JP2010149466A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a user desired image with the other image processor without the need for an unnecessary operation and a time. <P>SOLUTION: When a USB device 25 receives a print request from a user, a CPU 22 determines whether a printing mechanism 30 is ready to make printing based on the print request. If negative determination is made, the CPU makes a USB host 26 send a beacon, determines whether USB devices 125 and 225 of other multifunctional machines 20 and 120 respond to the beacon, and connects to the nearest USB device out of the USB devices which have responded. Then, the CPU acquires the status information of a printing mechanism from the connected USB device to determine the availability/unavailability of printing. If the printing is available, the CPU sends image data to the printing mechanism via the USB host 26 to make the mechanism execute printing. If the printing is unavailable, the CPU connects to the second nearest USB device, determines in the same way the availability/unavailability of the printing, and makes the mechanism execute printing if the printing is available. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

By connecting a plurality of devices by wireless communication, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of connection and improve user convenience compared to wired communication. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a wireless communication apparatus that realizes wireless connection with a simple operation of a user by performing wireless connection establishment / disconnection control using distance information.
JP 2007-158447 A

  Here, when a user instructs a printer connected wirelessly via a user computer to print an image, the printer may not be able to execute printing due to out of paper or a malfunction. In such a case, the user needs to search for another printable printer, perform wireless connection again, and instruct printing again. Even if this is the wireless communication apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user's operation is still necessary, and an extra operation and time are required until the user obtains a desired printed matter.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. Even when the image processing apparatus cannot perform image formation desired by the user by itself, the user can use other image processing apparatuses without requiring extra operations or time. It is a main object to enable desired image formation.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
An image processing apparatus for processing image data,
Obtaining means for obtaining the image data;
An input means capable of inputting an instruction to form an image based on the image data;
Wireless communication means capable of wireless communication with other image processing devices;
Image forming means for forming an image based on the image data on a target;
Determining means for determining whether or not image formation by the image forming means is possible;
When the determination unit makes a positive determination when the instruction is input, an image based on the acquired image data is formed on the target by the image forming unit, and the determination unit makes a negative determination. Sometimes, the control means for transmitting the acquired image data to another image processing apparatus by the wireless communication means, and causing the other image processing apparatus to form an image based on the image data on a target,
It is equipped with.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether or not it is possible to form an image based on the acquired image data. When an affirmative determination is made, an image based on the acquired image data is formed on the target. When a negative determination is made, the acquired image data is transmitted to another image processing device by wireless communication means capable of wireless communication, and the other image processing device is caused to form an image based on the image data on the target. Thus, even when the image processing apparatus cannot form an image based on the image data input by itself, the user does not need to send the image data to another image processing apparatus again to execute printing. Therefore, it is possible to form a user-desired image with another image processing apparatus without requiring extra operation and time.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a distance measuring unit that measures a distance from the other image processing apparatus, and the control unit makes a negative determination when the instruction is input. Sometimes it is determined whether or not there is another image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication by the wireless communication means, and when there are a plurality of other image processing apparatuses capable of wireless communication, the plurality of other image processing apparatuses Performing a selection process for selecting the closest measured distance among the apparatuses, transmitting the acquired image data to the selected other image processing apparatus by the wireless communication unit, and performing the other image processing. The apparatus may be a means for forming an image based on the image data on the target. In this case, since the image is formed on another image processing apparatus that is the closest to the own apparatus, the possibility that the time for the user to take the target on which the image is formed can be shortened. In addition, since wireless communication generally tends to increase the communication speed as the distance between the own device and the other image processing device becomes shorter, more time is required to transmit the image data from the own device to the other image processing device. Can be shortened. In such an image processing apparatus, the selection process immediately executes an image forming process for forming the image data on a target with respect to the image processing apparatus having the closest measured distance among a plurality of other image processing apparatuses capable of wireless communication. Each time a negative determination is made, it is determined whether or not it is possible, and the distance measurement unit re-measures the distance to the plurality of other image processing devices capable of wireless communication, and the re-measured distance is Re-determination may be performed on the closest other image processing apparatus, and another image processing apparatus that has been first determined to be positive may be selected. In this way, even when the distance between the image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus changes, the selection process can be executed more appropriately reflecting the latest distance. In this case, during the same selection process, the selection process is performed again with respect to the other image processing apparatus having the closest remeasured distance except for the other image processing apparatus for which a negative determination has been made. It is good also as a process which performs determination. In this way, the selection process can be executed more appropriately.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a distance measuring unit that measures a distance from the other image processing apparatus, and the control unit makes a negative determination when the instruction is input. Sometimes it is determined whether or not there is another image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication by the wireless communication means, and when there are a plurality of other image processing apparatuses capable of wireless communication, the plurality of other image processing apparatuses Another image processing apparatus for which a positive determination is first made by determining whether or not an image forming process for forming the image data on the target can be immediately executed with respect to the apparatus in order of the measured distance. The selected image processing is performed, the acquired image data is transmitted to the selected other image processing apparatus by the wireless communication means, and an image based on the image data is targeted to the other image processing apparatus. It may be a means for forming on. In this way, even if another image processing apparatus closest to the own apparatus cannot execute the image forming process, it is possible to form an image on another image processing apparatus as close as possible to the own apparatus.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the wireless communication means may be means for performing wireless communication with the other image processing apparatus based on a wireless USB standard.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a wireless USB system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless USB system 10 according to the present embodiment has a communication function using wireless USB, which is a communication standard using wireless communication using UWB (Ultra Wide Band), and is capable of printing image data and reading images. , 120, 220.

  The multifunction machine 20 can display information to a user, a controller 21 that controls the entire apparatus, a printing mechanism 30 that prints on a recording sheet 70, a reading mechanism 40 that reads a document placed on a glass table 80, and the like. And an operation panel 50 capable of inputting a user instruction. The controller 21 is connected to the printing mechanism 30, the reading mechanism 40, and the operation panel 50 through a bus 90.

  The controller 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 22, and includes a ROM 23 that stores various processing programs, a RAM 24 that temporarily stores data, a USB device 25 that can transmit and receive information wirelessly, and a USB host 26. And. The USB device 25 can transmit / receive data to / from the USB hosts 126 and 226 of the other multifunction peripherals 120 and 220 and a USB host of an external device (for example, a user computer) (not shown). The USB host 26 can transmit and receive data to and from the USB devices 125 and 225 of the other multifunction devices 120 and 220.

  Although not shown, the printing mechanism 30 is an ink jet mechanism that applies pressure to each color ink and discharges the pressurized ink onto the recording paper 70 to execute a printing process. The mechanism for applying pressure to the ink may be due to deformation of the piezoelectric element or due to generation of bubbles due to the heat of the heater.

  The reading mechanism 40 is configured as a well-known full-color scanner mechanism that reads a document placed on the glass table 80 as image data. The reading mechanism 40 includes a well-known color image sensor that separates reflected light after emitting light toward a document into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain read data. .

  The operation panel 50 is a device for a user to input various instructions to the multi-function device 20, and a display unit 51 that displays characters and images corresponding to the various instructions, and the user's instructions using various buttons. An operation unit 52 that can be input is provided.

  The multi function peripherals 120 and 220 include the same components as the multi function peripheral 20. For this reason, the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the multifunction peripherals 120 and 220 are values obtained by adding 100 and 200 to the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the multifunction peripheral 20, respectively, and description thereof is omitted.

  Here, communication by wireless USB will be described. In wireless USB, wireless communication is performed between a host (USB hosts 26, 126, and 226 in the present embodiment) and a device (USB devices 25, 125, and 225 in the present embodiment). In order for the host and the device to communicate by wireless USB, first, connection context information (hereinafter referred to as CC information) corresponding to the communication destination needs to be shared. The CC information includes information necessary for communication, for example, an ID unique to the host and device for communication and a connection key. This CC information sharing method includes a USB cable method (Out of Band method) in which CC information is shared by connecting them with a USB cable, and a Numeric method (In Band method) in which CC information is shared by wireless communication using UWB. ) Between a host and a device that share CC information with each other, a 4-way handshake can confirm that they share the same connection key, establish a connection, and start secure communication . Note that the host can establish a connection with a plurality of devices, and can communicate with the plurality of devices in parallel by assigning a time for transmitting and receiving signals to each device. On the other hand, the device establishes a connection with only one host at a time. In this embodiment, it is assumed that CC information has already been shared between a host and a device that need to establish a connection.

  Next, the operation of the wireless USB system 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the operation when the user computer instructs the multifunction device 20 to perform printing will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print processing routine. In this routine, the USB device 25 of the multifunction device 20 establishes a wireless USB connection with a USB host of a user computer (not shown), and the user operates the user computer to print an image based on designated image data. This is executed by the CPU 22 when instructed to the multifunction machine 20. When this print processing routine is executed, the CPU 22 first acquires a print request from the USB host of the user computer via the USB device 25 (step S100), and whether or not the acquired print request can be executed by the multifunction device 20. Is determined (step S110). Here, the print request includes information for designating the size of the paper to be printed and whether to perform monochrome printing or color printing. The CPU 22 acquires the status information of the printing mechanism 30 via the bus 90, and determines whether printing as specified in the print request is possible based on the status information. The status information includes information such as whether or not the paper is out, whether or not the ink is out, whether or not another print process previously instructed by the CPU 22 is being executed, and whether or not the printing mechanism 30 has failed. . Therefore, for example, when the paper designated in the print request is out of paper, or when the color printing is designated but the color printing ink is out of ink, the CPU 22 executes another printing process. In the case of being in the middle or in the case of being out of order, since a print request cannot be executed, a negative determination is made in step S110.

  If a positive determination is made in step S110, the printing mechanism 30 is controlled to execute printing of the image data designated by the user (step S120). Specifically, the image data specified by the user is acquired via the USB device 25 and stored in the RAM 24. The print data that can be printed by the printing mechanism 30 is created from the stored image data, and the print data and the print request are generated. The printing mechanism 30 is controlled via the bus 90 so as to execute printing on the recording paper 70 based on the above. As a result, an image based on the image data designated by the user is printed on the recording paper 70 as designated by the print request. Then, it notifies the USB host of the user computer that printing has been performed by the multifunction device 20 via the USB device 25 (step S130), and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S110, it is determined whether there is another USB device that can be connected by wireless USB (step S140). Specifically, the CPU 22 causes the USB host 26 to transmit a beacon, and determines whether or not to receive a beacon transmitted from the USB device that received the beacon (USB devices 125 and 225 in this embodiment). . Note that the beacon includes a unique ID of the transmission source, and the USB devices 125 and 225 are configured so that the ID of the USB host included in the CC information possessed in advance matches the ID of the received beacon. If so, a beacon including its own ID is transmitted. Accordingly, since the USB host 26 and the USB devices 125 and 225 share CC information in advance, the USB devices 125 and 225 transmit a beacon when a failure occurs or when the power is not turned off.

  If a positive determination is made in step S140, the USB device ID included in the beacon received in step S140 and the distance from the USB host 26 to the USB device are associated with each other as a device list connectable to the RAM 24. Store (step S150). Here, the distance from the USB host 26 to the USB device can be derived by using the position measurement function of UWB (Ultra Wide Band), which is a wireless communication method adopted in the wireless USB. In the form, it is derived based on the time from when the beacon is transmitted until when the beacon of the USB device is received. As a specific derivation method, for example, it may be derived as the product of the signal propagation speed and the time until the beacon is received, or the relationship between the time until the beacon is received and the distance in advance is used as a map. It is good also as what is memorize | stored in this and deriving distance from the time until a beacon is received and a map.

  Subsequently, based on the connectable device list stored in the RAM 24, the USB device closest to the beacon among the USB devices that have responded to the beacon is determined (step S160). If there is only one USB device that has responded to a beacon, it is determined that the USB device is closest. Then, the CPU 22 establishes a wireless USB connection to the USB host 26 by a 4-way handshake with the USB device of the MFP in the shortest distance (step S170), and the status of the printing mechanism of the connected MFP A request is made via the USB host 26 to transmit information (step S180). For example, when it is determined in step S160 that the USB device 125 of the multifunction device 120 is closest to the USB host 26, the CPU 22 causes the USB host 26 to establish a connection with the USB device 125 and the printing mechanism of the multifunction device 120. 130 status information is requested to be transmitted. When the status information is received, it is determined whether or not the print request acquired in step S100 can be executed by the connection-destination printing mechanism (step S190), as in step S110.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S190, the CPU 22 transmits a print request or image data to the connected multifunction peripheral via the USB host 26 to execute printing (step S200). Thereby, for example, when the connection between the USB host 26 and the USB device 125 of the multifunction device 120 is established in step S160, the image data and the print request acquired from the USB host of the user computer via the USB device 25 are transferred to the USB. To device 125. As a result, the CPU 122 of the multifunction peripheral 120 stores the image data in the RAM 124, creates print data that can be printed by the printing mechanism 130 from the stored image data, and prints on the recording paper 170 based on the print data and the print request. The printing mechanism 130 is controlled via the bus 190 so as to execute the above. Therefore, an image based on the image data designated by the user is printed on the recording paper 170 as designated by the print request. Then, the CPU 22 notifies the USB host of the user computer that printing has been executed by the connected multifunction peripheral instead of the own machine (step S210), and disconnects the USB host 26 (step S210). Step S220), this routine is finished.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S190, the CPU 22 disconnects the connection of the USB host 26 (step S230), and determines whether there is another connectable multifunction device (step S240). . Specifically, after deleting the ID and distance of the USB device for which a negative determination was made in step S190 from the connectable device list, whether there is another USB device stored as the connectable device list. Determine. If a positive determination is made in step S240, the process proceeds to step S160 and the above-described processing is repeated. As a result, the USB device is connected in the closest order from the connectable device list in step S170, and the determination in step S190 is performed.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S140 or step S240, since there is no connectable USB device, the CPU 22 notifies the USB host of the user computer via the USB device 25 that printing cannot be performed. (Step S250), this routine is finished.

  In the above description, the operation when the user computer instructs the multifunction device 20 to perform printing has been described. However, the CPU 122 and 222 can execute the print processing routine.

  Here, when the user computer instructs the multifunction machine 20 to print, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The USB device 25 of this embodiment corresponds to the acquisition unit and input unit of the present invention, the USB host 26 corresponds to the communication unit, the printing mechanism 30 corresponds to the image forming unit, and the CPU 22 determines the determination unit, the control unit, and the like. It corresponds to the distance measuring means.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, when the user makes a print request to the multifunction device 20, even if the printing mechanism 30 of the multifunction device 20 cannot execute printing based on the print request, any one of the USB devices 125 and 225 is selected. Can be connected to the USB host 26, and if the printing mechanism of the connectable USB device can execute printing based on the print request, the USB device is connected to the USB host 26, and the connected USB device is connected. The printing mechanism can execute printing based on the print request. Therefore, a user can print a desired image with another multifunction device without requiring extra operations and time. When both the USB devices 125 and 225 can be connected to the USB host 26, the user connects the USB device with the shortest distance and causes the printing mechanism to execute printing. The possibility of shortening the time to go is increased. In addition, since the communication speed of wireless USB communication tends to increase as the distance between the USB host and the USB device decreases, the time required to transmit image data from the own device to another multifunction device can be further reduced. Further, when the printing mechanism of the USB device with the shortest distance cannot execute printing based on the print request, the USB device with the next closest distance is connected to cause the printing mechanism to execute printing. It is possible to cause another multifunction device as close as possible to execute printing.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a positive determination is made in step S240, the process proceeds to step S160, but the process may proceed to step S140. In this way, since the distance between the connectable USB device and the USB host 26 is measured every time, even when the distance between the multifunction peripherals 20, 120, and 220 changes, the connection with the USB device that is the closest distance is established. It can be carried out. This is particularly significant when the wireless USB system 10 is composed of a compact and easily portable multifunction device. In this case, the ID of the USB device for which a negative determination is made in step S190 when the same print processing routine is executed is stored in the RAM 24 as a non-printable device, and the ID of the non-printable device can be connected in step S150. It may not be included in the device list. In this way, it is possible to connect to the USB device with the shortest distance except for the USB device for which a negative determination has been made in step S190, and to connect to a more appropriate USB device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the presence / absence of a connectable USB device is determined based on the presence / absence of a response to the beacon in step S140. However, the presence / absence of a connectable USB device may be determined by another method. For example, when a USB device can be connected to a USB host, a connectable signal indicating that fact may be periodically transmitted, and determination may be made based on whether or not the USB host receives a connectable signal. In addition, the USB device may periodically transmit a connection availability signal indicating whether or not it is currently connectable, and the presence or absence of a connectable USB device may be determined based on the connection availability signal received by the USB host.

  In the embodiment described above, the USB device with the closest distance is determined in step S160 and the connection between the USB device and the USB host 26 is established. However, the user may set the USB device for establishing the connection in advance. Good. In this case, the user sets connection priorities for a plurality of USB devices, and if there is a USB device that can be connected in step S140, the USB device having the highest priority is connected in step S170. It may be done.

  In the above-described embodiment, the connection with the USB device is established in step S170. However, in step S170, for example, when the USB device is communicating with another USB host, the influence of noise, or a failure of the USB device is present. In some cases, such as when connection establishment fails, the process may proceed to step S230. In this way, even if connection establishment fails, if there is another connectable USB device, it can be connected to the USB device and printing can be executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wireless USB system is configured by the multifunction devices 20, 120, and 220. However, the wireless USB system is configured by four or more multifunction devices having the same configuration as the multifunction devices 20, 120, and 220. It may be a thing. Further, the wireless USB system may not be a multi-function device. For example, the multi-function device 20 may be a printer that excludes the reading mechanism 40 and the glass stand 80.

  In the above-described embodiment, the USB device determined to be the closest in step S160 is connected in step S170. However, if the process in step S150 is performed, the process in step S160 is not performed and the connection is performed in step S140. Connections may be established with all USB devices determined to be possible in step S170. In this case, the status transmission request in step S180 is made to all the USB devices that have established connections, the determination in step S190 is made, and the USB device with the closest distance among the USB devices for which a positive determination has been made is performed in step S160. It is good also as what performs the process of step S200 with respect to the determined USB device, and the determined USB device.

  In the embodiment described above, wireless communication based on the wireless USB communication standard is performed. However, wireless communication based on another standard may be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print processing routine is executed when the user operates the user computer to instruct the multifunction device 20 to print the image data using the wireless USB. A host device may instruct printing of image data. Further, the user computer may be instructed to print image data on the multifunction device 20 by operating a wired user computer instead of the wireless USB, or the user may operate the operation unit 52 of the operation panel of the multifunction device 20. Thus, it may be instructed to print the image data of a memory card (not shown) inserted in the multifunction device 20.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is embodied in the printer 20 including the ink jet printing mechanism 40 has been described. However, liquid or functional material particles other than ink are dispersed. The present invention may be embodied in a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material (dispersion), a fluid such as a gel, or a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solid that can be ejected as a fluid. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid in which a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display is ejected, or a liquid that ejects a liquid material in which the material is dispersed It is good also as a liquid ejecting apparatus which ejects the liquid used as a body ejecting apparatus and a precision pipette as a sample. Also, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used for an optical communication element or the like, an acid or an alkali to etch the substrate A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etchant such as a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects gel, or a powder ejecting recording apparatus that ejects powder such as toner may be used.

1 is a configuration diagram of a wireless USB system 10 according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print processing routine.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Wireless USB system, 20, 120, 220 MFP, 21, 121, 221 Controller, 22, 122, 222 CPU, 23, 123, 223 ROM, 24, 124, 224 RAM, 25, 125, 225 USB device, 26 , 126, 226 USB host, 30, 130, 230 Printing mechanism, 40, 140, 240 Reading mechanism, 50, 150, 250 Operation panel, 51, 151, 251 Display unit, 52, 152, 252 Operation unit, 70, 170 270 recording paper, 80, 180, 280 glass stand, 90, 190, 290 bus.

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus for processing image data,
Obtaining means for obtaining the image data;
An input means capable of inputting an instruction to form an image based on the image data;
Wireless communication means capable of wireless communication with other image processing devices;
Image forming means for forming an image based on the image data on a target;
Determining means for determining whether or not image formation by the image forming means is possible;
When the determination unit makes a positive determination when the instruction is input, an image based on the acquired image data is formed on the target by the image forming unit, and the determination unit makes a negative determination. A control unit that transmits the acquired image data to another image processing device by the wireless communication unit, and causes the other image processing device to form an image based on the image data on a target;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Distance measuring means for measuring a distance from the other image processing apparatus;
With
When the determination unit makes a negative determination when the instruction is input, the control unit determines whether the other image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit exists, When there are a plurality of other image processing apparatuses capable of wireless communication, a selection process for selecting the closest measured distance among the plurality of other image processing apparatuses is performed, and the selected other image processing apparatus Transmitting the acquired image data by the wireless communication means, and causing the other image processing apparatus to form an image based on the image data on a target.
Image processing device. Whether or not the selection process can immediately execute an image forming process for forming the image data on the target for the other image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with the closest measured distance. Each time a negative determination is made, the distance measurement unit re-measures the distance to the plurality of other image processing devices capable of wireless communication, and another image processing with the closest re-measured distance is performed. It is a process of performing re-determination for the device and selecting another image processing device that has been initially determined to be positive.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The selection process is a process of performing the re-determination with respect to another image processing apparatus having the closest remeasured distance except for the other image processing apparatus for which a negative determination has been made once during the same selection process. Is,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Distance measuring means for measuring a distance from the other image processing apparatus;
With
When the determination unit makes a negative determination when the instruction is input, the control unit determines whether the other image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit exists, When there are a plurality of other image processing apparatuses capable of wireless communication, whether or not an image forming process for forming the image data on a target can be immediately executed for the plurality of other image processing apparatuses A selection process is performed for selecting another image processing apparatus that has been determined in the order of the measured distance and that has been first determined positively, and the acquired image data is transmitted to the selected other image processing apparatus via the wireless communication. Means for transmitting by means to cause the other image processing apparatus to form an image based on the image data on the target,
Image processing device. The wireless communication means is means for performing wireless communication based on a wireless USB standard with the other image processing device.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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