JP2011014971A - Data processing unit, method of controlling the data processing unit, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily decide what kind of processing should be executed on data received via communication sections.SOLUTION: A data processing unit including a plurality of functions includes: an assignment means of assigning one of the plurality of functions to each of a plurality of communication sections according to instructions from users; a reception means of receiving data via one of the plurality of communication sections; and a control means of executing processing using the function assigned to the communication section that has received the data by the assignment means when the reception means has received data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus, a control method for the data processing apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, there is a method capable of communicating a large amount of data at a short distance (see Patent Document 1). By using such a method, image data stored in the image input device can be transmitted to the data processing device by bringing the image input device such as a mobile phone or a digital camera close to the data processing device. By using such a method, image data stored in the image input device can be transmitted to the data processing device at high speed by bringing the image input device such as a mobile phone or communication unit digital camera close to the communication unit of the data processing device. can do.

  For example, when a digital camera storing captured image data is brought close to the communication unit of the data processing apparatus, the image data stored in the digital camera can be transmitted to the data processing apparatus.

JP 2008-99236 A

However, when the conventional data processing apparatus has a plurality of functions, it has not been possible to easily determine which function should be used for processing the data received from the image input apparatus. For example, after a user brings an image input device such as a digital camera close to the communication device of the data processing device, which function the data processing device has using the operation unit of the data processing device is executed. It was necessary to instruct.
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism that can easily determine which function should be executed on data received from an image input device via a communication unit when a plurality of functions are provided. Is to provide.

  The information image forming apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A data processing apparatus having a plurality of functions, wherein, for each of a plurality of communication units, an allocation unit that allocates one of the plurality of functions according to an instruction from a user, and a plurality of communication units, A receiving unit that receives data via any one of the communication units and, when receiving data by the receiving unit, executes processing using the function assigned by the allocating unit to the communication unit that has received the data And a control means.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of functions are provided, it is possible to easily determine which function is to be executed on data received from the image input device via the communication unit.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of an image input device. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows UI displayed on the touch panel of an operation part. It is a figure which shows UI displayed on the touch panel of an operation part. It is a figure which shows UI displayed on the touch panel of an operation part. 3 is a diagram illustrating a UI displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of communication processing of an image input device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of communication processing of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of communication processing of an image input device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of communication processing of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a diagram illustrating a UI displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components exemplified in this embodiment should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.
<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system which is an example of a data processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. This example is an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus, which is an example of a data processing apparatus, and an image input apparatus can perform wireless communication according to a standard for close proximity wireless large-capacity communication. Further, the image forming apparatus shows a case where it is configured by a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)) including a reader unit and a printer unit, and shows a case where the image input apparatus is configured by a digital camera, for example. However, the image input device is not limited to a digital camera, and the present invention can be applied to a device conforming to the data communication standard, such as a memory card of an IC card or a portable terminal such as a PDA or a mobile phone. It is. Further, in the image forming apparatus shown in the present embodiment, a plurality of communication units (couplers) for wireless communication with the image input device are arranged at a distance that does not interfere with each other, and an image is provided to each communication unit as described later. The function of the forming device is assigned. Here, the communication unit (coupler) is a device such as an antenna for so-called wireless communication.

In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 includes a reader unit (image input device) 200, a printer unit (image output device) 300, a control unit 110, an operation unit 150, an HDD 160, and wireless communication circuit units 400-1 to 400-. 4 is comprised.
The reader unit 200 is a unit that optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. The reader unit 200 includes a scanner unit 210 having a function for reading a document and a document feeding unit 250 having a function for conveying the document. Composed.
The printer unit 300 is a unit that conveys recording paper, prints image data as a visible image on the recording paper, and discharges the recording paper outside the apparatus. The printer unit 300 includes a paper feed unit 360 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, a marking unit 310 having a function of transferring and fixing image data onto recording paper, and a paper discharge unit for outputting printed recording paper to the outside. And a unit 370. The paper discharge unit 370 may have a function of sorting and stapling.

The control device 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 and is connected to the LAN together with the terminal. Further, the control device 110 provides a copy function by controlling the reader unit 200 to read the image data of the original, and controlling the read image data by the printer unit 300 to output it to the recording paper.
In addition, the control device 110 provides a scanner function that stores image data read from the reader unit 200 in the HDD 160 or transmits it to the host computer. Further, the control device 110 provides a printer function that converts code data received from the host computer via the LAN into image data and outputs the image data to the printer unit 300.

The operation unit 150 is connected to the control device 110 and includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys, and a user for operating the image forming apparatus 100. Provide I / F. Note that the operation unit 150 may be configured only with a liquid crystal touch panel input device. .
The wireless communication circuit units 400-1 to 400-4 include a high-frequency circuit unit necessary for wireless communication, an encoding / decoding circuit unit, a FIFO memory during wireless communication, and the like. Corresponding antennas 401 to 404 are connected to the wireless communication circuit units 400-1 to 400-4. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication circuit unit and the corresponding antenna function as a communication unit. A combination of the wireless communication circuit units 400-1 to 400-4 and the corresponding antennas 401 to 404 is referred to as communication units 1 to 4.

Since the communication units of the image forming apparatus 100 are arranged at positions where wireless communication does not interfere with each other, the user places (sets) the image input device close to the communication unit. The function selection process described later is executed. Although not shown, the wireless communication circuit units 400-1 to 400-4 have a sufficient area for setting the image input device, and are arranged on a pedestal provided substantially horizontally on the ground. do it.
Thereby, the user can easily set the image input apparatus 1000 to the communication unit arranged on the pedestal. Moreover, it is good to give the pedestal a mark for allowing the user to identify the position of the communication unit on the pedestal. Then, the CPU 112 may communicate with the image input apparatus 1000 placed (set) on the pedestal via the communication units 1 to 4. Further, the number of communication units is not limited to four. In the present embodiment, the plurality of communication units 1 to 4 function as wireless connection units, and the image forming apparatus 100 is wirelessly connected to the image input apparatus 1000 placed in proximity to any one of the communication units 1 to 4. An example of performing communication will be described.
(Description of control device 110)
Next, the function of the control device 110 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The detailed configuration of the graphic processor 135 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, and the configuration of the control device 110 will be described with reference to the same drawing.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.
In FIG. 2, the main controller 111 of the control device 110 is mainly composed of a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits.

The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the overall operation of the control device 110, and the CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 114 via the ROM I / F 115.
The program also interprets PDL (page description language) code data received from the host computer and develops it into raster image data, and can be processed by software.

The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and controls bus arbitration and DMA data transfer.
The DRAM 116 is connected to the main controller 111 by a DRAM I / F 117, and is used as a work area for operating the CPU 112 and an area for storing image data.
The Codec 118 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 116 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and conversely decompresses the code data compressed and stored into raster image data.

The SRAM 119 is used as a temporary work area of the Codec 118. The Codec 118 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 120, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred. The graphic processor 135 performs processing such as image rotation and scaling processing.
In the first embodiment, the graphic processor 135 of the image forming apparatus 100 further performs processing such as extraction / analysis, generation / embedding of barcode information and watermark information. The SRAM 136 is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor 135.
The external communication I / F 121 is connected to the main controller 111 by an I / F 123 and is connected to an external network by a connector 122.

An expansion connector 124 for connecting an expansion board and an I / O control unit 126 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 125. Here, the general-purpose high-speed bus is generally a PCI bus. The I / O control unit 126 is equipped with two channels of asynchronous serial communication controllers 127 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300.
Further, the I / O control unit 126 is connected to a scanner I / F 140 and a printer I / F 145 through an I / O bus 128.
The panel I / F 132 is connected to the LCD controller 131 and includes an I / F for displaying on the liquid crystal display unit on the operation unit 150 and a key input I / F 130 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Is done.
A signal input from the operation unit 150 is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 132, and the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 displays image data sent from the panel I / F 132. On the liquid crystal display unit, function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 are also displayed.

The real time clock module 133 is for updating and storing the date and time managed in the apparatus, and is backed up by a backup battery 134.
The E-IDE connector 161 is for connecting an external storage device. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the hard disk drive 160 is connected via the E-IDE connector 161, and image data is stored in the hard disk 162 or image data is read from the hard disk 162. Of course, a known external storage device other than the hard disk may be connected.

The connectors 142 and 147 are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively, and are connected to the scanner I / F 140 and the printer I / F 145 via the synchronized step serial I / F 143 and 148 and the video I / F 144 and 149, respectively. Connected.
The scanner I / F 140 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 142 and is connected to the main controller 111 via the scanner bus 141. In addition, the scanner I / F 140 has a function of performing a predetermined process on the image received from the reader unit 200, and further generates a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the reader unit 200. Also, it has a function of outputting to the scanner bus 141. Note that data transfer from the scanner bus 141 to the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113.

The printer I / F 145 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 147 and is connected to the main controller 111 via the printer bus 146. In addition, the printer I / F 145 has a function of performing predetermined processing on the image data output from the main controller 111 and outputting it to the printer unit 300.
Further, it has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 146.

Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the printer bus 146 and the video I / F 149.
(Explanation of operation unit)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. This example corresponds to the basic screen of the image forming apparatus 100. This basic screen is a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function.
In FIG. 3, a copy mode key 524 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. When the copy mode key 524 is pressed, a copy mode screen 530 is displayed. An extended function key 501 is a key for entering a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, and frame erasing setting.

Reference numeral 540 denotes a status line, which displays a message indicating the device status and print information. In the case of FIG. 3, it indicates that the copy is waiting.
An image mode key 502 is a key for entering a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copy image. A user mode key 503 is a key for registering a mode memory and setting a standard mode screen.
An applied zoom key 504 is a key for entering a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size.
Further, an M1 key 505, an M2 key 506, and an M3 key 507 are keys used when calling the mode memories registered in the respective keys. An option key 509 is a key for setting an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from the film.

  A sorter key 510 is a key for setting sort, non-sort, and group. A document mixed loading key 511 is a key to be pressed when setting different size documents together on the document feeder, such as A4 size and A3 size, or B5 size and B4 size.

The equal magnification key 512 is a key for setting the copy magnification to 100%. The reduction key 514 and the enlargement key 515 are keys for performing standard reduction and enlargement, respectively. The zoom key 516 is a key for shifting to an operation for setting an arbitrary variable magnification. A paper selection key 513 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper.
518 and 520 are density keys, which are darkly copied every time the density key 518 is pressed, and lightly copied every time the key 520 is pressed. In the density display 517, the display indicating the density changes to the left and right in response to pressing of the density keys 518 and 520.

An AE key 519 is a key for instructing a process of copying a document having a dark background such as a newspaper with automatic density adjustment. The HiFi key 521 is a key that is pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a photographic document. A character emphasis key 522 is a key to be pressed to instruct a process for highlighting characters in copying a character document.
Reference numeral 560 denotes a history key. When this key is pressed, history information of a printed job is displayed. For example, information such as an end time, a user name, a file name, and the number of copies of the print job is displayed.

A guide key 523 is a key to be pressed when the function of the key is unknown, and an explanation of the key is displayed. A fax key 525 is a key to be pressed when performing a fax.
A Box key 526 is a key to be pressed when it is desired to display a box function for data stored in a box area secured on the HDD 160. A printer key 527 is a key to be pressed when the print density is changed or when detailed print output information of PDL data from a remote host computer is to be referred to.
An ID key 528 is a key for instructing to display an ID of the image forming apparatus (for example, a network address such as an IP address or information such as a machine name).
Next, the configuration of the image input apparatus 1000 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the image input apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. In this example, the image input apparatus 1000 is configured by a digital camera or a mobile phone. In addition, in the case where the mobile phone is configured, an antenna for wireless communication with a public line is provided in addition to the illustrated configuration.
4, the image input apparatus 1000 includes a CPU 1001, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1003, a wireless communication circuit unit 1004, an antenna 1014, an imaging unit 1005, an operation unit 1006, a display unit 1007, and a secondary storage unit 1008. And they are connected to each other as shown. The image input apparatus 1000 includes a power supply circuit unit 1009 and supplies power to each block.

The CPU 1001 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 1002 and controls various operations of the image input apparatus 1000. The ROM 1002 is a nonvolatile memory that stores in advance control procedures and the like in the image input apparatus 1000.
The RAM 1003 has temporary buffering of digital image data output from the imaging unit 1005 and temporary storage of data to be written to the secondary storage unit 1008 and data read from the secondary storage unit.
Further, it is used as a work area used for operations of the CPU 1001 and an area for temporarily storing various settings. The wireless communication circuit unit 1004 includes a high-frequency circuit unit necessary for wireless communication, an encoding / decoding circuit unit, a FIFO memory for wireless communication, and the like, to which a communication unit 1014 is connected.
The imaging unit 1005 includes a lens that forms an image of incident light and a photoelectric converter (such as a CCD or a CMOS sensor) that converts the imaged light into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 1005 includes an AD converter (analog-digital converter) that converts an analog electric signal output from the photoelectric converter into a digital electric signal.

The operation unit 1006 includes a release button for instructing photographing, a mode selection dial for selecting an operation mode of the digital camera, and a menu button for calling a menu item. The operation unit 1006 includes buttons such as a cross cursor button for selecting / instructing menu items, a dial, and a switch.
The state of these buttons, dials, and switches and state changes are output as electrical signals. The display unit 1007 includes a small liquid crystal display device and a color liquid crystal display device.
The secondary storage unit 1008 stores captured digital image data and the like. There are a configuration having a built-in nonvolatile memory as a secondary storage unit and a configuration having a memory card detachable from the main body as a secondary storage unit, and either configuration may be taken. The power supply circuit unit 1009 includes a battery, a DC / DC converter, and the like, and supplies power to each block described above. The image input apparatus 1000 having the above-described configuration has a function of transmitting a captured digital image to another electronic device by wireless communication.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. This example is an example showing a function assignment process for assigning a function executable by the image forming apparatus 100 to each communication unit of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. S1501 to S1504 indicate steps. Each step is realized by the CPU 112 loading a control program from the ROM 114 to the DRAM 116 and executing it.
6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating user interfaces displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 150 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows a communication unit selection screen 1601 for assigning communication unit functions. The selection screen 1601 has an option display area 1602 for selecting a communication unit. This option display area 1602 corresponds to an external view of the pedestal (not shown) as seen from above. That is, the user assigns functions to the plurality of communication units, and moves the image input device closer to one of the communication units, thereby processing the data in the image input device using the functions assigned to the communication unit. The apparatus 1000 can be processed. Buttons B401 to B403 correspond to the communication units 1 to 4, respectively. When selecting a communication unit in the option display area 1602 and assigning a function, a next button 1604 is pressed, and when canceling the function assignment process, a cancel button 1603 is pressed.

FIG. 7 shows a function selection screen 1701 for assigning functions. The function selection screen 1701 has an assigned function display area 1702 for assigning functions of the image forming apparatus 100 to the communication unit. When a function is selected in the assigned function display area 1702 and the process is continued, an OK button 1704 is pressed, and when the process is canceled, a cancel button 1703 is pressed.
FIG. 8 shows an assigned function confirmation screen 1801 for confirming the function assigned to the communication unit. On the assignment function confirmation screen 1801, the function of the image forming apparatus 100 assigned to the communication unit 401 can be confirmed by the assignment function display area 1802. Further, when a function is assigned to another communication unit 401, or when another function is desired to be assigned to the communication unit 401 to which the function has been assigned, an assignment button 1803 is further pressed. When the processing is completed here, a completion button 1804 is pressed.

  In the present embodiment, RECEIVE to print, RECEIVE to SEND, RECEIVE to BOX, and RECEIVE to preview are displayed as examples of functions assigned to the communication unit. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the function is assigned to only one of the four communication units, but the function is further assigned to two or more communication units using the assignment button 1803 or the like. It is also possible. In addition, regarding some of the four communication units, a function such as RECEIVE to print that is frequently used by the user may be fixedly assigned.

Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, a preparation for operating a specific function when the image input apparatus 1000 is brought close to the communication unit will be described.
First, in S1501, the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays the selection screen 1601 in FIG. 6 and allows the user to select one of the plurality of communication units 401 to 404 from the screen. Display the screen. Through this screen, the user selects a button corresponding to the communication unit 401 to which a function is to be assigned. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the button B401 is selected.
Thereafter, when the next button 1604 is pressed, the screen display is switched to the screen shown in FIG. When the cancel button 1603 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 6 is switched to the basic screen. These display controls will be described with reference to an example in which the CPU 112 is executed according to a program stored in the ROM 114. However, the operation unit 150 has its own control unit, and the control unit performs display control according to an instruction from the CPU 112. May be performed.

  Next, in S1502, the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays the function selection screen 1701 in FIG. 7 based on the display control of the CPU 112. On this screen, the user selects a function assigned to the communication unit 401. Here, an example in which RECEIVE to print, RECEIVE to SEND, RECEIVE to BOX, and RECEIVE to preview functions can be selected is shown, but other functions may be included. The RECEIVE to print function is a process executed using the print function of the image forming apparatus 100, and is a function for printing data received from the image input apparatus 1000 by the print unit 300.

The RECEIVE to SEND function is a process executed using a data transmission function of the image forming apparatus, and is a function of transmitting data received from the image input apparatus 1000 to an external PC via a network (not shown). . The RECEIVE to BOX function is a process executed using the BOX function (data storage function) of the image forming apparatus 100 and is a function for storing data received from the image input apparatus 1000 in a predetermined area of the HDD 160. . The RECEIVE to preview function is a process executed using the preview function of the image forming apparatus 100, and is a function for displaying data received from the image input apparatus 1000 on the display unit of the operation unit 150.
In step S <b> 1503, the CPU 112 displays an assignment function confirmation screen 1801 illustrated in FIG. 8 on the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this assigned function confirmation screen 1801, the function assigned to the communication unit is displayed.
In step S <b> 1504, the CPU 112 determines whether there is a request to assign a function to another communication unit from the function confirmation screen 1801. Here, if the CPU 112 determines that there is a request to assign a function to another communication unit, the process returns to S1501, and processing for assigning a function to the communication unit is subsequently executed.
On the other hand, if the CPU 112 determines in S1504 that there is no request for assigning a function to another communication unit, the process ends.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. This example is an example of a user interface displayed on the operation unit 150 when the image input apparatus 1000 is placed in the communication unit 401 to which a function is assigned by the above-described operation. Note that this screen is also displayed on the operation unit 150 in the image forming apparatus 100 as in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8.
The display screen 1901 in FIG. 9 is a screen that is displayed when a digital camera, which is an example of the image input apparatus 1000, is placed at a distance that allows communication with the communication unit to which the RECEIVE to print function shown in FIG. 8 is allocated. An example is shown.

In the image display area 1902, image data stored in the image input apparatus 1000 is displayed. In this embodiment, the thumbnail format is displayed, but a list format display or a preview format display may be used.
A page turning button 1903 can move the previous page and the next page when there are one or more images. When canceling the process, the user presses a cancel button 1904. The user selects an image and presses the JET to print button 1905 to cause the image forming apparatus 100 to print the image data.
Next, processing procedures of the image input apparatus 1000 and the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming system will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

First, a processing procedure in the image input apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S <b> 1401, the CPU 1001 has a communication unit (any one of the communication units 1 to 4) of the image forming apparatus within a range where communication can be performed via the communication unit (wireless communication circuit unit 1004 and antenna 1014) of the own device. It is determined whether or not. Here, the communicable range via the communication unit of the device itself is, for example, within a radius of 3 cm from the antenna 1014.
If it is determined in S1401 that the image is present, the CPU 1001 determines that communication with the image forming apparatus 100 is possible, and transmits the image data in the secondary storage unit 1008 to the image forming apparatus 100 in S1402. Here, the image data to be transmitted may be all the image data in the secondary storage unit 1008 or may be image data in a range designated in advance by the user.

Next, a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S <b> 1601, the CPU 112 detects that the image input device 1000 exists within a range where communication with any one of the communication units 1 to 4 is possible, and determines whether or not communication with the image input device 1000 is possible. To do. Here, the range within which communication with the communication unit is possible is, for example, within a radius of 3 cm from the communication unit.
If it is determined that communication is possible, the CPU 112 receives image data from the image input apparatus 1000 in S1602, and stores it in the HDD 160 in S1603.
In step S1604, the CPU 112 identifies a communication unit used for communication, that is, a communication unit used for receiving image data in step S1602. Specifically, in step S1601, the CPU 112 stores whether the image input device 1000 exists in a communication range that can be communicated with any of the communication units 1 to 4, and based on the stored information. The communication unit used for communication is specified.
In step S <b> 1605, the CPU 112 determines whether the communication unit used for communication is the communication unit 1. If it is determined that the communication unit 1 is selected, the CPU 112 displays a function menu assigned to the communication unit 1 in step S1608. FIG. 9 is a display example of the function menu.

Note that the display screen is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9, and the CPU 112 may display a screen on which image data processing can be set in detail in addition to FIG.
If it is determined in S1605 that the communication unit 1 is not, the CPU 112 determines whether the communication unit used for communication is the communication unit 2 in S1606. If it is determined that the communication unit 2 is selected, the CPU 112 displays the function menu assigned to the communication unit 2 in S1609.
If it is determined in S1606 that the communication unit 2 is not, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the communication unit used for communication is the communication unit 3 in S1607. When it is determined that the communication unit 2 is used, the CPU 112 displays the function menu assigned to the communication unit 3 in S1610.

If it is determined in S1607 that the communication unit 3 is not used, the CPU 112 displays a function menu assigned to the communication unit 4 in S1610.
In step S <b> 1612, the CPU 112 receives selection of image data to be processed and other processing settings from the user via the displayed function menu. In the case of print processing, the other processing settings are a print layout setting and a print density setting. The CPU 112 may accept a print layout and print density setting from the user by a button (not shown).
If the CPU 112 determines in step S1613 that an instruction to start processing has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step S1614, and executes the processing according to the setting received in step S1612.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, in the image forming system including the image input apparatus and the image forming apparatus, the function of the image forming apparatus 100 is assigned to the communication unit 401 in advance. Then, when the image input apparatus 1000 is brought close to the communication unit 401, the image forming apparatus displays a screen specialized for a specific function. Therefore, when a user performs a predetermined process on image data in the image input device 1000, the user can use a desired function by bringing the image input device 1000 closer to the communication unit without instructing the processing contents each time. Can be executed. As a result, the operability of the image forming apparatus 100 can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is an example in which a function menu suitable for the image input apparatus 1000 is additionally displayed according to contents and functions unique to the image input apparatus 1000 that are brought close to the communication unit. Note that the configurations of the image input apparatus 1000 and the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
Processing procedures of the image input apparatus 1000 and the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming system will be described with reference to FIGS.
12 corresponds to the process on the image input apparatus 1000 side shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 corresponds to the process on the image forming apparatus 100 side shown in FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 1001 of the image input apparatus 1000 loading a control program from the ROM 1002 to the RAM 1003 and executing it. 13 is realized by the CPU 112 of the image forming apparatus 100 loading a control program from the ROM 114 to the DRAM 116 and executing it.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. This example is an example of a setting screen displayed when the image input apparatus 1000 is placed in a communication unit to which a function is assigned. This screen is also displayed on the operation unit 150 in the image forming apparatus 100 as in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. Here, since the setting screen is associated with the communication unit, the setting screen related to the print function is automatically displayed.
In FIG. 14, the display screen 2101 illustrates an example where a digital camera is placed as the image input apparatus 1000. An image stored in the image input apparatus 1000 is displayed in the image display area 2102. In this embodiment, the thumbnail format is displayed, but a list format display or a preview format display may be used.
The page turning button 2103 can move the previous page and the next page when there are one or more images. When the user cancels the process, a cancel button 2104 is pressed. When the user selects image data and presses the RECEIVE to print button 2105, the image data can be printed.
Further, when the type of the image input apparatus is a digital camera, an Index print button 2106 and a camera print button 2107 are displayed in addition to the RECEIVE to print button 2105. When the index print button 2106 is selected, the CPU 112 generates a thumbnail image of the image data received from the image input apparatus 1000 and stored in the HDD 160, and prints the generated thumbnail image side by side on a single sheet of recording paper. .
As a result, the user can know what kind of image is stored in the image input apparatus 1000 from one sheet of recording paper. When the camera print button 2107 is selected, the CPU 112 prints the image data selected through FIG. 14 with the resolution set higher than the initial value.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure in the image input apparatus 1000.
Processes similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
If the CPU 1001 of the image input apparatus 1000 determines in S1401 that communication with the image forming apparatus 100 is possible, the CPU 1001 transmits the profile of the apparatus itself to the image forming apparatus 100 in S2001. In step S <b> 1402, the CPU 1001 transmits the image data stored in the secondary storage unit 1008 to the image forming apparatus 100.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 100.
Also in FIG. 13, as in FIG. 12, processes similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The differences from the first embodiment are mainly S2011 and S2012. In step S1602, the CPU 112 receives a profile indicating the type of the image input apparatus 1000 in addition to the image data. In step S1603, the CPU 112 stores the received image data and profile.

In step S2011, the CPU 112 of the image forming apparatus 100 analyzes the profile of the image input apparatus 1000 received in step S1602, and identifies the type of the image input apparatus 1000. Then, the process proceeds to S2012.
In step S2012, the CPU 112 additionally displays a menu suitable for the image input apparatus 1000 based on the specified type. FIG. 14 shows a display example. Specifically, as a result of analyzing the profile received from the image input device 1000, the CPU 112 identifies that the image input device 1000 is a digital camera, and displays a display screen for the digital camera prepared in advance in the HDD 160 on the operation unit 160. Display. Specifically, in addition to the RECEIVE to print button 2105 displayed regardless of the type of device, an index print button 2106 and a camera print 2107 are displayed.

According to the second embodiment described above, in the image forming system including the image input device and the image forming device, the type of the image input device is detected by the image forming device when the image input device is brought close to the wireless connection unit. . Accordingly, a menu suitable for the image forming apparatus can be added and displayed, and the operability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
The image input apparatus 1000 is brought closer to one communication unit, and image data is received from another communication unit while processing using a function assigned to the communication unit is being executed. Also good. In this case, the CPU 112 processes the image data received from the other communication unit after completion of the currently executing process. Thereby, the user can reserve execution of a plurality of processes. At this time, if the currently executing process and the reserved process can be processed in parallel, the CPU 112 executes the processes in parallel, and if the processes cannot be processed in parallel, , In order. The case where the processing can be executed in parallel is, for example, a case where the processing currently being executed is processing using the RECEIVE to print function and the reserved processing is processing using the RECEIVE to SEND function.
The case where the execution is impossible in parallel is, for example, the case where the currently executing process and the reserved process are processes using the RECEIVE to print function. In this case, since the printer unit 300 is commonly used, it is impossible to perform processing in parallel.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where image data is input and processed via the communication unit has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where an image is output. For example, a function for reducing and transmitting image data and a function for converting color image data to monochrome and outputting the same are assigned to the communication unit. Then, the CPU 112 may execute a function corresponding to the communication unit to which the image input device 1000 is brought close and store the image data in the image input device 1000.

The object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

100 Image forming apparatus 1000 Image input apparatus

Claims (7)

A data processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
An assigning unit that assigns one of the plurality of functions according to an instruction from a user to each of the plurality of communication units;
Receiving means for receiving data from the image input device via any one of the plurality of communication units;
Control means for executing processing using the function assigned by the assigning means to the communication unit that has received the data when data is received by the receiving means;
A data processing apparatus comprising:   When receiving data by the receiving means, it further comprises a display control means for causing the display section to display a setting screen corresponding to the function assigned by the assigning means for the communication section that has received the data. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1. Further comprising specifying means for specifying the type of the image input device;
The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a setting screen for selecting a process using a function corresponding to the type specified by the specifying unit.   The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image input apparatus includes a digital camera, a PDA, or a mobile phone.   The function assigned by the assigning means includes a print function for printing the data received by the receiving means, a transmission function for sending data received by the receiving means, and storing the data received by the receiving means in the storage unit. 5. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data storage function. A data processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
An assigning step of assigning any one of the plurality of functions in accordance with an instruction from a user to each of the plurality of communication units;
A receiving step of receiving data from the image input device via any one of the plurality of communication units;
When receiving data in the receiving step, a control step of executing processing using the function assigned in the assignment step for the communication unit that has received the data;
A method for controlling a data processing apparatus comprising:   The program for making a computer perform the control method of the data processing apparatus of Claim 6.

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