JP2009177626A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easy-to-use image forming system having little restriction on hardware and small operation burden on a user. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming system, an image forming apparatus 1 having a scanner is connected to a portable telephone terminal 2 having an image formation control application to control the image forming apparatus 1 via a communication network. The application includes the same operation screen as that of e-mail application with which the portable telephone terminal 2 is provided. The portable telephone terminal 2 includes a processing content notifying means 140 for notifying a destination information 151 of image data and additional information 161 input from the operation screen to the image forming apparatus 1 using the image formation control application. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a processing content executing means 130 for transmitting image data 121 input from the scanner and additional information 112 based on the destination information 111. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an overall system in which an image forming apparatus having a scanner function, a FAX function, and an electronic mail function and a mobile phone are connected by a communication network.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses having a scanner function, a FAX function, and an e-mail function have become widespread. Many of these image forming apparatuses have a network interface, and image data read by using a scanner function is stored in a PC (Personal Computer) via the network, or the image data from the image forming apparatus itself is stored. Can be attached to an e-mail and transmitted, which is a convenient function for the user when sending paper document information to others.

  However, the image forming apparatus as described above has a unique user interface, and there is a problem that it is unusable for a user who uses the apparatus for the first time. Also, when sending image data read using the scanner function as an attachment to an e-mail, it is necessary to register a destination address in advance in the image forming apparatus or input it from the operation screen of the image forming apparatus. It is not convenient for users.

There exists patent document 1 in the thing aiming at solving this subject. This invention connects an image forming apparatus and a portable terminal by wireless communication, and accesses a Web server in the image forming apparatus to execute FAX transmission and mail transmission of the image forming apparatus from the portable terminal. .
JP 2006-74562 A

  However, since the invention described in Patent Document 1 needs to be operated using the Web server screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the browser on the mobile terminal, the user has to learn how to use the Web server screen. There is a problem of not becoming.

  Moreover, since a browser function is required on a portable terminal, there is a problem that a portable terminal that does not have a browser function cannot cope with it.

  Further, when a user sends a document image to another person as an e-mail attachment, the document image is read using a scanner function, and the read image data is temporarily stored in a database in the image forming apparatus, and then the portable terminal There is a problem that a complicated operation of sending an e-mail via a browser is required, and the degree of freedom in creating an e-mail is low.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and an image forming apparatus that are easy to use and that have few hardware limitations and a small operation burden on the user.

  In view of the above problems, an image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus having a scanner for inputting image data, and a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus. Connected via a communication network, the application is an image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen of the e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal, the mobile phone terminal using the image formation control application, Processing content notification means for notifying the image forming apparatus of image data transmission destination information and additional information input from the operation screen of the image forming control application, and the image forming apparatus configured to input an image input from the scanner. The processing content notification means notifies the data and the additional information. And having a as the processing execution means for transmitting, based on the destination information.

  Further, in view of the above problems, an image forming system according to the present invention connects an image forming apparatus, an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a mobile phone terminal having an imaging apparatus through a communication network. The application is an image forming system having an operation screen that is the same as an operation screen of an e-mail application included in the mobile phone terminal, and the mobile phone terminal uses the image formation control application from the imaging device. Processing content notifying means for notifying the image forming apparatus of the acquired image data, transmission destination information of the image data, and additional information input from the operation screen of the image forming control application; and The image data and the additional information are notified by the processing content notification means. And having a as the processing execution means for transmitting based on serial transmission destination information.

  In one form of this invention, the said process content execution means transmits the said image data and the said additional information by an email, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In one form of this invention, the said process content execution means transmits the said image data and the said additional information by FAX.

  Therefore, the present invention can provide an easy-to-use image forming system with few hardware restrictions and a small operation burden for the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an easy-to-use image forming system and an image forming apparatus that have few hardware restrictions and a small operation burden on the user.

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

<First embodiment>
(System configuration according to the present embodiment)
The system configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile phone terminal 2. The image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 are connected by short-range wireless communication, and a command to execute an e-mail function or a FAX function is sent from the mobile phone terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1 at a short distance. This is done through wireless communication. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the image data by FAX to the FAX apparatus 3 connected via the public line network based on a command from the mobile phone terminal 2. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits an e-mail attached with image data to the PC terminal 4 connected via a communication network such as a LAN based on a command from the mobile phone terminal 2.

(Operational principle of this embodiment)
The operation principle of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile phone terminal 2.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an acquisition unit 110, an image input unit 120, and a processing content execution unit 130.

  The obtaining unit 110 obtains image data transmission destination information 111 and additional information 112 from the mobile phone terminal 2. Here, when the image forming apparatus 1 transmits image data attached to an e-mail, the transmission destination information 111 is an e-mail address of a destination to which the image data is transmitted. When data is transmitted by FAX, it is the FAX number of the destination to which this image data is transmitted. The additional information 112 is information to be attached to image data transmitted by the e-mail or FAX when the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the image data as an e-mail or transmits it by FAX. . For example, contact information to the transmission destination may be used.

  The image input unit 120 acquires the image data 121 from the document using the scanner of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The processing content execution unit 130 transmits the image data 121 and the additional information 112 input by the image input unit 120 to the other party specified by the transmission destination information 111 by e-mail or FAX.

  On the other hand, the mobile phone terminal 2 includes a processing content notification unit 140, a storage unit 150, and an additional information input unit 160.

  The storage unit 150 is a device that stores transmission destination information 151 such as an electronic mail address and a FAX number. For example, the address book of the mobile phone terminal 2.

  The additional information input unit 160 sends an e-mail or a fax to the image forming apparatus 1 on an operation screen of an image forming control application that makes an execution request related to an e-mail transmission with image data attached or a FAX transmission of image data. Let the user input the text information to be attached.

  The processing content notification unit 140 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission destination information 151 and the additional information 161 using the image formation control application. That is, the processing content notification unit 140 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to send the image data 121 and the additional information 161 to the other party specified by the destination information 151 by e-mail or FAX. To be notified.

  Here, the operation screen of the image formation control application is the same as the operation screen of the e-mail application that the mobile phone terminal 2 has. For this purpose, the user can make an execution request for sending an e-mail with image data attached or FAX transmission of image data to the image forming apparatus 1 using an operation screen that is familiar to the user. The burden of the input work 161 is also reduced.

  Hereinafter, the processing operation of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, “Scan to e-mail” that transmits image data attached to an e-mail will be described. On the operation screen of the image forming control application in the mobile phone terminal 2, the e-mail address (destination information 151) of the other party to which the image data is transmitted is acquired from the storage unit 150, and the additional information input unit 160 is used by the user as additional information. 161 is input. Then, the processing content notification unit 140 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission destination information 151 and the additional information 161. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 151 and the additional information 161 notified by the mobile phone terminal 2. The image input unit 120 inputs image data 121 of the document. Then, the processing content execution unit 130 transmits the image data 121 and the additional information 112 to the other party specified by the transmission destination information 111 by e-mail.

  Next, transmission of image data by FAX will be described. On the operation screen of the image forming control application in the cellular phone terminal 2, the FAX number (transmission destination information 151) of the other party to which the image data is transmitted is acquired from the storage unit 150, and the additional information input unit 160 receives additional information 161 by the user. To input. Then, the processing content notification unit 140 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission destination information 151 and the additional information 161. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 151 and the additional information 161 notified by the mobile phone terminal 2. The image input unit 120 inputs image data 121 of the document. Then, the processing content execution unit 130 transmits the image data 121 and the additional information 112 to the other party specified by the transmission destination information 111 by FAX.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment)
A hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 configuring the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a flash memory 24, a scanner 25, and an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit). 26, a wireless communication I / F (Interface) 27, a network I / F 28, a display device 29, and an image forming apparatus function unit 30 not directly related to the present invention.

  The CPU 21 is a device that executes a program stored in the ROM 22. The CPU 21 performs arithmetic processing on the data expanded (loaded) in the RAM in accordance with instructions of the program and controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The ROM 22 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 21.

  When executing a program stored in the ROM 22 by the CPU 21, the RAM 23 develops (loads) the program and data to be executed, and temporarily holds the operation data during the operation.

  The flash memory 24 is a semiconductor memory in which data is not lost even when the power is turned off. The flash memory 24 stores setup information and the like of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The scanner 25 is a device that reads a document image with a predetermined resolution.

  The FCU 26 is connected to the public line network, converts a digital signal in the image forming apparatus 1 and an analog signal in the public line network, and performs facsimile transmission / reception to / from the public line network according to the G3 protocol.

  The wireless communication I / F 27 is an interface for performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile phone terminal 2. For example, communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard may be used.

  The network I / F 28 is an interface for exchanging information (data) with peripheral devices having other communication control functions connected via a communication network. In the present embodiment, data and mail are transmitted to the LAN according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) connected to the LAN.

  The display device 29 includes a key switch using a hard key and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and functions as a user interface for performing various settings when the user uses the functions of the image forming apparatus 1. is there.

  The image forming apparatus function unit 30 not directly related to the present invention includes a plotter that outputs image data to paper, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various data, and the like of the image forming apparatus 1 that is not directly related to the present invention. It is a functional part.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  A case will be described in which image data is read from a document and the image data is attached to an e-mail and transmitted. First, the image input unit 120 reads the image data 121 from the document by the scanner 25 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 21 and stores the image data 121 in the flash memory 24. Then, the processing content execution means 130 reads the image data 121 from the flash memory 24 according to the instruction of the CPU 21 and transmits the image data 121 attached to an e-mail via the network I / F 28.

  Next, a case where image data is read from a document and the image data is transmitted by FAX will be described. First, the image input unit 120 reads the image data 121 from the document by the scanner 25 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 21 and stores the image data 121 in the flash memory 24. Then, the processing content execution means 130 reads the image data 121 from the flash memory 24 according to the instruction of the CPU 21 and transmits the image data 121 by FAX via the FCU 26.

(Hardware configuration of mobile phone terminal according to the present embodiment)
A hardware configuration example of the mobile phone terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the mobile phone terminal 2 configuring the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone terminal 2 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a flash memory 34, a mobile phone communication function unit 35, a wireless communication I / F 36, an imaging device 37, a display device 38, and is not directly involved in the present invention. The mobile phone function unit 39 is configured.

  The CPU 31 is a device that executes a program stored in the ROM 32, and performs arithmetic processing on the data expanded (loaded) in the RAM in accordance with an instruction of the program to control the entire mobile phone terminal 2.

  The ROM 32 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 31.

  When the program stored in the ROM 32 is executed by the CPU 31, the RAM 33 develops (loads) the program and data to be executed, and temporarily holds the operation data during the operation.

  The flash memory 34 is a semiconductor memory in which data is stored without being erased even when the power is turned off. The flash memory 34 stores setup information and the like of the mobile phone terminal 2.

  The mobile phone communication function unit 35 has a function of performing wireless transmission / reception conventionally used for the mobile phone terminal 2 such as a call using the mobile phone terminal 2.

  The wireless communication I / F 36 is an interface for performing short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1. For example, communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard may be used.

  The imaging device 37 is a device that acquires an image of a subject as image data with a predetermined resolution.

  The display device 38 is composed of a key switch using hard keys and an LCD, and functions as a user interface for performing various settings when the user uses the functions of the mobile phone terminal 2.

  The mobile phone terminal function unit 39 not directly related to the present invention is a function unit of the mobile phone terminal 2 not directly related to the present invention.

  Below, operation | movement of the mobile telephone terminal 2 is demonstrated.

  The CPU 31 executes the image formation control application, and the additional information input unit 160 causes the user to input the additional information 161 from the operation screen of the application displayed on the display device 38. Then, the processing content notification unit 140 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission destination information 151 and the additional information 161 acquired from the storage unit 150 via the wireless communication I / F 36.

(This embodiment)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 1 at the start of processing according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the cellular phone terminal 2 at the start of processing according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the processing procedures of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 at the time of e-mail transmission. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the processing procedures of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 during FAX transmission.

  It is assumed that image forming apparatus 1 and mobile phone terminal 2 in the present embodiment are connected by a communication network based on a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

(1) Processing Procedure on Image Forming Apparatus Side at Start of Processing A processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 at the start of processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S51, the process of the image forming apparatus 1 is started. When the mobile phone cooperation function is selected by the user in S52 (if Yes in S52) and the e-mail function is selected in S53, the mobile phone cooperation e-mail application of the image forming apparatus 1 is activated. To do.

  When the mobile phone cooperation function is selected by the user in S52 (Yes in S52) and the FAX function is selected in S53, the mobile phone cooperation FAX application of the image forming apparatus 1 is activated.

  If the mobile phone link function by the user is not selected in S52 (No in S52), the image forming apparatus 1 is in a state of waiting for the user to select the function.

(2) Processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal side at the start of processing A processing procedure of the mobile phone terminal 2 at the start of processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S61, processing of the mobile phone terminal 2 is started. If the image forming apparatus cooperation function is selected by the user in S62 (if Yes in S62), and if the e-mail function is selected in S63, the e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal 2 that cooperates with the image forming apparatus Starts.

  When the image forming apparatus cooperation function is selected by the user in S62 (Yes in S62) and the FAX function is selected in S63, the image forming apparatus cooperation FAX application of the mobile phone terminal 2 is activated. To do.

  When the image forming apparatus cooperation function by the user is not selected in S62 (in the case of No in S62), the mobile phone terminal 2 is in a state of waiting for a selection operation of the function by the user.

(3) Processing Procedure at the Time of E-mail Transmission A processing procedure between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 at the time of e-mail transmission according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(I) Processing procedure on the image forming apparatus side First, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, the mobile phone-linked electronic mail application described above is already activated. In S101, the image forming apparatus 1 starts processing.

  In step S <b> 102, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection from the mobile phone terminal 2. If the connection is established in response to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S103 (Yes in S103), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the transmission destination from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S104. The information 111 and additional information 112 are awaiting reception.

  On the other hand, if the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection with the mobile phone terminal 2 has not been established yet in S103 (No in S103), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the Bluetooth (registered trademark) from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S102. ) Waiting for connection.

  This is a case where the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 in S105 (Yes in S105), and a document is set on the scanner 25 in S106 ( In the case of Yes in S106), the image input means 120 inputs the document image data 121 in S107.

  This is the case where the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 in S105 (Yes in S105), and the document is not set on the scanner 25 in S106 ( In the case of No in S106), in S108, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the user that the document is not set on the scanner 25 using the display device 29.

  If the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 has not yet acquired the transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 in S105 (No in S105), the image forming apparatus 1 starts from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S104. The transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 are waiting to be received.

  In step S109, the processing content execution unit 130 transmits the image data 121 and the additional information 112 input by the image input unit 120 to the electronic mail address specified by the transmission destination information 111, attached to the electronic mail.

  When the processing content execution means 130 has completed the normal e-mail transmission in S110 (Yes in S110), the image forming apparatus 1 displays on the display device 29 that the e-mail transmission process has been completed normally in S111. In addition, the mobile phone terminal 2 is notified of this, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S113.

  On the other hand, if the processing content execution means 130 did not complete the normal e-mail transmission in S110 (No in S110), the image forming apparatus 1 successfully completed the e-mail transmission process on the display device 29 in S112. The fact that it has not been displayed is displayed, and further to that effect is notified to the mobile phone terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S113.

(Ii) Processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal side Next, the processing procedure of the mobile phone terminal 2 will be described. In the mobile phone terminal 2, the above-described e-mail application linked with the image forming apparatus is already activated. In S121, the mobile phone terminal 2 starts processing.

  In S122, the additional information input unit 160 allows the user to input the additional information 161. When the input is completed (Yes in S122), the mobile phone terminal 2 transmits the Bluetooth ( Request a registered trademark connection. If the user input has not ended in S122 (No in S122), the process waits for input completion in S122.

  If there is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection response from the image forming apparatus 1 in S124 and the connection is established (Yes in S124), the processing content notification means 140 in S125 sends the destination information 151, the additional information 161, and To the image forming apparatus 1.

  If the connection with the image forming apparatus 1 is not yet established in S124 (No in S124), the mobile phone terminal 2 makes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request to the image forming apparatus 1 in S123. In S <b> 126, the mobile phone terminal 2 is in a state of waiting for notification of status information from the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the mobile phone terminal 2 acquires a notification that the e-mail transmission process from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S127 (Yes in S127), the mobile phone terminal 2 receives the notification from the image forming apparatus 1 in S128. The notified information is displayed on the display device 38.

  On the other hand, if the mobile phone terminal 2 has not obtained a notification that the e-mail transmission process from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S127 (No in S127), the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the image in S126. The system waits for notification of status information from the forming apparatus 1.

  In step S <b> 129, the cellular phone terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to disconnect the Bluetooth (registered trademark), and after receiving a disconnection response from the image forming apparatus 1, disconnects the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection. In step S130, the process ends.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image forming system with few hardware restrictions and a small operation burden for the user.

(4) Processing Procedure at Fax Transmission A processing procedure between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 at the time of FAX transmission according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(I) Processing procedure on the image forming apparatus side First, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, the above-described FAX application linked with the mobile phone is already activated. In S141, the image forming apparatus 1 starts processing. In S <b> 142, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection from the mobile phone terminal 2.

  When the connection is established in response to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S143 (Yes in S143), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the transmission destination from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S144. The information 111 and additional information 112 are awaiting reception.

  On the other hand, if the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection with the mobile phone terminal 2 has not been established yet in S143 (No in S143), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the Bluetooth (registered trademark) from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S142. ) Waiting for connection.

  When the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 in S145 (Yes in S145), and the document is set on the scanner 25 in S146 ( In the case of Yes in S146, the image input unit 120 inputs the document image data 121 in S147.

  This is a case where the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 in S145 (Yes in S145), and a document is not set on the scanner 25 in S146 ( In the case of No in S146), in S148, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the display device 29 to notify the user that no document is set on the scanner 25.

  If the acquisition unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 has not acquired the transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 in S145 (No in S145), the image forming apparatus 1 receives the information from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S144. The transmission destination information 111 and the additional information 112 are waiting to be received.

  In step S <b> 149, the processing content execution unit 130 transmits the image data 121 and the additional information 112 input by the image input unit 120 to the FAX number specified by the transmission destination information 111 by FAX.

  If the processing content execution means 130 has normally completed fax transmission in S150 (Yes in S150), the image forming apparatus 1 displays on the display device 29 that the fax transmission processing has been completed normally in S151, Further, this is also notified to the mobile phone terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S153.

  On the other hand, if the processing content execution unit 130 does not complete the FAX transmission normally in S150 (No in S150), the image forming apparatus 1 does not complete the FAX transmission process on the display device 29 normally in S152. In addition, the mobile phone terminal 2 is notified of the fact, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S153.

(Ii) Processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal side Next, the processing procedure of the mobile phone terminal 2 will be described. In the mobile phone terminal 2, the above-described FAX application linked with the image forming apparatus is already activated. In S161, the mobile phone terminal 2 starts processing.

  In S162, the additional information input unit 160 causes the user to input the additional information 161. When the input is completed (Yes in S162), the mobile phone terminal 2 transmits the Bluetooth ( Request a registered trademark connection. If the user input is not completed in S162 (No in S162), the process waits for input completion in S162.

  If there is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection response from the image forming apparatus 1 in S164 and the connection is established (Yes in S164), the processing content notification unit 140 in S165 sends the destination information 151, the additional information 161, and To the image forming apparatus 1.

  If the connection with the image forming apparatus 1 is not yet established in S164 (No in S164), the mobile phone terminal 2 issues a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request to the image forming apparatus 1 in S163. In S <b> 166, the mobile phone terminal 2 waits for notification of status information from the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the mobile phone terminal 2 acquires a notification that the FAX transmission processing from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S167 (Yes in S167), the mobile phone terminal 2 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 in S168. The displayed information is displayed on the display device 38.

  On the other hand, if the mobile phone terminal 2 has not received a notification that the FAX transmission processing from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S167 (No in S167), the mobile phone terminal 2 performs image formation in S166. The status of waiting for notification of status information from the device 1 is entered.

  In step S <b> 169, the mobile phone terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to disconnect the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection, and after receiving a disconnection response from the image forming apparatus 1, disconnects the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection. In step S170, the process ends.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image forming system with few hardware restrictions and a small operation burden for the user.

<Second Embodiment>
(System configuration according to the present embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile phone terminal 2, and the system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  However, in the first embodiment, input of image data is performed by the image forming apparatus 1, whereas in the second embodiment, image data is acquired using the imaging device 37 of the mobile phone terminal 2. However, the difference is that the image data is transferred to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 are connected by short-range wireless communication, and a command to execute an e-mail function or a FAX function is sent from the mobile phone terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1 at a short distance. This is done through wireless communication. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the image data by FAX to the FAX apparatus 3 connected via the public line network based on a command from the mobile phone terminal 2. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits an e-mail attached with image data to the PC terminal 4 connected via a communication network such as a LAN based on a command from the mobile phone terminal 2.

(Operational principle of this embodiment)
The operation principle of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operating principle of the image forming system information processing apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile phone terminal 2.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an acquisition unit 210 and a processing content execution unit 230.

  The acquisition unit 110 acquires image data transmission destination information 211, additional information 212, and image data 213 from the mobile phone terminal 2. Here, when the image forming apparatus 1 transmits image data attached to an e-mail, the transmission destination information 211 is an e-mail address of a destination to which the image data is transmitted. When data is transmitted by FAX, it is the FAX number of the destination to which this image data is transmitted. Further, the additional information 212 is character information attached to the image data transmitted by the e-mail or FAX when the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the image data as an e-mail or transmits it by FAX. is there.

  The processing content execution unit 230 transmits the image data 213 and the additional information 212 to the other party specified by the transmission destination information 211 by e-mail or FAX.

  On the other hand, the cellular phone terminal 2 includes a processing content notification unit 240, a storage unit 250, an additional information input unit 260, and an image acquisition unit 270.

  The storage unit 250 is a device that stores transmission destination information 251 such as an electronic mail address and a FAX number. For example, the address book of the mobile phone terminal 2.

  The additional information input unit 260 sends an e-mail or a fax to the image forming apparatus 1 on an operation screen of an image forming control application that makes an execution request related to an e-mail transmission with image data attached or a FAX transmission of image data. Let the user input the text information to be attached.

  The image acquisition unit 270 acquires an image of a subject as image data 271 using the imaging device 37 included in the mobile phone.

  The processing content notification unit 240 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the destination information 251, the additional information 261, and the image data 271 using the image formation control application. That is, the processing content notifying unit 240 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to send the image data 213 and the additional information 212 to the other party specified by the destination information 211 by e-mail or FAX. To be notified.

  Hereinafter, the processing operation of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, “Scan to e-mail” that transmits image data attached to an e-mail will be described. On the operation screen of the image forming control application in the mobile phone terminal 2, the e-mail address (transmission destination information 251) of the other party to which the image data is transmitted is acquired from the storage means 250, and the additional information input means 260 is added by the user. 261 is input. Further, the image acquisition unit 270 acquires the image data 271. Then, the processing content notification unit 240 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission destination information 251, the additional information 261, and the image data 271. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires transmission destination information 251, additional information 261, and image data 271 notified by the mobile phone terminal 2. Then, the processing content execution unit 230 transmits the image data 213 and the additional information 212 to the other party specified by the transmission destination information 211 by e-mail.

  Next, transmission of image data by FAX will be described. On the operation screen of the image forming control application in the mobile phone terminal 2, the FAX number (transmission destination information 251) of the destination to which the image data is transmitted is acquired from the storage means 250, and the additional information input means 260 is added by the user to the additional information 261. To input. Further, the image acquisition unit 270 acquires the image data 271. Then, the processing content notification unit 240 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission destination information 251, the additional information 261, and the image data 271. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires transmission destination information 251, additional information 261, and image data 271 notified by the mobile phone terminal 2. Then, the processing content execution unit 230 transmits the image data 213 and the additional information 212 to the destination specified by the transmission destination information 211 by FAX.

  Note that the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(This embodiment)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the processing procedures of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 at the time of e-mail transmission. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the processing procedures of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 during FAX transmission.

  It is assumed that image forming apparatus 1 and mobile phone terminal 2 in the present embodiment are connected by a communication network based on a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

  The processing procedure on the image forming apparatus 1 side at the start of processing and the processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal 2 side at the start of processing in the second embodiment are the same as the processing procedures in the first embodiment. Since it is the same, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

(1) Processing Procedure at the Time of E-mail Transmission A processing procedure between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 at the time of e-mail transmission according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG.

(I) Processing procedure on the image forming apparatus side First, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, the mobile phone-linked electronic mail application described above is already activated. In step S201, the image forming apparatus 1 starts processing. In step S <b> 202, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection from the mobile phone terminal 2.

  If the connection is established in response to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S203 (Yes in S203), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the transmission destination from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S204. The information 211, additional information 212, and image data 213 are waiting to be received.

  On the other hand, if the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection with the mobile phone terminal 2 has not been established yet in S203 (No in S203), the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the Bluetooth (registered trademark) from the mobile phone terminal 2 is used in S202. ) Waiting for connection.

  If the acquisition unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 211, the additional information 212, and the image data 213 in S205 (Yes in S205), the processing content execution unit 230 transmits the transmission destination information 211 in S206. The image data 213 and the additional information 212 are attached to the e-mail and transmitted to the e-mail address designated by.

  If the acquisition unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1 has not yet acquired the transmission destination information 211, the additional information 212, and the image data 213 in S205 (No in S205), the image forming apparatus 1 is portable in S204. The system waits for reception of transmission destination information 211, additional information 212, and image data 213 from the telephone terminal 2.

  If the processing content execution means 230 has completed the normal e-mail transmission in S207 (Yes in S207), the image forming apparatus 1 displays on the display device 29 that the e-mail transmission process has been completed normally in S208. In addition, the mobile phone terminal 2 is notified of this, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S210.

  On the other hand, if the processing content execution unit 230 does not complete the normal e-mail transmission in S207 (No in S207), the image forming apparatus 1 completes the e-mail transmission process normally on the display device 29 in S209. The fact that it has not been displayed is displayed, and further to that effect is notified to the mobile phone terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S210.

(Ii) Processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal side Next, the processing procedure of the mobile phone terminal 2 will be described. In the mobile phone terminal 2, the above-described e-mail application linked with the image forming apparatus is already activated. In S221, the cellular phone terminal 2 starts processing.

  If the image acquisition unit 270 acquires the image data 271 in S222 and the additional information input unit 260 causes the user to input the additional information 261 and the input is completed (Yes in S222), the process proceeds to S223. The mobile phone terminal 2 makes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request to the image forming apparatus 1.

  If the user input is not completed in S222 (No in S222), the process waits for input completion in S222.

  If there is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection response from the image forming apparatus 1 in S224 and the connection is established (Yes in S224), the processing content notification unit 240 in S225 sends the destination information 251 and the additional information 261. The image forming apparatus 1 is notified of the image data 271.

  If the connection with the image forming apparatus 1 is not yet established in S224 (No in S224), the mobile phone terminal 2 issues a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request to the image forming apparatus 1 in S223. In S <b> 226, the mobile phone terminal 2 waits for notification of status information from the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the mobile phone terminal 2 acquires a notification that the e-mail transmission process from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S227 (Yes in S227), the mobile phone terminal 2 receives the notification from the image forming apparatus 1 in S228. The notified information is displayed on the display device 38.

  On the other hand, if the mobile phone terminal 2 has not received a notification that the e-mail transmission process from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S227 (No in S227), the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the image in S226. The system waits for notification of status information from the forming apparatus 1.

  In step S <b> 229, the cellular phone terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to disconnect the Bluetooth (registered trademark), and after receiving a disconnection response from the image forming apparatus 1, disconnects the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection. In step S230, the process ends.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image forming system with few hardware restrictions and a small operation burden for the user.

(4) Processing Procedure at Fax Transmission A processing procedure between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone terminal 2 at the time of FAX transmission according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(I) Processing procedure on the image forming apparatus side First, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, the above-described FAX application linked with the mobile phone is already activated. In step S241, the image forming apparatus 1 starts processing. In step S <b> 242, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection from the mobile phone terminal 2.

  When the connection is established in response to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S243 (Yes in S243), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the transmission destination from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S244. The information 211, additional information 212, and image data 213 are waiting to be received.

  On the other hand, if the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection with the mobile phone terminal 2 is not yet established in S243 (No in S243), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the Bluetooth (registered trademark) from the mobile phone terminal 2 in S242. ) Waiting for connection.

  When the acquisition unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission destination information 211, the additional information 212, and the image data 213 in S245 (Yes in S245), the processing content execution unit 230 performs the transmission destination information in S246. The image data 213 and the additional information 212 are transmitted by FAX to the FAX number designated by 211.

  If the acquisition unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1 has not yet acquired the transmission destination information 211, the additional information 212, and the image data 213 in S245 (No in S245), the image forming apparatus 1 is portable in S244. The system waits to receive transmission destination information 111, additional information 112, and image data 213 from the telephone terminal 2.

  If the processing content execution means 130 has successfully completed FAX transmission in S247 (Yes in S247), the image forming apparatus 1 displays on the display device 29 that the FAX transmission processing has been completed normally in S248, Further, the mobile phone terminal 2 is notified of this, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S250.

  On the other hand, if the processing content execution unit 230 does not complete the FAX transmission normally in S247 (No in S247), the image forming apparatus 1 does not complete the FAX transmission process on the display device 29 normally in S249. In addition, the mobile phone terminal 2 is notified of the fact, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the processing in S250.

(Ii) Processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal side Next, the processing procedure of the mobile phone terminal 2 will be described. In the mobile phone terminal 2, the above-described FAX application linked with the image forming apparatus is already activated. In S261, the cellular phone terminal 2 starts processing.

  When the image acquisition unit 270 acquires the image data 271 in S262, and the additional information input unit 260 causes the user to input the additional information 261 and the input is completed (Yes in S262), the process proceeds to S263. The mobile phone terminal 2 makes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request to the image forming apparatus 1. If the user input is not completed in S262 (No in S262), the process waits for input completion in S262.

  If there is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection response from the image forming apparatus 1 in S264 and the connection is established (Yes in S264), the processing content notification means 240 in S265, the destination information 251 and the additional information 261 The image forming apparatus 1 is notified of the image data 271.

  If the connection with the image forming apparatus 1 is not yet established in S264 (No in S264), the mobile phone terminal 2 makes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection request to the image forming apparatus 1 in S263. In S <b> 266, the cellular phone terminal 2 is in a state of waiting for notification of status information from the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the mobile phone terminal 2 acquires a notification that the FAX transmission processing from the image forming apparatus 1 is completed in S267 (Yes in S267), the mobile phone terminal 2 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 in S268. The information is displayed on the display device 38.

  On the other hand, if the mobile phone terminal 2 has not received a notification that the FAX transmission processing from the image forming apparatus 1 has been completed in S267 (No in S267), the mobile phone terminal 2 performs image formation in S266. The status of waiting for notification of status information from the device 1 is entered.

  In step S <b> 269, the cellular phone terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to disconnect the Bluetooth (registered trademark), and after receiving a disconnection response from the image forming apparatus 1, disconnects the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection. In step S270, the process ends.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image forming system with few hardware restrictions and a small operation burden for the user.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation principle of an image forming apparatus and a mobile phone terminal of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the mobile telephone terminal which concerns on this Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus at the start of processing according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the mobile telephone terminal at the time of the start of the process which concerns on this Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a relationship between processing procedures of the image forming apparatus and the mobile phone terminal at the time of e-mail transmission according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a relationship between processing procedures of the image forming apparatus and the mobile phone terminal at the time of FAX transmission according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principle of operation of the image forming apparatus of the image forming system which concerns on 2nd embodiment, and a mobile telephone terminal. 10 is a flowchart showing a relationship between processing procedures of the image forming apparatus and the mobile phone terminal at the time of e-mail transmission according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a relationship between processing procedures of the image forming apparatus and the mobile phone terminal at the time of FAX transmission according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Cellular phone terminal 110 Acquisition means 111,151 Transmission destination information 112,161 Additional information 120 Image input means 121 Image data 130 Processing content execution means 140 Processing content notification means 150 Storage means 160 Additional information input means 210 Acquisition means 211, 251 Destination information 212, 261 Additional information 213, 271 Image data 230 Processing content execution means 240 Processing content notification means 250 Storage means 260 Additional information input means 270 Image acquisition means

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus having a scanner for inputting image data and a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected via a communication network, and the application is connected to the mobile phone terminal. An image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen of the e-mail application included in
The mobile phone terminal uses the image forming control application to notify the image forming apparatus of image data transmission destination information and additional information input from the operation screen of the image forming control application. Means,
The image forming apparatus includes processing content execution means for transmitting the image data input from the scanner and the additional information based on the transmission destination information notified by the processing content notification means. An image forming system. An image forming apparatus, a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus, and an imaging device are connected via a communication network, and the application is an e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal. An image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen,
The mobile phone terminal uses the image formation control application, image data acquired from the imaging device, transmission destination information of the image data, additional information input from the operation screen of the image formation control application, Processing content notifying means for notifying the image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus includes: a processing content execution unit that transmits the image data and the additional information based on the transmission destination information notified by the processing content notification unit. system.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the processing content execution unit transmits the image data and the additional information by electronic mail.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the processing content execution unit transmits the image data and the additional information by FAX. An image forming apparatus having a scanner for inputting image data and a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected via a communication network, and the application is connected to the mobile phone terminal. An image forming method of an image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen of an e-mail application included in
The mobile phone terminal uses the image forming control application to notify the image forming apparatus of image data transmission destination information and additional information input from the operation screen of the image forming control application. Procedure and
The image forming apparatus includes a processing content execution procedure for transmitting the image data input from the scanner and the additional information based on the transmission destination information notified by the processing content notification procedure. An image forming method. An image forming apparatus, a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus, and an imaging device are connected via a communication network, and the application is an e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal. An image forming method of an image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen,
The mobile phone terminal uses the image formation control application, image data acquired from the imaging device, transmission destination information of the image data, additional information input from the operation screen of the image formation control application, Processing content notification procedure for notifying the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes: a process content execution procedure for transmitting the image data and the additional information based on the transmission destination information notified by the process content notification procedure. Method.   7. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein in the processing content execution procedure, the image data and the additional information are transmitted by electronic mail.   7. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein the processing content execution procedure transmits the image data and the additional information by FAX. An image forming apparatus having a scanner for inputting image data and a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus are connected via a communication network, and the application is connected to the mobile phone terminal. An image forming program for an image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen of an e-mail application included in
On the computer,
The mobile phone terminal uses the image forming control application to notify the image forming apparatus of image data transmission destination information and additional information input from the operation screen of the image forming control application. Procedure and
The image forming apparatus executes a processing content execution procedure for transmitting the image data input from the scanner and the additional information based on the transmission destination information notified by the processing content notification procedure. A characteristic image forming program. An image forming apparatus, a mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus, and an imaging device are connected via a communication network, and the application is an e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal. An image forming program for an image forming system having the same operation screen as the operation screen,
On the computer,
The mobile phone terminal uses the image formation control application, image data acquired from the imaging device, transmission destination information of the image data, additional information input from the operation screen of the image formation control application, Processing content notification procedure for notifying the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus executes a processing content execution procedure for transmitting the image data and the additional information based on the transmission destination information notified by the processing content notification procedure. Formation program. A mobile phone terminal having an image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus, wherein an operation screen of the application and an operation screen of an e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal are the same, and the mobile phone An image forming apparatus connected to a terminal via a communication network and having a scanner for inputting image data,
Processing content acquisition means for acquiring transmission destination information of image data notified by the mobile phone terminal using the image formation control application and additional information input from the operation screen of the image formation control application;
An image forming apparatus comprising: processing content execution means for transmitting image data input from the scanner and the additional information based on the transmission destination information acquired by the processing content acquisition means. An image forming control application for controlling the image forming apparatus and an imaging apparatus, and the operation screen of the application is the same as the operation screen of the e-mail application of the mobile phone terminal. An image forming apparatus connected to the mobile phone terminal via a communication network,
The image data acquired by the imaging device, the transmission destination information of the image data, and the additional information input from the operation screen of the image formation control application notified by the mobile phone terminal using the image formation control application Processing content acquisition means for acquiring
An image forming apparatus comprising: processing content execution means for transmitting the image data and the additional information based on the transmission destination information acquired by the processing content acquisition means.

Images