JP2007290324A - Printer, operation control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a printed matter prepared by printing instruction from a mobile device from being left unattended. <P>SOLUTION: A printer MFP 102 detects distances between the printer 102 and a mobile telephone 100 at least first and second timings in a period when UWB radio communication is performed between the printer 102 and the mobile telephone 100. By comparing at least the two detected distances, a moving situation of the mobile telephone 100 to the printer 102 is judged, and according to the judgement result, one of a plurality of operation modes which the printer 102 performs is determined, and the determined aspect is executed by the printer 102. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, an operation control method, and a program, and in particular, a printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with a communication device, an operation control method applied to the printing apparatus, and the operation control method in a computer. It relates to a program to be executed.

  Photo images taken with the camera function of a digital camera or a mobile phone, document data downloaded by the mobile phone via the Internet, and the like can be printed by a printing device installed in an office or convenience store. Here, the digital camera and the mobile phone are referred to as “mobile devices”.

In the case of performing such printing, the following methods can be conventionally considered.
(1) Once the print data is taken from the mobile device to the personal computer (PC), the print data is sent again from the PC to the printing device connected to the PC for printing.
(2) The mobile device and the printing device are connected via a cable, and print data is sent from the mobile device to the printing device for printing.
(3) Insert the removable memory of the mobile device in which the print data is stored into the printing device to print on the printing device.
(4) Infrared data communication method The mobile device and the printing device are connected by wireless communication means such as IrDA or wireless LAN, and the print data is sent from the mobile device to the printing device for printing.

As a conventional technique related to the method (4), for example, there is an image forming system disclosed in Patent Document 1. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that fixes toner, normally, energization of a toner fixing heater is stopped in a standby state in order to reduce power consumption. Therefore, after the printing instruction is given by the user, the printing operation cannot be performed until the fixing member reaches a predetermined temperature due to the heating of the heater. In order to solve such a problem, in the above image forming system, the distance between the mobile terminal possessed by the user and the image forming apparatus is detected by using the radio wave intensity of the wireless communication, and according to the detected distance. To switch the operation of the image forming apparatus. That is, the shorter the detected distance, the faster the energization of the toner fixing heater is started, so that the user holding the portable terminal does not wait for the printing operation.
JP 2002-207400 A

  However, in the conventional method (4), when print data is transferred from a mobile device to a printing device via a wireless communication unit for printing, the printed paper may be left in the output unit of the printing device. There is. That is, even if the distance between the mobile device and the printing device is some distance, communication is possible, and when the user of the mobile device is away from the printing device, the user has performed a print instruction operation from the mobile device. Later, you may forget to collect the printed material.

  The print data instructed to be printed from the mobile device is, for example, image data taken by a digital camera or a document file downloaded from the Internet, and it is highly possible that such data contains a lot of personal information. Leaving a printed matter that contains a lot of personal information may lead to leakage of personal information, and security is required to be strengthened.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a printing apparatus, an operation control method, and a program that prevent the leaving of a printed material created by a print instruction from a mobile device. Objective.

  To achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with a communication device, at least a period during which wireless communication is performed with the communication device. By comparing the distance detection means for detecting the distance between the own device and the communication device at the first and second timings and at least two distances detected by the distance detection means, A determination unit that determines a movement state with respect to the own device, and one of a plurality of operation modes performed by the own device is determined according to a determination result by the determination unit, and the determined one operation mode is determined as the own device. There is provided a printing apparatus comprising: a first operation execution unit to be executed.

  According to the invention of claim 10, in the operation control method applied to a printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with a communication device, the period of time during which wireless communication is performed with the communication device. By comparing at least two distances detected in the distance detection step with a distance detection step for detecting a distance between the own device and the communication device at least at the first and second timings, the communication device A determination step of determining the movement status of the device relative to the device, and one of a plurality of operation modes performed by the device according to a determination result made in the determination step, and the determined one operation mode And a first operation execution step for causing the device to execute the operation control method.

  Furthermore, a program for causing a computer to execute the operation control method is provided.

  According to the present invention, the printing apparatus detects the distance between the printing apparatus and the communication apparatus at least at the first and second timings during the period in which wireless communication is performed with the communication apparatus. Then, by comparing at least two detected distances, the movement status of the communication device relative to the printing apparatus is determined, and one of a plurality of operation modes performed by the printing apparatus is determined according to the determination result. The printing apparatus is caused to execute the determined one operation mode.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the printed matter created by the printing apparatus in accordance with the printing instruction from the communication device from being left and personal information from leaking.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile print system including a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This printing apparatus is, for example, a multi-function printer (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) that realizes functions such as copying, printing, and facsimile transmission / reception.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a mobile phone, which has a digital camera function for taking a picture, and can exchange document and image data with the Internet 104 via the mobile phone line 105. Further, the mobile phone 100 can exchange data including print data with the MFP 102 via the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) method wireless communication line 106.

  A user 101 possessing a mobile phone 100 receives, via a wireless communication line 106, an MFP 102, such as photographic image data obtained by photographing with a digital camera function, document file data obtained by downloading via a mobile phone line 105, and the like. Forward to. Receiving this, the MFP 102 executes printing based on these data.

  In wireless communication using the UWB method, data can be transferred even from a location several tens of meters away. Therefore, the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 performs a print instruction operation at a location several tens of meters away from the MFP 102. be able to.

  In this case, the user 101 may forget to collect the printed material 103 printed by the MFP 102 from the MFP 102 after performing a print instruction operation on the MFP 102, and leave the printed material 103 in the output unit of the MFP 102. There is sex.

  Further, since the user 101 is away from the installation position of the MFP 102, there is a risk that the printed material 103 may be touched by a third party until the user 101 arrives at the installation position of the MFP 102.

  Since there is a high possibility that such printed matter 103 contains personal information, when it is touched by a third party, personal information is leaked, and the security of the printed matter 103 is required to be enhanced.

  The present embodiment is configured as follows to meet the above-mentioned demand for security enhancement.

[About UWB]
UWB used in this embodiment is one of the wireless communication systems, and transmits and receives signals by spreading them over an extremely wide frequency band of about 1 GHz. This UWB wireless communication system makes it possible to transfer data by wireless communication between two devices separated by several tens of meters. The shorter the distance between the two devices, the higher the data transfer rate. If the distance is about 10 meters, a transfer rate of about several hundred Mbps (bits / second) has been put into practical use. This is a transfer rate sufficient for compressing and transmitting moving image data such as a movie.

  In addition, compared to a general wireless communication system that performs data transfer by modulating a sine wave called a carrier wave, the UWB wireless communication system uses a pulse wave with a very short period, and does not modulate the carrier wave. Direct data transfer. For this reason, a circuit necessary for modulation is not required, and as a result, data transfer can be performed at high speed with low power consumption.

  Further, as a major feature of the UWB wireless communication system, when transferring the pulse wave, it is possible to measure the distance between two devices that perform communication with an accuracy of several centimeters.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the MFP 102 is switched based on distance information obtained by using the distance detection function of the UWB wireless communication method.

[Basic configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of mobile phone 100 and MFP 102 in the present embodiment using the distance detection function of the UWB wireless communication system.

  Reference numerals 200a and 200b denote UWB wireless communication units. UWB wireless communication units 200a and 200b are provided in mobile phone 100 and MFP 102, respectively, and perform communication using the UWB wireless communication system.

  The UWB wireless communication units 200a and 200b include wireless communication processing units 201a and 201b, and antennas 202a and 202b are connected to the UWB wireless communication units 200a and 200b. Each of the wireless communication processing units 201a and 201b converts communication data into a pulse wave for transfer and vice versa.

  The MFP 102 is provided with a controller unit 203. The controller unit 203 controls the operation of the MFP 102 and performs desired image processing on the transferred image data. The wireless communication processing unit 201b of the MFP 102 converts the pulse wave received from the UWB wireless communication line 106 via the antenna 202b into communication data, and sends the communication data to the controller unit 203 via the data I / F (Interface) 204. The wireless communication processing unit 201b converts communication data received from the controller unit 203 via the data I / F 204 into a pulse wave for transfer, and transmits the pulse wave to the UWB wireless communication line 106 via the antenna 202b. That is, bidirectional communication is performed. Further, the wireless communication processing unit 201b detects the distance to the communication partner when wireless communication is performed.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes ranging information I / F (Interface), and distance information detected by the wireless communication processing unit 201b is transmitted to the controller unit 203 via the ranging information I / F 205.

  Note that the wireless communication processing unit 201a of the mobile phone 100 can also detect the distance to the communication partner when wireless communication is performed. Therefore, in the case of data communication from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 or in the case of data communication from the MFP 102 to the mobile phone 100, it is possible to obtain distance information between two devices simultaneously with the data communication.

[MFP internal configuration]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of the MFP 102.

  The MFP 102 includes a scanner unit 300, a printer unit 301, a controller unit 203, a hard disk 302, a UWB wireless communication unit 200b, a network I / F 303, and a paper discharge unit 308.

  The scanner unit 300 and the controller unit 203 are connected by a scanner I / F 305. The printer unit 301 and the controller unit 203 are connected by a printer I / F 306. The UWB wireless communication unit 200b and the controller unit 203 are connected by a wireless communication I / F 304. The hard disk 302 and the controller unit 203 are connected by a hard disk I / F 307. As the hard disk I / F 307, an I / F such as IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics, one of hard disk interfaces) or ATA (AT Attachment, an official standard of IDE) is used.

[MFP basic functions]
The operation of the MFP 102 in the basic functions of the MFP 102 will be described below.

  In a copy function that directly prints image data obtained by scanning a document, the document placed on the scanner unit 300 is read by an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image data thus obtained is temporarily stored as electronic data in a memory (not shown) in the controller unit 203 via the scanner I / F 305. The stored image data is read out by an image processing unit (not shown) in the controller unit 203, subjected to compression / decompression processing and image processing suitable for print output, and then via the printer I / F 306. And transferred to the printer unit 301. The printer unit 301 forms an image on a print sheet based on the received image data, and the obtained printed matter is stacked on the paper discharge unit 308.

  In a transfer function for transferring image data obtained by scanning a document to another device via the network I / F 303, the document placed on the scanner unit 300 is read by an image sensor such as a CCD. The image data obtained in this way is temporarily stored in the memory in the controller unit 203 via the scanner I / F 305 as electronic data. The stored image data is read by the image processing unit in the controller unit 203 and subjected to image processing suitable for compression / decompression processing and transfer operation, and then transferred to the network I / F 303 and designated in advance. Sent to the destination.

  In the print function for printing image data transferred from a device on the network via the network I / F 303, the image data transferred via the network I / F 303 is temporarily stored in the memory in the controller unit 203. The stored image data is read out by the image processing unit in the controller unit 203 and subjected to image processing suitable for compression / decompression processing and print output, and then is sent to the printer unit 301 via the printer I / F 306. Transferred. The printer unit 301 forms an image on a print sheet based on the received image data, and the obtained printed matter is stacked on the paper discharge unit 308.

  In the printing function for printing the image data transferred from the UWB wireless communication line 106 via the antenna 202b, the image data transferred from the mobile phone 100 is transferred via the UWB wireless communication unit 200b and the wireless communication I / F 304. It is transferred to the controller unit 203. This image data is temporarily stored in the memory in the controller unit 203. The stored image data is read by the image processing unit in the controller unit 203, subjected to compression / decompression processing and image processing suitable for print output, and then transferred to the printer unit 301 via the printer I / F 306. Is done. The printer unit 301 forms an image on a print sheet based on the received image data, and the obtained printed matter is stacked on the paper discharge unit 308.

  Note that the image data is temporarily stored in the memory in the controller unit 203 as described in the description of the operation of the MFP 102 in the basic functions of the MFP 102. When instructed to save the stored image data in the hard disk 302, the controller unit 203 reads and compresses the image data stored in the memory, and stores it in the hard disk 302 via the hard disk I / F 307. save.

  The controller unit 203 uses the same data read by the scanner, image data transferred via the network I / F 303, and image data transferred via the UWB wireless communication unit 200b and the wireless communication I / F 304. Can be treated as.

  Further, the image data stored in the hard disk 307 is output from the printer unit 301 or re-transferred to another device via the network I / F 303 or the UWB wireless communication unit 200b according to the designation from the user. It is possible.

[MFP operation switching control]
In the mobile print system shown in FIG. 1, one of a plurality of operations of the MFP 102 is selected in accordance with a temporal change in the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102. This will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the operation of the MFP 102 when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is approaching the MFP 102 while performing a print instruction operation.

  FIG. 4A shows the positions of the mobile phone 100 and the user 101 at the first timing. At this first timing, the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 issues a print instruction on the MFP 102. In accordance with this print instruction, request information regarding the print operation is transmitted from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 by UWB communication.

  When the MFP 102 receives the request information transmitted from the mobile phone 100 and is ready for printing, the MFP 102 returns the print operable information to the mobile phone 100. The mobile phone 100 that has received the print operable information displays on the display section that printing is possible.

  After confirming this display, the user 101 of the mobile phone 100 selects image data to be printed and sets a print mode. Thus, the selected image data is sequentially transferred from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102, and the transferred image data is sequentially stored in the memory in the controller unit 203 of the MFP 102.

  Note that the wireless communication processing unit 201b in the MFP 102 detects the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102 during UWB communication at the first timing. Assume that the detection result is 10 m, for example.

  It is assumed that the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is moving toward the MFP 102, and the image data is transferred from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 at the second timing after the first timing (FIG. 4B). The transfer of is completed. As the image data is stored in the memory, the wireless communication processing unit 201b in the MFP 102 detects the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102. Assume that the detection result is 5 m, for example.

  The controller unit 203 of the MFP 102 compares the distance 10 m obtained at the first timing with the distance 5 m obtained at the second timing, and the distance at the first timing is larger than the distance at the second timing. Recognize it as big. Then, the controller unit 203 determines that the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is approaching the MFP 102 and will immediately collect the printed matter 103 even if immediate printing is performed. Based on the determination, the controller unit 203 reads the image data stored in the memory, performs predetermined printing image processing, and causes the printer unit 301 to execute printing.

  As described above, when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is approaching the MFP 102 with a print instruction, it is highly likely that the user 101 will immediately collect the printed material 103 from the paper discharge unit 308. Causes the printer unit 301 to execute printing immediately.

  In the above embodiment, when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is approaching the MFP 102, the printer unit 301 is caused to immediately execute printing. Instead of this, the printer unit 301 may be caused to immediately execute printing only when approaching and the distance obtained at the second timing is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (for example, 3 m). If these two conditions are not satisfied, a notification may be transmitted from the MFP 102 to the mobile phone 100 asking the user 101 whether or not printing can be executed immediately.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the operation of the MFP 102 when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is moving away from the MFP 102 while performing the print instruction operation.

  At the first timing (FIG. 5A), the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 issues a print instruction on the MFP 102. In accordance with this print instruction, request information regarding the print operation is transmitted from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 by UWB communication.

  When the MFP 102 receives the request information transmitted from the mobile phone 100 and is ready for printing, the MFP 102 returns the print operable information to the mobile phone 100. The mobile phone 100 that has received the print operable information displays on the display section that printing is possible.

  After confirming this display, the user 101 of the mobile phone 100 selects image data to be printed and sets a print mode. As a result, transfer of the selected image data from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 is started, and the transferred image data is sequentially stored in the memory in the controller unit 203 of the MFP 102.

  Note that the wireless communication processing unit 201b in the MFP 102 detects the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102 during UWB communication at the first timing. It is assumed that the detection result is 7 m, for example.

  Here, it is assumed that another user 107 is near the MFP 102 when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 looks at the MFP 102 while the above-described series of operations is being performed. In this case, it is assumed that the user 101 decides to immediately stop the MFP 102 from performing printing in order to avoid leakage of personal information, and moves away from the MFP 102.

  Incidentally, it is assumed that the transfer of the image data from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 is completed at the second timing (FIG. 5B) after the first timing. This transfer is performed based on the user's 101 intention to transfer image data from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 and have the MFP 102 perform printing later. Upon completion of storing the image data in the memory, the wireless communication processing unit 201b in the MFP 102 detects the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102. Assume that the detection result is 15 m, for example.

  The controller unit 203 of the MFP 102 compares the distance 7 m obtained at the first timing with the distance 15 m obtained at the second timing, and the distance at the first timing is larger than the distance at the second timing. Recognize that it is small. Then, the controller unit 203 determines that the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 has moved away from the MFP 102 and the user 101 will not immediately collect the printed material. Based on the determination, the controller unit 203 reads the image data stored in the memory, performs compression processing in the image processing unit in the controller unit 203, and saves it in the hard disk 302. In addition, the controller unit 203 generates a unique ID number for the stored image data, associates it, and notifies the mobile phone 100 of this ID number.

  Thereafter, when the user 101 having the mobile phone 100 makes an output request to the MFP 102, the MFP 102 requests the user 101 to input an ID number via the mobile phone 100. When the ID number is input and notified from the mobile phone 100, the controller unit 203 of the MFP 102 reads out image data corresponding to the notified ID number from the hard disk 302. Then, the image processing unit in the controller unit 203 performs expansion processing, and causes the printer unit 301 to execute printing. Note that the user may directly input the ID number from the operation unit of the MFP 102.

  As described above, when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is away from the MFP 102 in response to a print instruction, it is unlikely that the user 101 will immediately collect the printed material 103 from the paper discharge unit 308. It is avoided that the printer 301 immediately executes printing. Then, the image data is temporarily stored in the hard disk 302 in association with the ID number, and printing based on the image data is executed later in response to an output request from the user 101. In this way, it is possible to prevent the printed information from being viewed by another person 107 and leaking personal information.

  In the above embodiment, the operation of the MFP 102 is controlled based on the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102 detected at two timings. Alternatively, the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102 may be detected and comprehensively determined at three or more timings, and thereby the operation of the MFP 102 may be controlled.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 is away from the MFP 102, the image data is always temporarily stored in the hard disk 302. However, there is a possibility that the user wants to receive the printed matter immediately even if it happens to be away, and the above embodiment cannot meet such a demand. In order to respond to such a request, when the controller unit 203 in the MFP 102 determines that the user is moving away, the user 101 is inquired whether to store the image data in the hard disk 302 or to cause the printer unit 301 to print immediately. May be. That is, the controller unit 203 may transmit such an inquiry from the MFP 102 to the mobile phone 100. As a result of this inquiry, when the user 101 designates that the printer unit 301 should print immediately, the printer unit 301 prints the newly received image data. When the user 101 designates that the image data is once stored in the hard disk 302, the image processing unit of the controller unit 203 compresses the image data and then stores the image data in the hard disk 302.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, it does not mention when the user 101 who possessed the mobile telephone 100 did not change a position between the 1st timing and the 2nd timing. This will be described below. That is, if the distances measured at the first and second timings are the same or the difference between the distances is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the controller unit 203 does not move the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100. Judge that The controller unit 203 temporarily stores the image data in the hard disk 302 in the same manner as when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 determines that the user 101 is away from the MFP 102. If the position is not changed, a configuration may be adopted in which the user 101 is inquired about whether to print immediately or save to the hard disk 302.

  In the above embodiment, the detection of the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102 by the wireless communication processing unit 201b at the second timing is performed using transfer of image data from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 by UWB communication. Is going. Instead, the distance detection at the second timing may be performed by the wireless communication processing unit 201a of the mobile phone 100 using UWB communication performed from the MFP 102 to the mobile phone 100. In this case, the second timing is the time when the MFP 102 determines that a series of printing instructions from the user 101 has been completed, and the MFP 102 notifies the mobile phone 100 of the determination by UWB communication. Detect the distance between devices.

  In the present embodiment, image data is transferred from mobile phone 100 to MFP 102, and printing is performed in MFP 102. However, a document file may be used instead of image data.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 has been described as an example of a device that issues a print instruction to the MFP 102. However, any device that issues a print instruction to the MFP 102 may be any device that can perform wireless communication using the UWB communication method and handle print target data (such as image data and document files). For example, a so-called mobile device such as a digital camera, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a personal computer, or a digital camcorder may be used.

  In this embodiment, the MFP 102 is described as an example of a printing device. However, instead of the MFP 102, wireless communication can be performed by the UWB communication method, and a printing apparatus including a storage device can be used. Good. However, the printing apparatus needs to be able to print based on the transferred print data or to save the print data on a hard disk.

[Procedure for print control processing]
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the print control process performed by the controller unit 203 in the MFP 102.

  In step S601, it is confirmed whether or not there is a print start instruction from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 by UWB wireless communication. If not, the confirmation is repeated until there is a print start instruction from the mobile phone 100.

  If there is a print start instruction from the mobile phone 100, the process advances to step S602 to acquire the print instruction content. Here, print information such as the number of copies and the image processing mode is acquired.

  In step S603, when the print instruction content is acquired by the UWB wireless communication, the wireless communication processing unit 201b detects the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102, and acquires this as “distance 1”. To do.

  Next, in step S604, it is confirmed whether or not there has been a print completion instruction from the mobile phone 100 by UWB wireless communication. If not, the confirmation is repeated until there is a print completion instruction from the mobile phone 100.

  If there is a print completion instruction from the mobile phone 100, the process proceeds to step S 605 to acquire print data from the mobile phone 100. The acquired print data is stored in a memory in the controller unit 203.

  In step S606, when the print data is acquired by the UWB wireless communication, the wireless communication processing unit 201b detects the distance between the mobile phone 100 and the MFP 102, and acquires this as “distance 2”. .

  Next, in step S607, the difference between the distance 1 acquired in step S603 and the distance 2 acquired in step S606 is calculated.

  In step S608, it is determined whether or not the difference calculated in step S607 is a positive number. As a result, if the difference is a positive number, the user 101 who has the mobile phone 100 has moved toward the MFP 102 during the period from the time when the print start instruction is received until the time when the print completion instruction is received.

  In this case, the process proceeds to step S609, the print data stored in the memory of the controller unit 203 is read, and the image processing unit of the controller unit 203 performs image processing for printing.

  In step S610, the printer unit 301 performs printing based on the print data subjected to image processing.

  The above is the print control procedure when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 approaches the MFP 102 while performing the print instruction.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S608 that the difference is not a positive number, the user 101 having the mobile phone 100 moves away from the MFP 102 during the period from the time when the print start instruction is received until the time when the print completion instruction is received. Or did not move.

  In this case, the process proceeds to step S611, and the print data acquired in step S605 is temporarily stored in the hard disk 302.

  In step S612, a unique storage ID number corresponding to the print data stored in the hard disk 302 is generated and associated with the print data.

  In step S613, the storage ID number is transmitted to the cellular phone 100 by UWB wireless communication.

  The above is the print control procedure when the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 moves away from the MFP 102 while performing the print instruction.

  Next, a printing control method when printing data stored in the hard disk 302 is printed later will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print control processing performed by the controller unit 203 in the MFP 102 when the print data stored in the hard disk 302 is printed later.

  In step S701, it is confirmed whether a print request instruction for printing the print data stored in the hard disk 302 is notified from the mobile phone 100 to the MFP 102 by UWB wireless communication. If not, the confirmation is repeated until there is a print request instruction from the mobile phone 100.

  If there is a print request instruction from the mobile phone 100, the process advances to step S <b> 702, and the controller unit 203 in the MFP 102 acquires a storage ID number from the mobile phone 100 by UWB wireless communication.

  In step S703, it is checked whether print data corresponding to the acquired storage ID number exists in the hard disk 302. When it exists, it progresses to step S704, and when it does not exist, it progresses to step S707.

  In step S704, the print data corresponding to the storage ID number is read from the hard disk 302.

  In step S705, the image processing unit in the controller unit 203 performs image processing suitable for printing on the read print data.

  In step S706, the printer unit 301 executes printing based on the print data subjected to image processing.

  On the other hand, in step S707, the controller unit 203 transmits to the mobile phone 100 that print data corresponding to the storage ID number does not exist in the hard disk 302 by UWB wireless communication.

  Note that the reason why the print data corresponding to the storage ID number does not exist in the hard disk 302 is that the user 101 inputs the storage ID number to the mobile phone 100 by mistake. In addition, the print data can be stored in the hard disk 302 for a predetermined period, and the print data is deleted from the hard disk 302 because the predetermined period has been exceeded.

  Next, in step S708, the controller unit 203 transmits confirmation information for confirming whether or not to cancel the print request instruction to the mobile phone 100 by UWB wireless communication. As a result, if there is a response from the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 that the print request instruction is continued, the process returns to step S702, and the correct storage ID number is acquired again. On the other hand, if there is a response from the user 101 holding the mobile phone 100 to cancel the print request instruction, the print control process is terminated.

[Other Embodiments]
The object of the present invention may be achieved by storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments in a storage medium. That is, it is also achieved by supplying the storage medium to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. An optical disc such as RW or DVD + RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  In addition, an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the expanded function is based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where a CPU or the like provided on the expansion board or the expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to the case where the OS running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included in

  In this case, the program is supplied by downloading directly from a storage medium storing the program or from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile print system including a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone and MFP in this Embodiment using the distance detection function of a UWB radio | wireless communication system. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of an MFP. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining an operation of an MFP when a user who has a mobile phone is approaching the MFP while performing a print instruction operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the operation of the MFP when the user who possesses the mobile phone is away from the MFP while performing a print instruction operation. 6 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating a procedure of a print control process performed by a controller unit in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating a procedure of print control processing performed by a controller unit in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a print control process performed by a controller unit in the MFP when print data stored in a hard disk is printed later.

Explanation of symbols

100 Mobile phone (communication equipment)
101 User 102 MFP (printing apparatus)
103 Printed matter 104 Internet 105 Mobile phone line 106 UWB wireless communication line (predetermined wireless communication)
200b UWB wireless communication unit 201b wireless communication processing unit (distance detection means)
202b Antenna 203 Controller (determination means, first operation execution means)

Claims (16)

In a printing apparatus capable of wireless communication with a communication device,
A distance detecting means for detecting a distance between the own device and the communication device at least at the first and second timings during which wireless communication is performed with the communication device;
A determination means for determining a movement status of the communication device relative to its own device by comparing at least two distances detected by the distance detection means;
First operation executing means for determining one of a plurality of operation modes performed by the own device in accordance with a determination result by the determining means and causing the own device to execute the determined one operation mode. A printing apparatus characterized by that. Receiving means for receiving print data transmitted by the wireless communication from the communication device;
Print execution means for executing printing based on the print data received by the reception means;
Storage means for storing print data received by the receiving means in a storage device;
The first operation execution unit operates the print execution unit and does not operate the storage unit when the determination unit determines that the communication device is moving toward the apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode of the first apparatus is executed by the own apparatus.   The first operation execution means operates the storage means without operating the print execution means when the determination means determines that the communication device is moving in a direction away from its own device. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second apparatus causes the apparatus to execute the second operation mode. When the determination means determines that the communication device is moving in a direction away from its own device, the first operation execution means is not operated, and the first and second operation modes are not Inquiry means for inquiring of the communication device which is to be executed by the own device;
The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a second operation executing unit that causes the own apparatus to execute an operation mode indicated by an instruction transmitted from the communication device as a result of an inquiry by the inquiry unit. . When the second operation mode is executed by the first or second operation execution unit on the own apparatus, an adding unit that adds an identification code to the print data stored in the storage device by the execution;
The printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the communication device of the identification code assigned by the grant unit.   When printing is requested from the communication device by designating the identification code notified by the notification means, the print data to which the designated identification code is assigned is read from the storage device, and based on the print data 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising operation control means for operating the print execution means.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first timing is a timing at which the apparatus receives a print start instruction from the communication device.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second timing is a timing at which the apparatus receives a print completion instruction from the communication device.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is wireless communication based on a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) method. In an operation control method applied to a printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with a communication device,
A distance detection step of detecting a distance between the own device and the communication device at least at a first timing and a second timing of a period in which wireless communication is performed with the communication device;
A determination step of determining a movement status of the communication device relative to the own device by comparing at least two distances detected in the distance detection step;
A first operation execution step of determining one of a plurality of operation modes performed by the own device according to the determination result made in the determination step and causing the own device to execute the determined one operation mode; An operation control method characterized by comprising: A receiving step of receiving print data transmitted from the communication device by the wireless communication;
A print execution step of executing printing based on the print data received in the reception step;
A storage step of storing the print data received in the reception step in a storage device;
In the first operation execution step, when it is determined in the determination step that the communication device is moving toward the own apparatus, the print execution step is executed and the storage step is not executed. The operation control method according to claim 10, further comprising: causing the own apparatus to execute one operation mode.   In the first operation execution step, if it is determined in the determination step that the communication device is moving in a direction away from the own device, the print execution step is not executed and the storage step is executed. The operation control method according to claim 11, further comprising causing the own apparatus to execute the second operation mode. In the determination step, when it is determined that the communication device is moving in a direction away from the own device, the first operation execution step is not executed, and the first operation mode and the second operation mode are not performed. An inquiry step for inquiring of the communication device which is to be executed by the device;
The operation control according to claim 12, further comprising: a second operation execution step that causes the own apparatus to execute an operation mode indicated by an instruction transmitted from the communication device as a result of the inquiry in the inquiry step. Method. In the first or second operation execution step, when the second operation mode is executed by the own device, an assigning step of giving an identification code to the print data stored in the storage device by the execution;
The operation control method according to claim 13, further comprising a notification step of notifying the communication device of the identification code assigned by the assigning step.   When printing is requested from the communication device by specifying the identification code notified in the notification step, the print data to which the specified identification code is assigned is read from the storage device, and based on the print data The operation control method according to claim 14, further comprising an operation control step for executing the printing execution step. In a program for causing a computer to execute an operation control method applied to a printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with a communication device,
A distance detection step of detecting a distance between the own device and the communication device at least at a first timing and a second timing of a period in which wireless communication is performed with the communication device;
A determination step of determining a movement status of the communication device relative to the own device by comparing at least two distances detected in the distance detection step;
A first operation execution step of determining one of a plurality of operation modes performed by the own device according to the determination result made in the determination step and causing the own device to execute the determined one operation mode; The program characterized by having.

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