JP2017113960A - Image formation device, preview image presenting method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a preview image of an image output from an image formation device more preferably than before.SOLUTION: The image formation device 1 displays a preview image of an image output by a job, in a terminal device 2 when a received job is a prescribed job and a state of a user carrying the terminal device 2 is in a first state. When a state of a user is in a second state different from the first state, the image formation device 1 displays a preview image on the touch panel display thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a so-called preview image.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses in which functions such as copying, network printing, faxing, scanning, and a file server are integrated have become widespread. Such an image forming apparatus is called a “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  Furthermore, a technique for preliminarily displaying an image representing a finished state of a printed matter on which a document is printed has become widespread. Such an image is generally called a “preview image”. Such a display is generally called “preview display” or “preview”.

  The user can know in advance the malfunction of the printed matter by performing a preview display before printing the document on paper. As a result, paper waste can be reduced.

  The preview display is also used when an image obtained by specific processing (for example, scanning) is transmitted or stored as electronic data. Thereby, it is possible to prevent transmission or storage of defective electronic data.

  Conventionally, the following techniques have been proposed as techniques related to preview display. In the MFP, when a preview image that is an image based on pre-defined secret information is included in the operation screen to be displayed on the touch panel, the operation screen is displayed on the touch panel with the display area of the preview image hidden. Further, the MFP displays a preview image on the display device. The display device displays a preview image. When the MFP receives a touch on the operation screen with the touch panel, the MFP transmits position information indicating the touched position to the display device. The display device displays a pointer image stored in advance such as an image of a finger of a hand in a position corresponding to the position information so as to overlap the front of the preview image (Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, a technique for linking an image forming apparatus and a terminal device has been proposed. When the image forming apparatus detects that the operation panel of its own apparatus and the portable terminal are in juxtaposition and can communicate with each other, the image forming apparatus can change a predetermined apparatus state (battery remaining) between the operation panel and the portable terminal during operation. Information on the amount of resources, the remaining resources of the CPU and the memory, etc.), and based on the information, determine the role assignment regarding the display of the linked operation panel and the screen of the mobile terminal, and operate the operation panel according to the determined role assignment And screen display on the portable terminal (Patent Document 2).

  The barcode associated with the job is displayed on the operation panel of the image processing apparatus, and is read by a portable terminal that is a device with high privacy, thereby displaying a thumbnail image on the portable terminal (Patent Document 3).

  In an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal operate in cooperation, it is automatically switched which of the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is the “main” apparatus and which is the “subordinate” apparatus. The image forming apparatus functions as a linkage management apparatus, and detects at least one of a user operation performed on the image forming apparatus and a user operation performed on the mobile terminal, and the detected content Accordingly, one of the image forming apparatus and the portable terminal is set as a main apparatus, and the other is set as a slave apparatus. The display contents of the display panel of the image forming apparatus and the display panel of the portable terminal are switched depending on whether the image forming apparatus is the main apparatus or the portable terminal is the main apparatus (Patent Document 4).

JP2015-14777A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-143779 JP2013-206026A JP 2014-45418 A

  By the way, an image forming apparatus may be installed in an office or a public facility and shared by a plurality of users. In such an environment, if a certain user causes the image forming apparatus to display a preview, the preview image may be seen by others. If confidential information is included in the preview image, it is not preferable in terms of security.

  Thus, it is conceivable to display a preview on a portable terminal device owned by the user.

  However, the display of such a terminal device has a narrow display surface. Therefore, in view of the ease of viewing the preview image, it is better to cause the image forming apparatus to perform a preview display.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to display a preview image more suitably than in the past.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a communication device that communicates with a terminal device and a display, and an image that is presented to a user as a preview image before an output image that is output by executing a job is output in advance. A remote display for displaying the preview image on the terminal device when the job is a specific job and the state of the user carrying the terminal device is the first state. Remote display processing means for performing processing, and when the job is not the specific job, and when the user's state is a second state different from the first state, the preview image is displayed on the display Local display processing means for performing local display processing for display on the display.

  Preferably, the display is a touch panel display, the first state is a state where the display cannot be operated, and the second state is a state where the display is in front of the eyes and the display is not operated. It is in a state where it can be operated.

  Alternatively, the specific job is a job that is estimated to be less than a second time required to obtain the output image. Alternatively, the job is estimated to be a predetermined time or less after the user gives a command to be executed until the user leaves the image forming apparatus. Or it is a job which outputs the image which shows confidential information as the said output image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display a preview image more suitably than in the past.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an image processing system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a touchscreen display, an operation key panel, and an NFC reader / writer. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of each of an image forming apparatus and a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of a job screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a selection request | requirement screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the preview screen when a preview image is arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows the example of the preview screen when an illustration is arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows the modification of an illustration. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the preview screen in a terminal device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a mobile preview process.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the touch panel display 10e, the operation key panel 10f, and the NFC reader / writer 10p. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 4 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a terminal device 2, a communication line 3, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2 can communicate via the communication line 3. As the communication line 3, a local area network (LAN) or a short-range wireless communication line is used.

  The image processing system 4 executes various processes relating to images. Further, before outputting or saving an image by a method specified by the user, the state of the image is simulated and displayed on the display. That is, so-called preview display is performed. Hereinafter, the simulated image is referred to as a “preview image”.

  The image processing system 4 is used by members of an organization such as a company, a government office, or a school. A unique code for identification is given as a user code to each member, that is, each user.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copying, network printing, faxing, scanning, and boxes. Generally, it is sometimes called “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  The network print function is a service for printing an image on paper based on image data received from the terminal device 2. It may also be called “network printing” or “PC printing”.

  The box function is a service for giving a storage area called “box” or “personal box” for each user, and for each user to save and manage image data and the like in his / her storage area. A box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, an auxiliary storage device 10d, a touch panel display 10e, and an operation key panel 10f. , NIC (Network Interface Card) 10g, near field communication device 10h, modem 10i, scan unit 10j, print unit 10k, finisher 10n, and NFC (Near Field Communication) reader / writer 10p.

  The touch panel display 10e displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a and the like. Further, the touch panel display 10e sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

  The operation key panel 10f is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The NIC 10g communicates with the terminal device 2 and the like by a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The short-range wireless communication device 10h performs communication using radio waves having a reach distance of about several meters to tens of meters. As the short-range wireless communication device 10h, a device conforming to a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) is used. In the present embodiment, the intensity of the radio wave is set so as to communicate with another device 3 to 5 meters away.

  The modem 10i exchanges image data with a facsimile terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The scan unit 10j reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10j, the print unit 10k prints an image received from the terminal device 2 or the facsimile terminal by the NIC 10g, the short-range wireless communication device 10h, or the modem 10i on a sheet.

  The finisher 10n performs a finishing process on the paper on which the image is printed by the print unit 10k, that is, the printed matter. The finishing process includes a process of binding the printed material with staples, a process of punching holes in the printed material, or a process of bending the printed material.

  The NFC reader / writer 10p reads data from or writes data to an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip corresponding to NFC. In this embodiment, the communication distance between the NFC reader / writer 10p and the IC chip is limited to about 10 centimeters.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the NFC reader / writer 10p is arranged next to the operation key panel 10f.

  The ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d stores a preview program 10q for preview display, in addition to a job program 10r for executing various types of jobs using functions such as copying described above. The job program 10r is stored for each job type.

  These programs are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used as the auxiliary storage device 10d.

  The terminal device 2 is a client for remotely using the above-described functions of the image forming apparatus 1. As the terminal device 2, a portable computer such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a mobile phone terminal is used. Hereinafter, a case where a smartphone is used as the terminal device 2 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a flash memory 20d, a touch panel display 20e, a digital camera 20f, a mobile phone communication device 20g, a wireless LAN communication device 20h, a short-range wireless communication device 20i, and The NFC chip 20j is used.

  The touch panel display 20e displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 20a, and the like. The digital camera 20f captures an image and generates image data of the image.

  The mobile phone communication device 20g communicates with other devices via a mobile phone network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

  The wireless LAN communication device 20 h communicates with the image forming device 1 using a protocol such as TCP / IP via a wireless base station that configures the communication line 3.

  The short-range wireless communication device 20i performs communication with the image forming device 1 and the like wirelessly based on the same standard as the short-range wireless communication device 10h of the image forming device 1.

  The NFC chip 20j is an IC chip corresponding to the NFC standard. The NFC chip 20j stores the identifier of the terminal device 2 itself.

  The ROM 20c or the flash memory 20d stores a driver and an application for using the above-described functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, a preview program 20q for performing preview display is stored.

  These programs are loaded into the RAM 20b as necessary and executed by the CPU 20a.

  According to the preview program 10q and the preview program 20q, the preview image can be shown to the user more securely than before. Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating examples of functional configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the job screen 6A. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection request screen 6B. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the preview screen 6C when the preview image 6C1 is arranged. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the preview screen 6C when the illustration 6C4 is arranged. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the illustration 6C4. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the preview screen 6 </ b> C in the terminal device 2.

  According to the preview program 10q, the job reception unit 101, output data acquisition unit 102, specific job determination unit 103, remote device detection unit 104, remote display command reception unit 105, current location detection unit 106, local preview display unit shown in FIG. 121, a remote preview display unit 122, a preview end processing unit 123, an output command unit 124, and the like are realized in the image forming apparatus 1.

  According to the job program 10r, the job control unit 131 is realized in the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the job program 10r is prepared for each type of job. Therefore, the job control unit 131 is realized for each type of job.

  According to the preview program 20q, the preview display unit 201, the output command unit 202, and the like are realized in the terminal device 2.

  The job reception unit 101 performs processing for receiving a job from the user. This process is executed as follows.

  The user operates the touch panel display 10 e or the operation key panel 10 f to input his / her user code to the image forming apparatus 1 and logs into the image forming apparatus 1.

  Then, the job reception unit 101 displays a job screen 6A as shown in FIG. 6 on the touch panel display 10e. The job screen 6A is a screen for designating job conditions, and is prepared for each type of job. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 displays a default type job screen 6A. In this embodiment, a job screen 6A for a copy job (a job for scanning an image from a sheet and copying it to another sheet) is displayed. FIG. 6 is an example of a job screen 6A for a copy job.

  Thereafter, each time the user selects a job type, the job reception unit 101 displays the type of job screen 6A instead of the currently displayed job screen 6A. One job screen 6A may be commonly used depending on a plurality of types.

  The user performs an appropriate operation to display the job screen 6A of the type of job to be executed. Then, a job condition is input, and a job start command (hereinafter referred to as “job command”) is input. The job command can be input by, for example, pressing a start key in the operation key panel 10f.

  Furthermore, when the user wants to see the preview image, the user makes a selection so that the preview display is applied. For example, a check box for preview display is turned on before inputting a job command. Alternatively, the user presses a button in the operation key panel 10f that also serves to select application of the job command and preview display. If the preview display is already set to be applied, no particular operation is required.

  Further, the user sets a sheet in the scan unit 10j before inputting a job command according to the type of job to be executed.

  The job receiving unit 101 receives conditions and job commands input by the user on the job screen 6A. In this way, the job receiving unit 101 receives a job from the user. Hereinafter, a job received by the job receiving unit 101 is referred to as an “execution target job”.

  The output data acquisition unit 102 requests the job control unit 131 corresponding to the type of job to prepare image data for output of the execution target job, and acquires this image data.

  For example, if the execution target job is a copy job, the output data acquisition unit 102 requests the job control unit 131 corresponding to the copy job to read the image from the set paper and generate image data. . Similarly, when the job to be executed is a scan to E-Mail job (a job for reading an image from a sheet to generate image data and sending it attached to an e-mail address designated by the user), the request is made in the same manner. However, the request destination is the job control unit 131 corresponding to the scan to E-Mail job.

  Alternatively, when the job to be executed is a box print job (a job for reading out image data of an image specified by the user from the box and printing the image on paper), the output data acquisition unit 102 specifies the user-specified job The job control unit 131 corresponding to the box print job is requested to read out the image data of the image from the box.

  The job control unit 131 performs processing for preparing output image data in response to a request from the output data acquisition unit 102. At this time, processes (b) to (d), which will be exemplified later, are appropriately performed according to the conditions specified by the user.

  This process is a part of a plurality of processes (phases) constituting the execution target job. Therefore, the job control unit 131 starts processing of a part of the execution target job in response to this request. Specific examples are as described above.

  The job control unit 131 then provides the prepared output image data to the output data acquisition unit 102. When the output target is composed of images (page images) of a plurality of pages, output image data may be given to the output data acquisition unit 102 for each page image. Hereinafter, output image data to be output is referred to as “image data 50”.

The specific job determination unit 103 determines whether or not the execution target job is a specific job in parallel with the process in which the output data acquisition unit 102 acquires the image data 50. The specific job is a job corresponding to any one of the following types_1, type_2, and type_3.
(Type_1) A job that is estimated to take a predetermined time T1 or more after a job command is input until a preview is displayed.
(Type_2) A job that is estimated to be a predetermined time T2 or less after the user inputs a job command until the user leaves the place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed.
(Type_3) A job for outputting an image including confidential information.

  The specific job determination unit 103 may determine whether or not the execution target job is a type_1 job as follows.

When the execution target job includes a predetermined process, the specific job determination unit 103 determines that the execution target job is a type_1 job. Examples of the predetermined processing are as follows (a) to (d).
(A) A process of scanning a sheet to generate image data (scan process).
(B) Processing for recognizing characters included in the image shown in the image data and generating text data (character recognition processing).
(C) A process of translating the text shown in the image data into another language (translation process).
(D) Processing for changing the resolution of an image shown in the image data, removing noise, and enhancing edges (image processing).

Alternatively, the specific job determination unit 103 may determine that the execution target job is a type_1 job when any of the following (e) and (f) is satisfied.
(E) When the size of the image data 50 is a predetermined size or more.
(F) The number of sheets scanned by the scan unit 10j is a predetermined number or more.

The specific job determination unit 103 may determine that the execution target job is a type_2 job when the following (g) is satisfied.
(G) A job that includes processing for reading image data from a box but does not include printing processing.

  In addition, the specific job determination unit 103 determines that the job to be executed is type_3 if the image shown in the image data 50 includes a specific character string such as “secret”, “confidential”, or “careful handling”. What is necessary is just to discriminate | determine that it is a job. Alternatively, when the image data 50 is encrypted, it may be determined that the execution target job is a type_3 job.

  When the specific job determination unit 103 determines that the execution target job is a specific job, the remote device detection unit 104 describes a terminal device (hereinafter referred to as “remote terminal device”) in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 itself. ). A known method may be used as a detection method. For example, the detection may be performed by receiving a wireless sign from a remote terminal device by the short-range wireless communication device 10h.

  The remote display command reception unit 105 displays a preview image on the remote terminal when the specific job determination unit 103 determines that the job to be executed is a specific job and the remote device detection unit 104 detects the remote terminal device. Processing for receiving a command to display on the apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “remote display command”) is executed as follows.

  The remote display command receiving unit 105 displays a selection request screen 6B as shown in FIG. 7 on the touch panel display 10e. On the selection request screen 6B, a message recommending preview display by the remote terminal device (hereinafter referred to as “remote preview display”) is shown.

  When the user wants to check the preview image on the terminal device 2, the user selects the remote preview display by bringing the terminal device 2 closer to the NFC reader / writer 10p. It is desirable to touch the surface of the NFC reader / writer 10p.

  Then, the NFC chip 20j of the terminal device 2 receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the NFC reader / writer 10p, and transmits a response signal 51 indicating a user code and the like. The NFC reader / writer 10p receives the response signal 51.

  Then, the remote display command receiving unit 105 receives the response signal 51 as a remote display command.

  On the other hand, when the user does not want to confirm the preview image on the terminal device 2, the user presses the stop button 6B1.

  Then, the remote display command accepting unit 105 accepts this selection as a command (hereinafter referred to as “local display command”) indicating that preview display is performed only by the image forming apparatus 1 itself.

When the remote display command is received by the remote display command receiving unit 105, the current position detection unit 106 starts detecting the position (current position) where the user carrying the terminal device 2 is currently located. Specifically, the user is: a first position: a position where the touch panel display 10e and the operation key panel 10f are visible in front of the user and can be operated by the user. A second position: the touch panel display 10e and the operation key panel 10f. Is not visible in front of the user's eyes, but is within a predetermined range surrounding the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, a range with a radius of 1 meter centering on the image forming apparatus 1). It is determined which of the positions outside the position is. The discrimination can be performed by a known method.

  For example, if a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has not yet elapsed since the response signal 51 was received or the touch panel display 10e or the operation key panel 10f was operated, the remote display command receiving unit 105 displays It is determined that it is at one position.

  When the paper feed tray of the print unit 10k is open, the remote display command receiving unit 105 determines that the user is in the second position. Alternatively, when the jammed paper is removed or the door for replenishing toner is open, it is determined that the user is at the second position.

  When it is determined that the user is not at either the first position or the second position, the current position detection unit 106 determines that the user is at the third position.

  Alternatively, the current location detection unit 106 receives the wireless sign transmitted from the short-range wireless communication device 20 i of the terminal device 2 by the short-range wireless communication device 10 h, so that the distance or position between the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2 Seeking a relationship. Then, based on the obtained distance or positional relationship, it is determined whether the user is in the first position, the second position, or the third position.

  Alternatively, sensors for detecting the weight of the human body are provided in several places around the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the current location detection unit 106 determines that the user is at the first position when the weight is detected by the sensor closest to the touch panel display 10e. When the weight is detected by another sensor, it is determined that the user is at the second position. If no weight is detected by any sensor, it is determined that the user is at the third position.

  Alternatively, when the terminal device 2 includes a gyro sensor, the current position detection unit 106 causes the gyro sensor to start measuring a change in position when the NFC chip 20j of the terminal device 2 is detected by the NFC reader / writer 10p. Then, it is determined whether the user is at the first position, the second position, or the third position according to the measured change.

  The local preview display unit 121 displays a preview screen 6C as shown in FIG. 8 on the touch panel display 10e when the current position detection unit 106 determines that the user is at the first position.

  On the preview screen 6C, the image shown in the image data 50 is arranged as a preview image 6C1. When the image shown in the image data 50 includes a plurality of page images, some page images may be arranged on the preview screen 6C. In this case, every time the user presses the next page button 6C2 or the previous page button 6C3, the next page image or the previous page image is arranged instead of the page image.

  The preview image 6C1 shows the output state. For example, when consolidated printing (Nin1 printing) is designated, the preview image 6C1 represents the state of a printed material in which page images for N pages are printed on one sheet. Alternatively, when it is designated that staple binding is performed as a finish, the preview image 6C1 represents a state of a printed material on which an image is printed and staples (needles) are struck.

  The local preview display unit 121 displays the preview screen 6C on the touch panel display 10e when the current position detection unit 106 determines that the user is at the second position. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the image data 50 or an illustration 6C4 corresponding to the output condition of the image shown or the finishing condition of the printed material is arranged instead of the preview image 6C1.

  An illustration 6C4 shown in FIG. 9 represents that a page image for one page is printed and output only on the front side of the sheet. An illustration 6C4 shown in FIG. 10A represents that a page image for one page is printed on both sides of a sheet and the sheets are bound by staples. An illustration 6C4 shown in FIG. 10B indicates that a booklet is printed and the center is stapled.

  The remote preview display unit 122 performs the following process for displaying the preview screen 6C on the touch panel display 20e of the terminal device 2 when the current position detection unit 106 determines that the user is at the second position or the third position. Do as follows.

  The remote preview display unit 122 transmits the image data of the preview screen 6 </ b> C and a preview display command to the terminal device 2.

  Then, in the terminal device 2, the preview display unit 201 displays the preview screen 6C on the touch panel display 20e based on the image data as shown in FIG.

  By viewing the preview image 6C1 or the illustration 6C4, the user determines whether or not to execute the output process among the processes included in the execution target job. Then, if it can be executed, the output button 6C5 is pressed. Alternatively, when the preview display is to be ended, the end button 6C6 is pressed. These operations can be performed using either the touch panel display 10e or the touch panel display 20e.

  The preview end processing unit 123 performs a process for ending the display of the preview screen 6C as follows.

  When the current position detection unit 106 detects that the user is at the third position, the preview end processing unit 123 ends the display of the preview screen 6C on the touch panel display 10e.

  When the user presses the output button 6C5 or the end button 6C6, the preview end processing unit 123 ends the display of the preview screen 6C on each of the touch panel display 10e and the touch panel display 20e. When the display on the touch panel display 20e is to be ended, an end command signal 52 is transmitted to the terminal device 2.

  In the terminal device 2, when receiving the end command signal 52, the preview display unit 201 ends the display of the preview screen 6 </ b> C.

  The output command unit 202 transmits an output command signal 53 to the image forming apparatus 1 when the user presses the output button 6C5.

  The output command unit 124 commands the job control unit 131 to start output when the output command signal 53 is transmitted from the terminal device 2 and when the user presses the output button 6C5 on the touch panel display 10e.

  Upon receiving a command from the output command unit 124, the job control unit 131 uses the image data 50 to perform the remaining processing (such as transmission of the image data 50 or printing of an image indicated by the image data 50). ).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of the mobile preview process.

  Next, an overall processing flow relating to preview display in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The image forming apparatus 1 executes the flow process shown in FIG. 12 based on the preview program 10q.

  The image forming apparatus 1 displays the job screen 6A (see FIG. 6) and accepts a job (execution target job) given by the user via the job screen 6A (# 11 in FIG. 12).

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 starts a process of acquiring the image data 50 among a plurality of processes constituting the execution target job (# 12), and the execution target job is a specific job (the above-described type_1, type It is determined whether the job is any one of _2 and type_3 (# 13).

  When it is determined that the execution target job is a specific job (Yes in # 14), the image forming apparatus 1 tries to detect a terminal device in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 itself (# 15). If it can be detected (Yes in # 16), the remote preview display is recommended by displaying the selection request screen 6B (see FIG. 7) (# 17). Hereinafter, a case where the user has the terminal device 2 will be described as an example.

  The image forming apparatus 1 accepts selection of whether the preview display is performed on the remote terminal device or locally (image forming apparatus 1) (# 18). When the user selects the remote preview display by bringing the terminal device 2 close to the NFC reader / writer 10p (Yes in # 19), the preview display processing by the image forming apparatus 1 or the terminal device 2 according to the current location of the user (# 20). This process is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 starts detecting the current location of the user (# 301), and performs a preview display as follows according to the detection result.

  If the current location is the first position (Yes in # 302), the image forming apparatus 1 displays the preview screen 6C (see FIG. 8) on its own touch panel display 10e (# 303). At this time, the preview image 6C1 is arranged on the preview screen 6C.

  If the current location is the second position (No in # 302, Yes in # 304), the image forming apparatus 1 arranges the illustration 6C4 instead of the preview image 6C1 as shown in FIG. Are displayed on the touch panel display 10e (# 305, # 306). Further, the preview screen 6C is displayed on the terminal device 2 by transmitting the image data of the preview screen 6C to the terminal device 2 (# 307). A preview image 6C1 is arranged on the preview screen 6C.

  If the current location is the third position (No in # 302, No in # 304), the image forming apparatus 1 ends the preview display on its own touch panel display 10e (# 308). That is, the display of the preview screen 6C is terminated. If the preview screen 6C has not been displayed on the terminal device 2, the preview screen 6C is displayed on the terminal device 2 by transmitting the image data of the preview screen 6C to the terminal device 2 (# 309). A preview image 6C1 is arranged on the preview screen 6C.

  If the current location has changed (Yes in # 310), the image forming apparatus 1 returns to step # 302 and executes the above-described processing.

  When the user presses the output button 6C5 (No in # 310, Yes in # 311), the routine of FIG. 13 is exited and the process proceeds to Step # 23 of FIG.

  In FIG. 12, when the user gives an output command by pressing the output button 6C5 or the like (Yes in # 22), the image forming apparatus 1 outputs the image data 50 or uses the image shown in the image data 50 on a sheet. Output processing is performed by printing (# 23). However, when a box is designated as the save destination, the image data 50 is saved in the box. Then, the preview display in each of the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 is terminated (# 24). Note that the preview display is also ended when the user instructs the end of the preview display by pressing the end button 6C6 or the like.

  According to the present embodiment, when the given job corresponds to a specific job, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the preview image 6C1 when the user is in a specific state (if the user is in the first position). Although displayed by 10e, if it is not a specific state, it is displayed on the touch panel display 20e of the terminal device 2. Thereby, it is possible to present the preview image to the user more suitably than in the past.

  In the present embodiment, which of the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 displays the preview image is determined according to the positional relationship between the image forming apparatus 1 and the user, but the user leaves the place of the image forming apparatus 1. It may be determined according to the time elapsed since then.

  For example, when in this place, the image forming apparatus 1 displays a preview as shown in FIG. When a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses after the user leaves this place, the terminal device 2 displays the preview image 6C1 as shown in FIG. 11, and the image forming apparatus 1 displays the preview image 6C1 as shown in FIG. The illustration 6C4 is displayed instead of. When a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, the image forming apparatus 1 stops displaying the preview screen 6C. The terminal device 2 continues to display the preview image 6C1.

  The fact that the user has left the image forming apparatus 1 means that the distance between the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 calculated based on the strength (radio wave intensity) of the wireless sign from the short-range wireless communication device 20i is predetermined. What is necessary is just to discriminate | determine by detecting exceeding the length (for example, 1 meter). Alternatively, when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the user stopped operating the touch panel display 10e and the operation key panel 10f, it may be determined that the image forming apparatus 1 has been left.

  The first position, the second position, and the third position may be determined according to only the distance from the position of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a range having a radius of less than 1 meter from the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as a first position, a range having a radius of 1 meter to less than 3 meters is defined as a second position, and a range having a radius of 5 meters or more is defined as a third position. It may be determined.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the selection request screen 6B and allows the user to select whether or not to perform the preview display by the terminal device 2. However, the preview display on the terminal device 2 may be performed according to the user's current location or the like, regardless of the selection by the user.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 detects that the user is carrying the terminal device 2 by NFC. However, when the user logs in to the image forming device 1 remotely by operating the terminal device 2. It may be determined that the user is carrying the terminal device 2.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire image processing system 4, the image forming apparatus 1, and the terminal device 2, each unit, the content of processing, the order of processing, the configuration of the screen, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1 Image forming apparatus 10e Touch panel display (display)
10p NFC reader / writer (reading means)
121 Local preview display section (local display processing means)
122 Remote preview display section (remote display processing means)
2 Terminal device 20j NFC chip (recording medium)
50 Image data 6C1 Preview image

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that includes a communication device and a display that communicate with a terminal device, and presents an output image output by executing a job to a user as a preview image before output in advance,
Remote display for performing remote display processing for displaying the preview image on the terminal device when the job is a specific job and the state of the user carrying the terminal device is the first state Processing means;
When the job is not the specific job and when the user is in a second state different from the first state, a local display process for displaying the preview image on the display is performed. Local display processing means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The display is a touch panel display,
The first state is a state where the display cannot be operated,
The second state is a state where the display is in front of the user and the display can be operated.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The specific job is a job in which it is estimated that a time required to obtain the preview image after being instructed to be executed is equal to or longer than a first time.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The specific job is a job that is estimated to be less than or equal to a second time from when the user gives an instruction to execute to when the user leaves the location of the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The specific job is a job for outputting an image indicating confidential information as the output image.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the preview image is displayed on the terminal device, the local display processing means performs a third display process for displaying an illustration corresponding to a condition for outputting the output image instead of the preview image. Do,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The remote display processing means performs the remote display processing when the user performs a predetermined operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Reading means for reading data from a recording medium built in the terminal device;
Have
The remote display processing means performs the remote display processing when data is read from the recording medium by the reading means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A preview image presentation method for presenting a user with a communication device that communicates with a terminal device and an output image output by an image forming apparatus having a display in advance as a preview image before output.
When the job is a specific job and the state of the user carrying the terminal device is the first state, the preview image is displayed by the terminal device,
Displaying the preview image on the display when the job is not the specific job and when the state of the user is a second state different from the first state;
A preview image presentation method characterized by the above. A computer program used in an image forming apparatus that has a communication device and a display that communicate with a terminal device, and presents an output image output by executing a job as a preview image to a user before outputting the image in advance.
In the image forming apparatus,
When the job is a specific job and the state of the user carrying the terminal device is the first state, a remote display process for displaying the preview image on the terminal device is executed,
When the job is not the specific job, and when the user is in a second state different from the first state, a local display process for displaying the preview image on the display is executed. Let
A computer program characterized by the above.

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