JP2013219796A - Image forming apparatus, image printing method, communication system, external device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of omitting a troublesome operation for setting (authentication) such as so-called pairing, an image printing method, a communication system, an external device, and a program.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 1 comprises: a radio communication unit 16 which receives data from a mobile phone 2; and a reader and writer 15 which transmits an address of the radio communication unit 16 to the mobile phone 2. The mobile phone 2 comprises: a contact/non-contact IC card 26 which receives the address; and a radio communication unit 27 which transmits image data to the radio communication unit 16 by using the address. In communication between the mobile phone 2 and the image formation apparatus 1, the address of the radio communication unit 16 is transmitted to the contact/non-contact IC card 26 via the reader and writer 15, and the radio communication unit 27 transmits the data to the radio communication unit 16 by using the address.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image printing method, a communication system, an external apparatus, and a program that receive image data from an external apparatus to form an image.

  Recently, mobile phones equipped with camera functions have become widespread and can easily take digital photos anytime, anywhere. In addition, the memory mounted on a mobile phone has increased in capacity, and there are increasing examples of use as a personal storage device that stores data such as digital photographs and business documents. Also, with the downsizing and thinning of mobile phones, so-called card types have been adopted in which the memory of mobile phones is about the size of a fingertip or smaller than the fingertip.

  In Patent Document 1, when the user brings his / her non-contact ID card (or a wireless communication device incorporating the non-contact ID card) close to the card reader / writer unit of the image processing apparatus, the IC chip of the non-contact ID card is: A weak radio wave including a terminal ID indicating the ID of the image processing device, which is always issued from the card reader / writer unit, is received, the terminal ID is acquired, and a non-contact ID card is used using the terminal ID A wireless communication method for transmitting the user ID to the image processing apparatus is disclosed.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, when a mobile phone provided with a non-contact IC card that communicates with a reader / writer of a personal computer by electromagnetic waves is brought close to the personal computer by a user, electromagnetic waves radiated from the reader / writer are not generated. When received by the contactless IC card, the mobile phone notifies the personal computer of the card ID set in the contactless IC card, and the personal computer is based on the notified card ID, A communication system that identifies the mobile phone and identifies it as a communication partner is disclosed.

JP 2007-267370 A JP 2003-32176 A

  On the other hand, as a method for printing data such as digital photographs and business documents stored in the memory of the mobile phone by the user, the data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as the data to be printed by connecting the memory of the mobile phone directly to the reader of the image forming apparatus) , Print data) to the image forming apparatus to perform printing, and a method to wirelessly transmit print data to an image forming apparatus that can transmit and receive data to and from the mobile phone and perform printing.

  In the case of the method of directly connecting the memory of the mobile phone to the reading device of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to pull out the card type memory from the mobile phone and insert it into the memory card reader of the image forming apparatus. Further, after the printing is completed, it is necessary to insert a card-type memory into the mobile phone again, which requires a very troublesome work, and after the printing is completed, a memory card reader of the image forming apparatus. There is also a risk of forgetting to remove the memory card.

  In addition, as a method for wirelessly transmitting print data to an image forming apparatus and performing printing, for example, when performing wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, when performing wireless communication using an RFID system, the mobile phone In some cases, infrared communication is performed between the image forming apparatuses.

  In the case of performing wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, an operation for setting (authenticating) both devices to be in a communicable state is required. For example, when both the mobile phone and the image forming apparatus are compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) and perform wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, the other party can perform a setting operation called common pairing (or bonding). Must be specified and both sides must be able to communicate.

  However, the pairing requires complicated and troublesome operations. For example, when the user prints image data in the memory of the mobile phone using the image forming apparatus, the user can use the mobile phone to perform wireless communication within a predetermined radius range (for example, 100 mm). And, as a result of the search, it is necessary to determine the Bluetooth address of the image forming apparatus from among the Bluetooth addresses of the plurality of image forming apparatuses displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone. Is a very difficult task. Even if the discrimination is normally performed, further detailed operation for setting both of them to be communicable is necessary. When the image forming apparatus is a rented image forming apparatus installed in a convenience store, there are many new users, so there are many first wireless communications, and it is necessary to perform the pairing each time.

  On the other hand, when infrared communication is performed between the mobile phone and the image forming apparatus, the user transmits an infrared port of the mobile phone to be printed and an infrared of the image forming apparatus while transmitting the print data wirelessly. A complicated operation for fixing the cellular phone for a predetermined time in a state where the port faces the port is also necessary.

  For example, when performing wireless communication using an RFID system such as Felica (registered trademark) or Edy (registered trademark), the communication speed is low. It is necessary to hold the image forming apparatus for a predetermined time.

  As a method for easily performing these, the wireless communication method of Patent Document 1 and the communication system of Patent Document 2 are known. That is, the wireless communication method of Patent Document 1 and the communication system of Patent Document 2 both use a so-called RFID system, and connect a non-contact ID card (non-contact IC card) to a card reader / writer unit (personal computer reader) of an image processing apparatus. When approaching the writer, the user ID of the non-contact ID card (card ID of the non-contact IC card) is automatically transmitted to the image processing apparatus (personal computer). However, the wireless communication method of Patent Document 1 and the communication system of Patent Document 2 have security problems. That is, since the RFID system is widely used in applications such as electronic payment at ticket gates, convenience stores, etc., identity authentication, the non-contact ID card of Patent Document 1 (the non-contact IC of Patent Document 2) When the card) approaches a reader / writer prepared for another use, the user ID of the non-contact ID card (card ID of the non-contact IC card) is automatically sent to the reader / writer against the user's intention. Confidential information may be leaked, and there is a possibility of unauthorized access using the leaked user ID (card ID).

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that an image forming apparatus that receives image data from an external device and forms an image based on the image data is received from the external device. Receiving means for receiving image data; and sending means for sending the address of the receiving means to the external apparatus. When the image forming apparatus receives image data from the external apparatus, The address of the receiving unit is wirelessly transmitted to the external device, and the external device wirelessly transmits the image data to the receiving unit using the received address, thereby setting (authentication) such as the pairing. ), An image forming apparatus, an image printing method, a communication system, an external apparatus, and a program can be provided.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives image data from an external device, and transmits an address of the receiving unit to the external device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on the received image data. A printing unit including a transmission unit, wherein the reception unit receives image data transmitted by the external apparatus using the address, and communication between the external apparatus and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly; Based on the above, the image data is printed.
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the printing condition is the number of copies.
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for transmitting data for notifying a printing result to the external apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that communication between the external apparatus and the image forming apparatus is wireless communication based on IEEE802.11.
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives content data from an external device, and transmits an address of the receiving unit to the external device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on the received content data. A receiving unit that receives the content data that the external device transmits using the address, and the communication between the external device and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly, In accordance with the present invention, the content data is printed.
The program according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit that receives content data from an external device; and a transmitting unit that transmits an address of the receiving unit to the external device, and the content transmitted by the external device using the address A program that is received by the receiving unit and processed by an external apparatus that communicates wirelessly with an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on the received image data. The content data stored in the storage unit is read and read. The content data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus using the address transmitted by the transmitting unit of the image forming apparatus, and the external apparatus is caused to execute.
A program according to the present invention is characterized by receiving a print result transmitted from the image forming apparatus and executing a process of displaying the received print result on a display unit.
An image printing method according to the present invention is an image printing method using an image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit that receives image data from an external device, and that prints an image based on the received image data. The address of the receiving unit is transmitted to the external device by the transmitting unit, and the image forming device receives the image data transmitted by the external device using the address by the receiving unit, and the external device and the Communication with the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly, and the received image data is printed by the image forming apparatus.
The communication system according to the present invention is a communication system including an external device and a receiving unit that receives image data from the external device, and includes an image forming apparatus that prints an image based on the received image data. The forming apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits the address of the reception unit to the external device, the image data transmitted by the external device using the address is received by the reception unit, and the external device and the image Communication with the forming apparatus is performed wirelessly, and the image forming apparatus further includes means for printing the image data received by the receiving means.
The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the external device is a digital camera.
An external device according to the present invention comprises receiving means for receiving image data from an external device, and transmitting means for transmitting an address of the receiving means to the external device, and the external device transmits using the address. An external device that receives image data by the receiving means and communicates wirelessly with an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on the received image data, a means for reading the image data stored in the storage unit, and a read image Means for transmitting data to the image forming apparatus using the address transmitted by the transmitting means of the image forming apparatus.
The external apparatus according to the present invention includes means for receiving a print result transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and means for displaying the received print result on a display unit.
The program according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives image data from an external device, and a transmission unit that transmits an address of the receiving unit to the external device, and the image transmitted by the external device using the address. A program that is received by the receiving unit and processed by an external apparatus that communicates wirelessly with an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on the received image data, and the image data stored in the storage unit is read and read The image processing apparatus is configured to cause the external apparatus to execute a process of transmitting image data to the image forming apparatus using an address transmitted by the transmission unit of the image forming apparatus.
A program according to the present invention is characterized by receiving a print result transmitted from the image forming apparatus and executing a process of displaying the received print result on a display unit.
A program according to the present invention is characterized in that a process of displaying a plurality of thumbnails of image data stored in a storage unit is executed.
The program according to the present invention is characterized in that a process for displaying image data related to a selected thumbnail larger than the thumbnail is executed.
The program according to the present invention causes the selected image data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus using the address transmitted by the transmitting unit of the image forming apparatus.
The program according to the present invention is characterized by executing a process of displaying image data related to a plurality of thumbnails and image data related to a selected thumbnail.
The program according to the present invention is characterized in that communication between the external apparatus and the image forming apparatus is wireless communication based on IEEE 802.11.
In the program according to the present invention, the external device is a digital camera, a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or a PDA.
The program according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus is a digital multi-function peripheral.
The program according to the present invention is characterized by executing a process of receiving image data read by a scanner from the image forming apparatus.
A program according to the present invention is characterized by executing a process of receiving facsimile image data or electronic data from the image forming apparatus.

  In the present invention, when the image forming apparatus receives image data from the external device, the transmitting unit acquires the address of the receiving unit from the receiving unit and wirelessly transmits it to the external device. The external device receives the address and wirelessly transmits image data to the receiving means using the address. When the image forming apparatus receives image data from the external apparatus, the image forming apparatus prints an image related to the image data based on the received printing condition.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that receives image data from an external apparatus and forms an image based on the image data, the image forming apparatus receives the image data from the external apparatus via the transmission unit. The address of the receiving means is transmitted to the external device wirelessly, and the external device wirelessly transmits the image data to the receiving means using the received address, so that the setting like the pairing ( The troublesome operation in (authentication) can be omitted.

It is a conceptual diagram of the communication system and information processing system which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the communication system and information processing system which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure by a CPU of a control unit of the image forming apparatus in the communication system and the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure by a CPU of a control unit of the image forming apparatus in the communication system and the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by CPU of the control part of a mobile telephone in the communication system and information processing system which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the flash memory of a mobile telephone in the communication system and information processing system which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of a file name list screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure by a CPU of a control unit of an image forming apparatus in a communication system and an information processing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by CPU of the control part of a mobile telephone in the communication system and information processing system which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of selecting a file to be printed in the mobile phone.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a digital multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a printing function, and the like, and the communication system and the information processing system according to the present invention are the digital multifunction peripheral and the mobile phone (external device). ) As a component, an example will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication system and an information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the communication system and information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is. The communication system and information processing system according to Embodiment 1 have an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile phone 2.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes hardware such as a control unit 11, an image input unit 17, an image processing unit 18, an image output unit 19, a storage unit 14, a wireless communication unit 16, a reader / writer 15, and an operation panel 12. Configures a digital multifunction device.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU that controls the hardware and a RAM that temporarily stores data necessary for the control. The storage unit 14 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and includes image data for image processing, a control program for controlling each hardware unit, a program for displaying a file name list screen described later, and a wireless communication unit 16 stores the image data received via 16. The storage unit 14 stores a plurality of passkeys in advance. When the CPU of the control unit 11 accepts a passkey via the operation panels 28 and 12, the passkey and the passkey stored in the storage unit 14 are stored. Make a comparison.

  The control unit 11 loads a control program from the storage unit 14 as necessary, and executes the loaded control program, thereby operating the entire apparatus as the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  The operation panel 12 also includes various buttons for receiving user instructions, an enter key for receiving confirmation of instructions, a numeric keypad, and the like. The operation panel 12 includes a display unit 13 such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a list of file names (content data) of images, documents, and the like that the mobile phone 2 has. The display unit 13 is configured to function as a touch panel.

  The image input unit 17 is a reading unit that optically reads an image of a document, and includes a light source that irradiates light to a document for reading, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image input unit 17 forms a reflected light image from a document set at a predetermined reading position on the image sensor, and outputs RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog electric signals. . The analog electrical signal output from the image input unit 17 is input to the image processing unit 18.

  The image output unit 19 forms an image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP film based on the image data output from the image processing unit 18. Therefore, the image output unit 19 emits an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting a laser beam in accordance with the photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and image data received from the outside. Laser writing device to be generated, developing device for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the paper Etc. (not shown), and an image desired by the user is formed on the sheet by electrophotography. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  The image processing unit 18 generates digital image data based on the analog electrical signal input through the image input unit 17, performs processing according to the type of image, and then generates image data for output. The generated image data is output to the image output unit 19 or the wireless communication unit 16.

  The wireless communication unit 16 is compatible with, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and wirelessly connects to other Bluetooth compatible devices (for example, a wireless communication unit 27 described later) within a predetermined short distance (for example, 100 mm). Do. Specifically, a Bluetooth-compatible device has a unique Bluetooth address (identification data), and specifies a connection partner called common pairing using mutual Bluetooth addresses via a short-distance temporary network called a piconet. It is configured to perform processing (authentication) and to be able to connect and communicate with other Bluetooth-compatible devices wirelessly. The piconet is dynamically or automatically established or extinguished when another Bluetooth-enabled device enters or falls out of the predetermined distance range. The wireless communication unit 16 is not limited to a Bluetooth compatible device, and may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11 compatible device. However, in such a case, a later-described wireless communication unit 27 corresponding to the wireless communication unit 16 also needs to be an IEEE802.11 compatible device.

  The reader / writer 15 transmits / receives data in a contact / non-contact state using a contact / non-contact IC card 26 described later and a so-called non-contact communication method (RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system). Hereinafter, non-contact communication between the reader / writer 15 and the contact / non-contact IC card 26 will be described. When the reader / writer 15 always transmits an activation signal (electromagnetic wave), and the contact / non-contact IC card 26 and the reader / writer 15 approach to the extent that they can communicate with each other, the contact / non-contact IC The card 26 receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the reader / writer 15. When the contact / non-contact IC card 26 receives the electromagnetic wave, the contact / non-contact IC card 26 rectifies the carrier wave of the electromagnetic wave to generate a DC power source, and drives the internal circuit. Then, the contact / non-contact IC card 26 performs amplitude modulation and sends a response signal to the reader / writer 15 according to the activation signal. For example, an RFID system such as Felica (registered trademark) or Edy (registered trademark) is employed. The reader / writer 15 transmits the unique Bluetooth address (identification data) of the wireless communication unit 16 to the contact / non-contact IC card 26.

  On the other hand, the mobile phone 2 stores a telephone number, image data, and the like, and a control unit 21 having a CPU that controls the entire apparatus, a ROM that records programs, various data, and a RAM that can be written / read at high speed. And a large-capacity flash memory 24. Further, the flash memory 24 stores data such as a list of file names (content data) of images, documents, etc. of the mobile phone 2 and thumbnails of each image.

  Further, the cellular phone 2 according to the present invention includes a base station communication unit 25 that includes a communication interface and communicates with a base station, an operation panel 28 such as a push button that accepts a user operation, a camera that acquires a video by photographing, an audio An input unit 23 such as a microphone for receiving the input, a liquid crystal monitor that outputs video, and an output unit 22 such as a speaker that outputs audio.

  A contact / non-contact IC card 26 and a wireless communication unit 27 are also provided. The contact / non-contact IC card 26 transmits and receives data in a contact / non-contact state with the read / write 15 using a so-called non-contact communication method. As described above, Felica (registered trademark), Edy (registered trademark), and the like are employed. Similarly to the above, the wireless communication unit 27 is compatible with, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and other Bluetooth compatible devices (for example, the wireless communication unit 16) are within a predetermined short distance (for example, 100 mm). In some cases, wireless connection and communication are performed with the other Bluetooth compatible devices.

  Hereinafter, communication processing and image formation processing of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 2 in the communication system and information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. An example will be described in which the digital multifunction peripheral is the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and an image based on the image data stored in the user's cellular phone 2 is printed using the digital multifunction peripheral. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure by the CPU of the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the CPU of the control unit 21 of the mobile phone 2. As described above, in the communication system and the information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 2 are both Bluetooth-compatible devices.

  The CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 2 is approaching within a predetermined range (step S101). As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the reader / writer 15, and the mobile phone 2 is provided with the contact / non-contact IC card 26. The reader / writer 15 of the image forming apparatus 1 always transmits an activation signal (electromagnetic wave). For example, when the user holds the mobile phone 2 over the reader / writer 15 of the image forming apparatus 1, the above-described method is used. A response signal corresponding to the activation signal is sent from the contact / non-contact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 to the reader / writer 15. When receiving the response signal, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 is approaching within a predetermined range.

  If the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 is not within the predetermined range (step S101: NO), the CPU waits until the mobile phone 2 approaches the predetermined range. On the other hand, when the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 is approaching within a predetermined range (step S101: YES), the Bluetooth address of the wireless communication unit 16 (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus side address). .) Is sent to the reader / writer 15, and the reader / writer 15 transmits the image forming apparatus side address (identification data) to the contact / non-contact IC card 26 of the cellular phone 2 (step S102).

  On the other hand, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the contact / non-contact IC card 26 to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus side address has been received (step S201). If the CPU of the mobile phone 2 determines that the image forming apparatus side address has not been received (step S201: NO), the CPU waits until the image forming apparatus side address is received. When it is determined that the image forming apparatus side address has been received (step S201: YES), the CPU of the mobile phone 2 stores the received image forming apparatus side address in the storage area of the contact / non-contact IC card 26.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the flash memory 24. The storage area of the contact / non-contact IC card 26 includes a common area 26B and a private area 26A (free area). The received image forming apparatus side address (identification data) is written in the private area 26 A of the contact / non-contact IC card 26. The private area 26A is an area that can be freely used by a service provider. By using the private area 26A, writing with a high degree of freedom becomes possible. On the other hand, it is possible to write data in the common area, but in this case, there is a problem that the network network remote issuing system must be used and the degree of freedom in writing is low.

  Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 for pairing (step S202). The request for such a bearing is requested by the wireless communication unit 27 of the mobile phone 2 to pair with the Bluetooth address of the wireless communication unit 27 (hereinafter referred to as a mobile phone side address) using the address of the image forming apparatus. This is performed by transmitting the data to that effect to the wireless communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is a pairing request from the mobile phone 2 by monitoring the wireless communication unit 16 (step S103). If the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that there is no pairing request (step S103: NO), the CPU waits until there is a pairing request from the mobile phone 2. When the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that a request for pairing has been made (step S103: YES), the CPU 13 displays a passkey input screen prompting the user to enter a passkey on the display unit 13 of the operation panel 12, and the mobile phone 2 is displayed to the user. Is requested to input a passkey from (step S104).

  The CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 receives a passkey input by the user via the operation panel 28 (or the touch panel of the display unit 13), compares the passkey with a passkey stored in advance in the storage unit 14, and determines that the passkey is correct. If so, communication is established. That is, this completes the pairing, and the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 2 are set in a communicable state.

  Next, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 transmits data requesting data of a list of file names such as images and sentences of the mobile phone 2 to the mobile phone 2 via the wireless communication unit 16 (step S105). ).

  On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit 27 receives data requesting the file name list data from the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 stores images, texts, and the like stored in the flash memory 24. Data in the list of file names is read and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless communication unit 27 (step S203).

  The CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the file name list data transmitted from the mobile phone 2 by receiving it via the wireless communication unit 16 (step S106), and stores it in the storage unit 14.

  Next, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 displays a file name list screen for accepting selection of a file desired to be printed from the user based on the file name list data stored in the storage unit 14. 13 (step S107).

  FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the file name list screen displayed on the display unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1. On the screen of the file name list, a plurality of file names based on the data of the file name list are, for example, scrolled and selected by the user's operation panel 12 or display unit 13 (touch panel) operation. It is configured to display thumbnails of files. The file name list screen is provided with soft keys such as “number of copies” and “magnification”, and can accept printing conditions such as the number of copies and magnification. When the selection of the file to be printed and the input of the printing conditions are completed, the user operates the “print” soft key to instruct the start of printing. In such a case, a desired file is selected on the large display unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of operating a small key on the small liquid crystal monitor screen of the mobile phone 1, so that the image referentiality and Key operability is improved.

  The CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not a file selection has been received from the user by monitoring the operation panel 12 and the touch panel of the display unit 13 (step S108). If the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the file selection is not received (step S108: NO), the CPU waits until the file selection is received from the user. On the other hand, if the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that a file selection has been received from the user (step S108: YES), it determines whether a print instruction has been received from the user (step S109). Such determination is performed by the CPU monitoring the operation panel 12 and the touch panel of the display unit 13.

  If the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that a print instruction has not been received (step S109: NO), the CPU waits until a print instruction is received from the user. On the other hand, if the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that a print instruction has been received from the user (step S109: YES), it requests the mobile phone 2 for image data of a selected file (hereinafter referred to as a selected file) ( Step S110). The request is made by transmitting data requesting transmission of image data of the selected file to the mobile phone 2 via the wireless communication unit 16.

  On the other hand, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the wireless communication unit 27 to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 has requested transmission of image data of the selected file (step S204). If the CPU of the mobile phone 2 determines that there is no transmission request for image data of the selected file (step S204: NO), the CPU waits until there is a transmission request for image data of the selected file. On the other hand, if the CPU of the mobile phone 2 determines that there has been a request for transmission of the image data of the selected file (step S204: YES), it reads out the image data of the selected file from the flash memory 24, and via the wireless communication unit 27. To the image forming apparatus 1 (step S205).

  On the other hand, when the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the image data of the selected file from the mobile phone 2 via the wireless communication unit 16 (step S111), the CPU stores the image data in the storage unit 14.

  Next, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 sends the image data stored in the storage unit 14 to the image output unit 19 and instructs the image output unit 19 to print an image based on the image data. An image based on the data is printed (step S112).

  The CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 transmits, to the mobile phone via the wireless communication unit 16, data indicating that the printing has been normally completed or the printing result such as the occurrence of an abnormality has occurred. 2 (step S113).

  On the other hand, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 acquires data for notifying the printing result from the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless communication unit 27 (step S206) and stores the data in the flash memory 24.

  Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 performs output via the output unit 22 based on the data for notifying the printing result stored in the flash memory 24 (step S207). The output may be, for example, displaying text to notify the print result on the liquid crystal monitor of the mobile phone 2, and voice, warning sound, etc. to notify the print result are stored in the mobile phone 2. It may be output via a speaker of the telephone 2.

  As described above, in the communication system and the information processing system according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus side address is received from the image forming apparatus 1 and the user uses the image forming apparatus side address. Therefore, it is possible to prevent secret information (for example, address, passkey, etc.) on the mobile phone 2 side from being leaked from the mobile phone 2 against the user's intention.

  In the above description of the first embodiment, the case where the passkey is manually input by the user for the reliable setting of the passkey has been described as an example. You may comprise so that it may be performed via the reader / writer 15 of the apparatus 1, and the contact / non-contact IC card 26 of the mobile telephone 2. FIG.

  Note that a device that cannot input a passkey (such as a mouse or a headset) may have a configuration in which the passkey is set to a fixed value, or may be configured so that input of the passkey is unnecessary. For example, in the case of a device that cannot input such a passkey, the default is a simple enumerated passkey such as “0000”.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, communication processing and image formation processing of the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 2 in the communication system and information processing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. An example will be described in which an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention is used as a digital multifunction peripheral, and an image based on image data stored in a user's cellular phone 2 is printed using the digital multifunction peripheral. In the communication system and the information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the passkey is transferred via the reader / writer 15 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the contact / non-contact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2. It is configured. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the CPU of the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the CPU of the control unit 21 of the mobile phone 2.

  First, the user of the mobile phone 2 operates the mobile phone 2 to select a file to be printed (step S401). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of selecting a file to be printed in the mobile phone 2. A thumbnail of the image data stored in the flash memory 24 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor (output unit 22) of the mobile phone 2, and the cursor is moved by operating a key (operation panel 28 such as a push button). Any thumbnail can be selected. When a desired thumbnail is selected, a file related to the selected thumbnail (hereinafter referred to as a selected file) and an image larger than the thumbnail are displayed on the output unit 22. Thereafter, the user holds the cellular phone 2 in a state where the file to be printed is selected as described above over the reader / writer 15 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 2 is approaching within a predetermined range by the above-described method (step S301). If the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 is not within the predetermined range (step S301: NO), the CPU waits until the mobile phone 2 approaches the predetermined range. On the other hand, when the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 is approaching within a predetermined range (step S301: YES), the Bluetooth address of the wireless communication unit 16 (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus side address). .) The pass key is read out and sent to the reader / writer 15, and the reader / writer 15 sends the image forming apparatus side address to the contact / non-contact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 (step S302).

  On the other hand, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the contact / non-contact IC card 26 to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus side address and passkey have been received (step S402). When it is determined that the image forming apparatus side address and pass key have not been received (step S402: NO), the mobile phone 2CPU waits until the image forming apparatus side address and pass key are received. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus side address and pass key have been received (step S402: YES), the mobile phone 2CPU stores the received image forming apparatus side address and pass key in the flash memory 24.

  Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 reads the image data of the selected file from the flash memory 24 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless communication unit 27 using the image forming apparatus side address and passkey (step S403). .

  On the other hand, when the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the image data of the selected file from the mobile phone 2 via the wireless communication unit 16 (step S303), the CPU stores the image data in the storage unit 14.

  Next, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 sends the image data stored in the storage unit 14 to the image output unit 19, and instructs the image output unit 19 to print an image based on the image data (step S304).

  The CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 wirelessly communicates data for notifying each printing result according to the printing result when the printing is normally completed or when an abnormality occurs during the printing. The data is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 via the unit 16 (step S305).

  On the other hand, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 acquires data for notifying the printing result from the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless communication unit 27 (step S404) and stores it in the flash memory 24.

  Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 performs output via the output unit 22 based on the data for notifying the printing result stored in the flash memory 24 (step S405).

  With the configuration as described above, in the communication system and the information processing system according to the second embodiment, the mobile phone 2 in a state where the file to be printed has already been selected is immediately brought close to the image forming apparatus 1 and immediately It is possible to print, and the printing operation becomes very easy.

  The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the above description, the communication system, the information processing system, the image forming apparatus, and the portable information terminal apparatus according to the present invention have been described by taking the digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus 1) and the mobile phone 2 as examples. It is not limited to. For example, the mobile phone may be a digital camera having a communication function. Moreover, the portable terminal called a mobile computer or PDA may be sufficient. In addition to transmitting data from a mobile phone, a method of transmitting original image data read by a scanner included in the digital multifunction peripheral to the mobile phone may be used. Further, it includes transmitting fax image data, electronic data, etc. stored in a storage device in the digital multi-function peripheral to a mobile phone. Further, for example, as in the case of the reader / writer 15 and the wireless communication unit 16 in the digital multi-function peripheral (image forming apparatus 1), two or more such as the contact / non-contact IC card 26 and the wireless communication unit 27 in the mobile phone 2 can be used. The same effects of the present invention can be obtained between devices that include communication means and communicate with each other.

1 Image forming device
2 Mobile phone (external device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control part 15 Reader / writer 16 Near field communication part 21 Control part 26 Contact / contactless IC card 26A Private area 27 Near field communication part

Claims (23)

In an image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit that receives image data from an external device and forms an image based on the received image data.
A transmission means for transmitting the address of the reception means to the external device;
The receiving unit receives image data transmitted by the external device using the address,
Communication between the external device and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly,
An image forming apparatus that prints image data based on a received printing condition.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition is the number of copies.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that transmits data for notifying a print result to the external apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication between the external apparatus and the image forming apparatus is wireless communication based on IEEE 802.11. In an image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit that receives content data from an external device and forms an image based on the received content data.
A transmission means for transmitting the address of the reception means to the external device;
The receiving means receives the content data transmitted by the external device using the address,
Communication between the external device and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly,
An image forming apparatus configured to print content data based on a received printing condition. Receiving means for receiving content data from an external device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the address of the receiving means to the external device;
A program processed by an external apparatus that wirelessly communicates with an image forming apparatus that receives content data transmitted by the external apparatus using the address and that forms an image based on the received image data.
Read the content data stored in the storage unit,
A program that causes the external device to execute a process of transmitting the read content data to the image forming apparatus using an address transmitted by the transmission unit of the image forming apparatus. Receiving a print result transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
The program according to claim 6, wherein a process for displaying the received print result on a display unit is executed. An image printing method using an image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit that receives image data from an external device and prints an image based on the received image data,
The image forming apparatus transmits the address of the receiving unit to the external device by a transmitting unit;
The image forming apparatus receives image data transmitted by the external apparatus using the address by the receiving unit,
An image printing method, wherein communication between the external apparatus and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly, and the received image data is printed by the image forming apparatus. A communication system including an external device and a receiving unit that receives image data from the external device, and includes an image forming apparatus that prints an image based on the received image data.
The image forming apparatus includes:
A transmission means for transmitting the address of the reception means to the external device;
Image data transmitted by the external device using the address is received by the receiving unit,
Communication between the external device and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly,
The image forming apparatus includes:
The communication system further comprising means for printing the image data received by the receiving means.   The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the external device is a digital camera. Receiving means for receiving image data from an external device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the address of the receiving means to the external device;
An external device that wirelessly communicates with an image forming apparatus that receives the image data transmitted by the external apparatus using the address and that forms an image based on the received image data.
Means for reading out the image data stored in the storage unit;
An external apparatus comprising: means for transmitting the read image data to the image forming apparatus using an address transmitted by the transmission means of the image forming apparatus. Means for receiving a print result transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
The external device according to claim 11, further comprising: a unit that displays the received print result on a display unit. Receiving means for receiving image data from an external device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the address of the receiving means to the external device;
The image data transmitted by the external device using the address is received by the receiving unit and processed by an external device that communicates wirelessly with an image forming device that forms an image based on the received image data,
Read the image data stored in the storage unit,
A program for causing an external device to execute processing for transmitting read image data to the image forming apparatus using an address transmitted by the transmission unit of the image forming apparatus. Receiving a print result transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
The program according to claim 13, wherein a process for displaying the received print result on a display unit is executed.   The program according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a program for displaying a plurality of thumbnails of image data stored in the storage unit is executed.   The program according to claim 15, wherein the program executes a process of displaying image data related to the selected thumbnail larger than the thumbnail.   17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the program causes the selected image data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus using the address transmitted by the transmission unit of the image forming apparatus.   The program according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein a process for displaying image data related to a plurality of thumbnails and image data related to a selected thumbnail is executed.   The program according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the communication between the external apparatus and the image forming apparatus is wireless communication based on IEEE 802.11.   The program according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the external device is a digital camera, a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or a PDA.   The program according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the image forming apparatus is a digital multi-function peripheral.   The program according to claim 21, wherein a program for receiving image data read by a scanner from the image forming apparatus is executed.   23. The program according to claim 21, wherein a program for receiving facsimile image data or electronic data from the image forming apparatus is executed.

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