JP2006066966A - Information notification system and communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information notification system enabling a user to grasp various kinds of information concerning electric devices when the user is at a place distant from the electric devices such as a printer or a personal computer. <P>SOLUTION: When an image photographing unit of a cellular phone photographs the printer (YES in S1), a judging unit judges whether or not the same or similar image as or to data of the image of the photographed printer is stored in a storage unit (S2). If the judging unit judges that the same or similar image is stored in the storage unit (YES in S3), a communication unit receives print-out progress information concerning the printer from the printer corresponding to the image data in the storage unit which are judged to be the same or similar (S4, S5), and a display unit displays the print-out progress information (S6). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information such as printout progress information from an electrical device such as a printer by a communication device.

Conventionally, when data is sent from a personal computer to an image forming apparatus such as a printer at a remote location to perform printout, it is not possible to grasp the progress of the printout unless it is close to the printer. It was. In order to solve such a situation, for example, in the online control information notification device disclosed in Patent Document 1, information related to the printer (output completion, failure occurrence, etc.) is monitored by the output state recognition means 26 of the online control system 20. The result is displayed on the display 31 via the interrupt processing control means 25, the display output control means 23, and the output means 24.
JP-A-8-36549

  However, in the above-mentioned online control information notification device, information about the printer cannot be grasped unless it is within a range where the network-connected display 31 is visible. For this reason, the operator cannot leave the display 31 (personal computer or the like) or the vicinity of the printer 33 when he / she wants to know whether the printer has completed the printout or whether a trouble has occurred. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an information notification system capable of grasping various types of information related to an electric device even when it is away from the electric device such as a printer or a personal computer. It is intended to do.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information related to one or more electrical devices by a communication device,
The electrical equipment includes information collection means for collecting equipment information related to the electrical equipment, and information transmission means for sending the equipment information collected by the information collection means to the communication means of the communication device,
The communication apparatus is the same as or approximate to image data of an electric device photographed by the photographing means for photographing a subject, image data storage means for storing image data indicating an outer shape of one or more electric devices, and the photographing means. Determination means for determining whether or not the image data is stored in the image data storage means, and in this determination means, image data that is the same as or approximate to the image data of the electrical equipment imaged by the imaging means is obtained. A communication unit that receives the device information from an electrical device corresponding to the image data in the image data storage unit that is determined to be the same or approximate when it is determined that the image data is stored in the image data storage unit; And an informing means for informing the device information received by the communication means.

  In this configuration, when the electric device is photographed by the photographing unit of the communication apparatus, it is determined whether or not the image data storage unit stores image data that is the same or approximate to the image data of the electric device photographed by the photographing unit. The determination means determines. When the determination means determines that the same or approximate image data is stored in the image data storage means, the communication means corresponds to the image data in the image data storage means determined to be the same or approximate. Device information about the electric device is received from the electric device. At this time, on the electric device side, the information transmitting unit transmits the device information collected by the information collecting unit to the communication unit of the communication device. And in a communication apparatus, an alerting | reporting means alert | reports the apparatus information which the receiving means received from this electric equipment.

The invention according to claim 2 is the information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the image data storage means stores image data of an image forming apparatus as the one or more electrical devices, Stores image data indicating the outer shape common to general image forming apparatuses,
The image data of the subject photographed by the photographing means by the judging means is not the same as or approximate to the image data of each image forming apparatus stored in the image data storage means. When it is determined that the image data representing the outer shape common to the image forming apparatus matches the image data, the image forming apparatus photographed by the photographing unit is notified of the message that the apparatus information cannot be reported. Means are notified.

  In this configuration, the image data of the image forming apparatus photographed by the photographing unit is not the same as or approximate to the image data of each image forming apparatus stored in the image data storage unit. If it is determined by the determining means that the image data indicating the external shape common to the image data coincides with the image data, the notification means that the image forming apparatus photographed by the photographing means is an image forming apparatus that cannot notify the device information. This message is announced.

The invention according to claim 3 is the information notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image data storage means stores image data of an image forming apparatus as the one or more electrical devices. And storing image data indicating an outer shape common to general image forming apparatuses,
The image data of the subject photographed by the photographing means is not the same as or approximate to the image data of each image forming apparatus stored in the image data storage means by the judging means, and the general When it is determined that the image data does not match the image data indicating the outer shape common to the image forming apparatus, the notification unit notifies the message that prompts the imaging unit to perform another imaging.

  In this configuration, the image data of the subject photographed by the photographing means is not the same as or approximate to each image data stored in the image data storage means, and an image showing an external shape common to a general image forming apparatus When it is determined that the data does not coincide with the data, the notifying means notifies a message that prompts the photographing means to redo the photographing.

The invention according to claim 4 is a communication device that acquires and notifies device information relating to one or more electrical devices,
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Image data storage means for storing image data indicating the outer shape of one or more electrical devices;
A determination unit that determines whether or not image data that is the same as or approximate to the image data of the electrical device imaged by the imaging unit is stored in the image data storage unit;
When it is determined by the determination means that the same or approximate image data as the image data of the electrical equipment imaged by the imaging means is stored in the image data storage means, the same or approximate determination is made. Communication means for receiving the equipment information from the electrical equipment corresponding to the image data stored in the image data storage means;
And a notifying means for notifying the device information received by the communication means.

  In this configuration, when the electric device is photographed by the photographing means, the judging means determines whether or not the image data storage means stores image data that is the same or approximate to the image data of the electric device photographed by the photographing means. to decide. If the determination means determines that the same or approximate image data is stored in the image data storage means, the communication means adds the image data in the image data storage means determined to be the same or approximate. The device information about the electric device is received from the corresponding electric device, and the notification unit notifies the received device information.

The invention according to claim 5 is an information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information relating to one or more electrical devices by a communication device,
The electrical equipment includes information collection means for collecting equipment information related to the electrical equipment, and information transmission means for sending the equipment information collected by the information collection means to the communication means of the communication device,
The communication device includes a photographing unit that photographs a subject, a symbol image data storage unit that stores data of one or more predetermined symbol images in association with any one of the one or more electrical devices, Determining means for determining whether or not the symbol image data stored in the symbol image data storage means is the same as or similar to the symbol image data captured by the imaging means; When it is determined that symbol image data that is the same as or approximate to the captured symbol image data is stored in the symbol image data storage means, the device information is obtained from the electrical device associated with the symbol image. And a communication means for receiving the device information received by the communication means. It is intended.

  In this configuration, when the symbol image attached to the electrical device is captured by the imaging unit of the communication apparatus, the symbol image data storage unit stores the same or approximate symbol image data as the symbol image data captured by the imaging unit. The judging means judges whether or not it is stored in the memory. When it is determined by the determination means that the same or approximate symbol image data is stored in the symbol image data storage means, the communication means transmits the electric signal from the electric device associated with the photographed symbol image. Receive device information about a device. At this time, on the electric device side, the information transmitting unit transmits the device information collected by the information collecting unit to the communication unit of the communication device. And in a communication apparatus, an alerting | reporting means alert | reports the apparatus information which the communication means received from this electric equipment.

The invention according to claim 6 is an information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information related to one or more electrical devices by a communication device,
The electrical equipment includes information collection means for collecting equipment information related to the electrical equipment, and information transmission means for sending the equipment information collected by the information collection means to the communication means of the communication device,
The communication device includes a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object, a distance data storage unit that stores data of each distance from the one or more electric devices, and an object measured by the distance measuring unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not distance data that is the same as or approximate to the distance is stored in the distance data storage unit, and in this determination unit, the same distance as the object measured by the distance measurement unit Alternatively, when it is determined that approximate distance data is stored in the distance data storage unit, the communication unit receives the device information from the electric device associated with the distance data, and the communication unit And a notifying means for notifying the received device information.

  According to this configuration, when the distance to the electrical device as the distance measuring object is measured by the distance measuring means of the communication device, the distance is the same as or approximate to the distance measured by the distance measuring means. The determining means determines whether or not the data is stored in the distance data storage means. When the determination unit determines that the same or approximate distance data is stored in the distance data storage unit, the communication unit receives device information about the electric device from the electric device associated with the distance data. To do. At this time, on the electric device side, the information transmitting unit transmits the device information collected by the information collecting unit to the communication unit of the communication device. And in a communication apparatus, an alerting | reporting means alert | reports the apparatus information which the communication means received from this electric equipment.

  According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, when an electric device is photographed by the photographing unit of the communication device, the information about the electric device is reported by the notifying unit of the communication device. Even if it is a place away from an electrical device such as an image forming apparatus or a personal computer, it is possible to grasp various information about the electrical device if the communication device is possessed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus of a type that cannot be notified of device information depending on the communication device is an image forming device that cannot be notified of device information when the operator has taken a picture. Since the message is notified, the operator can accurately grasp that the electric device for which the device information cannot be obtained is being photographed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the operator has photographed a subject that is not an image forming device with the photographing means of the communication device, a message prompting the user to redo the photographing is notified. The operator can quickly grasp that he / she is performing an incorrect operation.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, if a symbol image attached to an electrical device is photographed by the photographing means of the communication device, the notification device of the communication device uses the device of the electrical device to which the symbol image is attached. Since the information is notified, the operator can grasp various kinds of information related to the electric device even if the operator is in a place away from the electric device such as an image forming apparatus or a personal computer, as long as the user has the communication device. It becomes possible. Further, since it is sufficient to shoot only the symbol image portion attached to the electric device without having to shoot the entire electric device, the time and effort of photographing that should be performed when it is desired to grasp the device information becomes relatively simple. Furthermore, the amount of data that needs to be stored in the image data storage means of the communication device can be reduced, and the processing burden when determining whether the two image data match or not can be reduced.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the distance to the electrical device is measured by the distance measuring unit of the communication device, the device information of the electrical device targeted for the distance measurement is notified by the notification unit of the communication device. Therefore, even if the operator is away from the electrical apparatus such as an image forming apparatus or a personal computer, the operator can grasp various information about the electrical apparatus if he / she has the communication apparatus. . In addition, the image data storage means of the communication device may store distance data indicating the distance between the electric device and the communication device without storing image data indicating the entire electric device or symbol image data. Therefore, the amount of data that needs to be stored in the image data storage means of the communication device can be further reduced.

  Hereinafter, an information notification system and a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information notification system according to the present invention. An information notification system 1 according to the present invention includes a mobile phone (an example of a communication apparatus according to the present invention) 2 and one or more printers (an example of an electrical apparatus and an image forming apparatus in the claims).

  The mobile phone 2 includes an image capturing unit (imaging unit) 21, a control unit 22, a ROM 23, a RAM 24, an operation unit 25, a communication I / F 26, a display unit (an example of a notification unit) 27, and telephone communication. Unit 28 and a storage unit (image data storage means) 29.

  The image photographing unit (imaging means) 21 is composed of a small imaging device having a CCD or the like. The ROM 23 stores various operation programs. The RAM 24 is used as an operation area for the control unit 22. The operation unit 25 receives an instruction input from the outside by a manual operation by an operator. The communication I / F 26 functions as an interface for performing various data transmission / reception with the printer 3 and the like.

  The display unit 27 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, and displays an operation guidance message for the operator, a subject image captured by the image capturing unit 21, and various information about the printer 3 received from the printer 3. indicate. The telephone communication unit 28 executes various processes necessary for telephone communication using a public telephone line.

  The storage unit 29 stores image data indicating the outer shape of one or more printers, and stores ID information (identification: individual identification information) of a specific printer in association with each printer image data.

  The control unit 22 includes a determination unit (determination unit) 221, a communication unit (communication unit) 222, and a control unit 223. The determination unit 221 determines whether the image data of the subject captured by the image capturing unit 21 matches the printer image data stored in the storage unit 29. When the matching image data is present in the storage unit 29, the determination unit 221 determines that the printer photographed by the image photographing unit 21 based on the ID information associated with the matched image data is a mobile phone. 2 is identified from among the printers 3 set in advance as printers 3 that can communicate with the printer 2.

  The communication unit 222 transmits information about the printer 3 such as printout progress information (information indicating how many printouts have been completed) to the printer 3 specified by the determination unit 221. Requests transmission, and receives information about the printer 3 from the printer 3. The information related to the printer 3 includes, in addition to the printout progress information, information on the occurrence and location of a paper jam, information indicating how to deal with the occurrence of a paper jam, maintenance information, information on the operation, operation and maintenance of the printer, and operation guidance. Information (so-called help information, troubleshooting information) or the like, which corresponds to device information in the claims.

  The control unit 223 controls the operation of each unit of the mobile phone 2. The control unit 22 may be configured such that each of the determination unit 221, the communication unit 222, and the control unit 223 is individually configured with a circuit or the like, or determined by the CPU according to an operation program stored in the ROM 23 or the like. The unit 221, the communication unit 222, and the control unit 223 may be configured to operate. The communication I / F 26 is an interface capable of data communication with the printer 3 and is preferably a wireless communication system such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), but is a USB (universal serial bus) of a wired communication system. May be.

  The printer 3 includes a control unit 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an operation unit 34, an image forming unit 35, and a communication I / F 36. The ROM 32 stores various operation programs. The RAM 33 is used as an operation area of the control unit 31. The operation unit 34 receives input of various printer operation instructions from the operator. The image forming unit 35 prints data received from a network-connected personal computer on a recording sheet by, for example, electrophotography. The communication I / F 36 is an interface capable of data communication with the printer 3 and is preferably a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), but may be a USB (universal serial bus).

  The control unit 31 includes an information collection unit (information collection unit) 311, an information transmission unit (information transmission unit) 312, and a control unit 313.

  The information collection unit 311 collects information on the printer 3 in a timely manner, such as how many printouts have been completed (printout progress information), the occurrence of a paper jam, and the location of the occurrence. The information collection unit 311 stores the printout progress information and paper jam occurrence / occurrence location information collected in a timely manner, and also stores various information such as information indicating how to deal with the occurrence of a paper jam and maintenance information. Accumulated.

  The information transmission unit 312 transmits various information related to the printer 3 collected by the information collection unit 311 to the mobile phone 2. Specifically, the information transmission unit 312 transmits the various information related to the printer 3 to the communication unit 222 of the mobile phone 2 via the communication I / F 36 and the communication I / F 26 on the mobile phone 2 side.

  The control unit 313 controls the operation of each unit of the printer 3. The control unit 31 may be configured such that each of the information collection unit 311, the information transmission unit 312, and the control unit 313 is individually configured with a circuit or the like, or according to an operation program stored in the ROM 32 or the like. May be configured to operate as the information collection unit 311, the information transmission unit 312, and the control unit 313.

  Next, a first embodiment of information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention. When the operator shoots the printer as a subject by the image shooting unit 21 of the mobile phone 2 (YES in S1), the determination unit 221 stores the image data of the printer shot by the image shooting unit 21 and the storage unit 29. It is determined whether or not the printer image data matches (S2).

  The process for determining whether the two image data match or not is performed as follows. The determination unit 221 determines whether each printer image stored in advance in the storage unit 29 is a model picture (original picture) and the printer image exists in the image captured by the image capturing unit 21. To do. If it exists, the degree of data coincidence with the model picture is calculated, and when the degree of coincidence reaches a predetermined value set in advance, it is determined that both image data coincide. Therefore, the “matching” of the image data here includes not only the case where the two image data completely match, but also the case where the two image data are not matched completely but approximate.

  If the determination unit 221 determines that there is image data that matches the image data of the printer captured by the image capturing unit 21 in the storage unit 29 (YES in S3), the determination unit 221 uses the matched image data in the storage unit 29 as the corresponding image data. Based on the associated ID information, the printer that has taken the image is identified as a pre-scheduled printer, and the communication unit 222 performs a printout process for the identified printer. Request for transmission of information (an example of information related to the printer) is made (S4).

  In the printer 3, based on the printout progress information transmission request from the mobile phone 2 (YES in P1), the information collection unit 311 checks how many printouts have been completed at that time, and printout progress information Is collected (P2). When the printout progress information is collected, the information transmission unit 312 transmits the printout progress information to the mobile phone 2 (P3).

  In the mobile phone 2, when the communication unit 222 receives the printout progress information from the printer (YES in S5), the display unit 27 displays the received printout progress information (S6). That is, the display unit 27 displays how many prints have been completed in the printer.

  Thus, if the operator takes a picture of the printer with the cellular phone 2 at hand, the display unit 27 of the cellular phone 2 can view information such as the printout progress of the printer. However, if the user has the mobile phone 2, various information regarding the printer can be grasped.

  A second embodiment of information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention. In addition, about the process similar to 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, symbol image data is stored in the storage unit 29 as a picture of the model, and printer identification information is stored in association with the symbol image data. Then, the determination unit 221 determines that the image data of the symbol image portion attached to the printer, which is captured by the image capturing unit 21 of the mobile phone 2, matches the symbol image data stored in the storage unit 29. In this case, based on the printer identification information stored in the storage unit 29 in association with the symbol image data, a printer that should receive information about the printer such as printout progress information is specified. As this symbol image, for example, an image of an individual identification number assigned to a printer, or an image of a characteristic outer shape portion (such as an operation panel unit) that is different for each printer can be used.

  When the operator photographs a symbol image attached to a printer used for printout as a subject (YES in S11), the determination unit 221 matches the symbol image data captured by the image capturing unit 21. It is searched whether the data is stored in the storage unit 29 (S12).

  If the determination unit 221 determines that symbol image data that matches the data of the symbol image captured by the image capturing unit 21 is stored in the storage unit 29 (YES in S13), the determination unit 221 Based on the ID information associated with the corresponding symbol image data in the storage unit 29, the printer imaged by the image imaging unit 21 is identified as a pre-scheduled printer. The communication unit 222 requests the specified printer to transmit printout progress information (an example of information related to the printer) (S4).

  Accordingly, even if the operator does not shoot the entire printer by the image capturing unit 21 of the mobile phone 2, only the symbol image portion attached to the printer can be captured. Information can be obtained. For this reason, it is relatively easy for the operator to take a picture when he / she wants to grasp information about the printer. In addition, the data amount of the model picture image stored in the storage unit 29 of the mobile phone 2 can be reduced, and the processing load on the determination unit 221 when the two image data are compared can be reduced.

  A third embodiment of the information notification process by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention. In addition, about the process similar to 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the mobile phone 2 is provided with a distance measuring mechanism (ranging means) such as a laser distance sensor, and the storage unit 29 includes one or more printers and the mobile phone 2. Is stored in association with the identification information of each printer. When the operator measures the distance between the printer and the mobile phone 2 by the distance measuring mechanism (YES in S21), the determination unit 221 displays the distance data that matches the measured distance data as the storage unit. It is searched whether it is stored in 29 (S22). If the matching distance data is stored in the storage unit 29 (YES in S23), the printer that is the object of distance measurement by the operator based on the printer identification information associated with the distance data is The determination unit 221 identifies which printer is a pre-scheduled printer.

  Then, the communication unit 222 requests the specified printer to transmit information about the printer such as printout progress information (S4), and receives information about the printer from the printer (S5).

  As a result, the storage unit 29 of the mobile phone 2 may store distance data indicating the distance between the mobile phone 2 and the printer 3 without storing printer image data or symbol image data. Information about the printer, such as printout progress information, can be obtained from the printer that is the target of the distance measurement. Therefore, the amount of data that needs to be stored in the storage unit 29 of the mobile phone 2 can be reduced, and the burden on the determination unit 221 during the printer specifying process can be reduced.

  In addition, the process which combined both the process which specifies a printer by the image data comparison shown in the said 1st or 2nd embodiment, and the process which specifies a printer based on the distance data shown in 3rd Embodiment is employ | adopted. Thus, the certainty of the printer can be improved.

  A fourth embodiment of information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the information notification processing by the information notification system 1 according to the present invention. In addition, about the process similar to 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the above-described image data indicating a plurality of printers, the storage unit 29 of the mobile phone 2 stores model image data indicating an external shape common to general printers. . That is, image data for determining whether the subject is a printer or something other than a printer is stored in the storage unit 29. If the determination unit 221 determines that there is no image data in the storage unit 29 that matches the image data of the printer captured by the image capturing unit 21 (NO in S3), the determination unit 221 is determined. Determines whether the image captured by the image capturing unit 21 matches the model image stored in the storage unit 29 and showing the external shape common to the general printer (S31).

  When the determination unit 221 determines that the image captured by the image capturing unit 21 matches the model image indicating the external shape common to the general printer stored in the storage unit 29 (YES in S31). The display unit 27 displays a message indicating that the photographed printer is a printer that cannot receive information such as printer out progress information (S32).

  If the determination unit 221 determines that the image captured by the image capturing unit 21 does not match the model image indicating the external shape common to the general printer stored in the storage unit 29 (S31). NO), since there is a high possibility that something other than the printer has been shot, the display unit 27 displays a message to the effect that shooting should be performed again (S33).

  As a result, the operator can accurately grasp that the printer that cannot display the printout progress information or the like on the mobile phone 2 has been photographed, and the operator has photographed the subject that is not the printer. Can quickly grasp that he / she is performing an incorrect operation.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printer 3 is described as an example of a communication device. However, the communication device according to the present invention is not limited to a printer, and a PDA (personal digital assistants) or a notebook having a communication function. It may be a book computer.

  In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which information related to the printer 3 received from the printer 3 is displayed on the display unit 27 of the mobile phone 2 is used. You may employ | adopt the alerting | reporting by other alerting | reporting means, such as a warning to the operator by uttering an audio | voice.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information notification system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows 1st Embodiment of the information notification process by the information notification system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows 2nd Embodiment of the information notification process by the information notification system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows 3rd Embodiment of the information notification process by the information notification system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows 4th Embodiment of the information notification process by the information notification system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information notification system 2 Mobile phone 21 Image pick-up part 22 Control unit 221 Judgment part 222 Communication part 223 Control part 27 Display part 29 Storage part 3 Printer 31 Control unit 311 Information collection part 312 Information transmission part 313 Control part

Claims (6)

An information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information about one or more electrical devices by a communication device,
The electrical equipment includes information collection means for collecting equipment information related to the electrical equipment, and information transmission means for sending the equipment information collected by the information collection means to the communication means of the communication device,
The communication apparatus is the same as or approximate to image data of an electric device photographed by the photographing means for photographing a subject, image data storage means for storing image data indicating an outer shape of one or more electric devices, and the photographing means. Determination means for determining whether or not the image data is stored in the image data storage means, and in this determination means, image data that is the same as or approximate to the image data of the electrical equipment imaged by the imaging means is obtained. A communication unit that receives the device information from an electrical device corresponding to the image data in the image data storage unit that is determined to be the same or approximate when it is determined that the image data is stored in the image data storage unit; And an information notifying system for notifying the device information received by the communication means. The image data storage means stores image data of an image forming apparatus as the one or more electrical devices, and stores image data indicating an external shape common to general image forming apparatuses,
The image data of the subject photographed by the photographing means by the judging means is not the same as or approximate to the image data of each image forming apparatus stored in the image data storage means. When it is determined that the image data representing the outer shape common to the image forming apparatus matches the image data, the image forming apparatus photographed by the photographing unit is notified of the message that the apparatus information cannot be reported. The information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the means notifies. The image data storage means stores image data of an image forming apparatus as the one or more electrical devices, and stores image data indicating an external shape common to general image forming apparatuses,
The image data of the subject photographed by the photographing means is not the same as or approximate to the image data of each image forming apparatus stored in the image data storage means by the judging means, and the general 3. The notification unit notifies the message that prompts the imaging unit to redo the imaging when it is determined that the image data does not match the image data indicating the outer shape common to the image forming apparatus. Information notification system described in 1. A communication device for acquiring and notifying device information relating to one or more electrical devices,
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Image data storage means for storing image data indicating the outer shape of one or more electrical devices;
A determination unit that determines whether or not image data that is the same as or approximate to the image data of the electrical device imaged by the imaging unit is stored in the image data storage unit;
When it is determined by the determination means that the same or approximate image data as the image data of the electrical equipment imaged by the imaging means is stored in the image data storage means, the same or approximate determination is made. Communication means for receiving the equipment information from the electrical equipment corresponding to the image data stored in the image data storage means;
A communication device comprising: notification means for notifying the device information received by the communication means. An information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information about one or more electrical devices by a communication device,
The electrical equipment includes information collection means for collecting equipment information related to the electrical equipment, and information transmission means for sending the equipment information collected by the information collection means to the communication means of the communication device,
The communication device includes a photographing unit that photographs a subject, a symbol image data storage unit that stores data of one or more predetermined symbol images in association with any one of the one or more electrical devices, Determining means for determining whether or not the symbol image data stored in the symbol image data storage means is the same as or similar to the symbol image data captured by the imaging means; When it is determined that symbol image data that is the same as or approximate to the captured symbol image data is stored in the symbol image data storage means, the device information is obtained from the electrical device associated with the symbol image. And a communication means for receiving the device information received by the communication means. Information notification system. An information notification system for acquiring and notifying device information about one or more electrical devices by a communication device,
The electrical equipment includes information collection means for collecting equipment information related to the electrical equipment, and information transmission means for sending the equipment information collected by the information collection means to the communication means of the communication device,
The communication device includes a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object, a distance data storage unit that stores data of each distance from the one or more electric devices, and an object measured by the distance measuring unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not distance data that is the same as or approximate to the distance is stored in the distance data storage unit, and in this determination unit, the same distance as the object measured by the distance measurement unit Alternatively, when it is determined that approximate distance data is stored in the distance data storage unit, the communication unit receives the device information from the electric device associated with the distance data, and the communication unit An information notification system comprising notification means for reporting the received device information.

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