JP2016122266A - Image processing apparatus, control method of the same, image processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to perform alignment of communication partner apparatuses in short-distance communication in an easy and reliable manner.SOLUTION: When a guide line designed for the model of an information terminal 200 is not registered, an MFP 100 sequentially presents a plurality of guide lines (lines L21 to L27). A user changes a position to hold the information terminal 200 over an operation panel 190 according to the presented guide line. When short-distance communication between the MFP 100 and information terminal 200 is established, a guide line at that time is registered in association with the model name of the information terminal 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, a control method thereof, an image processing system, and a program, and in particular, an image processing device that communicates with a terminal through short-range communication, a control method thereof, and an image processing system including such an image processing device, The present invention also relates to a program executed in such an image processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, some terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals are equipped with a function for performing near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). Thereby, the user can perform data communication using the terminal device by placing such a terminal device at a predetermined position of another electronic device. As an example of the “other electronic device” described above, an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) may be employed. The image processing apparatus mainly accepts an operation on an operation panel arranged on the front surface of the apparatus. For this reason, in the image processing apparatus, in many cases, the “predetermined position” (hereinafter also referred to as “touch area”) for performing short-distance wireless communication with the terminal device is arranged in the vicinity of the operation panel. Is done.

  Various techniques have been proposed for alignment in short-range communication between an electronic device and a mobile terminal.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-165651 (Patent Document 1), when a short-range communication unit is arranged at the center of a display unit of a communication device, and the card is scanned on the display unit, the back side of the card It is disclosed that an image taken from the above and a guideline are combined and combined on a display unit.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-165650 (Patent Document 2) discloses information indicating a direction in which a card should be moved when scanning the card on the display unit in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. It is disclosed that the image is combined with an image of a card and displayed on a display unit.

JP 2008-165651 A JP 2008-165650 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot cope with the case where the size of a card (such as a portable terminal) used for short-range communication is changed from that indicated in the guideline.

  Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, only the direction is shown. For this reason, the user needs to gradually align the cards according to the indicated direction. For this reason, the user is required to perform troublesome work.

  The present disclosure has been devised in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to make it possible to reliably and easily perform alignment of devices of communication partners in short-range communication.

  According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing apparatus that performs wireless communication with a terminal at a short distance, the short-range communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves for short-range wireless communication, and provided in the vicinity of the short-range communication unit The display means, the specifying means for specifying the terminal, and the control means for controlling the display of the display means are provided, and the control means specifies the terminal having the communication device that communicates with the short-range communication means by the specifying means. Based on the information obtained, it is determined whether or not the guideline information can be acquired from the storage device that stores the guideline information to be displayed on the display means for each terminal. When it is displayed on the display means and the guideline cannot be obtained, each of a plurality of predetermined guidelines is displayed on the display means. The information that specifies the position of the communication device specified by the guideline displayed when the communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means is established in An image processing apparatus is provided that is stored in a storage device in association with a communicating terminal.

  Preferably, the control means determines that communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means has been established when the short-range communication means communicates with the terminal with a probability equal to or higher than a predetermined communication success rate.

  Preferably, the probability is specified every time a guideline displayed in a plurality of guidelines is exchanged, and the communication success rate is specified by a ratio of the number of times of receiving a reply from the terminal to the number of times of communication.

  Preferably, the control means displays a message prompting the terminal to move on the display means when the probability is less than a predetermined communication success rate.

  Preferably, the control means stores the model name of the terminal in the storage device as information for identifying the terminal when communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means is established when the guideline cannot be obtained. Further, information specifying the display position on the guideline display means displayed when the communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means is established is stored in the storage device in association with the model name.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes wireless communication means having a communication distance longer than that of the short distance communication means, and the model name of the terminal is separated from the image processing apparatus by the wireless communication means more than the communication distance of the short distance communication means. Is acquired at the specified position.

  Preferably, the storage device stores information for specifying the guideline in association with the model name of the terminal, and the control unit acquires information for specifying the guideline corresponding to the model name of the terminal from the storage device, and further, Transition to a state of waiting for authentication of the terminal.

  Preferably, the control means stores the terminal whose model name has been acquired by the wireless communication means for the terminal in response to communication with the wireless communication means again after the terminal cannot communicate with the wireless communication means once. Determine whether guideline information can be obtained from the device.

Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a storage device.
Preferably, the control means can communicate with the storage device via a network.

  According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing apparatus including a short-range communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves for short-range wireless communication with a terminal, and a display unit provided in the vicinity of the short-range communication unit Information on a guideline to be displayed on the display means for each terminal based on the specified information for a terminal including a step of identifying a terminal and a communication device that communicates with the short-range communication means. It is determined in advance whether the guideline information can be acquired from the storage device to be stored, the guideline can be acquired, the guideline can be acquired on the display means, and the guideline cannot be acquired. Each of a plurality of guideline is displayed on the display means, and communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means in the plurality of guidelines is established. And storing the information for specifying the position of the communication device specified by the guideline in the storage device in association with the terminal communicating with the short-range communication means. A method for controlling a processing apparatus is provided.

  When further another situation of this indication is followed, an image processing system provided with the above-mentioned image processing device and a terminal is provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, image processing including short-range communication means for transmitting and receiving radio waves for short-range wireless communication with a terminal, and display means provided in the vicinity of the short-range communication means A computer-readable program executed by a device, the program being based on information identified for a terminal comprising a step of identifying a terminal in a computer and a communication device communicating with a short-range communication means The step of determining whether or not the guideline information can be acquired from the storage device that stores the guideline information to be displayed on the display unit for each terminal, and when the guideline is acquired, the guideline is displayed on the display unit Steps and means for displaying each of a plurality of predetermined guidelines when the guidelines cannot be obtained Information for specifying the position of the communication device specified by the guideline for the guideline displayed when the communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means is established among the plurality of guideline. Is stored in a storage device in association with a terminal communicating with the short-range communication means.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an MFP that is an example of an image processing apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the information terminal which is an example of a terminal. It is a figure which shows a state when near field communication is performed between MFP and an information terminal. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an overview of processing executed by the MFP according to the present embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP and an information terminal included in the image processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of an MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage mode of the model information corresponding to a model name in a data holding part. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the position of the guideline displayed on a guideline control part, and model information. 4 is a diagram for explaining that an MFP acquires model information and / or information for displaying a plurality of guidelines via a network. FIG. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the process in an image processing system. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed in the MFP for short-range communication with an information terminal. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed in the MFP for short-range communication with an information terminal. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed in the MFP for short-range communication with an information terminal. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed in the MFP for short-range communication with an information terminal. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a plurality of guidelines displayed on the MFP.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing device and an image processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[1. Appearance of device]
An image processing system described in the present disclosure includes an image processing device and a terminal that communicates with the image processing device at a short distance. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an MFP 100 that is an example of an image processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an information terminal 200 that is an example of a terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an MFP 100 includes a scanner unit 2 (corresponding to a scanner unit 108 described later) that optically reads a document to obtain image data, and a print unit that prints an image on a sheet based on the image data. 6 (corresponding to a printer unit 109 described later). On the upper surface of the main body of image forming apparatus MFP 100, a feeder 4 for sending a document to scanner unit 2 is arranged. In addition, a plurality of paper feeding units 9 that supply paper to the printing unit 6 are arranged below the MFP 100. In addition, a tray 5 on which a sheet on which an image is formed by the printing unit 6 is discharged is disposed at the center of the MFP 100.

  The MFP 100 has an operation panel 190 mounted on the front side of the upper part of the main body of the MFP 100. The “front surface” is a surface of the MFP 100 that faces a user who uses the MFP 100. The outer shape of the operation panel 190 is substantially plate-shaped. In MFP 100, operation panel 190 is installed such that its main surface is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Further, the operation panel 190 may be provided with a mechanism for changing the angle of the operation panel 190 in accordance with the user's state (such as a height or a wheelchair).

  Operation panel 190 includes a communication device (communication device 106 to be described later) for communicating with information terminal 200 at a short distance by, for example, the NFC method. The operation panel 190 includes a touch panel 107. MFP 100 displays information on touch panel 107 and accepts input of information. Further, on the operation panel 190, an area for indicating a preferred arrangement of terminals that communicate with the MFP by short-range communication is set as a touch area 106A. Touch area 106A is shown as a frame printed on the casing of operation panel 190, for example. In the vicinity of the back surface of the touch area 106A, the antenna unit of the communication device (a communication device 106 described later) is arranged. Touch area 106A is arranged in the vicinity of touch panel 107 as shown in FIG. Thus, the user can cause the terminal to communicate with MFP 100 while looking at touch panel 107.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 200 includes a display 204 on its main surface. Information terminal 200 also includes a communication device 206 for communicating with MFP 100 at a short distance, for example, in the NFC method.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state when short-distance communication is performed between MFP 100 and information terminal 200. In FIG. 3, information terminal 200 is placed on operation panel 190 such that communication device 206 overlaps a communication device (communication device 106 described later) included in operation panel 190 of MFP 100. In the image processing according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, information terminal 200 is trapped by MFP 100, whereby short-distance communication is performed between information terminal 200 and MFP 100.

[2. Overview of processing]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an overview of processing executed by MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the operation panel 190 and the information terminal 200 in each of the three states (A) to (C). In the image processing system of the present embodiment, MFP 100 performs short-range communication with terminals of various shapes. Therefore, the shape of the information terminal 200 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the shape of the information terminal 200 shown in FIG.

  In each of the three states (A) to (C) in FIG. 4, the area 105 </ b> A is shown on the operation panel 190. Area 105A is a part that transmits and receives radio waves to and from information terminal 200 in wireless communication having a longer communication distance than near field communication such as NFC. The area 105A may be separated from the position of the antenna unit for wireless communication.

  In the present embodiment, an example of communication having a longer communication distance than near field communication is communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) system. In this embodiment, in order to distinguish two communication methods having different communication distances, communication using a method with a short communication distance such as NFC is referred to as “short-range communication”, and the communication distance is longer than that method. Long communication such as Bluetooth is called “wireless communication”.

  In the state (A) of FIG. 4, the information terminal 200 communicates with the MFP 100 by wireless communication (such as Bluetooth). As a result, the MFP 100 detects the approach of the information terminal 200. Then, MFP 100 acquires information (for example, model name) of information terminal 200 through the wireless communication. More specifically, for example, the MFP 100 requests the information terminal 200 for a model name. In response to this, the information terminal 200 transmits the model name of the information terminal 200 to the MFP 100. As a result, the MFP 100 acquires the model name of the information terminal 200.

  In MFP 100, various information (model information) is registered for each terminal (for example, for each terminal model name) including the size of the terminal, the position of a communication device for short-range communication, and the like. When the MFP 100 acquires the information of the information terminal 200, the MFP 100 determines whether the model information associated with the information is registered. And when it is registered, it transfers to a state (B). On the other hand, if it is not registered, the state (C) is entered.

  In the state (B), the MFP 100 displays a guideline (line L11 in FIG. 4) corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200 on the touch panel 107. The line L11 is arranged such that the communication device 206 of the information terminal 200 overlaps the touch area 106A (antenna portion of the communication device) of the operation panel 190 by arranging the end of the information terminal 200 along the line L11. Line.

  On the other hand, in the state (C), the MFP 100 displays the first guideline (line L21 in FIG. 4) among a plurality of predetermined guidelines on the touch panel 107. Then, after displaying the first guideline for a predetermined time, MFP 100 displays the second guideline when short-distance communication with information terminal 200 cannot be performed at a constant communication success rate. In this manner, MFP 100 displays a plurality of predetermined guidelines on touch panel 107 one by one in order until near field communication with information terminal 200 can be performed at a constant communication success rate.

  For example, the MFP 100 uses, as the communication success rate, the ratio of the number of times a reply is obtained from the information terminal 200 to the number of times information is transmitted from the MFP 100 to the information terminal 200.

  Note that in the state (C), the MFP 100 specifies information that specifies a guideline that is displayed when short-distance communication is performed with the information terminal 200 at a constant communication success rate (for example, the terminal assumed from the guideline). The position of the communication device is registered in association with the model name of the information terminal 200 acquired by wireless communication. As a result, when the same information terminal 200 approaches the MFP 100 next time, the MFP 100 displays the guideline specified by the registered information on the touch panel 107.

[3. Hardware configuration]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 100 and the information terminal 200 included in the image processing system according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the hardware configuration of each of MFP 100 and information terminal 200 will be described.

(MFP100)
As shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 100 includes, as main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an auxiliary storage device 104, A wireless communication device 105, a short-range communication device 106, a touch panel 107, a scanner unit 108, and a printer unit 109 are provided. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the auxiliary storage device 104, the communication device 105, the communication device 106, the touch panel 107, the scanner unit 108, and the printer unit 109 are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  CPU 101 is an example of a processor that executes processing for comprehensively controlling the operation of MFP 100.

The ROM 102 stores various data including a program executed by the CPU 101.
The RAM 103 functions as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program. The RAM 103 may temporarily store image data read by the scanner unit 108 or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 104 stores various data such as destination information and documents registered in the MFP 100. Document data may be input to MFP 100 via a network, or may be generated by reading an image with scanner unit 108.

  The communication device 105 is a communication interface used when the MFP 100 exchanges information with the information terminal 200 through wireless communication using a method such as Bluetooth, and includes a communication circuit and an antenna unit.

  The communication device 106 is a communication interface used when the MFP 100 exchanges information with the information terminal 200 by short-range communication using a method such as NFC, and includes a communication circuit and an antenna unit.

  The touch panel 107 accepts input of various types of information such as setting values for copy image quality or paper, and information for registering or selecting a scan transmission destination (destination registration). On the surface of the touch panel 107, for example, a liquid crystal display unit on which touch panels are stacked is provided. Touch panel 107 displays, for example, setting contents in MFP 100.

  The scanner unit 108 scans the set original and generates image data of the original. Since a known method can be adopted as a method for generating image data in the scanner unit 108, detailed description will not be repeated here.

  The printer unit 109 converts image data read by the scanner unit 108 or print data transmitted from an external information processing apparatus such as the information terminal 200 into data for printing by, for example, electrophotography, and converts the data. This is an apparatus for printing an image such as a document based on later data. A known technique can be adopted as an image forming mode such as an electrophotographic system.

  In MFP 100, when CPU 101 executes an appropriate program, the operation of MFP 100 as described in this specification is realized. The program executed by the CPU 101 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 instead of being stored in the ROM 102 as described above, or may be stored in a storage medium that is removable from the MFP 100. . The storage medium for storing the program includes, for example, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, It is a medium for storing data in a nonvolatile manner such as EPROM and EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

  The program according to the present disclosure is a program module that is provided as a part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. May be. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

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

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

(Information terminal 200)
The information terminal 200 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a storage device 203, a display 204, an input device 205, a communication device 206 for near field communication, and a communication device 207 for wireless communication as main components. I have. The CPU 201, RAM 202, storage device 203, display 204, input device 205, communication device 206, and communication device 207 are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The CPU 201 is an example of an arithmetic device that executes processing for controlling the overall operation of the information terminal 200.

The RAM 202 functions as a work area when the CPU 201 executes processing.
The storage device 203 stores various data including various programs such as an OS and browser application executed by the CPU 201 and data used for executing these programs. The storage device 203 is, for example, a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB memory, memory card, FD, hard disk, SSD, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO, MD, IC card (excluding a memory card), optical card, mask Examples thereof include a medium for storing data in a nonvolatile manner such as ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. In addition, a program downloaded via a network may be installed in the storage device 203.

  The display 204 is a display device for displaying an image indicating a processing result of a program executed by the CPU 201.

  The input device 205 is realized by, for example, a touch sensor disposed on the display 204 and / or an operation button provided on the main body of the information terminal 200. When receiving an input of information, the input device 205 sends the information to the CPU 201.

  Communication device 106 is a communication interface used when information terminal 200 exchanges information with MFP 100 through near field communication using a method such as NFC, and includes a communication circuit and an antenna unit.

  Communication device 105 is a communication interface used when information terminal 200 exchanges information with MFP 100 through wireless communication using a method such as Bluetooth, and includes a communication circuit and an antenna unit.

[4. Functional configuration]
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of MFP 100. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the MFP 100 includes a central control unit 151, a guideline control unit 152, a display panel 153, an NFC transmission / reception unit 154, an NFC transmission / reception unit 154, a wireless transmission / reception unit 155, and a data holding unit 156. Including.

  Touch panel 107 includes a display and a touch sensor. The display panel 153 is realized by a display of the touch panel 107, for example. The guideline control unit 152 is realized by the CPU 101 that executes a program for controlling display on the touch panel 107, for example. The NFC transmission / reception unit 154 is realized by the communication device 106. The wireless transmission / reception unit 155 is realized by the communication device 105. The data holding unit 156 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 104, for example. Central control unit 151 is implemented, for example, by CPU 101 that executes a program for controlling each element in MFP 100.

  In MFP 100, wireless transmitter / receiver 155 detects that information terminal 200 has approached MFP 100. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the central control unit 151 acquires the model name of the information terminal 200 from the information terminal 200 approaching the MFP 100. Then, the central control unit 151 searches the data holding unit 156 for model information corresponding to the acquired model name.

  If the central control unit 151 can acquire model information corresponding to the acquired model name, the central control unit 151 instructs the guideline control unit 152 to display the guideline according to the model information. In response to this, the guideline control unit 152 displays the guideline on the display panel 153.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage mode of model information corresponding to the model name in the data holding unit 156. As shown in FIG. 7, the model information includes guideline information for each model name. The guideline information includes a horizontal line position (Ypos) and a vertical line position (Xpos). The horizontal line position is a distance from the center of a communication device (“NFC sensor” in FIG. 7) for short-distance communication in a terminal to a vertical end (upper end and / or lower end) of the terminal casing. . The vertical line position is a distance from the center to a lateral end (right end and / or left end) of the terminal casing. The vertical and horizontal directions in the terminal are specified based on, for example, the orientation of the casing of the terminal when the terminal is generally used.

  In the model information shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the model name “A”, the horizontal line position is 5 cm and the vertical line position is 10 cm. That is, when the information terminal 200 is a terminal of the model name “A”, the distance from the center of the communication device 206 to the left end of the information terminal 200 is 5 cm, and from the center of the communication device 206 to the lower end of the information terminal 200 The distance is 10 cm.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the position of the guideline displayed on the guideline control unit 152 and the model information. FIG. 8 shows a state where the guideline L is displayed on the touch panel 107.

  The display position of the portion extending in the vertical direction of the guide line L is determined based on the value of the vertical line position (Xpos). More specifically, the position of the portion extending in the vertical direction of the guide line L on the touch panel 107 is a position away from the right end of the touch panel 107 by a distance obtained by subtracting the value of Xoffset from the value of the vertical line position (Xpos). is there. The value of Xoffset is the distance from the center of the touch area 106A to the right end of the touch panel 107.

  Further, the display position of the portion extending in the horizontal direction of the guideline L is determined based on the value of the horizontal line position (Ypos). More specifically, the position on the touch panel 107 of the portion extending in the horizontal direction of the guideline L is a position away from the upper end of the touch panel 107 by a distance obtained by subtracting the Yoffset value from the horizontal line position (Ypos) value. . The value of Yoffset is the distance from the center of the touch area 106A to the upper end of the touch panel 107.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal line position (Ypos) and the vertical line position (Xpos) of the guideline information specify the distance from the center of the communication device in the terminal to the end of the casing of the terminal. Then, the CPU 101 derives the guideline display position on the touch panel 107 based on the horizontal line position (Ypos) and vertical line position (Xpos) and the values of Yoffset and Xoffset. The guideline information includes the guideline display position itself on the touch panel 107 instead of the horizontal line position (Ypos) and the vertical line position (Xpos) or in addition to the horizontal line position (Ypos) and the vertical line position (Xpos). You can leave.

With reference to FIG. 6, the description returns to the function of MFP 100.
On the other hand, when the central control unit 151 cannot acquire the model information corresponding to the acquired model name, the central control unit 151 instructs the guideline control unit 152 to sequentially display each of a plurality of predetermined guidelines. In response, the guideline control unit 152 sets each of the plurality of predetermined guidelines in a predetermined order until the NFC transmission / reception unit 154 communicates with the information terminal 200 at a constant communication success rate. The time is displayed on the display panel 153 by time. Information for displaying the plurality of guidelines described above is stored in, for example, the data holding unit 156.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the model information as shown in FIG. 7 and information for displaying a plurality of guidelines are stored in the data holding unit 156 (auxiliary storage device 104). Note that these pieces of information may be stored on a storage medium accessible to the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 via a network. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining that the CPU 101 acquires model information and / or information for displaying a plurality of guidelines via a network.

  In the system shown in FIG. 9, the MFP 100 is connected to three MFPs 901 to 903 and a data server 910 via a network. In the system as shown in FIG. 9, when the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 obtains the model name of the information terminal 200, the data holding unit 156 searches the model information corresponding to the model name and searches for the model corresponding to the model name. If the information cannot be acquired, the model information can be searched for in the three MFPs 901 to 903 and the data server 910 via the network.

  If the CPU 101 cannot acquire the model information from the three MFPs 901 to 903 and the data server 910, the data holding unit 156 (auxiliary storage) displays information for displaying a plurality of guidelines as described above. From the device 104). Note that the CPU 101 can also acquire information for displaying a plurality of guidelines from any of the three MFPs 901 to 903 and the data server 910.

[5. Processing sequence]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence in the image processing system.

  The operation mode of MFP 100 is shown at the left end of FIG. MFP 100 can operate in three modes, that is, a terminal information acquisition mode, an NFC authentication waiting mode, and a terminal registration mode when performing short-range communication with information terminal 200.

  First, when the MFP 100 starts communication with the information terminal 200 by wireless communication (such as Bluetooth), the CPU 101 shifts the MFP 100 to the terminal information acquisition mode. In the terminal information acquisition mode, the CPU 101 requests the information terminal 200 for the model name of the information terminal 200 by wireless communication. In response to the request, the CPU 201 of the information terminal 200 transmits the model name of the information terminal 200 to the MFP 100.

  In the present embodiment, the model name of the information terminal 200 is an example of information that identifies the information terminal 200. In the present embodiment, information specifying the information terminal 200 is used to specify the distance from the communication device 206 in the information terminal 200 to the end of the casing of the information terminal 200. Therefore, if it is information which can specify such a distance, the information which specifies information terminal 200 may be other kinds of information.

  When the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 acquires the model name of the information terminal 200, the CPU 101 searches the model information in the data holding unit 156 for model information corresponding to the model name. When the model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200 is acquired (“model information exists” in the data holding unit in FIG. 10), the guideline information in the model information of the model name is acquired. And CPU101 displays on the touch panel 107 based on the acquired guideline information. Thereby, the line L11 in the state (B) of FIG. 4 is displayed. Then, the CPU 101 shifts the MFP 100 to the NFC authentication waiting mode.

  In the NFC authentication waiting mode, the CPU 101 requests the information terminal 200 to transmit authentication information through short-range communication. The authentication information is, for example, a set of user ID and password. When the CPU 101 receives the authentication information, the CPU 101 determines whether the authentication information matches information registered in advance to authenticate the user. When the CPU 101 determines that the authentication information received from the information terminal 200 matches the authentication information registered in advance, the CPU 101 operates in a manner for the authenticated user. An example of an aspect for an authenticated user is to allow an indication of operations that are only allowed for a particular user.

  On the other hand, when the model information of the data holding unit 156 does not include the model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200 as shown as “with model information” in the data holding unit in FIG. When the model information itself is not stored in 156, the CPU 101 searches the data server 910 (see FIG. 9) for model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200. When the data server 910 includes model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200 (“there is model information” in the data server in FIG. 10), the CPU 101 corresponds to the model name of the information terminal 200 from the data server 910. Get guideline information in the model information. And CPU101 displays on the touch panel 107 based on the acquired guideline information. Thereby, the line L11 in the state (B) of FIG. 4 is displayed. Then, the CPU 101 shifts the MFP 100 to the NFC authentication waiting mode.

  Note that the CPU 101 may search for model information in the MFPs 901 to 903 (see FIG. 9) in addition to the data server 910.

  On the other hand, when the model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200 is not stored in the data server 910 (“model information exists” in the data server in FIG. 10), the CPU 101 sets the MFP 100 to the terminal registration mode. And migrate. In the terminal registration mode, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, the CPU 101 displays predetermined guidelines on the touch panel 107 and is displayed when short-range communication with the information terminal 200 is established. Information relating to the guidelines is stored in the data holding unit 156 in association with the model name of the information terminal 200.

[6. Process flow]
FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts of processing executed by the CPU 101 for short-range communication with the information terminal 200.

  First, referring to FIG. 11, when MFP 100 starts communication with information terminal 200 by wireless communication, CPU 101 shifts MFP 100 to the terminal information acquisition mode in step S10. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU 101 in the terminal information acquisition mode.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in the terminal information acquisition mode, first, in step SA10, CPU 101 requests terminal information (for example, model name) of information terminal 200 via wireless communication (from the terminal information acquisition unit). Then, the control proceeds to step SA20.

  In step SA20, CPU 101 determines whether or not a terminal information reply from information terminal 200 has been received. If CPU 101 determines that the terminal information has been received (YES in step SA20), control proceeds to step SA30. On the other hand, for example, when the terminal information cannot be received from the information terminal 200 even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the request at step SA10 (NO at step SA20), the CPU 101 advances the control to step SA40. In addition, reception of terminal information is implement | achieved by radio | wireless communication, for example.

  In step SA40, CPU 101 clears the display on touch panel 107 and returns control to FIG. Thereby, CPU101 does not start the process of FIG. 11 until radio | wireless communication with the information terminal 200 is started again.

  In step SA30, the CPU 101 calculates the distance to the information terminal 200. The distance is calculated based on, for example, the strength of radio waves received in wireless communication. In this case, for the calculation, for example, a characteristic that the strength of the received radio wave increases as the distance from MFP 100 to information terminal 200 is shorter is used. Then, the control proceeds to step SA50.

  In step SA 50, CPU 101 determines whether or not the distance calculated in step SA 30 is a distance indicating that it is within the communication area of the near field communication in MFP 100. If CPU 101 determines that the calculated distance is a distance indicating that it is within the communication area (YES in step SA50), CPU 101 advances the control to step S20 in FIG. On the other hand, when CPU 101 determines that the calculated distance is not a distance indicating that it is within the communication area (NO in step SA50), CPU 101 returns the control to step SA10.

  In other words, in the terminal information acquisition mode, if the CPU 101 acquires terminal information from the information terminal 200 and determines that the information terminal 200 is within the near field communication area of the MFP 100, the control proceeds to step S20.

  Returning to FIG. 11, in step S <b> 20, the CPU 101 confirms whether there is model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200 in the data holding unit 156. If there is model information in the data holding unit 156 ("Yes" in step S20), the CPU 101 shifts the MFP 100 to the NFC authentication waiting mode (step S50) in step S50. The contents of the control in the NFC authentication waiting mode will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if there is no model information in the data holding unit 156 (“NO” in step S20), the CPU 101 advances the control to step S30.

  In step S <b> 30, the CPU 101 confirms in the data server 910 whether there is model information corresponding to the model name of the information terminal 200. If the model information exists in the data server 910 (“Yes” in step S30), the CPU 101 shifts the MFP 100 to the NFC authentication waiting mode in step S50. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding model information in the data server 910 (“NO” in step S30), the CPU 101 shifts the MFP 100 to the terminal registration mode (step S40).

With reference to FIG. 13, the control content of the CPU 101 in the terminal registration mode will be described.
In the terminal registration mode, first, in step SB10, the CPU 101 causes the touch panel 107 to display a message (for example, “please bring the terminal closer to the touch area”) for the user to bring the information terminal 200 closer to the touch area 106A. Then, control proceeds to step SB20.

  In step SB10, CPU 101 causes touch panel 107 to display the first guideline from a plurality of predetermined guideline candidates. Here, FIG. 15 is further referred to for a plurality of guidelines.

  FIG. 15 shows seven states (A) to (G). In each of the seven states (A) to (G), a state in which the information terminal 200 is deceived in a different manner with respect to the operation panel 190 of the MFP 100 is shown.

  In each of the states (A) to (G) in FIG. 15, seven predetermined lines L <b> 21 to L <b> 27 are displayed on the touch panel 107. Among these, for example, the line L21 in the state (A) is the first guideline.

  Returning to FIG. 13, in step SB <b> 20, CPU 101 determines whether near field communication between MFP 100 and information terminal 200 has been established.

  CPU 101, for example, when the ratio of the number of times of receiving a reply by short-range communication from information terminal 200 to the number of times of transmission of information from MFP 100 by short-range communication is equal to or greater than a certain ratio, that is, short-range communication When the communication success rate by becomes equal to or greater than a certain value, it is determined that near field communication with the information terminal 200 has been established.

  If CPU 101 determines in step SB20 that near field communication has been established (YES in step SB20), control proceeds to step SB30. On the other hand, when CPU 101 determines that short-range communication has not been established (NO in step SB20), control proceeds to step SB40.

  In step SB30, the CPU 101 stores, in the RAM 103, information specifying the guideline (any of lines L21 to L27 in FIG. 15) displayed on the touch panel 107 when it is determined that the short-range communication has been established in step SB20. To do. Control then proceeds to step SB40.

  In step SB40, the CPU 101 determines whether the check is completed. For example, the CPU 101 determines that the check is completed when all the display of the lines L21 to L27 in FIG. 15 is completed. If it is determined that the check has been completed (YES in step SB40), CPU 101 advances the control to step SB60. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that the check has not yet been completed (NO in step SB40), CPU 101 advances the control to step SB50.

  In step SB50, CPU 101 changes the display on touch panel 107 from the previously displayed guideline to the next guideline. For example, in the lines L21 to L27 in FIG. 15, the order is set in the order of the line L21, the line L22, the line L23, the line L24, the line L25, the line L26, and the line L27. The line L22 is displayed instead of the line L21. Then, control is returned to step SB20.

  That is, by repeating the control of step SB20 to step SB50, the guideline displayed on the touch panel 107 is changed in the order shown in the states (A) to (G) of FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 13, in step SB60, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a guideline candidate held in step SB30. If CPU 101 determines that there is no stored guideline (NO in step SB60), CPU 101 returns the process to FIG. Thereby, control by CPU101 is advanced from step S40 to step S50. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that there are retained guidelines (YES in step SB60), CPU 101 advances the control to step SB70.

  In step SB70, the CPU 101 determines the distance from the end of the information terminal 200 to the center of the communication device for short-range communication (communication device 206) based on the guidelines held in step SB30, and the model of the data holding unit 156. Store (register) in the information. The distance from the end of the information terminal 200 to the center of the communication device 206 is derived based on the relationship as shown in FIG. That is, in step SB70, distances corresponding to Xpos and Ypos when the guideline held in step SB30 is the line L in FIG. 8 are derived and stored (registered). Note that instead of the distance from the end of the information terminal 200 to the center of the communication device 206, the guideline itself held in step SB30 may be stored (registered). Then, control proceeds to step SB80.

  In step SB80, CPU 101 displays the guideline held in step SB30 on touch panel 107. Control then proceeds to step SB90.

  In step SB90, CPU 101 further stores (registers) terminal information (for example, model name) of information terminal 200 in association with the distance (or guideline) stored (registered) in step SB70. Control then returns to FIG. Thereby, control by CPU101 is advanced from step S40 to step S50.

  The distance from the end of the information terminal 200 to the center of the communication device 206 (or the information terminal) associated with the model name of the information terminal 200 in which the model information is not registered by the control of Step SB70 to Step SB90 200 is registered in the data holding unit 156 or the like.

  Next, the control of the CPU 101 in the NFC authentication waiting mode in step S50 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the NFC authentication waiting mode, first, in step SC10, the CPU 101 causes the touch panel 107 to display the guideline held in step SB30 (see FIG. 13). Control then proceeds to step SC20.

  In step SC20, CPU 101 determines whether short-range communication has been established. If it is determined that near field communication is established (YES in step SC20), CPU 101 advances the control to step SC30. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that short-range communication has not been established (NO in step SC20), CPU 101 advances the control to step SC40.

  In step SC40, CPU 101 causes touch panel 107 to display a message (for example, “cannot communicate”) indicating that short-range communication is not possible. Control is then returned to FIG. After step SC40, CPU 101 communicates with information terminal 200 by wireless communication, for example.

  On the other hand, in step SC30, the CPU 101 executes a process for user authentication. Further, when the authentication is successful, the CPU 101 executes an operation in a mode for the authenticated user, such as direct printing. Control is then returned to FIG. In this case, the CPU 101 performs short-range communication and wireless communication with the information terminal 200 until communication with the information terminal 200 is disconnected.

  According to the present embodiment described above, even if a guideline corresponding to the model of information terminal 200 is not registered, MFP 100 is configured to display a plurality of guidelines (line L21) in the manner shown in FIG. To L27) are sequentially presented. The user changes the position where the information terminal 200 is held on the operation panel 190 in accordance with the presented guidelines. If short-range communication is established between MFP 100 and information terminal 200, the guideline at that time is registered in association with the model name of information terminal 200.

  Note that according to the display order of the plurality of guidelines (states (A) to (G) in FIG. 15), the positions of the displayed guidelines can be gradually changed.

  That is, the range surrounded by the line L22 in the state (B) displayed next to the line L21 in the state (A) is located above the range surrounded by the line L21.

  The range surrounded by the line L23 in the state (C) displayed next to the line L22 in the state (B) is located above the range surrounded by the line L22.

  The range surrounded by the line L24 in the state (D) displayed next to the line L23 in the state (C) is located to the left of the range surrounded by the line L23 (or the line L21 and the line L22). Yes.

  The range surrounded by the line L25 in the state (E) displayed next to the line L24 in the state (D) is located above the range surrounded by the line L24.

  The range surrounded by the line L26 in the state (F) displayed next to the line L25 in the state (E) is located above the range surrounded by the line L25.

  The range surrounded by the line L27 in the state (G) displayed next to the line L26 in the state (F) is located to the left of the range surrounded by the line L26 (or the line L24 and the line L25). doing.

  That is, in the stepwise change of the display mode on the touch panel 107 from the state (A) to the state (G), the range surrounded by the displayed guideline first moves upward, then moves leftward, It is gradually changed so that it moves upward again.

  As a result, when the user next tries near field communication between the MFP 100 and a terminal of the same model as the information terminal 200 (including the information terminal 200 itself), the guideline corresponding to the terminal is displayed first. become. Therefore, the user can easily place the information terminal 200 at a position suitable for short-range communication.

  In the present embodiment described above, the model information registered in association with the model name is based on the center of the communication device 206. Note that the position used as a reference in the communication device 206 is not necessarily the center of the communication device 206 as long as the position is included in the antenna unit. Further, when the communication device 206 is small, such as when the size from one end of the communication device 206 to the multi-end does not affect the communication distance of the short-range communication, the reference position is the end of the communication device 206, etc. The position may be easy to identify.

  Each embodiment disclosed this time must be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modification is intended to be carried out independently or in combination as much as possible.

  100,901 to 903 MFP, 101,201 CPU, 106A touch area, 107 touch panel, 151 central control unit, 152 guideline control unit, 153 display panel, 154 transmission / reception unit, 155 wireless transmission / reception unit, 156 data holding unit, 190 operation panel , 200 information terminal, 910 data server.

Claims (13)

An image processing apparatus for wireless communication with a terminal at a short distance,
Short-range communication means for transmitting and receiving radio waves for short-range wireless communication;
Display means provided in the vicinity of the short-range communication means;
Identification means for identifying the terminal;
Control means for controlling the display of the display means,
The control means includes
For a terminal equipped with a communication device that communicates with the short-range communication means, based on the information specified by the specifying means, from a storage device that stores information on the guideline to be displayed on the display means for each terminal, Determine if the information can be obtained,
If the guidelines can be obtained, display the guidelines on the display means,
If the guideline could not be obtained, each of a plurality of predetermined guidelines is displayed on the display means, and between the terminal and the short-range communication means in the plurality of guidelines. For the guideline that was displayed when communication was established, information that specifies the position of the communication device specified by the guideline is stored in the storage device in association with the terminal that is communicating with the short-range communication means. An image processing apparatus.   The control means determines that communication between the terminal and the short-range communication means is established when the short-range communication means communicates with the terminal with a probability equal to or higher than a predetermined communication success rate. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The probability is specified every time the guideline displayed in the plurality of guidelines is replaced,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication success rate is specified by a ratio of the number of times of receiving a reply from the terminal to the number of communication times.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the probability is less than the predetermined communication success rate, the control unit displays a message prompting the terminal to move on the display unit.   When the guideline cannot be obtained and communication between the terminal and the short-range communication unit is established, the control unit stores the model name of the terminal in the storage device as information for identifying the terminal. Storing and identifying information indicating a display position on the display unit of the guideline displayed when communication between the terminal and the short-range communication unit is established, in association with the model name, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is stored in a storage device. A wireless communication means having a communication distance longer than the short-range communication means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the model name of the terminal is acquired by the wireless communication unit at a position farther from the image processing apparatus than a communication distance of the short-range communication unit. The storage device stores information for specifying guidelines in association with the model name of the terminal,
The image processing according to claim 5, wherein the control unit acquires information specifying a guideline corresponding to a model name of the terminal from the storage device, and further shifts to a state of waiting for authentication for the terminal. apparatus.   In response to the terminal having acquired the model name by the wireless communication unit and once communicating with the wireless communication unit again after the terminal having acquired the model name by the wireless communication unit, The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether or not guideline information can be acquired from the storage device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the storage device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit can communicate with the storage device via a network. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus comprising: a short-range communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves for short-range wireless communication with a terminal; and a display unit provided in the vicinity of the short-range communication unit,
Identifying the device;
For a terminal equipped with a communication device that communicates with the short-range communication means, the guideline information can be acquired from a storage device that stores the guideline information to be displayed on the display means for each terminal based on the specified information A step of determining whether or not
When the guideline can be obtained, displaying the guideline on the display means;
When the guideline cannot be acquired, each of a plurality of predetermined guidelines is displayed on the display unit, and communication between the terminal and the short-range communication unit in the plurality of guidelines is performed. For the guideline that was displayed when the information was established, the information that specifies the position of the communication device specified by the guideline is stored in the storage device in association with the terminal that is communicating with the short-range communication means A method for controlling the image processing apparatus.   An image processing system comprising the image processing device according to claim 1 and the terminal. Computer-readable, executed by an image processing apparatus comprising short-range communication means for transmitting and receiving radio waves for short-range wireless communication with a terminal and display means provided in the vicinity of the short-range communication means A program that
The program is stored in the computer.
Identifying the device;
For a terminal equipped with a communication device that communicates with the short-range communication means, the guideline information can be acquired from a storage device that stores the guideline information to be displayed on the display means for each terminal based on the specified information A step of determining whether or not
When the guideline can be obtained, displaying the guideline on the display means;
When the guideline cannot be acquired, each of a plurality of predetermined guidelines is displayed on the display unit, and communication between the terminal and the short-range communication unit in the plurality of guidelines is performed. For the guideline that was displayed when the information was established, the information that specifies the position of the communication device specified by the guideline is stored in the storage device in association with the terminal that is communicating with the short-range communication means A program that executes steps.

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