JP2010220107A - Image data providing apparatus, method of providing image data, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate to provide image data from an image forming apparatus to an image projection apparatus more easily than before. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 is provided with: a power source state identification section 101 that identifies ON/OFF state of the power source of an image projection apparatus 2; a transmission image data acquisition section 102 that acquires transmission image data P5, which is the image data to be transmitted to the image projection apparatus 2; an image data transmission section 103 that immediately transmits the transmission image data P5 to the image projection apparatus 2 when the power source of the image projection apparatus 2 is ON state, and otherwise, that transmits the transmission image data P5 to the image projection apparatus 2 after the power source of the image projection apparatus 2 changes from OFF state to ON state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transmitting image data to an image projection apparatus via a network.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses called “multifunction peripherals” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)” having various functions such as copying, network printing (PC printing), scanners, fax machines, and document servers have become widespread. Yes.

  Usually, an image forming apparatus is installed in a common space on a floor where personal desks are gathered in an office such as a government office or a company. In educational institutions such as schools, they are installed in staff rooms. In public facilities such as libraries, it is installed in the reading space of materials.

  In addition, an image projection apparatus called a “projector” having a function of projecting a screen displayed on a personal computer onto a screen or the like has become widespread. In recent years, image projection apparatuses have a function of outputting an image using image data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format). . As a result, an image can be projected without a personal computer.

  Usually, the image projection apparatus is used in a meeting room or a customer service space in an office such as a government office or a company. In educational institutions such as schools, they are used in audiovisual rooms or auditoriums. In public facilities such as libraries, it is used in audiovisual rooms or multipurpose halls.

  That is, even in the same facility, the place where the image forming apparatus is installed is often different from the place where the image projection apparatus is used.

  In recent years, not only image forming apparatuses but also image projection apparatuses have been equipped with a network interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). Therefore, it is possible to realize a function of directly transmitting image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning a document to the image projection apparatus via a network. According to this function, even when the place where the image forming apparatus is installed and the place where the image projecting apparatus is used are separated from each other, image data can be transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the image projecting apparatus. it can.

  In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a power source of an image projection apparatus (projector). According to this technology, when the main power is not supplied to the projector, when the user presses the power switch of the projector, the power supply is started in conjunction with the projector, AP, and PC in this order. When the user presses the power switch of the projector, the power is shut off in conjunction with AP, PC, and projector in this order.

JP 2004-282475 A

  In order to receive image data from the image forming apparatus, the image projection apparatus must be turned on as well as a network cable being inserted. Therefore, the user needs to make preparations such as turning on the image projection apparatus and plugging in the network cable before instructing the image forming apparatus to send a job for transmitting image data to the image projection apparatus. There is.

  However, as described above, usually, the image forming apparatus and the image projecting apparatus are often installed at different locations. Therefore, when the user notices that the image projection apparatus is not ready for the first time when trying to give a job to the image forming apparatus, the user intentionally moves to the place of the image projection apparatus and prepares it. After that, it is necessary to return to the place of the image forming apparatus and give the job.

  In view of such problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide image data from an image forming apparatus to an image projection apparatus more easily than in the past.

  An image data providing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image data providing apparatus that provides image data to an image projection apparatus via a communication line, and identifies a power ON / OFF state of the image projection apparatus A power supply state identification unit; a transmission image data acquisition unit that acquires transmission image data that is image data to be transmitted to the image projection device; and the power supply state identification unit to turn on the power of the image projection device. When it is identified, the transmission image data is immediately transmitted to the image projection device, and when the power state identification means identifies that the power of the image projection device is OFF, the power of the image data projection device Image data transmission means for transmitting the transmission image data to the image projection apparatus after the state changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

  Preferably, the power supply state identifying means is a notification indicating the occurrence of any one of a first change that is a change from OFF to ON and a second change that is a change from ON to OFF. Data is received at least once from the image projection device, and when the latest notification data indicates the occurrence of the first change, the image projection device is identified as being powered on and the second When the occurrence of the change is indicated, it is identified that the power source of the image projection apparatus is OFF.

  Alternatively, the power supply state identification unit transmits a message to the image projection apparatus, and when a response to the message is returned within a predetermined time, identifies that the power supply of the image projection apparatus is ON. Otherwise, it is identified that the power of the image projector is OFF.

  Or a format compatibility determination unit that determines whether the format of the transmission image data is a compatible format that is a format of data that can be used for projecting an image by the image projection device; and the format Image data for converting the transmission image data into second transmission image data that is data in the usable data format when the format of the transmission image data is determined not to be the compatible format by the compatibility determination unit Conversion means, and the image data transmission means, when the format supportability determination means determines that the format of the transmission image data is not the supportable format, the second image as the transmission image data. Send the transmission image data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide image data from the image forming apparatus to the image projection apparatus more easily than in the past.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an organization network. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of an image projector. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration for image data providing processing in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a functional structure for the image projection process in an image projector. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of a process at the time of power ON / OFF in an image projector. It is a figure which shows the example of the power supply state table ET which shows the state of the power supply of an image projector. It is a figure which shows the example of an image acquisition method selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an image projector selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an image transmission confirmation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the projection availability response process in an image projector. It is a figure which shows the example of an image format conversion screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an image transmission confirmation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the image data reception process in an image projector. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the intra-organization network NW, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 3 is an example of the hardware configuration of the image projecting device 2. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intra-organization network NW includes an image forming apparatus 1, an image projecting apparatus 2, a communication line 3, and the like. In addition, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer is provided in the intra-organization network NW. The intra-organization network NW may be in the form of a LAN (Local Area Network) or may be in the form of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that connects a plurality of LANs. The image forming apparatus 1 and the image projecting apparatus 2 can be connected to each other via a communication line 3. The communication line 3 may be a wired system or a wireless system.

  The intra-organization network NW is provided in a building or public facility of an organization such as a government office or a company. The intra-organization network NW is mainly used by persons belonging to the organization, but may be used by visitors in public facilities.

  Hereinafter, an intra-organization network NW provided in a company having a plurality of conference rooms and one image projection apparatus 2 in each conference room will be described as an example. In addition, each image projection device 2 may be described separately as “image projection device 2A”, “image projection device 2B”, “image projection device 2C”,.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is always in a usable state, and the communication function is also operating effectively. The image projection apparatus 2 is cleaned up in a state where the power is turned off to the locker of the conference room in which the image projection apparatus 2 is arranged, and the power is turned on and connected to the communication line 3 as necessary. Therefore, there are image projection apparatuses 2 that can immediately communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 and other image projection apparatuses 2 that are not. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the image projection device 2A, the image projection device 2B, and the image projection device 2D are the former, and the image projection device 2C is the latter.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates various functions such as copying, network printing (PC printing), a scanner, a FAX, and a document server. It may also be called “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is used to generate image data by scanning an image of a document such as a meeting material from a sheet and transmit it to the image projection apparatus 2 via the communication line 3. Note that the user (an employee of the company) can arbitrarily select the image projection device 2 to which the image data is to be transmitted from among a plurality of image projection devices 2A to 2D.

  The document server function is a function for giving a box for each user and for each user to store and manage document data such as an image file by his / her box. That is, it is a so-called file server function. A “box” is a storage area for storing (storing) document data and the like, and corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, an auxiliary storage device 10d, a control circuit 10e, and an operation panel 10f. , A network interface 10g, a scanner 10h, a FAX modem 10i, a printing apparatus 10j, and the like.

  The CPU 10a executes arithmetic processing using the RAM 10b as a work area based on various data input as needed from the outside in addition to programs and data stored in the ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d. Particularly in this embodiment, an image data providing process for transmitting image data generated by scanning a document to the image projection apparatus 2 selected by the user is executed.

  The auxiliary storage device 10d is a non-volatile storage device that retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. As the auxiliary storage device 10d, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk is used. The auxiliary storage device 10d stores image data to be transmitted to the image projection device 2, conditions for transmission processing, and the like. In addition, programs and data to be executed by the CPU 10a may be stored. In this case, the program and data are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary.

  The control circuit 10e is a circuit for controlling the auxiliary storage device 10d, the operation panel 10f, the network interface 10g, the scanner 10h, the FAX modem 10i, the printing device 10j, and the like. Note that a part or all of the functions of the control circuit 10e may be assigned to the CPU 10a.

  The operation panel 10f is configured by a touch panel and a numeric keypad. On the touch panel, a screen for giving a message to the user, a screen showing a processing result, a screen for the user to input an instruction to the image forming apparatus 1, and the like are displayed. The user operates the touch panel or the numeric keypad to instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to start an image data providing process for transmitting image data to the image projection apparatus 2, or selects image data to be transmitted. And transmission processing conditions can be set.

  The network interface 10g is an interface for communicating with other information processing terminals inside and outside the organization network NW by using a protocol such as TCP / IP. As the network interface 10g, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a so-called wireless LAN card is used.

  The scanner 10h is a device for optically reading an image of a document such as a sentence, a mathematical expression, a symbol, a photograph, a chart, or an illustration written on a document to generate image data.

  The FAX modem 10i is a device for communicating with other FAX terminals connected via a public line network by FAX protocol.

  The printing apparatus 10j forms an image based on image data generated by the scanner 10h, image data received from another information processing terminal inside or outside the organization network NW, image data received from another FAX terminal, or the like. It is a device for printing on.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image projection apparatus 2 projects an image based on RGB (Red Blue Green) image signals input from a personal computer or the like onto a screen or the like using a liquid crystal panel. Generally called “projector” or “liquid crystal projector”. Note that the image projection apparatus 2 may be a projector of a system other than the liquid crystal system.

  The image projection apparatus 2 can project an image based on image data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format). Therefore, it is possible to directly receive image data from the image forming apparatus 1 and project an image without using a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image projection apparatus 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, an auxiliary storage device 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a network interface 20g, a projection device 20h, and the like.

  The CPU 20a executes arithmetic processing using the RAM 20b as a work area, based on various data input as needed from the outside in addition to programs and data stored in the ROM 20c or the auxiliary storage device 20d. In particular, in this embodiment, an image projection process for projecting an image is executed based on the image data received from the image forming apparatus 1.

  The auxiliary storage device 20d is a non-volatile storage device that retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. As the auxiliary storage device 20d, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk is used. The auxiliary storage device 20d stores information related to various settings such as the projection mode and the IP address of the image projection device 2 itself. In addition, image data received from the image forming apparatus 1 may be stored. In addition, programs and data to be executed by the CPU 20a may be stored. In this case, the program and data are loaded into the RAM 20b as necessary.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling the auxiliary storage device 20d, the operation panel 20f, the network interface 20g, the projection device 20h, and the like. Note that a part or all of the functions of the control circuit 20e may be assigned to the CPU 20a.

  The operation panel 20f is configured by a switch group including a display and various switches. The screen to be displayed on the display may be projected onto a screen or the like by the projection device 20h. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a display.

  By operating a switch in the switch group, the user can give a command to start or stop the projection to the image projection apparatus 2 or set a projection mode and an IP address. In addition, the power of the image projection apparatus 2 can be switched on / off by pressing a power switch in the switch group.

  The network interface 20g is an interface for communicating with other information processing terminals inside and outside the organization network NW by using a protocol such as TCP / IP.

  The projection device 20h separates the white light from the light source into an R color component, a G color component, and a B color component, transmits the separated light through the liquid crystal panel, and then combines the combined light into the projection lens. It is a device that projects through. By controlling the display elements in the liquid crystal panel based on a command from the CPU 20a or the like, an image based on the input image data is projected on a screen or the like.

  Next, an image data providing process in the image forming apparatus 1 and an image projecting process in the image projecting apparatus 2 will be described.

  4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration for image data providing processing in the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration for image projection processing in the image projecting device 2. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing at the time of power ON / OFF in the image projecting device 2, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a power state table ET showing the power status of the image projecting device 2, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen WD1, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the image projection device selection screen WD2, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the image transmission confirmation screen WD3, and FIG. 11 is a projection availability response process in the image projection device 2 FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the image format conversion screen WD5, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the image transmission confirmation screen WD4, and FIG. Is a flowchart illustrating an example of management of the flow.

  The ROM 10c of the image forming apparatus 1 includes various functions such as a power state identification unit 101, a transmission image data acquisition unit 102, an image data transmission unit 103, a projection availability determination unit 104, and a format conversion unit 105 as illustrated in FIG. A program for realizing the unit is stored and executed by the CPU 10a. Image data providing processing is performed by these programs. Alternatively, some or all of these programs may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 10d. In that case, it is read into the RAM 10b and executed as necessary. Note that part or all of the functions shown in FIG. 4 may be realized by a circuit.

  On the other hand, the ROM 20c of the image projection apparatus 2 stores a program for realizing a power state notification unit 201, an image data reception unit 202, an image projection unit 203, a projection availability response unit 204, and the like as shown in FIG. And is executed by the CPU 20a. Image projection processing is performed by these programs. Alternatively, some or all of these programs may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 20d. In that case, it is read into the RAM 20b and executed as necessary. Note that some or all of the functions shown in FIG. 5 may be implemented by a circuit.

  Hereinafter, each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 and each functional unit of the image projection apparatus 2 illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described in order.

  In FIG. 5, the power supply state notification unit 201 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 that the power supply state of the image projection apparatus 2 itself has been switched according to the procedure shown in FIG. 6.

  In FIG. 6A, when the power switch is pressed while the power is off (Yes in # 201), a program for image projection processing is started together with a predetermined program (# 202). As a result, the power supply state notification unit 201 is also activated.

  Then, the power state notification unit 201 transmits a power-on message D2A indicating that the power is turned on to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 203). As the IP address of the transmission destination, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 1 may be set in the image projection apparatus 2 in advance. When there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, the information is transmitted to each image forming apparatus 1. Or you may broadcast to all the apparatuses in the network NW in an organization. The same applies to the power-off message D2B described below.

  In FIG. 6B, when the power switch is pressed while the power is on (Yes in # 301), the power state notification unit 201 detects this and indicates that the power is turned off. The off message D2B is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 302). When the transmission of the power-off message D2B is completed, various processes for turning off the power are performed (# 303).

  The power supply state notification unit 201 also returns a power-on message D2A to the image forming apparatus 1 when a predetermined message (power supply state confirmation message D2C described later) is received from the image forming apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 4, the power status identifying unit 101 determines the power status (ON status or OFF status) for each image projection device 2 based on the power on message D2A and the power off message D2B transmitted from each image projection device 2. ). Further, the power state identifying unit 101 manages a power state table ET as shown in FIG. 7 in order to identify the power state.

  The power supply state table ET stores, for each image projection apparatus 2, a record including a connection destination identifier field 31 indicating an identifier of the image projection apparatus 2 and a power supply state field 32 indicating a power supply state. In this embodiment, an IP address is used as an identifier. Further, “ON” in the power status field 32 means that the power status is on, and “OFF” means that it is off. At the beginning of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, no record is stored in the power supply state table ET.

  Upon receiving the power-on message D2A or the power-off message D2B, the power state identification unit 101 generates a new record and registers it in the power state table ET. In the connection destination identifier field 31 of the record, the IP address of the image projection apparatus 2 is written. In the power status field 32, “ON” is written when the power-on message D2A is received, and “OFF” is written when the power-off message D2B is received. However, when the record of the image projection apparatus 2 is already registered in the power supply state table ET, a new record is not generated, and the power supply state field 32 of the existing record is received and the power-on message D2A is received. Is updated to “ON”, and is updated to “OFF” when the power-off message D2B is received.

  Further, the administrator can operate the operation panel 10f to make the image forming apparatus 1 identify the power supply state of any image projection apparatus 2 for which no record is registered in the power supply state table ET.

  In this case, the administrator inputs the IP address of the image projection device 2 and a predetermined command. Then, the power status identifying unit 101 generates a record whose IP address is indicated in the connection destination identifier field 31 and registers it in the power status table ET. Furthermore, the power status identifying unit 101 transmits a power status confirmation message D2C to the IP address. When the power-on message D2A is transmitted within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) as a response message to the power status confirmation message D2C, the power status field 32 of the record is set to “ON”. If there is no response, the power status field 32 of the record is set to “OFF”.

  The power state identifying unit 101 identifies the power state of each image projection apparatus 2 by managing the power state table ET in this way. In addition, the power status table ET stores not only records of the image projection apparatuses 2 currently participating in the intra-organization network NW but also records of the image projection apparatuses 2 that have participated in the past. For example, in FIG. 1, not only the record indicating the image projection device 2A, the image projection device 2B, and the image projection device 2D that are turned on and connected to the communication line 3, but also the communication line 3 that has been turned on in the past. There is also a record in the power supply state table ET that shows the image projection apparatus 2C that has been connected but is currently being cleared up in the conference room locker.

  The power supply state identification unit 101 does not simply wait for the power-on message D2A or the power-off message D2B to be transmitted from the image projecting device 2 after registering the record of the image projecting device 2, but periodically. The power status confirmation message D2C may be transmitted to the image projection apparatus 2 (for example, every 5 minutes) to inquire about the power status.

  The transmission image data acquisition unit 102 acquires image data to be transmitted to the image projection device 2 as follows.

  When the user inputs a command for transmitting image data to the image projection apparatus 2, the transmission image data acquisition unit 102 is an image for causing the user to select an acquisition method of image data to be transmitted as illustrated in FIG. 8. The acquisition method selection screen WD1 is displayed on the touch panel.

  When the user selects “select from within box” as the acquisition method, the transmission image data acquisition unit 102 displays a list of image data stored in the box. Alternatively, when “receive from FAX” is selected, the transmission image data acquisition unit 102 displays a list of image data stored in the FAX reception box. Alternatively, when “select from other PC” is selected, a list of image data stored in a personal computer or the like in the intra-organization network NW is displayed. The user selects image data to be transmitted from the list.

  Then, the transmission image data acquisition unit 102 reads the image data selected from the list from the box or acquires it from the personal computer.

  Alternatively, when the user selects “scan” as the acquisition method, the transmission image data acquisition unit 102 acquires image data by causing the scanner 10 h to scan the paper set on the document table. Hereinafter, the image data to be transmitted is referred to as “transmission image data P5”.

  The image data transmission unit 103 performs processing for transmitting the acquired image data to the image projection device 2. The projection availability determination unit 104 determines whether or not the destination image projection apparatus 2 is compatible with the format (format) of the image data, that is, whether or not an image can be projected with the image data. Process. These processes are performed as follows.

  When the transmission image data acquisition unit 102 acquires the transmission image data P5, the image data transmission unit 103 acquires the image projection device 2 shown in the latest power state table ET as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the touch panel.

  The user selects the image projection device 2 (projector) that is the transmission destination of the transmission image data P5 from the list displayed on the image projection device selection screen WD2.

  By the way, the state of the power supply of the selected image projection apparatus 2 can always change. Therefore, the content of the power supply state table ET at the time when the image projection device selection screen WD2 is displayed may not match the content of the power supply state table ET at the time when the user selects the image projection device 2 (that is, the latest). is there. That is, even if the user selects the image projection device 2 whose power state is “ON”, it may be “OFF” at that time, and conversely, the image projection device 2 whose power state is “OFF”. Even if it is selected, it may be “ON” at that time.

  Therefore, when the image projection device 2 is selected from the list displayed on the image projection device selection screen WD2, the image data transmission unit 103 refers to the latest power state table ET to select the selected image projection device. Check the power supply status of 2.

  Here, when it is confirmed that it is “ON”, an image transmission confirmation screen WD3 for notifying that transmission of image data is started is displayed on the touch panel as shown in FIG. When the “OK” button is pressed by the user on the image transmission confirmation screen WD3, the transmission image data P5 is transmitted to the selected image projection apparatus 2. However, before transmission, the projection availability determination unit 104 determines whether or not the format of the transmission image data P5 corresponds to the selected image projection device 2. When the “cancel” button is pressed by the user on the image transmission confirmation screen WD3, the image projection device selection screen WD2 is displayed again on the touch panel, and the user is prompted to select another image projection device 2.

  The projection availability determination unit 104 transmits a format correspondence confirmation message D9C indicating the format of the transmission image data P5 to the selected image projection apparatus 2 in order to determine the compatibility.

  Then, in the image projecting apparatus 2 that has received the format correspondence confirmation message D9C, the projection availability response unit 204 shown in FIG. 5 performs a response process of the format correspondence confirmation message D9C according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  When the format correspondence confirmation message D9C is received (Yes in # 400), it is checked whether or not the image projection apparatus 2 itself corresponds to the format indicated in the format correspondence confirmation message D9C (# 401). If it is compatible (Yes in # 402), a response message D9A indicating that it can be supported is returned to the image forming apparatus 1. If it is not compatible (No in # 402), an unacceptable message D9B indicating that it cannot be supported and a format correspondence information D7 indicating a compatible format are returned to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 404).

  Returning to FIG. 4, the projection availability determination unit 104 determines that the selected image projection device 2 is compatible with the format of the transmission image data P <b> 5 when receiving the correspondence availability message D <b> 9 </ b> A. Then, the image data transmission unit 103 transmits the transmission image data P5 to the image projection device 2.

  On the other hand, when the projection availability determination unit 104 receives the incompatibility message D9B and the format correspondence information D7, the image format conversion screen WD5 showing a list of formats shown in the format correspondence information D7 as shown in FIG. To display.

  The format conversion unit 105 converts the transmission image data P5 into transmission image data P6 that is image data in a format selected by the user on the image format conversion screen WD5. Then, the image data transmission unit 103 transmits the transmission image data P6 to the selected image projection device 2 instead of the transmission image data P5.

  The image data transmission unit 103 confirms that the image projection device 2 is selected from the list displayed on the image projection device selection screen WD2, and the power state of the selected image projection device 2 is “OFF”. In such a case, the image data cannot be transmitted because the power of the selected image projection apparatus 2 is not turned on as shown in FIG. 13, and the image data is stored when the power of the selected image projection apparatus 2 is turned on. An image transmission confirmation screen WD4 notifying that transmission is to be started is displayed on the touch panel. That is, the transmission of the transmission image data P5 is suspended until the power of the image projection device 2 is turned on.

  When the “OK” button is pressed by the user on the image transmission confirmation screen WD4, the transmission image data P5 is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the auxiliary storage device 10d.

  The image data transmission unit 103 monitors whether or not the power of the selected image projection apparatus 2 has been turned on by referring to the latest power state table ET periodically (for example, every minute). When it is confirmed that the image data has been turned on, the image data transmission unit 103 reads the transmission image data P5 from the auxiliary storage device 10d, and cooperates appropriately with the projection availability determination unit 104 and the format conversion unit 105 according to the above-described procedure. Then, transmission processing to the selected image projection apparatus 2 is started.

  Further, when the “cancel” button is pressed by the user on the image transmission confirmation screen WD4, the image projection device selection screen WD2 is displayed again on the touch panel, and the user is prompted to select another image projection device 2.

  By the way, after the user presses the “OK” button on the image transmission confirmation screen WD3 shown in FIG. 10 or the image transmission confirmation screen WD4 shown in FIG. 13, the user moves to the conference room where the selected image projection device 2 is arranged. . Then, even if the image format conversion screen WD5 is displayed on the touch panel, the user may be unable to select a format on the image format conversion screen WD5 because the user is away from the operable position of the image forming apparatus 1. In particular, when transmission of transmission image data P5 is suspended until the power of the image projection apparatus 2 is turned on, the possibility is high. Therefore, when the transmission of the transmission image data P5 is suspended, the format conversion unit 105 selects an appropriate one from the formats indicated in the format correspondence information D7 without waiting for the user's selection, and transmits the transmission image data P6. May be converted to

  In this way, when the transmission image data P5 or the transmission image data P6 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 to the image projection apparatus 2, the image data reception unit 202 and the image projection unit 203 illustrated in FIG. The process for projecting the transmission image data P5 or the transmission image data P6 is performed according to the procedure shown.

  In FIG. 5, the image data receiving unit 202 receives the transmission image data P5 or the transmission image data P6 from the image forming apparatus 1 (# 501).

  The image projection unit 203 converts the transmission image data P5 or the transmission image data P6 into RGB image data, and outputs it to the projection device 20h. Then, the projection device 20h projects an image on a screen or the like based on the RGB image data (# 502).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1. Next, the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a flowchart of FIG. 15 every time a user requests transmission of image data to the image projection apparatus 2 or a power-on message D2A or a power-off message D2B is transmitted from the image projection apparatus 2. The process shown in is executed.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the power-on message D2A or the power-off message D2B (No in # 11, Yes in # 12), the image forming apparatus 1 of the image projecting apparatus 2 that is the transmission source in the power state table ET in FIG. The record is updated (# 13). Specifically, the power status field 32 of the record is updated to “ON” when the power-on message D2A is received, and is updated to “OFF” when the power-off message D2B is received.

  Alternatively, when a predetermined command for transmitting image data is input (Yes in # 11), the image forming apparatus 1 executes processing for transmitting image data as follows.

  The image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission image data P5 by a method designated by the user (# 14). A list of image projectors 2 (see FIG. 9) is displayed (# 15). Here, the user designates the destination image projection apparatus 2.

  Upon receiving this designation (# 16), the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the power state of the designated image projection apparatus 2 with reference to the power state table ET (that is, the latest power state table ET) ( # 17). Alternatively, the power status of the designated image projection apparatus 2 may be confirmed by transmitting a power status confirmation message D2C and receiving a power on message D2A within a predetermined time as a response thereto.

  If the image forming apparatus 1 can confirm that the power of the image projection apparatus 2 is on (Yes in # 18), the image forming apparatus 1 skips steps # 19 and # 20 and proceeds to step # 21.

  If the image forming apparatus 1 cannot confirm that the power is on (No in # 18), the image forming apparatus 1 identifies (determines) that the power of the designated image projection apparatus 2 is off, and transmits image data P5. Is temporarily stored (# 19). After that, if it can be confirmed that the power of the image projection apparatus 2 is turned on (Yes in # 20), the process proceeds to step # 21.

  Whether the image forming apparatus 1 supports the format of the transmission image data P5 by transmitting the format correspondence confirmation message D9C to the image projection apparatus 2 that is the transmission destination of the transmission image data P5. An inquiry is made as to whether or not (# 21).

  When receiving the response to the format correspondence confirmation message D9C (Yes in # 22), the image forming apparatus 1 converts the format of the transmission image data P5 if the response is the correspondence available message D9A (Yes in # 23). Instead, the transmission image data P5 is transmitted to the destination image projection apparatus 2 (# 25). On the other hand, if the response is the incompatible message D9B (No in # 23), the image forming apparatus 1 converts the transmission image data P5 into transmission image data P6 in a format corresponding to the destination image projection apparatus 2 ( # 24) and transmit it (# 25).

  For example, when a certain user Ux prepares to use the image projection apparatus 2C in the conference room Mc, the image forming apparatus 1 operates as follows. Note that the image projection apparatus 2C is initially turned off.

  The user Ux inputs a predetermined command for transmitting image data (Yes in # 11), and sets the paper for the conference material on the document table. The image forming apparatus 1 acquires the transmission image data P5 by scanning the paper (# 14), and presents a list of the image projection apparatuses 2 to the user Ux (# 15).

  The user Ux designates the image projection device 2C. When receiving the designation (# 16), the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the power state of the image projection apparatus 2C (# 17). As described above, since the power of the image projection apparatus 2C is off (No in # 18), the transmission image data P5 is temporarily saved (# 19).

  The user Ux goes to the conference room Mc, turns on the power of the image projection device 2C, and makes the image projection device 2C and the image forming device 1 communicable. When the power is turned on, the image projection apparatus 2C transmits a power-on message D2A to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Upon receiving this, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the power of the image projection apparatus 2C is turned on (Yes in # 20), and transmits the transmission image data P5 as follows. The temporarily stored transmission image data P5 may be deleted after transmission. Further, the transmission image data P5 that is not transmitted even after a predetermined time has elapsed may be deleted.

  The image forming apparatus 1 confirms with the image projection apparatus 2C whether or not it corresponds to the format of the transmission image data P5 (# 21, # 22). If it is possible, the transmission image data P5 is transmitted to the image projection apparatus 2C without converting the format of the transmission image data P5 (# 25). On the other hand, if the response is not possible (No in # 23), the transmission image data P5 is converted into the transmission image data P6 having a format corresponding to the image projection apparatus 2C (# 24), and is transmitted (# 25).

  According to the present embodiment, transmission of image data from the image forming apparatus 1 to the image projection apparatus 2 can be performed more easily than in the past.

  In this embodiment, every time the transmission image data P5 is transmitted, the image forming apparatus 1 inquires the image projection apparatus 2 that is the transmission destination whether the format can be supported. A list of formats may be prepared in the image forming apparatus 1. Then, it may be referred to and converted into transmission image data P6 as necessary.

  Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 may transmit the transmission image data P5 without making an inquiry. In this case, the image projection apparatus 2 determines whether or not the received transmission image data P5 can be handled. If the correspondence is impossible, the image projection apparatus 2 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of a compatible format and retransmits. Request. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 converts the transmission image data P5 into the transmission image data P6 in the notified format, and transmits the transmission image data P6 to the image projection apparatus 2.

  In addition to the format conversion, the transmission image data P6 corresponding to the destination image projection apparatus 2 may be generated by changing the resolution of the image or changing from a color image to a monochrome image.

  The image forming apparatus 1 may use TCP / IP ping in order to check the power supply state of the image projection apparatus 2. Then, if a response from the image projection apparatus 2 is obtained, it is determined (identified) that the power is on, and if it is not obtained, it is determined that the power is off.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is not always operating and has a time zone in which the power is turned off, the power supply state table ET may be managed as follows. When the power is turned off, the image forming apparatus 1 stores the power state table ET in a nonvolatile storage medium. When the power is turned on again, the power state table ET is read. Then, by transmitting a power state confirmation message D2C to each image projection device 2 shown in the power state table ET, the latest state of the power is confirmed, and the power state table ET is updated.

  In addition, the entire network NW, the image forming apparatus 1, the image projection apparatus 2, the configuration of each part, the processing contents, the processing order, the table configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1. Image forming device (image data providing device)
101 Power supply state identification unit (power supply state identification means)
102 Transmission image data acquisition unit (transmission image data acquisition means)
103 Image data transmission unit (image data transmission means)
104 Projection availability judgment unit (form compatibility judgment means)
105 Format converter (image data converter)
2 Image projection device 3 Communication line D2C Power status confirmation message P5 Transmission image data P6 Transmission image data (second transmission image data)

Claims (6)

An image data providing device for providing image data to an image projection device via a communication line,
A power state identifying means for identifying a power on / off state of the image projection device;
Transmission image data acquisition means for acquiring transmission image data which is image data to be transmitted to the image projection device;
When the power state identifying unit identifies that the power of the image projection device is ON, the transmission image data is immediately transmitted to the image projection device, and the power state identifying unit powers the image projection device. Image data transmitting means for transmitting the transmission image data to the image projection apparatus after the power of the image data projection apparatus is changed from the OFF state to the ON state when the image data projection apparatus is identified as being in an OFF state;
A device for providing image data, comprising: The power supply state identification means sends notification data indicating the occurrence of any one of a first change that is a change from OFF to ON and a second change that is a change from ON to OFF. If the latest notification data indicates the occurrence of the first change received from the image projection device at least once, the power of the image projection device is identified as being ON, and the second change When the occurrence is indicated, the image projection device is identified as being in a power off state.
The image data providing apparatus according to claim 1. The power supply state identification means transmits a message to the image projection device, and when a response to the message is returned within a predetermined time, identifies that the power supply of the image projection device is ON, and so on If not, identify that the power of the image projection device is OFF,
The image data providing apparatus according to claim 1. A format compatibility determination unit that determines whether the format of the transmission image data is a compatible format that is a format of data that can be used to project an image by the image projection device;
When the format supportability determining means determines that the format of the transmission image data is not the supportable format, the transmission image data is converted into second transmission image data that is data in the usable data format; Image data conversion means,
The image data transmission means transmits the second transmission image data as the transmission image data when the format supportability determination means determines that the format of the transmission image data is not the supportable format,
The image data providing apparatus according to claim 1. An image data providing method for providing image data to an image projection device via a communication line,
A process for identifying the power ON / OFF state of the image projection apparatus;
Processing for obtaining transmission image data that is image data to be transmitted to the image projection device;
When it is identified that the power of the image projection apparatus is in an ON state, the transmission image data is immediately transmitted to the image projection apparatus, and when it is identified that the power of the image projection apparatus is in an OFF state. Performing a process of transmitting the transmission image data to the image projection device after the power of the image data projection device has changed from an OFF state to an ON state.
A method for providing image data. A computer program used in an image data providing apparatus that provides image data to an image projection apparatus via a communication line,
In the image data providing device,
A process for identifying the ON / OFF state of the power of the image projection apparatus;
A process of acquiring transmission image data that is image data to be transmitted to the image projection device;
When it is identified that the power of the image projection apparatus is in an ON state, a process for transmitting the transmission image data to the image projection apparatus is immediately executed, and it is identified that the power of the image projection apparatus is in an OFF state. If the power of the image data projection device is changed from an OFF state to an ON state, the transmission process is executed.
A computer program characterized by the above.

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