JP2017175489A - Image processing system, image forming apparatus, connection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect a terminal device to an image forming apparatus different from an image forming apparatus used daily by a user by radio more easily than in the conventional practice.SOLUTION: A smart phone 2A transits an SSID of an image forming apparatus 1A1 as an identifier for connection by radio waves. An image forming apparatus 1B1 receives the identifier for connection. If the identifier for connection is fixedly set in the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself, the smart phone 2A is connected to the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself. On the other hand, if not set fixedly, the smart phone 2A is connected to the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself by setting temporarily the identifier for connection in the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself if the smart phone 2A has been connected to the image forming apparatus 1A1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for connecting a terminal device and an image forming apparatus wirelessly.

  Image forming apparatuses in which functions such as copying, network printing, faxing, scanning, and file servers are integrated have become widespread. Such an image forming apparatus is called a “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”. The image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of users in an office or the like. A plurality of image forming apparatuses may be provided on the intranet.

  In recent years, a technique has been widely used in which a terminal device is connected to an image forming apparatus and processing is performed by linking both apparatuses, or the image forming apparatus is remotely controlled by the terminal device.

  There are mainly the following two methods for connecting a terminal device to an image forming apparatus through a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

  One is a method of connecting a terminal device to an image forming apparatus via a wireless base station in an intranet. In this case, it is necessary to specify an identifier of the radio base station, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier) to the terminal device.

  The other is a method of connecting directly without going through a radio base station. In this case, it is necessary to specify the identifier of the image forming apparatus to the terminal device.

  In addition, the following technique has been proposed as a technique for using an image forming apparatus by a terminal device.

  The printer driver includes a dedicated driver module to which a dedicated mode that enables selection and setting of all predetermined functions of the image forming apparatus is applied, an ID inquiry module that inquires an ID of the image forming apparatus, and an ID from the image forming apparatus ID acquisition module for acquiring the ID, ID determination module for determining the acquired ID, a standard driver module to which a standard mode for enabling selection and setting of functions provided in common to a plurality of image forming apparatuses is applied, and a switching module for switching driver modules It has. When the ID of the connected image forming apparatus does not correspond to the dedicated mode, the image is formed by switching to the standard mode (Patent Document 1).

  When the WFD connection is established between the MFP and the terminal device, a WFDNW including the MFP and the terminal device is established. The MFP receives an access request from the terminal device using the WFDNW. When the MFP receives an access request from the terminal device in a state where the connection record information is not stored, the MFP executes processing for establishing a normal Wi-Fi connection between the MFP and the AP. However, when the MFP receives the access request from the terminal device in the state where the connection record information is stored, the MFP does not execute processing for establishing a normal Wi-Fi connection between the MFP and the AP ( Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-22634 JP 2014-235713 A

  A user usually uses a specific image forming apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus in a department to which the user belongs or an image forming apparatus near his / her seat) among his / her own terminals in his office. Connect the device for use. Usually, an identifier of a specific image forming apparatus is often registered in advance in a terminal device. Or, it is often registered when connecting for the first time. Therefore, the terminal device can be easily connected to a specific image forming apparatus after the second time at the latest.

  However, the identifiers of other image forming apparatuses are often not registered in the terminal device. Therefore, when the other image forming apparatus is used for the first time, the identifier must be designated to the terminal device. If an encryption key is required for connection, the encryption key must be specified for the terminal device. These operations are troublesome for the user.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to connect a terminal device to an image forming apparatus different from an image forming apparatus that a user uses on a daily basis more easily than in the past.

  An image processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having a fixed identifier for wireless communication, and a terminal device having a function of connecting to the plurality of image forming apparatuses And the terminal device has an identifier transmitting means for transmitting by radio waves using the identifier of any of the plurality of image forming devices as a connection identifier. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes an identifier receiving unit that receives the connection identifier, and the terminal apparatus when the connection identifier is fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself. When the first connection processing means to be connected to the image forming apparatus itself and the connection identifier are not fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself, the terminal device If the connection identifier of the forming apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus in which the connection identifier is fixedly set, the terminal apparatus is set by temporarily setting the connection identifier in the image forming apparatus itself. And a second connection processing means for connecting to the image forming apparatus itself.

  Alternatively, when the connection identifier is not fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself, the second connection processing unit determines that the connection identifier of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is the terminal identifier. The image forming apparatus itself has been connected to the image forming apparatus that has been fixedly set and the radio wave transmitted from the terminal apparatus is more than the image forming apparatus in which the connection identifier is fixedly set. The terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus itself by temporarily setting the connection identifier in the image forming apparatus itself.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to connect a terminal device to an image forming apparatus different from an image forming apparatus that a user uses on a daily basis by radio more easily than in the past.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an intranet. 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 the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a smart phone. It is a figure which shows the example of a home screen, a setting top screen, and a network menu screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a Wi-Fi setting screen and a connection completion screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow when a terminal device connects to an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a normal connection process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an alternative connection process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an answer process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a switching process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process for a connection with a smart phone. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a connection method determination process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a subject determination process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process for a connection with a smart phone. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the whole process flow for a connection with a smart phone. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the whole process flow for a connection with a smart phone.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the intranet 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 example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 2.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the intranet 4 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, a plurality of terminal apparatuses 2, a communication line 3, and the like. The intranet 4 is a system that executes various processes relating to images.

  Each image forming apparatus 1 and each terminal apparatus 2 can communicate via a communication line 3. As the communication line 3, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) line, a wireless LAN line, or the like is used. The communication line 3 is realized by a hub, a twisted pair cable, a radio base station, and the like. The radio base station complies with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standards.

  The intranet 4 may be a single LAN, or may be configured by a LAN provided on each of a plurality of floors. In the latter case, a router is installed for each floor. The routers are connected via a dedicated line or the Internet.

  In the first embodiment, the intranet 4 is configured by two floor LANs. Hereinafter, each LAN is described separately from “segment 4A” and “segment 4B”.

  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. , A NIC (Network Interface Card) 10g, a modem 10h, a wireless LAN communication device 10i, a scan unit 10j, a print unit 10k, and a finisher 10n.

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

  The wireless LAN communication device 10 i communicates with other devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standard via the wireless base station of the communication line 3. It is also possible to communicate with the terminal device 2 without going through the radio base station. As the wireless LAN communication device 10i, a wireless communication device that receives Wi-Fi alliance authentication and has a multi-SSID (Service Set Identifier) function is used.

  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 on the paper the image indicated by the image data received from the terminal device 2 or the facsimile terminal by the NIC 10g, the modem 10h, or the wireless LAN communication device 10i.

  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 ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d stores programs for executing various types of jobs using functions such as copying described above. Further, a connection program 10P (see FIG. 4) for connecting to the terminal device 2 via a wireless LAN line is stored.

  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.

  Hereinafter, each image forming apparatus 1 provided in the segment 4A will be described separately as “image forming apparatus 1A1,” “image forming apparatus 1A2,” “image forming apparatus 1A3,”. Similarly, each image forming apparatus 1 provided in the segment 4B is described separately as “image forming apparatus 1B1”, “image forming apparatus 1B2”, “image forming apparatus 1B3”,.

  The terminal device 2 is a client for remotely using the above-described functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the terminal device 2 can be used as an input device of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of the touch panel display 10e and the operation key panel 10f by remotely accessing the image forming apparatus 1.

  As the terminal device 2, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a mobile phone terminal, a personal computer, or the like is used. Hereinafter, a case where the smartphone 2A is used as the terminal device 2 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone 2A includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a flash memory 20d, a touch panel display 20e, an operation button group 20f, a mobile phone communication device 20g, a wireless LAN communication device 20h, and the like.

  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 operation button group 20f includes a button for returning to the home screen, a button for adjusting the volume, a button for switching on / off the power, and the like.

  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 20h communicates with other devices using a protocol such as TCP / IP via the wireless base station of the communication line 3. It is also possible to connect to the image forming apparatus 1 without going through a wireless base station. This will be described later. As the wireless LAN communication device 20h, a wireless communication device that has received Wi-Fi Alliance authentication is used.

  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 connection program 20P (see FIG. 5) for connecting to the image forming apparatus 1 without using a wireless base station is stored.

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

  The user can use the smartphone 2A in either the segment 4A or the segment 4B.

  Note that radio waves transmitted from the wireless LAN communication devices (wireless base station, wireless LAN communication device 10i, and wireless LAN communication device 20h) used in segment 4A do not reach segment 4B. Similarly, the radio wave transmitted from the wireless LAN communication device used in the segment 4B does not reach the segment 4A.

  Further, at least one SSID is fixedly set in advance in the wireless LAN communication device 10 i of each image forming apparatus 1. Further, the encryption key is fixedly set in advance for each SSID. The encryption key is sometimes called a “security key” or a “password”.

  According to the connection program 10P and the connection program 20P, if the smartphone 2A has been connected to any one of the image forming apparatuses 1 provided in a certain segment, the image forming apparatus 1 provided in another segment. The connection can be made without knowing the SSID and the encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, if the smartphone 2A has been connected to the image forming apparatus 1A1, it can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1B1 provided in the segment 4B without knowing the SSID and encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1B1. it can. Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the smartphone 2A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating examples of the home screen 5A, the setting top screen 5B, and the network menu screen 5C. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Wi-Fi setting screen 5D and a connection completion screen 5E. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow when the terminal device 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

  According to the connection program 10P, functions such as the connection method determination unit 101, the normal connection processing unit 102, the alternative connection processing unit 103, the answer processing unit 104, the switching processing unit 105, and the connection result storage unit 106 illustrated in FIG. Implemented in the forming apparatus 1.

  According to the connection program 20P, functions such as the connection processing unit 201, the connection data storage unit 202, and the switching control unit 203 illustrated in FIG. 5 are realized in the smartphone 2A.

  Similarly to the conventional smartphone, the smartphone 2A can basically establish a connection with the other party through the wireless LAN if it knows the other party's SSID and encryption key.

  In addition, the smartphone 2A can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a wireless LAN via a wireless base station of the communication line 3 or directly without using a wireless base station. In particular, the latter is generally called “direct connection”. Hereinafter, a case where the smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1 are directly connected will be described.

  If the user has not yet connected the smartphone 2A to the image forming apparatus 1 of the intranet 4 via the wireless LAN, the user performs the following operation.

  The user displays a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) setting screen (Wi-Fi setting screen 5D in FIG. 7A) on the touch panel display 20e by performing a predetermined operation as usual.

  For example, the user displays the home screen 5A of FIG. 6A by pressing the home button from the operation button group 20f. By tapping the icon 5A1, the setting top screen 5B shown in FIG. 6B is displayed. By tapping the selection button 5B1, the network menu screen 5C of FIG. 6C is displayed. Then, by tapping the selection button 5C1, the Wi-Fi setting screen 5D in FIG. 7A is displayed.

  The user inputs the SSID of the other party to be connected to the smartphone 2A in the text box 5D1. Then, the connection button 5D2 is tapped.

  The user's operation and the process of the smartphone 2A described above are the same as the conventional ones. The smartphone 2A displays a list of SSIDs of devices that have been connected in the past and SSIDs currently received in the beacon, instead of allowing the user to input SSIDs in the text box 5D1. SSID may be selected from.

  When the SSID is input or selected, the connection processing unit 201 executes a process for connecting to the apparatus in which the input SSID is set in the procedure shown in FIG.

  The connection processing unit 201 requests connection by transmitting connection request data 6A indicating the input SSID and the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the wireless LAN communication device 20h by the wireless LAN communication device 20h (FIG. 8). # 601).

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the connection request data 6A is received by the wireless LAN communication device 10i, the connection method determining unit 101 determines a connection method with the transmission source of the connection request data 6A, that is, the smartphone 2A as follows. To do.

  When the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A is set in the image forming apparatus 1 itself, the connection method determination unit 101 determines the connection method as “normal connection method”. Otherwise, the connection method is determined as “alternative connection method”. Hereinafter, connection processing by the normal connection method and the alternative connection method will be sequentially described.

[Normal connection method]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of normal connection processing.

  The connection processing by the normal connection method will be described by taking as an example a case where the smartphone 2A transmits a signal indicating the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1A1 as the connection request data 6A and the image forming apparatus 1A1 receives the connection request data 6A.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A1, when the connection method determining unit 101 determines that the connection method is the normal connection method, the normal connection processing unit 102 performs a process of connecting the image forming apparatus 1A1 itself and the smartphone 2A with the procedure illustrated in FIG. Run with.

  The normal connection processing unit 102 requests the encryption key by transmitting the encryption key request data 6B to the smartphone 2A (# 701 in FIG. 9).

  In the smartphone 2A, when receiving the encryption key request data 6B (# 602 in FIG. 8), the connection processing unit 201 displays a dialog box 5F for inputting the encryption key (# 603). The user inputs the encryption key into the dialog box 5F. Then, the connection processing unit 201 transmits the encryption key data 6C indicating the input encryption key to the image forming apparatus 1A1 (# 604).

  When receiving the encryption key data 6C (# 702), the normal connection processing unit 102 checks whether or not the encryption key indicated therein matches the encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1A1 itself (# 703). . That is, authentication is performed.

  If they match, that is, if the authentication is successful (Yes in # 704), the normal connection processing unit 102 performs a process of establishing a connection between the smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1A1 (# 705). Further, the MAC address indicated in the connection request data 6A, that is, the MAC address of the smartphone 2A is stored in the connection record storage unit 106 (# 706).

  If the authentication is successful in the image forming apparatus 1A1 (Yes in # 605), the connection processing unit 201 also performs processing for establishing a connection (# 606). Further, if the input encryption key, that is, the encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1A1 is not yet stored in the connection data storage unit 202 (No in # 607), this encryption key is used as the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1A1. The connection data is stored in the connection data storage unit 202 (# 608).

  Through these processes, the connection between the image forming apparatus 1A1 and the smartphone 2A is established. These processes are basically the same as the conventional connection processes.

  When the connection by the normal connection method is established, a connection completion screen 5E shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the touch panel display 20e of the smartphone 2A.

  If the encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1A1 is stored in the connection data storage unit 202, the connection processing unit 201 skips step # 603, and in step # 604, data indicating the encryption key. May be transmitted as the encryption key data 6C. In this case, the encryption key data 6C may be transmitted together with the connection request data 6A, and steps # 602 and # 701 may be skipped.

  Further, in the case of the alternative connection method, predetermined data (switching data 6M described later) is transmitted to the smartphone 2A after the connection is established, but in the case of the normal connection method, it is not transmitted. Therefore, the connection processing unit 201 skips the process of step # 610 and ends the connection process.

[Alternative connection method]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of the alternative connection process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of answer processing.

  The smartphone 2A transmits a signal indicating the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1A1 as the connection request data 6A, but the connection processing by the alternative connection method will be described by taking the case where the image forming apparatus 1B1 receives the connection request data 6A as an example.

  The image forming apparatus 1A1 and the image forming apparatus 1B1 belong to different segments as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1A1 have been connected by the normal connection method described above.

  In the image forming apparatus 1B1, when the connection method determining unit 101 determines that the connection method is the alternative connection method, the alternative connection processing unit 103 executes a process of connecting the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself and the smartphone 2A.

  The alternative connection processing unit 103 includes an owner specifying unit 131, a performance query unit 132, an identifier setting unit 133, an encryption key acquisition unit 134, a connection processing unit 135, and the like. And each part performs a process in the procedure shown in FIG.

  The owner identifying unit 131 identifies a device (hereinafter referred to as “owner”) in which the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A is set (# 711). The identification is performed, for example, by the following method. The owner identifying unit 131 multicasts the owner inquiry data 6D indicating the SSID to each device of the intranet 4 by the NIC 10g.

  Note that the owner inquiry data 6D may be transmitted by a method other than multicast. For example, an IP address or the like for each image forming apparatus 1 may be registered in a database in advance, and owner inquiry data 6D may be transmitted to each image forming apparatus 1 based on this database.

  When each of the image forming apparatuses 1 other than the image forming apparatus 1B1 receives the owner inquiry data 6D, the answer processing unit 104 performs processing in the procedure shown in FIG.

  When the SSID shown in the owner inquiry data 6D is set for itself (Yes in # 731 in FIG. 11), the answer processing unit 104 uses the affirmative answer data 6E indicating that it is its own SSID as the inquiry source. That is, the image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1B1 (# 732). If not (No in # 731), negative response data 6F indicating that it is not its own SSID is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1B1 (# 733).

  In the image forming apparatus 1B1, when receiving the affirmative response data 6E, the owner identifying unit 131 identifies that the transmission source of the affirmative response data 6E is the owner.

  In this example, affirmative response data 6E is received from the image forming apparatus 1A1. Therefore, the owner specifying unit 131 specifies that the image forming apparatus 1A1 is the owner.

  The record inquiry unit 132 transmits the record inquiry data 6G to the image forming apparatus 1 (in this example, the image forming apparatus 1A1) identified as the owner by the owner specifying unit 131, thereby requesting a connection. An inquiry is made about the connection result with the device having the MAC address indicated in the data 6A (# 712). This MAC address is indicated in the result inquiry data 6G.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A1, when the answer processing unit 104 receives the result inquiry data 6G (Yes in # 734), whether or not the MAC address indicated in the result inquiry data 6G is stored in the connection result storage unit 106 is determined. Is checked (# 735).

  If it is stored (Yes in # 736), the response processing unit 104 sends connection response data 6H indicating that there is a track record of connection between the image forming apparatus 1A1 and the apparatus having the MAC address. It transmits to the apparatus 1B1 (# 737). If not stored (No in # 736), connection non-response data 6J indicating that there is no connection result is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1B1 (# 738).

  Then, in the image forming apparatus 1B1, the performance inquiry unit 132 receives the connected / unanswered data 6H or the unconnected data 6J (# 713).

  When the connection presence reply data 6H is received by the record inquiry unit 132 (# 714), the identifier setting unit 133 and the encryption key acquisition unit 134 execute the following processing.

  The identifier setting unit 133 temporarily sets the SSID (in this example, the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1A1) indicated in the connection request data 6A in the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself (# 715).

  As a result, the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A and the SSID originally given to the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself are set in the image forming apparatus 1B1. Hereinafter, the former is described as “SSID_1” and the latter is described as “SSID_2”.

  The encryption key acquisition unit 134 transmits the encryption key request data 6K to the apparatus (in this example, the image forming apparatus 1A1) in which SSID_1 is set before or after or in parallel with the process of step # 715 ( # 716).

  In the image forming apparatus 1A1, when the answer processing unit 104 receives the encryption key request data 6K (Yes in # 739), the answer processing unit 104 sends the encryption key data 6L indicating the encryption key corresponding to its own SSID as an inquiry source, that is, image formation. It transmits to the apparatus 1B1 (# 740).

  In the image forming apparatus 1B1, the encryption key acquisition unit 134 receives the encryption key data 6L (# 717).

  When the SSID_1 is set and the encryption key data 6L is received, the connection processing unit 135 requests an encryption key from the transmission source of the connection request data 6A, that is, the smartphone 2A (# 718). At this time, as in the case of the normal connection method, the encryption key request data 6B is transmitted to the smartphone 2A.

  In the smartphone 2A, when receiving the encryption key request data 6B (# 602 in FIG. 8), the connection processing unit 201 (see FIG. 5) displays the dialog box 5F (# 603) as in the case of the normal connection method. ). The user inputs the encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1A1. Then, the connection processing unit 201 transmits data indicating the encryption key input by the user (encryption key data 6C) to the request source (image forming apparatus 1B1 in this example) (# 604).

  In the image forming apparatus 1B1, upon receiving the encryption key data 6C (# 719), the connection processing unit 135 receives the encryption key indicated by the encryption key data 6C and the encryption key indicated by the encryption key data 6L (that is, the encryption key data 6C). , SSID_1 encryption key) is checked (# 720). That is, authentication is performed.

  If they match, that is, if the authentication is successful (Yes in # 721), the normal connection processing unit 102 performs a process of establishing a connection between the smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1B1 (# 722).

  If the authentication is successful in the image forming apparatus 1B1 (Yes in # 605), the connection processing unit 201 also performs processing for establishing a connection (# 606) as in the case of the normal connection method.

  Note that the answer processing unit 104 may transmit the encryption key data 6L together with the connected answer data 6H in Step # 737. In this case, the answer processing unit 104 skips # 739 to # 740. Also, the connection processing unit 135 skips steps # 718 to # 719.

  In this way, the smartphone 2A can connect to the image forming apparatus 1B1 using the SSID and the encryption key of the image forming apparatus 1A1.

[Switching SSID]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of the switching process.

  The smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1 are connected by the alternative connection method using the SSIDs of the other image forming apparatuses 1 and then reconnected by the normal connection method using the original SSID at a predetermined timing. That is, the SSID is switched.

  The switching may be performed when the connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the smartphone 2 </ b> A is established and both apparatuses do not transmit and receive data for a predetermined time or more. Alternatively, it may be performed when the target communication (for example, transmission / reception of job data) is completed.

  Hereinafter, for the switching process, after the smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1B1 are connected as described above by the alternative connection method using the SSID (that is, SSID_1) of the image forming apparatus 1A1, the SSID (that is, the image forming apparatus 1B1) A case where reconnection is performed by the normal connection method using SSID_2) will be described as an example.

  In the image forming apparatus 1B1, the switching processing unit 105 performs the SSID switching process according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  The switching processing unit 105 includes a switching request unit 151, a disconnection processing unit 152, a setting release unit 153, and the like.

  The switching request unit 151 requests the smartphone 2A to request connection again with the original SSID of the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself (# 751 in FIG. 12). At this time, switching data 6M indicating SSID_2 and the corresponding encryption key is transmitted to smartphone 2A.

  When the switching data 6M is received by the smartphone 2A, the disconnection processing unit 152 disconnects (ends) the connection with the smartphone 2A (# 752).

  The setting canceling unit 153 cancels the setting of SSID_1 (# 753), and deletes SSID_1 and its encryption key from the storage unit (such as the RAM 10b) of the image forming apparatus 1B1 (# 754).

  In the smartphone 2A, when receiving the switching data 6M (Yes in # 609 in FIG. 8), the switching control unit 203 associates the SSID and the encryption key indicated in the switching data 6M with each other in the connection data storage unit 202. Store (# 610). Then, the connection processing unit 201 is instructed to attempt connection with this SSID, that is, SSID_2.

  Then, the connection processing unit 201 returns to step # 601 and starts connection processing by the normal connection method using SSID_2.

  However, in step # 601, the connection processing unit 201 transmits data indicating SSID_2 as the SSID as connection request data 6A. Also, since the encryption key corresponding to SSID_2 is already stored in the connection data storage unit 202, the process of step # 603 is skipped. In step # 604, the data indicating the encryption key is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1B1 as the encryption key data 6C.

  In the image forming apparatus 1B1, when receiving the connection request data 6A, the connection method determination unit 101 determines a connection method with the transmission source of the connection request data 6A, that is, the smartphone 2A as described above. Here, since the SSID_2, that is, the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself is indicated in the connection request data 6A, the connection method is determined as the normal connection method.

  Then, the normal connection processing unit 102 executes processing for connecting the image forming apparatus 1B1 itself and the smartphone 2A. The processing procedure is as described in FIG.

  Note that the connection disconnection by SSID_1 may be performed by the smartphone 2A instead of the image forming apparatus 1B1.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow for connection to the smartphone 2A.

  Next, an overall processing flow of connection with the smartphone 2A by the wireless LAN in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The image forming apparatus 1 executes the process shown in FIG. 13 based on the connection program 10P.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A (Yes in # 11 of FIG. 13), the image forming apparatus 1 compares the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A with its own SSID, thereby connecting to the smartphone 2A. Is determined (# 12).

  If the two match, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the connection method as the normal connection method (Yes in # 13), and performs the connection process by the normal connection method (# 14). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 establishes a connection with the smartphone 2A by its own SSID.

  On the other hand, if they do not match, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the connection method as the alternative connection method (No in # 13), and performs connection processing by the alternative connection method (# 15). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Thereby, the connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the smartphone 2 </ b> A is established by the SSID of the other image forming apparatus 1.

  Thereafter, when the disconnection timing comes, such as when communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the smartphone 2A ends or is interrupted for a predetermined time or longer (Yes in # 16), the image forming apparatus 1 uses the terminal device of its own SSID. 2 is established, that is, SSID switching is performed (# 17). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when the owner inquiry data 6D is received from another image forming apparatus 1 (Yes in # 18), a process of answering whether or not the SSID is own is performed (# 19). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 appropriately executes each process illustrated in FIG. 13 while providing a connection service using a wireless LAN.

  According to the first embodiment, if the user has connected the smartphone 2A to the image forming apparatus 1 that the user uses regularly, the smartphone 2A is connected to the other image forming apparatus 1 and the SSID of the other image forming apparatus 1 is used. You can connect without specifying.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a connection method determination process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of subject determination processing.

  In the first embodiment, a case where a certain image forming apparatus 1 belonging to a certain segment uses the SSID of the other image forming apparatus 1 belonging to another segment to connect to the smartphone 2A by the alternative connection method. Was described as an example. In the second embodiment, this connection is performed using the SSID of another image forming apparatus 1 belonging to the same segment.

  Hereinafter, a connection mechanism using the SSID of another image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

  The overall configuration of the intranet 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. The hardware configuration of the terminal device 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.

  However, the connection program 10Q is stored in the ROM 10c or the auxiliary storage device 10d of the image forming apparatus 1.

  According to the connection program 10Q, the connection method determination unit 801, the normal connection processing unit 802, the alternative connection processing unit 803, the answer processing unit 804, the switching processing unit 805, the connection result storage unit 806, and the subject determination unit 807 shown in FIG. Such a function is realized in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Hereinafter, the case where the smartphone 2A is used on the floor of the segment 4A, the smartphone 2A transmits connection request data 6A in an attempt to connect to the image forming apparatus 1A1, and the image forming apparatus 1A3 receives the connection request data 6A is illustrated as an example. 14 will be described. Image forming apparatus 1A1 and image forming apparatus 1A3 both belong to segment 4A as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the smartphone 2A and the image forming apparatus 1A1 have been connected by the above-described normal connection method.

  The user goes to the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1A3 with the smartphone 2A. Then, by performing the operation described with reference to FIG. 6, the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1A1 is input, and a connection to the image forming apparatus 1A1 is instructed.

  Then, the smartphone 2A transmits data indicating the SSID of the image forming apparatus 1A1 and the MAC address of the smartphone 2A itself as connection request data 6A. The smartphone 2A may automatically transmit the connection request data 6A when receiving a beacon transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1A1.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A3, when the connection method determination unit 801 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A, the connection method determination unit 801 determines a connection method with the smartphone 2A. The method of determination is as shown in FIG.

  The connection method determination unit 801 has the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A of the image forming apparatus 1A3 itself (Yes in # 761), and the strength of the radio wave (radio wave intensity) that reaches the image forming apparatus 1A1 from the smartphone 2A. ) Is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Yes in # 762), the connection method is determined as the normal connection method (# 763). Hereinafter, the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A is referred to as “SSID_3”.

  If the SSID_3 is not the image forming apparatus 1A3 itself (No in # 761), the connection method determining unit 801 identifies the apparatus (owner) in which the SSID_3 is set (# 764). The specific method is the same as the specific method by the owner specifying unit 131 of the first embodiment. That is, it is specified by multicasting the owner inquiry data 6D and receiving the affirmative response data 6E.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 other than the image forming apparatus 1A3 in the intranet 4, when the answer processing unit 804 receives the owner inquiry data 6D, as in the answer processing unit 104 of the first embodiment, the owner inquiry Affirmative response data 6E or negative response data 6F is transmitted to the inquiry source, that is, the image forming apparatus 1A3 depending on whether or not the SSID (that is, SSID_3) indicated in the data 6D is its own.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A3, when receiving the affirmative response data 6E, the connection method determination unit 801 specifies that the transmission source of the affirmative response data 6E is the owner of SSID_3. In this example, it is determined that SSID_3 is set in the image forming apparatus 1A1.

  The connection method determination unit 801 inquires to the determined apparatus, that is, the image forming apparatus 1A1, which of the image forming apparatus 1A1 and the image forming apparatus 1A3 should perform the connection based on SSID_3 (# 765). At this time, the subject inquiry data 6N indicating the SSID_3, the MAC address indicated in the connection request data 6A (that is, the MAC address of the smartphone 2A), and the strength of the radio wave (radio wave intensity) reaching the image forming apparatus 1A3 from the smartphone 2A. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1A1.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A1, when the subject determining unit 807 receives the subject inquiry data 6N, the image forming device 1A1 itself should connect to the device having the MAC address indicated in the subject inquiry data 6N, that is, the smartphone 2A. The inquiry source, that is, whether the image forming apparatus 1A3 should perform is determined by the procedure shown in FIG.

  When the connection request data 6A indicating the same SSID and MAC address as the SSID and MAC address indicated in the subject inquiry data 6N has not reached the image forming apparatus 1A1 (No in # 781), the subject determination unit 807 determines that the smartphone 2A It is determined that the image forming apparatus 1A3 should make a connection with (# 782).

  If it has arrived (Yes in # 781), the subject determination unit 807 has already started processing for establishing or establishing a connection with the transmission source of the connection request data 6A, that is, the smartphone 2A ( (Yes in # 783), it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1A1 itself should connect to the smartphone 2A (# 784).

  If it has not been established yet and the process for establishment has not been started (No in # 783), the subject determining unit 807 determines the strength and subject of the radio wave that reaches the image forming apparatus 1A3 itself from the smartphone 2A. The radio wave intensity shown in the inquiry data 6N is compared (# 785). If the latter is larger than the former (Yes in # 786), it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1A3 should connect to the smartphone 2A (# 787). Otherwise (No in # 786), it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1A1 should connect to the smartphone 2A (# 788).

  That is, the subject determination unit 807 forms an image connection with the smartphone 2A when the strength of the radio wave reaching the image forming apparatus 1A3 from the smartphone 2A is larger than the strength of the radio wave reaching the image forming apparatus 1A1 itself from the smartphone 2A. It is determined that the device 1A3 should do.

  Then, the main body determining unit 807 transmits result data 6P indicating the determination result to the image forming apparatus 1A3 (# 789).

  Note that the image forming apparatus 1A3 may execute the processing by the subject determining unit 807. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1A3 may acquire radio wave intensity data in the image forming apparatus 1A1 and determine which should perform the connection process with the smartphone 2A.

  In addition, three or more image forming apparatuses 1 in the segment 4A may receive the connection request data 6A. In this case, the subject determining unit 807 may determine that the image forming apparatus 1 having the strongest radio wave intensity from the smartphone 2A should perform the connection process with the smartphone 2A.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A3, when the connection method determining unit 801 receives the result data 6P (# 766 in FIG. 15), the result data 6P indicates that the image forming apparatus 1A3 should connect to the smartphone 2A. In such a case (Yes in # 767), the connection method is determined as an alternative connection method (# 768). On the other hand, when it is indicated that the image forming apparatus 1A1 should perform (No in # 768), it is determined that the connection with the smartphone 2A is not performed (# 769).

  If the strength of the radio wave reaching the image forming apparatus 1A1 from the smartphone 2A is less than the predetermined value (No in # 762), the connection method determination unit 801 suspends determining the connection method (# 770). . In this case, as will be described later, the connection process is performed by either the normal connection method or the alternative connection method according to the result of the subject determination process.

  When the connection method determining unit 801 determines the connection method as the normal connection method, the normal connection processing unit 802 connects the image forming apparatus 1A3 itself and the smartphone 2A by the normal connection method. The procedure of the connection process is the same as that in the first embodiment and is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Similar to the connection record storage unit 106 of the first embodiment, the connection record storage unit 806 stores the MAC address of the apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 1A3 itself by the normal connection method.

  The alternative connection processing unit 803 includes a performance inquiry unit 832, an identifier setting unit 833, an encryption key acquisition unit 834, and a connection processing unit 835. When the connection method determining unit 801 determines the connection method as the alternative connection method, the alternative connection processing unit 803 connects the image forming apparatus 1A3 itself and the smartphone 2A by the alternative connection method.

  The performance inquiry unit 832, the identifier setting unit 833, the encryption key acquisition unit 834, and the connection processing unit 835 are respectively the result inquiry unit 132, the identifier setting unit 133, and the encryption key acquisition unit 134 of the first embodiment. , And the same processing as the processing of the connection processing unit 135 is performed.

  The procedure of the connection process is basically the same as that in the first embodiment, and is as described above with reference to FIG.

  However, it is already known that the apparatus in which the SSID indicated in the connection request data 6A is set is the image forming apparatus 1A1. Therefore, step # 711 in FIG. 10 is skipped.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A1, the answer processing unit 804 is basically the same as the answer processing unit 104 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. Processing for answering the inquiry from the apparatus 1A3) is performed. However, steps # 731 to # 733 in FIG. 11 are skipped.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A3, the switching processing unit 805 includes a switching request unit 851, a cutting processing unit 852, and a setting cancellation unit 853. Then, SSID switching processing is performed in the same manner as the switching processing unit 105 of the first embodiment. The procedure of this process is as shown in FIG.

  The smartphone 2A may perform processing in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, processing is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 8 based on the connection program 20P.

  The connection program 10Q can also be applied when the two image forming apparatuses 1 belong to different segments as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow for connection with the smartphone 2A.

  Next, an overall processing flow of connection with the smartphone 2A by the wireless LAN in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The image forming apparatus 1 executes the process shown in FIG. 17 based on the connection program 10Q.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A (Yes in # 31 of FIG. 17), the image forming apparatus 1 determines a method of connection with the smartphone 2A (# 32). The determination method is as described above with reference to FIG.

  When the connection method is determined to be the normal connection method (Yes in # 33), the image forming apparatus 1 performs connection processing by the normal connection method (# 34). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when the connection method is determined as the alternative connection method (No in # 33, Yes in # 35), connection processing by the alternative connection method is performed (# 36). The procedure of this process is basically as described above with reference to FIG. However, step # 711 in FIG. 10 is skipped.

  Thereafter, when the cutting timing comes (Yes in # 37), the image forming apparatus 1 performs the SSID switching process (# 38). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, when it is determined not to connect (No in # 33, No in # 35), the image forming apparatus 1 does not connect to the smartphone 2A.

  Alternatively, when the subject inquiry data 6N is received from another image forming apparatus 1 (No in # 31, Yes in # 39), whether the image forming apparatus 1 itself should connect to the smartphone 2A or other image. It is determined whether the forming apparatus 1 should perform (# 40). The determination method is as described above with reference to FIG.

  If the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 itself performs, and if the connection method is suspended in step # 32 (specifically, step # 770 in FIG. 15) (Yes in # 41), Connection processing by the normal connection method is performed (# 34).

  Alternatively, when the record inquiry data 6G is received from another image forming apparatus 1 (Yes in # 39 and # 42), the record of connection with the smartphone 2A is returned (# 43). This processing is as described above with reference to FIG. However, the processing of steps # 731 to # 733 is skipped.

  The image forming apparatus 1 appropriately executes each process illustrated in FIG. 17 while providing a connection service using a wireless LAN.

  According to the second embodiment, the smartphone 2 </ b> A is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 different from the image forming apparatus 1 that the user uses regularly, and even when both the image forming apparatuses 1 are close to each other, it is easier to wirelessly than in the past. Can be connected by.

  FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are flowcharts for explaining modifications of the overall processing flow for connection with the smartphone 2A.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the user can use all the image forming apparatuses 1 without limitation, but may be able to use only a part of the image forming apparatuses 1. In the following, when access is restricted, the image forming apparatuses 1A1, 1A2, 1A3, 1B1, 1B2 belong to the group_1 as shown in FIG. 1, and the image forming apparatuses 1A4, 1A5, 1B3, 1B4 belong to the group. An example of an environment in which a user who belongs to _2 and has a smartphone 2A is given the access right of the group _1 but is not given the access right of the group_2 will be described.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A (Yes in # 51 in FIG. 18), it is determined whether or not the user of the smartphone 2A has an access right to use the image forming apparatus 1. Discriminate (# 52). The discrimination can be performed by a known method. For example, a server for user management may be provided in the intranet 4 and the determination may be made by making an inquiry to this server.

  If it is determined that the user has the access right (Yes in # 53), the image forming apparatus 1 executes the processes after step # 54. This is the same as the processing after step # 12 in FIG. If it cannot be determined (No in # 53), no connection is made.

  When the image forming apparatus 1B1 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A, it is determined in step # 52 that the access right is given. However, if it is received by the image forming apparatus 1B3, it is determined that the access right is not given.

  Alternatively, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A (Yes in # 71 in FIG. 19), whether the access right to use the image forming apparatus 1 is given to the user of the smartphone 2A or not. Is determined (# 72).

  If it is determined that the user has the access right (# 73), the image forming apparatus 1 executes the processes after step # 74. This is the same as the processing after step # 32 in FIG. If it cannot be determined (No in # 73), no connection is made.

  When the image forming apparatus 1A2 receives the connection request data 6A from the smartphone 2A, it is determined in step # 72 that the access right is given. However, if it is received by the image forming apparatus 1A4, it is determined that the access right is not given.

  In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 to be connected to the smartphone 2A among the two or more image forming apparatuses 1 is determined to be the image forming apparatus 1 having the strongest radio wave reaching from the smartphone 2A. However, the image forming apparatus 1 having the shortest distance from the smartphone 2A may be determined. The distance can be calculated by a known method. For example, it may be calculated by GPS (Global Positioning System).

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the connection request data 6A received from the smartphone 2A indicates the SSID of the other image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the other image forming apparatus 2A. When there is a track record of being connected to the device 1, the smartphone 2A is connected. However, even if there is no track record, it may be connected.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the smartphone 2A by the alternative connection method, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the alternative image forming apparatus 1 instead of the image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user. A message to that effect may be sent to the smartphone 2A. Then, the smartphone 2A may display this message.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire intranet 4, image forming apparatus 1, terminal device 2, smartphone 2 </ b> A or each unit, processing contents, processing order, data configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. .

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the connection of the terminal device 2 to the image forming apparatus 1 has been described using the smartphone 2A as an example, but the terminal device 2 other than the smartphone 2A such as a personal computer or a tablet computer is connected. You can also

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the connection of the smartphone 2A to the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is also applied to the case of connection to a device below the image forming apparatus 1 such as a wireless base station. can do.

4 Intranet (image processing system)
1 Image forming apparatus 10i Wireless LAN communication apparatus (identifier receiving means)
102 normal connection processing unit (first connection processing means)
132 Results inquiry department (inquiry means)
134 Encryption key acquisition unit (acquisition means)
135 Connection processing unit (second connection processing means)
151 Change request part (reconnection means)
152 Cutting processing unit (release means)
153 Setting release unit (release means)
802 Normal connection processing unit (first connection processing means)
832 Results inquiry department (inquiry means)
834 Encryption key acquisition unit (acquisition means)
835 connection processing unit (second connection processing means)
2 Terminal device 2A Smartphone (terminal device)
201 Connection processing unit (identifier sending means)
6A connection request data

Claims (24)

An image processing system comprising: a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having a fixed identifier for wireless communication; and a terminal device having a function of connecting to the plurality of image forming apparatuses. ,
The terminal device
An identifier transmitting means for transmitting by radio waves the identifier of any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses as a connection identifier;
Have
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Identifier receiving means for receiving the connection identifier;
First connection processing means for connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself when the connection identifier is fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself;
In the case where the connection identifier is not fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself, the terminal apparatus is an image forming apparatus in which the connection identifier is fixedly set among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A second connection processing means for connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself by temporarily setting the connection identifier in the image forming apparatus itself.
An image processing system comprising: The second connection processing unit may have connected the terminal device to an image forming device in which the connection identifier is fixedly set among the plurality of image forming devices, and the terminal device. If the radio wave transmitted from the terminal reaches the image forming apparatus itself more strongly than the image forming apparatus in which the connection identifier is fixedly set, the terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus itself.
The image processing system according to claim 1. The plurality of image forming apparatuses are registered in advance in a database.
The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2. Among the one or more other image forming apparatuses, the wireless communication identifier has a function of communicating with one or a plurality of other image forming apparatuses each having a fixed identifier for wireless communication. An image forming apparatus having a function of wirelessly communicating with a terminal device that transmits by radio waves using the identifier fixedly set in the connection target device as a connection identifier,
Identifier receiving means for receiving the connection identifier;
First connection processing means for connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself when the connection identifier is fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself;
If the terminal device has been connected to the connection target device when the connection identifier is not fixedly set to the image forming device itself, the connection identifier is temporarily stored in the image forming device itself. A second connection processing means for connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself by setting to
An image forming apparatus comprising: In the second connection processing unit, the terminal device has been connected to the connection target device, and the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device reaches the image forming apparatus itself more strongly than the connection target device. If this is the case, the terminal device is connected to the image forming device itself.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. Inquiry means for inquiring to the connection target device whether or not the terminal device has been connected;
Have
The second connection processing unit connects the terminal device to the image forming device itself when the connection target device replies that the terminal device has been connected.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. The inquiry means inquires whether or not the terminal device has been connected by multicasting specific data.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. Obtaining means for obtaining from the connection target device a first encryption key for allowing the connection target device to authenticate;
Have
The second connection processing means authenticates the terminal device based on the second encryption key acquired from the terminal device and the first encryption key acquired by the acquisition means, and performs authentication. If successful, connect the terminal device to the image forming device itself;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. After the terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus itself by the second connection processing unit, the terminal device is reconnected to the image forming apparatus itself by the identifier of the image forming apparatus itself at a predetermined timing. Having reconnection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The predetermined timing is when specific communication performed between the terminal device and the image forming apparatus itself is completed.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. Release means for releasing the setting of the connection identifier of the connection target device after the reconnection means reconnects the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10. The second connection processing unit connects the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself when the user of the terminal device has the authority to use the image forming apparatus itself, and connects when the user does not have the authority. Do not let,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The identifier of each of the one or more other image forming apparatuses is registered in advance in the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. In the image forming apparatus having a function of communicating with one or a plurality of other image forming apparatuses each having a fixed identifier for wireless communication, the one or a plurality of other image forming apparatuses. A wireless connection method with a terminal device that transmits by radio waves using the identifier fixedly set in a connection target device as an identifier for connection,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Executing a receiving process for receiving the connection identifier;
When the connection identifier is fixedly set in the image forming apparatus itself, a first connection process for connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself is executed.
If the terminal device has been connected to the connection target device when the connection identifier is not fixedly set to the image forming device itself, the connection identifier is temporarily stored in the image forming device itself. By executing the second connection process for connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus itself,
A connection method characterized by that. If the terminal device has been connected to the connection target device and the radio wave transmitted from the terminal device reaches the image forming device itself more strongly than the connection target device, the image forming apparatus , Executing the second connection process,
The connection method according to claim 14. The identifier of each of the one or more other image forming apparatuses is registered in advance in the image forming apparatus.
The connection method according to claim 14 or 15. 17. The image forming apparatus is configured to execute the reception process, the first connection process, and the second connection process so that the connection method according to claim 14 is realized.
A computer program characterized by the above. Causing the image forming apparatus to execute an inquiry process for inquiring of the connection target apparatus whether or not the terminal apparatus has been connected;
Causing the image forming apparatus to execute the second connection process when the connection target apparatus replies that the terminal apparatus has been connected.
The computer program according to claim 17. The inquiry process is a process for inquiring whether or not the terminal device has been connected by multicasting specific data.
The computer program according to claim 18. Causing the image forming apparatus to execute an acquisition process for acquiring a first encryption key for the connection target apparatus to authenticate from the connection target apparatus;
Causing the image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process for authentication based on the second encryption key acquired from the terminal device and the first encryption key acquired by the acquisition process;
Causing the image forming apparatus to execute the second connection process when the authentication process is successful;
The computer program according to any one of claims 17 to 19. After the terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus by the second connection processing, reconnection processing is performed to reconnect the terminal device to the image forming device by the identifier of the image forming device at a predetermined timing. , Causing the image forming apparatus to execute,
The computer program according to any one of claims 17 to 20. The predetermined timing is when specific communication performed between the terminal device and the image forming apparatus itself is completed.
The computer program according to claim 21. Causing the image forming apparatus to execute a release process for releasing the setting of the connection identifier of the connection target apparatus after the terminal device is reconnected to the image forming apparatus by the reconnection process.
The computer program according to claim 21 or claim 22. The second connection process is executed by the image forming apparatus when the user of the terminal apparatus has an authority to use the image forming apparatus, but is not executed when the user does not have the authority.
The computer program according to any one of claims 17 to 23.

Images