JP2013157653A - Image forming device, image forming system, control program for image forming device, and control program for terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control program for the image forming device, and a control program for a terminal device, capable of suppressing deterioration in operability of the image forming device.SOLUTION: An MFP 100a as an image forming device can communicate with each of remote operation panels 200a, 200b, and 200c including a display operation unit 205. The MFP 100a receives information related to job setting from each of the remote operation panels 200a, 200b, and 200c and performs image drawing processing for drawing an image on each display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panels 200a, 200b, and 200c. The MFP 100a determines whether image drawing processing is delayed on the basis of information indicating a drawing speed of image drawing processing. If it is determined that image drawing processing is delayed, the MFP 100a transmits the information received from the remote operation panel 200c to an MFP 100b.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control program for an image forming apparatus, and a control program for a terminal apparatus, and more specifically, an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal apparatus including a display unit, an image forming system, The present invention relates to a control program for an image forming apparatus and a control program for a terminal apparatus.

  In recent years, portable information terminals have become highly functional, and individuals have portable information terminals instead of PCs (Personal Computers). In the portable information terminal, the digitized document can be freely viewed and edited at an arbitrary place. The portable information terminal is used in various scenes of business and life.

  With the enhancement of functionality of portable information terminals, in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a portable information terminal, cooperation between the image forming apparatus and the portable information terminal is required.

  In order to meet the above requirements, a technique for operating an image forming apparatus with a terminal device such as a portable information terminal has been proposed. In this technique, an operation of an image forming apparatus is received by a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network or the like, and information on the operation is sent from the terminal apparatus to the image forming apparatus. The process based on this is performed, and the information of the update screen accompanying the process is transmitted to the terminal device.

  Conventional techniques relating to cooperation between the image forming apparatus and the terminal device are disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 or 2 below. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 accepts an operation input, an image forming unit that forms an image of image data on a recording medium, a first communication unit that communicates with a PC, a first display unit that displays information, and the like. Remote operation display information is obtained by adding additional information (for example, thumbnail data) more than information that can be displayed on the first display means to the operation display information displayed on the first display means regarding the operation means and operation of the operation means. A copier is disclosed that includes a first control unit that generates and transmits the remote operation display information to a PC via a first communication unit.

  In Patent Document 2 below, information on expression patterns differentiated from other terminal devices is stored for a plurality of terminal devices connected via a network, thereby individually identifying each terminal device. Techniques that can be used are disclosed.

JP 2007-013288 A JP 2006-285701 A

  In particular, when a plurality of terminal apparatuses access an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), image rendering processing on the display screen of the terminal apparatus by the MFP increases. As a result, the screen display on the terminal device is delayed, and the screen display on the terminal device cannot catch up with the operations performed on the terminal device, resulting in a problem that the operability of the image forming apparatus deteriorates.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming apparatus control program, and a terminal capable of suppressing deterioration in operability of the image forming apparatus. It is to provide a device control program.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device including a display unit, and includes a setting receiving unit that receives information related to job settings from the terminal device, and a display unit of the terminal device An image rendering unit for performing an image rendering process for rendering an image, a delay determining unit for determining whether there is a delay in the image rendering process based on information indicating a rendering speed of the image rendering process by the image rendering unit, and a delay determination And a transmission unit that transmits information received by the setting reception unit to another image forming apparatus when it is determined that there is a delay.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when the delay determining unit determines that there is a delay, a delay notification unit that notifies the terminal device of a delay in the image drawing process, and a connection destination of the terminal device notified by the delay notification unit Switching instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to switch from the image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus from the terminal apparatus, and when the instruction is received by the switching instruction receiving means, the transmitting means is the setting receiving means. Send the received information.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when the delay determining unit determines that there is a delay, the image forming apparatus is executing a job of a type relating to information received by the setting receiving unit, and the other image forming apparatus Is further included, and is transmitted when the image forming apparatus determines that the image forming apparatus is being executed and the other image forming apparatus is not executing. The means transmits the information received by the setting receiving means.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when information is transmitted by the transmitting unit, an execution instruction receiving unit that receives a job execution instruction from another image forming apparatus, and an execution instruction received by the execution instruction receiving unit And job execution means for executing the job.

  Preferably, in the above image forming apparatus, based on the margin acquired by the margin acquiring unit that acquires the margin of image drawing processing of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses with which the terminal device can communicate, and the margin acquired by the margin acquiring unit And a transmission destination determination unit that determines another image forming apparatus that is a transmission destination of the transmission unit.

  An image forming system according to another aspect of the present invention is an image forming system including a terminal device including a display unit, and first and second image forming devices capable of communicating with the terminal device, and information relating to job setting Setting receiving means for receiving the image from the terminal device by the first image forming apparatus, first image drawing means for performing image drawing processing for drawing an image on the display unit of the terminal apparatus by the first image forming apparatus, and first The first image forming apparatus determines whether there is a delay in the image drawing process based on the information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing process by the image drawing means, and the delay determining means has a delay. A transmission unit configured to transmit information received by the setting reception unit from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus when the determination is made;

  Preferably, in the image forming system, a second image drawing unit that performs image drawing processing in the second image forming apparatus for drawing an image on the display unit of the terminal device based on the information transmitted by the transmission unit; When the image drawing process is performed by the second image drawing unit, the execution instruction receiving unit that receives the job execution instruction by the terminal device and the job that has received the execution instruction by the execution instruction receiving unit are the first or second Job execution means executed by the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, in the image forming system, when the job received by the execution instruction receiving unit cannot be executed by the second image forming apparatus, the job execution unit executes the job received by the execution instruction receiving unit as the first image. Run on the forming device.

  Preferably, in the image forming system, when the execution instruction accepting unit accepts the execution instruction of the scan transmission job, the scanning unit that scans the document with the first image forming apparatus, and the scan result obtained by the scanning unit are obtained. Image data transmitting means for transmitting image data from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus, and image data transmitted by the image data transmitting means is transmitted from the second image forming apparatus to the destination of the scan transmission job. Destination transmission means.

  Preferably, in the image forming system, destination determining means for determining whether or not the destination of the scan transmission job is included in the address book of the first image forming apparatus, and destination determining means If it is determined that the address is included, the destination transmission unit transmits the image data using the address book of the first image forming apparatus and the IP address of the first image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, in the image forming system, when the destination determining unit determines that the destination is not included, the destination transmitting unit uses the address book of the second image forming apparatus and the IP address of the second image forming apparatus. Send an image.

  A control program for an image forming apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention is a control program for an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device including a display unit, and a setting receiving step for receiving information related to job settings from the terminal device And an image drawing step for performing an image drawing process for drawing an image on the display unit of the terminal device, and information indicating a drawing speed of the image drawing process of the image drawing step, and determining whether there is a delay in the image drawing process When the delay determining step and the delay determining step determine that there is a delay, the computer is caused to execute a transmission step of transmitting the information received in the setting receiving step to another image forming apparatus.

  A control program for a terminal device according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a notification receiving step for receiving a notification of delay in image drawing processing from the image forming device, and connection of the terminal device when the notification is received in the notification receiving step. A switching accepting step for accepting an instruction to switch the destination from the image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus, and when the instruction is accepted at the switching accepting step, the connection destination of the terminal device is changed from the image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus. The computer is caused to execute a connection destination switching step for switching to and a switching notification step for notifying the image forming apparatus of the instruction received in the switching reception step.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming apparatus control program, and a terminal apparatus control program capable of suppressing deterioration in operability of the image forming apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote operation panel 200. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a connection destination switching operation of a remote operation panel executed by the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of a remote operation panel 200c when the remote operation panel 200c starts communication with the MFP 100a. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of a remote operation panel 200c when a notification of delay in image drawing processing is received from the MFP 100a in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of the remote operation panel 200c when the remote operation panel 200c starts communication with the MFP 100b. FIG. 3 is a first part of a flowchart of a connection destination switching operation of a remote operation panel executed by the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a second part of a flowchart of a connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a third part of a flowchart of a connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a fourth part of a flowchart of a switching operation of the connection destination of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a subroutine of the switching destination MFP selection processing in step S20 when the MFP 100a determines an MFP as a switching destination of communication with the remote operation panel 200c based on the obtained margin. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of remote operation panel 200c when a notification of delay in image drawing processing is received from MFP 100a in the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a first part of a flowchart of a connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a second part of a flowchart of a switching operation of the connection destination of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the second embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart of a connection destination switching operation of a remote operation panel executed by the image forming system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart of a connection destination switching operation of a remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the image forming system of the modification of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  An image forming system according to the following embodiments includes a terminal device including a display unit, and first and second image forming devices that can communicate with the terminal device. In the following embodiments, the terminal device is a remote operation panel capable of wireless communication with each of the first and second image forming apparatuses. The first and second image processing apparatuses have a scanner function and a facsimile function. An MFP (multifunction peripheral) having a copying function, a function as a printer, a data communication function, and a server function.

  The first and second image forming apparatuses may be, for example, a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer, or the like in addition to the MFP. The terminal device may be any device that includes a display unit and can communicate with each of the first and second image forming apparatuses, and may be a PC, a portable communication terminal, or the like in addition to the remote operation panel.

[First Embodiment]
First, a schematic configuration of the image forming system in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system includes an MFP 100a (an example of a first image forming apparatus), an MFP 100b (an example of a second image forming apparatus), and an MFP 100c, a remote operation panel 200a, a remote operation panel 200b, A remote operation panel and 200c (an example of a terminal device). Each of MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c and each of remote operation panel 200a, remote operation panel 200b, and remote operation panel 200c are connected to each other by network 300.

  Hereinafter, any of MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c may be referred to as MFP 100, and any of remote operation panel 200a, remote operation panel 200b, and remote operation panel 200c may be referred to as remote operation panel 200.

  The network 300 is a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The network 300 connects various devices using a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol. Devices connected to the network 300 can exchange (communicate) various data with each other. Instead of the network 300, each device may be connected using a wide area network such as the Internet or a dedicated line. Here, MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c are connected to each other by wired LAN 300a, and each of MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c, remote operation panel 200a, remote operation panel 200b, and remote operation panel 200c. Each is connected to each other by, for example, a wireless LAN 300b.

  The remote operation panel 200 includes a display operation unit (touch panel) 205. MFP 100 can accept an operation of MFP 100 from each of display operation unit 109 (FIG. 2) and display operation unit 205 of MFP 100. When the operation of MFP 100 is accepted, MFP 100 performs processing based on the accepted operation.

  For example, the MFP 100 forms a printed material of an image generated based on the read original image or print data received from the remote operation panel 200 or the like on a sheet. The print data is, for example, a drawing command issued by the operating system or application program of the remote operation panel 200 converted into a page description language that can be processed by the MFP 100 by the printer driver. The print data may be document data described in a file format such as PDF, TIFF, JPEG, or XPS.

  The MFP 100 can also transmit a document image to the remote operation panel 200 via the network 300. Furthermore, the MFP 100 can store the document data received from the remote operation panel 200 in the storage device 106 (FIG. 2) in the MFP 100.

  The MFP 100 can perform an image drawing process for drawing an image on the display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panel 200. Specifically, MFP 100 retrieves screen image data based on an instruction received from remote operation panel 200 from storage device 204 (FIG. 3), and transmits it to remote operation panel 200.

  Note that the image forming system may further include an external device other than the MFP 100 and the remote operation panel 200. MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 may be able to communicate with each other using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  In the drawings of the present application, the MFP 100a may be referred to as “MFP1”, and the MFP 100b may be referred to as “MFP2”. The remote operation panel 200a may be referred to as “remote operation panel A”, the remote operation panel 200b may be referred to as “remote operation panel B”, and the remote operation panel 200c may be referred to as “remote operation panel C”.

  Next, configurations of MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100.

  2, MFP 100 includes a system controller 101, a memory 102, a network interface 103, a printer engine 104, an output image processing unit 105, a storage device 106, a voice recognition unit 107, and a processing amount determination. A unit 108, a display operation unit 109, an imaging unit 110, an input image processing unit 111, and the like. The system controller 101 includes a memory 102, a network interface 103, a printer engine 104, an output image processing unit 105, a storage device 106, a voice recognition unit 107, a processing amount determination unit 108, a display operation unit 109, an imaging unit 110, and an input image. Each of the processing units 111 is connected.

  The system controller 101 controls the entire MFP 100 for various jobs such as a scan job, a copy job, a mail transmission job, and a print job. The system controller 101 includes a CPU 121 (Central Processing Unit) and a ROM 122 (Read Only Memory). The CPU 121 executes a control program stored in the ROM 122. The ROM 122 stores various programs for operating the MFP 100 and various fixed data. The system controller 101 reads data from the memory 102 and writes data to the memory 102 by performing predetermined processing.

  The memory 102 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is used for temporarily storing data and image data necessary when the CPU 121 executes a control program.

  The network interface 103 communicates with an external device via the network 300 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP according to an instruction from the system controller 101.

  The printer engine 104 performs print processing on paper or the like based on the print data processed by the output image processing unit 105. In particular, when the MFP 100 operates as a printer, the printer engine 104 prints an image, and when the MFP 100 operates as a copying machine, the printer engine 104 prints an image read by the imaging unit 110.

  The output image processing unit 105 performs conversion processing for converting the format of the image data into print data, for example, when printing an image.

  Storage device 106 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data related to the operation of MFP 100. The storage device 106 also includes a box area for storing data such as print data sent from an external device or the like via the network 300. Further, the storage device 106 stores image data of screens displayed on the display operation unit 109 of the MFP 100 and the display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panel 200.

  The voice recognition unit 107 receives voice input, identifies the voice, and sets items such as menus associated with the recognized voice word.

  The processing amount determination unit 108 determines whether there is a delay in the image drawing processing based on information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing processing for drawing an image on the display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panel 200. Here, the information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing process for drawing an image on the display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panel 200 includes, for example, the occupation ratio of the CPU 121 of the MFP 100 and the number of remote operation panels 200 connected to the MFP 100. The number of jobs executed by the MFP 100, the amount of data input / output between the MFP 100 and the network 300, and the like. That is, as the numerical values of these pieces of information increase, the drawing speed of the image drawing process decreases. Note that the processing amount determination unit 108 may transmit information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing process of drawing an image to the display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panel 200 to the external device via the network interface 103.

  The display operation unit 109 includes, for example, hardware keys and software keys. The display operation unit 109 receives various commands (instructions) and data input from the user. The display operation unit 109 displays various information.

  The imaging unit 110 reads an image of a document.

  The input image processing unit 111 performs conversion processing for converting the format of the image data when the image is read by the imaging unit.

  Each of MFPs 100 has a function of holding and managing a workflow. A workflow is a flow of job cooperation processing that is preset between a plurality of devices connected to a network. The workflow is stored in the storage device 106. By holding the workflow in the storage device 106, the MFP 100 can re-execute the workflow later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the remote operation panel 200.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the remote operation panel 200 includes a system controller 201, a memory 202, a network interface 203, a storage device 204, a display operation unit 205, and the like. The system controller 201 is connected to each of a memory 202, a network interface 203, a storage device 204, and a display operation unit 205.

  The system controller 201 controls the entire remote operation panel 200. The system controller 201 includes a CPU 221 and a ROM 222. The CPU 221 executes a control program stored in the ROM 222. The ROM 222 stores various programs for operating the remote operation panel 200 and various fixed data. The system controller 201 reads data from the memory 202 and writes data to the memory 202 by performing predetermined processing.

  A memory 202 is a RAM, and is used for temporarily storing data and image data necessary when the CPU 221 executes a control program.

  The network interface 203 communicates with the MFP 100 via the network 300 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP according to an instruction from the system controller 201.

  The storage device 204 is an HDD, for example, and stores various data related to the operation of the remote operation panel 200.

  The display operation unit 205 accepts various commands (instructions) and data input from the user. The display operation unit 205 displays various information.

  Subsequently, a connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, it is assumed that remote operation panel 200c newly starts communication with MFP 100a while remote operation panel 200a and remote operation panel 200b are communicating with MFP 100a (process PR1). To do. Remote operation panel 200c accepts job settings from the user and transmits information related to accepted job settings to MFP 100a. The job setting is a condition (print setting, finishing setting, scan transmission setting, or the like) of a job that the user intends to execute on the MFP.

  MFP 100a individually communicates with each of three remote operation panels 200, and receives information regarding job settings from each of three remote operation panels 200. Further, the MFP 100a draws an image on the display operation unit 205 of each of the three remote operation panels 200 (performs an image drawing process) according to the operation information received from each of the three remote operation panels 200. For this reason, when communication with the remote operation panel 200c is started, the processing amount of the CPU 121 and the communication data amount increase, and the drawing speed of the image drawing processing of the MFP 100a decreases.

  When the processing amount determination unit 108 determines that there is a delay in the image drawing process, the MFP 100a, for example, with respect to the remote operation panel 200c that has started communication among the remote operation panels that are communicating with the MFP 100a, the MFP 100a That the image rendering process is delayed due to the lack of the processing capability, and inquires whether or not to switch (change) the connection destination from the MFP 100a to the MFP 100b (process PR2). When the remote operation panel 200c receives an instruction to switch the connection destination from the user, the remote operation panel 200c disconnects communication with the MFP 100a (process PR3) and starts communication with the MFP 100b (process PR4). Further, the remote operation panel 200c notifies the MFP 100a of switching of the connection destination.

  Upon receiving notification of connection destination switching, MFP 100a transmits information related to job settings received from remote operation panel 200c so far to MFP 100b (process PR5). Thereafter, when the job setting is received from the user, the remote operation panel 200c transmits information regarding the received job setting to the MFP 100b. The MFP 100b performs an image drawing process on the display operation unit 205 of the remote operation panel 200c according to the operation information received from the remote operation panel 200c.

  When MFP 100b receives a job execution instruction from remote operation panel 200c, it transmits job information (information regarding job execution instruction and job setting) to MFP 100a (processing PR6), and MFP 100a performs a job based on the received job information. Execute.

  Note that the remote operation panel that is a notification destination of the delay of the image drawing process is arbitrary. The MFP 100a may use, for example, all remote operation panels that communicate with the MFP 100a as notification destinations, or the types of jobs (remote operation) that accept settings from each of the remote operation panels that communicate with the MFP 100a. The notification destination may be determined based on the type of job that each user of the panel is going to execute. The MFP 100a may always use a specific remote operation panel as a notification destination.

  When MFP 100b receives a job execution instruction from remote operation panel 200c, MFP 100b itself may execute the job without transmitting job information to MFP 100a. Further, MFP 100b determines which of MFP 100a and MFP 100b executes the job based on the type of job, the amount of jobs registered in each of MFP 100a and MFP 100b (the degree of congestion of MFP), or selection by the user. You may decide.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of the remote operation panel 200c when the remote operation panel 200c starts communication with the MFP 100a.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when the remote operation panel 200 c starts communication with the MFP 100 a (in the case of the process PR1 in FIG. 4), for example, the remote operation panel 200 c displays a screen for accepting settings relating to a copy job on the display operation unit 205.

  The user can make settings related to the copy job by pressing each software key K1 included in this screen. Also, the user can make settings for other jobs (for example, a mail transmission job, a scan job, etc.) by pressing a hardware key (not shown) on the remote operation panel 200c. When remote operation panel 200c receives an operation from a user, remote operation panel 200c transmits the operation information to MFP 100a. The MFP 100a performs an image drawing process of the update screen based on the received operation information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen on remote operation panel 200c when notification of delay in image drawing processing is received from MFP 100a in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, remote operation panel 200 c displays a screen for inquiring whether or not to switch the connection destination MFP when a notification of delay of image drawing processing is received from MFP 100 a (in the case of process PR 2 in FIG. 4). To do. The remote operation panel 200c displays a pop-up message on the display operation unit 205, for example, “Drawing processing slows down and operability is degraded. Do you want to change the connection to another MFP? (Y / N)”.

  When the remote operation panel 200c displays this message and receives an instruction to switch the connection destination to another MFP (pressing the letter “Y” in the message), the remote operation panel 200c changes the connection destination from the MFP 100a to the MFP 100b. To switch to the MFP 100a.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of the remote operation panel 200c when the remote operation panel 200c starts communication with the MFP 100b.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when remote operation panel 200c starts communication with MFP 100b (in the case of process PR4 in FIG. 4), remote operation panel 200c displays, for example, a message “the connection destination has been switched to MFP 2”. Is displayed in a pop-up to notify the user that the connection destination has been switched to the MFP 100b.

  When MFP 100b receives information related to job settings from MFP 100a (in the case of process PR5 in FIG. 4), MFP 100b reflects the information on the display screen of remote operation panel 200c. For example, when the information for setting the number of copies to 5 is received from the MFP 100 a, the MFP 100 b displays a number “5” in the column for displaying the number of copies on the display screen of the display operation unit 205.

  8 to 11 are flowcharts of the switching operation of the connection destination of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 221 of remote operation panel 200c requests MFP 100a for communication when, for example, an application for communication with MFP installed on remote operation panel 200c is activated by the user (see FIG. 8). S1).

  When the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a receives a communication request from the remote operation panel 200c (S101), it starts communication with the remote operation panel 200c (S103), and transmits the image data of the initial screen to the remote operation panel 200c (S105). .

  When receiving the image data of the initial screen (S3), the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c displays the initial screen on the display operation unit 205 based on the image data (S5), and accepts job settings from the user (S7). . Next, the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c transmits the received setting information to the MFP 100a (S9).

  Upon receiving the setting information, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a stores the information in the memory 102 or the like (S107), and performs an image drawing process on the update screen of the remote operation panel 200c based on the received setting information (S109). . Next, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a acquires information indicating the speed of the image drawing process (S111), and proceeds to the process of step S113 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in the process of step S113, CPU 121 of MFP 100a determines whether or not the image drawing process is in time (whether there is a delay in the image drawing process) by processing amount determination unit 108 (S113).

  If it is determined in step S113 that the image drawing process is in time (the image drawing process is not delayed) (YES in S113), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a transmits the image data of the update screen to the remote operation panel 200c (normally (S115). When the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c receives the image data of the update screen from the MFP 100a (S11), the CPU 221 displays the update screen based on the image data (S13), and proceeds to the process of step S7 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S113 that the image drawing process is not in time (NO in S113), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a performs a notification destination selection process for notifying the delay of the image drawing process, and uses the remote operation panel 200c as the notification destination. Select (S116). Next, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a creates a screen for notifying that drawing is not in time (S117), and transmits the image data of the created screen to the remote operation panel 200c (S119).

  When the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c receives the image data from the MFP 100a (S15), the CPU 221 receives a selection from the user as to whether or not to switch the connection destination MFP by displaying a screen based on the image data (S17). Next, the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c determines whether or not an instruction to switch the connection destination MFP has been received (S19). If it is determined in step S19 that an instruction to switch the connection destination MFP has been received (YES in S19), the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c proceeds to the process of step S20 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that an instruction not to switch the connected MFP has been received (NO in step S19), the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c proceeds to the process of step S7 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in step S20, CPU 221 of remote operation panel 200c performs a switching destination MFP selection process, and selects an MFP as a switching destination of communication with remote operation panel 200c (S20). Here, the MFP 100b is selected. Next, the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c switches the connection destination from the MFP 100a to the MFP 100b (S21), and notifies the MFP 100a that the connection destination has been switched to the MFP 100b (S23).

  When the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a receives a notification that the connection destination has been switched (S121), the CPU 121 transmits information related to the job settings received from the remote operation panel 200c so far to the MFP 100b (S123). When the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b receives information related to the setting from the MFP 100a, the CPU 121 stores the information in the memory 102 or the like (S201), and performs an image drawing process on the update screen of the remote operation panel 200c based on the received information (S205). . Next, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b transmits the image data of the update screen to the remote operation panel 200c (S207).

  When the CPU 221 of the remote operation panel 200c receives the image data of the update screen from the MFP 100b (S25), the CPU 221 displays the update screen based on the image data (S26), and proceeds to the process of step S27 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in step S27, CPU 221 of remote operation panel 200c accepts job setting and job start instructions from the user (S27), and sends the accepted settings and instructions to MFP 100b (S29).

  Upon receiving a job setting and job start instruction (S209), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b creates job information based on the job setting and transmits the job information to the MFP 100a (S211). When the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a receives job information from the MFP 100b (S125), the CPU 121 executes the job according to the job information (S127) and ends the processing.

  Note that the MFP that is the switching destination of communication with the remote operation panel 200c (the MFP that is the transmission destination of the information related to the job settings received from the remote operation panel 200c) may not be a specific MFP (MFP 100b). The MFP 100a acquires the margin of image drawing processing of each of the MFP 100b and the MFP 100c with which the remote operation panel 200c can communicate, and determines an MFP as a switching destination of communication with the remote operation panel 200c based on the acquired margin. May be.

  FIG. 12 is a subroutine of the switching destination MFP selection process in step S20 when the MFP 100a determines an MFP as a switching destination of communication with the remote operation panel 200c based on the acquired margin.

  Referring to FIG. 12, CPU 121 of MFP 100a obtains a margin for image drawing processing from each MFP (MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c) with which remote operation panel 200c can communicate (S301). Next, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a determines the MFP having the largest acquired margin as a switching destination of communication with the remote operation panel 200c (S303), and returns.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, when MFP 100a is executing a job of a type related to information received from remote operation panel 200c and MFP 100b is not executing, MFP 100a notifies remote operation panel 200c of a delay in image drawing processing. The operation of the image forming system to be notified will be described.

  For example, the user executes the MFP 100a through the remote operation panel 200c while the MFP 100a is executing a print job that has received an instruction from the remote operation panel 200a and a scan transmission job that has received an instruction from the remote operation panel 200b. Assume that a print job is set. In this case, the MFP 100a cannot immediately execute the print job of the remote operation panel 200c, but the MFP 100b can immediately execute the print job of the remote operation panel 200c.

  Therefore, when the processing amount determination unit 108 determines the delay of the image drawing process, the MFP 100a acquires the job status (job execution status) of the MFP 100b from the MFP 100b. Then, when the MFP 100a is executing the type of job related to the information received from the remote operation panel 200c (here, the print job) and the MFP 100b is not executing, the MFP 100a displays the image as shown in FIG. The remote operation panel 200c is notified of the drawing process delay.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a display screen of the remote operation panel 200c when a notification of delay in image drawing processing is received from the MFP 100a in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 13, when remote control panel 200c receives notification of delay in image drawing processing from MFP 100a, remote operation panel 200c displays a screen for inquiring whether to switch the connection destination MFP. The remote operation panel 200c is, for example, “Drawing processing is slow, so operability is degraded. Printing can be started as soon as connected to another MFP. Do you want to change the connection to another MFP? (Y / N ) ”Is pop-up displayed on the display operation unit 205.

  When the remote operation panel 200c displays this message and receives an instruction to switch the connection destination to another MFP (pressing the letter “Y” in the message), the remote operation panel 200c changes the connection destination from the MFP 100a to the MFP 100b. To switch to the MFP 100a. The settings of the print job received by the MFP 100a are taken over by the MFP 100b. Thereafter, when an instruction to execute a print job is received, the MFP 100b executes the print job.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts of the connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows only the processing corresponding to the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 15 shows the portion corresponding to the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Only the process is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 14, first, the image forming system performs the processing from step S1 to step S113 in the first embodiment. If it is determined in step S113 that the image drawing process is not in time (NO in S113), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a determines whether the MFP 100a is executing a job of a type related to information received from the remote operation panel 200c. (S141).

  In step S141, for example, when the setting of the job received from remote operation panel 200c is a print job and MFP 100a is executing only a scan transmission job, it is determined that MFP 100a is not being executed.

  If it is determined in step S141 that the MFP 100a is being executed (YES in S141), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a acquires the job status of the MFP 100b from the MFP 100b (S143). The CPU 121 of the MFP 100b transmits the job status to the MFP 100a (S231). Next, based on the acquired job status, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a determines whether or not the MFP 100b is vacant (whether the MFP 100b can be immediately executed) for a type of job related to information received from the remote operation panel 200c (S145). .

  If it is determined in step S145 that the MFP 100b is empty (YES in S145), the image forming system performs the processing from step S116 onward in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S113 that the image drawing process is in time (YES in S113), if it is determined in step S141 that the MFP 100a is not executing a job (NO in S141), or the MFP 100b is empty in step S145. If it is determined that it is not present (NO in S145), the image forming system performs the processing from step S115.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the image forming system performs the processing from step S116 or step S115 to step S209 in the first embodiment. In step S209, when the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b receives a job setting and job start instruction (S209), the CPU 121 creates job information based on the job setting and transmits the job information to the MFP 100a without transmitting the job information to the MFP 100a. According to the above, the user executes the job (S233) and ends the process.

  Since the configuration of the image forming system and operations other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, when MFP 100b receives a job execution instruction from remote operation panel 200c, it is determined whether or not the type of job for which the execution instruction has been received is unexecutable by MFP 100b. An operation of the image forming system in which the MFP 100a executes the job when it is determined that the job is impossible will be described.

  For example, it is assumed that the MFP 100b receives an instruction to execute a print job including a finishing process from the remote operation panel 200c in a state where the MFP 100a has the finishing function but the MFP 100b does not have the finishing function. In this case, the MFP 100b cannot execute the print job that has received the execution instruction, but the MFP 100a can execute the print job that has received the execution instruction.

  Therefore, when the MFP 100b receives a job execution instruction from the remote operation panel 200c, the MFP 100b determines whether the MFP 100b can execute the job. When the MFP 100b determines that the job cannot be executed, the MFP 100b transmits the job information to the MFP 100a and causes the MFP 100a to execute the job.

  When the MFP 100b receives a job execution instruction from the remote operation panel 200c, the MFP 100a and the MFP 100b may exchange information (finisher connection information) as to whether or not the finisher function is provided.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the connection destination switching operation of the remote operation panel executed by the image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 16 shows only the processing corresponding to the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 16, first, the image forming system performs processing from step S1 to step S209 in the first embodiment. In step S209, when the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b receives a job setting and job start instruction (S209), it creates job information based on the job setting, and whether or not the job is of a type that can be executed by the MFP 100b. Is discriminated (S241).

  If it is determined in step S241 that the job is an executable type job (YES in S241), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b executes the job (S243) and ends the process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S241 that the job is not an executable type (NO in S241), the image forming system performs the processing from step S211 onward in the first embodiment.

  Since the configuration of the image forming system and operations other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, when remote operation panel 200c receives a scan transmission job execution instruction from a user, the original is scanned by MFP 100a, and image data obtained as a result of the scan is transmitted from MFP 100a to MFP 100b, and MFP 100b The operation of the image forming system when transmitting from the destination to the destination of the scan transmission job will be described.

  For example, the user places an original on the imaging unit 110 of the MFP 100a while the MFP 100a is executing a print job that has received an instruction from the remote operation panel 200a and a box transmission job that has received an instruction from the remote operation panel 200b. Assume that a scan transmission job is executed in MFP 100a through remote operation panel 200c, and then the connection destination of remote operation panel 200c is switched to MFP 100b. In this case, MFP 100a scans the document and transmits image data obtained as a result of the scan to MFP 100b. When MFP 100b receives image data from MFP 100a, MFP 100b transmits the image data to the destination (transmission destination) of the scan transmission job.

  When transmitting image data to the destination, the MFP 100b can transmit using the address book and IP address of the MFP 100a, or can also transmit using the address book and IP address of the MFP 100b. In particular, when transmitting using the address book of MFP 100a, it is possible to perform scan transmission to a destination not included in the address book of MFP 100b or remote operation panel 200c.

  When the MFP 100b transmits the image data to the destination, the MFP 100b acquires the address book from the MFP 100a. If the acquired address book of the MFP 100a includes the destination of the scan transmission job, the MFP 100a's address book and IP address are acquired. The image data may be transmitted using the address book and the IP address of the MFP 100b when the destination of the scan transmission job is not included in the acquired address book of the MFP 100a.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the switching operation of the remote operation panel connection destination executed by the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 17 shows only the processing corresponding to the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 17, first, the image forming system performs processing from step S1 to step S209 in the first embodiment. In step S209, the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b receives job setting and job start instructions (S209), creates job information based on the job settings, and transmits job information and a scan instruction to the MFP 100a (step S209). S251). When the CPU 121 of the MFP 100a receives job information and a scan instruction from the MFP 100b (S141), it scans the document (S143), scan data (image data of the document) obtained as a result of scanning, and the address of the MFP 100a The book is transmitted to MFP 100b (S145). When the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b receives the scan data and the address book of the MFP 100a (S253), it determines whether or not the destination is included in the address book of the MFP 100a (S255).

  If it is determined in step S255 that it is included (YES in S255), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b transmits the image data to the destination using the address book and IP address of the MFP 100a (S257), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S255 that it is not included (NO in S255), the CPU 121 of the MFP 100b transmits the image data to the destination using the address book and the IP address of the MFP 100b (S259), and the process ends. .

[Effect of the embodiment]
According to the above-described embodiment, when the screen display on the remote operation panel 200 is delayed, the remote connection destination of the remote operation panel 200c is switched from the MFP 100a to the MFP 100b, so the screen display on the remote operation panel 200 is delayed. Can be prevented and deterioration of the operability of the MFP can be suppressed. Further, when switching the remote connection destination, the MFP 100a takes over the settings received so far by the MFP 100b, so that the user does not need to perform the resetting after switching the remote connection destination.

  Further, when the MFP 100b receives an execution instruction for a job (for example, a job such as copying or printing) accompanied by an output material from the remote operation panel 200c, the output destination of the job is set to the first as in the first embodiment. By using the MFP 100a as the connection destination, it is possible to save the user from having to go to the MFP 100b at another location to obtain the output.

  In addition, as in the second embodiment, when the MFP 100a is executing a job of a type related to information received from the remote operation panel 200c and the MFP 100b is not executing, the MFP 100a delays image drawing processing. By notifying the remote operation panel 200c, the job received from the remote operation panel 200c can be immediately executed, and the waiting time of the user can be reduced.

  In addition, as in the third embodiment, when the type of job for which an execution instruction has been accepted is one that cannot be executed by the MFP 100b, the job that the user intends to execute is executed by executing the job on the MFP 100a. The job can be executed by switching the remote connection destination without worrying about the type.

  Further, as in the fourth embodiment, transmission is performed using the address book and IP address of MFP 100a depending on whether the address book of MFP 100a includes the destination of the scan transmission job, or the address of MFP 100b. By determining whether to perform transmission using a book and an IP address, transmission can be performed from an appropriate transmission destination.

[Others]
When the MFP 100a determines that the image drawing process is delayed, the MFP 100a transmits the information regarding the job setting received from the remote operation panel 200 to the MFP 100b without notifying the remote operation panel 200c of the delay of the image drawing process. By doing so, the connection destination of the remote operation panel 200 may be switched to the MFP 100b.

  In addition to the remote operation panel 200, the terminal device may be a PC connected to the MFP 100 via a wired LAN, for example. This will be described below.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a modification of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the image forming system includes MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c, and PC 400a, PC 400b, and PC 400c (an example of a terminal device). Each of MFP 100a, MFP 100b, and MFP 100c and each of PC 400a, PC 400b, and PC 400c are connected to each other by a wired LAN 300a.

  Hereinafter, any of the PC 400a, PC 400b, and PC 400c may be referred to as PC 400.

  Since the configuration of PC 400 is substantially the same as the configuration of remote operation panel 200 shown in FIG. 3, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  For example, MFP management software called PSWC (Page Scope Web Connection) is installed in the PC 400. The PC 400 starts communication with the MFP 100 when the PSWC is activated. PC 400 also uses PSWC to display a screen based on image data received from MFP 100.

  The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate. For example, the second or third embodiment may be combined with the fourth embodiment, or the MFP 100a may notify the remote operation panel 200c of a delay in the image drawing process from the remote operation panel 200. A configuration in which information related to received job settings is transmitted to MFP 100b may be combined with the first to fourth embodiments.

  The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or may be performed using a hardware circuit. It is also possible to provide a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment, and record the program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card and provide it to the user. You may decide to do it. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The above-described embodiment is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

100, 100a, 100b, 100c MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101,201 System controller 102,202 Memory 103,203 Network interface 104 Printer engine 105 Output image processing part 106,204 Storage device 107 Voice recognition part 108 Processing amount judgment part 109,205 Display operation part 110 Imaging part 111 Input image processing part 121,221 CPU
122,222 ROM
200, 200a, 200b, 200c Remote operation panel 300 Network 300a Wired LAN
300b Wireless LAN
400, 400a, 400b, 400c PC
K1 Software key PR1 to PR6 Processing

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device including a display unit,
Setting receiving means for receiving information on job settings from the terminal device;
Image rendering means for performing image rendering processing for rendering an image on the display unit of the terminal device;
Delay determining means for determining whether there is a delay in the image drawing process based on information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing process by the image drawing means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit information received by the setting reception unit to another image forming apparatus when the delay determination unit determines that there is a delay. A delay notification means for notifying the terminal device of a delay in image drawing processing when the delay determination means determines that there is a delay;
A switching instruction receiving means for receiving from the terminal apparatus an instruction to switch the connection destination of the terminal apparatus notified by the delay notification means from the image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction is received by the switching instruction reception unit, the transmission unit transmits the information received by the setting reception unit. When the delay determining unit determines that there is a delay, the image forming apparatus is executing a job of a type related to the information received by the setting receiving unit, and the other image forming apparatus is not executing Further comprising an in-execution determining means for determining whether or not
The transmission unit transmits the information received by the setting reception unit when the execution determination unit determines that the image forming apparatus is executing and the other image forming apparatus is not executing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. An execution instruction receiving means for receiving a job execution instruction from the other image forming apparatus when information is transmitted by the transmission means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a job execution unit that executes a job based on the execution instruction received by the execution instruction reception unit. A margin acquisition means for acquiring a margin of image drawing processing of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses with which the terminal device can communicate;
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission destination determination unit that determines the other image forming apparatus that is a transmission destination of the transmission unit based on the margin acquired by the margin acquisition unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1. An image forming system including a terminal device including a display unit and first and second image forming devices capable of communicating with the terminal device,
A setting receiving means for receiving information related to job settings from the terminal device by the first image forming apparatus;
First image drawing means for performing image drawing processing for drawing an image on the display unit of the terminal device in the first image forming device;
Delay determining means for determining whether or not there is a delay in the image drawing processing based on information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing processing by the first image drawing means;
A transmission unit that transmits information received by the setting reception unit from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus when the delay determination unit determines that there is a delay; Image forming system. Second image drawing means for performing image drawing processing in the second image forming apparatus for drawing an image on the display unit of the terminal device based on the information transmitted by the transmission means;
An execution instruction receiving means for receiving a job execution instruction at the terminal device when the second image drawing means performs image drawing processing;
The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising: a job execution unit that executes, on the first or second image forming apparatus, a job whose execution instruction is received by the execution instruction receiving unit.   When the job received by the execution instruction receiving unit cannot be executed by the second image forming apparatus, the job execution unit receives the job received by the execution instruction receiving unit by the first image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 7, which is executed. A scanning unit that scans a document with the first image forming apparatus when the execution instruction receiving unit receives an execution instruction of a scan transmission job;
Image data transmitting means for transmitting image data obtained as a result of scanning by the scanning means from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to claim 7, further comprising a destination transmission unit configured to transmit the image data transmitted by the image data transmission unit from the second image forming apparatus to a destination of a scan transmission job. Destination determining means for determining whether or not the destination of the scan transmission job is included in the address book of the first image forming apparatus by the second image forming apparatus;
When the destination determining unit determines that the destination is included, the destination transmitting unit transmits the image data using the address book of the first image forming apparatus and the IP address of the first image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 9.   When the destination determining unit determines that the destination is not included, the destination transmitting unit transmits an image using the address book of the second image forming apparatus and the IP address of the second image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 10. A control program for an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device including a display unit,
A setting receiving step for receiving information related to job settings from the terminal device;
An image rendering step for performing an image rendering process for rendering an image on the display unit of the terminal device;
A delay determination step of determining whether or not there is a delay in the image drawing process based on information indicating the drawing speed of the image drawing process in the image drawing step;
A control program for an image forming apparatus that causes a computer to execute a transmission step of transmitting information received in the setting reception step to another image forming apparatus when it is determined that there is a delay in the delay determining step. A notification receiving step of receiving a notification of a delay in image drawing processing from the image forming apparatus;
A switch receiving step for receiving an instruction to switch the connection destination of the terminal device from the image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus when the notification is received in the notification receiving step;
A connection destination switching step of switching the connection destination of the terminal device from the image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus when an instruction is received in the switching reception step;
A control program for a terminal device, which causes a computer to execute a switching notification step of notifying the image forming apparatus of an instruction received in the switching reception step.

Images