JP2012095084A - Image forming apparatus and application start method in computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide means for operating a terminal in changing an application program running on the other end of a communication by changing application programs of respective devices without the need for an operator to move terminals away from each other.SOLUTION: In a communication that determines an application program in starting a communication, if an operator desires to change an application program during the communication to carry out the communication, the operator changes the priority to start applications to cause a device having higher priority to start an application program on the other side of a communication.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system and a computer system, and more particularly to a method for starting an optimum application program from a plurality of programs.

In recent years, as a data transfer method between an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) or a PC (personal computer), which is a scanner, a printer, and a multifunction machine, and other devices, a local I / F (interface) is used, and a short distance device is used. A mechanism has been devised for performing high-speed wireless communication between them. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
By applying such a mechanism, a user can send image data to the MFP or PC simply by placing a portable notebook PC, mobile terminal, or PDA in the communication unit of the MFP. .

In addition, a mechanism has been devised in which an application required for a communication partner is designated and started when communication is performed between the MFP and the PC with another device. (For example, see Patent Document 2)
If this mechanism is used, the user's operation can be omitted since only one device needs to be operated when performing wireless communication between devices at short distances. The convenience of wireless communication can be improved.

JP 2008-99236 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-161960

  In the system described in Patent Document 2, once communication is established and application programs of the MFP and PC and other devices are activated, the application program cannot be changed thereafter. However, depending on the user's usage, there may be a desire to change the application program after communication is established. In that case, after the operator has separated the distance between the terminals and disconnected the communication, it is necessary to bring the terminals closer together in order to perform communication again, making it difficult for the operator to handle.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide means by which a user can operate a terminal by changing an application program between apparatuses without separating the distance between terminals. To do.

There is a control unit that controls the operation and communication of the device, and a communication terminal (1000) that transmits data to the control unit via a communication path.
There is a control unit that controls the operation and communication of an apparatus, and an image forming apparatus (100) that can transmit data through a communication path with the control unit.
The image forming apparatus (100) includes: means for printing out data from the communication terminal (1000); means for storing data from the communication terminal (1000); means for transmitting data to the communication terminal; Has a mode.
The communication terminal (1000) and the image forming apparatus (100) also have priority determination means for determining the priority for starting an application and the priority for each other when communication is performed. When the communication terminal (1000) and the image forming apparatus (100) communicate with each other, if the priority is higher than the communication partner by the priority determination unit, the communication terminal (1000) has means for starting an application to the communication partner.
Thereafter, when the apparatus is operated in the communication terminal (1000) or the image forming apparatus (100) and it is determined that an application different from the currently performed data communication is required, the communication terminal (1000) or the image An application program activation method that allows a device to activate an application to be specified by changing the priority of the forming apparatus (100) and then disconnecting communication once again and performing communication again by the control unit.

  According to the present invention, when the operator wants to change the application of the apparatus, it is possible to save the trouble of lifting up the terminal and communicating and smoothly change the application.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation part concerning embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data transfer order of the MFP and the image input apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the software structure concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the application starting method concerning this invention embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data transfer order of the MFP and the image input apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the priority table concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the priority table concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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

<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, an image processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as MFP) having a plurality of functions will be described as an example of the image processing apparatus. MFP 100 includes a communication unit 10 and a display unit 11. The communication unit 10 is for performing wireless communication with an external information processing apparatus such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, or a notebook personal computer. The user can communicate with the MFP 100 and the information processing apparatus 1000 by bringing the information processing apparatus 1000 closer to the communication unit 10. As described above, the MFP 100 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 1000. The display unit 11 includes a touch panel and a liquid crystal display unit, displays an operation screen, and receives instructions from the user. Display unit 11 displays the state of MFP 100.

  Next, the configuration of the image processing system of MFP 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The controller unit 110 of the MFP 100 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, receives information from the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and transmits various commands to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300. Or

  The controller unit 110 is connected to PCs (Personal Computers) 4001 and 4002 via the network 4000. The PC 4001 and the PC 4002 receive image data and control commands via the network 4000. An example of the network is Ethernet (registered trademark). Further, the PC 4001 and the PC 4002 can have a server function of providing any service upon receiving a request from another device. Further, a print job can be input from the PC 4001 to the MFP 100 to perform printing.

  The reader unit 200 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 290 that transports a document sheet to a position where the scanner unit 210 can read the document sheet.

  The scanner controller 210 </ b> A controls the document feeding unit 290 and the scanner unit 210 based on an instruction from the controller unit 110.

  The printer unit 300 includes a paper feed unit 310 that stores a printing sheet, a marking unit 320 that transfers and fixes image data to the sheet, and a paper discharge unit 330 that discharges the printed sheet. Based on an instruction from the controller unit 110, the printer unit 300 feeds a sheet from the paper feed unit 310, prints image data on the fed sheet, and discharges the printed sheet to the paper discharge unit 330. Further, the paper discharge unit 330 can perform sorting and stapling on the printed sheets.

  The operation unit 250 corresponds to the display unit 11 of FIG. 1 and includes, for example, a hard key, a liquid crystal display unit, and a touch panel unit pasted on the liquid crystal display unit, and receives a user's instruction through them. The operation unit 250 transmits a command corresponding to the instruction received from the user to the controller unit 110, and the controller unit 110 performs control according to the received command. In addition, operation unit 250 displays on the liquid crystal display unit a soft key for accepting an operation of MFP 100 and a display showing the function and state of MFP 100. A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 260 stores various settings of the MFP 100 and image data.

  Using these components, a copy function, an image data transmission function, a printer function, and the like are executed. When executing the copy function, the controller unit 110 reads the image data of the original by the reader unit 200 and prints the read image data on a sheet by the printer unit 300. When executing the image data transmission function, the controller unit 110 converts the image data read by the reader unit 200 into code data, and transmits the code data to the PCs 4001 and 4002 via the network 4000. When executing the printer function, the controller unit 110 analyzes and expands the code data received from the PCs 4001 and 4002 via the network 4000, converts the code data into image data, and outputs the image data to the printer unit 300. The printer unit 300 performs printing based on the image data received from the controller unit 110. The print data can be received from the wireless communication unit 400. In that case, the MFP 100 analyzes image data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) stored in the image input apparatus 1000 and other files unique to various applications, and converts them into image data. As a result, it is possible to output to the printer unit 300. Conversely, image data can be transmitted from the MFP 100 to the image input apparatus 1000.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 100 having a plurality of functions will be described as an example of the image processing apparatus. However, a copy machine having only a copy function or an SFP (Single Function Peripheral) having only a printer function may be used. Good.

  The wireless communication unit 400 is provided in the communication unit 10, detects that the information processing apparatus 1000 is close to the communication unit 10, and transmits / receives control data, image data, and the like to / from the information processing apparatus 1000. . The wireless communication unit 400 may be controlled based on an instruction from the control device 110, or the wireless communication unit 400 may include a CPU by itself and the CPU may control the wireless communication unit 400.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit 250 includes a touch panel unit 301 and a key input unit 302.

  The touch panel unit 301 includes a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a transparent electrode attached thereon. The touch panel unit 301 has a function of accepting various settings from the user and a function of presenting information to the user. When the wireless communication unit 400 recognizes the image input device 1000, the screen is switched to a screen for communication with the image input device. A display example at that time will be described later. The key input unit 302 includes an operation unit power switch 303. When the operation unit power switch 303 is pressed by the user, the controller unit 100 selectively switches between a standby mode (normal operation state) and a sleep mode (state in which power consumption is suppressed). The controller unit 100 accepts an operation by the user of the operation unit power switch 303 in a state where a main power switch (not shown) for supplying power to the entire system is on.

  The start key 304 is used when receiving an instruction from the user for causing the controller unit 100 to execute a series of operations such as a document reading operation using the reader unit 200 and a printing process of the read document as a print job. Key. The start key 304 is a key used when receiving an instruction from the user to cause the controller unit 100 to execute an operation of transmitting to the outside via the image data LAN 4000 stored in the HDD 260 as a data transmission job. .

  A stop key 305 is a key for receiving an instruction from the user to interrupt the processing of the received print job.

  A system status confirmation key 306 is a key for displaying a screen for confirming the history of a print job currently being performed or a history of print jobs performed in the past.

  Next, the configuration of the image input apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image input apparatus 1000 includes a display unit 401 and various buttons for instructing operations. A determination button 402 for determining an operation, a selection button 403 for selecting a file while viewing the display unit 401, and a cancel button 404 for canceling the operation.

  The display on the display unit 401 in FIG. 4 shows an example in which a file included in the image input apparatus 1000 is displayed. There are six files in Folder1, and WorkFile2 is highlighted to indicate that it is selected. Data transfer from the image input apparatus 1000 to the MFP 100 is performed when a file selected by the image input apparatus 1000 is transferred when the image input apparatus 1000 is brought close to the wireless communication unit of the MFP 100. Another method may be taken.

  FIG. 5 shows a data communication order between the MFP 100 and the external storage device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for starting an application of MFP 100 when MFP 100 communicates image data from external storage device 1000.

  First, an application is activated on the external storage device 1000 side. Thereafter, when the external storage device 1000 and the wireless communication unit 400 are brought closer, the external storage device 1000 instructs the wireless communication unit 400 to issue a communication request. The wireless communication unit 400 of the MFP 100 that has received the communication request returns a communication response. Upon confirming the communication response, the external storage device 1000 sends identification information that can identify the individual to the MFP 100, and the MFP 100 sends the identification information to the external storage device 1000. Next, which of MFP 100 and external storage device 1000 starts the application is determined by determining the priority of MFP 100 and external storage device 1000. In the case of FIG. 5, the external storage device 1000 starts up an application.

  Next, the external storage apparatus 1000 performs Negotiation information notification in order to start an application necessary for communication to be performed on the MFP 100 side. Examples of Negotiation information are data direction (transmission, reception) and file type (image, video, music, data, etc.). The MFP 100 activates an optimum application of the MFP 100 from Negotiation information. After that, the MFP 100 sends to the external storage apparatus 1000 as Negotiation result notification that the optimum application has been activated based on the Negotiation information. Next, communication is started when an application is activated in both the external storage device 1000 and the MFP 100.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a software block diagram of the external storage device 1000. In FIG. 6, reference numerals 613, 614, and 615 denote applications that operate on the external storage device 1000, and applications A, B, and C that operate while communicating with the MFP 100 via the wireless communication path and the applications operating on the MFP 100. Is shown. A communication control unit 616 associates an application running on the external storage device 1000 with a device driver communicating with an application running on the MFP 100. The Negotiation identification code table 617 is a table for selecting an application to be activated from Negotiation information. The wireless device driver 617 performs wireless communication interrupt processing and hardware control.

  Although the software block diagram of the external storage device 1000 has been described with reference to FIG. 6, the MFP 100 also has a similar software block, and an application is selected when performing communication.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart in the first embodiment of the present invention. A control method of the MFP 100 and the image input apparatus 1000 is shown.

  First, it is confirmed whether the image input apparatus 1000 is brought closer to the communication unit 10 of the MFP 100 and communication is established (S701). If the communication is not established, the establishment of the communication is confirmed again (S701 / NO). When communication is established (S701 / YES), a device for starting an application is determined according to the priority (S702). When the priority is higher than the communication partner (S702 / YES). Specify the application you want to start for the communication destination, and start the application. When the priority is lower (S702 / NO), the application notification to be started from the communication destination is waited for, and the application is started after the notification. Thereafter, communication is started (S705). Next, it is determined whether the application is not changed by operating the MFP 100 or the image input apparatus 1000 (S706). If there is no need to change the application (S706 / NO), it is determined whether to end communication (S707). If the communication is to be terminated (S707 / YES), the process is terminated as it is. If there is a change in the application (S706 / YES), the priority is changed so that the application can be activated at the next communication (S708), the communication is disconnected (S709), and the communication is performed again.

  The application can be changed by disconnecting communication after changing the priority and establishing communication again.

  FIG. 8 shows a data communication order between the MFP 100 and the external storage device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the MFP 100 communicates image data from the external storage device 1000, an application of the MFP 100 is activated. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for suspending communication between the MFP 100 and the external storage device 1000 and performing negotiation again after another application needs to be activated in the MFP 100. The description up to the start of communication is the same as in FIG.

  After the communication is started, if there is a case where the MFP 100 wants to communicate with the external storage device using another application, the priority is raised on the MFP 100 side. Thereafter, communication is disconnected from MFP 100 and communication is started again. Since the priority is raised in the MFP 100, the MFP 100 can have the priority to start the application.

  9 and 10 show examples of priority tables in the first embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a priority table of the MFP 100, and FIG. 10 is a priority table of the image input apparatus 1000. The priority comparison is first made with the values in the main column. As a result of the comparison, if the priority in the main column is equal, the determination is made based on the value in the sub column. Moreover, the example shown this time is only an example, and it is of course possible to determine the priority by another method.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, when communication is disconnected and communication is resumed after changing the priority, it is necessary to guarantee that communication is performed between the same devices before and after the communication is disconnected.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ID of the external storage device is stored before and after communication, and it is confirmed that the device is the same before and after communication disconnection.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Since S1101 to S1109 are the same as S701 to S709 in FIG.

  After the communication is established (S1101), the communication is disconnected and it is confirmed whether the ID is the same as before the communication is disconnected (S1110). If the ID is the same as before the communication interruption (S1110 / YES), the priority is determined (S1102). If the ID is different from that before the communication interruption (S1110 / NO), the priority is changed to normal (S1111).

  As a result, when the ID does not change, the application can be started with the priority changed in the MFP 100. When the ID changes, the priority can be changed to the normal state to determine the priority.

<Third Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the ID of the external storage device is stored before and after the communication, and it can be confirmed that the device is the same device before and after the communication disconnection. Possible to operate. Therefore, a weight sensor is provided in the communication unit (10), and it is determined whether or not the external storage device is removed from the communication unit (10) and operated without any change in weight before and after communication.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Since S1201 to S1208 and S1210 are the same as S701 to S709 in FIG.

  When the priority is changed (S1208), monitoring of the weight sensor is started (S1209). Thereafter, when communication is established (S1201 / YES), it is determined whether the weight sensor is being monitored (S1211). If the weight sensor is not monitoring (S1211 / NO), the process proceeds to priority determination (S1202). When the weight sensor is monitoring (S1211 / YES), it is confirmed whether there has been a change in weight (S1212). If there is a change in weight (S1212 / YES), it is determined that the external storage device 1000 has been removed, and the priority is changed to a default value S1213. When there is no change in weight (S1212 / NO), it is determined that the external storage device is the same as before communication, and the priority is not changed. Thereafter, the monitoring of the weight sensor is terminated (S1214), and priority determination (S1202) is performed.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the first to third embodiments, as a condition for changing the priority during communication. The MFP 100 is operated by the operator, and a function different from the function currently being executed is selected. For example, after the MFP 100 prints an image stored in the external storage device 1000, image data is transmitted from the MFP 100 to the image input device 1000.

  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.

100 MFP
110 Control device 400 Wireless communication unit 4000 LAN
4001, 4002 PC
1000 Image input device

Claims (8)

There is a control unit that controls the operation and communication of the device, and a communication terminal (1000) that transmits data to the control unit via a communication path.
There is a control unit that controls the operation and communication of an apparatus, and an image forming apparatus (100) that can transmit data through a communication path with the control unit.
The image forming apparatus (100) includes: means for printing out data from the communication terminal (1000); means for storing data from the communication terminal (1000); means for transmitting data to the communication terminal; Has a mode.
The communication terminal (1000) and the image forming apparatus (100) also have priority determination means for determining the priority for starting an application and the priority for each other when communication is performed. When the communication terminal (1000) and the image forming apparatus (100) communicate with each other, if the priority is higher than the communication partner by the priority determination unit, the communication terminal (1000) has means for starting an application to the communication partner.
Thereafter, when the apparatus is operated in the communication terminal (1000) or the image forming apparatus (100) and it is determined that an application different from the currently performed data communication is required, the communication terminal (1000) or the image An application program activation method that allows a device to activate an application to be specified by changing the priority of the forming apparatus (100) and then disconnecting communication once again and performing communication again by the control unit. The communication terminal (1000) has an ID that can identify an individual. The image forming apparatus has means for reading and storing the ID of the communication terminal (1000) when communicating with the communication terminal.
When the communication is interrupted, the ID of the previous communication terminal that performed communication before the interruption and the ID of the communication terminal that performed communication after the interruption are read. If the IDs are equal, the process proceeds as it is. 2. The method of starting an application program according to claim 1, wherein if the IDs are different, it is determined that the communication terminal (1000) has been exchanged at the time of interruption, and the priority of the image forming apparatus is returned to the initial state. . The image forming apparatus is provided with weight detection means for determining whether an object is placed in the communication unit (10), and the change in weight is monitored when communication is interrupted in claim 1, so that the weight is once measured. If no change is observed, it is determined that the communication terminal has not been removed from the communication unit (10), and the process proceeds.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if there is a change in weight even once, the communication terminal recognizes that the communication terminal has been removed from the communication unit and resets the priority of the image forming apparatus to the initial state. Application program startup method.   The condition for increasing the priority level in the image forming apparatus (100) is that the MFP 100 is operated, and as a result, communication of new data is required between the image forming apparatus (100) and the external storage device (1000). The application program starting method according to claim 1, wherein the application program is started.   5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is short-range wireless communication, and can perform communication by bringing the information processing apparatus closer to the communication unit (10) of the image processing apparatus. The application program start method according to any one of the above.   The communication means has means for confirming the priority of the communication destination when the application started in the current communication is started, and the priority of the own device. When changing the application, if you want to start the application on your own machine, make the priority higher than the priority of the previous communication destination, and if you want to prompt the application to start at the communication destination, 6. The application program activation method according to claim 1, wherein the priority is set lower than the priority of the communication destination.   6. The application program starting method according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a personal computer. The means for disconnecting the temporary communication by the control unit applies a hardware reset to the hardware of the wireless communication unit (400) that controls the communication. Application program startup method described.