JP2016051996A - Image processing apparatus, external terminal and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of reentering lost information to an external terminal, even if already inputted processing information is lost from the external terminal, in the way of inputting the processing information, relating to image processing executed in the processing apparatus by a user, to an external terminal such as a portable apparatus, and to provide an external terminal and an image processing system.SOLUTION: In a MFP 20, processing information is received from an external terminal 10, after image data is transmitted to the external terminal 10, until an image processing instruction is received. When connection of a first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is disconnected once, and then reconnected, after image data is transmitted to the external terminal 10, until an image processing instruction is received, the processing information received from the external terminal 10 is transmitted from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an external terminal connected to the image processing apparatus via an electric communication line, and an image processing system including the image processing apparatus and the external terminal.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a technique for connecting a mobile device to a network device via a wireless interface so that the mobile device can communicate with each other, and setting the network device from the mobile device.

  In this technique, the setting content to be set in the network device is input to the mobile device by the user and temporarily stored in the memory in the mobile device. Thereafter, the setting contents stored in the memory are read out and transmitted from the portable device to the network device. Then, setting contents are set in the network device.

JP 2002-30228 A

  However, in the above-described technique, after the setting is completed in the mobile device, the data (setting contents) is transmitted to the network device. Therefore, when the mobile phone is shut down unexpectedly during the operation for setting in the mobile device, the user needs to redo the operation for setting performed so far.

  The purpose of the present invention is that even if the input processing information disappears from the external terminal while the user is inputting processing information related to image processing executed by the image processing apparatus to the external terminal such as a portable device, An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an external terminal, and an image processing system that can eliminate the need to re-input the lost processing information to the external terminal.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first communication unit, an image processing unit, and a first control unit, and the first control unit includes a first communication unit. A first connection process for connecting the external terminal to the external terminal so that data communication is possible, a transmission process for transmitting image data from the first communication unit to the external terminal, and a command for instructing execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal after the transmission process When the first communication unit receives the processed image data generated by the image processing by the image processing unit for the image data or the processing of the image data by the external terminal. The image processing execution processing for executing the image processing by the image processing unit on the processed image data, and the transmission processing, until the first communication unit receives the command, it is used to create the processed image data in the external terminal Processing information When the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected between the processing information reception process received by the first communication unit from the terminal and the transmission process until the first communication unit receives the command. And processing information transmission processing for transmitting the processing information received by the processing information reception processing from the first communication unit to the external terminal.

  According to this configuration, after the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal, the image data is transmitted from the first communication unit to the external terminal. Then, when the first communication unit receives a command for instructing execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal, image processing is performed on the image data or the processed image data.

  After the transmission of the image data from the first communication unit to the external terminal, until the first communication unit receives a command for instructing the execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal, the processing information transmitted from the external terminal is 1 communication unit receives.

  In addition, after the transmission of the image data from the first communication unit to the external terminal, the first communication unit and the external terminal are connected until the first communication unit receives a command for instructing the execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal. When the connection is disconnected, the processing information received by the first communication unit from the external terminal until then is transmitted from the first communication unit to the external terminal.

  Thereby, the disconnection of the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is caused by the shutdown of the external terminal, etc. Even if the processing information is lost from the external terminal, the first communication unit is externally connected before the disconnection. If the processing information is received from the terminal, the external terminal can acquire the processing information transmitted from the external terminal to the first communication unit after reconnection between the first communication unit and the external terminal.

  Therefore, even if the entered processing information disappears from the external terminal while the user is inputting the processing information to the external terminal such as a portable device, it is necessary to input the lost processing information again to the external terminal. Can be eliminated.

  An external terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a second communication unit, an operation unit, and a second control unit, and the second control unit connects the second communication unit so that data communication with the image processing apparatus is possible. The second connection process to be performed, the reception process in which the second communication unit receives the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus after the second connection process, and the processing in which the image data received by the reception process is input from the operation unit After the image data processing is processed according to the information, and the image data processing is completed, an instruction to instruct the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus to execute, and the processed image data processed by the image data processing Image processing from the second communication unit until the command and the processed image data are transmitted by the second transmission process after receiving the image data by the second transmission process and the reception process from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus; And a processing information transmission process of transmitting the processing information to the location.

  According to this configuration, the image data received by the second communication unit from the image processing apparatus is processed according to the processing information input from the operation unit. When the processed image data is generated upon completion of the processing, the second communication unit transmits an instruction for instructing the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus to execute and the processed image data to the image processing apparatus. In addition, after the second communication unit receives image data from the image processing device, a command for instructing the image processing unit of the image processing device to execute and processed image data are transmitted from the second communication unit to the image processing device. Until then, the processing information is transmitted from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus.

  Accordingly, even if the input processing information is lost due to shutdown of the external terminal or the like during the input of the processing information, if the input processing information is stored in the image processing apparatus, the second communication unit After the reconnection between the image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus, the external terminal can acquire the processing information stored in the image processing apparatus.

  Therefore, even if the entered processing information disappears from the external terminal while the user is inputting the processing information to the external terminal such as a portable device, it is necessary to input the lost processing information again to the external terminal. Can be eliminated.

  In the image processing system according to one aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes a first communication unit, an image processing unit, and a first control unit, and the first control unit includes the first communication unit as an external terminal. A first connection process for connecting data communication to the external terminal, a transmission process for transmitting image data from the first communication unit to the external terminal, and a command for instructing execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal after the transmission process. When the first communication unit receives the processed image data generated by the image processing by the image processing unit for the image data or the processing of the image data by the external terminal. Image processing execution processing for executing image processing on the image data by the image processing unit, and processing information used for creation of processed image data in the external terminal until the first communication unit receives the command after the transmission processing The external end When the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected between the processing information reception process received by the first communication unit and the transmission process after the first communication unit receives the command, A processing information transmission process for transmitting the processing information received by the processing information reception process from the first communication unit to the external terminal. The external terminal includes a second communication unit, an operation unit, and a second control unit. The second control unit receives the second connection process for connecting the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus so that data communication is possible, and the second communication unit receives the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus after the second connection process. To the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus after completion of the image data processing processing and the image data processing processing to process the image data received by the reception processing according to the processing information input from the operation unit Instructions and instructions for execution A second transmission process for transmitting the processed image data processed by the data processing process from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus; and after receiving the image data by the reception process, the instruction and the processed image data are transmitted by the second transmission process. In the meantime, it has processing information transmission processing for transmitting processing information from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus.

  The first control unit receives image data from the first communication unit when the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected after the transmission process and before the first communication unit receives the command. You may have the resending process transmitted to an external terminal.

  For example, when the disconnection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is caused by the shutdown of the external terminal, the image data that is the target of image processing may be lost from the external terminal that has returned from the shutdown. There is. When the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is once disconnected and then the first communication unit and the external terminal are reconnected, image processing is performed in addition to the processing information received from the external terminal by the first communication unit. Is transmitted from the first communication unit to the external terminal.

  Therefore, even if the image data subject to image processing is lost from the external terminal restored from shutdown, the external terminal acquires the image data subject to image processing after reconnection between the first communication unit and the external terminal. can do.

  The image processing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet, and the first control unit includes a reading process of acquiring read data by causing the reading unit to read the image. It may be read data acquired by processing.

  According to this configuration, image data to be subjected to image processing can be acquired by causing the reading unit to read an image.

  In the processing information transmission process, when the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected and then the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is reconnected, The processing information received by the processing information reception process may be transmitted from the first communication unit to the external terminal on condition that the terminal and the external terminal reconnected to the first communication unit match.

  According to this configuration, when the external terminal disconnected from the first communication unit is reconnected to the first communication unit, the processing information received by the first communication unit from the external terminal by the processing information reception process Is transmitted from the first communication unit to the external terminal. Therefore, when an external terminal different from the external terminal disconnected from the first communication unit is connected to the first communication unit, the processing information received from the external terminal disconnected from the first communication unit Can be prevented from being erroneously transmitted to other external terminals.

  According to the present invention, even if the input processing information disappears from the external terminal while the user is inputting processing information related to the image processing executed by the image processing apparatus to the external terminal such as a portable device, It is possible to eliminate the need to input the lost processing information to the external terminal.

It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the data processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a flow of processing information transmission processing in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a flow of processing information transmission processing in the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a cutting process. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the flow of an image data processing process in an external terminal. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the flow of an image data processing process in an external terminal. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the trimming process of reading data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the reduction process of reading data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the additional process of reading data. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the image data in the external terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

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

<System configuration>

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 20 as an example of the external terminal 10 and the image processing apparatus is connected to be communicable with each other using a wireless communication network 30 such as a wireless local area network (LAN). An image processing system 1 is constructed.

  The external terminal 10 includes an ASIC 11 as an example of a second control unit, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a second operation unit 14 as an example of an operation unit including a keyboard and a pointing device, and a second display unit including a liquid crystal display. 15 and a second communication unit 16 for wireless communication by the wireless communication network 30.

  Further, the ASIC 11 has a CPU 17 built therein. Communication data transmitted to and received from the MFP 20 is input to and output from the ASIC 11 via the second communication unit 16.

  The CPU 17 controls the second display unit 15 and executes communication via the second communication unit 16 by executing programs for various processes based on information input to the ASIC 11.

  The ROM 12 stores programs executed by the CPU 17 and data necessary for various processes.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work area when the CPU 17 executes a program.

  The MFP 20 includes an image forming unit 21 as an example of an image processing unit, an image reading unit 22 as an example of a reading unit, a fax transmission / reception unit 23 as an example of an image processing unit, a first display unit 24, and a first operation unit 25. I have.

  The image forming unit 21 performs printing (color printing or monochrome printing) based on image data, and forms an image on a label surface of a sheet or a disk medium. The image forming method is, for example, an ink jet method.

  The image reading unit 22 reads an image formed on the sheet from the sheet and acquires it as image data.

  The fax transmission / reception unit 23 controls communication via a telephone line and transmits / receives image data.

  The 1st display part 24 consists of a liquid crystal display, for example. The first display unit 24 displays various information such as various setting screens and operation states of the apparatus.

  The first operation unit 25 includes a plurality of operation buttons. Various instructions can be input by the user operating the operation buttons.

  Further, the MFP 20 includes an ASIC 26 as an example of a first control unit, a ROM 27, a RAM 28 as an example of a storage unit, and a first communication unit 29 for wireless communication via the wireless communication network 30.

  The ASIC 26 includes a CPU 31.

  The CPU 31 controls the image forming unit 21, the image reading unit 22, the fax transmission / reception unit 23, and the first display unit 24 by executing programs for various processes, and performs communication via the first communication unit 29. Control.

  The ROM 27 stores programs executed by the CPU 31, data necessary for various processes, and the like.

  The RAM 28 is used as a work area when the CPU 31 executes a program. The RAM 28 stores image data acquired by the image reading unit 22.

<Processing information transmission process in MFP>

  While the MFP 20 is powered on, the CPU 31 of the ASIC 26 repeatedly executes the processing information transmission process shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

  In the processing information transmission process, when receiving a connection request from the external terminal 10, the CPU 31 instructs the first communication unit 29 to establish a connection and establishes a connection with the external terminal 10 through the wireless communication network 30 (S1).

  Then, the CPU 31 repeatedly determines whether or not an image processing command has been received from the external terminal 10 (S2). The image processing command is a command for instructing execution of fax transmission processing using the fax transmission / reception unit 32, a command for instructing execution of copy processing using the image forming unit 21, or execution of label printing processing using the image forming unit 21 Is an instruction for instructing.

  When an image processing command is received from the external terminal 10 (S2: YES), the CPU 31 stores information on the image processing command in the RAM 28 (S3).

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a reading process is necessary for the image processing related to the image processing command (S4). The image processing can be performed using image data read by the image reading unit 22 or image data already stored in the RAM 28. The user reads the image data by the image reading unit 22 and selects whether to use the image data or the image data already stored in the RAM 28. According to this selection, information indicating whether or not reading processing is necessary and information on the storage location of image data when image processing is performed without reading processing are added to the image processing command as additional information.

  When the reading process is necessary for the image processing related to the image processing command (S4: YES), the CPU 31 instructs the image reading unit 22 to read the image, and causes the image reading unit 22 to perform the reading process (S5). .

  Then, the CPU 31 transmits the image data obtained by the reading process by the image reading unit 22 to the external terminal 10 (S6). The image data transmitted to the external terminal 10 is processed in the external terminal 10. Examples of the processing include trimming processing, enlargement / reduction processing, and additional processing. Hereinafter, the processed image data is referred to as processed image data.

  Then, the CPU 31 stores the image data in the RAM 28 (S7).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a start command has been received from the external terminal 10 (S9). The start command is a command for instructing the start of image processing execution related to the image processing command. In some cases, a command for instructing reception of processed image data is added to the start command following the start command.

  On the other hand, when the image processing related to the image processing command received from the external terminal 10 does not require reading processing (S4: NO), for example, the image data that is fax reception data stored in the RAM 28 is processed by the external terminal 10 Thereafter, when sending a fax, the CPU 31 sends the image data stored in the RAM 28 and related to the image processing command to the external terminal 10 (S8). Then, the CPU 31 determines whether a start command is received from the external terminal 10 (S9).

  Until the start command is received from the external terminal 10 (S9: NO), the CPU 31 receives the processing information from the external terminal 10 (S19). The processing information is information used for processing image data in the external terminal 10. The CPU 31 stores the received processing information in the RAM 28.

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the connection with the external terminal 10 is disconnected (S20).

  If the connection with the external terminal 10 is not disconnected (S20: NO), a start command is received from the external terminal 10 (S9: YES), or the connection with the external terminal 10 is disconnected (S20: YES), the CPU 31 receives the processing information from the external terminal 10 (S19).

  When the start command is received (S9: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a command for instructing reception of the processed image data is added to the start command (S10).

  When a command for instructing reception of processed image data is added to the start command (S10: YES), the CPU 31 starts receiving processed image data from the external terminal 10 (S11).

  Then, the CPU 31 waits for the reception of the processed image data to be completed (S12). The CPU 31 stores the received processed image data in the RAM 28.

  If a command for instructing reception of the processed image data is not added to the start command (S10: NO), the processed image data is not received from the external terminal 10 (steps S11 and S12 are skipped).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 determines whether the processed image data is stored in the RAM 28 (S13).

  When the processed image data is stored in the RAM 28 (S13: YES), the CPU 31 selects an image corresponding to the type of received image processing command (fax transmission command, copy command, or label print command) for the processed image data. Processing is performed (S14). That is, for the fax transmission command, the fax transmission / reception unit 23 transmits the processed image data. For the copy command, the image forming unit 21 is caused to print the processed image data on the sheet. With respect to the label printing command, the image forming unit 21 is caused to execute printing of the processed image data on the label surface of the disk medium.

  After the image processing is completed, the processed image data stored in the RAM 28 is deleted (S15).

  Further, the CPU 31 deletes the image data stored in the RAM 28 (S16).

  Furthermore, when the machining information is stored in the RAM 28, the CPU 31 deletes the machining information stored in the RAM 28 (S17), and ends the machining information transmission process.

  On the other hand, when the processed image data is not stored in the RAM 28 (S13: YES), the CPU 31 determines the type of received image processing command (fax transmission command, copy command, or label) for the image data stored in the RAM 28. Image processing corresponding to the print command is performed (S18). That is, for the fax transmission command, the fax transmission / reception unit 23 transmits image data. For the copy command, the image forming unit 21 is caused to execute printing of the image data on the sheet. As for the label printing command, the image forming unit 21 is caused to execute printing of image data on the label surface of the disk medium.

  Then, the CPU 31 deletes the image data stored in the RAM 28 (S16).

  If the machining information is stored in the RAM 28, the CPU 31 deletes the machining information stored in the RAM 28 (S17) and ends the machining information transmission process.

  If the connection with the external terminal 10 is disconnected before receiving the start command from the external terminal 10 (S20: YES), the CPU 31 executes a disconnection process (S21). Details of the cutting process will be described later.

  After the cutting process ends, the CPU 31 determines whether the image data has been retransmitted to the external terminal 10 in the cutting process (S22).

  When the image data is retransmitted (S22: YES), the MFP 20 is reconnected to the disconnected external terminal 10. Therefore, the CPU 31 determines again whether or not a start command has been received from the external terminal 10 (S9).

  When the image data has not been retransmitted (S22: NO), the MFP 20 is not reconnected to the disconnected external terminal 10, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the disconnection. Therefore, the CPU 31 deletes the image data stored in the RAM 28 (S16).

  Then, the CPU 31 deletes the machining information stored in the RAM 28 (S17) and ends the machining information transmission process.

<Cutting process>

  The flow of the cutting process executed in step S21 of FIG. 2B is shown in FIG.

  In the disconnection process, the CPU 31 causes the first display unit 24 to display a message indicating that the external terminal 10 has been disconnected (S211).

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the external terminal 10 was disconnected (S212).

  When the predetermined time has not elapsed (S212: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the external terminal 10 is reconnected (S213).

  When the external terminal 10 is not reconnected (S213: NO), the CPU 31 repeatedly executes the processes after step S211 described above.

  When the external terminal 10 is reconnected (S213: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the reconnected external terminal 10 is the external terminal 10 that has been disconnected from the MFP 20 before the reconnection. Judgment is made (S214).

  When the reconnected external terminal 10 and the external terminal 10 disconnected before the reconnection are different (S214: NO), the CPU 31 repeatedly executes the processes after step S211 described above.

  When the reconnected external terminal 10 matches the external terminal 10 disconnected before the reconnection (S214: YES), the CPU 31 transmits the processing information stored in the RAM 28 to the external terminal 10 ( S215).

  Then, the CPU 31 retransmits the image data stored in the RAM 28 to the external terminal 10 (S216), and returns to the cutting process.

  On the other hand, if the disconnected external terminal 10 is not reconnected even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the external terminal 10 is disconnected (S212: YES), the CPU 31 returns the disconnection process.

<Image data processing on external terminal>

  When the second operation unit 14 is operated by the user on the external terminal 10 and an instruction to start the application program for image data processing is input, the CPU 17 of the ASIC 11 performs the image data processing shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Execute the process.

  In the image data processing, the CPU 17 transmits a connection request to the MFP 20 and establishes a connection with the MFP 20 (S31).

  Then, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the image data processing application program ended abnormally at the previous end (S32). When the image data processing application program ends abnormally, it may be abnormally ended before the processing of the image data received from the MFP 20 is completed, and one or both of the image data and the processing information may be lost.

  When the image data processing application program is abnormally terminated (S32: YES), the CPU 17 determines whether or not processing information is received from the MFP 20 (S33). Before processing of the image data received from the MFP 20 is completed, that is, before transmission of a start command, processing information is transmitted from the external terminal 10 to the MFP 20, and then the connection with the MFP 20 is disconnected until a predetermined time elapses. When the connection is reestablished, the processing information is transmitted from the MFP 20 to the external terminal 10.

  When the processing information has not been received (S33: NO), the CPU 17 determines whether or not a predetermined second time has elapsed since the connection with the MFP 20 (S34).

  The CPU 17 determines whether the processing information has been received (S33) and whether the second time has elapsed until the processing information is received or until the second time has elapsed (S34: YES). (S34) is performed.

  When the second time has elapsed without receiving the processing information (S34: YES), the CPU 17 determines whether an image processing function selection to be executed by the MFP 20 has been received via the second operation unit 14 or not. It is determined until selection of a processing function is accepted (S35).

  If the image data processing application program has not ended abnormally (S32: NO), the CPU 17 determines whether the selection of an image processing function to be executed by the MFP 20 has been received via the second operation unit 14. It is determined until selection of an image processing function is accepted (S35).

  When the selection of the image processing function is accepted (S35: YES), the CPU 17 determines whether or not the selected image processing function is a fax transmission function (S36).

  When the fax transmission function is selected (S36: YES), the CPU 17 sets the fax transmission function (S37). The setting of the fax transmission function includes, for example, setting of image reading quality and a destination telephone number.

  Then, the CPU 17 transmits an image processing command for the fax transmission function to the MFP 20 (S42). Setting information of the fax transmission function is added to the image processing command as additional information.

  When the fax transmission function is not selected (S36: NO), the CPU 17 determines whether or not the selected function is a copy function (S38).

  When the copy function is selected (S38: YES), the CPU 17 sets the copy function (S39). The setting of the copy function includes, for example, setting of the image reading quality and the number of printed sheets.

  Then, the CPU 17 transmits an image processing command for the copy transmission function to the MFP 20 (S42). Setting information for the copy transmission function is added to the image processing command as additional information.

  When the copy function is not selected (S38: NO), the CPU 17 determines whether or not the selected function is a label printing function (S40).

  When the label printing function is selected (S40: YES), the CPU 17 sets the label printing function (S41). The setting of the label printing function includes, for example, setting of the number of prints.

  Then, the CPU 17 transmits an image processing command for the label printing function to the MFP 20 (S42). Setting information for the label printing function is added to the image processing command as additional information.

  If the label printing function is not set (S40: NO), the selection of the image processing function is not normally received, and therefore the CPU 17 receives the selection of the image processing function again (S35).

  After the image processing command is transmitted, the CPU 17 starts receiving the image data from the MFP 20 and determines whether the reception of the image data is completed (S43).

  Then, the CPU 17 determines whether or not a command for instructing the image data processing application program to start processing (hereinafter referred to as “processing command”) is received via the second operation unit 14 ( S45).

  On the other hand, when the processing information is received from the MFP 20 (S33: YES), the CPU 17 receives image data from the MFP 20 (S44). When the processing information is received, it indicates that the connection with the MFP 20 has been disconnected before the processing of the image data in the external terminal 10 is completed. In this case, the image data may be lost in the external terminal 10. Therefore, the image data is retransmitted from the MFP 20 to the external terminal 10, and the image data retransmitted in this step is received.

  Then, the CPU 17 determines whether or not a processing command is received via the second operation unit 14 for the image data processing application program (S45).

  Examples of image data processing performed using the image data processing application program include trimming processing, enlargement / reduction processing, and additional processing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the trimming process is a process of cutting out only a part of an image.

  The processing instruction for trimming is designation of a region to be cut out in the image. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, by specifying two diagonal points (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) that define the rectangular area, the rectangular area as the trimming area is specified. Setting information about trimming is two points (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2).

  The reduction process is a process of reducing an image as shown in FIG. The enlargement processing is processing for enlarging an image.

  The processing instruction for enlargement / reduction is designation of enlargement or reduction magnification. The enlargement magnification and reduction magnification are expressed as a ratio of the length of one side of the image after enlargement / reduction to the length of one side of the image before enlargement / reduction. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example in which read data is reduced at a reduction ratio of 50%. The setting information about enlargement / reduction is the magnification of enlargement or reduction.

  The additional process is a process of adding another image to the image as shown in FIG.

  The processing instruction for addition is designation of image data of the image to be added and a position to add the image in the image. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image data to be added by designating the image data of the image P1 and its addition position (X1, Y1), and the image data of the image P2 and its addition position (X2, Y2). And its additional position is specified. The processing instructions when the image P1 and the image P2 are added are the image data and the addition position (X1, Y1) of the image P1, and the image data and the addition position (X2, Y2) of the image P2.

  When a processing command is received via the second operation unit 14 (S45: YES), the CPU 17 receives the processing command input to the read data by the user operating the second operation unit 14. Processing for setting the processed processing as processing information (hereinafter referred to as “processing setting processing”) is performed (S46).

  After performing the modification setting process, the CPU 17 transmits modification information to the MFP 20 (S47).

  Then, the CPU 17 processes the image data by reflecting the processing information on the image data, and creates processed image data (S48).

  Then, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the machining setting process has been completed when the input of the machining instruction by the user has been completed (S49).

  When the process setting process has not ended (S49: NO), the CPU 17 executes the process after step S46 described above to perform the process setting process in response to the input of the next process instruction by the user. The processes in steps S46 to S48 are repeated until the input of the processing instruction by the user is completed.

  When the processing command is not received (S45: NO), the CPU 17 starts the start command for the function whose selection is received in the process of step S35, that is, the start command for execution of fax transmission, the start command for copy execution, or label printing. A command for execution is transmitted to the MFP 20 (S50).

  When the processing setting process is completed (S49: YES), the CPU 17 transmits a start command for the function whose selection is accepted in the process of step S35 to the MFP 20 (S50). At this time, when the processed image data is transmitted to the MFP 20 following the start command, a command for instructing reception of the processed image data is added to the start command following the start command.

  Then, the CPU 17 determines whether or not a command for instructing reception of the processed image data is added to the start command (S51).

  When a command for instructing reception of the processed image data is added (S51: YES), the CPU 17 transmits the processed image data to the MFP 20 (S52) and ends the image data processing.

  When the instruction for receiving the processed image data is not added (S51: NO), the CPU 17 does not transmit the processed image data to the MFP 20 (S52 is skipped), and ends the image data processing.

<Effect>

  As described above, in the MFP 20, after the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 are connected, the image data is transmitted from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10. When the first communication unit 29 receives an image processing command from the external terminal 10, the image processing function for the image data or the processed image data, that is, fax transmission, printing on a sheet, or a label surface of a disk medium Printing is executed.

  After the image data is transmitted from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10 until the first communication unit 29 receives an image processing command from the external terminal 10, the processing information transmitted from the external terminal 10 is stored in the first processing information. 1 communication unit 29 receives.

  In addition, after the transmission of the image data from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10, the first communication unit 29, the external terminal 10, and the like until the first communication unit 29 receives an image processing command from the external terminal 10. Is disconnected, the processing information received by the first communication unit 29 from the external terminal 10 until then is transmitted from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10.

  Thereby, the disconnection of the connection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is caused by the shutdown of the external terminal 10, and even if the processing information is lost from the external terminal 10, the first before the disconnection. If the communication unit 29 has received the processing information from the external terminal 10, the processing information transmitted from the external terminal 10 to the first communication unit 29 after the reconnection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is the external terminal 10. Can get.

  Therefore, even if the input processing information disappears from the external terminal 10 while the user is inputting the processing information to the external terminal 10 such as a portable device, the lost processing information is input to the external terminal 10. You can eliminate the need to fix it.

  The external terminal 10 includes a second communication unit 16, a second operation unit 14, and an ASIC 11. The ASIC 11 connects the second communication unit 16 to the MFP 20 so that data communication is possible, and then the second communication unit 16 receives the image data transmitted from the MFP 20. Then, the ASIC 11 processes the received image data in accordance with the processing information input from the second operation unit 14, and transmits the image processing command and the processed image data to the MFP 20 after the processing is completed. The ASIC 11 transmits processing information from the second communication unit 16 to the MFP 20 after receiving the image data and before transmitting the image processing command and the processed image data.

  Thus, the image data received by the second communication unit 16 from the MFP 20 is processed according to the processing information input from the second operation unit 14. When the processed image data is generated upon completion of the processing, the second communication unit 16 transmits an image processing command and processed image data to the MFP 20. In addition, after the second communication unit 16 receives the image data from the MFP 20, the processing information is transmitted from the second communication unit 16 to the MFP 20 until the image processing command and the processed image data are transmitted from the second communication unit 16 to the MFP 20. Sent to.

  For this reason, even if the input processed information is lost due to shutdown of the external terminal 10 during the input of the processed information, if the input processed information is stored in the MFP, the second communication unit 16 After reconnection with the MFP 20, the external terminal 10 can acquire the processing information stored in the MFP 20.

  Therefore, even if the input processing information disappears from the external terminal 10 while the user is inputting the processing information to the external terminal 10 such as a portable device, the lost processing information is input to the external terminal 10. You can eliminate the need to fix it.

  When the connection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is disconnected before the image processing command is received by the first communication unit 29 after the transmission of the image data, the ASIC 26 receives the first image data. The communication unit 29 retransmits the data to the external terminal 10.

  For example, when the disconnection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is caused by the shutdown of the external terminal 10, the image data subject to image processing is lost from the external terminal 10 that has returned from the shutdown. There is a risk that. Processing information received by the first communication unit 29 from the external terminal 10 when the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 are reconnected after the connection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is once disconnected. In addition, image data to be subjected to image processing is transmitted from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10.

  Therefore, even if image data subject to image processing is lost from the external terminal 10 that has returned from the shutdown, after the reconnection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10, the image data subject to image processing is externally The terminal 10 can acquire it.

  The MFP 20 includes an image reading unit 22 that reads an image formed on a sheet. The ASIC 26 acquires image data by causing the image reading unit 22 to read an image.

  As a result, it is possible to acquire image data to be subjected to image processing.

  The ASIC 26 disconnects the connection with the first communication unit 29 when the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 are reconnected after the connection between the first communication unit 29 and the external terminal 10 is disconnected. The received processing information is transmitted from the first communication unit 29 to the external terminal 10 on the condition that the external terminal 10 and the external terminal 10 reconnected to the first communication unit match.

  Thereby, when the external terminal 10 disconnected from the first communication unit 29 is reconnected to the first communication unit 29, the processing information received from the external terminal 10 is transmitted to the external terminal 10. Therefore, when an external terminal 10 that is different from the external terminal 10 that is disconnected from the first communication unit 29 is connected to the first communication unit 29, the external terminal that is disconnected from the first communication unit 29. 10 can be prevented from being erroneously transmitted to other external terminals 10.

Second Embodiment

  Instead of the flow of the image data processing process shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the image data processing process shown in FIGS. 4A and 8 may be executed. In the image data processing shown in FIGS. 4A and 8, the processing information is transmitted from the external terminal 10 to the MFP 20 only when the battery of the external terminal 10 is low. 4A and 8, steps S31 to S45 and S50 to S52 are the same as steps S31 to S45 and S50 to S52 in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When a machining command is received via the second operation unit 14 (45: YES), the CPU 17 performs a machining setting process (S61).

  After performing the processing setting process, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the remaining battery level of the external terminal 10 is less than a predetermined value (S62).

  When the remaining battery level is less than the predetermined value (S62: YES), the CPU 17 transmits the processing information to the MFP 20 (S63).

  Then, the CPU 17 processes the image data by reflecting the processing information on the image data, and creates processed image data (S64).

  On the other hand, when the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S62: NO), the CPU 17 does not transmit the processing information to the MFP 20 (S63 skip).

  Then, the CPU 17 processes the image data by reflecting the processing information on the image data, and creates processed image data (S64).

  Then, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the machining setting process has been completed when the input of the machining instruction by the user has been completed (S65).

  When the process setting process has not ended (S65: NO), the CPU 17 executes the processes after step S61 described above in order to perform the process setting process by inputting the next process instruction by the user. The processes in steps S61 to S65 are repeated until the input of the processing instruction by the user is completed.

  As a result, when the remaining battery level is low and there is a high possibility that the external terminal 10 will be shut down, the processing information is transmitted to the MFP 20. For this reason, the external terminal 10 is shut down when the battery is exhausted while the user inputs a processing instruction to the external terminal 10 such as a portable device, and the input processing information is lost from the external terminal. However, it is possible to eliminate the need to input the lost processing information to the external terminal.

<Modification>

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, when the processing information is transmitted from the external terminal 10 to the MFP 20 a plurality of times, the plurality of processing information may be stored in the RAM 28 of the MFP 20 as the processing history.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 20 having the printing function by the image forming unit 21, the image reading function by the image reading unit 22, and the fax transmission / reception function by the fax transmission / reception unit 23 is taken up as an example of the image processing apparatus. The apparatus may be a single-function apparatus such as a printing apparatus having a printing function, a copying apparatus having an image reading function and a printing function, and a facsimile apparatus having an image reading function and a fax transmission / reception function.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1 Image processing system 10 External terminal 11 ASIC
14 2nd operation part 16 2nd communication part 17 CPU
20 MFP
21 Image forming unit 22 Image reading unit 23 Fax transmission / reception unit 26 ASIC
28 RAM
29 1st communication part 31 CPU

Claims (6)

A first communication unit;
An image processing unit;
A first control unit;
With
The first controller is
A first connection process for connecting the first communication unit to an external terminal so that data communication is possible;
Transmission processing for transmitting image data from the first communication unit to the external terminal;
After the transmission process, when the first communication unit receives an instruction to instruct execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal, the image processing by the image processing unit for the image data, or the external terminal When the first communication unit receives the processed image data generated by the processing of the image data, an image processing execution process for executing the image processing by the image processing unit on the processed image data;
Processing information received by the first communication unit from the external terminal for processing information used to create processed image data in the external terminal until the first communication unit receives the command after the transmission processing. Receive processing,
Processing information received by the processing information receiving process when the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected after the transmission processing and before the first communication unit receives the command. Processing information transmission processing for transmitting from the first communication unit to the external terminal;
An image processing apparatus. A second communication unit;
An operation unit;
A second control unit;
With
The second controller is
A second connection process for connecting the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus so as to enable data communication;
A reception process in which the second communication unit receives the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus after the second connection process;
An image data processing process for processing the image data received by the reception process according to the processing information input from the operation unit;
After the image data processing is completed, a command for instructing the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus to execute, and processed image data processed by the image data processing from the second communication unit. A second transmission process to be transmitted to the processing device;
Processing information for transmitting the processing information from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus after receiving the image data by the reception processing and before transmitting the command and the processing image data by the second transmission processing. Send processing and
Having an external terminal. An image processing system including an image processing device and an external terminal,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A first communication unit;
An image processing unit;
A first control unit;
With
The first controller is
A first connection process for connecting the first communication unit to an external terminal so that data communication is possible;
Transmission processing for transmitting image data from the first communication unit to the external terminal;
After the transmission process, when the first communication unit receives an instruction to instruct execution of the image processing unit from the external terminal, the image processing by the image processing unit for the image data, or the external terminal When the first communication unit receives the processed image data generated by the processing of the image data, an image processing execution process for executing the image processing by the image processing unit on the processed image data;
Processing information received by the first communication unit from the external terminal for processing information used to create processed image data in the external terminal until the first communication unit receives the command after the transmission processing. Receive processing,
Processing information received by the processing information receiving process when the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected after the transmission processing and before the first communication unit receives the command. Processing information transmission processing for transmitting from the first communication unit to the external terminal;
Have
The external terminal is
A second communication unit;
An operation unit;
A second control unit;
With
The second controller is
A second connection process for connecting the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus so as to enable data communication;
A reception process in which the second communication unit receives the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus after the second connection process;
An image data processing process for processing the image data received by the reception process according to the processing information input from the operation unit;
After the image data processing is completed, a command for instructing the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus to execute, and processed image data processed by the image data processing from the second communication unit. A second transmission process to be transmitted to the processing device;
Processing information for transmitting the processing information from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus after receiving the image data by the reception processing and before transmitting the command and the processing image data by the second transmission processing. Send processing and
An image processing system. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first controller is
If the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected before the first communication unit receives the command after the transmission processing, the image data is transferred from the first communication unit. Retransmission processing to be transmitted to the external terminal;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
It has a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet,
The first controller is
A reading process for acquiring read data by causing the reading unit to read an image;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the image data is the read data acquired by the reading process. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, 4 or 5,
The processing information transmission processing is performed when the first communication unit and the external terminal are reconnected after the connection between the first communication unit and the external terminal is disconnected. The processing information received by the processing information receiving process is transmitted from the first communication unit to the external device on the condition that the external terminal that has been disconnected matches the external terminal that is reconnected to the first communication unit. Send to device,
Image processing device.

Images