JP2016005164A - Image forming apparatus, limitation method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology, in an image forming apparatus that has a telephone call function and a facsimile function, to reduce the influence on both functions in performing facsimile communication in response to a request from an external device.SOLUTION: An MFP 100 has, as functions using telephone lines, a telephone call function using a telephone receiver 41 and a facsimile function. The MFP 100 limits at least the execution of the facsimile processing based on a request received from an external device via a network while the telephone receiver 41 is used, and limits the use of the telephone receiver 41 while the facsimile processing based on the request received from the external device via the network is executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a call function and a facsimile function, a restriction method, and a storage medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for using a facsimile function of an image forming apparatus from an external device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses having a telephone function for making a telephone call using a handset and a facsimile function for performing facsimile communication for transferring image data have been put to practical use as functions using a telephone line. In recent years, a technique for using a facsimile function of an image forming apparatus from an external device such as a smartphone is known.

  As a technique for using the function of the image forming apparatus from an external device, for example, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 is an image forming apparatus that communicates with a tablet-type mobile device, and acquires position information of the mobile device and permits an operation to the image forming device when the distance to the mobile device is short Is disclosed.

JP 2013-183215 A

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. In other words, if the user uses the handset of the image forming apparatus while the image forming apparatus is performing facsimile communication in response to a request from an external apparatus, the user can use the current facsimile communication and call through the handset. May adversely affect at least one of the above. In addition, there is a concern about adverse effects when a request for execution of facsimile communication is received from an external device during a call through the receiver of the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, the subject is an image forming apparatus having a telephone function and a facsimile function, and provides a technology for reducing the influence on mutual functions when performing facsimile communication in response to a request from an external apparatus. There is to do.

  An image forming apparatus designed to solve this problem is connected to a network communication unit that communicates with a first external device via a network, a telephone line connection unit that connects to a telephone line, and the telephone line. A receiver used for a call with the second external device; and a control unit, the control unit connected to the telephone line to perform facsimile communication, and at least while the receiver is being used Execution of the facsimile processing based on a request received from the first external device via the network is limited, and at least the facsimile processing based on the request received from the first external device via the network is executed. And a restriction process for restricting the use of the handset.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in this specification has a telephone function using a telephone receiver and a facsimile function as functions using a telephone line. Then, the image forming apparatus restricts the execution of facsimile processing while the receiver is being used, and restricts the use of the receiver while the facsimile processing is being executed. Note that the image forming apparatus only needs to restrict execution of facsimile processing while the handset is in use, and may not restrict execution of processing that is not connected to the telephone line, such as printing processing and reading processing. Also good. In addition, the use of the handset may be restricted at least during the facsimile processing, and the use of the handset is restricted during the processing not connected to the telephone line, such as printing processing and reading processing. It does not have to be.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus disclosed in this specification exclusively controls the period during which the handset is used and the period during which facsimile communication is performed based on a request received from the first external apparatus via the network. As a result, the opportunity for simultaneous execution of the call function and the facsimile function is reduced, and as a result, the adverse effects on the mutual functions can be reduced.

  In the restriction process, the control unit restricts a request to the own apparatus from the first external device via the network including a request to execute the facsimile process when the handset is used. Good. By restricting the request from the first external device to the own device while the handset is in use, the influence on the call function can be reliably avoided.

  Further, the control unit may be configured to restrict the operation for performing the facsimile communication when the handset is used, and not to restrict the operation other than the operation for performing the facsimile communication in the restriction process. Good. Even if the handset is in use, the effect on the call function is small if the operation is not related to facsimile communication. Therefore, by accepting operations other than those for performing facsimile communication, it is possible to ensure the convenience of the user of the first external device. Note that operations for performing facsimile communication include, for example, operations for selecting use of a facsimile function from among a plurality of functions in addition to an operation for inputting a request for execution of facsimile processing.

  The control unit may execute a first restriction notification process for notifying the first external device that the handset is in use when the facsimile process is restricted by the restriction process. . If the execution of the facsimile process is restricted, the user of the first external device may be misunderstood such as a failure of the own device. By notifying the first external device that the handset is in use, the user of the first external device knows why the facsimile processing cannot be performed, and the misunderstanding of the user can be reduced.

  The control unit may execute a second restriction notification process for notifying that the telephone line is in use when the use of the handset is restricted in the restriction process. If the use of the handset is restricted, there is a risk of misunderstanding such as a handset failure for the user of the own device. By notifying that the telephone line is in use, the user of the device can know the reason why the handset cannot be used, and the misunderstanding of the user can be reduced.

  In addition, the control unit may execute a first release process for releasing the execution restriction of the facsimile process when the use of the handset is finished after the execution of the facsimile process is restricted by the restriction process. After the use of the handset is finished, it is not necessary to restrict the facsimile processing. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the facsimile processing execution restriction.

  In addition, the control unit executes a first release notification process for notifying the first external device that the facsimile process can be executed when the execution restriction of the facsimile process is canceled in the first release process. Good. After canceling the execution restriction of the facsimile processing, the convenience of the image forming apparatus can be ensured by promptly informing the first external apparatus to that effect.

  The control unit may execute a second release process for releasing the use restriction of the handset when the use of the handset is restricted in the restriction process and then the execution of the facsimile process is terminated. After the facsimile processing is completed, it is not necessary to restrict the use of the handset, so it is preferable to remove the use restriction of the handset.

  Moreover, the said control part is good to perform the 2nd cancellation | release notification process which alert | reports that the said receiver can be used, when the use restriction | limiting of the said receiver is cancelled | released by the said 2nd cancellation | release process. After canceling the use restriction of the handset, the convenience of the image forming apparatus can be ensured by promptly informing that effect.

  A control method for realizing the functions of the image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, it is an image forming apparatus having a call function and a facsimile function, and a technique for reducing the influence on mutual functions when performing facsimile communication in response to a request from an external apparatus is realized. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the concept in facsimile communication. It is a figure which shows the concept during a telephone call. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the session request | requirement process concerning a 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the telephone call process concerning a 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the session request | requirement process concerning a 2nd form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the telephone call process concerning a 2nd form.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi function peripheral (MFP) having a reading function, a printing function, and a facsimile function for transferring image data.

[Overall configuration of image processing system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 900 according to this embodiment includes an MFP 100, a mobile device 200, a facsimile device 300, and a telephone device 400. Any number of devices communicating with the MFP 100 may be connected in addition to the mobile device 200 shown in the figure. MFP 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus.

  In the image processing system 900 of this embodiment, data can be exchanged between the mobile device 200 and the MFP 100 by wireless communication. Data can be exchanged via an access point (not shown) or directly between devices. The mobile device 200 is an example of a first external device. Note that the image processing system 900 may include a server or an access point, and may communicate with the MFP 100 from the mobile device 200 via the server or the access point.

  In the image processing system 900 of this embodiment, the MFP 100, the facsimile apparatus 300, and the telephone set 400 are connected via a telephone line (public line). Therefore, facsimile communication is possible between the MFP 100 and the facsimile apparatus 300. Further, a call can be made between the MFP 100 and the telephone set 400. The telephone device 400 is an example of a second external device.

[MFP configuration]
Next, a schematic configuration of MFP 100 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 34. The controller 30 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the MFP 100, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The ROM 32 stores firmware, which is a control program for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 and the NVRAM 34 are used as work areas from which various control programs are read or as storage areas for temporarily storing data.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 according to a control program read from the ROM 32 and signals sent from various sensors. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be an example of a control unit.

  In addition, the MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 10 that prints an image on a sheet, an image reading unit 11 that reads an image of a document, an operation panel 40 that serves both as a display function and an input function, a receiver 41, and a wireless LAN interface 36. The telephone line interface 37 is controlled by the CPU 31.

  The image forming unit 10 may be capable of color printing or only monochrome printing. Also, the printing method may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. Further, the image reading unit 11 may be capable of color scanning or only monochrome scanning. Also, the reading mechanism may be a CCD or a CIS.

  The wireless LAN interface 36 is an interface that enables wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto. In this embodiment, WiFi communication is performed using the WiFi method. The MFP 100 receives data transmitted from the mobile device 200 via the wireless LAN interface 36. Further, the MFP 100 transmits data to the mobile device 200 via the wireless LAN interface 36. The wireless LAN interface 36 is an example of a network communication unit.

  The telephone line interface 37 includes an NCU that controls telephone line connection and a modem that modulates voice signals and digital signals, and is an interface that enables communication using a telephone line. The MFP 100 performs facsimile communication with the facsimile apparatus 300 via the telephone line interface 37. Further, the MFP 100 enables a call with the user of the telephone set 400 via the telephone line interface 37. The telephone line interface 37 is an example of a telephone line connection unit.

  Operation panel 40 is provided on the exterior of MFP 100 and includes various buttons that accept user input and a touch panel that displays messages and setting contents. Examples of the various buttons include an OK button for inputting an instruction to start image processing and a cancel button for inputting an instruction to cancel image processing. The touch panel can also be used for various inputs when the user performs a touch operation. For example, various settings and user information are input from the touch panel.

  The receiver 41 includes a microphone and a speaker, and is used for voice input and output. The handset 41 is in use when it is removed from the cradle of the handset 41, and is not in use when it is placed on the cradle.

[Configuration of mobile device]
Next, a schematic configuration of the mobile device 200 will be described. The mobile device 200 includes a controller 50 having a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, and the like. The mobile device 200 includes an operation unit 60 that has both a display function and an input function, a wireless LAN interface 55, and a telephone unit 70, which are controlled by the controller 50. Specific examples of the mobile device 200 include smartphones and tablet PCs.

  The operation unit 60 is provided on the front surface of the mobile device 200, and includes various buttons that accept user input and a touch panel that displays messages and setting contents. The touch panel can also be used for various inputs by a user's touch operation. For example, a job for printing an image or a job for transferring an image is input by operating the touch panel.

  The wireless LAN interface 55 is hardware that enables communication with an external device. Mobile device 200 transmits a job to MFP 100 via wireless LAN interface 55. Note that the wireless LAN interface 55 of the present embodiment has the same communication method as the wireless LAN interface 36 of the MFP 100.

  The telephone unit 70 is a mobile phone communication method (for example, W-CDMA) with a base station (not shown) configured by hardware for realizing a telephone function such as a microphone, a speaker, and a telephone line interface. It is an interface that enables wireless communication based on the standard. The telephone unit 70 is used for telephone calls, Internet connection via a base station, and the like.

  The mobile device 200 incorporates an OS, a browser for browsing files on the Internet, device drivers for controlling various devices, and the like. In addition, an application program (hereinafter referred to as “application”) that accepts a job that causes MFP 100 to execute printing, reading, data transfer, and the like is also stored. Data transfer includes transmission of data by facsimile communication.

[MFP operation]
[Overview of remote communication]
Next, an operation for causing MFP 100 to execute a job requested from mobile device 200 will be described. Since the MFP 100 performs remote communication with the mobile device 200 via the wireless LAN interface 36, the MFP 100 forms a session that permits communication from the mobile device 200.

  Specifically, when using MFP 100 from mobile device 200, an application for controlling MFP 100 stored in mobile device 200 is activated. When mobile device 200 receives a request to start using MFP 100 via the application, mobile device 200 transmits a session formation request to MFP 100.

  When MFP 100 receives a session formation request from mobile device 200, MFP 100 forms a session when communication with mobile device 200 is permitted. Note that the MFP 100 permits communication with the mobile device 200 when a session is not formed with another device or when session formation is not restricted. When the session is formed, the mobile device 200 accepts various function execution requests for the MFP 100 from the user.

  MFP 100 accepts a job from mobile device 200 while a session is formed with mobile device 200. In other words, the MFP 100 does not accept a job from the mobile device 200 when a session is not formed with the mobile device 200. Further, when the session is formed, MFP 100 does not permit input to operation panel 40 except for a specific command, and does not accept job input via operation panel 40. The specific command is, for example, a session forced release command.

  The mobile device 200 selects a function to be used by the MFP 100 via an application. The MFP 100 is capable of printing, reading, and facsimile transmission, and is selected from these. Furthermore, when a job is input after the function to be used is selected, the mobile device 200 transmits an execution request for the job to the MFP 100. When MFP 100 receives a job execution request from mobile device 200, MFP 100 starts executing the job.

  When MFP 100 receives a session release request from mobile device 200, MFP 100 releases the session. As a result, the use restriction of MFP 100 with respect to other devices is released. In addition, the job input restriction via the operation panel 40 is also released. If there is no response to an inquiry from the MFP 100 to the mobile device 200 in addition to a session release request from the mobile device 200, or if there is no request from the mobile device 200 for a certain period of time, the MFP 100 voluntarily performs a session. Is released.

[Overview of function restrictions]
Next, function restrictions executed by MFP 100 will be described. The MFP 100 has a facsimile communication function and a call function as functions using the telephone line interface 37. Therefore, while using one function, MFP 100 exclusively uses both functions in order to avoid the influence of the other function on one function. In other words, MFP 100 restricts the use of the other function while using one function.

  For example, when the MFP 100 receives a facsimile transmission job from the mobile device 200, the MFP 100 receives image data from the mobile device 200 via the wireless LAN interface 36 as shown in FIG. And the received image data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 300 via the telephone line interface 37.

  During the facsimile communication based on the request from the mobile device 200, the MFP 100 restricts the use of the receiver 41. Specifically, MFP 100 invalidates the signal output from receiver 41. After the facsimile communication is completed, the MFP 100 releases the restriction on the use of the receiver 41.

  On the other hand, when the user of MFP 100 uses telephone receiver 41 to make a call with the user of telephone device 400, MFP 100 connects the telephone line with telephone device 400 and connects the microphone of telephone receiver 41 as shown in FIG. The voice is received, and the voice data is transmitted to the telephone set 400 via the telephone line interface 37. The voice data received from the telephone set 400 via the telephone line interface 37 is output via the speaker of the telephone set 41.

  While the handset 41 is in use, the MFP 100 restricts execution of facsimile communication based on a request from the mobile device 200. Specifically, the MFP 100 restricts communication with the mobile device 200 or restricts use of the telephone line interface 37 although communication with the mobile device 200 is not restricted. When the call is finished, the MFP 100 releases the use restriction on the mobile device 200.

[Usage restriction procedure]
Next, the operation of the MFP 100 that realizes the above-described function restriction will be described separately when a request from the mobile device 200 is received and when the use of the receiver 41 is started. Furthermore, as a mode for restricting use from the mobile device 200, a mode for limiting communication with the mobile device 200 while the handset 41 is used is a first mode, and communication with the mobile device 200 while the handset 41 is used. A mode for limiting the execution of facsimile communication from the mobile device 200 will be described as a second mode.

[First embodiment]
Session request processing
First, session request processing in the first embodiment for restricting communication with the mobile device 200 during use of the handset 41 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The session request process is executed by the CPU 31 when a session formation request is received from the mobile device 200.

  In the session request processing of the first form, the MFP 100 first determines whether or not the handset 41 is in use (S101). When the handset 41 is in use (S101: YES), the MFP 100 rejects the session formation (S111). As a result, the mobile device 200 restricts all requests to the MFP 100 including facsimile communication. As a result, use of the telephone line interface 37 via the wireless LAN interface 36 is restricted. S111 is an example of a restriction process.

  Further, the MFP 100 transmits an instruction to the mobile device 200 so as to notify a message that the handset 41 is in use (S112). When receiving the instruction, the mobile device 200 displays a message on its operation unit 60. By notifying the message, the user of the mobile device 200 knows the reason why the MFP 100 cannot be used, and the possibility of misunderstanding such as a failure of the MFP 100 can be reduced. Note that the notification method is not limited to the message, and may be voice guidance, for example. S112 is an example of a first restriction notification process.

  Thereafter, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the use of the handset 41 is continued (S113). When the use of the handset 41 is continued (S113: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the cancel condition is satisfied (S121). The cancel condition corresponds to, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a session formation request or that a session formation cancel request has been received from the mobile device 200.

  If the cancel condition is not satisfied (S121: NO), the process proceeds to S113 and waits until the use of the handset 41 is completed or the cancel condition is satisfied. If the cancellation condition is satisfied (S121: YES), the session request process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the use of the handset 41 is finished (S113: NO), the MFP 100 transmits an instruction to the mobile device 200 to notify that the MFP 100 can be used (S114). When receiving the instruction, the mobile device 200 displays a message on its operation unit 60. After canceling the use restriction, the MFP 100 can promptly notify the mobile device 200 to that effect, thereby ensuring the convenience of the MFP 100. S114 is an example of a first release notification process. Moreover, the process which transfers to S102 from the case of NO in S113 is an example of a 1st cancellation | release process.

  After S114 or if the handset 41 is not in use (S101: NO), the MFP 100 performs a session forming process for forming a session (S102). Specifically, in S102, if a session with another device is not formed, a session is formed. If a session with another device is formed, no session is formed. The session formation result is transmitted to the mobile device 200.

  After S102, the MFP 100 determines whether or not a session is formed (S103). If no session is formed (S103: NO), the session request process is terminated.

  When a session is formed (S103: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether or not a job from the mobile device 200 is received thereafter (S141). When the job is received (S141: YES), the MFP 100 executes the job (S142). For example, in the case of a facsimile transmission job for transmitting image data to the facsimile apparatus 300 by facsimile communication, the telephone line with the facsimile apparatus 300 is connected by the telephone line interface 37 and the received image data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 300. In this case, S142 is an example of facsimile processing. For example, in the case of a print job for printing image data on a sheet, the image forming unit 10 prints an image based on the received image data.

  After S142 or when no job has been received (S141: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether a cancellation condition for canceling the session is satisfied (S143). The release condition corresponds to, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the most recent job, or that a session release request has been received from the mobile device 200.

  If the release condition is not satisfied (S143: NO), the process proceeds to S141 and waits until the job reception or release condition is satisfied. When the release condition is satisfied (S143: YES), the MFP 100 releases the session with the mobile device 200 (S144). After S144, the session request process is terminated.

[Call processing]
Next, call processing in the first embodiment for restricting use of the handset 41 during facsimile communication will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The call processing is executed by the CPU 31 when the use of the handset 41 is started, that is, when it is detected that the handset 41 is lifted from a table (not shown).

  In the call processing of the first mode, the MPF 100 first determines whether or not a session with an external device (in this embodiment, the mobile device 200) is formed (S151). When a session is formed, that is, when the external apparatus uses MFP 100 (S151: YES), use of handset 41 is restricted (S161). As a result, the user of MFP 100 is restricted from calling using the handset 41. S161 is an example of a restriction process.

  Furthermore, the MFP 100 informs the operation panel 40 of a message indicating that the telephone line is in use (S162). By notifying the message, the user of the MFP 100 knows why the handset 41 cannot be used, and the possibility of misunderstanding such as a failure of the MFP 100 can be reduced. Note that the notification method is not limited to the message, and may be voice guidance, for example. S162 is an example of a second restriction notification process.

  Thereafter, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the session is continuously formed (S163). When the session is continuously formed (S163: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the receiver 41 has been placed on the cradle, that is, whether or not the receiver 41 has been returned to the original position (S171).

  If the handset 41 has not been returned to the original position (S171: NO), the process proceeds to S163 and waits for the cancellation of the session or the return of the handset 41 to the original position. When the handset 41 is returned to the original position (S171: YES), the call process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the session is released (S163: NO), the MFP 100 informs the operation panel 40 that the handset 41 can be used (S164). After canceling the use restriction of the handset 41, the convenience of the MFP 100 can be ensured by promptly informing that effect. S164 is an example of a second release notification process. Moreover, the process which transfers to S191 from the case of NO in S163 is an example of a 2nd cancellation | release process.

  After S164 or if no session is formed (S151: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the call start condition is satisfied (S191). In this embodiment, it is determined that the call start condition is satisfied when the telephone number of the other party of the call is input and the telephone line is connected based on the telephone number. When the call start condition is satisfied (S191: YES), the call is started (S192).

  After S192 or when the start condition of the call is not satisfied (S191: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the handset 41 has been returned to the original position (S193). If the handset 41 has not been returned to the original position (S193: NO), the process proceeds to S191 and waits for the handset 41 to be returned or the start condition of the call to be satisfied. When the handset 41 is returned to the original position (S193: YES), the call process is terminated.

  As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, the MFP 100 exclusively controls the period during which the handset 41 is used and the period during which a session is formed with the mobile device 200 via the wireless LAN interface 36. To do. That is, the MFP 100 restricts the formation of a session with the mobile device 200 while the handset 41 is in use, thereby restricting the facsimile communication based on the request from the mobile device 200. In addition, the MFP 100 restricts the use of the handset 41 during the session formation with the mobile device 200. Thereby, in MFP 100, the opportunity for simultaneous execution of the call function and the facsimile function is reduced. Therefore, it can be expected to reduce the adverse effects on each other's functions.

[Second form]
Session request processing
Next, session request processing in the second embodiment that restricts the execution of facsimile communication from the mobile device 200 without restricting communication with the mobile device 200 while the handset 41 is in use, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain. Note that during the processing of the second mode, the same processing as that of the first mode is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the session request process of the second form, the MFP 100 first performs a session formation process (S102). After S102, the MFP 100 determines whether or not a session is formed (S103). If no session is formed (S103: NO), the session request process is terminated.

  When the session is formed (S103: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether or not a facsimile transmission job from the mobile device 200 is subsequently received (S201). When a facsimile transmission job is received (S201: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether the handset 41 is in use (S101).

  When the handset 41 is being used (S101: YES), the MFP 100 rejects execution of the facsimile transmission job (S211). As a result, the use of the telephone line interface 37 via the wireless LAN interface 36 is restricted. S211 is an example of a restriction process.

  Further, the MFP 100 transmits an instruction to the mobile device 200 so as to notify a message that the facsimile communication cannot be performed (S212). When receiving the instruction, the mobile device 200 displays a message on its operation unit 60. S212 is an example of a first restriction notification process.

  Thereafter, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the use of the handset 41 is continued (S113). When the use of the handset 41 is continued (S113: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the cancel condition is satisfied (S221). Examples of the cancel condition include that a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the facsimile transmission job, and that a cancel request for the facsimile transmission job has been received from the mobile device 200. If the cancel condition is not satisfied (S221: NO), the process proceeds to S113, and the end of use of the receiver 41 or the expiration of the cancel condition is awaited.

  On the other hand, when the use of the handset 41 is finished (S113: NO), the MFP 100 transmits an instruction to the mobile device 200 to notify that the facsimile communication is available (S214). When receiving the instruction, the mobile device 200 displays a message on its operation unit 60. S214 is an example of a first release notification process. Moreover, the process which transfers to S202 from the case of NO in S113 is an example of a 1st cancellation | release process.

  After S214 or if the receiver 41 is not in use (S101: NO), the MFP 100 executes a facsimile transmission job (S202). S202 is an example of facsimile processing.

  After S202, or when the cancel condition is satisfied (S221: YES), or when no facsimile transmission job is received (S201: NO), the MFP 100 receives a non-facsimile transmission job that is a job other than the facsimile transmission job. It is determined whether or not (S241). When the non-facsimile communication job is received (S241: YES), the MFP 100 executes the non-facsimile communication job (S242). That is, the MFP 100 executes a non-facsimile transmission job regardless of the usage state of the receiver 41.

  After S242 or when a non-facsimile transmission job has not been received (S241: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the session is satisfied (S143).

  If the cancellation condition is not satisfied (S143: NO), the process proceeds to S201, and waits for the reception of the facsimile transmission job or the reception or cancellation condition of the non-facsimile transmission job to be satisfied. If the release condition is satisfied (S143: YES), the MFP 100 releases the session (S144). After S144, the session request process is terminated.

[Call processing]
Next, call processing in the second mode for restricting use of the handset 41 during facsimile communication will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that during the processing of the second mode, the same processing as that of the first mode is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the call processing of the second form, the MPF 100 first determines whether or not facsimile communication is being performed based on a request from an external device (S251). When facsimile communication is performed, that is, when the external device is using the telephone line interface 37 of the MFP 100 (S251: YES), the use of the receiver 41 is restricted (S161). S161 is an example of a restriction process. Furthermore, the MFP 100 informs the operation panel 40 of a message indicating that the telephone line is in use (S162). S162 is an example of a second restriction notification process.

  Thereafter, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the facsimile communication is continuously performed (S263). When the facsimile communication is continuously executed (S263: YES), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the handset 41 is returned to the original position (S171). If the handset 41 has not been returned to the original position (S171: NO), the process proceeds to S263 to wait for the end of facsimile communication or the handset 41 to be returned to the original position. When the handset 41 is returned to the original position (S171: YES), the call process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the facsimile communication is completed (S263: NO), the MFP 100 notifies the operation panel 40 that the handset 41 is being used (S164). S164 is an example of a second release notification process. Moreover, the process which transfers to S191 from the case of NO in S263 is an example of a 2nd cancellation | release process.

  After S164 or if facsimile communication is not being performed (S251: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the call start condition is satisfied (S191). When the call start condition is satisfied (S191: YES), the call is started (S192).

  After S192 or when the start condition of the call is not satisfied (S191: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether or not the handset 41 has been returned to the original position (S193). If the handset 41 has not been returned to the original position (S193: NO), the process proceeds to S191, and waits for the handset 41 to be returned to the original position or for the start condition of the call to be satisfied. When the handset 41 is returned to the original position (S193: YES), the call process is terminated.

  As described above in detail, in the second embodiment, the MFP 100 exclusively uses a period during which the handset 41 is used and a period during which facsimile communication based on a request from the mobile device 200 is performed via the wireless LAN interface 36. Control. Thereby, in MFP 100, as in the first embodiment, the opportunity for simultaneous execution of the call function and the facsimile function is reduced. Therefore, it can be expected to reduce the adverse effects on each other's functions.

  In the second embodiment, when the handset 41 is used, execution of a facsimile transmission job from the mobile device 200 is restricted, but execution of a non-facsimile transmission job is not restricted. Therefore, it is more convenient for the user of the mobile device 200 than the first embodiment. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, when the handset 41 is used, execution of all jobs including a facsimile transmission job from the mobile device 200 is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the influence on the call function more reliably as compared with the second embodiment.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the image forming apparatus only needs to have a data transmission function and a telephone call function by facsimile communication, and may be an apparatus having no reading function or printing function.

  In the embodiment, WiFi is used as wireless communication, but the type of wireless communication is not limited to these. For example, NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or TransferJet may be used.

  In the embodiment, MFP 100 is connected to an external device by wireless communication, but may be wired. In this case, it is not necessary to form a session between MFP 100 and the external device. Therefore, the process corresponding to the session request process is executed when the job is received, and the process related to the session may be omitted.

  In the embodiment, when the use of the handset 41 or the execution of the facsimile transmission job is restricted, the fact is notified, and when the restriction is released, the fact is also announced. The notification may not be performed. However, it is more convenient to perform the notification.

  In the embodiment, a session is formed when the mobile device 200 makes a request to the MFP 100 and access from other devices is restricted. However, access from other devices may not be restricted. . That is, a session may be formed for a plurality of devices. In this case, the MFP 100 restricts the use of the handset 41 if a facsimile transmission job of any of a plurality of devices is being executed, and executes the facsimile transmission job on all of the plurality of devices if the handset 41 is being used. Limit it.

  The processing disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

36 Wireless LAN interface 37 Telephone line interface 41 Handset 100 MFP
200 Mobile device 300 Facsimile device 400 Telephone device 900 Image processing system

Claims (11)

A network communication unit for communicating with the first external device via the network;
A telephone line connection for connecting to a telephone line;
A handset for use in a call with a second external device connected to the telephone line;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
Facsimile processing for performing facsimile communication by connecting to the telephone line;
While the handset is in use, it restricts execution of the facsimile processing based on a request received from the first external device via at least the network, and accepts from the first external device via at least the network. A restriction process for restricting the use of the handset while the facsimile process based on the request is executed;
An image forming apparatus characterized in that The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
In the restricting process, when the handset is used, the request from the first external apparatus via the network including the request for executing the facsimile process is restricted to the image forming apparatus. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, in the restriction process, when the handset is used, an operation for performing the facsimile communication is restricted, and an operation other than the operation for performing the facsimile communication is not restricted. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
An image forming apparatus that executes a first restriction notification process for notifying the first external device that the receiver is in use when the facsimile process is restricted in the restriction process. . In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The controller is
An image forming apparatus that executes a second restriction notification process for notifying that the telephone line is in use when the use of the handset is restricted in the restriction process. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The controller is
An image forming apparatus that executes a first release process for releasing the execution restriction of the facsimile process when the use of the handset is finished after the facsimile process is restricted by the restriction process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6,
The controller is
The first release notification process is executed to notify the first external device that the facsimile process can be executed when the execution restriction of the facsimile process is canceled in the first release process. Forming equipment. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The controller is
An image forming apparatus, wherein after the use of the handset is restricted in the restricting process, a second release process for releasing the use restriction of the handset is executed when the execution of the facsimile process is terminated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The controller is
An image forming apparatus that executes a second release notification process for notifying that the receiver can be used when the restriction on use of the receiver is canceled in the second release process. A network communication unit for communicating with the first external device via the network;
A telephone line connection for connecting to a telephone line;
A handset for use in a call with a second external device connected to the telephone line;
A method for restricting an image forming apparatus comprising:
A facsimile step of performing facsimile communication by connecting to the telephone line;
Requests received from the first external device via at least the network while the handset is being used, limiting the facsimile communication based on requests received from the first external device via at least the network A limiting step of limiting use of the handset while the facsimile communication based on
A limiting method comprising: A network communication unit for communicating with the first external device via the network;
A telephone line connection for connecting to a telephone line;
A handset for use in a call with a second external device connected to the telephone line;
In an image forming apparatus comprising
Facsimile processing for performing facsimile communication by connecting to the telephone line;
While the handset is in use, it restricts execution of the facsimile processing based on a request received from the first external device via at least the network, and accepts from the first external device via at least the network. A restriction process for restricting the use of the handset while the facsimile process based on the request is executed;
A storage medium for storing a program for executing the program.

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