 51 has become communicable is set in the item of the reservation code.

  At the time when the type of the remote control program is input from the program determining unit 55, the route reservation unit 57 in the first modified example has a communication route record in which “unused” is set in the status item in the communication route table. If it exists, it is determined that the communication route can be reserved. When the communication route can be reserved, the route reservation unit 57 sets “reserved” in the status item of the communication route record in which “unused” is set in the status item, and detects the device in the reservation code item. The device identification information of the device detected by the unit 51 is set.

  After setting “reserved” in the status item of the communication route record, the route reservation unit 57 in the first modified example changes the status item of the communication route record to “reserved” when a predetermined time has elapsed. In the case of, the status item of the communication path record is set to “unused”. This is because the communication path is effectively used by preventing the state in which the communication path has been reserved from continuing.

  The remote control unit 59 in the first modification controls the communication I / F unit 112, and when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from outside to request the establishment of a communication path, the remote control unit 59 reads the communication path table. With reference to the item of the reservation code, a communication path record in which the same device identification information as the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the connection request is extracted. When extracting such a communication path record, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request. When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59 sets the status item of the communication path record to “in use” and sets the reservation code of the reservation code. Set a blank for the item.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from outside to request the establishment of a communication path, the remote control unit 59 refers to the communication path table and transmits the connection request to the item of the reservation code in the reservation code item. If there is no communication route record with the same device identification information as the device identification information of the corresponding device, refer to the communication route table, and if there is a communication route record with "unused" It controls the I / F unit 112 to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request. When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59 sets the status item of the communication path record to “in use”. The remote control unit 59 refers to the communication path table, and does not establish a communication path when there is no communication path record in which “unused” is set in the status item.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a remote control process according to the first modification. Referring to FIG. 9, the points different from the remote control processing shown in FIG. 7 are that steps S07 and S09 are deleted, and that step S08 is changed to step S08A. If it is determined in step S06 that there is an available communication path, the communication path is reserved in step S08A, and the process proceeds to step S10. From the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, a communication path record in which the status item is set to "unused" is selected, the status item is set to "reserved", and the reservation code item is set in step S02. Set the acquired device identification information.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a connection process according to the first modification. Referring to FIG. 10, the difference from the connection processing shown in FIG. 8 is that step S21 is changed to step S21A, and steps S22 to S24 are deleted. Other processes are the same as those shown in FIG. 8, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here. In step S21A, it is determined whether a reserved communication path exists. In the communication path table stored in the HDD 115, if the device identification information of the smartphone 200 that has become communicable is set in the item of the reservation code, the communication path record is selected, and the reserved communication path exists. I judge it. If there is a reserved communication path, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27.

<Second Modified Example of Reserving Communication Path>
In the second modification, the route reservation unit 57 detects the presence or absence of a communication route that can be established by the communication I / F unit 112 without using a communication route table. Specifically, the route reservation unit 57 determines in advance the upper limit of the number of communication paths that can be established by the communication I / F unit 112, and determines the number of communication routes that the communication I / F unit 112 has established. By detecting, the presence or absence of a communication path that the communication I / F unit 112 can establish is detected.

  When the type of the remote control program is input from the program determining unit 55, the route reservation unit 57 in the second modification example has reached the upper limit value of the number of communication routes already established by the communication I / F unit 112. If not, it is determined that reservation is possible. When determining that the communication route can be reserved, the route reservation unit 57 sets the upper limit value of the communication route that can be established by the communication I / F unit 112 to a value obtained by subtracting “1” and detects the value by the device detection unit 51. The communication route is reserved by storing the device identification information of the device that has been set. For example, when the upper limit value of the number of communication paths that can be simultaneously established by the communication I / F section 112 is “5”, the path reservation section 57 sets, when the type of the remote operation program is input from the program determination section 55, If the number of communication paths established by the communication I / F unit 112 is “4” or less, it is determined that reservation is possible, and the upper limit is set to “4”. On the other hand, if the number of communication paths established by the communication I / F unit 112 is “5”, the path reservation unit 57 in the second modification does not reserve a communication path because a communication path cannot be secured. When the number of communication paths that can be simultaneously established by the communication I / F unit 112 is, for example, one, the path reservation unit 57 sets the communication I / F unit at the time when the type of the remote operation program is input from the program determination unit 55. If there is no communication path established by the F unit 112, the upper limit value is set to “0”. If the communication I / F unit 112 has already established a communication path, the communication path cannot be secured, so the communication path is not reserved. .

  After the reservation information transmitting unit 65 transmits the reservation information, the route reservation unit 57 according to the second modification example has the changed upper limit value, the device identification information of the device detected by the device detection unit 51, and the reservation information. Are output to the remote control unit 59.

  The remote control unit 59 in the second modification controls the communication I / F unit 112 and transmits a connection request when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from outside to request the establishment of a communication path. The device identification information of the device that has performed the request is acquired. When the same device identification information as the acquired device identification information is input from the route reservation unit 57, the remote control unit 59 in the second modification determines that the communication route is reserved. When determining that the communication route is reserved, the remote control unit 59 requests transmission of the reservation information via the communication I / F unit 112. When the communication I / F unit 112 receives the reservation information in response to the request for transmission of the reservation information, the remote control unit 59 compares the received reservation information with the device identification information input from the route reservation unit 57 and It is determined whether or not it is the same as the reservation information to be paired. If the reservation information received by communication I / F unit 112 is the same as the reservation information associated with the device identification information input from route reservation unit 57, remote control unit 59 controls communication I / F unit 112. Thus, a communication path is established with the device that has transmitted the connection request, and the upper limit is increased by “1”. If the reservation information received by the communication I / F unit 112 is different from the reservation information associated with the device identification information input from the path reservation unit 57, the remote control unit 59 does not establish a communication path.

  If the same device identification information as the device identification information acquired from the device that has transmitted the connection request has not been input from the route reservation unit 57, the remote control unit 59 in the second modification example sets the communication I / F unit 112 If the number of communication routes established at that time is smaller than the upper limit value input from the route reservation unit 57, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to communicate with the device that has transmitted the connection request. Is established, but if the number of communication paths established by the communication I / F section 112 at that time is the upper limit value input from the path reservation section 57, the communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request is Do not establish.

  In the second modification, the reservation information may not be used, as in the first modification. In this case, if the same device identification information as the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the connection request received by the communication I / F unit 112 is input from the route reservation unit 57, the remote control unit 59 reserves the communication path. It is determined that the connection has been made, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, and to increase the upper limit value by “1”.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus, and executes a remote operation program executed by the smartphone 200 in response to the short-range communication unit 119 being able to communicate with the smartphone 200. When the determined remote operation program is the second type of application program, the communication path for communicating with the smartphone 200 is reserved, and the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from the smartphone 200. Accordingly, if a communication path corresponding to smartphone 200 is reserved, a communication path with smartphone 200 is established using the reserved communication path. Therefore, when the second type of application program is executed on the smartphone 200, the smartphone 200 reserves a communication path at a stage where the smartphone 200 is located in a predetermined range in which the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate. MFP 100 can be placed in a state in which a communication path with smartphone 200 can be established during a period from being located in the predetermined range to receiving a connection request from smartphone 200. For example, after the user brings the smartphone 200 close to the MFP 100 and the short-range communication unit 119 becomes communicable, after operating the operation panel 160 of the MFP 100, the user starts the second remote operation program and transmits data to the MFP 100 In this case, between the time when the user brings the smartphone 200 close to the MFP 100 and the time when the user remotely controls the MFP 100 with the smartphone 200, the communication I / F unit 112 can establish a communication path even if another user attempts to use the communication path. Since the upper limit is not reached, the probability of establishing a communication path is improved when the user remotely controls MFP 100 using smartphone 200.

  In addition, MFP 100 authenticates the user to which smartphone 200 is assigned in response to short-range communication section 119 becoming communicable with smartphone 200, and reserves a communication path when authentication is successful. Therefore, it is not necessary to authenticate the user at the stage of establishing a communication path with the smartphone 200 via the communication I / F unit 112. The MFP 100 communicates with the smartphone 200 via the communication I / F unit between the time when the short-range communication unit 119 performs authentication using the device identification information received from the smartphone 200 and the time when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from the smartphone 200. At 112, a communication path can be established.

  Further, the reservation information transmitted to the smartphone 200 by the MFP 100 and the smartphone 200 with which the short-range communication unit 119 communicates, and the reservation information included in the connection request including the transmitted reservation information by the communication I / F unit 112 is transmitted to the smartphone 200. Under the same conditions as above, a communication path is established with the smartphone 200 via the communication I / F unit 112. For this reason, devices connected via the communication I / F unit 112 can be limited to the smartphone 200 that has transmitted the reservation information. For this reason, security can be strengthened.

  In addition, the device identification information of the smartphone 200 with which the short-range communication unit 119 has become communicable is associated with a communication path for the communication I / F unit 112 to communicate with the smartphone 200, and the connection request received by the communication I / F unit 112. When the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the communication is associated with the communication route, the communication route is established with the smartphone 200. For this reason, it is possible to limit the devices connected via the reserved communication path to devices with which the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate.

<Second embodiment>
The general outline of the remote control system according to the second embodiment is the same as the general outline shown in FIG. The appearance and hardware configuration of MFP 100 according to the second embodiment are the same as the appearance and hardware configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The hardware configuration of the smartphone 200 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the description will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the points different from the functions shown in FIG. 5 are that path reservation section 57 and remote control section 59 are changed to path reservation section 57A and remote control section 59A, respectively, operation detection section 71 and cancellation. This is the point that the unit 73 has been added. The other functions are the same as those shown in FIG. 5, and therefore, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The type of the remote control program is input from the program determination unit 55 to the route reservation unit 57A, and the device identification information of the device with which the short-range communication unit 119 has become communicable is input from the authentication unit 53. Here, a case where the short-range communication unit 119 can communicate with the smartphone 200 will be described as an example.

  The route reservation unit 57A reserves a communication route in response to input of the device identification information from the authentication unit 53. Note that the CPU 111 may not include the authentication unit 53. In this case, when the device detection unit 51 detects a device that has become communicable, the route reservation unit 57A receives the device identification information from the device detection unit 51. The route reservation unit 57A reserves a communication route in response to input of the device identification information from the device detection unit 51. When the type of the remote control program is the first type from the program determination unit 55, the route reservation unit 57A does not reserve a communication route even if device identification information is input from the authentication unit 53 or the device detection unit 51. This is because, when the first type of remote control program is executed on the smartphone 200, the smartphone 200 immediately tries to connect to the communication I / F unit 112 when the smartphone 200 can communicate with the short-range communication unit 119.

  Further, the CPU 111 according to the second embodiment may not include the program determining unit 55. In this case, the route reservation unit 57A reserves a communication route in response to input of device identification information from the authentication unit 53 or the device detection unit 51.

  The path reservation unit 57A reserves a communication path when the number of communication paths already established by the communication I / F unit 112 does not reach the upper limit at the time when the device identification information is input from the authentication unit 53. However, if the number of communication paths already established by the communication I / F unit 112 has reached the upper limit, the communication path is not reserved.

  The route reservation unit 57A determines whether or not the number of communication routes already established by the communication I / F unit 112 has reached the upper limit at the time when the device identification information is input from the authentication unit 53. The communication path table shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the HDD 115 in order to determine whether the communication path is reserved. In the communication path table according to the second embodiment, in the path number item, a number assigned to a communication path that can be established is set in the path number item, and the state of the communication path is set in the state item. Is set, and the device identification information of the device to be communicated with is set in the item of the reservation code.

  When the device identification information is input from the authentication unit 53, the route reservation unit 57A determines that a communication route can be reserved if there is a communication route record in which “unused” is set in the status item in the communication route table. to decide. When the communication route can be reserved, the route reservation unit 57 sets “reserved” in the status item of the communication route record in which “unused” is set in the status item, and sets the authentication unit in the reservation code item. The device identification information input from 53 is set. The route reservation unit 57A outputs a reservation signal to the cancel unit 73 in response to reserving a communication route. The reservation signal includes the number set in the path number item of the communication path record in which “unused” is set in the state item.

  The operation detection unit 71 detects an operation input to the operation unit 163 by the user. The operation detecting unit 71 outputs operation identification information for identifying the operation to the canceling unit 73 in response to detecting the operation by the user.

  The cancel unit 73 cancels the reservation of the communication path when the user does not operate the operation unit 163 after the communication path is reserved. Specifically, the cancel unit 73 outputs a cancel signal to the route reservation unit 57A when a predetermined time period during which no operation identification information is input from the operation detection unit 71 elapses after the reservation signal is input from the route reservation unit 57A. I do. The cancel signal includes a number included in the reservation signal. For example, the cancel unit 73 outputs a cancel signal to the route reservation unit 57A when a predetermined time has elapsed without input of operation identification information from the operation detection unit 71 after the reservation signal is input from the route reservation unit 57A. Further, the cancellation unit 73 receives the operation identification information from the operation detection unit 71 before the predetermined time elapses after the reservation signal is input from the route reservation unit 57A, and thereafter, receives the operation identification information from the operation detection unit 71. When a predetermined time has elapsed without being input, a cancel signal is output to the route reservation unit 57A.

  After outputting the reservation signal to the cancel unit 73, the route reservation unit 57A cancels the reservation of the communication route when the cancel signal is input from the cancel unit 73. Specifically, when the cancel signal is input from the cancel unit 73, the route reservation unit 57A stores the communication route record in which the same number as the number included in the cancel signal is set in the item of the route number from the communication route table. If "Reserved" is set in the status item of the extracted communication route record, set the status item of the communication route record to "Unused" and leave a blank in the reservation code item. Set. When the cancel signal is input from the cancel unit 73, the route reservation unit 57A extracts a communication route record in which the same number as the number included in the cancel signal is set in the item of the route number from the communication route table and is extracted. If “Used” or “Unused” is set in the status item of the communication path record that was set, it means that the reserved communication path is being used or has been used. Do not change the record.

  The remote control unit 59A controls the communication I / F unit 112, and when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from outside to request the establishment of a communication path, the device identification of the device that transmitted the connection request. Get information. The remote control unit 59A refers to the communication path table and extracts a communication path record in which the same apparatus identification information as the apparatus identification information of the apparatus that has transmitted the connection request in the item of the reservation code is extracted. If “reserved” is set in the item of the state of the communication path record, the communication I / F unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request. When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59A sets the status item of the communication path record to “in use”.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from outside to request the establishment of a communication path, the remote control unit 59A stores, in the communication path table, the apparatus identification information of the apparatus that has transmitted the connection request to the item of the reservation code. If there is no communication path record in which the same device identification information is set, the communication path table having the status item set to “unused” is extracted with reference to the communication path table. When the communication path record in which the status item is set to “unused” is extracted from the communication path table, the remote control unit 59A controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the connection request to the communication path record. Establish a communication path between When the communication I / F unit 112 establishes a communication path with the device that has transmitted the connection request, the remote control unit 59A sets the status item of the extracted communication path record to “in use”. If the communication path record in which the status item is set to “unused” is not extracted from the communication path table, the remote control unit 59A controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the connection request to the device that has transmitted the connection request. Notify error and do not establish communication path.

  When establishing a communication path, the remote control section 59A controls the communication I / F section 112 to execute processing according to a remote operation received from a device connected via the established communication path.

  The CPU 111 included in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment executes the remote control processing shown in FIGS. Steps S04, S05, and S06 may not be performed. In this case, when the user is authenticated in step S03, the process proceeds to step S08A, and reserves a communication path. Steps S03 and S14 may not be performed. In this case, in step S02, when the short-range communication unit 119 acquires the device identification information of the device with which communication is possible, the process proceeds to step S08A, and reserves a communication path.

  The MFP 100 according to the second embodiment reserves a communication path in response to the short-range communication unit 119 being able to communicate with the smartphone 200, and accepts a user operation via the operation panel 160 after reserving the communication path. When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from the smartphone 200 when the communication route is reserved, if the communication I / F unit 112 receives a connection request from the smartphone 200, the reserved communication route is canceled. To establish a communication path with the smartphone 200. For this reason, when the user brings the smartphone 200 close to the MFP 100 and the short-range communication unit 119 becomes communicable, a communication path is reserved, and the MFP 100 is operated until a predetermined time elapses after the user's operation is accepted on the operation panel 160. A communication path with the smartphone 200 can be established. For this reason, the operation input by the user to the operation panel 160 can be enabled before the user brings the smartphone 200 close to the MFP 100 and before the smartphone 200 executes the second type of remote operation program. Therefore, the user can remotely operate MFP 100 using smartphone 200 following the operation on operation panel 160. As a result, the operation input to the operation panel 160 before the remote operation using the smartphone 200 can be transferred to the remote operation using the smartphone 200.

  Further, MFP 100 does not reserve a communication path when the remote operation program executed on smartphone 200 is the first type of remote operation program. When the first type of remote control program is executed on the smartphone 200, the smartphone 200 transmits a connection request to the MFP 100 by controlling the wireless LAN I / F 209 as soon as the short-range communication unit 209 can communicate with the MFP 100. This is because there is no need to reserve a communication path. Therefore, the communication path can be used effectively without reserving the communication path.

  In addition, in response to the short-range communication unit 119 being able to communicate with the smartphone 200, the user is authenticated, and an operation accepted by the operation unit 163 after successful authentication is accepted as an operation by the authenticated user. For this reason, the operation accepted by the user on the operation unit 163 can be transferred to the remote operation of the MFP 100 using the smartphone 200 by the user.

  In the first and second embodiments, MFP 100 is described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, any apparatus having a function of processing an image may be a printer or a facsimile apparatus. . Further, it goes without saying that the invention can be grasped as a remote control method for causing MFP 100 to execute the remote control processing shown in FIGS. .

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

<Appendix>
(1) The program determining means determines a predetermined application program,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising an activation unit that activates the determined application program in the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates.
(2) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the program determination unit acquires a type of an application program from the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates.
(3) a reservation information transmitting unit that transmits reservation information to the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates;
Associating means for associating the transmitted reservation information with a communication path for the second communication means to communicate with the portable information device,
The remote control means may include a communication path corresponding to the portable information device when the reservation information received by the second device-side communication means from the portable information device is associated with a communication path by the associating means. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus determines that a reservation is made.
(4) The path reservation unit communicates device identification information for identifying the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates, for the second communication unit to communicate with the portable information device. Means for associating with the route,
The remote control unit, when the device identification information for identifying the device with which the second device-side communication unit can communicate, is associated with the communication path by the association unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein it is determined that the corresponding communication path is reserved.

  1 remote control system, 3 networks, 5 radio stations, 100 MFP, 200 smartphone, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 118 CD-ROM, 119 short-range communication section, 120 automatic document feeder, 130 document reading section, 140 image forming section, 150 sheet feeding section, 155 post-processing section, 160 operation panel, 161 display section, 163 operation section, 165 Touch panel, 167 hard key unit, 201 CPU, 202 camera, 203 flash memory, 204 wireless communication unit, 205 communication unit, 206 display unit, 207 operation unit, 207A main key, 207B touch panel, 208 LAN I / F, 209 Communication unit, 210 acceleration sensor, 211 external storage device, 211A CD-ROM, 51 device detection unit, 53 authentication unit, 55 program determination unit, 57, 57A route reservation unit, 59, 59A remote control unit, 61 activation unit, 63 A program type acquisition unit, 65 reservation information transmission unit, 71 operation detection unit, 73 cancellation unit;

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus, a portable information device capable of remotely controlling the image forming apparatus, a remote control system comprising:
The portable information device includes a first portable communication unit capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range,
A second portable communication means different from the first portable communication means,
A process for controlling the second mobile communication unit to establish a communication path with the image forming apparatus in response to the first mobile communication unit becoming communicable with the image forming apparatus. First remote control means for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus by executing a predetermined first type of application program;
By executing a second type of application program that defines processing for establishing a communication path with the image forming apparatus by controlling the second portable communication unit in response to a predetermined operation by a user Second remote control means for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication unit different from the first device-side communication unit,
Program determining means for determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device;
A path reservation unit that reserves a communication path for the second device-side communication unit to communicate with the portable information device when the determined application program is the second type of application program;
In response to the second device-side communication means receiving a connection request from the portable information device, when the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by the route reserving device, the second device Remote control means for controlling a device-side communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path. First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication unit different from the first device-side communication unit,
Said first device side communication means in response to being able to communicate with mobile information device, and a program determining means for determining an application program executed by the portable information device,
The first application program determines a process of establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication unit in response to the determined application program becoming communicable with the first device-side communication unit. A second type of application program, which is a program different from the type of application program and which defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in accordance with a predetermined operation by a user In the case of, a path reservation means for reserving a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device,
In response to the second device-side communication means receiving a connection request from the portable information device, when the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by the route reserving device, the second device A remote control unit that controls a device-side communication unit to establish a communication route with the portable information device using the reserved communication route. An authentication unit that authenticates a user assigned to the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication unit becoming communicable with the portable information device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the path reservation unit reserves a communication path when the authentication by the authentication unit succeeds. The program determining means determines a predetermined application program,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an activation unit that activates the determined application program in the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates. 5.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the program determining unit acquires a type of an application program from the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates. A reservation information transmitting unit that transmits reservation information to the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates;
Associating means for associating the transmitted reservation information with a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device,
The remote control unit corresponds to the portable information device on condition that the reservation information received from the portable information device by the second device-side communication unit is associated with a communication path by the association unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a communication path is established. A communication path for the second device-side communication unit to communicate with the portable information device by using device identification information for identifying the portable information device with which the first device-side communication unit communicates; Means for associating with
The remote control unit, when the device identification information for identifying the device with which the second device-side communication unit can communicate, is associated with the communication path by the association unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that a corresponding communication path is reserved. Operation receiving means for receiving an operation by the user;
First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication unit different from the first device-side communication unit,
Path reservation means for reserving a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means becoming communicable with the portable information device;
After a communication route is reserved by the route reservation unit, when a predetermined time has elapsed without an operation being received by the operation reception unit, a cancellation unit that cancels the reservation of the communication route,
When the second device-side communication means receives a connection request from the portable information device, and when the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved by the route reserving device, the second device side Remote control means for controlling communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path. Program determining means for determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device;
The path reservation unit is a second type of application in which the determined application program determines a process of establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication unit in response to a predetermined operation by a user. A program that is different from the program, and that defines a process of establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication unit in response to being able to communicate with the first device-side communication unit. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a communication path is not reserved in the case of one type of application program. An authentication unit that authenticates a user to which the portable information device is assigned, in response to the first device-side communication unit being able to communicate with the portable information device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation accepting unit accepts an operation accepted after successful authentication by the authentication unit as an operation by the authenticated user. A remote control method executed by an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication means different from the first device-side communication means,
A program determining step of determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication unit being able to communicate with the portable information device;
The first application program determines a process of establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication unit in response to the determined application program becoming communicable with the first device-side communication unit. A second type of application program, which is a program different from the type of application program and which defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in accordance with a predetermined operation by a user In the case of, a path reservation step in which the second device-side communication means reserves a communication path for communicating with the portable information device;
In response to the second device-side communication means receiving a connection request from the portable information device, if the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved in the route reservation step , the second device A remote control step of controlling a device-side communication means to establish a communication route with the portable information device using the reserved communication route. A remote control method executed by an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Operation receiving means for receiving an operation by the user;
First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication means different from the first device-side communication means,
A path reservation step of reserving a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device;
After a communication route is reserved in the route reservation step, when a predetermined time elapses without an operation being received by the operation receiving unit, a cancellation step of canceling the reservation of the communication route,
When the second device-side communication means receives a connection request from the portable information device, if the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved in the route reserving step , the second device side A remote control step of controlling communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path. A remote control program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication means different from the first device-side communication means,
A program determining step of determining an application program to be executed on the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication unit being able to communicate with the portable information device;
The first application program determines a process of establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication unit in response to the determined application program becoming communicable with the first device-side communication unit. A second type of application program, which is a program different from the type of application program and which defines processing for establishing a communication path with the second device-side communication means in accordance with a predetermined operation by a user In the case of, a path reservation step in which the second device-side communication means reserves a communication path for communicating with the portable information device;
In response to the second device-side communication means receiving a connection request from the portable information device, if the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved in the route reservation step , the second device A remote control step of controlling the device-side communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path. A remote control program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus remotely operated by a portable information device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Operation receiving means for receiving an operation by the user;
First device-side communication means capable of communicating with a device located within a predetermined range;
A second device-side communication means different from the first device-side communication means,
A path reservation step of reserving a communication path for the second device-side communication means to communicate with the portable information device in response to the first device-side communication means being able to communicate with the portable information device;
After a communication route is reserved in the route reservation step, when a predetermined time elapses without an operation being received by the operation receiving unit, a cancellation step of canceling the reservation of the communication route,
When the second device-side communication means receives a connection request from the portable information device, if the communication route corresponding to the portable information device is reserved in the route reserving step , the second device side A remote control step of controlling communication means to establish a communication path with the portable information device using the reserved communication path.

Images