JP2014134868A - Control device, image forming apparatus, image processing system, control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system capable of easily restoring a display screen when communication is interrupted and then restored in remote panel control.SOLUTION: A terminal device displays an operation screen on the basis of display data from an MFP, receives operation to the operation screen (S355, S360), transmits information to identify the operation to the MFP as operation information (S356, S361), and stores the operation information in a memory (S357, S362). The MFP executes setting operation (S358, S363), and transmits display data of the updated operation screen (S359, S364). When communication with the MFP is disconnected, the terminal device requests connection of the communication to the MFP (S365), and when the operation information is stored in the memory upon establishment of the communication (S369), transmits the operation information stored in the memory (S370, S371).

Description

  The present invention relates to a control apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image processing system, a control method, and a control program, and particularly includes a control apparatus capable of remotely operating the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, the control apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an image processing system, a control method of the control device, and a control program thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of terminal devices such as tablets and smartphones, there has been an increase in technology for linking a terminal device and an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) using these terminal devices as control devices.

  One of them is a remote panel system. In the remote panel system, an image forming apparatus and a terminal device are wirelessly connected (hereinafter referred to as remote panel connection). Then, the display of the operation panel mounted on the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display of the terminal device as the control device. By operating the touch panel of the terminal device, the user can perform the same operation as the operation on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus using a UI (user interface) displayed on the display of the terminal device. That is, the user can remotely operate the image forming apparatus using the same UI as the image forming apparatus displayed on the terminal device as the control device.

  In such a remote panel system, control is often performed on the image forming apparatus side so that a general-purpose terminal device can be used as a control device. That is, the display data of the operation screen is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the terminal device through the wireless line. The terminal device side simply transfers the display data to the display for display. As for the operation information, the terminal device simply transmits operation information (for example, coordinate data indicating a pressed position) that is information indicating the operation position on the touch panel to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus executes control based on the operation position and controls for screen transition.

JP 2011-96053 A

  In the remote panel system, an operation screen of the image forming apparatus is displayed on a terminal device, and the image forming apparatus is remotely operated using the operation screen. At this time, the image forming apparatus performs the same control as when the user is operating, such as updating the operation screen on the display and detecting the operation. Therefore, even when the remote panel system includes a plurality of terminal devices, only one terminal device can be connected to the image forming apparatus by a remote panel, and other terminal devices cannot be remotely operated. . Therefore, for example, when a terminal device is temporarily connected to a remote panel connection with another terminal device while the remote panel is connected, the former terminal device loses the exclusive operation state and is performed until switching. The setting of the image forming apparatus is reset. Therefore, in this case, there is a problem that the user of the former terminal device needs to redo a series of settings of the image forming apparatus from the beginning.

  Similarly, when communication with the image forming apparatus is disconnected while the terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus via the remote panel, the settings of the image forming apparatus until the communication is disconnected are similarly reset. Therefore, in this case as well, there is a problem that the user of the terminal device needs to redo a series of settings of the image forming apparatus from the beginning.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-96053 (Patent Document 1) holds a setting state in a memory on the terminal device side and resumes communication with the terminal device. A technique is disclosed in which setting information is transmitted from a terminal device to an image forming apparatus.

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the terminal device needs to map and store the setting contents for each setting item of the image forming apparatus, a large storage capacity is required for the terminal device. Further, the image forming apparatus side needs processing for analyzing the mapped storage information and restoring the device operation.

  In addition, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in preparation for a case where communication is disconnected or invalidated at an unexpected timing, each setting item is always sampled in the terminal device and the setting status is continuously updated. Control is required. Therefore, it is difficult to deal with general-purpose terminal devices, and a dedicated terminal device may be required.

  The present invention relates to an image processing system in which a terminal device communicates with the image forming apparatus to remotely operate the image forming apparatus, and when the remote panel connection between the terminal apparatus and the image forming apparatus is interrupted and returned. An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device, an image forming apparatus, an image processing system, a control method, and a control program that can easily restore the display of the terminal device to the display at the time of interruption.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the control device is a control device capable of controlling the image forming apparatus, the communication requesting means for requesting the image forming apparatus to establish communication for control, and the control device Data input means for accepting input of display data of the operation screen from the image forming apparatus in a state where communication is established, and display means for displaying the operation screen on the connected display device based on the display data; An operation unit for receiving an operation on the operation screen, a transmission unit for transmitting information specifying the operation as operation information to the image forming apparatus, and a storage unit for storing the operation information in a memory. The transmission unit transmits the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus when the operation information is stored in the memory when communication for control is established with the image forming apparatus. To do.

  Preferably, the transmission unit transmits the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus in the order of operation.

  Preferably, the storage means stores the operation information in the memory in association with the operation screen targeted for operation, and the transmission means associates the operation information stored in the memory with the operation screen targeted for operation. To the image forming apparatus.

  More preferably, the transmission unit transmits at least operation information for specifying the last operation among the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the storage unit identifies the operation when receiving an operation on the operation screen displayed on the display device at a predetermined time after the communication for control with the image forming apparatus is disconnected. Store operation information in memory.

  Preferably, the storage unit deletes the operation information stored in the memory when an operation for updating the operation screen to an initial screen defined in advance is performed on the operation screen.

  Preferably, the operation information includes information indicating a position designated on the operation screen by an operation on the operation screen.

  Preferably, the control device further includes an instruction unit for instructing a timing at which the operation information stored in the memory is transmitted by the transmission unit, and the transmission unit displays the operation information stored in the memory as an operation screen. The operation information is transmitted separately from the operation information transmitted when the operation is accepted.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the control device, and performs communication for control with the control device in response to a request from the control device. A communication unit, a transmission unit for transmitting operation screen display data to the control device, an input unit for receiving input of operation information, which is information for specifying an operation on the operation screen, from the control device, and an operation A processing means for executing a setting operation specified by the screen and the operation information and updating the operation screen by the setting operation is provided. When the communication for control is established, the processing unit is set by performing an operation represented by operation information from the control device on a predetermined initial screen of the operation screens of the image forming apparatus. An operation is executed to update the predetermined operation screen, and thereafter, the setting operation specified by performing the operation represented by the operation information from the control device is sequentially executed on the updated operation screen. Thus, the operation screen is sequentially updated, and the operation means transmits display data of the updated operation screen to the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, when the operation information is associated with the operation screen to be operated, the processing unit performs a setting operation specified by the operation screen associated with the operation information and the operation information from the control device. Run.

  Preferably, when the operation information is operation information stored as an operation history in the memory of the control device, the processing means performs an operation represented by the operation information stored as the operation history on the initial screen.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a selection unit configured to accept selection of a control device that establishes communication for control among the plurality of control devices when there is a request from the plurality of control devices.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image processing system includes an image forming apparatus and a control device capable of controlling the image forming apparatus. The control device requests connection of communication for control to the image forming device, and the image forming device establishes communication for control with the control device in response to a request from the control device. , The display data of the operation screen is transmitted to the control device, and the control device displays the operation screen on the connected display device based on the display data, and receives the operation on the operation screen. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus as operation information, and further, the operation information is stored in the memory. When the image forming apparatus receives the input of the operation information from the control apparatus, the setting operation specified by the operation screen and the operation information And the updated operation screen is transmitted by the setting operation, and the display data of the updated operation screen is transmitted to the control device. The control device establishes communication for control with the image forming device. When the operation information in the memory is stored when transmits operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the control method is a method of controlling the image forming apparatus with a computer that operates as a control apparatus, the image forming apparatus requesting connection of communication for control, and Information for specifying an operation when receiving operation screen display data from the image forming apparatus that has established communication for control, displaying an operation screen based on the display data, and receiving an operation on the operation screen Is transmitted by the setting operation from the image forming apparatus that has executed the setting operation specified by the operation screen and the operation information, the step of transmitting the operation information to the image forming apparatus, the step of storing the operation information in the memory, and the operation screen and the operation information. Receiving display data of the operation screen. Further, the control method is configured such that when operation information is stored in the memory when control communication is established with the image forming apparatus, the operation information stored in the memory is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. And transmitting.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the control program is a program for causing a computer to operate as a control device of the image forming apparatus, and requesting connection of communication for control to the image forming apparatus; The step of receiving display data of the operation screen from the image forming apparatus that has established communication for control, the step of displaying the operation screen based on the display data, and the operation when the operation on the operation screen is received are specified. Update by setting operation from the image forming apparatus that has executed the setting operation specified by the step of transmitting information to the image forming apparatus as operation information, the step of storing the operation information in a memory, and the operation screen and operation information Receiving the display data of the displayed operation screen, and causing the computer to execute the step When the operation information in memory when the communication for control is established is stored, further executes the computer sending the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, in an image processing system that performs so-called remote panel control in which a terminal device communicates with the image forming apparatus to remotely operate the image forming apparatus, the remote panel connection between the terminal apparatus and the image forming apparatus is When returning after being interrupted, the state of the terminal device and the image forming apparatus can be easily restored to the state at the time of disconnection without repeating the same operation.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the image processing system concerning embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a hardware configuration of an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) included in the image processing system. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an operation panel of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the hardware constitutions of the terminal device contained in an image processing system. It is a figure showing the flow of remote panel control when not performing restoration control. It is a figure showing the flow of remote panel control in the case of performing restoration control. It shows the operation and operation information on the operation screen displayed on the operation panel of the terminal device. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st example of the memory | storage method of the operation information in a terminal device. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of the memory | storage method of the operation information in a terminal device. It is a figure showing the other example of the remote panel control accompanied by restoration control. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of a terminal device. It is a figure showing the flow of normal remote panel operation | movement with a terminal device. It is a figure showing the flow of operation | movement for restoration control in a terminal device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image processing system includes an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 100 as an example of an image forming apparatus and a terminal device 200 as an example of a control apparatus, which are connected to a network 300. Yes.

  The terminal device 200 as an example of the control device may be any device as long as it can be connected to the network 300 and can input an instruction from the user. The terminal device 200 corresponds to, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet-type terminal device, a small computer, or the like. Furthermore, the control device is not limited to a terminal device. For example, a general-purpose computer connected to the network 300 or another image forming apparatus may be used.

  The network 300 corresponds to a local area network (LAN), for example, and may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

  The image processing apparatus is not limited to the MFP, and may be other apparatuses such as a printer, a facsimile transceiver, and a copier. The MFP 100 is an image processing apparatus having a combination of these functions.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 100.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 that is an arithmetic device for controlling the whole, and a ROM (Read Only) that stores a program executed by CPU 10 that functions as a memory. (Memory) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 for functioning as a work area when the CPU 10 executes a program, an HD (Hard Disk) 16 for storing image data and the like, and a document table (not shown). A scanner 13 for optically reading the original document and obtaining image data; a printer 14 for fixing the image data on the printing paper; and for displaying information and receiving an operation input to the MFP 100 Control of communication via the operation panel 15 including the touch panel and the network 300 Of and a network controller 17.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the operation panel 15.
Referring to FIG. 3, operation panel 15 includes a touch panel 51 and an operation key group 52. The touch panel 51 is configured by overlapping a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and a position indicating device such as an optical touch panel or a capacitive touch panel, displays an operation screen, and specifies an indicated position on the operation screen. . CPU10 displays an operation screen on a touchscreen based on the data for displaying the screen memorize | stored beforehand.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 200.
Referring to FIG. 4, terminal device 200 includes a CPU 20 that is an arithmetic device for overall control, a ROM 21 that functions as a memory, stores a program executed by CPU 20, various information, and the like, and CPU 20. RAM 22 for functioning as a work area when executing the program, an operation panel 25 including a touch panel for displaying information and receiving an operation input to the terminal device 200, and communication via the network 300 And a network controller 27 for controlling.

  Operation panel 25 may have the same configuration as operation panel 15 of MFP 100. That is, as an example, a touch panel configured by overlapping a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and a position indicating device such as an optical touch panel or a capacitive touch panel, and an operation key are included.

  The operation panel 25 of the terminal device 200 is a specific example of a device that serves as both a display device and an input device. For example, when the control device is a computer, the computer as the control device may include a display, a mouse, and a keyboard instead of the operation panel 25.

  CPU20 displays an operation screen on a touchscreen based on the data for displaying the screen memorize | stored beforehand. On the touch panel, an indicated position on the operation screen is specified, and an operation signal indicating the position is input to the CPU 20. An operation signal indicating the pressed key is input to the CPU 20. The CPU 20 specifies the operation content from the pressed key or the displayed operation screen and the indicated position, and executes processing based on the specified operation content.

<Overview of operation>
In the image processing system, the terminal device 200 operates the MFP 100 remotely by communicating with the MFP 100 via the network 300. In the following description, remote control of MFP 100 by terminal device 200 is referred to as remote panel control, and these communications are referred to as remote panel communication or remote panel connection.

  The memory of the terminal device 200 stores an application for performing remote panel control. This application corresponds to the MFP model.

  During remote panel control, display data for displaying the display screen of the operation panel 15 is transmitted from the MFP 100 to the terminal device 200 via the network controller 17. Terminal apparatus 200 receives display data transmitted from MFP 100 via network controller 27. A display screen based on the display data is displayed on the operation panel 25.

  When operation panel 25, which is a touch panel, accepts an operation (touch) based on the display screen, terminal device 200 transmits operation information representing the operation to MFP 100 via network controller 27. The operation information may be information that specifies an operation on the operation screen. As an example, coordinates representing a position where an operation (for example, touch) is performed on the operation screen may be mentioned. As other examples, the name of the operated button, the setting content in the MFP 100 instructed by the operation, and the like may be used.

  The MFP 100 receives the operation information transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network controller 17. Then, MFP 100 changes its own setting according to the received operation information.

  The MFP 100 transmits display data for displaying an operation screen according to the new setting state to the terminal device 200 via the network controller 17. When the terminal device 200 receives the display data transmitted from the MFP 100 via the network controller 27, the terminal device 200 updates the display screen of the operation panel 25 based on the display data.

  If communication between MFP 100 and terminal device 200 is disconnected or invalidated during remote panel control and communication is interrupted, the setting of MFP 100 by an operation on terminal device 200 is reset. Therefore, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, restoration control described later is further performed in remote control.

(Description of remote panel control)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of remote panel control when restoration control is not performed.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when terminal device 200 accepts an operation for an application for performing remote panel control from operation panel 25 or the like, and terminal device 200 specifies MFP 100 as an object of remote panel control, terminal device 200 controls MFP 100. A remote panel connection is requested (step S300). The request for remote panel connection means that the terminal device 200 requests the MFP 100 to establish communication for remote control, and specifically requests display data for displaying an operation screen of the MFP 100. Refers to that.

  Upon receiving a connection request from the terminal device 200, the MFP 100 determines whether to permit communication with the terminal device 200 (step S301). As one of the determinations here, in response to connection requests from a plurality of terminal devices, the MFP 100 determines one terminal device to be connected to the remote panel from among them. As an example of this determination, the MFP 100 presents a plurality of terminal devices that request remote panel connection to the operation panel 15 in a selectable manner, and accepts the user's operation for selecting the terminal device 200 to be connected from among them. There is a method of determining the terminal device 200 as a terminal device to be connected to a remote panel. When MFP 100 has already been connected to another terminal device by remote panel control and remote panel control is being performed by the other terminal device, MFP 100 receives remote panel connection from terminal device 200 received in the middle. It is determined that connection is not possible for the request. An example of the determination here is the same in the following description.

  If it is determined that the remote panel connection to the terminal device 200 is possible as a result of the determination, the MFP 100 notifies the terminal device 200 that the connection is permitted (step S302). As a result, wireless communication between MFP 100 and terminal device 200 is enabled, and communication between these is established.

  When wireless communication with terminal device 200 is established, MFP 100 provides terminal device 200 with an operation screen at the time of starting a remote panel as an example of a predetermined operation screen of the operation screens of MFP 100 ( Hereinafter, display data for displaying the initial screen is transmitted (step S303). Upon receiving display data from MFP 100, terminal device 200 displays an initial screen on operation panel 25 based on the display data. Then, the terminal device 200 can accept an operation based on the initial screen. That is, from this timing, remote operation of MFP 100 on terminal device 200 side becomes effective.

  When the terminal device 200 receives an operation (operation 1) from the user via the operation panel 25 (step S304), the terminal device 200 transmits operation information to the MFP 100 (step S305). The operation information refers to information indicating the position that is the operation target on the operation screen displayed on the operation panel 25. The specific contents will be described later.

  When the MFP 100 receives the operation information from the terminal device 200, the MFP 100 specifies the operation content by the user based on the operation information and the operation screen. Then, the setting operation (device setting 1) according to the operation content is executed (step S306). The MFP 100 transmits new display data (display data 1) for displaying the operation screen updated by the setting operation to the terminal device 200 (step S307).

  Thereafter, similarly, when another operation (operation 2) by the user is accepted on the terminal device 200 side (step S308), the terminal device 200 transmits the operation information to the MFP 100 (step S309). The MFP 100 executes a setting operation (device setting 2) according to the received operation information (step S310), and displays new display data (display data 2) for displaying the operation screen updated by the setting operation. It transmits with respect to the terminal device 200 (step S311).

  In the image processing system, similarly, device setting and display data transmission are repeated in MFP 100 in response to an operation by the user on terminal device 200 side.

  During such remote panel control, the wireless communication between the MFP 100 and the terminal device 200 is cut off, or the remote panel connection becomes invalid because another terminal device makes a remote panel connection. When the remote panel connection is interrupted, the terminal device 200 tries to reconnect or validate the communication. When the wireless communication with MFP 100 is restored, terminal device 200 returns the operation to step S300 again, and requests MFP 100 for a remote panel connection. In the following description, it is assumed that the remote panel connection is interrupted due to the remote panel connection being disabled due to the disconnection of the wireless communication or the other terminal device performing the remote panel connection. In summary, communication is interrupted or communication is disabled.

  In this case, the device settings made by the setting operation in MFP 100 in step S306 and step S310 are cleared (reset). For this reason, when the restoration control described later in the remote panel control is not performed, the terminal device 200 needs to perform the operations after step S304 again. That is, the user needs to perform a series of operations again.

  Therefore, in the image processing system, restoration control is performed in order to restore the device state after the communication between the MFP 100 and the terminal device 200 is interrupted in the remote panel control. The device state to be restored includes the device setting of MFP 100 that was made when communication was interrupted and the operation screen that was displayed, and the operation screen that was displayed on terminal device 200. Therefore, in the restoration control, the operation information is stored as an operation history in the memory of the terminal device 200, the operation information based on the operation history is transmitted to the MFP 100 by the terminal device 200, and the MFP 100 is based on the operation information. And a process for performing a setting operation.

(Explanation of remote panel control with restoration control)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of remote panel control when performing restoration control.

  Referring to FIG. 6, also in the case where restoration control is performed, display data for an initial screen is transmitted from MFP 100 to terminal device 200 when remote panel connection is established in the same manner as in steps S300 to S303. Steps S350 to S353).

  When performing the restoration control, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not to transmit operation information based on the operation history to the MFP 100 at the timing when the remote panel connection with the MFP 100 is started (step S354). In step S354, as an example, terminal device 200 determines that transmission is performed when the operation history of MFP 100 connected to the remote panel is held in its own memory, and determines that transmission is not performed when it is not held. .

  In the example of FIG. 6, the operation history of the MFP 100 is not held in the memory of the terminal device 200 because the remote panel control is started immediately after the step S354. Therefore, terminal device 200 determines in step S354 that operation information based on the operation history is not transmitted to MFP 100. If determined in this way, terminal apparatus 200 waits for display data transmission from MFP 100. When terminal device 200 receives display data from MFP 100, terminal device 200 displays an initial screen on operation panel 25 based on the display data. As a result, the terminal device 200 is in a state where it can accept an operation based on the initial screen.

  Thereafter, similarly to steps S304 to S306, when terminal device 200 receives an operation (operation 1) from the user via operation panel 25 (step S355), it transmits operation information to MFP 100 (step S356). Then, the MFP 100 executes a setting operation (device setting 1) based on the operation information from the terminal device 200 (step S358). Then, the MFP 100 transmits new display data (display data 1) for displaying the operation screen updated by the setting operation to the terminal device 200 (step S359).

  At this time, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information for the operation 1 in the memory as an operation history (step S357). The operation history is stored in the memory in association with information for specifying MFP 100 that is the target of remote panel control by the operation. Thereafter, the same operations as those in steps S355 to S359 are repeated.

  When communication between the MFP 100 and the terminal device 200 is interrupted during such remote panel control, the terminal device 200 attempts to reconnect or validate the communication (step S365). When communication with MFP 100 is restored and communication for control is established again (steps S366 and S367), display data for the initial screen is transmitted from MFP 100 as in step S353 (step S353). S368).

  The terminal device 200 determines whether or not to transmit operation information based on the operation history to the MFP 100, similar to step S354, according to the start timing of the remote panel connection (step S369). In step S369, the remote panel operation is performed on the terminal device 200 side before communication between the MFP 100 and the terminal device 200 is disabled. Therefore, terminal device 200 holds the operation history of MFP 100 in the memory. In step S369, the terminal device 200 determines to transmit operation information based on the operation history to the MFP 100.

  If it is determined in step S369 that operation information based on the operation history is to be transmitted, terminal device 200 transmits operation information to MFP 100 in accordance with the operation order. That is, terminal device 200 first transmits operation information for operation 1 to MFP 100 (step S370), and then transmits operation information for operation 2 to MFP 100 (step S371).

  When the MFP 100 receives the operation information transmitted from the terminal device 200 in steps S370 and S371, the MFP 100 executes a setting operation (device setting 1, device setting 2) based on the operation information in accordance with the order received (step S372). S374). Then, the MFP 100 transmits display data (display data 1 and display data 2) for displaying an operation screen updated with each setting to the terminal device 200 after the respective device settings (steps). S373, S375).

  At this time, terminal device 200 may display an operation screen based on display data from MFP 100. As described above, since display data is sequentially sent from MFP 100, the operation screen is automatically switched and displayed on operation panel 25 of terminal device 200. Therefore, after the wireless communication is restored, the terminal device 200 turns off the backlight of the operation panel 25 that is a liquid crystal panel, and based on the display data in the setting operation according to the last operation information stored in the operation history. You may make it fall over when displaying an operation screen. Thus, the operation screen is not displayed on the operation panel 25 during switching, but is displayed on the operation panel 25 for the first time in a state where the operation screen when the communication is disabled is restored.

  In the image processing system, when the above control is executed, the operation history is accumulated in the memory in accordance with the remote panel operation on the terminal device 200. When wireless communication is restored after wireless communication is disabled due to disconnection or the like while device settings of MFP 100 are being made in accordance with the remote panel operation, based on the operation history held in memory by terminal device 200 Operation information is transmitted to MFP 100. In MFP 100, the setting operation is sequentially performed from the initial screen based on the operation information, so that the device setting when communication is disabled can be restored.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the storage of the operation information in the terminal device 200 is completed at a timing when communication between the MFP 100 and the terminal device 200 is disabled. However, as another example, the terminal device 200 continues to display the operation screen on the operation panel 25 when communication is disabled for a predetermined time thereafter, accepts an operation on the operation screen, and stores it as operation information. You may do it. That is, during that period, when receiving an operation, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information in the memory without transmitting it to the MFP 100.

  By storing the operation information for a predetermined time from the timing when communication with the terminal device 200 becomes impossible, the operation performed simultaneously with or immediately after the communication becomes impossible is also stored as operation information. Thus, when the wireless communication is restored, the device settings are restored until the operation. Therefore, it is possible to restore the user without a sense of incongruity.

  Although not shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 200 deletes the operation history stored in the memory at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing corresponds to a timing at which an operation for updating the operation screen to the initial screen is performed after a series of operations is completed. Specifically, this corresponds to the timing when an operation for ending the operation of the function of MFP 100 is performed using the operation screen displayed on terminal device 200. For example, when the function is printing, if an operation for instructing execution of printing is performed after an operation for specifying the number of prints, color / monochrome, or the like is performed using the operation screen displayed on terminal device 200, MFP 100. The printing operation is executed at, and the operation of the function is completed. Therefore, in this example, the terminal device 200 deletes the operation history of a series of operations for causing the MFP 100 to execute the printing operation at the timing when the operation instructing the execution of printing is performed.

  Another example of the predetermined timing corresponds to a timing at which an operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200 is used and an operation different from the operation on the function of the MFP 100 that can be operated on the operation screen is performed. For example, when the function is printing, a power key, a reset key, and the like included in the operation screen displayed on terminal device 200 are not used for an operation for causing MFP 100 to execute a printing operation. Therefore, in this example, terminal device 200 uses the operation history of a series of operations for causing MFP 100 to execute the printing operation as keys used for operations for causing MFP 100 to execute the printing operation, such as a power key and a reset key. Delete when a key other than is operated.

  As described above, the terminal device 200 deletes the operation history from the memory at a predetermined timing, so that the memory consumption of the terminal device 200 can be suppressed, and the operation history as the restoration control in the steps S354 and S369 described above. It is possible to easily determine whether or not to perform an operation of transmitting operation information based on the operation information.

(Description of the first method for storing the operation history)
7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining a first example of a method for storing operation information in the terminal device 200 in a memory. FIG. 7 shows the operation and operation information on the operation screen displayed on the operation panel 25 of the terminal device 200, and FIG. 8 shows a specific example of the operation history.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when operation 1 for touching the displayed first button is performed on the operation screen, as an example, terminal device 200 specifies the touched position as coordinates as operation information. In this example, for example, (x, y) = (120, 100) is specified.

  Next, when an operation 2 for touching the displayed second button is performed on the operation screen, the terminal device 200 specifies, for example, (x, y) = (300, 100) as the operation information. And Thereafter, in order, the terminal device 200 specifies (x, y) = (480, 100) and (x, y) = (660, 100) as the operation information regarding the operation 3 and the operation 4.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when the above operations 1 to 4 are performed in this order, terminal device 200, for example, operates information (x, y) = operations 1 to 4 sequentially from the beginning of the storage area of the memory. (120, 100), (300, 100), (480, 100), (660, 100) are stored as the operation history. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may store the operation information as operation history in association with information indicating the operation order (for example, operation number and operation time information).

  By storing the operation history in the memory as shown in FIG. 8, when the terminal device 200 determines to transmit the operation information to the MFP 100 based on the history information in step S369, the operation history operation shown in FIG. Operation information can be read out and transmitted to MFP 100 in order (for example, in order from the top). The MFP 100 restores the setting and operation screen at the timing when wireless communication is disabled by specifying the operation content according to the operation information and executing the setting operation in the order received from the initial screen. Can do.

(Description of the second method for storing the operation history)
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a method of storing operation information in the terminal device 200 in a memory. The left side of FIG. 9 represents the transition of the operation screen displayed on the operation panel 25 of the terminal device 200, and the right side represents the transition of the operation history stored in the memory.

  In order to perform storage according to the second example, when transmitting operation screen display data to terminal device 200, MFP 100 transmits information specifying the operation screen (for example, a screen number) to MFP 100 together with the display data. . The information for specifying the operation screen is given in advance to the basic screen for executing each function of MFP 100 as an example, and is displayed in a pop-up or the like in the basic screen. It may not be given to the screen related to. Of course, the information specifying the operation screen may be given to all the operation screens, but by giving it only to the basic screen, the memory consumption for storing the operation history as described later can be reduced. It can be suppressed more.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when operation 1 is performed on the initial screen assigned with screen number “0” displayed on terminal device 200, the operation screen displayed on terminal device 200 is displayed from MFP 100. Based on the display data for the operation screen updated with the device setting in the operation 1, the screen transitions to the screen 1, which is the next operation screen. Screen 1 is a basic screen and is assigned screen number “1”.

  When operation 2 is performed on screen 1 assigned with screen number “1” displayed on terminal device 200, terminal device 200 stores coordinates representing the position touched in operation 2 as operation information. . At this time, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information of the operation 2 in association with the screen number “1” that is information specifying the touched operation screen. Further, the operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200 transitions to the screen 1-1. Since the screen 1-1 is a screen related to the screen 1, no screen number is assigned to the screen 1-1.

  When operation 3 is performed on screen 1-1 displayed on terminal device 200, terminal device 200 stores coordinates representing the position touched in operation 3 as operation information. At this time, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information of the operation 3 in association with the screen number “1”, not the information specifying the screen 1-1. Further, the operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200 transitions to the screen 1-2. Since the screen 1-2 is also a screen related to the screen 1, no screen number is assigned to the screen 1-2.

  When the operation 4 is performed on the screen 1-2 displayed on the terminal device 200, the terminal device 200 stores coordinates representing the position touched by the operation 4 as operation information. At this time, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information of the operation 4 in association with the screen number “1”, not the information specifying the screen 1-2. Further, the operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200 transitions to the screen 2. Screen 2 is a basic screen and is assigned screen number “2”.

  When operation 5 is performed on screen 2 with screen number “2” displayed on terminal device 200, terminal device 200 stores coordinates representing the position touched in operation 5 as operation information. . At this time, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information of the operation 5 in association with the screen number “2” which is information for specifying the touched operation screen. Further, the operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200 transitions to the screen 2-1. Since the screen 2-1 is a screen related to the screen 2, no screen number is assigned to the screen 2-1.

  By storing the operation information in the memory as the operation history in association with the screen information as illustrated in FIG. 9, the terminal device 200 determines to transmit the operation information to the MFP 100 based on the history information in step S369. The operation information is transmitted to the MFP 100 together with the screen information. By doing this, the operation order can be specified on the MFP 100 side without transmitting operation information from the terminal device 200 side in the operation order, and the device state at the timing when wireless communication is disabled on the MFP 100 side Can be easily restored.

  Preferably, when transmitting operation information, terminal device 200 specifies a final screen based on the screen number, and transmits at least operation information associated with the screen information of the screen to MFP 100. Also good. In the case of the example in FIG. 9, the terminal device 200 only has to transmit to the MFP 100 only the operation information that is shown at the bottom on the right side of FIG.

  MFP 100 identifies a final screen based on the screen information associated with the received operation information, and performs a setting operation according to the operation information representing an operation history for the screen, thereby disabling communication. The timing device state can be restored. As described above, when only the final operation information is transmitted from the terminal device 200, the setting operation when the operation represented by the operation information is performed on the operation screen represented by the operation information is performed, and the next operation is performed. A screen can be obtained. In the case of the example of FIG. 9, by receiving the operation information shown at the bottom on the right side of FIG. 9, the MFP 100 performs the setting operation when the operation 5 is performed on the operation screen with the screen number “2”. The operation screen is changed to the screen 2-1, and the display data can be transmitted to the terminal device 200. Thereby, the operation screen of the terminal device 200 is restored to the screen 2-1.

  By doing so, communication in the restoration control from the terminal device 200 to the MFP 100 can be suppressed, and the restoration process can be accelerated.

  In the case of this method, the terminal device 200 need only store at least operation information for the final screen, and may not store operation information for previous screens. Therefore, the memory consumption of the terminal device 200 can be further suppressed. In addition, the processing time for restoration in the MFP 100 can be suppressed.

(Another example of remote panel control with restoration control)
In the restoration control, it is not necessary to store the operation information in the memory every time the terminal device 200 is operated. As described in the second storage method described above, the operation information associated with the operation screen other than the final screen and the operation information regarding the operation for switching the basic screen are not stored in the memory of the terminal device 200. Also good. Further, when the user gives an instruction to stop storing the operation information, the terminal device 200 may not store the operation information regarding the subsequent operation.

  In the restoration control, the timing at which the operation information based on the history information is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the MFP 100 is not limited to the timing at which the wireless communication is restored. As another example, the timing may be in accordance with an instruction from the user.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of remote panel control with restoration control.
Referring to FIG. 10, also in this example, operation information is transmitted from terminal apparatus 200 to MFP 100 in accordance with the operation at terminal apparatus 200 in the same manner as steps S350 to S359 described above, and the setting operation based on the operation information is performed. The display data for the operation screen updated and executed by MFP 100 is transmitted from MFP 100 to terminal device 200. In the terminal device 200, operation information is stored as history information (steps S600 to S609).

  In the example of FIG. 10, here, the terminal device 200 receives an instruction to stop storing operation information (operation information storage stop instruction) from the user (step S610). When receiving this instruction, the terminal device 200 does not perform the process of storing the operation information as the operation history even if an operation on the operation screen is received in the subsequent processes. That is, when operation 2 is received on the displayed operation screen (step S611), terminal apparatus 200 transmits the operation information to MFP 100 (step S612), but the operation information as in step S607 above. Is not stored in the memory. After the device setting operation according to operation 2 is performed in MFP 100 (step S613), when display data is transmitted (step S614), terminal device 200 displays an operation screen using the display data.

  In the example of FIG. 10, at this timing, the terminal device 200 receives an instruction (operation information notification instruction) for transmitting operation information based on the operation history from the user (step S615). Upon receiving this instruction, the terminal device 200 transmits operation information based on the operation history. In this example, since the operation information 1 is stored as the operation history, the terminal device 200 transmits the operation information 1 to the MFP 100 (step S616).

  In step S616, the terminal apparatus 200 transmits the operation information to the MFP 100 in distinction from the transmission of the operation information in step S606. That is, when transmitting operation information stored as an operation history in the memory, for example, information indicating that is attached, a command for performing a setting operation from the initial screen, or a flag is set. The operation information is transmitted in a manner that is different from a normal operation when receiving operation information and transmitting operation information, such as standing up, in a method agreed with the MFP 100 in advance.

  When MFP 100 receives operation information 1, MFP 100 performs the same processing as in step S603 and subsequent steps. That is, when MFP 100 detects that the operation information (operation information 1) stored in the memory as the operation history is received by analyzing the information from terminal device 200, first, the display data of the processing screen is displayed on the terminal device. 200 (step S617), and a device setting operation (device setting 1) is performed in accordance with the operation represented by the operation information 1 for the screen (step S618). Then, MFP 100 transmits display data for the operation screen (display data 1) that has changed from the initial screen by the operation to terminal device 200 (step S619).

  As described above, the terminal device 200 stores the operation information as an operation history for a period in accordance with the user instruction, and transmits the operation information to the MFP 100 according to the user instruction, so that the user can arbitrarily set the setting state of the MFP 100. The timing can be restored.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the terminal device 200 for performing the above operation. Each function of FIG. 11 is realized mainly by the CPU 20 when the CPU 20 of the terminal device 200 reads a program, which is an application for performing remote panel control, stored in the ROM 21 onto the RAM 22 and executes it. However, at least a part may be realized by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4 or other electric circuits.

  Referring to FIG. 11, ROM 21 functioning as a memory is provided with a history storage unit 211 which is a storage area for storing operation information as an operation history.

  Further, referring to FIG. 11, when communication for remote panel control with MFP 100 is disconnected, CPU 20 requests connection of communication for control to MFP 100 via network controller 27. A connection request unit 201 for receiving data, a data input unit 202 for receiving input of display data for displaying an operation screen from the MFP 100 in a state where communication for remote panel control has been established, and an operation based on the display data A display processing unit 203 for displaying the screen on the operation panel 25 and an operation signal representing an operation (touch) on the operation panel 25 with respect to the displayed operation screen are received to accept an operation on the operation screen. Information specifying the operation of the instruction input unit 204 and the operation screen is used as operation information. The above-mentioned request is made between the operation transmitting unit 205 for transmitting to the MFP 100 via the controller 27, the history processing unit 206 for storing the operation information transmitted to the MFP 100 in the memory as the operation history, and the MFP 100. Thus, when communication for remote panel control is established, whether or not operation information stored as operation history is transmitted to MFP 100 according to whether or not operation history of MFP 100 is stored in memory And a determination unit 207 for determining whether or not.

  When storing the operation history by the first method, the history processing unit 206 stores the operation information in the memory as the operation history in the order of operations. Further, when storing the operation history by the second method described above, the history processing unit 206 stores the operation information in the memory as the operation history in association with the information specifying the operation screen targeted for the operation. . At this time, the history processing unit 206 may store at least operation information about the operation on the latest operation screen in the memory.

  Furthermore, the history processing unit 206 displays, for example, an operation screen such as an operation other than a necessary operation for executing a function operated on the operation screen on the operation screen, or an operation for instructing the end of the execution of the function. When an operation for returning to the initial screen is performed, the operation history is deleted.

  When communication for remote panel control is established with MFP 100, when determination history of MFP 100 is stored in memory, determination unit 207 displays operation information stored as the operation history to MFP 100. Judge to send. When the operation history is stored by the first method, upon receiving the determination, the operation transmission unit 205 reads the corresponding operation history from the history storage unit 211 and transmits it to the MFP 100 in the order of operation. When the operation history is stored by the second method, the operation transmission unit 205 receives at least the latest operation screen from the corresponding operation history stored in the history storage unit 211 in response to the determination. The read operation information (operation information specifying the last operation) is read and transmitted to MFP 100.

<Operation flow>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of normal remote panel operation in the terminal device 200. The CPU 20 of the terminal device 200 reads out and executes the control program, which is the application, on the RAM 22 by starting an application for performing remote panel control stored in the ROM 21 of the terminal device 200. By realizing the function, the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 12, when starting the application, CPU 20 requests MFP 100 for remote panel connection (step S101).

  When display data for displaying an operation screen for remote panel operation is received from MFP 100 (YES in step S103), CPU 20 displays an operation screen on operation panel 25 using the display data (step S105). When an operation from the user is accepted for the displayed operation screen (YES in step S107), CPU 20 transmits operation information to MFP 100 (step S109). Further, the CPU 20 stores the operation information in the memory as an operation history (step S111).

  CPU 20 performs remote panel control on MFP 100 by repeating steps S103 to S111.

  Although not shown in FIG. 12, operations such as an operation for instructing a final image forming operation (printing or the like) in MFP 100, an operation not related to a series of instructions such as a power key and a reset key, etc. When an operation for returning the operation screen to the initial screen is performed and the series of remote panel control is completed, the CPU 20 deletes the operation information stored in the memory as the operation history.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of operations for restoration control in the terminal device 200. The CPU 20 of the terminal device 200 performs an operation for restoration control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 in parallel with the remote panel operation shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 13, CPU 20 constantly monitors the communication status with MFP 100 during the remote panel operation. When it is detected that communication with MFP 100 is disabled (YES in step S201), CPU 20 requests remote panel connection to MFP 100 (step S203).

  When remote panel connection with MFP 100 is permitted by MFP 100 and notified to that effect from MFP 100 (YES in step S205), CPU 20 determines whether or not to send operation information stored in memory to MFP 100. Determine whether. Here, as an example, CPU 20 checks whether or not an operation history for MFP 100 permitted to connect to the remote panel is stored in the memory, and if stored, transmits operation information to MFP 100. Judgment is made (YES in step S207). In this case, the CPU 20 transmits an operation history for the MFP 100 to the MFP 100 (step S209).

<Effect of Embodiment>
By performing the above operation in terminal device 200, even when the remote panel connection between MFP 100 and terminal device 200 is interrupted, at the timing when the remote panel connection is subsequently restored, at least at the timing of the interruption. The device state is restored. Therefore, the user does not need to perform the same operation again after the communication is restored, and can continue the remote panel operation without being aware of the disconnection of the communication. Further, as described above, the terminal device 200 is configured to store the operation information for a predetermined period after the interruption, so that the operation including the interruption is restored after the communication is restored.

  Since terminal device 200 stores operation information, which is information representing the operation position on the operation screen displayed in remote panel control, as an operation history, it consumes more memory than mapping and storing each setting state in MFP 100. Can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to facilitate processing for restoration in the MFP 100.

  Furthermore, a control program (application) for causing the CPU 20 of the terminal device 200 to execute the above-described processing can also be provided. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  A program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that executes necessary processes by calling necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

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

  10, 20 CPU, 11, 21 ROM, 12, 22 RAM, 13 scanner, 14 printer, 15, 25 operation panel, 17, 27 network controller, 51 touch panel, 52 operation key group, 100 MFP, 200 terminal device, 201 connection Request unit 202 Data input unit 203 Display processing unit 204 Instruction input unit 205 Operation transmission unit 206 History processing unit 207 Judgment unit 211 History storage unit 300 Network

Claims (15)

A control device capable of controlling an image forming apparatus,
Communication requesting means for requesting connection of communication for the control to the image forming apparatus;
Data input means for receiving input of display data of an operation screen from the image forming apparatus in a state in which communication for the control is established;
Display means for displaying the operation screen on a connected display device based on the display data;
An operation means for receiving an operation on the operation screen;
Transmission means for transmitting information identifying the operation as operation information to the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing the operation information in a memory,
The transmission means stores the operation information stored in the memory when the operation information is stored in the memory when communication for the control is established with the image forming apparatus. A control device that transmits to the image forming apparatus.   The control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus in an operation order. The storage means stores the operation information in the memory in association with the operation screen targeted for the operation,
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus in association with an operation screen that is an operation target.   The control device according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit transmits at least operation information for specifying a last operation among the operation information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus.   When the storage unit receives an operation on the operation screen displayed on the display device at a predetermined time after the communication for control with the image forming apparatus is disconnected, the operation is performed. The control device according to claim 1, wherein operation information to be specified is stored in the memory.   6. The storage unit deletes the operation information stored in the memory when an operation for updating the operation screen to a predetermined initial screen is performed on the operation screen. The control apparatus in any one of.   The control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation information includes information indicating a position designated on the operation screen by an operation on the operation screen. An instruction means for instructing a timing for transmitting the operation information stored in the memory by the transmission means;
The control according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission means transmits the operation information stored in the memory separately from operation information transmitted when an operation on the operation screen is received. apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a control device,
In response to a request from the control device, communication means for performing control communication with the control device;
Transmission means for transmitting operation screen display data to the control device;
Input means for receiving input of operation information, which is information for specifying an operation on the operation screen, from the control device;
A processing unit for executing the setting operation specified by the operation screen and the operation information, and for updating the operation screen by the setting operation,
When the communication for the control is established, the processing means performs an operation represented by the operation information from the control device on a predetermined initial screen among the operation screens of the image forming apparatus. The specified operation screen is executed to update the predetermined operation screen, and then the operation screen after the update is specified by performing an operation represented by operation information from the control device. The operation screen is updated sequentially by sequentially executing the setting operations.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the operation unit transmits display data of the updated operation screen to the image forming apparatus.   When the operation information is associated with an operation screen to be operated, the processing unit is specified by the operation screen associated with the operation information and the operation information from the control device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the setting operation is executed.   When the operation information is operation information stored as an operation history in the memory of the control device, the processing means performs an operation represented by the operation information stored as the operation history on the initial screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.   12. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a selection unit configured to accept selection of a control device that establishes communication for the control among the plurality of control devices when there is the request from the plurality of control devices. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing system,
An image forming apparatus;
A control device capable of controlling the image forming apparatus,
The control device requests a connection of communication for the control to the image forming device,
The image forming apparatus establishes communication for control with the control apparatus in response to a request from the control apparatus, and transmits display data of an operation screen to the control apparatus.
When the control device displays the operation screen on the connected display device based on the display data and receives an operation on the operation screen, the control device uses the information specifying the operation as operation information to the image forming device. Further, storing the operation information in a memory,
When the image forming apparatus receives an input of the operation information from the control device, the image forming apparatus executes a setting operation specified by the operation screen and the operation information, and updates the operation screen by the setting operation and updates it. The display data of the operation screen is transmitted to the control device,
When the control information is stored in the memory when communication for the control is established with the image forming apparatus, the control device stores the operation information stored in the memory. An image processing system for transmitting to an image forming apparatus. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus with a computer that operates as a control apparatus,
Requesting the image forming apparatus to establish communication for the control;
Receiving display data of an operation screen from the image forming apparatus that has established communication for the control;
Displaying the operation screen based on the display data;
When receiving an operation on the operation screen, transmitting information specifying the operation to the image forming apparatus as operation information;
Storing the operation information in a memory;
Receiving display data of the operation screen updated by the setting operation from the image forming apparatus that has executed the setting operation specified by the operation screen and the operation information,
When operation information is stored in the memory when communication for the control is established with the image forming apparatus, the operation information stored in the memory is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. And a transmitting method. A program for operating a computer as a control device of an image forming apparatus,
Requesting the image forming apparatus to establish communication for the control;
Receiving display data of an operation screen from the image forming apparatus that has established communication for the control;
Displaying the operation screen based on the display data;
When receiving an operation on the operation screen, transmitting information specifying the operation to the image forming apparatus as operation information;
Storing the operation information in a memory;
Receiving the display data of the operation screen updated by the setting operation from the image forming apparatus that has executed the setting operation specified by the operation screen and the operation information;
When operation information is stored in the memory when communication for the control is established with the image forming apparatus, the operation information stored in the memory is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. A control program for causing the computer to further execute a step of transmitting the information.

Images