JP2013186573A - Information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device that can notify a user who uses the information processing device through an external device of a usage method of the information processing device.SOLUTION: When printing data received from a portable device 2 is not transmitted within a predetermined time period after reception of a command to execute print processing based on the printing data, a multifunction machine 1 determines that the portable device 2 is in a state not capable of communications. When read data obtained from an original by scan processing whose execution has been commanded cannot be transmitted to the portable device 2, the multifunction machine 1 determines that the portable device 2 is in a state not capable of communications. When it is determined that the portable device 2 is in a state not capable of communications, the multifunction machine 1 displays a notification screen notifying a user that an application needs to be installed to use the multifunction machine 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device and performing processing based on information received from the external device or processing for providing information to the external device.

  In recent years, mobile terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals are rapidly spreading, and services that can be used using mobile terminal devices are rapidly increasing. For example, using a multifunction device installed in a convenience store, etc., obtain information provided by this digital signage from a service that prints data stored in the mobile terminal device, digital signage installed in the street, etc. There is service to do.

  Some of these services require a user to install a predetermined application on the mobile terminal device when using the service. Therefore, in a mobile terminal device in which a predetermined application is not installed, the process intended by the user is not performed and the service may not be used. Also, for example, if the user does not understand that it is necessary to install a predetermined application when using the service, the user cannot understand why the service cannot be used and what the service can be used for. A situation occurs.

  In such a case, conventionally, it has been necessary to search a service usage manual or the like, install a predetermined application after understanding the usage procedure, and try to use the service again. Therefore, the user needs labor and time such as manual search in order to use the service, and there is a possibility of giving up using the service.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when the information processing apparatus uses a network device connected via a network, if the driver of this device is not installed in the information processing apparatus, an installation execution file for installing the driver Has been proposed that transmits information from the device to the information processing apparatus. Thus, even an information processing apparatus in which a device driver is not installed can install the driver based on the installation execution file acquired from the device, so that the device can be used.

JP 2003-202986 A

  However, the system of Patent Document 1 is effective only when the information processing apparatus can communicate with the network device. That is, for example, when the information processing apparatus cannot communicate with the network device, the network device cannot transmit the installation execution file to the information processing apparatus. Therefore, there is a problem that the user needs to search for a usage manual for the network device, and the burden on the user cannot be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for using an information processing apparatus even when the external apparatus cannot communicate with the information processing apparatus. It is to provide an information processing apparatus that can be provided.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device, wherein a reception unit that receives an instruction to execute a process based on information transmitted to or received from the external device, and the reception unit When an execution instruction is received, a determination unit that determines whether communication with the external device is possible, and a notification unit that notifies a communication method when the determination unit determines that communication is not possible, are provided.

  According to the present invention, when an information processing device capable of communicating with an external device receives an instruction to execute a process based on information transmitted or received with the external device, whether or not communication with the external device is possible is determined. to decide. When communication with the external device is not possible, the information processing device notifies the communication method. That is, when the information processing apparatus receives an instruction to execute a process but cannot communicate with an external apparatus that exchanges information related to the process, the information processing apparatus notifies the communication method with the own apparatus. Therefore, even if the external device that exchanges information related to the processing instructed to execute the information processing device cannot communicate with the information processing device, the user of the external device can perform the operation based on the information notified by the information processing device. It is possible to know how to use the information processing apparatus.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the accepting unit accepts an instruction to execute a process based on information received from the external device, and the determining unit receives the execution instruction from the accepting unit within a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not information corresponding to the execution instruction has been received from the external device, and the notification unit notifies the communication method when the determination unit determines that the information cannot be received. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, when an instruction to execute a process based on information received from an external apparatus is received, the information processing apparatus receives information corresponding to the execution instruction from the external apparatus within a predetermined time after receiving the execution instruction. It is judged whether it was able to be done. When the corresponding information cannot be received within the predetermined time, the information processing apparatus notifies the communication method. That is, the information processing apparatus receives a process execution instruction based on information received from the outside, but notifies the communication method when information used for the process cannot be received from the outside. Therefore, when a user who gives an instruction to execute processing to the information processing apparatus cannot transmit information to be processed from the external apparatus to the information processing apparatus, an information transmission method is set based on the information notified by the information processing apparatus. I can know.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the accepting unit accepts an execution instruction of a process of transmitting information to the external device, and the determining unit sends information according to the execution instruction accepted by the accepting unit to the external device It is determined whether or not the information can be transmitted to the communication unit, and the notification unit notifies the communication method when the determination unit determines that the information cannot be transmitted.

  According to the present invention, when an execution instruction for a process of transmitting information to an external apparatus is received, the information processing apparatus determines whether information corresponding to the execution instruction has been transmitted to the external apparatus. When the information cannot be transmitted, the information processing apparatus notifies the communication method. That is, the information processing apparatus receives an instruction to execute the process of transmitting information to the external apparatus, but notifies the communication method when the corresponding information cannot be transmitted to the external apparatus. Therefore, the user who has instructed the information processing apparatus to execute the transmission process determines the information reception method based on the information notified by the information processing apparatus when the information is not transmitted from the information processing apparatus to its own external apparatus. I can know.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the notification unit is a display unit that displays the communication method.

  According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus notifies by displaying the communication method on the display unit. Therefore, the user of the external device can know how to use the information processing device by looking at the information displayed on the information processing device.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects that communication started with the external device is interrupted when communication with the external device is possible, and the notification unit includes: When the detection unit detects interruption of communication, the communication method is notified.

  According to the present invention, if communication with an external device is possible, the information processing device starts communication with the external device, and detects whether communication started with the external device is interrupted. . When the communication is interrupted, the information processing apparatus notifies the communication method. A case where communication between the external apparatus and the information processing apparatus is interrupted in the middle, a case where an application installed in the external apparatus is inappropriate, or an old version is considered. Therefore, it is necessary to install an appropriate application in the external device, and the user of the external device can know how to use the information processing device based on the information notified by the information processing device.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the notification unit notifies a method of acquiring an application necessary for communicating with its own device.
According to the present invention, a user of an external device can know an application acquisition method necessary for communicating with an information processing device.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the notification unit notifies a code obtained by encoding information indicating a device that provides the application.
According to the present invention, a user of an external device can acquire information indicating a device that provides an application necessary for communicating with an information processing device by analyzing the notified code, and uses the acquired information. A desired application can be acquired.

  In the present invention, a user who uses an information processing device using an external device can use the information processing device based on information notified by the information processing device even when the external device cannot communicate with the information processing device. Can know. Therefore, the user does not need to search for a usage manual for the information processing apparatus, and the burden on the user when using the information processing apparatus can be reduced.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a service providing system including a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a multifunction device, a portable device, and a web server. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of service providing processing by the multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of service providing processing by the multifunction peripheral. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a notification screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the installation process of the application by a portable device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the service provision system containing the digital signage of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a digital signage. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the service provision process by digital signage. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the service provision process by digital signage. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a multifunction machine according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a multifunction machine according to a fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an application installation process.

  Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

(Embodiment 1)
In the first embodiment, an example in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine will be described. The MFP according to the first embodiment performs a print service that performs a printing process based on information received from an external apparatus via a network, and a scan process that transmits image data obtained by reading a document to the external apparatus via the network. Provide a scanning service. The multifunction machine of the first embodiment also provides a copy service that performs copy processing based on image data obtained by reading a document.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a service providing system including the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. A system (service providing system) for realizing a service provided by the multifunction device 1 according to the first embodiment includes the multifunction device 1, a portable device (external device) 2, a web server 3, and the like, each of which is a first network such as the Internet. N1 can be connected. The mobile device 2 can be connected to a second network N2 such as a mobile phone network, and the first network N1 and the second network N2 are connected to each other. Further, the multi-function device 1 and the portable device 2 are capable of short-range wireless communication such as a wireless local area network (LAN). In the following, a system including one multifunction device 1, a portable device 2, and one web server 3 will be described as an example. However, a plurality of multifunction devices 1, portable devices 2, and web servers 3 are provided. Also good.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the multifunction device 1, the portable device 2, and the web server 3.
The multifunction device 1 is a digital multifunction device or an analog multifunction device, and is installed in, for example, a convenience store. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, an operation panel 12, a communication unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 15, and the like.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), and the like, and controls the operation of each unit included in the multifunction machine 1. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 10 loads the control program stored in advance in the ROM (not shown) into the RAM (not shown) and executes it, so that the multifunction device 1 is The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is operated.
The storage unit 11 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores a control program executed by the control unit 10, printing data received from an external device as a print processing target, image data acquired by scanning processing, and the like. To do.

  The operation panel 12 is a touch panel in which an operation unit 12a and a display unit 12b are integrated. The operation unit 12 a includes various operation keys necessary for the user to operate the multifunction device 1, receives information based on the operation keys operated by the user, and sends the received information to the control unit 10. The display unit 12b is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL panel, or the like, and displays information to be notified to the user, information necessary for operation, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 10. In addition, you may provide the operation part 12a and the display part 12b separately, without using a touch panel.

  The communication unit 13 includes a network card or a modem, and can be connected to a first network N1 such as a public line network, a LAN, or the Internet, and communicates with an external device via the first network N1. In addition, the communication unit 13 includes an interface for performing short-range wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and performs wireless communication with an external device (for example, the mobile device 2) configured to be capable of short-range wireless communication. To do. The interface for connecting the communication unit 13 to the first network N1 may be an interface for performing wired communication or an interface for performing wireless communication.

  The image reading unit 14 is a scanner including a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), for example, and reads characters, images, and the like printed on a document as image data. Further, the image reading unit 14 may include a document transport function for sequentially transporting a plurality of documents placed on a predetermined document placement table to a reading position by a scanner.

  The image forming unit 15 is an image forming unit such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, or a thermal transfer method, and is based on image data read from a document by the image reading unit 14 or printing data received by the communication unit 13 from an external device. To print. The image forming unit 15 forms an image (character / photo / graphic) on a recording sheet such as recording paper based on the image data or printing data.

The portable device 2 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a portable computer, a portable game machine, a cellular phone, or a PDA. The portable device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an operation panel 22, a communication unit 23, an imaging unit 24, and the like.
The control unit 20 includes a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and controls the operation of each unit included in the mobile device 2. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 20 operates as the portable device 2 by loading a control program stored in advance in a ROM (not shown) into a RAM (not shown) and executing it. To do.

The storage unit 21 is a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory, and stores various control programs necessary for processing executed by the mobile device 2, various data, image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 24, and the like. .
The operation panel 22 has the same configuration as the operation panel 12 of the multifunction machine 1 and includes an operation unit 22a and a display unit 22b. The operation unit 22 a receives information based on operation keys operated by the user, and sends the received information to the control unit 20. The display unit 22b displays information to be notified to the user, information necessary for operation, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 20.

The communication unit 23 has the same configuration as the communication unit 13 of the multifunction machine 1. Accordingly, the communication unit 23 communicates with an external device such as the multifunction machine 1 or the web server 3 via the first network N1. The communication unit 23 performs wireless communication with an external device (for example, the multifunction device 1) configured to be capable of short-range wireless communication. Further, the mobile device 2 can be connected to a second network N2 such as a mobile phone network managed by a mobile phone carrier, and the communication unit 23 communicates with other mobile devices via the second network N2. Also do. Since the portable device 2 is a portable terminal device, the communication unit 23 is configured to be capable of only wireless communication.
The imaging unit 24 is a camera, and acquires image data by photoelectrically converting an optical signal input via the CCD.

The web server 3 is a server computer that provides web pages. The web server 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, and the like.
The control unit 30 includes a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and controls the operation of each unit provided in the web server 3. Specifically, the CPU or MPU of the control unit 30 operates as the web server 3 by loading a control program stored in advance in a ROM (not shown) into a RAM (not shown) and executing it. To do.

The storage unit 31 is a storage device such as an HDD, and stores various control programs necessary for processing executed by the web server 3, web pages provided by the web server 3, various data, and the like. Note that in the web server 3 according to the first embodiment, an application required when using the service provided by the multifunction machine 1, a web page that can instruct downloading (installation) of the application, and the like are stored in the storage unit 31. Yes.
The communication unit 32 is connectable to the first network N1, and communicates with external devices such as the multifunction device 1 and the portable device 2 via the first network N1.

  In the service providing system having the above-described configuration, a user who wants to print data (printing data) stored in the mobile device 2 using the print service provided by the multifunction device 1 is The printing data is transmitted from 2 to the multifunction device 1 to cause the multifunction device 1 to execute print processing. Also, a user who wants to acquire image data read from a document with the portable device 2 using the scan service provided by the multifunction device 1 sets the document to be read in the multifunction device 1 and performs scanning processing on the multifunction device 1. Let it run. The image data acquired by the multifunction device 1 reading the document is transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication, and the user obtains the scanned image data by the portable device 2. In the first embodiment, it is necessary to install a predetermined application in the portable device 2 in order to use the print service and the scan service by the multifunction device 1.

Hereinafter, processing performed by the multifunction device 1 when the user uses each service provided by the multifunction device 1 will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the procedure of service providing processing by the multifunction device 1. FIG.
A user who uses a service (print service, scan service, copy service, etc.) provided by the multifunction device 1 selects a service to be used via the operation panel 12 of the multifunction device 1. Specifically, the user selects one of print processing, scan processing, copy processing, and the like. For example, the operation panel 12 of the multifunction device 1 displays a menu screen on which “copy service”, “print service for printing data of portable device”, “scan service for scanning and sending to portable device”, and the like are displayed. The user selects a desired service from this menu screen.

  The control unit 10 of the multifunction machine 1 receives an instruction to execute the process selected by the user via the operation unit (accepting unit) 12a of the operation panel 12 (S1). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the process instructed to execute is a process based on information received from an external device, and here is a print process (S2). When it is determined that the printing process is being performed (S2: YES), the control unit 10 starts a time counting process for a predetermined time (S3). The predetermined time here is a time for determining that information on the processing target of the printing process instructed to be executed (hereinafter referred to as printing data) cannot be received. That is, if the multifunction device 1 (communication unit 13) cannot receive the printing data after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution instruction of the printing process was performed via the operation panel 12, the control unit ( The determination unit 10 determines that the portable device 2 to which the print data is to be transmitted is in a state where communication is not possible.

The control unit 10 determines whether or not reception of print data by the communication unit 13 has started (S4). Note that the communication unit 13 receives print data by short-range wireless communication.
When the multifunction device 1 receives an instruction to execute a printing process, for example, a message such as “Please send data” is displayed on the operation panel 12. On the other hand, when the user of the portable device 2 selects execution of the printing process, if an application for using the multifunction device 1 is installed in the portable device 2, the user activates the application and prints via the application. The business data is transmitted to the multifunction device 1.

  If it is determined that reception of printing data has not been started (S4: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time measurement process started in step S3 (S5). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (S5: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the process of step S4 and starts receiving the print data or performs the processes of steps S4 and S5 until the predetermined time elapses. repeat.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed (S5: YES), the control unit 10 determines that the portable device 2 to which the print data is to be transmitted cannot transmit information (cannot communicate), and displays the predetermined screen on the operation panel. 12 (display unit 12b) (S6). That is, when the multifunction device 1 cannot receive the printing data after the printing process execution instruction is received and until a predetermined time elapses, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined screen.

If a predetermined application for using the multifunction device 1 is not installed in the portable device 2, the user who gives an instruction to execute the printing process cannot transmit the printing data to the multifunction device 1. Further, there is a high possibility that the user who is operating the multifunction device 1 does not know what the multifunction device 1 can be used for.
Therefore, the control unit 10 displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 5A on the display unit (notification unit) 12b of the operation panel 12, thereby notifying (notifying) the usage method (communication method) of the multifunction device 1 to the user. To do.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification screen. FIG. 5A shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the operation panel 12 when a print processing execution instruction is received but print data cannot be received. Show. The notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5A notifies the user that the multifunction device 1 cannot communicate with the portable device 2 and prompts the user to confirm the power supply and communication permission of the portable device 2. In addition, the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A notifies that installation of an application is necessary to use the multifunction device 1, and also codes address information (URL: Uniform Resource Locator) of a web page where the application can be downloaded. The converted QR code (registered trademark) or the like is displayed.

  The control unit 10 ends the process after displaying the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5A. When the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5A is displayed on the multifunction device 1, the user captures the QR code with the mobile device 2, analyzes the captured QR code, acquires the URL, and based on the acquired URL. The web server 3 is accessed and a predetermined application is downloaded. Then, the user tries to use the print service by the multifunction device 1 again using the downloaded application. The process performed by the portable device 2 in this case will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in step S4 that reception of print data has started (S4: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether reception of print data has been completed (S7). If reception of the print data has not been completed (S7: NO), the control unit (detection unit) 10 detects whether or not reception of the print data has been interrupted (S8). When the reception is not interrupted (S8: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the process of step S7, and repeats the processes of steps S7 and S8 until the reception of the print data is completed or interrupted.

  When the interruption of the reception of the print data is detected (S8: YES), the control unit 10 determines that the mobile device 2 cannot properly transmit the print data (cannot communicate) and displays a predetermined screen. The information is displayed on the operation panel 12 (display unit 12b) (S6). When transmission / reception of printing data is started between the multifunction device 1 and the portable device 2, it can be determined that a predetermined application is installed in the portable device 2. However, when transmission / reception of printing data is interrupted, the installed application may not be appropriate. In such a case, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined screen.

If the user who has issued the print processing instruction does not know the reason for interrupting the transmission / reception of the printing data, it is highly likely that he / she does not know what can be done properly. Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 10 displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 5B on the operation panel 12 to notify the user of how to use the multifunction device 1.
FIG. 5B shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the operation panel 12 when printing data transmission / reception is started but interrupted in the middle. The notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5B notifies the user that the communication with the mobile device 2 has been interrupted, and prompts the user to check the power supply, communication permission, and the like of the mobile device 2. In addition, the notification screen shown in FIG. 5B encodes the URL of a web page where the user can check whether the application installed on the mobile device 2 is the latest and download the latest application. Display QR code and so on.

  After displaying the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5B, the control unit 10 ends the process. When the notification screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the multifunction device 1, the user performs the same process as when the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the multifunction device 1.

  If it is determined in step S7 that reception of print data has been completed (S7: YES), the control unit 10 executes print processing based on the received print data (S9). Note that the multifunction device 1 stores the printing data received from the portable device 2 via the communication unit 13 in the storage unit 11, reads the printing data from the storage unit 11 at a predetermined timing, and the image forming unit 15. Output to. Then, the image forming unit 15 executes a printing process based on the printing data.

  When the printing process is finished, the control unit 10 notifies that the printing process is properly finished (S10), and the process is finished. As a method of notifying the end of the printing process, for example, there is a method of displaying a message such as “printing is completed” on the operation panel 12, a method of returning the display screen of the operation panel 12 to the standby screen, and the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the process instructed to execute is not a printing process (S2: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the process instructed to execute is a process of transmitting information to an external device. Here, it is determined whether or not the scan process is performed (S11). When it is determined that the scan process is being performed (S11: YES), the control unit 10 causes the image reading unit 14 to perform a reading process of a document placed on a predetermined document placing table (S12).

At this time, the multifunction device 1 displays a message such as “Please set a document” on the operation panel 12, for example. On the other hand, when the user of the portable device 2 selects execution of the scanning process, the user sets a document to be read in the multifunction peripheral 1 and operates the start button. As a result, the control unit 10 starts a document reading process.
Further, the multifunction device 1 displays a message such as “Please activate the application of this multifunction device” on the operation panel 12, for example, and the user activates an application for using the multifunction device 1, The portable device 2 is in a state waiting for data from the multifunction device 1.

When the control unit 10 of the multifunction machine 1 stores image data (hereinafter referred to as read data) read from a document by the image reading unit 14 in the storage unit 11 and can be transmitted to the portable device 2, Read data is read from the storage unit 11 and output to the communication unit 13 at a predetermined timing. The control unit 10 determines whether or not the communication unit 13 can transmit the read data to the portable device 2 (S13). The communication unit 13 transmits the read data to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication.
If transmission of the read data is not possible (S13: NO), the control unit 10 determines that the mobile device 2 that is the transmission destination of the read data is in a state where communication is not possible, and displays the predetermined screen on the operation panel 12 (display unit 12b). (S14).

If a predetermined application for using the multifunction device 1 is not installed in the portable device 2, the user who has instructed execution of the scanning process cannot receive the read data with the portable device 2. Further, there is a high possibility that the user who is operating the multifunction device 1 does not know what the multifunction device 1 can be used for.
Accordingly, the control unit 10 displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 5C on the operation panel 12 to notify the user of how to use the multifunction device 1. FIG. 5C shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the operation panel 12 when the document reading process is performed but the read data cannot be transmitted to the portable device 2. The notification screen shown in FIG. 5C has the same configuration as the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A.

  After displaying the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5C, the control unit 10 ends the process. When the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5C is displayed on the multifunction device 1, the user performs the same processing as when the notification screen illustrated in FIG. Further, when the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5C is displayed, the control unit 10 erases the read data stored in the storage unit 11.

  If it is determined in step S13 that transmission of the read data is possible (S13: YES), that is, if transmission of the read data to the portable device 2 is started, the control unit 10 determines whether transmission of the read data has been completed. Is determined (S15). When the transmission of the read data is not completed (S15: NO), the control unit 10 detects whether or not the transmission of the read data is interrupted (S16). If the transmission is not interrupted (S16: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the process of step S15 and repeats the processes of steps S15 and S16 until the transmission of the read data is completed or interrupted.

  When the interruption of the reading data transmission is detected (S16: YES), the control unit 10 determines that the portable device 2 cannot receive the reading data properly (cannot communicate), and displays a predetermined screen on the operation panel. 12 (display unit 12b) (S14). When transmission / reception of read data is started between the multifunction device 1 and the portable device 2, it can be determined that a predetermined application is installed in the portable device 2. However, when transmission / reception of read data is interrupted, the installed application may not be appropriate. In such a case, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined screen.

If the user who gives the scan processing execution instruction interrupts the transmission and reception of the read data, it is highly likely that the user does not know the reason for the interruption and does not know what to do to properly use the multifunction device 1. Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 10 displays a notification screen (not shown) similar to the notification screen shown in FIG. 5B on the operation panel 12, thereby notifying the user how to use the multifunction device 1. .
After displaying the notification screen, the control unit 10 ends the process. Here, the user also performs the same processing as when the notification screen shown in FIG. Further, the control unit 10 erases the read data stored in the storage unit 11.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the transmission of the read data has been completed (S15: YES), the control unit 10 notifies that the scan process has been properly completed (S17), and ends the process. As a method for notifying the end of the scanning process, for example, there is a method of displaying a message such as “reading of document has been completed” on the operation panel 12, a method of returning the display screen of the operation panel 12 to the standby screen, or the like. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the process instructed to be executed is not a scan process (S11: NO), for example, if it is a copy process, the control unit 10 executes the process instructed to execute (S18). That is, when a process that is neither a process based on information received from an external apparatus nor a process of transmitting information to an external apparatus is instructed, such as a copy process, the MFP 1 sends information to and from the external apparatus. Since there is no need to transmit and receive, there is no need to perform the processing described above. When the executed process ends, the control unit 10 notifies the end of the process (S19) and ends the process.

  Next, a process performed by the mobile device 2 when a notification screen as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is displayed on the multifunction device 1 and a user installs an application on the mobile device 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of application installation processing by the portable device 2. The user uses the portable device 2 to photograph the QR code displayed on the operation panel 12 of the multifunction device 1.

  The control unit 20 of the portable device 2 captures the QR code by the imaging unit 24 according to the operation by the user (S21), and acquires image data. The portable device 2 stores an analysis program for analyzing image data obtained by photographing the QR code in the storage unit 21 in advance. By executing this analysis program, the control unit 20 analyzes the image data of the QR code (S22), and obtains the URL of a web page from which an application necessary for using the service provided by the multifunction device 1 can be downloaded. To do.

The control unit 20 displays the acquired URL on the operation panel 22 and accepts an instruction to access a web page based on the URL from the user. When the user instructs access to the web page via the operation panel 22, the control unit 20 accesses the web server 3 based on the acquired URL in the communication unit 23 (S23), and displays a predetermined web page. get.
The web server 3 stores a plurality of web pages in the storage unit 31, and the control unit 30 reads out a web page according to a request from the mobile device 2 from the storage unit 31, and the mobile device via the communication unit 32. To 2. Note that the web page provided here is configured to accept an execution instruction for downloading an application necessary for using the service provided by the multifunction device 1.

The control unit 20 of the portable device 2 displays the acquired web page on the operation panel 22 and accepts an execution instruction for downloading an application for using the multifunction device 1 from the user. When the user instructs download via the operation panel 22, the control unit 20 requests the web server 3 to download an application at the communication unit 23.
The web server 3 stores an application necessary for using the multifunction device 1 in the storage unit 31. When requested to download an application, the control unit 30 reads the application from the storage unit 31, and transmits a communication unit. The information is provided to the portable device 2 via 32.

The control unit 20 of the portable device 2 downloads the application provided from the web server 3 (S24) and stores it in the storage unit 21. In addition, the control unit 20 installs the downloaded application so that it can be used in accordance with a user operation or automatically (S25), and ends the process. Various data generated at the time of installation is stored in the storage unit 21.
When a predetermined application can be installed in the portable device 2, the user can use each service again by trying to use each service provided by the multifunction device 1.

As described above, in the first embodiment, even when the printing process or the scanning process by the multifunction device 1 cannot be used, the user of the portable device 2 knows what to do with the notification screen shown in FIG. Can do. Therefore, the user can install a predetermined application in the portable device 2 according to the instruction on the notification screen without searching for a usage manual or the like of the multifunction device 1, and can easily use the multifunction device 1.
Specifically, if the printing data is not transmitted from the portable terminal 2 to the multifunction device 1 until a predetermined time elapses after the user instructs the multifunction device 1 to execute the printing process, The user is notified of the usage method. Further, when the multifunction device 1 cannot transmit the read data to the portable terminal 2 even though the user instructs the multifunction device 1 to execute the scanning process, the user is notified of the usage method of the multifunction device 1. Accordingly, the user can be notified at an early stage of the reason why the multifunction device 1 cannot be used and the coping method without causing the user to wait for a long time.

  In the first embodiment, when the multifunction device 1 cannot be used, the notification screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the multifunction device 1 so that the user who is operating the multifunction device 1 can be sure of why the multifunction device 1 cannot be used. Can be notified. Further, since the QR code obtained by encoding the URL of the web page where the application can be downloaded is displayed on the notification screen, the user can access the desired web page by photographing the QR code with the mobile device 2. The desired application can be easily downloaded.

In the first embodiment, not only when a predetermined application is not installed in the mobile device 2 but also when the mobile device 2 cannot properly communicate with the multifunction device 1 even when the predetermined application is installed. In this case, the same notification screen is displayed on the multifunction device 1 to prompt the user to download the application.
Even if a predetermined application is installed in the portable device 2, if the application is inappropriate or not the latest version, the portable device 2 may not be able to send and receive data to and from the multifunction device 1 properly. There is sex. Accordingly, even in such a case, by prompting the user to download the application, the user can easily know what to do and easily install a predetermined application on the portable device 2 according to the instruction on the notification screen. be able to.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to digital signage will be described below. The digital signage according to the second embodiment provides a message board service for displaying information received from an external device (portable device) via a network, and an information providing service for providing information stored in advance to the external device via a network. To do. Note that the information providing service by digital signage is, for example, distribution of coupons, downloading of items used in a game that operates on a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a portable game machine.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a service providing system including the digital signage according to the second embodiment. Since the service providing system according to the second embodiment is realized by the same configuration as the service providing system according to the first embodiment described above, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. Specifically, in the system of the second embodiment, the mobile device 2 and the web server 3 are the same as the mobile device 2 and the web server 3 of the first embodiment. The service providing system according to the second embodiment includes a digital signage (information processing apparatus) 4 having the same configuration as that of the multifunction device 1 instead of the multifunction device 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital signage 4.
The digital signage 4 is an advertising medium that displays videos and information prepared in advance, and is installed in, for example, streets, concourses of stations and airports, hotels, stores, exhibition halls, showrooms, offices, and the like. The digital signage 4 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, an operation panel 42, a communication unit 43, and the like. The control unit 40, the storage unit 41, the operation panel 42, and the communication unit 43 included in the digital signage 4 have the same configuration as the control unit 10, the storage unit 11, the operation panel 12, and the communication unit 13 included in the multifunction device 1 of the first embodiment. Have

In addition to the control program, the storage unit 41 of the digital signage 4 provides display data to be displayed on the operation panel 42 (display unit 42b) and provision to be provided to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 43. Stores data for use.
Further, since the digital signage 4 functions as an advertising medium, the display unit 42b may be configured to be large. In such a case, only a part of the display unit 42b may be configured as a touch panel and function as the operation unit 42a, or the operation unit 42a may be provided separately from the display unit 42b.

  In the service providing system configured as described above, a user who wants to use the message board service of the digital signage 4 sends the data (message data) stored in the storage unit 21 of the portable device 2 to the digital signage 4 by short-range wireless communication. Transmit and display on the digital signage 4. Further, a user who wants to use the information providing service of the digital signage 4 instructs the digital signage 4 to provide desired information, and acquires the instructed information with the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication. In the second embodiment, it is necessary to install a predetermined application in the mobile device 2 in order to use the message board service and the information providing service provided by the digital signage 4.

  Hereinafter, processing performed by the digital signage 4 when the user uses each service provided by the digital signage 4 will be described. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the service providing process by the digital signage 4. In the following processing, detailed description of the same processing as that described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 is omitted.

A user who uses a service (message board service, information providing service, etc.) provided by the digital signage 4 selects a service to be used via the operation panel 42 of the digital signage 4.
The control unit 40 of the digital signage 4 receives a service selection by the user via the operation panel 42 (S31), and determines whether or not the service selected by the user is a message board service (S32). When it is determined that it is a message board service (S32: YES), the control unit 40 starts a timing process for a predetermined time (S33). The predetermined time here is a time for determining that the information to be processed in the message board service (hereinafter referred to as message data) cannot be received.

The control unit 40 determines whether or not reception of message data by the communication unit 43 is started (S34). The communication unit 43 receives the message data by short-range wireless communication.
When the digital signage 4 receives selection of the message board service, for example, a message such as “Please send data” is displayed on the operation panel 42. On the other hand, when the user of the portable device 2 selects the use of the message board service, if an application for using the digital signage 4 is installed in the portable device 2, the user activates the application and sends a message via the application. Data is transmitted to the digital signage 4.

  When it is determined that the reception of the message data has not been started (S34: NO), the control unit 40 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the timing process started in step S33 (S35). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (S35: NO), the control unit 40 returns to the process of step S34 and starts receiving the message data or performs the processes of steps S34 and S35 until the predetermined time elapses. repeat.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed (S35: YES), the control unit 40 determines that the mobile device 2 to which the message data is to be transmitted cannot transmit information (cannot communicate), and is illustrated in FIG. 5A. A predetermined screen having the same configuration as the notification screen is displayed on the operation panel 12 (S36). Thereby, the user can be notified of how to use the digital signage 4. The notification screen here notifies that the digital signage 4 cannot communicate with the portable device 2 and prompts the user to confirm the state of the portable device 2. In order to use the digital signage 4, In addition to notifying that installation is necessary, a QR code obtained by encoding the URL of a web page where the application can be downloaded is displayed.

  The control unit 40 ends the processing after displaying a predetermined notification screen. When the screen having the same configuration as the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5A is displayed on the digital signage 4, the user captures the QR code with the mobile device 2, analyzes the captured QR code, acquires the URL, Based on the acquired URL, the web server 3 is accessed and a predetermined application is downloaded. Then, the user tries to use the service by the digital signage 4 again using the downloaded application.

  When it is determined in step S34 that reception of message data has started (S34: YES), the control unit 40 determines whether reception of message data has been completed (S37). If reception of message data has not been completed (S37: NO), the control unit 40 detects whether reception of message data has been interrupted (S38). If the reception is not interrupted (S38: NO), the control unit 40 returns to the process of step S37, and repeats the processes of steps S37 and S38 until the reception of the message data is completed or interrupted.

  When the interruption of the reception of the message data is detected (S38: YES), the control unit 40 determines that the portable device 2 cannot transmit the message data properly (cannot communicate), and FIG. A predetermined screen having the same configuration as the notification screen shown is displayed on the operation panel 12 (display unit 12b) (S36). Thereby, the user can be notified of how to use the digital signage 4. The notification screen here notifies that the communication with the mobile device 2 has been interrupted, prompts the user to confirm the status of the mobile device 2, and the application installed in the mobile device 2 is the latest. In addition to prompting the user to confirm whether or not it is, the QR code that encodes the URL of the web page where the latest application can be downloaded is displayed.

  The control unit 40 ends the processing after displaying a predetermined notification screen. Even when a screen having the same configuration as the notification screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the digital signage 4, the user performs the same processing as when the screen having the same configuration as the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed. Do.

  If it is determined in step S37 that reception of the message data has been completed (S37: YES), the control unit 40 displays the received message data on the display unit 42b (S39) and ends the process. In addition, when the digital signage 4 receives message data from the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 43, the digital signage 4 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 41, read out from the storage unit 41 at a predetermined timing, and displayed on the display unit 42b Output to. Information regarding the display mode such as the display position and display time of the message data is determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 41, and the control unit 40 displays the message data according to the information stored in the storage unit 41. .

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the service selected by the user is not a message board service (S32: NO), the control unit 40 determines whether the service selected by the user is an information providing service (S40). . If it is determined that the service is an information providing service (S40: YES), the control unit 40 reads information (providing data) selected by the user via the operation panel 42 from the storage unit 41 (S41).
When it is possible to transmit the provision data to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 43, the control unit 40 outputs the provision data read from the storage unit 41 to the communication unit 43 at a predetermined timing. . The control unit 40 determines whether or not the providing data can be transmitted to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 43 (S42).

When transmission of the provision data is not possible (S42: NO), the control unit 40 determines that the portable device 2 that is the transmission destination of the provision data is in a state where communication is not possible, and the communication screen illustrated in FIG. A predetermined screen having the same configuration is displayed on the operation panel 12 (S43). Thereby, the user can be notified of how to use the digital signage 4.
The control unit 40 ends the processing after displaying a predetermined notification screen. Note that even when a screen having the same configuration as the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5C is displayed on the digital signage 4, the user performs the same processing as when the screen having the same configuration as the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5A is displayed. Do.

  If it is possible to transmit the providing data in step S42 (S42: YES), that is, if transmission of the providing data to the mobile device 2 is started, the control unit 40 completes the transmission of the providing data. It is determined whether or not (S44). When the transmission of the providing data has not been completed (S44: NO), the control unit 40 detects whether or not the transmission of the providing data has been interrupted (S45). When the transmission is not interrupted (S45: NO), the control unit 40 returns to the process of step S44, and repeats the processes of steps S44 and S45 until the transmission of the providing data is completed or interrupted.

When the interruption of the transmission of the provision data is detected (S45: YES), the control unit 40 determines that the portable device 2 cannot properly receive the provision data (cannot communicate), and the process illustrated in FIG. A predetermined screen having the same configuration as the notification screen shown is displayed on the operation panel 12 (display unit 12b) (S43). Thereby, the user can be notified of how to use the digital signage 4.
The control unit 40 ends the processing after displaying a predetermined notification screen. Here, the user also performs the same processing as when the screen having the same configuration as the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the digital signage 4.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the transmission of the provision data has been completed (S44: YES), the control unit 40 notifies that the information provision service has been properly terminated (S46), and terminates the process. As a method of notifying the end of the service, for example, there is a method of displaying a message such as “coupon transmission has been completed” on the operation panel 42, a method of returning the display screen of the operation panel 42 to the standby screen, or the like.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S40 that the service selected by the user is not an information providing service (S40: NO), the control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the selected service (S47). If completed, the end of the process is notified (S48), and the process ends. Other services provided by the digital signage 4 include, for example, a search for a display location of a product desired by the user in a store where the digital signage 4 is installed, and a person in the office where the digital signage 4 is installed. And notifications of user visits (arrivals).

When the notification screen as shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is displayed on the digital signage 4 because the predetermined application is not installed in the mobile device 2, when the user installs the application in the mobile device 2. The processing to be performed is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.
In addition, when a predetermined application can be installed in the portable device 2, the user can use each service again by trying to use each service provided by the digital signage 4.

  As described above, in the system according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the system according to the first embodiment can be obtained. For example, even when the service by the digital signage 4 cannot be used, the user of the mobile device 2 can know what to do with the notification screen as shown in FIG. Therefore, the user can install a predetermined application in the portable device 2 according to the instruction on the notification screen without searching for a use manual or the like of the digital signage 4, and can easily use the digital signage 4.

  In the system of the second embodiment, the digital signage 4 provides information to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an information providing service in which a downloadable place is limited to a specific place such that information can be acquired (downloaded) only near the digital signage 4.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the user is notified of the URL by displaying the QR code in which the URL of the web page where the application can be downloaded is displayed on the multifunction device 1 and the digital signage 4. With such a configuration, for example, when an application is upgraded, the QR code displayed on the multifunction device 1 and the digital signage 4 may be updated. The user of the portable device 2 can easily upgrade the application installed in the portable device 2 using the QR code displayed on the multifunction device 1 and the digital signage 4, so that the multifunction device 1 and the digital signage 4 can be surely installed. Available to:

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, the mobile device 2 downloads an application necessary for using the service provided by the multifunction device 1 from the web server 3 via the first network N1. In contrast, the third embodiment is configured such that the multifunction device 1 stores a predetermined application, and the portable device 2 downloads the predetermined application from the multifunction device 1 by short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the service providing system according to the third embodiment need not include the web server 3.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the third embodiment. Note that the mobile device 2 of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the mobile device 2 of the first embodiment described above.
In the multifunction device 1 according to the third embodiment, the storage unit 11 stores a web server program 11a and web pages necessary for operating as a web server. Therefore, when the control unit 10 executes the web server program 11a, the multifunction machine 1 has the same function as the web server 3 of the first embodiment. In addition, the MFP 1 according to the third embodiment stores, in the storage unit 11, an application required when using the service provided by the MFP 1, a web page that can instruct downloading (installation) of the application, and the like. Yes. Since the other configuration of the multifunction machine 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Also in the service providing system according to the third embodiment, the processing performed by the multifunction device 1 when the user uses the print service or the scan service provided by the multifunction device 1 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in the first embodiment. This is the same as the processing described above. Therefore, also in the service providing system of the third embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that it is necessary to install an application on the mobile device 2 on the notification screen as shown in FIG.

Further, the notification screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the multi-function device 1, and the process performed by the mobile device 2 when the user installs the application on the mobile device 2 is also described with reference to FIG. This is the same as the processing described.
In the third embodiment, the QR code in the notification screen shown in FIG. 5 is obtained by encoding an IP address that designates a web server in the multifunction device 1. Therefore, in step S22 of FIG. 6, the control unit 20 of the portable device 2 can acquire the IP address of the web server in the multifunction device 1 by analyzing the image data obtained by photographing the QR code. In step S23 of FIG. 6, the control unit 20 of the portable device 2 accesses the multi-function device 1 that functions as a web server by short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 23 based on the obtained IP address. Specifically, the user of the mobile device 2 specifies the IP address obtained from the QR code as the SSID (Service Set Identifier) of the access point to be used, and the short distance between the mobile device 2 and the multifunction device 1 Establish wireless communication.

In step S24 of FIG. 6, the control unit 20 of the portable device 2 for which the short-range wireless communication with the multifunction device 1 has been established is performed by the multifunction device 1 from the multifunction device 1 through the short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 23. Download necessary applications to use services provided by. The mobile device 2 acquires a web page configured to receive an application download execution instruction from the multi-function device 1 through short-range wireless communication, and downloads the application via the web page.
When the predetermined application can be installed in the portable device 2 in this way, the user can use each service by trying again each service provided by the multifunction device 1.

As described above, also in the third embodiment, when the printing process or the scanning process by the multifunction machine 1 cannot be used, the user of the portable device 2 can know what to do with the notification screen shown in FIG. Further, since the QR code obtained by encoding the IP address of the web server that can download the application is displayed on the notification screen, the user can access a desired web page by photographing the QR code with the mobile device 2. The desired application can be easily downloaded.
In the third embodiment, the portable device 2 directly downloads an application necessary for using the service provided by the multifunction device 1 from the multifunction device 1 through short-range wireless communication. Therefore, it is possible to download and use the service more quickly than when communication is performed via the first network N1.

In the notification screen as shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable in terms of security that the IP address to be notified as a QR code is used by switching a plurality of IP addresses. In addition, when communication according to IPv6 is performed between the multifunction device 1 and the portable device 2, the IP address once used may not be used again, and the QR code is changed as the IP address is changed. The displayed notification screen may be displayed on the display unit 12b of the multifunction machine 1.
Although the third embodiment has been described as a modification of the first embodiment, the third embodiment can be similarly applied to the second embodiment. That is, the digital signage 4 according to the second embodiment may be provided with a function as a web server, and an application required when using the digital signage 4 may be directly downloaded from the digital signage 4 through short-range wireless communication.

(Embodiment 4)
In the above-described third embodiment, an application necessary for using a service provided by the multifunction device 1 is stored in the multifunction device 1, and the portable device 2 converts the application from the multifunction device 1 to short-range wireless communication. And downloaded. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the web server 3 stores the application as in the first embodiment, and the mobile device 2 performs short-range wireless communication with the multi-function device 1, via the multi-function device 1. In this configuration, the web server 3 is accessed and downloaded from the web server 3 via the first network N1 and the multifunction peripheral 1.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The mobile device 2 and the web server 3 according to the fourth embodiment have the same configuration as the mobile device 2 and the web server 3 according to the first embodiment.
In the multifunction machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 11 stores a proxy server program 11b necessary for communicating with the web server 3. Since the other configuration of the multifunction machine 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Also in the service providing system according to the fourth embodiment, the processing performed by the multi-function device 1 when the user uses the print service or the scan service provided by the multi-function device 1 uses FIGS. 3 and 4 in the above-described first embodiment. This is the same as the processing described above. Therefore, also in the service providing system of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that it is necessary to install an application on the mobile device 2 on the notification screen as shown in FIG.
In the fourth embodiment, the QR code in the notification screen shown in FIG. 5 is obtained by encoding the IP address that designates the proxy server in the MFP 1 and the URL of the web page where the application can be downloaded.

  A process performed by the mobile device 2, the multifunction device 1, and the web server 3 when a notification screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the multifunction device 1 and a user installs an application on the mobile device 2 will be described below. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of application installation processing. Also in the fourth embodiment, the user takes a picture of the QR code displayed on the operation panel 12 of the multifunction machine 1 using the portable device 2.

  As in the first embodiment, the control unit 20 of the portable device 2 captures a QR code by the imaging unit 24 (S51) and analyzes the acquired image data (S52). Accordingly, in the fourth embodiment, the IP address of the proxy server inside the multifunction device 1 and the URL of the web page where the application necessary for using the service provided by the multifunction device 1 can be acquired. Based on the obtained IP address, the control unit 20 of the portable device 2 accesses the proxy server inside the multifunction device 1 through short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 23 (S53). Specifically, the user of the mobile device 2 designates the IP address obtained from the QR code as the SSID of the access point to be used, and establishes short-range wireless communication between the mobile device 2 and the multifunction device 1. .

When the short-range wireless communication with the multifunction device 1 is established, the control unit 20 of the portable device 2 passes the proxy server of the multifunction device 1 to the first network N1 based on the URL obtained from the QR code. Access the connected web server 3.
The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 operates as a proxy server, and accesses the web server 3 from the communication unit 13 via the first network N1 in accordance with an instruction from the portable device 2 (S54). Accordingly, the mobile device 2 can communicate with the web server 3 connected to the first network N1 via the multifunction device 1.

The control unit 20 of the portable device 2 that can access the web server 3 via the multifunction device 1 downloads an application necessary for using the service provided by the multifunction device 1 via the proxy server of the multifunction device 1. Request to web server 3.
In response to a request from the mobile device 2, the control unit 30 of the web server 3 reads an application from the storage unit 31 and provides the application to the mobile device 2 from the communication unit 32 (S55). The control unit 10 (proxy server) of the multifunction device 1 transfers the application provided from the web server 3 via the first network N1 to the portable device 2 by short-range wireless communication (S56).

The control unit 20 of the portable device 2 downloads the application transferred by the multifunction device 1 (S57), installs the downloaded application so that it can be used (S58), and ends the process.
When a predetermined application can be installed in the portable device 2 in this way, the user can use each service again by attempting to use each service provided by the multifunction device 1.

As described above, even in the fourth embodiment, when the printing process or the scanning process by the multifunction machine 1 cannot be used, the user of the portable device 2 can know what to do with the notification screen shown in FIG. In addition, since the IP address of the proxy server provided by the multifunction device 1 and the URL of the web server that can download the application are displayed on the notification screen, the user captures the QR code with the mobile device 2. Thus, a desired web page can be accessed, and a desired application can be easily downloaded.
In the fourth embodiment, the mobile device 2 performs short-range wireless communication with the multifunction device 1, accesses the web server 3 via the multifunction device 1, and then accesses a predetermined application from the web server 3 via the multifunction device 1. Download. Therefore, since the portable device 2 does not communicate with the web server 3 via the first network N1, there is no charge for using the first network N1. Further, even if the portable device 2 is a device that cannot be connected to the first network N1, the multifunction device 1 can be used as an access point to access the web server 3 without searching for an access point for short-range wireless communication. .

  Although the fourth embodiment has been described as a modification of the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment can be similarly applied to the second embodiment. That is, the digital signage 4 of the second embodiment is provided with a function as a proxy server, and the portable device 2 can be connected to the web server 3 (first network N1) via the digital signage 4 in which short-range wireless communication is established. It is good.

  The MFP 1 of the first embodiment described above provides a printing service and a scan service, and the digital signage 4 of the second embodiment described above provides a message board service and an information providing service. For example, the multifunction device 1 of the first embodiment may be configured to have a function of a message board service or an information providing service of the digital signage 4.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above. However, each configuration, operation, and the like can be changed as appropriate, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

1 MFP (information processing equipment)
2 Mobile device (external device)
3 Web server 4 Digital signage (information processing equipment)
10 Control unit (determination unit, detection unit)
12 Operation panel 12a Operation unit (reception unit)
12b Display unit (notification unit)
40 Control unit (determination unit, detection unit)
42 Operation panel 42a Operation unit (reception unit)
42b Display section (notification section)

Claims (7)

In an information processing device that can communicate with an external device,
A reception unit that receives an execution instruction of processing based on information transmitted or received with an external device;
A determination unit that determines whether communication with the external device is possible when the reception unit receives an execution instruction;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies a communication method when the determination unit determines that communication is impossible. The accepting unit accepts an instruction to execute a process based on information received from the external device;
The determination unit determines whether information corresponding to the execution instruction has been received from the external device within a predetermined time after the reception unit has received the execution instruction;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the communication method when the determination unit determines that the information cannot be received. The accepting unit accepts an instruction to execute a process of transmitting information to the external device;
The determination unit determines whether information corresponding to the execution instruction received by the reception unit has been transmitted to the external device;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the communication method when the determination unit determines that the information cannot be transmitted.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a display unit that displays the communication method. When communication with the external device is possible, the detection unit detects that communication started with the external device is interrupted,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the communication method when the detection unit detects interruption of communication.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is configured to notify a method of acquiring an application necessary for communicating with its own device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit is configured to notify a code obtained by encoding information indicating a device that provides the application.

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