JP2015103995A - Remote control system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology that can stop a job during execution in an image forming apparatus from a second remote controller, even in a situation where remote control in a panel image transfer mode from the second remote controller to the image forming apparatus cannot be performed during remote control in a panel image transfer mode from a first remote controller.SOLUTION: During remote control in a panel image transfer mode from a first remote controller 51, an image forming apparatus 10 receives a job stop request (command that can be transmitted and received in a period other than the remote control in the panel image transfer mode) from a second remote controller 52, which is not connected during the remote control in a panel image mode, and stops the job during execution in the image forming apparatus 10 on the basis of the job stop request.

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote operation system including an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral), and a technology related thereto.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been a technology for remotely operating a remote operation device using an external terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal (so-called remote operation technology by remote connection).

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for remotely operating an image forming apparatus (remote operation apparatus) using an external terminal (remote monitoring apparatus). Specifically, in Patent Document 1, operation screen data (bitmap image data and the like) of the image forming apparatus itself is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the external terminal, and the operation screen is displayed on the display unit of the external terminal. Is displayed. Then, the image forming apparatus is remotely operated in response to an operation input on the operation screen, and new operation screen data corresponding to the operation input is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the external terminal. As described above, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to remotely operate the image forming apparatus (remote operation apparatus) using the external terminal. Such a remote operation mode is also referred to as a “panel image transfer mode” because it is a remote operation mode that involves the transfer of operation screen data (panel image data) in the operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-122424

  By the way, in the remote operation technology of the image forming apparatus in the panel image transfer mode as described above, it is assumed that remote operation of the image forming apparatus by a plurality of remote operation devices is allowed. In this case, the image forming apparatus generates a plurality of image data to be transferred to each of the plurality of remote operation devices in order to respond to instructions from the plurality of remote operation devices, and the plurality of image data Is required to be provided in the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, memory resources are often limited in image forming apparatuses for cost reduction and the like, and it is required to reduce the amount of memory used.

  Considering such circumstances, it is preferable that a single external terminal (remote operation device) is permitted to remotely operate the image forming apparatus in the panel image transfer mode.

  However, when remote operation of the image forming apparatus in a specific mode (for example, the above-described panel image transfer mode) is permitted only to a single remote operation apparatus (external terminal), a certain remote operation apparatus (first remote operation apparatus) During a period in which the operation device is remotely operating the image forming apparatus in the specific mode, another remote operation device (second remote operation device) cannot perform remote operation of the image forming apparatus in the specific mode. . In particular, even when the operator of the second remote control device desires to stop the job being executed in the image forming apparatus, the specific mode is not displayed during remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device. The second remote control device that is not permitted to perform remote control cannot perform remote control of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the operator of the second remote control device cannot stop the job using the second remote control device, and there is a possibility that paper, ink, etc. are wasted.

  Therefore, the present invention is executed by the image forming apparatus even in a situation where the remote operation of the specific mode by the second remote control device cannot be performed during the remote operation of the specific mode by the first remote control device for the image forming apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of stopping a job in the middle using a second remote control device.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is a remote operation system, comprising an image forming apparatus and a plurality of remote operation apparatuses, wherein the image forming apparatus performs remote operation in a specific mode. Among a plurality of remote control devices, a permission unit that selectively permits a single remote control device among the remote control devices, a job control unit that controls execution of a job in the image forming apparatus, and the plurality of remote control devices Communication means for transmitting and receiving, wherein the permission means permits remote operation in the specific mode by a first remote operation device that is one of the plurality of remote operation devices, and the communication means A job stop request, which is a command that can be transmitted / received even during remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote control device, is different from that in the first remote control device. The second remote operation device is received from the second remote operation device, and the job control means is not in the remote operation of the specific mode during the remote operation of the specific mode by the first remote operation device. The job being executed in the image forming apparatus is stopped based on the job stop request from.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the permission unit is configured to allow the permission unit to receive the second remote control device from the second remote control device during the remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device. When the permission request for the remote operation in the specific mode is received, the remote operation in the specific mode by the second remote operation device is not permitted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication means responds to the reception of the permission request and the specific mode by the remote operation device other than the second remote operation device. When it is determined that the remote operation is being performed, information indicating that remote operation in the specific mode is not permitted is transmitted to the second remote operation device, and the second remote operation device transmits the permission In response to receiving the information indicating that the job is not performed, an operation screen having a job stop button is displayed, and in response to an operation input to the job stop button, a job stop instruction is issued from an operator of the second remote control device. An operation unit that receives the job stop request; and a transmission unit that transmits the job stop request to the image forming apparatus based on the job stop instruction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the remote operation system according to the third aspect of the invention, the job control unit stops all jobs being executed in the image forming apparatus based on the job stop request. And

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the operation unit accepts an operation input of the user authentication information of the operator, and the transmission unit transmits the user authentication information to the image formation. The job control means, in response to receiving the user authentication information, out of all the stopped jobs, the job control means excludes the operator job specified by the user authentication information. It is characterized by resuming execution.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation unit accepts an operation input of the user authentication information of the operator, and the transmission unit transmits the user authentication information to the image forming unit. And the communication means transmits to the second remote operation device, in-execution job information, which is information on the job being executed and specified by the operator based on the user authentication information. The operation unit accepts an operation for designating a job to be stopped, which is a job to be stopped, from the operator using the display screen of the job information being executed, and the transmission unit receives information specified by the operator. The reflected specification data of the job to be stopped is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the job control unit is configured to stop all the jobs that are stopped based on the specification data. Characterized by out the resume execution of the job except for the stop target job.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the remote operation system according to the sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the job control means selects the stop target job among all the stopped jobs in response to the reception of the designated data. The execution of the excluded job is resumed, and the stop target job is deleted.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the communication means receives device identification information of the second remote operation device from the second remote operation device, and performs the job control. The means identifies the second remote operation device based on the device identification information, and identifies the operator corresponding to the identified second remote operation device as the plurality of remote operation devices and the plurality of operators. Among all the jobs that have been identified and stopped based on the corresponding relationship, the execution of jobs excluding the identified operator's job is resumed.

  The ninth aspect of the invention is the remote control system according to the eighth aspect of the invention, wherein the device identification information includes network identification information which is identification information in the network of the second remote control device.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the first aspect of the invention, the communication means receives device identification information of the second remote operation device from the second remote operation device, and performs the job control. The means identifies the second remote operation device based on the device identification information, and designates an operator of the second remote operation device corresponding to the identified second remote operation device as the plurality of remote operations. A plurality of operators of the apparatus and the plurality of remote control devices are identified based on the correspondence relationship, and among the jobs being executed in the image forming apparatus, the specified job of the operator is It is characterized by stopping upon reception.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the device identification information includes network identification information which is identification information in the network of the second remote operation device.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to any one of the second to ninth aspects, the image forming apparatus uses the first remote operation apparatus in response to the reception of the permission request. Determining means for determining whether or not there is a job being executed in the image forming apparatus during remote operation in the specific mode, wherein the communication means indicates that the job being executed exists; If it is determined, data indicating that the job being executed exists is transmitted to the second remote control device, and the second remote control device indicates data indicating that the job being executed exists. In response to the reception, an operation screen having a job stop button is displayed on the display unit of the second remote operation device.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in the remote control in the specific mode, the operation screen based on the image data received from the image forming apparatus is Displayed on a display unit of a single remote control device, position information of an operation input of an operator of the single remote control device with respect to the operation screen is transmitted from the single remote control device to the image forming device, A process corresponding to the position information is executed by the image forming apparatus.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the job control unit is configured to stop the job in the image forming apparatus during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote operation device. Is given by the first remote operation device, the job being executed in the image forming apparatus is stopped, and the image forming apparatus performs remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote operation device. When a job stop command in the image forming apparatus is given by the first remote control device, new image data relating to the stop job is generated and transmitted to the first remote control device. When the job stop request is received from the second remote control device during the remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device Characterized in that it does not generate new image data and the related stop job.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of remote control by a plurality of remote control devices, wherein remote control in a specific mode is selectively performed on a single remote control device among the plurality of remote control devices. Permission means for allowing, job control means for controlling execution of a job in the image forming apparatus, and communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the plurality of remote control devices, wherein the permission means includes the plurality of permission means. The remote control device permits the remote operation of the specific mode by a first remote control device that is one of the remote control devices, and the communication means is configured to perform remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device. A job stop request, which is a command that can be transmitted and received even during remote operation in the specific mode, is received from a second remote operation device different from the first remote operation device, and the job control In response to the job stop request from the second remote control device that is not in remote control of the specific mode during remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device, The job being executed is stopped.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer incorporated in an image forming apparatus capable of remote control by a plurality of remote control devices, and a) remote control in a specific mode is performed by a single remote control of the plurality of remote control devices. A step of selectively permitting a device, the step of permitting remote operation of the specific mode by a first remote control device which is one of the plurality of remote control devices; b) the first During remote operation of the specific mode by the remote operation device, a job stop request that is a command that can be transmitted and received even during remote operation of the specific mode is sent to a second remote operation device different from the first remote operation device And c) during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote operation device, the remote operation in the specific mode is not in progress. Based on the job stop request al, characterized in that it is a program for executing the steps of stopping the running job, the by the image forming apparatus.

  According to the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention, the remote operation of the specific mode by the second remote control device cannot be performed during the remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device for the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus receives the job stop request from the second remote control device. Therefore, the operator of the second remote control device can stop the job being executed in the image forming apparatus by the second remote control device.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 4, the image forming apparatus stops all jobs being executed in the image forming apparatus in response to the reception of the job stop request, so that the job to be stopped is specified. There is no need to wait for information to be received. Therefore, the operator of the second remote control device can stop the job earlier than in the case where the job stop is executed after the job to be stopped is specified.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 6, a stop target job designation operation is accepted from the operator, and execution of jobs other than the designated stop target job is resumed among all the stopped jobs. Since the stop of the stop target job is continued, the operator can selectively stop the desired job.

  In particular, according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the second remote control device is specified based on the device identification information, and the operator corresponding to the specified second remote control device is specified. It is possible to specify an operator's job and accept a job to be stopped without receiving an operation input such as the user authentication information of the operator.

  In particular, according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when a job stop request is received from the second remote control device that is not in remote operation in the specific mode, new image data relating to the stop job is not generated. Therefore, the operation screen based on the new image data relating to the stopped job is not displayed on the display unit of the first remote control device. As a result, it is possible to avoid the confusion of the operator of the first remote control device that does not know the existence of the job stop request by the second remote control device.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a remote control system. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of an external terminal. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the touchscreen of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the touchscreen of an external terminal. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating data transmission / reception operations between the image forming apparatus and an external terminal in remote operation in the panel image transfer mode. 5 is a flowchart illustrating remote operation processing in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the image forming apparatus regarding reception of a remote connection request. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the image forming apparatus for reception of position information. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the image forming apparatus for reception of user authentication information. It is a flowchart which shows the remote operation process in an external terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the job stop request in an external terminal. It is a figure which shows the condition of the remote operation of panel image transfer mode. It is a timing chart which shows the process of the remote operation of panel image transfer mode. It is a figure which shows a user authentication screen. It is a figure which shows the condition of a remote control system. It is a timing chart which shows processing of a remote control system. It is a figure which shows a job stop request | requirement screen. 6 is a diagram illustrating a job list being executed in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the completion screen of a job stop. It is a timing chart which shows processing of a remote control system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows a stop job selection screen. It is a figure which shows the correspondence table of an external terminal and a user. It is a figure which shows the completion screen of the job stop which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the screen containing the job stop button which concerns on a modification.

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

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. System overview>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the remote operation system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the remote operation system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an external terminal 50. Here, the image forming apparatus 10 is exemplified by an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral).

  The image forming apparatus 10 and the external terminal 50 are connected to each other via the network 108. The network 108 is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. Further, the connection mode to the network 108 may be wired connection or wireless connection. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is wired to the network 108, and the external terminal 50 is wirelessly connected to the network 108.

  In the remote operation system 1, various operations on the image forming apparatus 10 can be performed using the external terminal 50. That is, the external terminal 50 can remotely operate the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 can be remotely operated by a plurality of external terminals 50. However, in remote operation (described later) in the panel image transfer mode, only remote operation by a single external terminal 50 is permitted at a certain point in time, and one image forming apparatus 10 is remotely operated simultaneously by a plurality of external terminals 50. That is not allowed.

<1-2. Configuration of MFP>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP 10. The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating each part of the above in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image). is there. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target. The print output unit 3 is also referred to as an image forming unit that forms images on various media.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the network 108. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 10 can exchange various data with a desired partner (for example, the external terminal 50). The communication unit 4 includes a transmission unit 4a that transmits various data and a reception unit 4b that receives various data.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 stores image data of each operation screen.

  The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information.

  The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel 6c (see FIG. 1). Moreover, the operation panel 6c has the touch panel 25 (refer FIG. 1) in the front side. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding various sensors and the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various information and accept various operation inputs from an operator.

  For example, on the touch panel 25, menu images (including button images and the like) are displayed. The operator sets various operation contents of the MFP 10 by pressing (touching) buttons (buttons represented by button images) virtually arranged in the operation screen 110 (see FIG. 4) of the touch panel 25. It is possible.

  As will be described later, on the operation screen 150 of the touch panel 75 (see FIG. 1) of the external terminal 50, a screen similar to the operation screen 110 displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 is displayed. By using the operation screen 150 (see FIG. 5) displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50, an operation similar to the operation using the operation screen 110 displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 is realized.

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) P1 stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. The program (specifically, a program module group) P1 may be installed in the MFP 10 via a portable recording medium such as a USB memory or the network 108.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 executes the program P <b> 1 by executing the communication control unit 11, the input control unit 12, the display control unit 13, the permission unit 14, the job control unit 15, and the generation unit 16. Various processing units including the determination unit 17 are realized.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (such as the external terminal 50). For example, the communication control unit 11 cooperates with the communication unit 4 and the like to transmit an image for display (specifically, data thereof) on the touch panel 75 in the external terminal 50 to the external terminal 50.

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 6a (the touch panel 25 or the like). For example, the input control unit 12 controls an operation for receiving an operation input on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 25.

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 6b (the touch panel 25 or the like). The display control unit 13 causes the touch panel 25 to display an operation screen for operating the MFP 10.

  The permission unit 14 is a processing unit that selectively allows the external terminal 50 to permit or reject remote operation (described later) in the panel image transfer mode.

  The job control unit 15 is a processing unit that controls execution of a job or the like in the MFP 10 in response to an operation input (operation command) by the operator.

  The generation unit 16 is a processing unit that generates display data to be displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50 based on the execution result of the job executed by the job control unit 15.

  The determination unit 17 is a processing unit that determines the content of an operation input (operation command) by the operator. Further, the determination unit 17 determines the content of the operation input by the operator based on the operation input information received by the receiving unit 4b (information on the operation input on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50). .

<1-3. Configuration of external terminal>
Next, the configuration of the external terminal (also referred to as a remote control device) 50 will be described.

  The external terminal 50 is a portable information input / output terminal device capable of network communication with other devices. Here, a tablet type terminal is illustrated as the external terminal 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external terminal 50 may be a smartphone or a personal computer. The external terminal 50 may be a portable device or a stationary device.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the external terminal 50.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, the external terminal 50 includes a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, an operation unit 56, a controller 59, and the like. Realize the function.

  The communication unit 54 can perform network communication via the network 108. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the external terminal 50 can exchange various data with a desired partner (the image forming apparatus 10 or the like). The communication unit 54 includes a transmission unit 54a that transmits various data and a reception unit 54b that receives various data. For example, the receiving unit 54 b receives display data (bitmap image data or the like) on the touch panel 75 from the MFP 10, and the transmission unit 54 a is information on operation inputs (operations) on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50. Input information) and the like are transmitted to the MFP 10.

  The storage unit 55 includes a storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The storage unit 55 temporarily stores various image data (operation screen display data and the like) transmitted from the MFP 10.

  The operation unit 56 includes an operation input unit 56a that receives an input to the external terminal 50, and a display unit 56b that displays and outputs various types of information. In the external terminal 50, a touch panel 75 (see FIG. 1) configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel is provided. Specifically, on the front side of the substantially plate-like external terminal 50, the touch panel 75 is provided over almost the entire surface except for the peripheral edge portion (frame portion). The touch panel 75 functions as a part of the operation input unit 56a and also functions as a part of the display unit 56b. An operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 75, and an operation input from an operator (also referred to as a user) for the operation screen is accepted.

  The controller 59 is a control device that is built in the external terminal 50 and controls the external terminal 50 in an integrated manner. The controller 59 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 59 implements various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) P2 stored in a storage unit (semiconductor memory or the like) in the CPU. The program P2 may be installed in the external terminal 50 via a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, the network 108, or the like.

  The program P2 is an application software program (also referred to as “remote operation application”) for remotely operating the MFP 10, and implements various functions related to remote operation.

  Specifically, the controller 59 implements various processing units including a communication control unit 61, an input control unit 62, a display control unit 63, and a coordinate conversion unit 64 by executing the program P2.

  The communication control unit 61 is a processing unit that controls a communication operation with the MFP 10 or the like in cooperation with the communication unit 54 or the like.

  The input control unit 62 is a processing unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 56a (the touch panel 75 or the like). For example, the input control unit 62 controls an operation for receiving an operation input on an operation screen or the like.

  The display control unit 63 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 56b (touch panel 75 or the like). The display control unit 63 causes the touch panel 75 to display an operation screen for remotely operating the MFP 10.

  The coordinate conversion unit 64 is a processing unit that converts a coordinate value of an operation input by the operator on the touch panel 75 from a coordinate system value on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50 to a coordinate system value on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10. . For example, the coordinate value after conversion by the coordinate conversion unit 64 is transmitted to the MFP 10 by the communication control unit 61 or the like as position information (also referred to as coordinate information) indicating the operation position of the operation input.

<1-4. Operation screen for remote operation in panel image transfer mode>
In this embodiment, remote operation in a specific mode (specifically, remote operation in “panel image transfer mode”) is mainly performed.

  The operator of the external terminal 50 logs in to the MFP 10 (remote login) by a predetermined remote operation using the external terminal 50, and starts remote operation in the panel image transfer mode. During this remote login, the operator can perform various remote operations in the panel image transfer mode using the external terminal 50.

  The “panel image transfer mode” is a remote operation mode involving transfer of operation screen data in the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. In the panel image transfer mode, an operation screen (see FIG. 5 and the like) based on the image data received from the MFP 10 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50. Then, the operator's operation input on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 75 is accepted, the position information of the operation input is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10, and the process is executed in the MFP 10 based on the position information. . Further, when it is determined based on the position information that a certain menu item in the operation screen (menu screen) displayed on the touch panel 75 is selected, a setting screen (new operation) corresponding to the menu item is determined. Image data is generated by the MFP 10. Then, the MFP 10 transmits the image data of the new operation screen to the external terminal 50, and the external terminal 50 displays the new operation screen based on the image data. By repeating the transmission / reception of the operation screen data and the operation input on the operation screen, the MFP 10 is remotely operated in the panel image transfer mode. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is performed with login.

  In the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode, as shown in FIG. 5, a screen including the same content as the operation screen (see FIG. 4) displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50 as an operation screen. Is displayed.

  4 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic operation of data transmission / reception between the MFP 10 and the external terminal 50 in remote operation in the panel image transfer mode.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an operation screen 110 showing copy settings is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10. Using this operation screen 110 and the like, the operator of the MFP 10 can perform various operations.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an operation screen 150 including the same content as the operation screen 110 of the MFP 10 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50. Using the operation screen 150 or the like, the operator of the external terminal 50 can perform various remote operations on the MFP 10.

  For example, when the operator presses the software key 71 corresponding to the menu item “original image quality” on the operation screen 150, a setting screen related to the original image quality is displayed on the touch panel 75 as a new operation screen.

  Specifically, first, on the operation screen 150, the operation unit 56 (operation input unit 56a) accepts a pressing operation by the operator for the software key 71 corresponding to the menu item “document quality”. Then, the coordinate conversion unit 64 converts the coordinate value of the operation input reception position (operation input position) into position information (coordinate value) of the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10, and the transmission unit 54 a transmits the position information to the MFP 10. In the MFP 10 that has received the position information, the job control unit 15 recognizes a process corresponding to the position information. Specifically, it is recognized that the operation input by the operator is a press of the software key 71.

  Then, the generation unit 16 generates image data (display data) to be displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50. Specifically, the image data of the setting screen relating to the document image quality is generated as display data on the touch panel 75. Thereafter, the transmission unit 4 a transmits the image data to the external terminal 50, and the display control unit 63 of the external terminal 50 displays the image data (image data on a setting screen related to document image quality) on the touch panel 75. The image data is preferably transmitted from the MFP 10 to the external terminal 50 in a compressed state. In this case, the external terminal 50 may expand (decompress) the compressed data and display a screen based on the decompressed data on the touch panel 75.

  Thereafter, the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is performed by repeating similar screen transitions.

  In this embodiment, not only the same content as the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 but also information related to the hardware key 30 is displayed on the touch panel 75. According to this, the operator of the external terminal 50 can perform the same operation input using the external terminal 50 as the operation input using the hardware key 30.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, not only the same content as the operation screen 110 (see FIG. 4) but also the same content as the hardware key 30 (see FIG. 4) of the MFP 10 is stored in the touch panel 75. The operation screen 150 is displayed. The same content as that of the hardware key 30 is displayed as a virtual hardware key 40 (display image (software key image) for virtually displaying the hardware key 30) in the lower side area in the operation screen 150. .

  When an operation input using the virtual hardware key 40 is performed, the same processing as when an operation input using the corresponding hardware key 30 is performed is executed in the MFP 10.

  For example, by operating the stop key 41 among the plurality of virtual hardware keys 40, the same operation as the operation using the stop key 31 among the plurality of hardware keys 30 is performed. In other words, a job stop operation (remote operation) using the stop key 41 is performed.

  When the operator of the external terminal 50 stops his job, the following operation is performed during remote login.

  First, when the operator presses the stop key 41 (see FIG. 5) of the virtual hardware keys 40 on the operation screen 150, the position information of the operation input is transmitted to the MFP 10. Then, the job control unit 15 recognizes that a job stop command has been given based on the received position information, and stops the job of the operator being executed in the MFP 10. Thereafter, the generation unit 16 generates display data related to the stopped job, and the transmission unit 4 a transmits the display data to the external terminal 50. The external terminal 50 displays a screen (job stop completion report screen 204 or stop job selection screen 205) based on the display data (see FIGS. 20 and 22).

  In this way, a job stop operation (remote operation) using the stop key 41 is performed.

<1-5. Remote operation in panel image transfer mode>
Next, the basic operation of the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode will be described in detail. Here, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 13, a case where remote operation is performed by a single external terminal 50 (52) will be mainly described. Further, it is assumed that the external terminals 50 other than the external terminal 52 have not yet performed remote operation on the MFP 10.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing remote operation processing in the MFP 10, and FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing respective subroutine processing in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing remote operation processing in the external terminal 50, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing subroutine processing in FIG. Further, FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing a remote operation process in the panel image transfer mode.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, the transmission unit 54a of the external terminal 52 (50) transmits a remote connection request (remote operation permission request in panel image transfer mode) to the MFP 10 (step S11) (see also FIG. 11). ). Specifically, in the external terminal 52, a program for remotely operating the MFP 10 in response to a pressing operation (touch operation) by the user 102 on a menu icon in the touch panel 75 (a remote operation program using a panel image transfer mode or the like). Starts. When the program is activated, a remote connection request is automatically transmitted to the MFP 10.

  In the MFP 10, the determination unit 17 determines that the remote connection request has been received in step S21 of FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step S30.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing in step S30 in the MFP 10.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the remote connection request is received by the MFP 10, the determination unit 17 of the MFP 10 determines whether or not the MFP 10 is being remotely operated by the external terminal 50 in the panel image transfer mode (step). S31). Based on the determination result, whether to permit remote connection to the external terminal 52 is determined.

  When it is determined that none of the external terminals 50 is in remote operation in the panel image transfer mode (in other words, the MFP 10 is not in remote operation by any external terminal 50), the permission unit 14 of the MFP 10 Remote connection is permitted to the terminal 52. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S32.

  On the other hand, when another external terminal (external terminal 51) is remotely operating the MFP 10 in the panel image transfer mode (in other words, the MFP 10 is already being remotely operated by the external terminal 50 other than the external terminal 52). Remote connection from an external terminal (external terminal 52) that has newly transmitted a remote connection request is not permitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S33.

  Here, it is determined that the MFP 10 is not being remotely operated by any external terminal 50, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, information (permission information) indicating that the remote connection request is permitted (in other words, permitting remote operation in the panel image transfer mode) is transmitted to the external terminal 52 by the transmission unit 4a (also in FIG. 14). reference).

  When the receiving unit 54b of the external terminal 50 receives the permission information (step S12), the display control unit 63 of the external terminal 50 displays the user authentication screen 201 (see FIG. 15) on the touch panel 75 (step S13) (FIG. 11). FIG. 14). Here, the user authentication screen 201 is a screen prepared in advance by the remote operation application, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 55 of the external terminal 50 (52).

  Thereafter, on the user authentication screen 201, when the user 102 inputs the user authentication information M1 (user ID and password) and presses the authentication start button 251 (see FIG. 15) (step S14), the user authentication information M1 is updated. It is transmitted to the MFP 10 (step S15) (see FIGS. 11 and 14).

  In the MFP 10, the determination unit 17 determines that the user authentication information M1 has been received in step S25 of FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step S50.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing in step S50 in the MFP 10.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the user authentication information M1 is received, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the user authentication information M1 is information from the external terminal 50 permitted to perform remote operation in the panel image transfer mode. Determination is made (step S51). Then, a branch process according to the determination result is executed, and the process proceeds to step S52 or step S54.

  Here, it is determined that the user authentication information M1 is from the external terminal 52 permitted to perform the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode, and the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, the login process of the user 102 is performed based on the user authentication information M1. As a result, the external terminal 52 and the MFP 10 transition to the remote operation state of the panel image transfer mode (see FIG. 14).

  When the login process of the user 102 is completed, image data on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 and the like are transmitted from the MFP 10 to the external terminal 52 as display data on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52 (step S53) (see FIGS. 10 and 14). ).

  When the display data is received by the external terminal 52, the display control unit 63 of the external terminal 52 expands the display data and displays it on the touch panel 75 (step S16) (see FIGS. 11 and 14).

  Thereafter, when the user 102 performs some operation on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52, the operation input by the user 102 is received by the operation unit 56 (operation input unit 56a) (step S17) ( (See FIGS. 11 and 14). Then, the coordinate conversion unit 64 converts the coordinate value (position information) of the operation input into the coordinate value (position information) on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10, and the transmission unit 54 a transmits the converted coordinate value (position information) to the MFP 10. (Step S18). Thereafter, when it is determined in step S19 that the remote connection has not been released, the process returns to step S16, and the external terminal 50 waits for reception of image data from the MFP 10 or the like.

  In the MFP 10, the determination unit 17 determines in step S23 in FIG. 7 that the position information has been received, and the process proceeds to step S40.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the process of step S40 in the MFP 10.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the MFP 10 that has received the position information related to the operation input from the external terminal 52 executes a job corresponding to the position information (step S41). Then, the generation unit 16 of the MFP 10 generates new image data based on the execution result of the executed job (step S42), and transmits the new image data to the external terminal 52 (step S43) (see also FIG. 14). ).

  When the external terminal 52 receives the new image data, the external terminal 52 performs again the operation screen display operation and the operation input accepting operation (steps S16 to S19) in the external terminal 52.

  Thereafter, the user 102 performs an operation input for a remote connection release request on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52. Specifically, when the logout button 255 (see FIG. 5) is pressed, the remote operation application running on the external terminal 52 is terminated, and a remote connection release request is automatically transmitted from the external terminal 52 to the MFP 10. (Step S19) (see FIGS. 11 and 14).

  When the remote connection cancellation request is received by the MFP 10, the determination unit 17 of the MFP 10 determines in step S22 in FIG. 7 that the remote connection cancellation request has been received. Then, the MFP 10 cancels the remote connection (step S26). Thereby, the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode between the external terminal 52 and the MFP 10 is completed.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 13, the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode for the MFP 10 is performed by the single external terminal 52 (50).

<1-6. Operation in remote control system>
Next, as shown in FIG. 16, one of the external terminals 50 (for example, two external terminals 51 and 52) has already transferred a panel image to the MFP 10. An operation when another external terminal (external terminal 52 of the user 102) makes a remote connection request to the MFP 10 while being connected to the remote operation in the mode will be described. Here, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 16, in a state where the external terminal 50 (51) other than the external terminal 52 has already performed remote operation in the panel image transfer mode for the MFP 10, the external terminal 52 performs remote operation. Assume a situation where you want to start.

  By the way, in this remote operation system 1, remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is permitted only for a single external terminal 50. For example, when a remote connection request for remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is received from another external terminal 52 during remote operation in the panel image transfer mode by one external terminal 51, the permission unit 14 Remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the terminal 52 is not permitted. That is, as long as a certain external terminal 51 is in remote operation in the panel image transfer mode, another external terminal 52 cannot stop a job being executed in the MFP 10 by remote operation in the panel image transfer mode. During the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51, the other external terminal 52 that is not permitted to connect to the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode permits the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode (remote connection permission). Transition to the standby state to wait. This standby state continues until the remote operation of the current panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51 is canceled.

  Here, after waiting until the remote operation of the current panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51 is canceled and the standby state of the external terminal 52 is canceled, the MFP 10 is operated by the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode using the external terminal 52. It is conceivable to stop the job being executed at. However, in this case, contrary to the intention (intention to stop) by the user 102, execution of the job by the MFP 10 proceeds while the standby state continues, and there is a possibility that paper, ink, and the like are wasted.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 52 cannot be performed during the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51 with respect to the MFP 10, A technique capable of stopping a job by the external terminal 52 will be described.

  In the following, it is assumed that a job given to the MFP 10 during remote operation of the previous panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 52 is being executed in the MFP 10. Specifically, prior to the remote operation of the current panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51 of the user 101, the job is executed by the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the other external terminal 52 of another user 102 (previous). An execution instruction is given to the MFP 10. Thereafter, the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 52 is canceled, and the remote operation of the current panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51 is established. Such a situation is assumed.

  In this situation, the user 102 stops the execution of the job instructed by the user 102 using an external terminal 52 that is different from the external terminal (external terminal 51) that is being remotely operated in the panel image transfer mode.

  FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing such an operation. At the start of this timing chart, the MFP 10 has already permitted the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode to the external terminal 51 of the user 101. That is, the MFP 10 is being remotely operated by the external terminal 51 in the panel image transfer mode.

  First, the user 102 activates a remote operation program in the panel image transfer mode on the external terminal 52. The user 102 is a user who wishes to stop a job to which an execution instruction has been given previously.

  In response to the activation of the remote operation application, the transmission unit 54a of the external terminal 52 transmits a remote connection request to the MFP 10 (step S11) (see also FIG. 11). The MFP 10 that has received the remote connection request proceeds to step S30 via step S21 in FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, in response to receiving the remote connection request, it is determined whether or not the MFP 10 is in remote operation in the panel image transfer mode by another external terminal 50 (other than the external terminal 52). 17 (step S31). Here, since the MFP 10 is in the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51, it is determined that the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by another external terminal 50 is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, information indicating that remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is not permitted is transmitted to the external terminal 52.

  Thereafter, the determination unit 17 determines whether there is a job being executed in the MFP 10 based on a job list 270 (see FIG. 19) indicating jobs being executed in the MFP 10 (step S34).

  The job list 270 includes information regarding all jobs being executed in the MFP 10. As shown in FIG. 19, the job list 270 includes a job ID (such as “0001”), a job name (such as “ABC.pdf”), a job type (such as “PRINT”), and the name of the granting user. (“User 102” or the like) and status (“executed” / “standby” / “stopped”) are included. In the job list 270, there are three jobs (jobs 281 to 283) being executed by the MFP 10. Of the three jobs being executed, the job 281 (ABC.pdf) and the job 282 (defg.pdf) are jobs by the user 102, and the job 283 (HIJK.pdf) is a job by the user 101.

  When it is determined in step S34 that there is no job being executed, only non-permission information M2 (information indicating that the MFP 10 is being remotely operated by another external terminal 50 (external terminal 51)) is only the MFP 10 ( The data is transmitted from the transmission unit 4a) to the external terminal 52 (step S36). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a job being executed, in addition to the non-permission information M2, the job execution information M3 (information indicating that there is a job being executed) is also included in the MFP 10 (transmission unit 4a). ) To the external terminal 52 (step S35). Here, based on the job list 270, the determination unit 17 determines that there is a job being executed, and the process of step S35 is executed.

  When the external terminal 52 receives information indicating that remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is not permitted, the external terminal 52 proceeds to step S60 via step S12 in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing in step S60 in the external terminal 50.

  When the receiving unit 54b of the external terminal 50 receives the non-permission information M2 and the job execution information M3 (step S61), the display control unit 63 of the external terminal 50 displays the job stop request screen 202 (see FIG. 18) on the touch panel 75. (Step S62) (see FIGS. 12 and 17).

  On the job stop request screen 202, as shown in FIG. 18, information indicating that the MFP 10 is being remotely operated by another user and a job stop button 252 for instructing stop of the job being executed are displayed. The job stop request screen 202 is a screen prepared in advance by the remote operation application, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 55 of the external terminal 50 (52).

  Thereafter, when the user 102 presses the job stop button 252 on the job stop request screen 202, the operation unit 56 (operation input unit 56a) accepts a job stop instruction from the user 102 in response to an operation input based on the press ( Step S63). Then, the transmission unit 54a transmits a “job stop request” to the MFP 10 based on the job stop instruction (step S64) (see FIGS. 12 and 17). This job stop request is a command for requesting job stop, and can be transmitted / received between the MFP 10 and the external terminal 50 even during remote operation in the panel image transfer mode.

  The receiving unit 4 b of the MFP 10 can receive a job stop request from the external terminal 52 even during the remote operation of the MFP 10 in the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51. When the determination unit 17 determines in step S24 in FIG. 7 that the job stop request has been received by the reception unit 4b, the job control unit 15 of the MFP 10 stops all jobs being executed in the MFP 10 Stop based on the request (step S27) (see also FIG. 17). Specifically, the jobs 281 to 283 being executed in the MFP 10 are specified based on the job list 270 (see FIG. 19) in the MFP 10, and the execution of the jobs 281 to 283 is stopped (temporarily stopped).

  Next, the MFP 10 specifies the operator (user 102) of the external terminal 52 based on the user authentication information M1, specifies the job (stop target job) given by the operator that should be stopped, and the stop. Resume execution of jobs other than the target job. As a result, only the original “stop target job” is finally stopped among all the stopped jobs.

  Specifically, immediately after the transmission of the job stop request (step S64), the display control unit 63 of the external terminal 52 displays the user authentication screen 201 (see FIG. 15) on the touch panel 75 (step S65) (FIG. 12, see FIG.

  Using this user authentication screen 201, the operation unit 56 (operation input unit 56a) receives an operation input of the user authentication information M1 of the user 102 (step S66). Then, the transmission unit 54a transmits the user authentication information M1 (the user ID and password of the user 102) input by the user 102 to the MFP 10 (step S67).

  In the MFP 10, the determination unit 17 determines that the user authentication information M1 has been received in step S25 of FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step S50.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user authentication information M1 is received, the user authentication information M1 is information from the external terminal 50 (permitted terminal) permitted to perform the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode. Is determined by the determination unit 17 (step S51). Here, since the external terminal 51 is remotely operating the MFP 10 in the panel image transfer mode and the external terminal 52 is not permitted to perform the remote operation, the process proceeds to step S54.

  In step S54, the job control unit 15 resumes execution of jobs other than the job of the user specified by the user authentication information M1 among all the stopped jobs (see also FIG. 17).

  Specifically, first, in response to receiving the user authentication information M1, the user who transmitted the job stop request is specified based on the user authentication information M1. Here, based on the user authentication information M1 (user ID and password of the user 102), it is determined that the user who transmitted the job stop request is the user 102. Of all the stopped jobs 281 to 283 (see FIG. 19) based on the job list 270 (see FIG. 19), the jobs given by the user 102 (jobs of the user 102) are jobs 281 and 282. Is also determined. Of all the stopped jobs 281 to 283, the execution of jobs (that is, only the job 283) excluding the jobs 281 and 282 given by the user 102 is resumed. The job 283 is a job for the user 101, not a job for the user 102.

  In this way, among all the stopped jobs, the execution of jobs other than the job to be stopped (job to be stopped) in the job stop request is resumed, and only the original “job to be stopped” is finally stopped. .

  Thereafter, when execution of the job 283 (job other than the job of the user 102) is resumed, the MFP 10 transmits job stop completion information M4 to the external terminal 52 (step S55) (see FIGS. 10 and 17).

  When the external terminal 52 receives the completion information M4 (step S68), the job stop completion report screen (job stop completion screen 204) (see FIG. 20) is displayed on the touch panel 75 by the external terminal 52 (display control unit 63). (Step S69) (see FIGS. 12 and 17). And the external terminal 52 complete | finishes the process of step S60 of FIG. The completion screen 204 in FIG. 20 has the word “job stopped” and is also expressed as a job stop completion report screen.

  If it is determined that there is no job being executed (step S34 (FIG. 8)) and only the non-permission information M2 is received by the external terminal 52 in step S61 (FIG. 12), a job stop request screen is displayed. A screen 203 (not shown) different from 202 (see FIG. 18) is displayed on the touch panel 75 (step S70). A screen 203 is a screen obtained by removing the job stop button 252 from the job stop request screen 202 and is a screen showing only information indicating that the MFP 10 is being remotely operated by another user. Since the screen 203 is a screen that is displayed when the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode by another user (other external terminal 51) is waiting, it is also expressed as a standby screen. Thereafter, when the remote operation of the current panel image transfer mode by another external terminal 51 is canceled, the remote operation of the panel image transfer mode of the external terminal 52 is permitted.

  According to the operation as described above, during remote operation of the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51, a job stop request from the external terminal 52 that is not in remote operation of the panel image transfer mode (during remote operation of the panel image transfer mode) (A command that can be transmitted and received) is received by the MFP 10 (YES in step S24), and all jobs (including a desired job to be stopped) being executed in the MFP 10 are stopped based on the job stop request. Therefore, even when the external terminal 51 is currently performing remote operation in the panel image transfer mode and the remote connection request from the external terminal 52 to the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode is not permitted, the user 102 sends the request to the MFP 10. Thus, the external terminal 52 can stop a job being executed (particularly a desired job to be stopped). As a result, waste of paper, ink, etc. can be reduced.

  Also, based on the user authentication information M1 input from the external terminal after all jobs are stopped, the user who issued the job stop request is specified, and among all the stopped jobs, the user specified by the user authentication information M1 Execution of jobs other than this job is resumed. As a result, among all the stopped jobs, only the job of the user specified by the user authentication information M1 is selectively and finally stopped.

  In the above embodiment, in particular, since all the jobs being executed are temporarily stopped in response to the reception of the job stop request, the user 102 of the external terminal 52 selects the job being executed (especially a desired stop target job). It can be stopped relatively early.

  Here, after receiving the job stop request, any job is not stopped immediately, but information for specifying the job to be stopped (stop target job) (for example, specifying the user who has given the stop target job) It is also possible to wait for the reception of the user authentication information M1) and stop the job to be stopped after receiving the information. However, in this case, the processing of each job is continued without being stopped even during a standby period for the operation input of the user authentication information M1 by the user, and is stopped after the user authentication information M1 is received. As a result, the job stop timing is delayed.

  On the other hand, in the above embodiment, in response to the reception of the job stop request, all jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are immediately temporarily stopped (step S27). In other words, the job control unit 15 does not need to wait for reception of information for specifying the job to be stopped. Therefore, compared with the case where the job is stopped after receiving the user authentication information M1 for specifying the job to be stopped, the operator of the second remote control device is executing the job (especially a desired stop target job). Can be stopped early.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the panel image transfer mode, remote operation by only a single external terminal 50 among the plurality of external terminals 50 is permitted.

  If the remote operation of the MFP 10 by the plurality of external terminals 50 is permitted at the same time in the panel image transfer mode, the MFP 10 sends a plurality of external terminals 50 to the remote operation instructions from the plurality of external terminals 50. Since a plurality of corresponding display data (image data) is individually generated, the memory load of the MFP 10 increases.

  On the other hand, in the remote operation mode (panel image transfer mode) according to the above-described embodiment, only a single external terminal 50 is permitted to remotely operate the MFP 10, so that a plurality of images for a plurality of external terminals 50 are prepared simultaneously. I don't need it. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an increase in the memory load of the MFP 10.

  In the above embodiment, when the MFP 10 performs a job stop operation in response to pressing of the stop key 41 in the external terminal 51 during the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode (that is, the remote operation in the panel image transfer mode). MFP 10 generates new image data (panel image data) related to the stopped job. On the other hand, when a job stop request is received from an external terminal 52 that is not in remote operation in the panel image transfer mode (from an external terminal 52 that is different from the external terminal 51 during remote operation in the panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 51 When a job stop request is given), the MFP 10 does not generate new image data (panel image data) related to the stop job. Therefore, even if the MFP 10 receives a job stop request from the external terminal 52, the MFP 10 does not transmit the new panel image data to the external terminal 51 that is currently remotely operated in the panel image transfer mode. Therefore, an operation screen based on the new panel image data (an operation screen indicating stoppage of all jobs being executed) is not displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 51. As a result, on the external terminal 51 operated by the user 101 who does not know the existence of the job stop request by the external terminal 52, an operation screen indicating stoppage of all jobs being executed is displayed unexpectedly (suddenly). There is nothing. As a result, it is possible to avoid the confusion of the user 101 due to the unexpected display of the operation screen on the external terminal 51.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user authentication screen 201 and the user immediately after transmission of the job stop request (step S65 (FIG. 17)) at the time of login of the user during remote operation in the panel image transfer mode (step S13 (FIG. 14)). The authentication screen 201 is the same screen, but is not limited to this. For example, the user authentication screen at the time of login in the panel image transfer mode and the user authentication screen immediately after transmission of the job stop request may be provided as different screens.

  In the above embodiment, the job currently being executed in the MFP 10 is a job given to the MFP 10 at the time of remote operation in the previous panel image transfer mode by the external terminal 52, but is not limited thereto. For example, the job may be given by a non-remote operation using the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10. The job is not limited to a copy job, and may be other jobs (for example, a scan job, a facsimile transmission job, a box print job, etc.).

<2. Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the MFP 10 temporarily stops all jobs being executed in response to receiving the job stop request, and then receives all the stopped jobs when receiving the user authentication information M1 of the user 102. Among the jobs, execution of jobs other than the job of the user 102 is resumed. More specifically, among all the stopped jobs (jobs 281 to 283), the execution of the job (job 283 of user 101) excluding the job of user 102 (job 281 and job 282) is resumed (see FIG. 19). In other words, among all the stopped jobs 281 to 283, the (all) jobs 281 and 282 of the user who issued the job stop request are finally stopped as the stop target jobs (stop target jobs).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, even if the user 102 wants to stop only the job 281, all the jobs to which the execution instruction is given by the user 102 (both the job 281 and the job 282). Stops. That is, even the job 282 that is not desired to be stopped by the user 102 is stopped.

  In contrast, the second embodiment exemplifies a mode in which information related to the job of the user 102 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52 (50), and the user 102 can select the job to be stopped. According to this aspect, the user 102 can selectively and finally stop only the job 281 to be stopped among his own jobs 281 and 282.

  The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing processing of the remote control system 1 according to the second embodiment. The processing of the remote operation system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described while comparing FIG. 21 and FIG.

  In each step up to step S67 shown in FIG. 21, processing similar to that in each step up to step S67 shown in FIG. 17 is executed. In FIG. 21, steps S81 to S84 are provided after step S67.

  When the receiving unit 4b of the MFP 10 receives the user authentication information M1 (step S67), it is specified based on the user authentication information M1 that the transmission source of the job stop request is the user 102. When the user 102 is specified, the transmission unit 4a transmits the job information M5 being executed to the external terminal 52 (step S81). This in-execution job information M5 is information relating to a job being executed in the MFP 10, and here, of all the jobs 281 to 283 being executed in the MFP 10, the job 281 of the user 102 specified by the user authentication information M1. , 282. In-execution job information M5 is acquired by extracting information on the jobs 281 and 282 of the user 102 from the job list 270 (see FIG. 19).

  Thereafter, in response to the reception of the ongoing job information M5, the display control unit 63 of the external terminal 52 displays the stopped job selection screen 205 (see FIG. 22) on the touch panel 75 (step S82). The stopped job selection screen 205 is a display screen used for selecting (specifying) a job to be stopped, and is a display screen for displaying a job that is stopped. The stop job selection screen 205 displays the job ID, job name, job type, and the like of the job (job 281 and job 282) of the user 102 based on the job information M5 being executed. Image data (also referred to as basic image data) in the display area excluding the stopped job display area 253 (see FIG. 22) among all display areas in the stopped job selection screen 205 is prepared in advance by the remote operation application. It is stored in advance in the storage unit 55 of the terminal 50 (52). The display data (image data) in the stopped job display area 253 is generated by the external terminal 50 (52) based on the job information M5 being received received from the MFP 10. Then, the basic image data and the display data (image data) in the stopped job display area 253 are combined to generate image data (combined image data) related to the stopped job selection screen 205, and based on the combined image data. The stopped job selection screen 205 is displayed.

  Then, on the stop job selection screen 205, a designation (selection) operation by the user 102 of a job to be stopped (stop target job) is accepted by the operation unit 56 (operation input unit 56a) (step S83). For example, when the user 102 presses the job 281 on the touch panel 75, the background color of the job 281 is reversed and the job 281 is designated as a job to be stopped. After that, when the user 102 presses the OK button 254 (see FIG. 22), the specified content is confirmed, and the specified data of the stop target job (data reflecting the specified content by the user of the stop target job) is sent to the MFP 10 by the transmission unit 54a. Sent to.

  When the receiving unit 4b receives the specified data, the job control unit 15 resumes the execution of jobs other than the specified stop target job among all the stopped jobs (step S84). On the other hand, the stop of the designated stop target job is maintained. For example, when only the single job 281 is designated as the job to be stopped among all the stopped jobs 281 to 283, the job 282 (the job of the user 102) and the job 283 (the user 101) The execution of the job 281 is resumed, and the execution stop of the job 281 is maintained. In this way, among all the stopped jobs, execution of jobs other than the stop target job specified by the user 102 is resumed, and only the stop target job 281 specified by the user 102 is finally stopped.

  Thereafter, job stop completion information M4 is transmitted to the external terminal 52 (step S55), and a job stop completion screen 204 (see FIG. 20) based on the received completion information M4 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52. (Step S69).

  According to the above operation, a stop target job designation operation is accepted from the user 102, and among all the stopped jobs, execution of jobs other than the designated stop target job is resumed. Will continue to stop. Therefore, the user 102 can selectively and finally stop an arbitrary job to be stopped among a plurality of jobs to which execution instructions are given by the user 102. In other words, it is possible to avoid stopping (finally stopping) even a job that is not desired to be stopped by the user 102.

  In the second embodiment, only the job (281, 282) of the user 102 of the job stop request is displayed on the stop job selection screen 205 (FIG. 22). However, the present invention is not limited to this. All the stopped jobs 281 to 283 may be displayed on the stopped job selection screen 205. In this case, it is preferable that the stop job selection screen 205 is displayed so that only the job of the user 102 can be selected among all users. For example, the job of the user 101 (user other than the user 102) may be grayed out and cannot be selected.

<3. Modified example>
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above content.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the source user of the job stop request is specified based on the user identification information (user authentication information M1 or the like) input by the user himself, and the job of the source user is stopped. Although it is finally stopped on demand, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Specifically, when the external terminal 50 and the user have a one-to-one correspondence, the external terminal 50 that is the source of the job stop request is specified, and the user corresponding to the external terminal 50 requests the job stop request. May be specified as a source user, and the job of the source user may be finally stopped in response to a job stop request. The external terminal 50 that is the source of the job stop request may be specified based on various types of device identification information. As the device identification information, identification information (IP address, MAC address, etc.) (also referred to as network identification information) in the network of the external terminal 50 may be used. Alternatively, device identification information other than network identification information, for example, a device ID (device identification information unique to this system) assigned by the administrator or the like to each external terminal 50 in the system 1 is used as the device identification information. May be used.

  More specifically, after all jobs are temporarily stopped in response to a job stop request in the same manner as in the above embodiments, the external terminal 52 (50) is used instead of input and transmission / reception of user identification information (login information). The device identification information is acquired. More specifically, the MFP 10 transmits a request for transmitting device identification information to the external terminal 52 immediately after all jobs are stopped, and the external terminal 52 transmits the device identification information to the MFP 10 in response to the transmission request. Then, the job control unit 15 identifies the external terminal 52 based on the received device identification information, and identifies the user 102 corresponding to the identified external terminal 52 based on the correspondence table 290 (see FIG. 23). The correspondence table 290 is information (data table) indicating the correspondence between each external terminal 50 and each user in a situation where one external terminal 50 is assigned to one user. . The correspondence table 290 may be stored in the MFP 10.

  As described above, the external terminal 52 that has transmitted the job stop request is specified based on the device identification information, and the user 102 corresponding to the specified external terminal 52 is specified based on the correspondence table 290. Therefore, the job control unit 15 can specify the job of the user 102 without receiving an operation input such as the user authentication information M1 of the user 102.

  After that, as in the first embodiment, out of all the stopped jobs, the execution of jobs excluding the job of the user 102 specified based on the device identification information of the external terminal 52 is resumed. That's fine. Alternatively, as in the second embodiment, a selection screen related to the job of the user 102 specified based on the device identification information of the external terminal 52 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52, and the job to be stopped using the selection screen May be selected by the user 102.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been illustrated in which all jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are temporarily stopped in response to receiving a job stop request.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in response to the reception of the job stop request, all jobs are not temporarily stopped (the user who issued the job stop request is specified based on the device identification information, ) The job of the user who sent the job stop request may be stopped.

  Specifically, the MFP 10 receives the device identification information from the external terminal 52 (50) prior to receiving the job stop request (or together with the job stop request), and specifies the external terminal 52 based on the device identification information. For example, the receiving unit 4b of the MFP 10 receives device identification information from the external terminal 52 prior to receiving a job stop request (when receiving a remote connection request or the like). The received device identification information is stored in the storage unit 5 of the MFP 10. Then, in response to receiving the job stop request, the job control unit 15 specifies the external terminal 52 based on the device identification information. Thereafter, the job control unit 15 identifies the external terminal 52 based on the received device identification information, and identifies the user 102 corresponding to the identified external terminal 52 based on the correspondence table 290 (see FIG. 23).

  After that, when the job of the user 102 specified based on the device identification information of the external terminal 52 is specified based on the job list 270 (see FIG. 19), all the jobs of the specified user 102 are stopped. What should I do?

  Alternatively, a selection screen related to the job of the user 102 specified based on the device identification information of the external terminal 52 is displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 52, and the job to be stopped is selected (designated) by the user 102 using the selection screen. You may be made to do. Then, only the job selected (designated) by the user 102 may be selectively stopped.

  According to this, not all jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are temporarily stopped, but only the job of the transmission source user 102 can be stopped. In other words, the job of the external terminal 50 (51) that has not transmitted the job stop request (the job to which the execution instruction is given by the user 101 of the external terminal 51) does not have to be stopped in response to the job stop request. Therefore, in the case where the user 101 of the external terminal 51 does not know the job stop request given by another external terminal 52 (50), the user 101 is prevented from being confused due to the sudden stop of the job being executed. Is possible.

  Further, since the external terminal 52 is specified based on the device identification information and the user 102 is also specified in advance, the job of the user 102 is specified without accepting an operation input such as the user authentication information M1 from the user 102. It is possible. As a result, the user 102 can stop the job of the user 102 being executed in the MFP 10 without performing an operation input such as the user authentication information M1.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, a mode in which a job being executed is stopped in response to a job stop request is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in response to a job stop request, not only a job that is being executed is stopped, but also a job that is waiting to be executed may be put on hold without starting its execution even if it reaches the execution order. In other words, the execution of the job waiting for execution may be substantially stopped.

  In each of the above embodiments, a job that has been stopped in response to a job stop request is held in a stopped state without being deleted. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, a job that is finally stopped (a job of the user 102) among jobs stopped in response to a job stop request may be automatically deleted (deleted from the job list 270) from the MFP 10.

  Alternatively, a job that is finally stopped (a job of the user 102) among jobs stopped in response to a job stop request may be deleted by a remote operation in a remote operation mode different from the panel image transfer mode. Good. For example, in a web-based remote operation mode that is executed with information exchange between the internal server of the MFP 10 and the web browser of the external terminal 50, a job that has been stopped in response to a job stop request is deleted. It may be. In this web-based remote operation mode, the web browser acquires information about the MFP 10 via the internal server, and an operation screen based on the acquired information is displayed in the window of the web browser. The external terminal 50 (for example, 52) uses the web-based remote operation mode even during remote operation in the panel image transfer mode by another external terminal 50 (for example, 51) (during remote operation of the MFP 10). The MFP 10 can be accessed.

  In such a modification, it is preferable that a completion screen 206 (FIG. 24) is displayed instead of the completion screen 204 (FIG. 20). The completion screen 206 displays a URL address (address of the MFP 10) to be accessed in the web-based remote operation mode. When the operator of the external terminal 52 clicks on the URL address in the completion screen 206 displayed on the external terminal 52, a web browser is started on the external terminal 52, and access to the URL is started. A screen (an operation screen described in a page description language (HTML or the like)) is displayed on the external terminal 52. Then, a job deletion operation (deletion of all or selective deletion) may be performed using the operation screen.

  In each of the above embodiments, a mode in which a job stop request is transmitted after a remote connection request is transmitted is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the job stop request may be transmitted without transmitting the remote connection request. Specifically, as the remote operation program in the panel image transfer mode is started on the external terminal 50, a screen 207 (FIG. 25) including a job stop button 252 is immediately displayed on the touch panel 75, and the job A job stop request may be transmitted to the MFP 10 in response to the pressing operation of the stop button 252. At this time, it is not determined whether or not another external terminal 50 is remotely operating the MFP 10 in the panel image transfer mode and whether or not there is a job being executed in the MFP 10. According to this, since the user 102 of the external terminal 50 (52) does not need to wait for the result of such determination accompanying the remote connection request, the job being executed in the MFP 10 can be executed earlier by the external terminal 50 ( 52). The screen 207 may include not only the job stop button 252 but also a button 256 for remote connection request. In response to pressing of the button 256, a remote connection request is transmitted to the MFP 10.

1 Remote operation system 10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
25 (MFP) touch panel 50-52 External terminal (remote control device)
75 (External Terminal) Touch Panel 110 (MFP) Operation Screen 150 (External Terminal) Operation Screen 201 User Authentication Screen 202 Job Stop Request Screen 204 Job Stop Completion Screen 205 Stop Job Selection Screen 251 Authentication Start Button 252 Job Stop Button

Claims (16)

A remote control system,
An image forming apparatus;
A plurality of remote control devices;
With
The image forming apparatus includes:
Permission means for selectively permitting remote control in a specific mode to a single remote control device among the plurality of remote control devices;
Job control means for controlling job execution in the image forming apparatus;
Communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the plurality of remote control devices;
Have
The permission means permits the remote operation in the specific mode by a first remote operation device that is one of the plurality of remote operation devices;
The communication means sends a job stop request, which is a command that can be transmitted and received even during remote operation in the specific mode during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote control device, to the first remote control device. Received from a second remote control device different from
The job control means, based on the job stop request from the second remote control device that is not in the remote control of the specific mode during the remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device, A remote operation system for stopping a job being executed in an image forming apparatus. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein
When the permission request for the remote operation in the specific mode is received from the second remote control device during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote control device, the permission means A remote operation system that does not permit remote operation in the specific mode by the remote operation device. The remote control system according to claim 2, wherein
In response to receiving the permission request, the communication means determines that the specific mode is being remotely operated by a remote control device other than the second remote control device. Sending information not permitting remote operation to the second remote control device;
The second remote control device is:
In response to receiving the information indicating that the permission is not permitted, an operation screen having a job stop button is displayed, and in response to an operation input to the job stop button, a job stop from the operator of the second remote control device Operating means for receiving instructions;
Transmitting means for transmitting the job stop request to the image forming apparatus based on the job stop instruction;
A remote operation system comprising: The remote control system according to claim 3, wherein
The remote control system, wherein the job control unit stops all jobs being executed in the image forming apparatus based on the job stop request. The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein
The operation means accepts an operation input of user authentication information of the operator,
The transmitting unit transmits the user authentication information to the image forming apparatus;
In response to receiving the user authentication information, the job control means restarts execution of jobs other than the operator job specified by the user authentication information among all the stopped jobs. Remote control system characterized by The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein
The operation means accepts an operation input of user authentication information of the operator,
The transmitting unit transmits the user authentication information to the image forming apparatus;
The communication means transmits to the second remote control device running job information that is information on a job being executed that is the job of the operator identified based on the user authentication information,
The operation means accepts an operation for designating a stop target job, which is a stop target job, from the operator using the display screen of the running job information.
The transmission unit transmits the designation data of the job to be stopped, which reflects the content designated by the operator, to the image forming apparatus;
The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit restarts execution of jobs other than the job to be stopped among all the stopped jobs based on the designated data. The remote control system according to claim 6, wherein
In response to receiving the specified data, the job control means restarts execution of jobs other than the stop target job among all the stopped jobs, and deletes the stop target job. Remote control system. The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein
The communication means receives device identification information of the second remote control device from the second remote control device;
The job control means identifies the second remote operation device based on the device identification information, and designates the operator corresponding to the identified second remote operation device as a plurality of remote operation devices and a plurality of remote operation devices. A remote operation system characterized by resuming execution of jobs other than the specified operator's job among all the stopped jobs specified and stopped based on a correspondence relationship with an operator. The remote control system according to claim 8, wherein
The remote operation system, wherein the device identification information includes network identification information which is identification information in the network of the second remote operation device. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein
The communication means receives device identification information of the second remote control device from the second remote control device;
The job control means identifies the second remote control device based on the device identification information, and specifies the plurality of operators of the second remote control device corresponding to the specified second remote control device. And specifying the specified job of the operator among the jobs being executed in the image forming apparatus, based on the correspondence relationship between the plurality of operators of the remote control device and the plurality of remote control devices A remote control system that stops upon receipt of a stop request. The remote control system according to claim 10, wherein
The remote operation system, wherein the device identification information includes network identification information which is identification information in the network of the second remote operation device. The remote control system according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A determination unit configured to determine whether or not there is a job being executed in the image forming apparatus during remote operation of the specific mode by the first remote operation device in response to reception of the permission request;
Further comprising
When it is determined that the job being executed exists, the communication means transmits data indicating that the job being executed exists to the second remote control device,
The second remote control device is:
A remote operation system, wherein an operation screen having a job stop button is displayed on a display unit of the second remote operation device in response to reception of data indicating that the job being executed exists. The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
In the remote operation in the specific mode, an operation screen based on the image data received from the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit of the single remote operation apparatus, and the operation of the single remote operation apparatus with respect to the operation screen is performed. A remote operation system in which position information of a user's operation input is transmitted from the single remote operation device to the image forming apparatus, and processing corresponding to the position information is executed by the image forming apparatus. The remote control system according to claim 13, wherein
The job control unit is configured to perform the image formation when a job stop command in the image forming apparatus is given by the first remote operation apparatus during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote operation apparatus. Stop the job being executed on the device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
When a job stop command in the image forming apparatus is given by the first remote control device during remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote control device, new image data relating to the stop job is generated. And transmit to the first remote control device,
When the job stop request is received from the second remote operation device during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote operation device, the new image data relating to the stop job is not generated. Features remote control system. An image forming apparatus capable of remote control by a plurality of remote control devices,
Permission means for selectively permitting remote control in a specific mode to a single remote control device among the plurality of remote control devices;
Job control means for controlling job execution in the image forming apparatus;
Communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the plurality of remote control devices;
With
The permission means permits the remote operation in the specific mode by a first remote operation device that is one of the plurality of remote operation devices;
The communication means sends a job stop request, which is a command that can be transmitted and received even during remote operation in the specific mode during the remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote control device, to the first remote control device. Received from a second remote control device different from
The job control means, based on the job stop request from the second remote control device that is not in the remote control of the specific mode during the remote control of the specific mode by the first remote control device, An image forming apparatus, wherein a job being executed in the image forming apparatus is stopped. In a computer built in an image forming apparatus that can be remotely controlled by a plurality of remote control devices,
a) selectively allowing a single remote control device of the plurality of remote control devices to perform remote control in a specific mode, wherein the first remote control device is a first of the plurality of remote control devices; Allowing remote operation of the specific mode by a remote control device;
b) A job stop request that is a command that can be transmitted and received even during remote operation in the specific mode by the first remote control device is different from that in the first remote control device. Receiving from a second remote control device;
c) During the remote operation of the specific mode by the first remote control device, the image forming apparatus receives the job stop request from the second remote control device that is not in the remote control of the specific mode. A step to stop the currently running job,
A program for running