JP2018063702A - Image forming apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suitably send newly-arrived notification to a client terminal not constantly connected to a network.SOLUTION: A first notification control part controls notification of file information including information on a file that can be printed by an image forming apparatus. An acquisition part acquires terminal identification information from a client terminal according to the notification of the file information. A second notification control part, when determining that the acquired terminal identification information is stored in a storage part, notifies at least one piece of file identification information to the client terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for connecting to a file server from an image forming apparatus, acquiring a file on the file server, and performing printing. With such a technique, the printing date and time is managed for each file on the file server, and if there is an unprinted file, it can be displayed with emphasis, for example. In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-41457), in a system that manages documents with a server, a new arrival notification of a document is notified to a PC (Personal Computer), and a predetermined time elapses after notification to the PC. A technique for notifying a mobile terminal of a new arrival notification if a response indicating confirmation of the new arrival notification has not been received is disclosed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-253294 discloses a technique for setting an attribute indicating that the document is not a newly arrived document and notifying a new arrival by excluding a document in which the attribute is set.

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to notify a new arrival to a client terminal that is not always connected to the network. In recent years, wearable terminals have become widespread, and there is a demand for receiving new arrival notifications even on wearable terminals. In response to such a request, when a wearable terminal is always connected to a network like a mobile terminal, there is a problem of power supply because the number of installed batteries is limited. That is, when a new arrival notification is made to a client terminal such as a wearable terminal that is not always connected to the network, the connection form must be considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to suitably notify a new arrival to a client terminal that is not always connected to a network.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus connectable to a client terminal, the terminal identification information for identifying the client terminal, and the image forming apparatus A storage unit that stores at least one file identification information that identifies a file that can be printed by: a first notification control unit that controls notification of file information including information relating to a file that can be printed by the image forming apparatus; In response to the notification of the file information, an acquisition unit that acquires terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal, and a terminal identification that determines whether the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit When it is determined that the information determination unit and the acquired terminal identification information are stored in the storage unit, at least one Comprising a second notification controller for notifying the serial file identification information to the client terminal.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suitably notify a new arrival to a client terminal that is not always connected to the network.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the wearable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the wearable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of information stored by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for inputting an address of the file server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen for the file server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search screen when the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1 searches for an image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection screen when connecting to the image forming apparatus from the wearable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal ID registration screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for selecting a file to be notified of unprinted file information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of new arrival notification transmission processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new arrival notification screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of unprinted file information notification processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unprinted file information screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of unprinted file information notification processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of application activation processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file list screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the wearable terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of file operation processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file operation information selection screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of file operation processing according to the second embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the content is not contradicted.

(Embodiment 1)
[System configuration]
The system configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a wearable terminal 10, an image forming apparatus 20, and a file server 30. A plurality of devices may be included in the information processing system 1. For example, in the information processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires and prints files stored in the file server 30. In such an information processing system 1, the wearable terminal 10 requests various information regarding file printing and the like from the image forming apparatus 20 and displays the various information.

  The wearable terminal 10 is a terminal serving as a client for the image forming apparatus 20 that performs printing or the like, and is attached to a predetermined part such as a wrist of a user. The wearable terminal 10 is owned by each user who uses the image forming apparatus 20. The wearable terminal 10 is installed with an application for connecting to the image forming apparatus 20 by wireless communication and logging in to the image forming apparatus 20 to make various requests. In the present embodiment, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as wireless communication between the wearable terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20. For example, although BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) added in Bluetooth 4.0 is assumed, Bluetooth 3. It may be a PAN (Personal Area Network) wireless medium such as a so-called classic Bluetooth before x. When using classic Bluetooth, pairing or the like may be performed with the image forming apparatus 20.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is a multifunction device or printer such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a function of accessing the file server 30 to download and print a file. The image forming apparatus 20 and the file server 30 belong to some kind of network that can be connected to each other. The image forming apparatus 20 receives various requests from the wearable terminal 10 and executes processing according to the requests. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 periodically accesses the file server 30, and generates and holds a file list including information such as a file ID for identifying the file managed by the file server 30, the file name of the file, and the update date and time. To do. Here, since the image forming apparatus 20 can acquire information on the printing date and time for the file printed by itself, it can recognize whether or not there is an unprinted file. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 generates and holds an unprinted file list relating to unprinted files. The unprinted file list is updated as appropriate according to the generation of the file list. The file server 30 is a PC (Personal Computer) or a server device that stores files.

  In the configuration described above, the image forming apparatus 20 indicates a terminal ID that identifies the wearable terminal 10, a file ID that is at least one file identification information that identifies a file managed by the file server 30, and a file update date and time. The storage unit stores the update date information and the print date information indicating the print date of the file in association with each other. The image forming apparatus 20 stores information indicating that an unprinted file exists in the file managed by the file server 30 based on the unprinted file list, that is, information regarding a file that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 20. Notify file information including. For example, when BLE is used, the image forming apparatus 20 notifies an advertisement packet including information indicating that an unprinted file exists. The advertisement packet is a broadcast packet and may be received by a plurality of wearable terminals 10 included in the information processing system 1. In other words, an advertisement packet including information indicating that an unprinted file exists becomes a new arrival notification of an unprinted file.

  The wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification displays a screen for selecting whether to connect to the image forming apparatus 20 that has transmitted the new arrival notification. The user performs an operation of selecting whether or not to connect to the image forming apparatus 20. As a result, the wearable terminal 10 connects to the image forming apparatus 20 selected for connection. For example, when using the BLE, the wearable terminal 10 starts connection by GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) to make it communicable with the image forming apparatus 20. The wearable terminal 10 then requests the connected image forming apparatus 20 to confirm an unprinted file. The unprinted file request includes the terminal ID of the wearable terminal 10. As one aspect, the terminal ID is a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) generated by the wearable terminal 10.

  The image forming apparatus 20 that has received the unprinted file request including the terminal ID determines whether or not the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit. At this time, the image forming apparatus 20 uses the storage unit to extract the file ID of the unprinted file from the update date information and the print date information corresponding to the terminal ID. On the other hand, if the terminal ID is not stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects from the wearable terminal 10. Then, the image forming apparatus 20 notifies the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information including file name information indicating a file name corresponding to the file ID of the unprinted file. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10 when notifying the unprinted file information. As a result, the wearable terminal 10 that has received the unprinted file information displays and outputs the file name of the unprinted file.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the terminal ID from the connected wearable terminal 10 in response to the transmission of the advertisement packet including information indicating that an unprinted file exists, and the file corresponding to the acquired terminal ID The unprinted file is identified from the update date / time information and the print date / time information, and the unprinted file information including the file name information of the unprinted file is notified to the wearable terminal 10, and after the notification of the unprinted file information, the wearable The connection with the terminal 10 is disconnected. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can suitably notify the new arrival to the wearable terminal 10 that is not always connected to the network. In other words, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a new arrival notification by broadcasting, connects to the wearable terminal 10 that has requested unprinted file information, and disconnects the wearable terminal 10 after notification of unprinted file information. The new arrival notification to the wearable terminal 10 is realized while reducing the wireless connection with the wearable terminal 10 that is not always connected to the network.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, the hardware configuration of the wearable terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the wearable terminal 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wearable terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, an operation display unit 15, and a communication I / F 16. Have The above units are connected to each other via a system bus 11.

  The CPU 12 controls the overall operation of the wearable terminal 10. For example, the CPU 12 controls the overall operation of the wearable terminal 10 by executing a program stored in the ROM 13 or the like using the RAM 14 or the like as a work area. The operation display unit 15 includes a touch panel, hard keys, and the like, receives input of information to the wearable terminal 10, and displays various screens. The communication I / F 16 is an interface for communicating with an external apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 20. For example, in communication by the communication I / F 16, it is assumed that wireless media that can be controlled from an application by pairing such as Bluetooth 4.0 as an option, but it is PAN wireless media that requires pairing such as classic Bluetooth. May be. In addition to these, the wearable terminal 10 may have various sensors capable of measuring the biological information and position information of the user wearing the wearable terminal 10.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 has a configuration in which a controller 2010 and an engine unit (Engine) 2060 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 2010 is a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus 20, drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit 2020. The engine unit 2060 is a printer engine or the like that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 2060 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 2010 includes a CPU 2011, a north bridge (NB) 2013, a system memory (MEM-P) 2012, a south bridge (SB) 2014, a local memory (MEM-C) 2017, and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 2016 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 2018, and the North Bridge (NB) 2013 and the ASIC 2016 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 2015. The MEM-P 2012 further includes a ROM 2012a and a RAM 2012b.

  The CPU 2011 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 20, has a chip set made up of NB 2013, MEM-P 2012 and SB 2014, and is connected to other devices via this chip set.

  The NB 2013 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 2011 and the MEM-P 2012, the CPU 2011 and the SB 2014, and the CPU 2011 and the AGP bus 2015, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 2012, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 2012 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a drawing memory for printers, and the like, and includes a ROM 2012a and a RAM 2012b. The ROM 2012a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data. The RAM 2012b is a writable and readable memory used as a program and data expansion memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like.

  The SB 2014 is a bridge for connecting the NB 2013 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 2014 is connected to the NB 2013 via the PCI bus. A network interface (I / F) unit or the like is also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 2016 is an image processing application IC (Integrated Circuit) having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 2015, the PCI bus, the HDD 2018, and the MEM-C 2017. The ASIC 2016 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 2016, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 2017, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access) that perform image data rotation and the like using hardware logic. FCU (Fax Control Unit) 2030, USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2040, IEEE1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 2050, and Bluetooth 2070 are connected between the controller) and the engine unit 2060 via a PCI bus. The The operation display unit 2020 is directly connected to the ASIC 2016.

  The MEM-C 2017 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HDD 2018 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

  The AGP bus 2015 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP bus 2015 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 2012 with high throughput. . In addition to these, the image forming apparatus 20 may have hardware for Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection.

[Function configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of wearable terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the wearable terminal 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the wearable terminal 10 includes an encryption unit 101, a decryption unit 102, a terminal ID management unit 103, a unique ID identification unit 104, an operation display control unit 105, a request unit 106, a communication It has the control part 107 and the terminal advertisement transmission control part 108. Some or all of these parts may be realized by software (programs), or may be realized by a hardware circuit.

  The encryption unit 101 encrypts transmission data transmitted by wireless communication using the communication I / F 16. For example, the encryption unit 101 encrypts transmission data transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication I / F 16 under the control of the communication control unit 107. The decryption unit 102 decrypts the encrypted received data received by wireless communication using the communication I / F 16. For example, the decryption unit 102 decrypts encrypted reception data received from the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication I / F 16 under the control of the communication control unit 107.

  The terminal ID management unit 103 generates and manages a terminal ID that is terminal identification information unique to the wearable terminal 10. For example, the terminal ID is a UUID or the like, and is sent to the image forming apparatus 20 when various requests are made to the image forming apparatus 20. The unique ID identifying unit 104 checks whether the received new arrival notification has been received based on the unique ID that is identification information for identifying the new arrival notification received from the image forming apparatus 20. The unique ID is information for identifying a new arrival notification including information indicating that an unprinted file exists, and is generated by the image forming apparatus 20 that transmits the new arrival notification. For example, the unique ID identifying unit 104 stores the received unique ID of the new arrival notification for a certain period. When the unique ID identifying unit 104 receives the new arrival notification, if the unique ID of the received new arrival notification and the stored unique ID are the same unique ID, the unique ID identification unit 104 outputs a display indicating that there is a new arrival notification. Do not.

  The operation display control unit 105 controls display of various information and input of various information. For example, the operation display control unit 105 controls display processing and input processing by the operation display unit 15 to display a new arrival notification and unprinted file information, and to perform an operation for requesting acquisition of unprinted file information and application activation. Or accept. The request unit 106 makes various requests to the image forming apparatus 20. For example, when the operation display control unit 105 receives an operation requesting acquisition of unprinted file information or activation of an application, the request unit 106 forms an image via the communication I / F 16 according to the control of the communication control unit 107. Request to device 20. Further, the request unit 106 includes the terminal ID generated by the terminal ID management unit 103 in various requests to the image forming apparatus 20. In addition, the request unit 106 includes an application ID for identifying the application in the application activation request to the image forming apparatus 20.

  The communication control unit 107 controls various communications with an external apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication I / F 16. For example, the communication control unit 107 controls transmission of a request such as acquisition of unprinted file information or application activation by the request unit 106 to the image forming apparatus 20. Further, the communication control unit 107 receives a new arrival notification transmitted by the image forming apparatus 20 or receives unprinted file information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 20. New arrival notifications and unprinted file information are notified to the operation display control unit 105 and displayed on the operation display unit 15. The terminal advertisement transmission control unit 108 controls transmission of an advertisement packet that is a broadcast packet. For example, when receiving a new arrival notification from the image forming apparatus 20, the terminal advertisement transmission control unit 108 transmits an advertisement packet including the terminal ID of the wearable terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the advertisement packet transmitted from wearable terminal 10 is for notifying that the own terminal is in a connection standby state. The connection timing of wireless communication between the wearable terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 will be described later.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a storage unit 201, a connection control unit 202, a communication control unit 203, a first notification control unit 204, an acquisition unit 205, and a terminal ID determination unit 206. Have In addition, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a second notification control unit 207, an encryption unit 208, a decryption unit 209, a login reception unit 210, a login execution unit 211, and an activation request reception unit 212. The image forming apparatus 20 also includes an activation processing unit 213, a display control unit 214, a registration unit 215, a file list management unit 216, an unprinted file list management unit 217, and a print control unit 218. A part or all of these units other than the storage unit 201 may be realized by software (program), or may be realized by a hardware circuit.

  The storage unit 201 stores a terminal ID, a file ID, update date / time information, and print date / time information in association with each other for each user identification information for identifying a user who uses the wearable terminal 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of information stored by the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 201 stores a user name, a terminal ID, a file ID, update date information, and print date information for each user ID that identifies a user. Information stored in the storage unit 201 is registered by associating a terminal or ID with a file or folder (file ID) that the user of the wearable terminal 10 wants to receive unprinted file information through a process described later. For this reason, when the user designates a plurality of files and folders, a plurality of file IDs are registered for the user ID.

  For example, since the file with the file ID “F0002” of the user A (user name: UserA) shown in FIG. 6 does not have a print history (print date and time), it can be a notification target of unprinted file information. Similarly, the file with the file ID “F0011” of user B (user name: UserB) shown in FIG. 6 has a newer update date than a print date, and therefore can be notified of unprinted file information.

  The connection control unit 202 controls connection with the wearable terminal 10 through wireless communication. For example, the connection control unit 202 starts connection with the wearable terminal 10 in response to a connection request from the wearable terminal 10. Further, when notifying the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information, the connection control unit 202 starts connection with the wearable terminal 10. Further, when unprinted file information is notified to the wearable terminal 10, the connection control unit 202 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10. In addition, the connection control unit 202 measures the time after the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is started, and when data is not transmitted to or received from the wearable terminal 10 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the wearable terminal 10 10 is disconnected. That is, the connection control unit 202 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10 if any operation is not performed on the connected wearable terminal 10 for a predetermined time or longer. Further, when receiving a login request from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the unprinted file information, the connection control unit 202 starts connection with the wearable terminal 10. Further, the connection control unit 202 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10 when an application activation process is executed in response to the application activation request from the wearable terminal 10. The connection control processing by the connection control unit 202 will be described as appropriate.

  The communication control unit 203 controls various communications with external devices such as the wearable terminal 10 and the file server 30. For example, the communication control unit 203 receives a request for unprinted file information including the terminal ID transmitted by the wearable terminal 10, receives a login request including the terminal ID transmitted by the wearable terminal 10, or wearable terminal Or an application activation request including the application ID transmitted by 10 is received. In addition, the communication control unit 203 transmits unprinted file information to the wearable terminal 10.

  The first notification control unit 204 controls transmission of an advertisement packet that is a broadcast packet. For example, the first notification control unit 204 can print by the image forming apparatus 20 information indicating that an unprinted file exists in the file managed by the file server 30 based on the unprinted file list. An advertisement packet (new arrival notification) that is file information including information related to a new file is notified. The unprinted file list is generated and maintained as described below. That is, the file list management unit 216 periodically accesses the file server 30 via the communication control unit 203, and includes a file ID for identifying a file managed by the file server 30, a file name of the file, update date / time information, and the like. Generate and maintain a file list containing information. Here, the image forming apparatus 20 can acquire information on the printing date and time for a file printed by the own apparatus. For this reason, the unprinted file list management unit 217 has a newer update date than the print date and no print history for the files included in the file list generated and held by the file list management unit 216 (print date and time). (Information does not exist) is generated and held as an unprinted file list. From these, the first notification control unit 204 determines whether or not an unprinted file exists based on the unprinted file list, and sends a new arrival notification when an unprinted file exists. .

  In addition, the first notification control unit 204 may include a unique ID for identifying the new arrival notification in the new arrival notification described above. The wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification including the unique ID can identify whether the new arrival notification has already been received. Further, the first notification control unit 204 includes information indicating that an unprinted file exists for a predetermined time or more when a file managed by the file server 30 includes an unprinted file for a predetermined time or more. A new arrival notification may be sent. As a result, the wearable terminal 10 displays and outputs that there is an unprinted file for a predetermined time or more.

  The acquisition unit 205 acquires the terminal ID of the wearable terminal 10 from the wearable terminal 10 in response to the transmission of a new arrival notification. For example, the acquisition unit 205 acquires the terminal ID included in the acquisition request for unprinted file information transmitted from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification in response to the transmission of the new arrival notification. Here, in response to an acquisition request for unprinted file information, the connection control unit 202 starts connection with the wearable terminal 10 in response to a connection request from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification. Thereby, the acquisition unit 205 acquires the terminal ID included in the acquisition request for unprinted file information transmitted from the wearable terminal 10 after the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is started.

  Here, the trigger for starting the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is not limited to the connection request from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification. For example, when the image forming apparatus 20 receives a connection standby notification transmitted from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification, when the unprinted file information is notified to the wearable terminal 10, Connection may be started. Thereby, the acquisition unit 205 acquires the terminal ID included in the connection standby notification indicating that the wearable terminal 10 is in the connection standby state.

  The terminal ID determination unit 206 determines whether the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201. For example, the terminal ID determination unit 206 determines whether or not the terminal ID acquired by the acquisition unit 205 is stored in the storage unit 201. If the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201, the second notification is made. Notify the control unit 207. In addition, when the terminal ID acquired by the acquisition unit 205 is not stored in the storage unit 201 in the state where the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is started, the terminal ID determination unit 206 notifies the connection control unit 202 to that effect. Notify As a result, the connection control unit 202 disconnects the wearable terminal 10. That is, when the terminal ID included in the unprinted file information acquisition request is acquired after the connection request from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification is received, the terminal ID must be stored in the storage unit 201. For example, the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is disconnected. In addition, the terminal ID determination unit 206 ends the process if the terminal ID acquired by the acquisition unit 205 is not stored in the storage unit 201 in a state where the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is not started. That is, when the terminal ID included in the connection standby notification from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification is acquired, if the terminal ID is not stored in the storage unit 201, the process ends.

  The second notification control unit 207 notifies the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information. For example, when the terminal ID determination unit 206 determines that the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201, the second notification control unit 207 is based on the update date information and the print date information corresponding to the terminal ID. The file ID of at least one unprinted file is extracted. Then, the second notification control unit 207 notifies the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information including file name information indicating the file name of the file corresponding to the extracted at least one file ID. Notification of unprinted file information is executed via the communication control unit 203. The file name of the file corresponding to the file ID may be specified based on the file list or the unprinted file list. The connection control unit 202 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10 when the second notification control unit 207 is notified of unprinted file information.

  The encryption unit 208 encrypts transmission data transmitted by wireless communication. For example, the encryption unit 208 encrypts transmission data transmitted to the wearable terminal 10 under the control of the communication control unit 203 after the connection with the wearable terminal 10 is started under the control of the connection control unit 202. The decryption unit 209 decrypts encrypted reception data received by wireless communication. For example, after starting connection with the wearable terminal 10 under the control of the connection control unit 202, the decryption unit 209 decodes the encrypted reception data received from the wearable terminal 10 according to the control of the communication control unit 203.

  The login reception unit 210 receives a login request from the wearable terminal 10. For example, the login reception unit 210 receives a login request including the terminal ID of the wearable terminal 10 from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the unprinted file information. The login to the image forming apparatus 20 by the wearable terminal 10 is performed, for example, in order to make a print application activation request to be described later. At this time, the connection control unit 202 starts connection with the wearable terminal 10 when receiving a login request from the wearable terminal 10 that has received the unprinted file information. The login execution unit 211 executes login processing. For example, when the terminal ID included in the login request received by the login reception unit 210 is stored in the storage unit 201, the login execution unit 211 uses a user ID or a user name corresponding to the terminal ID, Execute the login process.

  The activation request receiving unit 212 receives an application activation request from the wearable terminal 10. For example, the activation request reception unit 212 receives an application activation request including an application ID for identifying an application from the wearable terminal 10 after the login processing by the login execution unit 211 is performed. The application ID is information for identifying an application to be activated by the image forming apparatus 20. For example, when the printing application is activated, the application ID is information indicating the printing application.

  The activation processing unit 213 executes application activation processing corresponding to the application ID. For example, when the activation request receiving unit 212 receives an application activation request, the activation processing unit 213 executes activation processing of an application (for example, a print application) corresponding to the application ID included in the application activation request. . At this time, the connection control unit 202 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10 when an application activation process corresponding to the application ID is executed.

  The display control unit 214 controls display of various information and input of various information. For example, the display control unit 214 controls display processing and input processing by the operation display unit 2020, a connection screen to the file server 30, a login screen, a registration screen for associating a terminal ID and a file ID, and an unprinted file A screen for selecting a file / folder for which information is to be received and a print screen corresponding to the start of the print application are displayed and output. In addition, the display control unit 214 accepts input of various types of information according to user operations on each screen. For example, when a print instruction is received on the print screen, the print control unit 218 controls print processing. Details of each screen will be described later.

  The registration unit 215 stores the user ID, the terminal ID, the file ID of the file for which the user wants to receive unprinted file information, the update date / time information of the file, and the print date / time information of the file in association with each other. Register with. As described above, the information stored in the storage unit 201 is information registered by associating the file ID and the terminal ID of a file that the user of the wearable terminal 10 desires to receive unprinted file information. Hereinafter, the registration process will be described.

  For example, the first notification control unit 204 transmits an advertisement packet for accepting a terminal ID registration request. The wearable terminal 10 that has received the advertisement packet for accepting the registration request for the terminal ID displays and outputs a screen for selecting whether to connect to the image forming apparatus 20 that has transmitted the advertisement packet. Here, it is assumed that the user performs a selection operation for connecting to the image forming apparatus 20. Thereby, the wearable terminal 10 transmits a registration request including the terminal ID to the image forming apparatus 20.

  When the registration request including the terminal ID is received by the image forming apparatus 20, the display control unit 214 displays and outputs a screen for inputting a user ID, a password, and the like. Here, user authentication is performed based on information such as a user ID and a password. If user authentication is successful, the user ID and terminal ID can be linked at this point. The display control unit 214 also displays and outputs a screen for selecting a file for which notification of unprinted file information is to be received. Here, the user selects a file or folder for which notification of unprinted file information is to be received. As a result, the user ID, the terminal ID, the file ID, and the like can be linked, and the update date information and the print date information corresponding to the file ID can also be linked. That is, the registration unit 215, after successful user authentication using the user ID, the user ID, the terminal ID included in the registration request, the file ID of the selected file, the update date / time information of the selected file, The printing date / time information of the selected file is registered in the storage unit 201 in association with it.

  As described above, the information registered in the storage unit 201 relates to a file that the user wants to receive notification of unprinted file information. For this reason, unless the user (each user) performs an operation for receiving notification of unprinted file information for all file information, the storage unit 201 includes the above-described file list and unprinted file list. Not all file information is registered.

[Various screens]
Next, various screens according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for inputting an address of the file server 30 according to the first embodiment. The input screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed and output on the operation display unit 2020 of the image forming apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 7, when the address (computer name or IP address) of the file server 30 is input on the input screen, whether or not the image forming apparatus 20 can connect to the file server 30 is confirmed. At this time, if the file server 30 cannot be connected, an error indicating that the connection cannot be made is displayed and output.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen for the file server 30 according to the first embodiment. After inputting the address of the file server 30, the operation display unit 2020 of the image forming apparatus 20 inputs a login ID and a password for logging in to the file server 30 accessed from the image forming apparatus 20, as shown in FIG. A screen is displayed and output. Here, it is assumed that a common account that can access folders and files of the file server 30 is set in the file server 30. The image forming apparatus 20 can periodically access the file server 30 and acquire a file list using a common account. When the login ID and the password are input, the image forming apparatus 20 confirms whether or not the login to the file server 30 is possible. If the login is successful, a radio wave is transmitted so that the image forming apparatus 20 can be detected from the wearable terminal 10. When using BLE, the image forming apparatus 20 outputs an advertisement packet. If login to the file server 30 fails, an error indicating that login is not possible is displayed and output.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search screen when the wearable terminal 10 according to the first embodiment searches for the image forming apparatus 20. At any timing after the output of the advertisement packet described in FIG. 8, the user operates the wearable terminal 10 to instruct search of the image forming apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the operation display unit 15 of the wearable terminal 10 displays and outputs a screen indicating that the peripheral image forming apparatus 20 is being searched while attempting to receive the advertisement packet.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection screen when connecting the wearable terminal 10 according to the first embodiment to the image forming apparatus 20. When the image forming apparatus 20 is detected by the search described with reference to FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 10, the wearable terminal 10 displays and outputs a screen for selecting whether to connect to the image forming apparatus 20. The In FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 20 with the name “MFP A” is displayed as a search result. When the user wants to connect to the multifunction device A, the user taps the “Connect” button. Thereby, the wearable terminal 10 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 (multifunction device A) by wireless communication, and transmits a terminal ID. Further, the wearable terminal 10 is detected when the “cancel” button is tapped in a state where a plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 are installed in the vicinity and each of them transmits an BLE advertisement packet. A screen for selecting whether to connect to another image forming apparatus 20 (for example, multifunction device B) is displayed and output.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal ID registration screen according to the first embodiment. As described with reference to FIG. 10, when the wearable terminal 10 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 and a terminal ID is transmitted, the image forming apparatus 20 displays and outputs the received terminal ID, and inputs a user ID and a password. Display and output a screen for The user ID and password input here are information that can be logged into the image forming apparatus 20, and may be a user ID and password for accessing the file server 30. When the user ID and password are input on the registration screen, the user ID and the terminal ID are associated with each other.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for selecting a file to be notified of unprinted file information according to the first embodiment. When the user ID and password input in FIG. 11 are used to log in to the file server 30, the image forming apparatus 20 displays and outputs a list screen of folders available to the user as shown in FIG. The user of wearable terminal 10 performs a selection operation of a folder for which notification of unprinted file information is to be received from wearable terminal 10 from the folder list. As a result, in addition to the user ID and terminal ID described above, the file ID, the update date / time information, and the print date / time information are linked and registered in the storage unit 201.

[New notification sending process]
Next, the flow of new arrival notification transmission processing according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of new arrival notification transmission processing according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 20 accesses the file server 30 and obtains a file list including information such as a file ID for identifying a file managed by the file server 30, a file name of the file, and an update date and time. (Step S101). The file list is acquired periodically. Then, the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether or not there is a print history of the file included in the file list based on the acquired file list and the print date / time information about the file printed by the image forming apparatus 20 ( Step S102). At this time, if the print history exists (step S102: Yes), the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether the updated date / time of the printed file is newer than the print date / time (step S103). On the other hand, when there is no print history (step S102: No), the image forming apparatus 20 executes the process of step S104 because the corresponding file has not been printed.

  Further, when the update date / time is newer than the print date / time (step S103: Yes), the image forming apparatus 20 has not been printed since the corresponding file has not been printed (the file has not been printed after the file has been updated). Registration in the file list (step S104). Similarly, a file having no print history is registered in the unprinted file list. On the other hand, when the update date / time is older than the print date / time (step S103: No), the image forming apparatus 20 executes the process of step S105. In other words, the image forming apparatus 20 executes a process of checking the processes in steps S102 to S104 for all cases included in the file list. If there is an unconfirmed file (step S105: No), the image forming apparatus 20 executes the process of step S102 again. If all the files have been confirmed (step S105: Yes), the image forming apparatus 20 executes the process of step S106.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether there is information in the unprinted file list (step S106). At this time, if there is information in the unprinted file list (step S106: Yes), the image forming apparatus 20 generates a unique ID for identifying the new arrival notification (step S107), and a new arrival including the generated unique ID. A notification is transmitted (step S108). On the other hand, when there is no information in the unprinted file list (step S106: No), the image forming apparatus 20 ends the process without sending a new arrival notification because there is no unprinted file.

  In addition, as described above, when a new arrival notification is sent, if there is an unprinted file for a predetermined time or more, a new arrival notification including information indicating that an unprinted file exists for a predetermined time or more is sent. Also good. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new arrival notification screen according to the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the wearable terminal 10 that has received a new arrival notification including information indicating that an unprinted file exists for a predetermined time or longer indicates that there is an unprinted file for a predetermined time or longer. Display on the screen.

[Unprinted file information notification process]
Next, the flow of unprinted file information notification processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of unprinted file information notification processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 and an acquisition request for unprinted file information is made.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a new arrival notification including a unique ID (step S201). The wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification connects to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S202), and requests the connected image forming apparatus 20 to acquire unprinted file information including the terminal ID (step S203). The image forming apparatus 20 that has received the acquisition request for the unprinted file information including the terminal ID determines whether or not the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201 (step S204).

  At this time, when the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 extracts and extracts the file ID of the unprinted file from the print date information and the update date information corresponding to the terminal ID. File name information indicating the file name corresponding to the file ID is acquired (step S205). Then, the image forming apparatus 20 notifies the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information including unprinted file name information (step S206). After notifying the unprinted file information, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects from the wearable terminal 10 (step S207). On the other hand, when the terminal ID is not stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects from the wearable terminal 10 because there is no unprinted file information that can be notified (step S208).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unprinted file information screen according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the wearable terminal 10 that has received the unprinted file information including the file name information displays and outputs that there is an unprinted file and the file name of the unprinted file.

  Next, the flow of unprinted file information notification processing according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of unprinted file information notification processing according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 17, the wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification issues a connection standby notification and notifies the unprinted file information when the image forming apparatus 20 connects to the wearable terminal 10 as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a new arrival notification including a unique ID (step S301). The wearable terminal 10 that has received the new arrival notification transmits a connection standby notification including the terminal ID (step S302). The image forming apparatus 20 that has received the connection standby notification including the terminal ID determines whether the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201 (step S303).

  At this time, when the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 extracts and extracts the file ID of the unprinted file from the print date information and the update date information corresponding to the terminal ID. File name information indicating the file name corresponding to the file ID is acquired (step S304). Then, the image forming apparatus 20 connects to the wearable terminal 10 (step S305), and notifies the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information including unprinted file name information (step S306).

  After notifying the unprinted file information, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects from the wearable terminal 10 (step S307). On the other hand, when the terminal ID is not stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 terminates the process because there is no unprinted file information that can be notified (step S308). When it is determined that the terminal ID is not stored in the storage unit 201, the wireless communication connection between the wearable terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 has not been started, and thus the connection is not particularly disconnected. Is terminated.

[App startup process]
Next, the flow of application activation processing according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of application activation processing according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 18, a print application activation process will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the image forming apparatus 20 notifies the wearable terminal 10 of unprinted file information including unprinted file name information (step S401). As described above, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects the wearable terminal 10 after notifying the unprinted file information. The wearable terminal 10 that has received the unprinted file information displays and outputs an unprinted file information screen as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the user performs an operation of selecting any file information displayed on the unprinted file information screen. As a result, wearable terminal 10 connects to image forming apparatus 20 (step S402), and makes a login request including the terminal ID to connected image forming apparatus 20 (step S403). The image forming apparatus 20 that has received the login request including the terminal ID determines whether the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201 (step S404).

  At this time, when the terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 executes a login process using the user ID corresponding to the terminal ID (step S405). Wearable terminal 10 transmits an application activation request including an application ID that can be recognized by image forming apparatus 20 to image forming apparatus 20 (step S406). The image forming apparatus 20 that has received the application activation request including the application ID executes an activation process of an application (for example, a printing application) corresponding to the application ID (step S407). Then, the image forming apparatus 20 connects to the file server 30 (step S408) and executes file thumbnail generation and file list display (step S409). Further, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects from the wearable terminal 10 after the application activation process (step S410). On the other hand, when the terminal ID is not stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects from the wearable terminal 10 because login is not possible (step S411).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file list screen according to the first embodiment. Specifically, it is an example of a file list screen displayed when an application activation request including an application ID of a printing application is made. As shown in FIG. 19, the file list screen displays thumbnails of files that can be selected as print targets and objects for setting print conditions. Further, if there is an unprinted file, it is possible to display an unprinted batch indicating unprinted on both the folder and file thumbnails. The user selects a file to be printed and taps a print button. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 20 executes the printing process of the selected file. When a file is printed, the printing date information corresponding to the file is updated. In particular, when an unprinted file is printed, printing date information corresponding to the file is newly registered.

[Effects of Embodiment 1]
The image forming apparatus 20 includes a terminal ID for identifying the wearable terminal 10 owned by the user, the file ID of the file for which the user wants to be notified of unprinted file information, the update date / time information of the file, and the print date / time of the file. The information is stored in the storage unit 201 in association with the information. Then, when there is an unprinted file in the file managed by the file server 30, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a new arrival notification indicating that the unprinted file exists, and transmits the new arrival notification. In response, the terminal ID is acquired from the wearable terminal 10. Subsequently, when the acquired terminal ID is stored in the storage unit 201, the image forming apparatus 20 extracts the file ID of the unprinted file from the update date information and the print date information corresponding to the terminal ID, The unprinted file information including the file name information corresponding to the extracted file ID is notified to the wearable terminal 10. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10 after notifying the unprinted file information. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can suitably notify the new arrival to the wearable terminal 10 that is not always connected to the network.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 20 disconnects the connection with one wearable terminal 10 when necessary processing is completed when using BLE having one terminal that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 20 at the same time. Further, by enabling connection only to the registered wearable terminals 10, it is possible to realize connection with more wearable terminals 10. In addition, when using BLE in which an area to be embedded in a broadcast packet is limited, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits unprinted file information after establishing a connection. Therefore, the terminal ID can be set without considering the data amount. By registering and selecting a file for which unprinted file information is to be received, the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced. In addition, since the image forming apparatus 20 does not include user-specific information in the advertisement packet, and after establishing a connection with the wearable terminal 10, the transmission data is encrypted and the encrypted reception data is decrypted. Security can be ensured.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the wearable terminal 10 is notified of unprinted file information including unprinted file name information, and any of the file information displayed on the unprinted file information screen is selected, whereby the terminal ID is changed. The case where the used login request / process is executed and the application activation request / process is executed has been described. The unprinted file information may include file path information indicating a file storage location. In the second embodiment, a file operation request / processing using file path information will be described.

[Function configuration]
The functional configuration of wearable terminal 10a according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the wearable terminal 10a according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 20, the same components as those of wearable terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the wearable terminal 10 a includes an encryption unit 101, a decryption unit 102, a terminal ID management unit 103, and a unique ID identification unit 104. In addition, the wearable terminal 10a includes an operation display control unit 105, a request unit 106, a communication control unit 107a, a terminal advertisement transmission control unit 108, a file management unit 109a, and a file operation request unit 110a.

  The communication control unit 107a controls various communications with an external apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 20a via the communication I / F 16. For example, the communication control unit 107a receives unprinted file information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 20a. In the second embodiment, the unprinted file information further includes file path information indicating the storage location of the file corresponding to the file name information in addition to the file name information. That is, the communication control unit 107a receives file path information of an unprinted file.

  The file management unit 109a manages file path information. For example, the file management unit 109a stores the file path information received by the communication control unit 107a while the unique ID is stored by the unique ID identifying unit 104.

  The file operation request unit 110a requests a file operation process to the image forming apparatus 20a. For example, when the operation display control unit 105 receives an operation requesting file operation processing after the request for application activation by the request unit 106, the file operation request unit 110a performs communication I / F 16 according to control by the communication control unit 107a. Through the image forming apparatus 20a. Further, the file operation request unit 110a includes file path information in the file operation processing request.

  One of the file operation processes is a process for displaying a file corresponding to the file path information in a selected state when an application activated by the application activation process displays a file list screen. Also, one of the file operation processes is a process for printing a file corresponding to the file path information from the application activated by the application activation process. Also, one of the file operation processes is a process for generating a preview image of a file corresponding to the file path information from the application activated by the application activation process and displaying the generated preview image.

  Which file operation processing is to be executed by the image forming apparatus 20a may be designated by the wearable terminal 10 or may be designated in advance as described below.

  Specifically, when the wearable terminal 10 designates the file operation request unit 110a, the file operation information indicating the process selected in the operation requesting the file operation process is further included in the request for the file operation process. . For example, the file operation request unit 110a further includes any file operation information of file selection information, print information, and preview information in the request for file operation processing. The file selection information is file operation information indicating a process for displaying a file corresponding to the file path information in a selected state when the application started by the application startup process displays a file list screen. The print information is file operation information indicating a process for printing a file corresponding to the file path information from an application activated by the application activation process. The preview information is file operation information indicating a process for generating a preview image of a file corresponding to the file path information from the application started by the application starting process and displaying the generated preview image. That is, the wearable terminal 10a transmits a file operation processing request including any file operation information selected by the user operation and file path information to the image forming apparatus 20a.

  In addition, when designated in advance, the file operation request unit 110a requests a file operation process including only file path information. When specifying in advance, for example, the user specifies file operation information of the file operation process at an arbitrary timing such as when registering the terminal ID or the like. Thereby, the file operation information of the file operation process is registered in the image forming apparatus 20a in association with the terminal ID, the user ID, and the like. That is, the image forming apparatus 20a executes a file operation process corresponding to the registered file operation information when a request for a file operation process including file path information is received from a wearable terminal 10a of a certain user. Become. In other words, the image forming apparatus 20a executes a file operation process corresponding to the registered file operation information if the file operation process request does not include file operation information.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20a according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 21, the same components as those of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the image forming apparatus 20a includes a storage unit 201, a connection control unit 202a, a communication control unit 203, a first notification control unit 204, an acquisition unit 205, and a terminal ID determination unit 206. And a second notification control unit 207a. In addition, the image forming apparatus 20a includes an encryption unit 208, a decryption unit 209, a login reception unit 210, a login execution unit 211, an activation request reception unit 212, an activation processing unit 213, and a display control unit 214. Have. The image forming apparatus 20a includes a registration unit 215, a file list management unit 216, an unprinted file list management unit 217, a print control unit 218, a file operation reception unit 219a, a file operation content storage unit 220a, A print setting storage unit 221a.

  The second notification control unit 207a notifies the wearable terminal 10a of unprinted file information. For example, the second notification control unit 207a includes an unprinted file including file name information indicating the file name of the file corresponding to the extracted file ID and file path information indicating the storage location of the file corresponding to the file ID. Information is notified to the wearable terminal 10a. Notification of unprinted file information is executed via the communication control unit 203.

  The file operation receiving unit 219a receives a request for executing a file operation process from the wearable terminal 10a, and controls the execution of the file operation process. For example, the file operation accepting unit 219a accepts an execution request for the file operation process from the wearable terminal 10a after executing the login process by the login executing unit 211. An execution request for the file operation process is accepted via the communication control unit 203. As described above, the execution request for file operation processing is divided into a case where file path information and file operation information are included, and a case where only file path information is included.

  When the file operation reception unit 219a receives a file operation process execution request including the file path information and the file operation information from the wearable terminal 10a, the file operation reception unit 219a executes the file operation process according to the received file path information and the file operation information. Control. The file operation information included in the execution request for the file operation process is information selected by the wearable terminal 10a, and is, for example, any of file selection information, print information, and preview information.

  In addition, when the file operation receiving unit 219a receives a request for executing the file operation process including only the file path information from the wearable terminal 10a, the file operation receiving unit 219a responds to the received file path information and the file operation information set in advance. Controls execution of operation processing. The preset file operation information is information held in advance by the image forming apparatus 20a and is stored in the file operation content storage unit 220a. The file operation content storage unit 220a stores any information of file selection information, print information, and preview information associated with a terminal ID, a user ID, and the like. The file operation reception unit 219a refers to the file operation content storage unit 220a based on the terminal ID and user ID of the wearable terminal 10a that has requested execution of the file operation process, and acquires file operation information. Then, the file operation reception unit 219a executes file operation processing according to the file path information and the acquired file operation information.

  Even when the file operation information is stored in the file operation content storage unit 220a, if the file operation information is selected by the wearable terminal 10a and the file operation processing request includes the file operation information. The file operation process may be executed with priority given to the file operation information selected by the wearable terminal 10a. That is, when the file operation information is not included in the execution request for the file operation process, the file operation information stored in the file operation content storage unit 220a may be used. For this reason, the wearable terminal 10a may display a screen for confirming whether or not to specify file operation information when making an execution request for file operation processing.

  In addition, the file operation reception unit 219a controls display of information indicating that the file operation process cannot be executed when the file path information received from the wearable terminal 10a is invalid. Such information is displayed by the display control unit 214. That is, when the file operation accepting unit 219a accepts the file path information, the file operation accepting unit 219a checks whether or not a file corresponding to the file path information exists. At this time, the file has been deleted or the file name has been changed. If it has been moved, the file operation process cannot be continued, so that the display of information indicating that the file operation process cannot be executed is controlled.

  The connection control unit 202a controls connection with the wearable terminal 10a through wireless communication. For example, the connection control unit 202a disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10a when the file operation reception unit 219a controls the execution of the file operation process.

  The print setting storage unit 221a stores print setting information. For example, the print setting storage unit 221a stores print setting information for the print information stored in the file operation content storage unit 220a. As described above, the file operation content storage unit 220a stores any of file selection information, print information, and preview information. Here, when the print information is stored, the print setting information for the print information may be stored in the print setting storage unit 221a. That is, when receiving a file operation processing request including file path information from the wearable terminal 10a, the file operation receiving unit 219a refers to the file operation content storage unit 220a and acquires the file operation information. Then, the file operation receiving unit 219a acquires the print setting information stored in the print setting storage unit 221a when the acquired file operation information is print information. Thereafter, the file operation accepting unit 219a controls execution of the print process reflecting the acquired print setting information in the print process for the file corresponding to the file path information. For example, the user designates the print setting information at an arbitrary timing such as when specifying file operation information (when registering a terminal ID or the like).

[File operation processing]
Next, the flow of file operation processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of file operation processing according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 22 shows an example in which file operation information is designated on the wearable terminal 10a. In FIG. 22, detailed description of processing similar to the print application activation processing (see FIG. 18) described in the first embodiment may be omitted. Specifically, steps S502 to S509 are the same as the processing of steps S402 to S409. Step S513 is the same as the process of step S411.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the image forming apparatus 20a sends unprinted file information including unprinted file name information and file path information indicating the storage location of the file corresponding to the file name information to the wearable terminal 10a. Notification is made (step S501). The wearable terminal 10a transmits a file operation processing request including file path information and file operation information to the image forming apparatus 20a (step S510). The image forming apparatus 20a that has received the request for the file operation process executes the file operation process according to the file operation information for the file corresponding to the file path information (step S511). Further, after executing the file operation process, the image forming apparatus 20a disconnects the connection with the wearable terminal 10a (step S512). If the file path information is invalid, the image forming apparatus 20a displays information indicating that the file operation process cannot be executed.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file operation information selection screen according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the wearable terminal 10a selects one of file operation information (file selection information, print information, preview information) when a file operation processing request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20a. Screen is displayed. The user selects any file operation information from the displayed screen. As a result, the wearable terminal 10a transmits a file operation processing request including the file path information and the selected file operation information to the image forming apparatus 20a.

  Next, the flow of file operation processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of file operation processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 shows an example in which file operation information is set in advance. Also, in FIG. 24, detailed description of processing similar to the print application activation processing (see FIG. 18) described in the first embodiment may be omitted. Specifically, step S602 to step S609 are the same as the processing of step S402 to step S409. Step S613 is the same as the process of step S411.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the image forming apparatus 20a sends unprinted file information including unprinted file name information and file path information indicating the storage location of the file corresponding to the file name information to the wearable terminal 10a. Notification is made (step S601). The wearable terminal 10a transmits a file operation processing request including file path information to the image forming apparatus 20a (step S610). The image forming apparatus 20a that has received the request for the file operation processing acquires the file operation information stored in the file operation content storage unit 220a, and according to the acquired file operation information for the file corresponding to the file path information. File operation processing is executed (step S611). Here, when the file operation information is print information, the image forming apparatus 20a acquires the print setting information from the print setting storage unit 221a, and executes print processing that reflects the acquired print setting information. Further, after executing the file operation process, the image forming apparatus 20a disconnects from the wearable terminal 10a (step S612). If the file path information is invalid, the image forming apparatus 20a displays information indicating that the file operation process cannot be executed.

[Effects of Embodiment 2]
The image forming apparatus 20a notifies the wearable terminal 10a of unprinted information including file name information and file path information of a file corresponding to the file name information. The image forming apparatus 20a responds to the file path information and the file operation information when a request for the file operation process including the file path information and the file operation information is received from the wearable terminal 10a after the login process of the wearable terminal 10a. Execute file operation processing. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20a disconnects from the wearable terminal 10a. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20a can easily realize execution of a file operation processing request from the wearable terminal 10a that is not always connected to the network.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 20a holds file operation information in advance, and holds the file path information and the information in advance when a request for file operation processing including file path information is received from the wearable terminal 10a after the login process of the wearable terminal 10a. The file operation process corresponding to the file operation information being executed is executed. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20a disconnects from the wearable terminal 10a. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20a can easily realize execution of a file operation processing request from the wearable terminal 10a that is not always connected to the network.

(Embodiment 3)
Although the embodiments of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present invention have been described so far, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments. Therefore, different embodiments of (1) configuration and (2) program will be described.

(1) Configuration Information including processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data, parameters, and the like shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. Each component of the illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of the distribution or integration of the devices is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or a part of the distribution or integration is functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily in any unit according to various burdens or usage conditions. Can be integrated.

(2) Program The information processing program executed by the image forming apparatus 20 is, as one aspect, a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, The program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The information processing program executed by the image forming apparatus 20 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The information processing program executed by the image forming apparatus 20 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, an information processing program executed by the image forming apparatus 20 may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The information processing program executed by the image forming apparatus 20 includes the above-described units (connection control unit 202, first notification control unit 204, acquisition unit 205, terminal ID determination unit 206, and second notification control unit 207). As the actual hardware, the CPU reads the information processing program from the storage medium and executes it, so that the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the connection control unit 202 and the first notification control The unit 204, the acquisition unit 205, the terminal ID determination unit 206, and the second notification control unit 207 are generated on the main storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 10 Wearable terminal 20 Image forming apparatus 30 File server 201 Storage part 202 Connection control part 203 Communication control part 204 1st notification control part 205 Acquisition part 206 Terminal ID determination part 207 2nd notification control part 208 Encryption Unit 209 decryption unit 210 login reception unit 211 login execution unit 212 activation request reception unit 213 activation processing unit 214 display control unit 215 registration unit

JP 2013-41457 A JP 2011-253294 A

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus connectable to a client terminal,
A storage unit for storing terminal identification information for identifying the client terminal and at least one file identification information for identifying a file printable by the image forming apparatus;
A first notification control unit that controls notification of file information including information relating to files that can be printed by the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition unit that acquires terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal in response to the notification of the file information;
A terminal identification information determination unit that determines whether or not the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
A second notification control unit that notifies the client terminal of at least one of the file identification information when it is determined that the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A file that can be printed by the image forming apparatus is transmitted from the server that manages the file to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The first notification control unit notifies the client terminal of the file information according to a printing status of a file that can be printed by the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A connection control unit for controlling connection by wireless communication with the client terminal;
The connection control unit starts connection with the client terminal in response to a connection request from the client terminal that has received the file information,
The acquisition unit includes the terminal included in the request for unprinted file information including file name information corresponding to the file identification information of the unprinted file transmitted from the client terminal after the connection with the client terminal is started. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein identification information is acquired. A connection control unit for controlling connection by wireless communication with the client terminal;
The acquisition unit is a connection standby notification transmitted by the client terminal that has received the file information, and the terminal identification information included in the connection standby notification indicating that the client terminal is in a connection standby state Get
The connection control unit starts connection with the client terminal when notifying the client terminal of unprinted file information including file name information corresponding to the file identification information of the unprinted file. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The first notification control unit controls notification of the file information including file information identification information for identifying the file information,
In response to the file information identification information included in the file information notified by the first notification control unit, the client terminal determines whether to request notification by the second notification control unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The first notification control unit includes, when the file managed by the server includes an unprinted file for a predetermined time or more, including information indicating that the unprinted file exists for a predetermined time or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein transmission is controlled. The storage unit includes, for each user identification information for identifying a user who uses the client terminal, the terminal identification information, the file identification information, update date / time information indicating the update date / time of the file, and a print date / time of the file. Is stored in association with print date and time information indicating
A login acceptance unit that accepts a login request including terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal that has received the unprinted file information;
When the terminal identification information included in the login request is stored in the storage unit, a login execution unit that executes a login process using the user identification information corresponding to the terminal identification information;
After execution of the login process, an activation request reception unit that receives an application activation request including application identification information for identifying an application from the client terminal;
An activation processing unit that executes activation processing of an application corresponding to the application identification information when the application activation request is received;
The connection control unit starts connection with the client terminal when accepting the login request from the client terminal that has received the unprinted file information, and when the application activation processing is executed, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the connection with the terminal is disconnected. The storage unit includes, for each user identification information for identifying a user who uses the client terminal, the terminal identification information, the file identification information, update date / time information indicating the update date / time of the file, and a print date / time of the file. Is stored in association with print date and time information indicating
The second notification control unit notifies the client terminal of the unprinted file information further including file path information indicating a storage location of a file corresponding to the extracted file identification information;
A login acceptance unit that accepts a login request including terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal that has received the unprinted file information;
When the terminal identification information included in the login request is stored in the storage unit, a login execution unit that executes a login process using the user identification information corresponding to the terminal identification information;
After execution of the login process, an activation request reception unit that receives an application activation request including application identification information for identifying an application from the client terminal;
An activation processing unit that executes activation processing of an application corresponding to the application identification information when the application activation request is received;
After execution of the login process, file path information and file operation information indicating a process for a file corresponding to the file path information are received from the client terminal, and the file path information and the file operation information are received according to the received file path information. A file operation receiving unit that controls execution of the file operation process;
The connection control unit starts connection with the client terminal when accepting the login request from the client terminal that has received the unprinted file information, and when the execution of the file operation process is controlled, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the connection with the client terminal is disconnected.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the file operation accepting unit accepts the file operation information selected by the client terminal. The storage unit includes, for each user identification information for identifying a user who uses the client terminal, the terminal identification information, the file identification information, update date / time information indicating the update date / time of the file, and a print date / time of the file. Is stored in association with print date and time information indicating
The second notification control unit notifies the client terminal of the unprinted file information further including file path information indicating a storage location of a file corresponding to the extracted file identification information;
A login acceptance unit that accepts a login request including terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal that has received the unprinted file information;
When the terminal identification information included in the login request is stored in the storage unit, a login execution unit that executes a login process using the user identification information corresponding to the terminal identification information;
After execution of the login process, an activation request reception unit that receives an application activation request including application identification information for identifying an application from the client terminal;
An activation processing unit that executes activation processing of an application corresponding to the application identification information when the application activation request is received;
A file operation receiving unit that receives file path information from the client terminal after execution of the login process and controls execution of the file operation process according to the received file path information and preset file operation information; In addition,
The connection control unit starts connection with the client terminal when accepting the login request from the client terminal that has received the unprinted file information, and when the execution of the file operation process is controlled, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the connection with the client terminal is disconnected.   The file operation information includes file selection information for displaying a file corresponding to the file path information in a selected state when the application started in the startup process displays the file list screen, and from the application started in the startup process to the file path information. Either print information for printing the corresponding file, or preview information for generating a preview image of the file corresponding to the file path information from the application activated in the activation process and displaying the generated preview image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The first notification control unit transmits the file information for receiving a registration request for terminal identification information,
When terminal identification information of the client terminal is acquired from the client terminal in response to the transmission of the file information, a file for receiving the user identification information and a file for receiving notification of the unprinted file information A display control unit that controls display with a screen for selecting
After successful authentication processing using the user identification information, the user identification information, the acquired terminal identification information, the file identification information of the selected file, the update date / time information of the selected file, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a registration unit that associates the print date and time information of the selected file with the registration unit and registers the file in the storage unit. An information processing method executed by an image forming apparatus connectable to a client terminal,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A storage unit for storing terminal identification information for identifying the client terminal and at least one file identification information for identifying a file printable by the image forming apparatus;
Controlling notification of file information including information about files printable by the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal in response to the notification of the file information;
Determining whether the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
Notifying the client terminal of at least one of the file identification information when it is determined that the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
An information processing method comprising: An image forming apparatus that can be connected to a client terminal
A storage unit for storing terminal identification information for identifying the client terminal and at least one file identification information for identifying a file printable by the image forming apparatus;
In the image forming apparatus,
Controlling notification of file information including information about files printable by the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal in response to the notification of the file information;
Determining whether the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
Notifying the client terminal of at least one of the file identification information when it is determined that the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
Information processing program to execute. An information processing system comprising a client terminal and an image forming apparatus connectable to the client terminal,
A storage unit for storing terminal identification information for identifying the client terminal and at least one file identification information for identifying a file printable by the image forming apparatus;
A first notification control unit that controls notification of file information including information relating to files that can be printed by the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition unit that acquires terminal identification information of the client terminal from the client terminal in response to the notification of the file information;
A terminal identification information determination unit that determines whether or not the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
A second notification control unit that notifies the client terminal of at least one of the file identification information when it is determined that the acquired terminal identification information is stored in the storage unit;
An information processing system comprising: The first notification control unit controls notification of the file information including file information identification information for identifying the file information,
The client terminal determines whether or not to request notification by the second notification control unit according to the file information identification information included in the file information notified by the first notification control unit;
The information processing system according to claim 16.

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