JP2019176513A - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make an information processing device and a terminal device connect with each other and make control data be transmitted from the terminal device to the information processing device without preliminarily performing settings for connecting the information processing device and the terminal device with each other.SOLUTION: An information processing device transmits to a terminal device via a first communication path an application for displaying screen information for connection of the terminal device with the information processing device and setting of an operation condition for a processing function of the information processing device, receives the operation condition from the terminal device via a second communication path, and executes the processing function on the basis of the operation condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

  By connecting a desktop personal computer to an image forming device that reads, prints, or transmits a facsimile, data is transmitted and received between the desktop personal computer and the image forming device, and the image is read and printed by the image forming device. Or facsimile transmission. The image forming apparatus may be connected to another apparatus such as a server via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In order to connect the desktop personal computer and the image forming apparatus via the network, it is necessary to set the server and the address of each device in advance. For example, when an image is read by an image forming apparatus and the read data is transmitted to a desktop personal computer, the read data is temporarily stored in a server, and the data is transmitted from the server to the desktop personal computer. In this case, the user needs to set the server and the data transmission destination in advance.

  A terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) can store data such as document data and image data, and can transmit and receive data to and from other devices. Such a terminal device is relatively light and portable. By connecting the terminal device to the image forming apparatus, data may be transmitted and received between the terminal device and the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus may want to read, print, or send a facsimile.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image input / output device that performs printing by converting the format of data such as document data and image data sent from a terminal device.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a system in which a control device is provided between a terminal device and an image input / output device, and the terminal device and the image input / output device are connected via the control device. The control device and the image input / output device are connected via a network such as a LAN, and the terminal device and the control device are connected by infrared communication.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a printing system that transmits a command for instructing transmission processing such as fax transmission and address data from a terminal device to a printing device, and performs the transmission processing on a designated address. .

  Patent Document 4 discloses a system that includes access information for acquiring content via a network and processing information such as a print instruction in an e-mail and transmits the information from a terminal device to a copying machine. In this system, a copying machine analyzes an electronic mail, acquires content from an environment such as the Internet, and performs printing.

JP 2001-268302 A JP 2001-358880 A JP 2006-074562 A JP 2006-323456 A

  By the way, when data is transmitted / received between a portable terminal device and an image forming apparatus, the user needs to set a server and an address of each device in advance, like a desktop personal computer. For example, when an image is read by the image forming apparatus and the read data is transmitted to the terminal device, the read data is temporarily stored in the server, and the data is transmitted from the server to the terminal device. In this case, the user needs to set the server and the data transmission destination in advance as in the case of the desktop personal computer.

  An object of the present invention is to connect an information processing device and a terminal device and transmit control data from the terminal device to the information processing device without performing a setting for connecting the information processing device and the terminal device in advance. Is to do so.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first transmission means for transmitting connection information for a terminal device to connect to the terminal device to the terminal device via a first communication path, and the first information using the connection information. A connection means for connecting to the terminal device via a second communication path different from the first communication path, and an application for setting an operation condition of the processing function of the own device via the second communication path. Second transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device; reception means for receiving operation conditions set in the application from the terminal device via the second communication path; and the operation received by the reception means. And an execution unit that executes a processing function based on a condition.

  The invention according to claim 2 includes connection information for a terminal device to connect to the terminal device via a communication path, an output means for outputting a code image read by the terminal device, and the connection information An application transmitting means for connecting to the terminal device via the communication path and transmitting an application for setting an operation condition of the processing function of the own device to the terminal device; and an operation condition set in the application as the communication An information processing apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving from the terminal device via a route; and executing means for executing a processing function based on the operation condition received by the receiving means.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the execution means executes a print processing function as the processing function based on an operation condition of the print processing function received by the receiving means. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the execution means executes the image reading processing function as the processing function based on the operation condition of the image reading processing function received by the receiving means. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the execution unit further transmits the read image data to the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the execution means further stores the read image data in a storage destination set by the application. .

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the execution means executes, as the processing function, a document data storage processing function for storing the document data received from the terminal device. It is an information processing apparatus as described in.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first transmission means for transmitting connection information for connecting a terminal device to the terminal device to the terminal device via the first communication path, using the connection information. A connection means for connecting to the terminal device via a second communication path different from the first communication path, and an application for setting an operation condition of the processing function of the own device via the second communication path Second transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device, receiving means for receiving the operating condition set in the application from the terminal device via the second communication path, and the operating condition received by the receiving means Is a program that functions as an execution unit that executes a processing function based on the program.

  The invention according to claim 9 includes an output means for outputting a code image to be read by the terminal device, including connection information for connecting the computer to the terminal device via the communication path, and using the connection information. Connecting to the terminal device via the communication path, and transmitting an application for setting an operation condition of the processing function of the own device to the terminal device, the operation condition set in the application A program that functions as a receiving unit that receives from the terminal device via a communication path, and an execution unit that executes a processing function based on the operation condition received by the receiving unit.

  According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the information processing device and the terminal device can be connected and information processing can be performed from the terminal device without performing a setting for connecting the information processing device and the terminal device in advance. Control data can be sent to the device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on a terminal device. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on a terminal device. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus and the terminal device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus and the terminal device.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a terminal device 4. The image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 perform data transmission / reception via the first communication path 5 and the second communication path 6. The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by the image forming apparatus 2 as an example, and the information processing system is realized by the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 4 as an example. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 2 as an example of the information processing apparatus will be described.

(Image forming apparatus 2)
The image forming apparatus 2 is an apparatus having at least one of a function of printing received data and a function of reading a paper document and converting it into electronic document data. For example, a digital multifunction machine having functions such as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile is an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a printer that does not have a scanner function, a scanner that does not have a printing function, and the like are also included in the category of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. As an example, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 21 that reads an image on a document, a printing unit 22 that prints an image on a sheet, and a facsimile transmission unit 23 that transmits an image by facsimile. In addition, the image forming apparatus 2 has a copy function of copying an image on a document onto a sheet by reading the image on the document with the image reading unit 21 and printing the read image onto a sheet with the printing unit 22. You may have. The image forming apparatus 2 is placed in a place such as an office, a convenience store, a library, a hotel, or an apartment.

(Terminal device 4)
The terminal device 4 is a portable device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. The terminal device 4 includes a storage unit 43 that stores input / output data such as document data and image data. The document data may be, for example, data created by the document creation application in the terminal device 4 or data created in another device and transmitted to the terminal device 4 via communication or the like. . The image data may be, for example, data captured by a camera 44 such as a digital camera, or may be data captured by another camera and transmitted to the terminal device 4 via communication or the like. Alternatively, it may be data read by the image forming apparatus 2 or another image reading apparatus and transmitted to the terminal device 4 via communication or the like. In the following description, it is assumed that the input / output data includes document data and image data.

(First communication path 5)
The first communication path 5 is a communication path different from a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and is a communication path for directly connecting the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4. . The first communication path 5 is a so-called peer-to-peer (P2P) communication path. For example, the first communication path 5 includes a communication path using infrared rays or radio waves. Specifically, the first communication path 5 is realized by wireless data communication or data communication using an IC card. The wireless data communication includes, for example, infrared data communication (Infrared Data Association: IrDA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like. Data communication using an IC card corresponds to data communication using a non-contact type IC card such as Felica (registered trademark).

(Second communication path 6)
The second communication path 6 is configured by a network such as a LAN or a WAN, for example. The connection between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 may be a connection using a cable, a connection using wireless data communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a connection based on the G3 communication standard. Good. The second communication path 6 is a higher-speed communication path than the first communication path 5.

  As an example, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 21, a printing unit 22, a facsimile transmission unit 23, a UI providing unit 24 (user interface providing unit 24), a first transmission / reception unit 25, and a second transmission / reception unit. 26, a storage unit 27, a UI unit 28 (user interface unit 28), a billing unit 29, an authentication unit 30, and a control unit 31. Further, as an example, the terminal device 4 includes a first transmission / reception unit 41, a second transmission / reception unit 42, a storage unit 43, a camera 44, a UI unit 45 (user interface unit 45), and a control unit 46. ing.

(Image reading unit 21, printing unit 22, facsimile transmission unit 23)
Under the control of the control unit 31, the image reading unit 21 reads an image on a document, generates input / output data representing the image, and stores the input / output data in the storage unit 27. The printing unit 22 receives input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 under the control of the control unit 31, and prints an image on a sheet based on the input / output data. The facsimile transmission unit 23 receives the input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 under the control of the control unit 31, and transmits the image by facsimile based on the input / output data. The image forming apparatus 2 may not include all of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, and the facsimile transmission unit 23, and at least one of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, and the facsimile transmission unit 23. It is sufficient to have one.

(UI provider 24)
The UI providing unit 24 creates a user interface (UI) for setting the operation conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 on the terminal device 4. The UI providing unit 24 creates a user interface corresponding to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. Hereinafter, the user interface for setting the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 may be referred to as a “setting user interface”. For example, the UI providing unit 24 creates a setting user interface in html format for display on a Web browser. In addition, the UI providing unit 24 may create a setting user interface in the html format using an object-oriented programming language such as JavaScript (registered trademark). Further, the UI providing unit 24 may create a setting user interface including voice, a moving image, or an animation by creating a setting user interface as a Flash (registered trademark) application. Further, the UI providing unit 24 creates connection information for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 via the second communication path 6. This connection information is address data for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 on the Internet. This address data corresponds to, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). When the terminal device 4 is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6, the UI providing unit 24 provides a setting user interface to the UI unit 45 of the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6. To do. The setting user interface may be stored in the storage unit 27. Further, the UI providing unit 24 may create a two-dimensional barcode indicating address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface. In this case, the UI providing unit 24 provides the UI unit 28 with a two-dimensional barcode indicating address data. An example of a two-dimensional barcode is QR code (registered trademark). Note that the UI providing unit 24 may create a user interface for setting the operation condition in the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2 and provide the user interface to the UI unit 28.

(First transmission / reception unit 25)
The first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 transmits connection information for connecting the terminal apparatus 4 to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. To do. For example, the first transmission / reception unit 25 receives address data (for example, URL) for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 via the second communication path 6. 5 to the terminal device 4. For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the LAN, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data (URL) of the setting user interface in the LAN to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. . When the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the WAN, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits address data (URL) of the setting user interface in the WAN to the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5. .

  For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 and the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 are configured with a transmission / reception port for wireless data communication such as IrDA or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the first transmission / reception unit 25 Communication with the first transmission / reception unit 41 is performed by transmitting / receiving infrared rays or radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the device 4, and connection information is transmitted to the first transmission / reception unit 41. In this case, the first communication path 5 is a communication path based on wireless data communication such as IrDA or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  Moreover, the 1st transmission / reception part 25 is comprised by the IC card authentication apparatus which authenticates non-contact type IC cards, such as Felica (trademark), and the 1st transmission / reception part 41 of the terminal device 4 is comprised by a non-contact type IC card. May be. In this case, the first transmission / reception unit 25 as the IC card authentication device communicates with the non-contact type IC card by transmitting / receiving radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 41 as the non-contact type IC card. The connection information is transmitted to the type IC card.

(Second transceiver unit 26)
The second transmitting / receiving unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 when the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 of the terminal device 4 is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 using the connection information. Send and receive data to and from.

  For example, the second transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 to the second transmission / reception unit 42 via the second communication path 6. Specifically, when the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 accesses the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 using the URL transmitted from the image forming device 2, the second transmission / reception unit 26. Transmits the setting user interface to the second transmission / reception unit 42 via the second communication path 6.

  In addition, when the image is read by the image reading unit 21 according to the instruction from the terminal device 4 and the input / output data is generated, the second transmission / reception unit 26 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21. Then, the data is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. In addition, the second transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the data printed by the printing unit 22, the data transmitted by the facsimile transmission unit 23, and control data (command data) to the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Received from the second transceiver 42. The control data (command data) is data indicating a command related to image processing in the image forming apparatus 2, and as an example, is data indicating an operation condition of image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission. Specifically, the second transmitting / receiving unit 26 receives control data as a request in the http request format from the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. When the image forming apparatus 2 performs printing or facsimile transmission, the second transmission / reception unit 26 transmits input / output data to be printed or facsimile transmission via the second communication path 6 to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4. Receive from. When the image forming apparatus 2 reads an image, the second transmission / reception unit 26 uses the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as a response in an http response format to the request in the http request format. The data is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the communication path 6.

(Storage unit 27)
The storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 stores input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21. Further, the storage unit 27 stores data to be printed, data to be transmitted by facsimile, and control data (command data) transmitted from the terminal device 4.

(UI unit 28)
The UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2 includes a display unit, and displays a user interface provided from the UI providing unit 24, for example. The UI unit 28 receives input by the user of control data related to the operation conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23. In addition, when a two-dimensional barcode indicating address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface is created by the UI providing unit 24, the UI unit 28 displays the two-dimensional barcode.

(Billing unit 29)
The charging unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 2 performs a charging process corresponding to the process in the image forming apparatus 2 for the user who uses the terminal device 4. The billing unit 29 obtains a billing amount based on the operating condition indicated by the control data. The charging unit 29 may perform a charging process for the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6. For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 is configured by an IC card authentication device and the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 is configured by a non-contact type IC card having a prepaid function, the IC card authentication device is Billing processing may be performed on the non-contact type IC card. When the image forming apparatus 2 does not perform the charging process, the image forming apparatus 2 may not include the charging unit 29.

(Authentication unit 30)
The authentication unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 2 performs an authentication process on the terminal device 4 based on the authentication information received from the terminal device 4. The authentication information is information for specifying the user of the terminal device 4 and includes information such as the user's name, user ID, password, and user's date of birth as an example. For example, the authentication unit 30 transmits a request for authentication information to the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, and acquires authentication information corresponding to the request from the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5. The authentication unit 30 performs authentication processing by comparing authentication information acquired from the terminal device 4 with authentication information registered in advance in the image forming apparatus 2. The authentication unit 30 outputs the authentication result to the control unit 31. When the user of the terminal device 4 is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the control unit 31 permits the first transmission / reception unit 25 to transmit connection information, and the first transmission / reception unit 25 passes through the first communication path 5. The connection information is transmitted to the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4. When the user of the terminal device 4 is not authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the control unit 31 prohibits transmission of connection information, and the first transmission / reception unit 25 does not transmit connection information to the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4. . For example, when the 1st transmission / reception part 25 is comprised by the IC card authentication apparatus, you may perform an authentication process with the IC card authentication apparatus. When the authentication information is stored in the non-contact type IC card as the first transmission / reception unit 41, the IC card authentication device as the first transmission / reception unit 25 acquires the authentication information from the non-contact type IC card and performs the authentication process. You may go. Note that when the authentication process is not performed by the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 may not include the authentication unit 30.

(Control unit 31)
The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the control unit 31 receives control data (command data) transmitted from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4, and based on this control data, the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23. To control the operation. Specifically, the control unit 31 receives a request in the http request format transmitted from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4, analyzes the content of the request, and performs the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile. The operation of the transmission unit 23 is controlled.

(First transceiver 41)
The first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives connection information for the terminal device 4 to connect to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 from the image forming apparatus 2 via the first communication path 5. To do. For example, the first transmission / reception unit 41 receives address data (for example, URL) for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. And received from the image forming apparatus 2 via the first communication path 5. The address data received by the first transmission / reception unit 41 is stored in the storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4.

  For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 41 and the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 are configured with a transmission / reception port for wireless data communication such as IrDA or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the first transmission / reception unit 41 Communication with the first transmission / reception unit 25 is performed by transmitting / receiving infrared rays and radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2, and connection information is received from the first transmission / reception unit 25.

  Further, the first transmission / reception unit 41 may be configured by a non-contact type IC card such as Felica (registered trademark), and the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 may be configured by an IC card authentication device. In this case, the first transmission / reception unit 41 as a non-contact type IC card communicates with the IC card authentication device by transmitting / receiving radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 25 as an IC card authentication device. Receive connection information from the device.

(Second transceiver 42)
The second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 uses the connection information received by the first transmission / reception unit 41 to connect to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6, and the second transmission / reception unit of the image forming apparatus 2. Data is transmitted to and received from the terminal 26 via the second communication path 6.

  For example, the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 receives the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 from the second transmitting / receiving unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Specifically, the user starts a Web browser on the terminal device 4. The web browser program is stored in the storage unit 43 in advance. When the user gives an instruction to start the Web browser using the UI unit 45, the control unit 46 starts the Web browser according to the instruction from the user and displays an initial screen on the display unit of the UI unit 45. Then, the second transmission / reception unit 42 accesses the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 using the address data (URL) received by the first transmission / reception unit 41. Thereafter, the setting user interface is connected from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second transmitting / receiving unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2, the second communication path 6, and the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 of the terminal apparatus 4. It is provided to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. The web browser of the terminal device 4 displays the user interface received from the image forming device 2. Further, when the first transmission / reception unit 41 receives address data (URL) from the first transmission / reception unit 25, the control unit 46 automatically activates the Web browser without waiting for an instruction from the user, and performs the second transmission / reception. The unit 42 may access the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 using address data (URL).

  The second transmission / reception unit 42 receives the data printed by the printing unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 2, the data transmitted by the facsimile transmission unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 2, and control data (command data) as the second data. The data is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication path 6. In addition, when the image is read by the image reading unit 21 according to the instruction from the terminal device 4 and the input / output data is generated, the second transmission / reception unit 42 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21. And received from the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6.

  Specifically, the user inputs control data (command data) related to the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 on the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45. The second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the control data as a request in the http request format to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. When printing or facsimile transmission is performed by the image forming apparatus 2, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the data to be printed or facsimile transmission to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Send. Note that data to be printed or transmitted by facsimile is specified by the user using the UI unit 45. When the image forming apparatus 2 reads an image, the second transmission / reception unit 42 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as the second response as the response in the http response format to the request in the http request format. Received from the second transmitter / receiver 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication path 6.

(Storage unit 43)
The storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4 stores input / output data such as document data and image data. For example, the storage unit 43 stores input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 2 and input / output data printed or transmitted by the image forming apparatus 2.

(Camera 44)
The terminal device 4 may include a camera 44. The camera 44 is a digital camera, for example. When the two-dimensional barcode indicating the address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface is displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2, the user of the terminal device 4 can display the two-dimensional data displayed on the UI unit 28. The barcode may be taken by the camera 44. Image data representing the two-dimensional barcode is output from the camera 44 to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 acquires address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface by analyzing the two-dimensional barcode. The terminal device 4 may not include the camera 44.

(UI unit 45)
The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 has a display unit, and displays the setting user interface provided from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2. The UI unit 45 accepts input by the user of control data related to each operation condition of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 2. The UI unit 45 may display an image represented by input / output data read by the image reading unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 2.

  The control data (command data) regarding the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 includes, for example, the following information. The control data includes information indicating a function selected by the user among image reading, printing, and facsimile transmission. When the image reading unit 21 reads an image, the control data includes information on image reading conditions such as resolution, density, monochrome / color selection, document size, and file name of the read image data. . When printing is performed by the printing unit 22, for example, the control data includes information regarding printing conditions such as resolution, density, monochrome / color selection, paper size, number of copies, and file name of data to be printed. . When the facsimile transmission unit 23 performs facsimile transmission, information related to facsimile transmission conditions such as resolution, density, destination telephone number, and file name of data to be transmitted is included in the control data.

(Control unit 46)
The control unit 46 of the terminal device 4 controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 4.

  Next, a setting user interface provided by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the terminal device.

  As described above, the user starts a Web browser on the terminal device 4, and the second transmission / reception unit 42 accesses the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 using the URL. Thereafter, the setting user interface is provided from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 via the second transmitting / receiving unit 26, the second communication path 6, and the second transmitting / receiving unit 42. Is done.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the main screen 100 displayed on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. The main screen 100 is a screen for the user to select a function of the image forming apparatus 2. The main screen 100 is provided from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 and displayed. On the main screen 100, the user designates any one of “scan (image reading)”, “print (print)”, “facsimile transmission”, and “box operation” using the UI unit 45. . When the image is read by the image forming apparatus 2, the user designates “scan (image reading)”. When input / output data such as document data and image data stored in the terminal device 4 is printed by the image forming device 2, the user designates “print”. When input / output data such as document data and image data stored in the terminal device 4 is transmitted by facsimile using the image forming apparatus 2, the user designates “facsimile transmission”. The “box operation” shown in FIG. 2 is a function for saving input / output data in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 and a function for acquiring input / output data from the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. When the input / output data is stored in the image forming apparatus 2 or when the input / output data is acquired from the image forming apparatus 2, the user designates “box operation”.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the scan setting screen 110 displayed on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When “scan (image reading)” is designated on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, the scan setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal via the second communication path 6. It is provided and displayed on the UI unit 45 of the device 4. In the scan setting screen 110, for example, an item “color mode” for specifying whether or not to read an image in color, an item “double-sided document feeding” for specifying whether or not to read both sides of the document, and a document type are specified. An item “type of document” to be displayed and an item “reading resolution” for specifying the resolution are displayed. The user inputs conditions for each item on the scan setting screen 110. Information input by the user on the scan setting screen 110 is included in the control data. When the setting of the image reading conditions is completed, the user selects a “start” button on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When the “Start” button is selected, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data as a request in the http request format to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6.

  2 is designated on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, the print setting screen is displayed on the UI of the terminal device 4 from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Provided and displayed in section 45. On the print setting screen, the user inputs print conditions such as resolution, density, monochrome / color selection, paper size, number of copies, and file name of data to be printed. Information input by the user on the print setting screen is included in the control data. When the setting of the printing conditions is completed, the user selects a “start” button on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When the “Start” button is selected, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data as a request in the http request format to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. The second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits data to be printed to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Data to be printed is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2.

  When “facsimile transmission” is designated on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile transmission setting screen is changed from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the UI unit of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. 45 is displayed. On the facsimile transmission setting screen, the user inputs facsimile transmission conditions such as resolution, density, destination telephone number, and file name of data to be transmitted. Information input by the user on the facsimile transmission setting screen is included in the control data. When the setting of the facsimile transmission conditions is completed, the user selects a “start” button on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When the “Start” button is selected, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data as a request in the http request format to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. The second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits data to be transmitted by facsimile to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Facsimile transmission target data is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2.

  Next, a user interface displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. 4 to 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. The UI unit 28 displays a user interface created by the UI providing unit 24, for example. FIG. 4 shows an example of the main screen 120 displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2. The main screen 120 is a screen for the user to select a function of the image forming apparatus 2. On the main screen 120, the user designates items such as “copy (copy)”, “scan (mail transmission)”, “scan (PC storage)”, and “facsimile transmission”. For example, when an image is read by the image reading unit 21 and the generated input / output data is transmitted to a personal computer (PC), the user designates “scan (PC storage)” using the UI unit 28. When “scan (PC save)” is designated by the user, for example, a save destination setting screen 130 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the UI unit 28. In the storage destination setting screen 130, for example, the user inputs information for specifying a server, information for specifying a storage location, a user name, and a password. When image quality adjustment is performed, for example, an image quality adjustment screen 140 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the UI unit 28. For example, the user sets items such as “read resolution” and “read size” on the image quality adjustment screen 140. When the setting of the image reading conditions is completed, the user selects a “start” button on the UI unit 28. When the “start” button is selected, the image reading unit 21 reads an image of a document and generates input / output data representing the image. The generated input / output data is transmitted to the storage destination set on the storage destination setting screen 130 by communication or the like.

  Next, a user interface when a two-dimensional barcode is generated by the UI providing unit 24 will be described with reference to FIG. The UI unit 28 displays the user interface created by the UI providing unit 24. FIG. 7 shows an example of the main screen 150 displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2. The main screen 150 is a screen for the user to select a function of the image forming apparatus 2, similarly to the main screen 120 shown in FIG. 4. On the main screen 150, the user designates items such as “copy (copy)”, “scan (mail transmission)”, “scan (PC storage)”, and “facsimile transmission”. In addition, a two-dimensional barcode 151 is displayed on the main screen 150. The two-dimensional barcode 151 is information indicating address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface, and is information created by the UI providing unit 24. When the user of the terminal device 4 including the camera 44 captures the two-dimensional barcode 151 displayed on the UI unit 28 with the camera 44, the terminal device 4 obtains address data for connecting to the setting user interface. To do. The two-dimensional barcode may be drawn on the housing of the image forming apparatus 2 without being displayed on the UI unit 28.

  Next, operations of the image forming system 1 and usage examples by the user will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus and the terminal device.

  First, with reference to FIG. 8, a process until the terminal device 4 acquires address data of a setting user interface will be described. As an example, a case where an image is read by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. When an image is read by the image forming apparatus 2, the user carrying the terminal device 4 goes to a place where the image forming apparatus 2 is installed with a document.

  The image forming apparatus 2 waits until a signal is transmitted from the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 and the first transmission / reception unit 25 detects the signal (step S01). When the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 detects a signal transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 (step S01, Yes), the first communication path. 5 establishes communication with the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 (step S02). Then, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits address data (for example, URL) for connecting to the setting user interface to the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 (step S03). . Thereby, the terminal device 4 acquires address data for connecting to the setting user interface.

  For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 and the first transmission / reception unit 41 are configured with a transmission / reception port for wireless data communication such as IrDA or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the user transmits the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4. (Transmission / reception port) is brought closer to the first transmission / reception unit 25 (transmission / reception port) of the image forming apparatus 2. The first transmission / reception unit 25 communicates with the first transmission / reception unit 41 by transmitting / receiving infrared rays and radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 41, and receives address data for connection to the setting user interface. 41.

  In addition, when the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 is configured with a non-contact IC card and the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 is configured with an IC card authentication device, the user can The terminal device 4 containing the card is brought close to the IC card authentication device provided in the image forming apparatus 2. The first transmission / reception unit 25 as an IC card authenticating device communicates with the first transmission / reception unit 41 by transmitting / receiving radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 41 as a non-contact type IC card. Address data for connection is transmitted to the first transmission / reception unit 41.

  Further, the authentication process may be performed by the authentication unit 30 via the first communication path 5. For example, when communication is performed between the terminal device 4 and the image forming apparatus 2 using a non-contact type IC card and an IC card authentication device, the IC card authentication device authenticates from the non-contact type IC card of the terminal device 4. Information may be acquired and a user authentication process of the terminal device 4 may be performed. When the user of the terminal device 4 is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data of the setting user interface to the first transmission / reception unit 41 via the first communication path 5.

  The charging unit 29 may perform charging processing. For example, when a non-contact type IC card having a prepaid function is used, the IC card authentication apparatus may perform charging processing for the non-contact type IC card.

  The first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits address data for connection to the setting user interface to the first transmission / reception unit 41, and then disconnects communication with the first transmission / reception unit 41 (step S04).

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the two-dimensional barcode 151 is displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2, the user may photograph the two-dimensional barcode 151 with the camera 44 of the terminal device 4. . The control unit 46 of the terminal device 4 acquires address data for connecting to the setting user interface by analyzing the photographed two-dimensional barcode.

  Next, a process until the terminal device 4 acquires a setting user interface will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 2 waits until it is accessed from the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S10). In order to display the setting user interface on the terminal device 4, the user starts a Web browser on the terminal device 4. The second transmission / reception unit 42 accesses the address data (for example, URL) acquired from the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 (network such as LAN). When the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 is accessed from the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (Yes in step S10), the setting user interface is set to the second communication path 6 via the second communication path 6. It transmits to the transmission / reception part 42 (step S11). Thereby, the terminal device 4 acquires the setting user interface.

  Next, a case where an image is read by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 displays the setting user interface transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 (step S21). The user inputs image reading conditions on the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 (step S22). For example, the UI unit 45 displays the main screen 100 shown in FIG. When the image is read by the image forming apparatus 2, the user designates “scan (image reading)” on the main screen 100. When “scan (image reading)” is designated by the user, the UI unit 45 displays, for example, a scan setting screen 110 shown in FIG. The user inputs image reading conditions on the scan setting screen 110. Then, the user places the document on the image reading unit 21. When the user selects the “Start” button on the UI unit 45, the second transmission / reception unit 42 sends control data including image reading conditions to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 as a request in the http request format. Transmit (step S23).

  The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the control data as a request in the http request format from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S24). The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the request content in the http request format and outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 21. The image reading unit 21 reads an image of a document under the control of the control unit 31, and generates input / output data representing the image (step S25). The input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. Then, the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as a response in the http response format to the request in the http request format via the second communication path 6. 4 to the second second transmitting / receiving unit 42 (step S26). The second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as the response in the http response format to the request in the http request format via the second communication path 6. It receives from the 2nd transmission / reception part 26 (step S27).

  The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 may display an image represented by input / output data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2. The storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4 may store input / output data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the user may instruct display of an image or storage of input / output data through the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. The input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 is deleted after being transmitted to the terminal apparatus 4.

  In addition, the charging unit 29 may calculate a charging amount based on the image reading condition indicated by the control data, and perform charging processing on the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6. .

  Next, a case where printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 displays the setting user interface transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 (step S31). The user inputs printing conditions on the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 (step S32). For example, the UI unit 45 displays the main screen 100 shown in FIG. When the input / output data is to be printed by the image forming apparatus 2, the user designates “print (print)”. When “print (print)” is designated by the user, the UI unit 45 displays a print setting screen. The user inputs printing conditions on the print setting screen. In addition, the user designates input / output data to be printed on the UI unit 45. When the user selects the “Start” button on the UI unit 45, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits control data including printing conditions to the image forming apparatus 2 as a request in the http request format via the second communication path 6. (Step S33). Further, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the input / output data to be printed designated by the user to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 (step S33).

  The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the control data as a request in the http request format from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S34). Further, the second transmission / reception unit 26 receives the input / output data to be printed from the second transmission / reception unit 42 via the second communication path 6 (step S34). The input / output data to be printed is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the content of the request in the http request format and outputs a printing instruction to the printing unit 22. The printing unit 22 prints an image on a sheet based on the input / output data under the control of the control unit 31 (step S35). The input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 is deleted after printing is completed. In addition, the charging unit 29 may calculate the charging amount based on the printing condition indicated by the control data, and perform the charging process for the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6.

  The operation for facsimile transmission is almost the same as the operation for printing. For example, the user designates “facsimile transmission” on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. When “facsimile transmission” is designated by the user, the UI unit 45 displays a facsimile transmission setting screen. The user inputs a facsimile transmission condition including a facsimile transmission destination on the facsimile transmission setting screen. When the user selects the “start” button on the UI unit 45, the second transmission / reception unit 42 sends control data including facsimile transmission conditions to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 as a request in the http request format. Send. Further, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the input / output data for facsimile transmission designated by the user to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Input / output data to be transmitted by facsimile is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the request content in the http request format and outputs a facsimile transmission instruction to the facsimile transmission unit 23. The facsimile transmission unit 23 transmits an image by facsimile based on the input / output data under the control of the control unit 31. The input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 is deleted after the facsimile transmission is completed. Further, the charging unit 29 may calculate a charging amount based on the facsimile transmission condition indicated by the control data, and perform charging processing for the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6. .

  The terminal device 4 once obtains the address data of the setting user interface, and then whenever the image forming device 2 is requested to read an image, print, or facsimile transmission, the address data of the setting user interface. May not be acquired from the image forming apparatus 2. That is, the terminal device 4 may access the setting user interface using the address data acquired once and make a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission to the image forming apparatus 2.

  Further, the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 may accept a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission by input by a user's voice. When the terminal device 4 receives information indicating how to use the image forming apparatus 2 from the image forming apparatus 2, the UI unit 45 may provide the usage method by voice or a character string.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the address data for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 is transmitted to the terminal via the first communication path 5. Transmit to device 4. The terminal device 4 uses the address data to access the setting user interface via the second communication path 6, and sends a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission via the second communication path 6 to the image forming apparatus 2. The input / output data is transmitted to and received from the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 are connected via the second communication path 6 using the address data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. Therefore, the input / output data is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Therefore, input / output data is transmitted / received between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 without performing a setting for transmitting / receiving input / output data between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 in advance. For example, input / output data is transmitted / received between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6 without setting a server or a data transmission destination in advance.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives an image reading request input through the setting user interface via the second communication path 6, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the image and receives the input / output data as a response to the request. It transmits to the terminal device 4 via the communication path 6. In this way, the input / output data generated by the image forming apparatus 2 is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted to the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6 connected using the address data.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives the print request and the input / output data to be printed, which are input through the setting user interface, via the second communication path 6, the image forming apparatus 2 performs printing based on the input / output data. . Further, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives the request for facsimile transmission and the input / output data to be transmitted via the setting user interface via the second communication path 6, the image forming apparatus 2 performs the facsimile based on the input / output data. Send. As described above, the input / output data is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 connected using the address data, and is printed by the image forming apparatus 2. Or facsimile transmission is performed.

  Further, since the first communication path 5 is a communication path for directly connecting the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4, it is simpler than the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 4 rather than via a network such as a LAN. Address data is sent to For example, wireless data communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and IrDA used for the first communication path 5 and communication using a non-contact type IC card such as Felica (registered trademark) are performed between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4. Established automatically between. As a result, connection work by the user is omitted, and address data is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 4 more easily than via a network such as a LAN.

  Further, the terminal device 4 uses the address data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to access the setting user interface and obtain the setting user interface. Therefore, even if the setting user interface program is not installed in the terminal device 4 in advance, the terminal device 4 makes a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission to the image forming apparatus 2.

  Even when the function of the image forming apparatus 2 is expanded or added, the expanded or added function can be used in the terminal device 4 only by changing the setting user interface. Become. Further, since the setting user interface does not depend on the type of the terminal device 4, it is not necessary to prepare a setting user interface for each type of the terminal device 4.

  Further, by performing the authentication process of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, it is possible to prevent the unauthenticated terminal apparatus 4 from connecting to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Thereby, the security of the image forming apparatus 2 is improved. Further, by performing authentication processing via the first communication path 5, authentication of the terminal device 4 and acquisition of address data by the terminal device 4 are performed in a series of processing via the first communication path 5. Further, authentication of the terminal device 4, acquisition of address data by the terminal device 4, and display of a setting user interface by the terminal device 4 are performed by a single operation of the user.

  In addition, by performing accounting processing for the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, address data acquisition and accounting processing by the terminal device 4 are performed in a series of processes via the first communication path 5. Is called. In addition, billing processing, acquisition of address data by the terminal device 4, and display of a setting user interface by the terminal device 4 are performed by a single operation of the user. Further, by performing authentication processing and billing processing via the first communication path 5, authentication of the terminal device 4, acquisition of address data by the terminal device 4, display of a setting user interface by the terminal device 4, and billing processing are performed. This is done by one operation of the user.

  Further, the communication speed of the second communication path 6 is faster than the communication speed of the first communication path 5. For example, the communication speed of Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the first communication path 5 is 1 Mbps, and the communication speed of Felica (registered trademark) is 100 Kbps. On the other hand, the communication speed of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as the second communication path 6 is 10 Mbps. Therefore, transmission / reception of input / output data via the second communication path 6 allows input / output data to be transmitted / received at a higher speed than transmission / reception of data via the first communication path 5. For example, input / output data generated by image reading, input / output data to be printed, and input / output data to be transmitted by facsimile may have a relatively large capacity, but input / output data via the second communication path 6 may be relatively large. Thus, input / output data is transmitted / received at a higher speed than through the first communication path 5.

  The communication area of the second communication path 6 is wider than the communication area of the first communication path 5. For example, the communication area of a network such as LAN or WAN used for the second communication path 6 is wider than the communication area for wireless data communication and non-contact type IC card used for the first communication path 5. Therefore, by transmitting / receiving input / output data through the second communication path 6, input / output data is transmitted / received in a wider range than through the first communication path 5.

(Modification)
Next, a modified example of the image forming system 1 will be described. In the modification, the image forming apparatus 2 uses a setting user interface application (hereinafter also referred to as “UI application”) instead of the address data for accessing the setting user interface. Send to. Operations other than transmitting the UI application instead of the address data from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 4 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. In the modification, since the setting user interface is not provided from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal device 4, the image forming apparatus 2 may not include the UI providing unit 24.

  In the modification, the UI application is stored in advance in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. When the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 detects the signal transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, the first transmission / reception unit 25 stores the UI application stored in the storage unit 27. And transmitted to the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5. The first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives the UI application from the image forming apparatus 2 via the first communication path 5. The storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4 stores a UI application.

  Then, the control unit 46 of the terminal device 4 activates the UI application and causes the UI unit 45 to display a setting user interface. The setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 is the same as the setting user interface shown in FIGS. The user inputs operation conditions for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission in the image forming apparatus 2 on the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45.

  The operation of the image forming system 1 after the operation conditions are input through the setting user interface is the same as that in the above-described embodiment. For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 reads an image, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data related to image reading to the second transmission / reception unit of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. 26. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 21 according to the control data. The image reading unit 21 reads an image of a document and generates input / output data under the control of the control unit 31. The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. The second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 from the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. The UI unit 45 may display an image of input / output data, or the storage unit 43 may store input / output data.

  When printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal apparatus 4 sends control data related to printing and input / output data to be printed via the second communication path 6 to the image forming apparatus 2. To the second transmitter / receiver 26. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 outputs a printing instruction to the printing unit 22 according to the control data. The printing unit 22 prints an image based on input / output data to be printed under the control of the control unit 31. When performing facsimile transmission, control data including information indicating a transmission destination may be transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the image forming apparatus 2.

  Similar to the above-described embodiment, the charging unit 29 may perform the charging process, or the authentication unit 30 may perform the authentication process. For example, when the user of the terminal device 4 is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the UI application to the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6.

  As described above, according to the modification, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the UI application to the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5. By executing the UI application, the terminal device 4 transmits a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 and via the second communication path 6. Input / output data is transmitted to and received from the image forming apparatus 2. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the input / output data is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the server and the data transmission destination in advance.

  In addition, the terminal device 4 acquires the UI application via the first communication path 5. Therefore, even if the UI application is not installed in the terminal device 4 in advance, the terminal device 4 makes a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission to the image forming apparatus 2.

(Hardware configuration)
The configuration of the information processing portion of the image forming apparatus 2 exemplified above is realized, for example, by causing a general-purpose computer to execute a program representing the function or processing content of each unit of the image forming apparatus 2 described above. For example, the computer includes, as hardware, a microprocessor such as a CPU, a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), an HDD controller that controls an HDD (hard disk drive), and various I / Os (input / output). ) A network interface or the like that performs control for connection to a network such as an interface or a LAN has a circuit configuration connected via, for example, a bus. In addition, for example, an HDD (hard disk drive), a disk drive for reading and / or writing to a portable disk recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, and a flash memory via the I / O interface to the bus. A memory reader / writer for reading and / or writing to a standard portable nonvolatile recording medium may be connected. A program in which the function or processing content of each unit of the image forming apparatus 2 described above is described is transmitted to a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD or a communication path such as a network. It is stored in a fixed storage device and installed in a computer. The functions of the respective units of the image forming apparatus 2 described above are realized by reading the program stored in the fixed storage device into the RAM and executing it by a microprocessor such as a CPU. For example, the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 includes a microprocessor such as a CPU. The functions of the UI providing unit 24, the charging unit 29, and the authentication unit 30 are realized by executing corresponding programs by a microprocessor such as a CPU.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 2 Image forming apparatus, 4 Terminal device, 5 1st communication path, 6 2nd communication path, 21 Image reading part, 22 Printing part, 23 Facsimile transmission part, 24 UI provision part, 25, 41 1st Transmission / reception unit, 26, 42 Second transmission / reception unit, 27, 43 Storage unit, 28, 45 UI unit, 29 Billing unit, 30 Authentication unit, 31, 46 Control unit, 44 Camera.

The invention according to claim 1 is a first transmission means for transmitting connection information for a terminal device to connect to the terminal device to the terminal device via a first communication path that does not require connection setting, and the connection Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via a second communication path that is different from the first communication path using information and requires connection setting , and operating conditions of the processing function of the own apparatus Second transmitting means for transmitting an application for setting the terminal to the terminal device via the second communication path, and the terminal device for operating conditions set in the application via the second communication path. An information processing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives the data from a receiving unit; and an executing unit that executes a processing function based on the operation condition received by the receiving unit.

The invention according to claim 2, wherein the execution means, based on operating conditions of the received print processing function by the receiving unit, according to claim 1 to perform the print processing function as the processing function, it is characterized by It is an information processing apparatus as described in.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the execution means executes the image reading processing function as the processing function based on the operation condition of the image reading processing function received by the receiving means. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the execution means further transmits the read image data to the terminal device.

The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the execution means further stores the read image data in a storage destination set by the application. .

Invention, the execution unit, as the processing function, information of claim 1, wherein executing the document data storing processing function that stores document data received from the terminal apparatus, characterized in that according to claim 6 It is a processing device.

The invention according to claim 7 is a first transmitting means for transmitting connection information for connecting the computer to the terminal device via the first communication path that does not require connection setting . Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via a second communication path that is different from the first communication path and requires connection setting using the connection information, operation of the processing function of the own apparatus Second transmission means for transmitting an application for setting a condition to the terminal device via the second communication path, and the terminal device for operating conditions set in the application via the second communication path A program that functions as a receiving unit that receives the data from the receiving unit, and an execution unit that executes a processing function based on the operation condition received by the receiving unit.

According to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the information processing device and the terminal device can be connected and information processing can be performed from the terminal device without performing the setting for connecting the information processing device and the terminal device in advance. Control data can be sent to the device.

Claims (9)

First transmission means for transmitting connection information for a terminal device to connect to the terminal device to the terminal device via a first communication path;
Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via a second communication path different from the first communication path using the connection information;
Second transmission means for transmitting an application for setting an operation condition of the processing function of the own device to the terminal device via the second communication path;
Receiving means for receiving operating conditions set in the application from the terminal device via the second communication path;
Executing means for executing a processing function based on the operating condition received by the receiving means;
An information processing apparatus. An output unit that includes connection information for the terminal device to connect to the terminal device via a communication path, and outputs a code image read by the terminal device;
Application transmitting means for connecting to the terminal device using the connection information via the communication path and transmitting an application for setting an operation condition of a processing function of the own device to the terminal device;
Receiving means for receiving operating conditions set in the application from the terminal device via the communication path;
Executing means for executing a processing function based on the operating condition received by the receiving means;
An information processing apparatus. The execution means executes a print processing function as the processing function based on an operation condition of the print processing function received by the receiving means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The execution means executes an image reading processing function as the processing function based on the operation condition of the image reading processing function received by the receiving means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The execution means further transmits the read image data to the terminal device.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The execution means further stores the read image data in a storage destination set by the application.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The execution means executes a document data storage processing function for storing document data received from the terminal device as the processing function.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. Computer
First transmission means for transmitting connection information for a terminal device to connect to the terminal device to the terminal device via a first communication path;
Connection means for connecting to the terminal device via a second communication path different from the first communication path using the connection information;
Second transmission means for transmitting an application for setting an operation condition of the processing function of the own device to the terminal device via the second communication path;
Receiving means for receiving operating conditions set in the application from the terminal device via the second communication path;
Execution means for executing a processing function based on the operating condition received by the receiving means;
Program to function as. Computer
Output means for outputting a code image read by the terminal device, including connection information for the terminal device to connect to the terminal device via a communication path;
Application transmitting means for connecting to the terminal device using the connection information via the communication path and transmitting an application for setting an operation condition of a processing function of the own device to the terminal device;
Receiving means for receiving operating conditions set in the application from the terminal device via the communication path;
Execution means for executing a processing function based on the operating condition received by the receiving means;
Program to function as.