JP2016007738A - Image processing apparatus, mobile device, display method, and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for displaying an appropriate operation screen in operating an image processing apparatus from a mobile device.SOLUTION: An MFP (a compound machine; Multi Function Peripheral) is capable of performing remote communication with a mobile device and receives operations related to image processing from the mobile device. Further, the MFP restricts operations for specific processing out of the operations for image processing when carrying out remote communication with the mobile device, and displays a restricted operation screen for accepting operations for processing other than the specific processing, on an operation unit of the mobile device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device, a mobile device, a display method, and a storage medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for displaying an operation screen of an image processing device or a mobile device.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses that communicate with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs have been put into practical use. The image processing apparatus has an operation panel that receives an image processing command, and displays an operation screen on the operation panel. The mobile device also displays an operation screen necessary for instructing the image processing device to perform image processing.

  As a technique for displaying an operation screen on a mobile device, for example, there is Patent Literature 1. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-260260 discloses a configuration in which an operation screen is displayed on a mobile phone and a screen different from a mobile phone such as a help screen is displayed on an operation panel of the main body of the multi-function device. Has been.

JP 2012-61669 A

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. That is, it is desirable that the operation screen of the mobile device has the same configuration as the operation screen of the image processing device in consideration of user-friendliness. In this case, a screen on which all processes that can be executed by the image processing apparatus can be selected is provided. On the other hand, the process executed by the image processing apparatus includes a process that is not preferable according to an instruction from a user in a remote place.

  For example, in a process involving reading, since it is necessary to set a document on the image processing apparatus, it takes time to start reading even if a user at a remote location inputs an execution command. Then, the use of the image processing apparatus is restricted for other users for a long time until the reading is completed. Also, processing that involves printing takes time until the printed material is picked up by the image processing apparatus. As a result, printing of images with high security is less secure.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, the problem is to provide a technique for displaying a suitable operation screen when an operation is performed on the image processing apparatus from a mobile device.

  An image processing apparatus for solving this problem includes a communication unit that communicates with a mobile device, a display unit that displays an operation screen, an image processing unit that performs image processing, and a control unit. Is a first display process for displaying on the display unit a first operation screen for accepting an operation for the image processing, and an operation for a specific process among the operations for the image processing when communicating with the mobile device. And a second display process for displaying on the mobile device a second operation screen that accepts an operation for a process other than the specific process.

  The image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification can communicate with a mobile device and accepts an operation related to image processing from the mobile device. When the image processing device communicates with the mobile device, the mobile device displays a second operation screen that restricts operations for specific processing among operations for image processing and accepts operations for processing other than the specific processing. To display. As the specific process, for example, a process that requires a user's work on the image processing apparatus to start the process or a process that requires high safety is applicable. As a method for displaying the second operation screen on the mobile device, the image processing device may generate the second operation screen and transmit the second operation screen, or the specific type of processing may be determined by the mobile device. The second operation screen may be generated by the mobile device.

  That is, in the image processing device disclosed in this specification, the second operation in which operations for a specific process are limited as compared with the first operation screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device during communication with the mobile device. Is displayed on the mobile device of the communication partner. As a result, the user of the mobile device does not have to perform an inappropriate processing operation, and the convenience of the operation screen can be improved.

  In the second display process, the control unit may restrict the operation for the specific process by hiding the operation for the specific process. By hiding the operation for a specific process, the second operation screen can be displayed in a compact manner.

  Further, the control unit may execute a restriction process for restricting an operation for at least a process other than the specific process in the first operation screen while the mobile device is displaying the second operation screen. While the mobile device is displaying the second operation screen, it is preferable to restrict at least processing operations that can be operated from the mobile device in the image processing device, in order to avoid conflict with the operation from the mobile device.

  The control unit may not execute the second display process while the user is operating the first operation screen. It is preferable that the mobile device is not operated while the user is operating the first operation screen in order to avoid conflict with the operation from the mobile device.

  In addition, when the control unit communicates with the mobile device, the control unit determines whether the distance to the mobile device is longer than a threshold, and the determination processing determines that the distance is not longer than the threshold. A third display screen that causes the mobile device to display a third operation screen that does not restrict the operation for the specific processing, and the determination processing determines that the operation screen is longer than a threshold value. The second display process may be executed. When the mobile device is in the vicinity of the image processing device, the user can use the image processing device immediately. For this reason, since it is less necessary to restrict the operation on the mobile device, it is preferable to display a third operation screen on the mobile device that does not restrict the operation for a specific process.

  The image processing may include reading processing for reading an image of a document, and the specific processing may include processing accompanying the reading processing. Since the reading process is not started until the user sets a document on the image processing apparatus, there is a possibility of restricting the use of other users for a long time. Therefore, it is preferable to limit execution.

  The image processing may include a printing process for forming an image on a recording sheet, and the specific process may include a process accompanying the printing process. The printing process is low in safety because the printed matter is left in the image processing apparatus until the user picks up the printed matter. Therefore, it is preferable to limit execution.

  The image processing may include transmission processing for transmitting image data to an external device, and processing other than the specific processing may include operation of the transmission processing. The transmission process can be started without the user going to the image processing apparatus, and no image data is output to the sheet. Therefore, it is preferable not to restrict execution. Note that the transmission processing includes, for example, data transfer and facsimile transmission.

  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.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which displays the suitable operation screen at the time of performing operation with respect to an image processing apparatus from a mobile apparatus is implement | achieved.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing a main screen of an operation panel of the MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the non-restriction operation screen of the operation part of a mobile apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of remote communication processing executed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen on an operation panel of the MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation screen with a limitation of the operation part of a mobile apparatus. 6 is a diagram showing a notification restriction screen on the operation panel of the MFP. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the remote request | requirement process which the mobile apparatus concerning a 1st form performs. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of remote communication processing executed by the MFP according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the remote request process which the mobile apparatus concerning a 2nd form performs.

  Hereinafter, the image processing 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 of this embodiment includes an MFP 100 and a mobile device 200. Any number of devices that communicate with the MFP 100 may be connected in addition to the mobile device 200 illustrated. MFP 100 is an example of an image processing apparatus. As the mobile device 200, for example, a smartphone or a tablet PC is applicable.

  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.

[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 is not necessarily represented as 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.

  The MFP 100 also 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 network interface 36, and a telephone line interface 37. These are 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 image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 11 are examples of an image processing unit.

  The network interface 36 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network by wire or wireless. For example, in the present embodiment, wireless communication with the mobile device 200 is possible, and the network interface 36 has a configuration that enables wireless communication in the WiFi system based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and its standards. Yes. The MFP 100 receives data transmitted from the mobile device 200 via the network interface 36. Further, the MFP 100 transmits data to the mobile device 200 via the network interface 36. The network interface 36 is an example of a 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 an external device via the telephone line interface 37.

  The operation panel 40 is provided on the exterior of the MFP 100, and includes various button groups 41 that accept user input and a touch panel 42 that displays messages and various settings, as shown in FIG. Examples of the various buttons include a numeric keypad, an arrow key, an OK button, and a cancel button. The touch panel 42 can also be input by a user touch operation. For example, various settings and user information are input from the touch panel. The touch panel 42 is an example of a display unit.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the main screen 421 is displayed on the touch panel 42 among the plurality of operation screens of the MFP 100. On the main screen 421, a plurality of processes that can be executed by the MFP 100 are displayed, and a process to be used can be selected. Specifically, on the main screen 421 of this embodiment, copy processing, scanning processing, facsimile transmission processing, and facsimile printing processing are selected. The main screen 421 is an example of a first operation screen.

  The copy process is a process of reading a document and printing the read image. The scanning process is a process of reading a document and generating a file of the read image. The facsimile transmission process is a process of reading a document and transmitting the read image to an external device via a telephone line. The facsimile printing process is a process for printing data stored in the NVRAM 34 and received by facsimile communication. That is, the MFP 100 has a function of not printing the data received by facsimile communication immediately, but temporarily storing the received data in the NVRAM 34 and printing after waiting for an instruction from the user.

[Configuration of mobile device]
Next, a schematic configuration of the mobile device 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile device 200 includes a CPU 51 that executes various processes, a ROM 52 that stores a startup process program (BIOS) executed by the CPU 51 when the mobile device 200 is started, and the CPU 51 performs various processes. The controller 50 includes a RAM 53 that is used as a temporary storage area when performing, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 54 that stores various programs and data. The controller 50 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the mobile device 200, such as the CPU 51, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the mobile device 200. Absent.

  The mobile device 200 includes an operation unit 60 that has both a display function and an input function, a wireless LAN interface 55, a telephone unit 70, and a GPS reception unit 80, which are controlled by the controller 50.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the operation unit 60 includes various buttons 61 that are provided on the front surface of the mobile device 200 and that accept user input, and a touch panel 62 that displays messages and various settings. The touch panel 62 can also be input by a user touch operation. For example, a job for printing an image or a job for reading an image is input by operating the touch panel. The operation screen 621 displayed on the mobile device 200 has a layout similar to that of the MFP 100 in consideration of user convenience.

  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. The wireless LAN interface 55 is used for operations of the MFP 100, Internet connection via an access point, and the like.

  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 GPS receiver 80 is hardware that receives radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites constituting a GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS receiving unit 80 can acquire information on the current position of the mobile device 200 based on the received signal, that is, information including latitude, longitude, and altitude.

  The HDD 54 of 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.

  The CPU 51 performs various processes while storing the calculation results in the RAM 53 or the HDD 54 in accordance with the control program read from the ROM 52 or the program read from the HDD 54. The application operation described above is also processed by the CPU 51.

[MFP operation]
[Overview of remote communication]
Next, an operation for MFP 100 to perform remote communication with mobile device 200 will be described. Since MFP 100 performs remote communication with mobile device 200, MFP 100 forms a session that permits communication from mobile device 200.

  Specifically, when using MFP 100 from mobile device 200, mobile device 200 activates an application for controlling MFP 100. Mobile device 200 receives a request to start using MFP 100 via the application, and transmits a request for forming a session to MFP 100 when the request is received. Then, when the session is formed, the mobile device 200 accepts various processing execution requests to the MFP 100.

  When MFP 100 receives a session formation request from mobile device 200, MFP 100 forms a session when a condition for permitting communication with mobile device 200 is satisfied. 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.

  MFP 100 accepts a job from mobile device 200 while a session is formed with mobile device 200. In other words, MFP 100 does not accept a job from mobile device 200 when a session is not formed with mobile device 200. In addition, when the session is formed, MFP 100 does not permit input to operation panel 40 and does not accept job input via operation panel 40.

  The mobile device 200 selects a process to be used by the MFP 100 via an application. The MFP 100 can perform copy processing, scan processing, facsimile transmission processing, and facsimile printing processing, and is selected from these. When a job is input after the process 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 the inquiry from the MFP 100 to the mobile device 200 in addition to the session cancellation request from the mobile device 200, or if there is no request from the mobile device 200 for a certain period of time, the cancellation request is directly input to the MFP 100. If this happens, the MFP 100 voluntarily releases the session.

[Remote communication procedure]
Next, operations of MFP 100 and mobile device 200 that realize the above-described remote communication will be described.

[First embodiment]
[Remote communication processing]
First, as an operation of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, a remote communication process in which a request from an external apparatus is received and image processing is executed will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The remote communication process is executed by the CPU 31 when a session formation request is received from an external device. In the following description of the remote communication process, it is assumed that a formation request is received from the mobile device 200 as an external device.

  In the remote communication processing, the MFP 100 first determines whether or not the user is operating the MFP 100 (S101). The MFP 100 displays a main screen 421 (see FIG. 2) on the touch panel 42 in an initial state where the user is not operating. The screen displayed on the touch panel 42 transitions to a screen other than the main screen 421 when the user starts an operation. For example, when the user selects copy from the main screen 421, the MFP 100 displays an operation screen 422 for setting copy as shown in FIG. 5 on the touch panel 42. The MFP 100 then returns to the main screen 421 when a copy execution instruction or cancel instruction is input or when no operation continues for a predetermined time. That is, in S101, MFP 100 determines that the user is operating MFP 100 if the screen of touch panel 42 is an operation screen other than main screen 421.

  When the MFP 100 is operating (S101: YES), the MFP 100 refuses to form a session in order to avoid a conflict between a direct operation on the own device and a remote operation from the mobile device 200. Therefore, the MFP 100 does not form a session and notifies the mobile device 200 of an error (S111). In S111, the MFP 100 may generate an error screen and transmit the error screen to the mobile device 200. After S111, the remote communication process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the MFP 100 is not in operation (S101: NO), the MFP 100 forms a session with the mobile device 200 (S102). As a result, communication with the mobile device 200 is established.

  After S102, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the mobile device 200, which is the session creation request source, is remote from the MFP 100 (S103). Specifically, in S103, for example, the MFP 100 requests the mobile device 200 to transmit position information, acquires position information based on the GPS receiver 80 from the mobile device 200, and the distance from the own device is longer than a predetermined value. If it is, it is determined that it is in a remote location. Alternatively, it may be determined based on the response speed of the mobile device 200, may be determined based on the number of hops with the mobile device 200, or may be determined based on the radio field strength of wireless communication. . Here, as a criterion for determining whether or not the distance between the mobile device 200 and the MFP 100 is a remote location, a reference value such as a predetermined distance or a radio wave intensity corresponding to the distance may be set as a default, or the user may set the reference value. It may be possible to change the reference value.

  When the mobile device 200 is in a remote location (S103: YES), the MFP 100 generates a restricted operation screen that restricts acceptance of operations related to specific processing as an operation screen provided to the mobile device 200 (S121). Specific processing includes, for example, processing that requires user operations on the image processing apparatus to start processing (for example, scanning and copying), and processing that requires high security (for example, facsimile printing). Is applicable. Further, specific processing selected in advance by the user may be stored in MFP 100.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the restricted operation screen 622. On the restricted operation screen 622, a plurality of processes that can be executed by the MFP 100 are displayed, and the processes to be used can be selected, similarly to the main screen 421 (see FIG. 2) displayed on the MFP 100. In this embodiment, the specific processing is facsimile printing. This is because facsimile printing tends to be highly important because it prints information received from an external device. The restricted operation screen 622 is displayed separately from other processes so that the user can grasp that facsimile printing is not available. In this embodiment, facsimile printing, which is a specific process, is not displayed. In addition, a gray-out display, a display with a specific mark such as an “x” mark, a display with a message indicating that execution is impossible, or the like may be used. The restricted operation screen 622 is an example of a second operation screen.

  After generating the restricted operation screen 622, the MFP 100 transmits the restricted operation screen 622 to the mobile device 200 (S122). The mobile device 200 that has received the restricted operation screen 622 displays the restricted operation screen 622 on the touch panel 62, and accepts input of a job for processing that is not restricted. S121 and S122 are an example of a second display process.

  On the other hand, when the mobile device 200 is not in a remote location, that is, when the mobile device 200 is in the vicinity of the MFP 100 (S103: NO), the MFP 100 displays a specific operation screen as shown in FIG. An unrestricted operation screen 621 that does not restrict the acceptance of operations related to processing is generated (S104). In the non-restricted operation screen 621, since a specific process is not disabled, all of a plurality of processes that can be executed by the MFP 100 can be selected. Therefore, the layout is the same as that of the main screen 421 (see FIG. 2) displayed on the MFP 100.

  After generating the unrestricted operation screen 621, the MFP 100 transmits the unrestricted operation screen 621 to the mobile device 200 (S105). Receiving the unrestricted operation screen 621, the mobile device 200 displays the unrestricted operation screen 621 on the touch panel 62 and accepts all the operations that can be executed by the MFP 100. S104 and S105 are an example of a third display process.

  After S105 or S122, as shown in FIG. 7, the MFP 100 notifies the touch panel 42 of a notification restriction screen 423 for notifying that remote communication is being performed and restricting input to the own apparatus (S106). On the notification restriction screen 423, input of all processes via the touch panel 42 is restricted. Thereby, in MFP 100, input via operation panel 40 is restricted during remote communication. S106 is an example of a restriction process. Note that the notification restriction screen 423 may display a button for receiving a command for forcibly canceling the session.

  After S106, the MFP 100 determines whether a job has been received from the mobile device 200, which is an external device that is forming a session (S131). When the job is received (S131: YES), the MFP 100 executes the received job (S132). Note that when the mobile device 200 is remote from the MFP 100, the input of a job related to a specific process is restricted, and as a result, the execution of the specific process in the MFP 100 is restricted.

  After S132 or when no job has been received (S131: NO), the MFP 100 determines whether a release condition for canceling the session is satisfied (S133). 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 (S133: NO), the process proceeds to S131 and waits until the job reception or release condition is satisfied. When the release condition is satisfied (S133: YES), the MFP 100 releases the session with the mobile device 200 (S141).

  Further, the MFP 100 displays the main screen 421 on the touch panel 42 (S142). As a result, the MFP 100 releases the input restriction via the operation panel 40. S142 is an example of a first display process. After S142, the remote communication process is terminated.

Remote request processing
Next, as an operation of the mobile device 200 according to the first embodiment, remote request processing for requesting a job from the MFP 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The remote request process is executed by the CPU 51 when the mobile device 200 receives a remote communication execution request from the user.

  In the remote request process, the mobile device 200 first transmits a session formation request to the MFP 100 (S151). After S151, the mobile device 200 determines whether a session has been created (S152). When the session is not formed (S152: NO), the mobile device 200 receives an error notification from the MFP 100, and thus displays an error screen on the touch panel 62 (S161). After S161, the remote request process is terminated.

  When the session is formed (S152: YES), since the mobile device 200 receives the restricted operation screen 622 or the non-restricted operation screen 621 from the MFP 100, the received operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 62 (S153).

  After S153, the mobile device 200 determines whether a job requested to the MFP 100 is input via the operation screen (S171). When a job is input (S171: YES), the mobile device 200 transmits the input job to the MFP 100 (S172).

  After S172, or when no job is input (S171: NO), the mobile device 200 determines whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the session is satisfied (S173). An example of the release condition is that a session release request has been accepted.

  If the cancel condition is not satisfied (S173: NO), the process proceeds to S171 and waits until the job input or cancel condition is satisfied. When the release condition is satisfied (S173: YES), the mobile device 200 transmits a release request for releasing the session with the MFP 100 to the MFP 100 (S181). Further, the mobile device 200 displays on the operation unit 60 that the session has been canceled and deletes the operation screen (S182). As a result, the mobile device 200 ends the remote communication with the MFP 100. After S182, the remote request process is terminated.

  As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, when the MFP 100 performs remote communication with the mobile device 200 at a remote location, the restricted operation screen 622 that restricts operations for specific processing is displayed on the mobile device 200. As a result, the user of the mobile device 200 does not have to perform an inappropriate processing operation, and the convenience of the operation screen can be expected to be improved.

[Second form]
[Remote communication processing]
Next, remote communication processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the second mode, the mobile device 200 generates an operation screen for the mobile device 200. This is different from the first mode in which the MFP 100 generates an operation screen for the mobile device 200. In the description of the second embodiment, the same processes as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second form of remote communication processing, the MFP 100 first determines whether or not the user is operating the MFP 100 (S101). If the MFP 100 is being operated (S101: YES), an error is notified to the mobile device 200 (S111), and the remote communication process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the MFP 100 is not in operation (S101: NO), the MFP 100 forms a session with the mobile device 200 (S102). Then, MFP 100 determines whether mobile device 200 is remote from MFP 100 (S103).

  When the mobile device 200 is in a remote place (S103: YES), the MFP 100 transmits to the mobile device 200 a restricted processing list that restricts execution of specific processing among image processes that can be operated from the mobile device 200. (S222). S222 is an example of a second display process. On the other hand, when the mobile device 200 is not in a remote place (S103: NO), the MFP 100 transmits an unrestricted processing list that does not restrict the execution of specific processing to the mobile device 200 (S205). S205 is an example of a third display process.

  After S205 or S222, the MFP 100 displays the notification restriction screen 423 on the touch panel 42 (S106). After S106, the MFP 100 determines whether a job has been received from the mobile device 200, which is an external device that is forming a session (S131). The processing after S131 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Remote request processing
Next, remote request processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the remote request process, the mobile device 200 first transmits a session formation request to the MFP 100 (S151). After S151, the mobile device 200 determines whether a session has been created (S152). When the session is not formed (S152: NO), the mobile device 200 displays an error screen on the touch panel 62 (S161) and ends the remote request process.

  When the session is formed (S152: YES), the mobile device 200 receives the restricted process list or the unrestricted process list from the MFP 100, and thus generates an operation screen based on the received process list (S252). ). That is, when a restricted process list is received, a restricted operation screen 622 is generated that restricts acceptance of operations related to specific processes. On the other hand, when an unrestricted process list is received, an unrestricted operation screen 621 that does not restrict the acceptance of operations related to a specific process is generated. After generating the operation screen, the mobile device 200 displays the operation screen on the touch panel 62 (S253).

  After S253, the mobile device 200 determines whether a job requested to the MFP 100 has been input via the operation screen (S171). The processing after S171 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

  As described above in detail, also in the second embodiment, when the MFP 100 performs remote communication with the mobile device 200 at a remote location, the restricted operation screen 622 that restricts operations for specific processing is displayed on the mobile device 200. This can be expected to improve the convenience of the operation screen. In the second mode, the mobile device 200 is notified of a list of processes that are allowed to be executed, and the mobile device 200 generates an operation screen. Therefore, the amount of communication with the mobile device 200 is the same as that in the first mode. Compared with less. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the MFP 100 generates an operation screen for the mobile device 200, there is little risk that the operability is lowered, such as a different screen layout for each mobile device 200.

  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 processing apparatus only needs to have at least one function for performing image processing, and may be, for example, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile apparatus, or a copier in addition to the MFP.

  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 the embodiment, while the user operates MFP 100, a session with mobile device 200 is not formed, but a session may be formed. However, it is preferable not to form a session in order to avoid a conflict between a request from the mobile device 200 and a request from the operation panel 40.

  In the embodiment, while the session with the mobile device 200 is formed, the MFP 100 displays the notification restriction screen 423 on the touch panel 42 and restricts input from the touch panel 42. You may receive the input of various processes as it is. However, it is preferable to display the notification restriction screen 423 in order to avoid a conflict between a request from the mobile device 200 and a request from the operation panel 40.

  In the embodiment, input of all processes via the touch panel 42 is restricted on the notification restriction screen 423. However, at least the operations of processes that can be entered on the mobile apparatus 200 may be restricted. Processing that does not conflict with may be permitted. For example, if the process of using the image reading unit 11 is restricted in the mobile device 200, a screen permitting scanning input may be displayed as the notification restriction screen 423.

  Further, in the embodiment, when the mobile device 200 is in the vicinity of the MFP 100, an unrestricted operation screen 621 that does not restrict specific processing is displayed on the mobile device 200. Instead, the restricted operation screen 622 may be displayed. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably avoid inappropriate processing operations by the user of the mobile device 200. However, when the mobile device 200 is in the vicinity of the MFP 100, the user can use the MFP 100 immediately. For this reason, since it is less necessary to restrict the operation to the mobile device 200, it is more convenient to display the unrestricted operation screen 621 that does not restrict the operation for a specific process on the mobile device 200.

  In the embodiment, it is determined whether or not to limit the mobile device 200 depending on whether or not the mobile device 200 is remote from the MFP 100. However, the processing that is limited according to the distance from the mobile device 200 and the radio wave intensity is performed. Different configurations may be used. That is, the restricted distance and radio wave intensity may be different for each process.

  In the embodiment, facsimile printing is a specific process, but the specific process is not limited to this. For example, since reading does not start until a document is set, there is a possibility that the use of other users may be restricted for a long time. Therefore, a process involving reading, such as copying or scanning, may be a specific process. Also, printing is not safe because the printed matter is left unattended. Therefore, a process involving printing, such as copying or facsimile printing, may be a specific process. On the other hand, transmission processing for transmitting data such as facsimile transmission and data transfer can be started without the user going to MFP 100, and no image data is output to the sheet. Therefore, it is preferable not to restrict execution.

  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 Network interface 42 Touch panel 60 Operation unit 100 MFP
200 Mobile Device 421 Main Screen 423 Notification Restriction Screen 621 Unrestricted Operation Screen 622 Restricted Operation Screen 900 Image Processing System

Claims (12)

A communication unit communicating with the mobile device;
A display for displaying the operation screen;
An image processing unit for performing image processing;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
A first display process for causing the display unit to display a first operation screen for accepting an operation for the image processing;
When communicating with the mobile device, among the operations for the image processing, operations for specific processing are restricted, and a second operation screen for accepting operations for processing other than the specific processing is displayed on the mobile device. A second display process;
An image processing apparatus characterized by executing The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
In the second display process, the operation for the specific process is limited by hiding the operation for the specific process. In the image processing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
An image processing apparatus that executes a restriction process for restricting an operation on at least a process other than the specific process in the first operation screen while the mobile device is displaying the second operation screen. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
An image processing apparatus, wherein the second display process is not executed while a user is operating the first operation screen. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The controller is
A determination process for determining whether or not a distance from the mobile device is longer than a threshold when communicating with the mobile device;
A third display process for causing the mobile device to display a third operation screen that does not restrict an operation for the specific process when it is determined that the determination process does not exceed the threshold;
And
An image processing apparatus that executes the second display process when it is determined in the determination process that it is longer than a threshold value. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image processing includes reading processing for reading an image of a document,
The image processing apparatus characterized in that the specific process includes a process accompanied by the reading process. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image processing includes printing processing for forming an image on recording paper,
The image processing apparatus characterized in that the specific process includes a process accompanied by the printing process. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image processing includes transmission processing for transmitting image data to an external device,
The image processing apparatus characterized in that the processing other than the specific processing includes the operation of the transmission processing. A communication unit that communicates with the image processing apparatus;
A display for displaying the operation screen;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
When communicating with the image processing device, an operation screen for restricting operations for specific processing among operations for image processing executed by the image processing device and receiving operations for processing other than the specific processing, Display processing to be displayed on the display unit;
A mobile device characterized in that A display method for an image processing system comprising an image processing device and a mobile device,
A first display step for causing the image processing apparatus to display a first operation screen for accepting an operation for image processing executed by the image processing apparatus;
When the image processing device and the mobile device communicate with each other, a second operation screen that restricts operations for specific processing among operations for the image processing and accepts operations for processing other than the specific processing, A second display step for display on the mobile device;
A display method comprising: A communication unit communicating with the mobile device;
A display for displaying the operation screen;
An image processing unit for performing image processing;
In an image processing apparatus comprising
A first display process for causing the display unit to display a first operation screen for accepting an operation for the image processing;
When communicating with the mobile device, among the operations for the image processing, operations for specific processing are restricted, and a second operation screen for accepting operations for processing other than the specific processing is displayed on the mobile device. A second display process;
A storage medium for storing a program for executing the program. A communication unit that communicates with the image processing apparatus;
A display for displaying the operation screen;
For mobile devices with
When communicating with the image processing device, an operation screen for restricting operations for specific processing among operations for image processing executed by the image processing device and receiving operations for processing other than the specific processing, Display processing to be displayed on the display unit;
A storage medium for storing a program for executing the program.

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