JP5790340B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, image forming program, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and an image forming system, and in particular, an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a portable information device, an image forming method and an image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus, The present invention also relates to an image forming system including a portable information device and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) such as electronic paper or portable information devices such as smartphones can store electronic documents, and can view and edit documents regardless of time and place. . Further, it is possible to wirelessly transmit a document stored in the portable information device to an external device such as an image forming device and execute processing such as printing or storage in the external device. However, there is a problem that printing conditions for printing with an external apparatus must be set with the external apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-212743 (Patent Document 1) discloses an acquisition unit that acquires information for specifying an image displayed on an information display medium placed on a document table, and the acquisition unit acquires the information. A reading means for reading out image data corresponding to the image from a storage device storing the image data, a detecting means for detecting a size of an information display medium placed on the document table, and An image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints image data read by the reading unit based on the size of the information display medium detected by the detection unit.

However, since the conventional image processing apparatus prints based on the size of the information display medium, the user does not need to set the printing conditions, but the printing conditions differ from the printing conditions based on the size of the information display medium. There was a problem of being unable to print.
JP 2010-212743 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which operation conditions can be easily set.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming program that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that can communicate with a portable information device, and the portable information device has any of a plurality of predetermined installation positions. Based on the received data according to the operating condition set by the setting means, the data receiving means for receiving data from the portable information device, the setting means for setting the operating condition, and the operating condition set by the setting means Image forming control means for forming an image on a sheet, and the setting means includes position reference setting means for setting a predetermined operating condition corresponding to the installation position detected by the position detecting means.

  According to this aspect, it is detected in which of the plurality of predetermined installation positions the portable information device is set, and predetermined operation conditions are set and set corresponding to the detected installation positions. According to the operating conditions, an image is formed on the paper based on the data received from the portable information device. The operating conditions for forming an image of data stored in the portable information device can be set to operating conditions corresponding to the position where the form information device is installed. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes an original reading unit that reads an original and outputs image data, and the position reference setting unit has a portable information device when the position detected by the position detection unit is a position where the original of the original reading unit is arranged. The label page printing condition for forming the image of the page displayed by the operation is set as the operation condition. The document reading unit further reads the document and outputs the image data. The position reference setting unit is detected by the position detection unit. If the set position is a position where the document of the document reading unit is arranged, a printing condition for forming an image of the page displayed by the portable information device is set.

  According to this aspect, when the portable information device is placed at a position where the document of the document reading unit is placed, a display page printing condition for forming an image of the page displayed by the portable information device is set. For this reason, it is possible to set an operation condition for forming an image of a page displayed on the portable information device by the same operation as the operation of copying a document.

Preferably, reads a document, and a document reading means for outputting the image data, the direction obtaining means for obtaining a direction toward the display surface of the portable information device the direction with respect to the direction of gravity from the portable information device further includes a position reference setting means is a position location detected by the position detection means is arranged original document reading means, the direction received from the portable information device when the direction of gravity to one image forming operation A single printing condition is set as an operating condition, and if the direction received from the portable information device is not the gravitational direction, a continuous printing condition for performing a plurality of image forming operations is set as the operating condition. If one print condition is set, a transmission request signal is transmitted once to the portable information device, and if the continuous print condition is set, a transmission request is required to continuously transmit a plurality of transmission request signals. A manual stage, the data receiving means in response to the transmission of the transmission request signal, the portable information device receives the data to be transmitted, the image forming control unit, form an image of the received data.

  According to this aspect, when the portable information device is placed at a position where the document of the document reading unit is placed and the display surface of the portable information device is directed in the direction of gravity, a single image forming operation is performed. When printing conditions are set and the display surface of the portable information device does not face the direction of gravity, continuous printing conditions for performing a plurality of image forming operations are set. For this reason, the operation of placing the portable information device with its display surface facing downward is the same as the operation for copying one original. For this reason, an image of a page displayed on the portable information device can be formed by an operation similar to the operation of copying one original. Further, when the portable information device is placed with its display surface facing upward, an image of a page displayed on the portable information device can be formed a plurality of times.

  Preferably, the portable information device includes a display unit that displays an image of a page selected by the user from data including a plurality of pages, and a direction detection unit that detects a direction in which the display surface faces and a direction with respect to the gravitational direction. A direction notifying means for transmitting the detected direction to the image forming apparatus, and a page unit transmitting means for transmitting the data of the page displayed by the display means among a plurality of pages when receiving a transmission request signal from the image forming apparatus. After the page data displayed by the display means is transmitted, the page data after the switching displayed by the display means is changed on a page basis on condition that the page displayed on the display means is switched. Synchronization means for transmitting to the transmission means.

  According to this aspect, when a transmission request signal is received from the image forming apparatus, the data of the displayed page among a plurality of pages is transmitted, but after the data of the displayed page is transmitted, the data is displayed. The data of the page after switching is transmitted on condition that the existing page is switched. For this reason, every time the page displayed on the portable information device is switched, an image of the page displayed after the switching is formed, so that an operation of forming an image of a plurality of pages can be facilitated.

  Preferably, the document reading unit has a cover that can be freely opened and closed, and the image formation control unit forms an image on a sheet even when the cover is open as long as it can communicate with the portable information device. .

  According to this aspect, an image can be formed with the cover open.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes an original conveying unit that conveys the original to the original reading unit, and the position reference setting unit has a portable information device when the position detected by the position detecting unit is a position where the original of the original conveying unit is arranged. All-page printing conditions for forming images of all pages including the page displayed by the above are set as operation conditions.

  According to this aspect, when the portable information device is placed at a position where the document of the document conveying unit is placed, all page printing conditions for forming images of all pages including the page displayed by the portable information device Is set. The operation of placing the portable information device at the position where the document of the document conveying unit is arranged is the same as the operation of placing a plurality of documents when copying a plurality of documents. For this reason, images of all pages of data including pages displayed on the portable information device can be formed by the same operation as copying a plurality of documents.

  Preferably, an internal paper feeding unit that supplies paper for forming an image and an external paper feeding unit that is provided separately from the internal paper feeding unit and supplies paper for forming an image, When the position detected by the position detecting unit is a position where the external sheet feeding unit accumulates paper, the reference setting unit outputs the image of the page displayed by the portable information device to the image data output by the document reading unit. An overlay printing condition for forming an image of the combined data combined with the image is set as an operation condition, and the image formation control unit forms an image on a sheet supplied by the internal sheet feeding unit.

  According to this aspect, when the portable information device is placed at a position where the external sheet feeding unit accumulates sheets, the image of the page displayed by the portable information device is combined with the image of the image data output by the document reading unit. Overlay printing conditions for forming an image of the combined data are set. The operation of placing the portable information device at a position where the external paper feeding unit accumulates the paper is the same as the operation of placing the paper on which the image is formed. Therefore, an image obtained by combining the image of the page displayed on the portable information device with the image of the original can be formed by the same operation as the operation of placing the paper on which the image is formed.

  Preferably, the image forming control unit further includes a sheet discharging unit that discharges the sheet on which the image is formed, and the sheet discharging unit outputs the insertion sheet superimposed on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming control unit. The position reference setting means forms an image of the page displayed by the portable information device when the position detected by the position detection means is a position where the paper insertion means stores the insertion paper. An insertion printing condition for discharging a sheet on which the image of the image data output from the document reading unit is superimposed and discharged on the sheet is set as an operation condition.

  According to this aspect, when the portable information device is placed at a position where the paper insertion unit stores the insertion paper, the document reading unit outputs the paper on which the image of the page displayed by the portable information device is formed. Insertion printing conditions are set for discharging the paper on the paper on which the image of the image data is formed. The operation of placing the portable information device at a position where the paper insertion means stores the insertion paper is the same as the operation of placing the paper for insertion. For this reason, the paper on which the image of the page displayed on the portable information device is formed is overlapped with the paper on which the image of the original is formed in the same operation as the operation of placing the paper for insertion. Can do.

  Preferably, the setting means includes a changing means for changing the operating condition set by the position reference setting means in accordance with an operation by the user.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming method is an image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a portable information device, and the portable information device is one of a plurality of predetermined installation positions. On the basis of the received data in accordance with the operation conditions set in the step of detecting whether the mobile device is positioned, the step of receiving data from the portable information device, the step of setting operating conditions, and the setting step Forming the image, and the step of setting includes a step of setting a predetermined operation condition corresponding to the installation position detected in the step of detecting the position.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming method that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image forming program is an image forming program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus communicable with the portable information device, and a plurality of portable information devices are predetermined. The received data in accordance with the operation conditions set in the step of detecting the installation position, the step of receiving data from the portable information device, the step of setting operating conditions, and the setting step And the step of causing the computer to execute and set the step of forming an image on the sheet includes a step of setting a predetermined operation condition corresponding to the installation position detected in the step of detecting the position. .

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming program that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and a portable information device that can communicate with the image forming apparatus, and the portable information device includes a plurality of pages. Display means for displaying an image of a page selected by the user from among the data, direction detection means for detecting the direction in which the display surface of the display means faces and the direction of gravity, and the detected direction as an image forming apparatus When receiving a transmission request signal from the image forming apparatus, a page unit transmission means for transmitting data of a page displayed by the display means among a plurality of pages, and a display means are displayed. After the page data is transmitted, after the switching displayed on the display means, on the condition that the page displayed on the display means is switched Synchronization means for transmitting page data to a page unit transmission means, and when the direction received from the portable information device is a gravitational direction, the image forming apparatus has a single printing condition for performing one image forming operation. If the direction received from the portable information device is not the gravitational direction, the print condition setting means for setting a continuous print condition for performing a plurality of image forming operations as the operation condition and the single print condition are set. If the transmission request signal is transmitted once to the portable information device and the continuous printing conditions are set, the transmission request means for continuously transmitting a plurality of transmission request signals, and according to the transmission of the transmission request signal A data receiving unit that receives data transmitted by the portable information device, and an image formation control unit that forms an image of the received data.

  According to this aspect, in the image forming apparatus, when the display surface of the portable information device is directed in the direction of gravity, a single printing condition for performing one image forming operation is set, and the display surface of the portable information device is in the direction of gravity. When the printer is not facing the direction, continuous printing conditions for performing a plurality of image forming operations are set. On the other hand, when the portable information device receives a transmission request signal from the image forming device, the portable information device transmits data of the displayed page among a plurality of pages, but is displayed after transmitting the data of the displayed page. The page data after switching is transmitted on condition that the current page is switched. When the portable information device is placed with its display surface facing downward, the operation is similar to copying one original. For this reason, the image of the page displayed on the portable information device can be formed by the same operation as copying one original. When the portable information device is placed with its display surface facing upward, each time the page displayed on the portable information device is switched, an image of the page displayed after the switching is formed by the image forming apparatus. For this reason, the operation of forming images of a plurality of pages can be facilitated. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming system that facilitates setting of operating conditions.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an openable and closable cover, and further includes a document reading unit that reads a document and outputs image data, and the image formation control unit includes a document of the document reading unit by the portable information device. If the cover is placed at the position where it is placed, an image is formed on the paper while communication with the portable information device is possible even if the cover is open.

  According to this aspect, an image can be formed with the cover open.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall outline of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of a portable information device. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU provided in an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the function which CPU with which a portable information device is provided has. 6 is a first flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of image forming processing. 12 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of image forming processing. 12 is a third flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of image forming processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a cooperation process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a print system 1 includes multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) 100, 100A, and 100B, and personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”) 400, 401, respectively connected to a network 3. 402, portable information device 200, and wireless station 5.

  The figure shows an example in which three MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100, 100A, and 100B are connected as an image forming apparatus to the network 3, but the number of MFPs is not limited to this. What is necessary is just one or more. Further, instead of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, any apparatus having a function of forming an image may be used, for example, a facsimile or a printer.

  The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. In addition, the network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a network using a public switched telephone network (Public Switched Telephone Networks). Furthermore, the network 3 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Therefore, each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100C and PCs 400 to 402 can communicate with each other via network 3, and can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet. The network 3 is connected to the Internet. Therefore, each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B and PCs 400 to 402 can communicate with a server connected to the Internet.

  The portable information device 200 is a PDA having a communication function such as electronic paper or a smart phone. Here, a case where portable information device 200 is a smartphone will be described as an example. The portable information device 200 is connected to a cellular phone network by wirelessly communicating with a cellular phone base station, and can make a call. In addition, the portable information device 200 has a wireless LAN function.

  A wireless station 5 is further connected to the network 3. The wireless station 5 is a relay device of the network 3 and communicates with the portable information device 200 having a wireless LAN communication function to connect the portable information device 200 to the network 3. For this reason, portable information device 200 can transmit and receive data to and from MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B connected to network 3.

  The PCs 400 to 402 are general computers. Each of the PCs 400 to 402 is used by a user and generates application data by executing an application program. The application program includes a document editing program for editing a document, an image editing program for editing an image, a table data editing program for editing display data, a database generation program for generating a database, and an Internet browser program.

  In print system 1 according to the present embodiment, portable information device 200 transmits data stored therein to one of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, and forms an image of the data in any of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Can be made. The data stored in the portable information device 200 may be application data downloaded from the PCs 400 to 402. If an Internet browser program is installed in the portable information device 200, the data is downloaded from a server connected to the Internet. Web data may be used. Web data is data described in a markup language. In this case, a driver program for controlling each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B may be installed in portable information device 200. In this case, portable information device 200 transmits print data obtained by converting application data or Web data to MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. If an application program capable of interpreting application data or Web data is installed in each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, portable information device 200 transmits application data or Web data to MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B.

  MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B may have the same or different hardware configurations, but include an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet such as paper based on at least image data. Although the hardware configurations of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B may not be the same, here, a case where MFP 100 has a configuration of at least one of other MFPs 100A and 100B will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 10, an image reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, a post-processing unit 45, an operation panel. 9 and so on.

  The ADF 10 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set by the user on the document feed tray 11 one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the image reading unit 20, and the image reading unit The document whose document image is read by 20 is discharged onto a document discharge tray. The ADF 10 includes a sensor 11 </ b> A disposed in the vicinity of the document feed tray 11, and the sensor 11 </ b> A detects that the portable information device 200 is placed on the document feed tray 11.

  The ADF 10 is installed on the upper side of the image reading unit 20 so as to be freely opened and closed. The image reading unit 20 has a platen glass on which a document can be placed, and the platen glass is exposed when the ADF 10 is in an open state. The user can place a document on the platen glass when the ADF 10 is in the open state.

  The image reading unit 20 includes a light source for irradiating light on a document placed on a platen glass with a surface on which an image is formed by a user facing downward, or a document conveyed to a document reading position by the ADF 10, and a document And a photoelectric conversion element that receives the light reflected by, and scans a document image according to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 30. The image reading unit 20 includes a sensor 20A disposed in the vicinity of the platen glass, and the sensor 20A detects that the portable information device 200 is placed on the platen glass.

  The paper feed unit 40 includes three paper feed trays 43A, 43B, and 43B that accumulate sheets, and a manual feed tray 41 that accumulates sheets on which sheets are placed by the user. The paper feed unit 40 conveys the paper accumulated in the paper feed trays 43 </ b> A, 43 </ b> B, 43 </ b> B and the manual feed tray 41, which are determined by the printing conditions, one by one and supplies the paper to the image forming unit 30. Here, the function in which the paper feeding unit 40 conveys the sheets stored in the paper trays 43A, 43B, and 43B determined by the printing conditions one by one and supplies the paper to the image forming unit 30 is called an internal supply function. The function in which the paper feed unit 40 conveys the sheets stored in the manual feed tray 41 one by one and supplies them to the image forming unit 30 is called an external supply function. The paper feed unit 40 includes a sensor 41 </ b> A disposed in the vicinity of the manual feed tray 41, and the sensor 41 </ b> A detects that the portable information device 200 is placed on the manual feed tray 41.

  The image forming unit 30 forms an image by a known electrophotographic method, and performs various data processing such as shading correction on image data received from the outside or image data input from the image reading unit 20. Then, based on the image data after the data processing or the print data received from the outside, an image is formed on the paper conveyed by the paper supply unit 40.

  The post-processing unit 45 is supplied with a sheet on which an image is formed from the image forming unit 30, collects one or more sheets supplied from the image forming unit 30 into one bundle, performs a predetermined process, and discharges the sheet. . The post-processing unit 45 includes an insertion unit, a punch unit, a sort unit, a staple unit, a folding processing unit, and a cutting unit. The post-processing unit 45 includes a PI (post inserter) tray 51 and a sensor 47A disposed in the vicinity of the PI tray 47. The PI tray 47 accumulates sheets placed by the user. The sensor 47A detects that the portable information device 200 is placed on the PI tray 47.

  The insertion unit inserts the sheets accumulated in the PI tray 47 after the sheets in the order determined by the printing conditions among the one or more sheets supplied from the image forming unit 30, and collects them into one bundle. The punch unit executes a process of opening a punch hole by collecting a bundle of one or more sheets. The sort unit classifies sheets supplied in order from the image forming unit 30 into a plurality of bundles. The staple unit executes a process of collecting a bundle of one or more sheets and driving a staple needle. The folding processing unit executes a process of folding a bundle of one or more sheets together. The cutting unit executes a process of cutting a bundle of one or more sheets together.

  The sensors 11A, 20A, 41A, and 47A are, for example, proximity sensors. As the proximity sensor, any of an inductive type, a capacitance type, an ultrasonic type, a photoelectric type, and a magnetic type may be used. Each of the sensors 11A, 20A, 41A, and 47A outputs an ON signal when the portable information device 200 is detected, and outputs an OFF signal when the portable information device 200 is not detected.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 101, a facsimile unit 122, and a communication control unit 123. The main circuit 101 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10, an image reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, a post-processing unit 45, and sensors 11A, 20A, 41A, and 47A. It is connected.

  The main circuit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of the CPU 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 for storing programs executed by the CPU 111, and the like. A display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a mass storage device, a data communication control unit 117, an external storage device 118, and a GPS sensor 119.

  The CPU 111 is connected to the RAM 112, the ROM 113, the display unit 114, the operation unit 115, the HDD 116, the data communication control unit 117, the external storage device 118, and the GPS sensor 119, and controls the entire main circuit 101. The CPU 111 is connected to the facsimile unit 122, the communication control unit 123, the ADF 10, the image reading unit 20, the image forming unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, and the post-processing unit 45, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The display unit 114 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 115 includes a touch panel that is provided on the display surface of the display unit 114 and detects a position designated by the user on the display surface.

  Data communication control unit 117 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 3. CPU 111 communicates with portable information device 200, other MFPs 100 </ b> A and 100 </ b> B, and PCs 400 to 402 via data communication control unit 117 to transmit and receive data. Furthermore, the data communication control unit 117 can communicate with other computers connected to the Internet via the network 3 to transmit and receive data.

  The external storage device 118 is loaded with a CD-ROM 118A. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 118 </ b> A via the external storage device 118. The CPU 111 loads the program recorded on the CD-ROM 118A attached to the external storage device 118 into the RAM 112 and executes it. Note that the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program recorded on the CD-ROM 118A, and the program stored in the HDD 116 may be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the network 3 may rewrite the program stored in the HDD 116 of the MFP 100 or may add a new program and write it. Further, MFP 100 may download a program from another computer connected to network 3 and store the program in HDD 116. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The communication control unit 123 is a modem for connecting the CPU 111 to the PSTN 7. The telephone number in PSTN 7 is assigned to MFP 100 in advance, and when a call is made from the facsimile apparatus connected to PSTN 7 to the telephone number assigned to MFP 100, communication control unit 123 detects the call. When the communication control unit 123 detects a call, the communication control unit 123 establishes a call and causes the facsimile unit 122 to communicate.

  The facsimile unit 122 is connected to the PSTN 7 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 7 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 7. The facsimile unit 122 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 116, converts the received facsimile data into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 30, and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 30. As a result, the image forming unit 30 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 122 on paper. Further, the facsimile unit 122 converts the data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN 7.

  GPS sensor 119 detects the current position of MFP 100 based on radio waves received from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite. The GPS sensor 119 outputs position information indicating the detected current position to the CPU 111.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the portable information device. Referring to FIG. 4, portable information device 200 is connected to CPU 211 for controlling overall portable information device 200, camera 212, flash memory 213 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, and call unit 215. A wireless communication unit 214; a display unit 216 that displays information; an operation unit 217 that receives an input of a user operation; a wireless LAN interface (I / F) 218; a GPS sensor 219; and an inclination detection sensor 221. Including.

  The wireless communication unit 214 performs wireless communication with a mobile phone base station connected to a telephone communication network. The wireless communication unit 214 connects the portable information device 200 to the telephone communication network and enables a call using the call unit 215. The radio communication unit 214 decodes a voice signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal received from the mobile phone base station, and outputs the decoded signal to the call unit 215. In addition, the wireless communication unit 214 encodes the voice input from the call unit 215 and transmits it to the mobile phone base station. The call unit 215 includes a microphone and a speaker, outputs the voice input from the wireless communication unit 214 from the speaker, and outputs the voice input from the microphone to the wireless communication unit 214. Further, the wireless communication unit 214 is controlled by the CPU 211, transmits and receives data via the mobile phone base station, and connects the mobile information device 200 to the Internet, for example.

  The camera 212 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and focuses light collected by the lens on a CMOS sensor. The CMOS sensor photoelectrically converts the received light to convert image data. It outputs to CPU201.

  The display unit 216 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD, and displays an instruction menu for a user, data received from the outside, and the like. The operation unit 217 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 217 includes a touch panel that is provided so as to overlap the display unit 216 and detects a position designated by the user on the display surface of the display unit 114.

  The wireless LAN I / F 218 is an interface for communicating with the wireless station 5 and connecting the portable information device 200 to the network 3. The portable information device 200 can communicate with the MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B or the PCs 400 to 402 via the wireless LAN I / F 218 and can transmit and receive data.

  The GPS sensor 219 detects the current position of the portable information device 200 based on radio waves received from GPS satellites. The GPS sensor 219 outputs position information indicating the detected current position to the CPU 211.

  The tilt detection sensor 221 is fixed to the main body (structure) of the portable information device 200 and detects the tilt of the main body. The tilt detection sensor 211 is a gyro sensor and / or an acceleration sensor. The tilt detection sensor 211 detects the angle between the reference direction and the direction of gravity as the tilt with the direction in which the display surface of the display unit 216 faces (the normal direction extending from the display surface) as the reference direction. The tilt detection sensor 221 outputs the detected tilt to the CPU 211.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU provided in the MFP. The functions shown in FIG. 5 are functions formed in CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B executes an image forming program stored in ROM 113, HDD 116, or CD-ROM 118A. Here, the function of CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 acquires device detection unit 51 that detects portable information device 200, position detection unit 53 that detects the position of portable information device 200, and the direction of portable information device 200. A direction acquisition unit 55, a setting unit 57 that sets operation conditions, a data reception unit 59 that receives data from the portable information device 200, and an image formation control unit 67 that forms an image on paper based on data according to the operation conditions. And a composition unit 61, a document reading control unit 63 that controls the image reading unit 20, and a paper discharge control unit 65 that controls the post-processing unit 45.

  Device detection unit 51 detects portable information device 200 present at the same position as MFP 100. Specifically, the data communication control unit 117 causes the data communication control unit 117 to transmit position transmission requests at predetermined time intervals. As will be described later, when the portable information device 200 receives the position transmission request, the portable information device 200 returns a connection request. Therefore, when the data communication control unit 117 receives the connection request transmitted by the portable information device 200, the device detection unit 51 Get a connection request. The connection request includes position information indicating the position of the portable information device 200 as described later. Device detection unit 51 determines whether or not the current position of MFP 100 indicated by the position information input from GPS sensor 119 and the current position of portable information device 200 indicated by the position information included in the connection request are the same position. to decide. Here, the same position means a case where two current positions are included within a predetermined distance range. Further, the range of the predetermined distance includes a case where the range of the predetermined distance is included in an error range of the current position of MFP 100 detected by GPS sensor 119 and an error range of current position of portable information device 200 detected by GPS sensor 219. When the device detection unit 51 determines that the two positions are the same, the device detection unit 51 outputs device identification information for identifying the portable information device 200 that has transmitted the connection request to the direction acquisition unit 55 and the data reception unit 59 and A detection instruction is output to the position detection unit 53.

  The position detector 53 detects the position where the portable information device 200 is placed. Based on the sensor 11A, 20A, 41A, 47A whose output signal is changed to the ON signal, the position where the portable information device 200 is placed by the user is detected. When the output signal of the sensor 11A changes to ON, the position detection unit 53 determines that the portable information device 200 is placed on the document feed tray 11, and uses position identification information for identifying the document feed tray 11. Output to the setting unit 57. When the output signal of the sensor 20A changes to ON, the position detection unit 53 determines that the portable information device 200 is placed on the platen glass included in the image reading unit 20, and identifies the platen glass included in the image reading unit 20. Position identification information for output to the setting unit 57. When the output signal of the sensor 41A changes to ON, the position detection unit 53 determines that the portable information device 200 is placed on the manual feed tray 41, and sets position identification information for identifying the manual feed tray 41. To 57. When the output signal of the sensor 47A changes to ON, the position detection unit 53 determines that the portable information device 200 is placed on the PI tray 47, and sets the position identification information for identifying the PI tray 47 to the setting unit 57. Output.

  The direction acquisition unit 55 receives device identification information of the portable information device 200 from the device detection unit 51. The direction acquisition unit 55 transmits a direction request signal to the portable information device 200 specified by the device identification information via the data communication control unit 117. As will be described later, when the portable information device 200 receives the direction request signal, the portable information device 200 returns direction information indicating the direction in which the display surface of the portable information device 200 faces. Direction information received from the device 200 is acquired. The direction acquisition unit 55 outputs the acquired direction information to the setting unit 57.

  The setting unit 57 receives position identification information from the position detection unit 53 and receives direction information from the direction acquisition unit 55. The setting unit 57 includes a position reference setting unit 71 and a changing unit 73. The position reference setting unit 71 sets a predetermined operation condition corresponding to the position identification information input from the position detection unit 53 and the direction information input from the direction acquisition unit 55, and changes the set operation condition to the change unit To 73. Specifically, the position reference setting unit 71 sets a display page printing condition as an operation condition when the position identification information specifies a platen glass included in the image reading unit 20. The display page printing condition is a condition for limiting the data to be image-formed among the operation conditions to the display page. Other operation conditions, for example, the operation conditions for determining the number of images to be formed have predetermined default values. Is set. The display page is a page displayed on portable information device 200 among one or more pages included in the data.

  The display page printing condition includes a single printing condition and a continuous printing condition. The position reference setting unit 71 refers to the direction information input from the direction acquisition unit 55 and sets one of a single printing condition and a continuous printing condition as an operation condition. The position reference setting unit 71 sets a single printing condition as an operation condition when the direction information indicates the gravity direction, and sets a continuous printing condition as the operation condition when the direction information indicates a direction other than the gravity direction.

  When the direction information indicates the direction of gravity, the direction specified by the direction information includes a predetermined range of directions including the direction of gravity. The predetermined range may be that the platen glass included in the image reading unit 20 is not parallel to the ground depending on the installation state of the MFP 100, and the inclination angle allowed when the MFP 100 is installed and the inclination included in the portable information device 200. This is determined in consideration of an error due to the detection accuracy of the detection sensor 221.

  When the position identification information specifies the document feed tray 11, the position reference setting unit 71 sets all page printing conditions as operation conditions. The all-page printing condition is a condition for specifying the data to be image-formed among all the operating conditions among the operating conditions, and the other operating conditions, for example, the operating conditions for determining the number of images to be formed are determined in advance. Default values are set.

  The position reference setting unit 71 sets an overlay printing condition as an operation condition when the position identification information specifies the manual feed tray 41. The overlay printing condition is a condition for specifying the data to be image-formed among the operation conditions as data obtained by combining the image data output from the image reading unit 20 and the image of the display page displayed by the portable information device 200. As for other operating conditions, for example, operating conditions for determining the number of images to be formed, predetermined default values are set.

  When the position identification information specifies the PI tray 47, the position reference setting unit 71 sets insertion printing conditions as operation conditions. The insertion printing conditions specify the data to be subjected to image formation among the operation conditions as image data output by the image reading unit 20 and page data of the display page displayed by the portable information device 200. This is a condition that determines the order in which image data output by the image reading unit 20 and page data of the display page displayed by the portable information device 200 are formed, and other operating conditions are set to predetermined default values. Is done. Other operating conditions include an operating condition that determines a position or the like for inserting a sheet on which an image of a display page displayed on the portable information device 200 is inserted.

  The changing unit 73 changes the operating condition input from the position reference setting unit 71 in accordance with the operation input to the operating unit 115 by the user, and the changed operating condition is changed to the data receiving unit 59, the combining unit 61, and the document reading. The data is output to the control unit 63 and the paper discharge control unit 65. Specifically, a setting screen that displays the operation condition input from the position reference setting unit 71 in a changeable manner is displayed on the display unit 114, and the operation condition displayed on the setting screen by the user using the operation unit 115 is displayed. If an operation for changing the operation is input, the operation condition is changed according to the input operation.

  The data reception unit 59 receives device identification information from the device detection unit 51 and an operation condition from the change unit 73. The data receiving unit 59 controls the data communication control unit 117 to transmit either a display page transmission request or an all page transmission request to the portable information device specified by the device identification information. Data receiving unit 59 includes a display page request unit 75 and an all page request unit 77. The all page request unit 77 transmits an all page transmission request when the operation condition is set to the all page printing condition. As will be described later, portable information device 200 that receives the all-page transmission request returns data including the display page. Therefore, all-page request unit 77 receives the data that data communication control unit 117 receives from portable information device 200. The acquired data is output to the image forming control unit 67.

  The display page request unit 75 transmits a display page transmission request when the operating condition is any of display page printing conditions other than all page printing conditions, overlay printing conditions, and insertion printing conditions. Since the portable information device 200 that receives the display page transmission request returns page data of the display page as described later, the display page request unit 75 receives the page data that the data communication control unit 117 receives from the portable information device 200. To get.

  The display page request unit 75 continuously transmits a plurality of transmission requests when a continuous page printing condition is set as the operation condition among the display page printing conditions. Display page request unit 75 transmits the next display page transmission request after data communication control unit 117 receives page data from portable information device 200. As will be described later, portable information device 200 transmits the page data of the display page after switching on the condition that the display page is switched after receiving the display page transmission request. Each time the communication control unit 117 receives page data from the portable information device 200, the page data is acquired.

  The display page request unit 75 outputs the acquired page data to the image formation control unit 67 when the operation condition is either the display page printing condition or the insertion printing condition. The display page request unit 75 outputs the acquired page data to the composition unit 61 when the operation condition is the overlay printing condition.

  When the operation condition input from the changing unit 73 is an insertion printing condition or an overlay printing condition, the document reading control unit 63 controls the image reading unit 20 to cause the image reading unit 20 to read the document. Since the image reading unit 20 reads a document and outputs image data, the document reading control unit 63 acquires image data acquired from the image reading unit 20.

  The document reading control unit 63 outputs the acquired image data to the combining unit 61 when the operation condition is the overlay printing condition. The composition unit 61 receives page data of the display page from the display page request unit 75 and one or more image data from the document reading control unit 63. The combining unit 61 generates combined data by combining each of the one or more image data with the image of the page data of the display page. The combining unit 61 outputs one or more pieces of combined data corresponding to one or more pieces of image data to the image formation control unit 67, respectively. As a result, a composite image obtained by combining the image of the display page with the image of the document is formed on the paper.

  When the operation condition is the insertion printing condition, the document reading control unit 63 outputs the acquired image data to the image formation control unit 67 at a timing determined by the insertion printing condition. When reading a plurality of documents, the document reading control unit 63 outputs a plurality of image data to the image formation control unit 67 at a timing determined by the insertion printing conditions.

  The image forming control unit 67 receives an operation condition from the changing unit 73, receives data or page data from the data receiving unit 59, receives composite data from the combining unit 61, and reads a document from the document reading control unit 63. Image data is input. The image formation control unit 67 controls the image formation unit 30 to form an image on a sheet according to the operating conditions. Specifically, when the operation condition is an all-page printing condition, data including a page displayed by the portable information device 200 is input from the data receiving unit 59. The image formation control unit 67 forms an image of one or more pages included in the data on a sheet. Thereby, the paper on which the images of all pages included in the data are formed is conveyed to the post-processing unit 45.

  The image formation control unit 67 receives page data from the data receiving unit 59 when the operation condition is the display page printing condition. The image formation control unit 67 controls the image formation unit 30 to form an image of page data on a sheet according to the operating conditions. Further, when the operation condition is the display page printing condition, the image formation control unit 67 controls the image forming unit 30 to form an image of page data on the paper according to the operation condition even when the ADF 10 is in the open state. Therefore, the user can form an image with the ADF 10 opened.

  When the operation condition is the single printing condition among the display page printing conditions, the image forming control unit 67 forms an image of one page data on one sheet of paper because one page data is input. Thereby, one sheet of paper on which an image of one page data is formed is conveyed to the post-processing unit 45. When the operation condition is the continuous printing condition among the display page printing conditions, the image formation control unit 67 sequentially inputs a plurality of page data, and forms each of the plurality of page data images on a sheet. As a result, a plurality of sheets on which images of a plurality of page data are formed are conveyed to the post-processing unit 45.

  The image formation control unit 67 receives composite data from the composition unit 61 when the operation condition is a composite print condition. The image formation control unit 67 controls the image formation unit 30 to form a composite data image on a sheet according to the operating conditions. When a plurality of combined data is input from the combining unit 61, the image formation control unit 67 forms an image of each of the plurality of combined data on a sheet. As a result, a plurality of sheets on which a plurality of composite data images are formed are conveyed to the post-processing unit 45.

  The image forming control unit 67 receives image data from the document reading control unit 63 and page data from the data receiving unit 59 when the operation condition is the insertion printing condition. The image formation control unit 67 forms an image of the image data and an image of the page data on the sheet according to the operating conditions. The order of forming the image data image and the page data image is determined by the operating conditions. As a result, the paper on which the image of the image data obtained by reading the original is formed and the paper on which the image of the display page is formed are conveyed to the post-processing unit 45 in the order determined by the operating conditions.

  The paper discharge control unit 65 controls the post-processing unit 45 according to the operating conditions. Specifically, when the insertion printing is set as the operation condition, the insertion unit is controlled to insert the sheets accumulated in the PI tray 47. When punching is set as the operation condition, the punch unit is controlled to execute a process of punching holes in a bundle of a plurality of sheets. When the rearrangement instruction is set in the operation condition, the sort unit is controlled to classify the sheets sequentially supplied from the image forming unit 30 into a plurality of bundles. When stapling is set as the operation condition, the staple unit is controlled to execute a process of bundling a plurality of sheets and driving the staples. When a folding instruction is set in the operating condition, the folding processing unit is controlled to execute a process of folding one or more bundles of sheets together. Further, when a cutting instruction is set in the operating condition, the cutting unit is controlled to execute a process of cutting one or more bundles of sheets together.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the portable information device. The functions shown in FIG. 6 are functions formed in the CPU 211 when the CPU 211 included in the portable information device 200 executes the cooperation program stored in the flash memory 213. Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 211 provided in portable information device 200 includes a switching instruction receiving unit 251 that receives a switching instruction from a user, a display control unit 253 that controls display on display unit 216, a page unit transmission unit 255, Display page request reception unit 257, synchronization unit 259, all page request reception unit 261, data transmission unit 263, current position detection unit 265 for detecting the current position, and position information indicating the detected position are transmitted. A position information transmission unit 267, a direction detection unit 269 that detects a direction in which the display surface of the display unit 216 faces, and a direction information transmission unit 271 that transmits direction information indicating the detected direction are included.

  The current position detection unit 265 is connected to the GPS sensor 219 and detects the current position of the portable information device 200. The current position detection unit 265 detects the current position of the portable information device 200 by acquiring the position information output from the GPS sensor 219. The current position detection unit 265 outputs the acquired position information to the position information transmission unit 267.

  Position information transmission unit 267 controls wireless LAN I / F 218 to determine whether a position transmission request has been received from MFP 100. When the wireless LAN I / F 218 receives the position transmission request, the position information transmission unit 267 returns the position information input from the current position detection unit 265 to the MFP 100 via the wireless LAN I / F 218.

  The direction detection unit 269 is connected to the inclination detection sensor 221 and detects the direction of the portable information device 200. The direction detection unit 269 determines whether the inclination output from the inclination detection sensor 221 is within a predetermined range. The inclination output by the inclination detection sensor 221 indicates the angle between the reference direction and the gravitational direction, with the direction of the display surface of the display unit 216 facing the reference direction. When the inclination is within a predetermined range, the display unit 216 This is a case where the display surface of is oriented in the direction of gravity. The direction detection unit 269 outputs direction information indicating the direction of gravity to the direction information transmission unit 271 if the inclination output from the inclination detection sensor 221 is within a predetermined range, and the inclination output from the inclination detection sensor 221 is within the predetermined range. Otherwise, direction information indicating a direction other than the gravity direction is output to the direction information transmission unit 271.

  Direction information transmission unit 271 controls wireless LAN I / F 218 to determine whether or not a direction request signal has been received from MFP 100. When the wireless LAN I / F 218 receives a direction request signal, the direction information transmission unit 271 returns the direction information input from the direction detection unit 269 to the MFP 100 via the wireless LAN I / F 218.

  The display control unit 253 controls the display unit 216 to display an image of data stored in the flash memory 213. Specifically, when the user operates the operation unit 217 to detect an operation for designating data stored in the flash memory 213, the data designated by the user is read from the flash memory 213, and an image of the read data is read. Is displayed on the display unit 216. The data may have a plurality of pages, and the display control unit 253 displays an image of a page specified by the user from among the plurality of pages included in the data. In addition, when a page switching instruction is input from a switching instruction receiving unit 251 described later, an image of a page specified by page identification information included in the page switching instruction among a plurality of pages included in the data is displayed. The display control unit 253 outputs the page data of the page displayed on the display unit 216 to the page unit transmission unit 255. The page data is a portion corresponding to each of a plurality of pages included in the data among the data stored in the flash memory 213.

  When the switching instruction receiving unit 251 detects an operation that the user inputs to the operation unit 217 and switches the image of the page displayed on the display unit 216, the page switching instruction is displayed on the display control unit 253 and the synchronization unit 259. Output to. The page switching instruction includes page identification information that identifies one of a plurality of pages included in the data. The page identification information is, for example, a page number. For example, in the case where the operation unit 217 includes a feed button and a return button, the switching instruction receiving unit 251 causes the page displayed on the display unit 216 to be the next page if the user inputs an operation for instructing the feed button. If a page feed instruction for switching is received and the user inputs an operation for instructing a return button, a page return instruction for switching to a page before the page displayed on the display unit 216 is received. When receiving a page turning instruction, the switching instruction receiving unit 251 displays a page switching instruction including page identification information for specifying a page immediately after the page displayed on the display unit 216 until then, the display control unit 253 and the synchronization unit. When the page return instruction is received and the page return instruction is received, a page switching instruction including page identification information for specifying the page immediately before the page displayed on the display unit 216 until then is displayed to the display control unit 253 and the synchronization unit 259. Output.

  Display page request reception unit 257 controls wireless LAN I / F 218 to determine whether a display page transmission request has been received from MFP 100. When the wireless LAN I / F 218 receives the display page transmission request, the display page request reception unit 257 outputs a reception notification signal indicating that the display page transmission request has been received to the synchronization unit 259.

  The synchronization unit 259 receives a page switching instruction from the switching instruction receiving unit 251 and receives a reception notification signal from the display page request receiving unit 257. When the first reception notification signal is input from the display page request reception unit 257, the synchronization unit 259 outputs a transmission instruction to the page unit transmission unit 255. When the second and subsequent reception notification signals are input from the display page request reception unit 257, the synchronization unit 259 sends a transmission instruction to the page unit transmission unit 255 on the condition that a page switching instruction is input from the switching instruction reception unit 251. Output to.

  The page unit transmission unit 255 transmits the page data input from the display control unit 253 to the MFP 100 via the wireless LAN I / F 218 in response to the transmission instruction input from the synchronization unit 259. Each time the transmission instruction is input from the synchronization unit 259, in other words, each time the user inputs an operation to switch the image of the page displayed on the display unit 216 to the operation unit 217. The page data input from display control unit 253 is transmitted to MFP 100. The display control unit 253 switches the page to be displayed every time the user inputs an operation for switching the image of the page displayed on the display unit 216 to the operation unit 217. Therefore, the page displayed by the user on the display unit 216 is displayed. Each time is switched, page data of the page displayed after the switching is transmitted to MFP 100.

  All page request reception unit 261 controls wireless LAN I / F 218 to determine whether an all page transmission request has been received from MFP 100. When the wireless LAN I / F 218 receives an all-page transmission request, the all-page request reception unit 261 outputs a reception notification signal indicating that the all-page transmission request has been received to the data transmission unit 263.

  In response to the reception notification signal input from all page request reception unit 261, data transmission unit 263 transmits data including the page displayed by display control unit 253 to MFP 100 via wireless LAN I / F 218. Send.

  7, 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of image forming processing. The image forming process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 included in each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B executes an image forming program stored in ROM 113, HDD 116, or CD-ROM 118A. Here, an image forming process executed by CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, CPU 111 determines whether portable information device 200 has been detected (step S01). The process waits until a portable information device 200 existing at the same position as MFP 100 is detected (NO in step S01). If such a portable information device 200 is detected, the process proceeds to step S02. In other words, the image forming process is a process that is executed on the condition that the portable information device 200 existing at the same position as the MFP 100 is detected. Specifically, the position transmission request is transmitted to the data communication control unit 117 at predetermined time intervals. When the connection request transmitted by the portable information device 200 that receives the position transmission request is received, the current position of the portable information device 200 specified by the position information included in the connection request and the MFP 100 detected by the GPS sensor 119. Compare the current position. If the two positions are the same, portable information device 200 is determined to be the same position as MFP 100.

  In step S02, the position where portable information device 200 detected in step S01 is placed is detected. Based on the sensor 11A, 20A, 41A, 47A whose output signal is changed to the ON signal, the position where the portable information device 200 is placed by the user is detected. When the output signal of the sensor 11A changes to ON, the document feed tray 11 is detected as the position where the portable information device 200 is placed. When the output signal of the sensor 20A changes to ON, the platen glass included in the image reading unit 20 is detected as the position where the portable information device 200 is placed. When the output signal of the sensor 41A changes to ON, the manual feed tray 41 is detected as the position where the portable information device 200 is placed. When the output signal of the sensor 47A changes to ON, the PI tray 47 is detected as the position where the portable information device 200 is placed.

  In step S03, the process is branched based on the detected position. If the detected position is the document feed tray 11, the process proceeds to step S04. If the detected position is the platen glass included in the image reading unit 20, the process proceeds to step S05. If the detected position is the manual feed tray 41, the process proceeds to step S09. If it is tray 47, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S04, all page printing conditions are set, and the process proceeds to step S10. The all-page printing condition is a condition for specifying the data to be image-formed among all the operating conditions among the operating conditions, and the other operating conditions, for example, the operating conditions for determining the number of images to be formed are determined in advance. Default values are set.

  In step S05, the direction of portable information device 200 is detected. Specifically, a direction request signal is transmitted to the portable information device 200 via the data communication control unit 117, and the direction in which the display surface of the portable information device faces is based on the direction information transmitted from the portable information device 200. Detecting whether the direction is the direction of gravity or a direction other than the direction of gravity. Then, the process branches depending on the detected direction (step S06). If the direction in which the display surface of the portable information device faces is the gravitational direction, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S08. In step S07, a single printing condition is set as the operating condition, and the process proceeds to step S10. The single printing condition is one of the display page printing conditions, and is a condition for limiting the data to be image-formed among the operation conditions to one display page. Other operation conditions such as the number of images formed, etc. Is an operating condition in which a predetermined default value is set.

  On the other hand, in step S08, continuous printing conditions are set as operating conditions, and the process proceeds to step S10. The continuous printing condition is one of the display page printing conditions, and is a condition for limiting the data to be image-formed among the operation conditions to a plurality of display pages. Other operation conditions such as the number of image formations are set. The operating condition to be determined is an operating condition in which a predetermined default value is set.

  In step S09, the operating condition is set to the overlay printing condition, and the process proceeds to step S10. The overlay printing condition is a condition for specifying the data to be image-formed among the operation conditions as data obtained by combining the image data output from the image reading unit 20 and the image of the display page displayed by the portable information device 200. As for other operating conditions, for example, operating conditions for determining the number of images to be formed, predetermined default values are set.

  In step S10, the operating condition is set to the insertion printing condition, and the process proceeds to step S10. The insertion printing condition specifies the image formation target data among the operation conditions as the image data output by the image reading unit 20 and the page data of the display page displayed by the portable information device 200. This is a condition that determines the order of image formation of the image data output by the reading unit 20 and the page data of the display page displayed by the portable information device 200, and other operating conditions, for example, displayed by the portable information device 200. A predetermined default value is set as an operation condition for determining a position or the like for inserting a sheet on which an image of a display page is formed.

  In step S11, it is determined whether a setting change has been accepted. The operation condition set in any of step S04 and step S07 to step S10 is displayed on the display unit 216, and an operation for changing the operation condition input by the user to the operation unit 217 is accepted. In step S12, the set operating condition is changed in accordance with the operation accepted in step S11. In the next step S13, it is determined whether or not a start key provided in the operation unit 217 is pressed. If it is detected that the start key has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process returns to step S11.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the operating condition is set to the all page printing condition. If the operating condition is set to the all-page printing condition, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S15, an all-page transmission request is transmitted to portable information device 200. Since the portable information device 200 that receives the all-page transmission request returns data including the display page, in the next step S16, the data communication control unit 117 is controlled to transmit the data transmitted from the portable information device 200. Receive. The data communication control unit 117 is in a standby state until it receives data transmitted from the portable information device 200 (NO in step S16). If data is received (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, page data included in the received data is selected, and an image of the page data is formed. The page data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the page data. In the next step S18, it is determined whether or not page data on which no image is formed exists in the data received in step S16. If there is page data on which no image is formed, the process returns to step S17, and if all the page data images are formed, the process ends.

  Accordingly, when data is selected by the portable information device 200 and an image of an arbitrary page is displayed, the portable information device 200 is placed on the document feed tray 11 and the start key is pressed, so that the selected data is obtained. MFP 100 executes an operation of forming images of all of a plurality of pages included. For this reason, when copying a plurality of documents, an operation of placing a plurality of documents on the document feed tray 11 is performed. Similarly to this operation, data to be image-formed in the portable information device 200 is displayed. It is only necessary to perform an operation of placing the portable information device 200 on the document feed tray 11 in a state where an image of an arbitrary page is displayed, and setting of operation conditions by the MFP 100 can be facilitated. Further, it is possible to easily specify data that is an object of image formation by the MFP 100.

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not the operating condition is set to the continuous print setting. If the continuous print setting is set, the process proceeds to step S20; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S20, a display page transmission request is transmitted. The portable information device 200 that receives the display page transmission request returns the page data of the display page. Therefore, in the next step S20, the data communication control unit 117 is controlled to receive the page data from the portable information device 200. Determine whether or not. If page data is received, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the display page transmission request was transmitted in step S20. Although the predetermined time can be arbitrarily determined, it is preferable that the portable information device 200 is equal to or longer than the time from when the user inputs a page switching operation until the page image is displayed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S21.

  In step S22, an image of page data received from portable information device 200 is formed, and the process returns to step S20. The page data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the page data. This is because the page data of the display page after being switched by the user is received.

  Therefore, when the portable information device 200 is placed on the platen glass provided in the image reading unit 20 with the display surface facing upward and the start key is pressed, the operation of forming an image of the displayed page is performed by the MFP 100. Will run. Further, every time the displayed page is switched, MFP 100 executes an operation of forming an image of the displayed page after the display is switched. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify data that is an object of image formation by MFP 100. Further, if the user does not input an operation for switching the page displayed on portable information device 200 before the predetermined time has elapsed, the image forming operation by MFP 100 can be terminated, and conversely, the predetermined time has elapsed. If an operation for switching the page previously displayed on portable information device 200 is input, an image of the next page can be formed on MFP 100.

  On the other hand, in step S24, a display page transmission request is transmitted as in step S19. In the next step S25, the data communication control unit 117 is controlled to determine whether or not page data has been received from the portable information device 200. The process waits until page data is received (NO in step S25). If page data is received (YES in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S26, it is determined whether an overlay printing condition is set as an operation condition. If the overlay printing condition is set, the process proceeds to step S27. If not, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S27, the document is read. The image reading unit 20 is controlled to read the document. In the next step S28, the image data output from the image reading unit 20 and the image of the page data received in step S25 are combined. Then, an image of the synthesized composite data is formed. The composite data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the composite data (step S29).

  In the next step S30, it is determined whether or not the document reading is finished. If there is no more original to be read by the image reading unit 20, it is determined that the original reading is finished. It is determined whether or not a document exists in the document feed tray 11 of the ADF 10. If the document reading is completed, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S27.

  Accordingly, the portable information device 200 is placed on the manual feed tray 41 in a state where data is selected by the portable information device 200 and an image of a page to be combined with the document image is displayed, and the document is fed to the ADF 10 by the document feed. If the start key is pressed while placed on the platen glass provided in the paper tray 11 or the image reading unit 20, an image obtained by combining the image of the page displayed on the portable information device 200 and the image of the document is displayed. The MFP 100 executes the forming operation. For this reason, when overlay printing is performed, an operation for placing the paper on which the image is formed is placed on the manual feed tray 41. Similarly to this operation, the portable information device 200 displays an image of a page to be combined. Since it is only necessary to place the portable information device 200 on the manual feed tray 41 in a state in which the MFP 100 is in an operating state, it is possible to easily set operation conditions for overlay printing by the MFP 100.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not an insertion printing condition is set as an operation condition. If the insertion printing conditions are set, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S32, it is determined whether or not the insertion position. It is determined whether or not the order of image formation matches the insertion position set in the operating condition. The insertion position is a position where a sheet on which an image of page data of a display page is formed is inserted between one or more sheets on which an image of image data obtained by reading a document is formed. If it is the insertion position, the process proceeds to step S33. If not, step S33 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S34. In step S33, an image of the page data received from portable information device 200 in step S25 is formed, and the process proceeds to step S34. The page data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the page data.

  In step S34, the document is read. The image reading unit 20 is controlled to read the document. In the next step S35, an image of the image data output by the image reading unit 20 is formed. The image data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the image data.

  Then, similarly to step S30, it is determined whether or not the document reading is completed (step S36). If the document reading is completed, the process is terminated. If not, the process returns to step S32.

  Therefore, the portable information device 200 is placed on the PI tray 47 in a state where data is selected by the portable information device 200 and an image of the page to be inserted is displayed, and the document is fed to the document feed tray 11 of the ADF 10. If the start key is pressed in a state where the insertion position is set as one of the operation conditions, an operation for forming an image of the document is started, and the image of the page displayed on the portable information device 200 is started. The MFP 100 can execute an operation of outputting a sheet bundle in which a sheet on which a sheet is formed is inserted at a position designated by the user among a plurality of sheets on which an image of a document is formed. For this reason, an operation to place the paper to be inserted in the PI tray 47 at the time of the insertion printing is performed. Similarly to this operation, an image of the page to be inserted is displayed on the portable information device 200. Since it is only necessary to place the portable information device 200 on the PI tray 47 in the state, it is possible to easily set the insertion printing conditions by the MFP 100.

  The process proceeds to step S37 when a single print condition is set as the operation condition. In step S37, an image of the page data received from portable information device 200 in step S25 is formed, and the process ends. The page data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the page data.

  Therefore, in a state where data is selected by the portable information device 200 and an image of a page to be image-formed is displayed, the portable information device 200 has a display surface facing down on a platen glass provided in the image reading unit 20. When the start key is pressed, an image of the page displayed on the portable information device 200 is formed. For this reason, since the image of the page displayed on the portable information device 200 can be formed on the MFP 100 by the same operation as when the original is placed on the platen glass and copied, setting of data for forming an image on the MFP 100 is performed. Can be made easier.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of cooperation processing. The cooperation process is a process executed by the CPU 211 when the CPU 211 included in the portable information device 200 executes the cooperation program stored in the flash memory 213. Referring to FIG. 10, CPU 211 determines whether or not data has been selected (step S51). If the user inputs an operation for designating data stored in the flash memory 213 to the operation unit 217, it is determined that the data has been selected. The process waits until data is selected (NO in step S51). When data is selected (YES in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, the first page among a plurality of pages included in the selected data is displayed. An image of page data of the first page is displayed on the display unit 216. In the next step S53, it is determined whether a switching instruction has been accepted. When the user inputs an operation to switch the image of the page displayed on display unit 216 to operation unit 217, the switching instruction is accepted. For example, when the operation unit 217 includes a feed button and a return button, if the user designates the feed button, a switching instruction to switch the page displayed on the display unit 216 to the next page is accepted, and the user presses the return button. When instructed, a switching instruction to switch to a page before the page displayed on display unit 216 is accepted.

  If a switching instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S54; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S55. In step S54, an instruction page specified by the switching instruction is displayed among the plurality of pages included in the data selected in step S51, and the process proceeds to step S55. If the user points to the send button, the page displayed on the display unit 216 is set as the next page, and if the user points to the return button, the page before the page displayed on the display unit 216 is selected. The instruction page. An image of the page data of the instruction page is displayed on the display unit 216.

  In step S55, it is determined whether a position transmission request has been received. It is determined whether or not wireless LAN I / F 218 has received a position transmission request from one of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. If the position transmission request is received, the device that has transmitted the position transmission request is specified, and the process proceeds to step S56; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, it is determined whether an end instruction has been accepted. When an end key provided in the operation unit 217 is instructed, an end instruction is accepted. If an end instruction is accepted, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S53.

  When the process proceeds to step S56, the wireless LAN I / F 218 sets the subsequent communication partner as the apparatus that has transmitted the position transmission request received in step S55 among the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Here, a case where a position transmission request is received from MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  In step S56, the current position is detected. By acquiring the position information output from the GPS sensor 219, the current position of the portable information device 200 is detected. Then, the wireless LAN I / F 218 is controlled to transmit the position information to the MFP 100 (step S57).

  In the next step S58, it is determined whether or not an all-page transmission request has been received. It is determined whether or not wireless LAN I / F 218 has received an all-page transmission request from MFP 100. If the all-page transmission request is received, the process proceeds to step S59. If not, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S59, the data selected in step S51 is transmitted to MFP 100 via wireless LAN I / F 218, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, in step S60, it is determined whether a display page transmission request is received. It is determined whether or not wireless LAN I / F 218 has received a display page transmission request from MFP 100. If a display page transmission request is received, the process proceeds to step S61. If not, the process returns to step S58.

  In step S61, the page data of the display page displayed on the display unit 216 in step S52 or step S54 is transmitted via the wireless LAN I / F 218. Then, as in step S53, it is determined whether a switching instruction has been accepted. If a switching instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S63; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S64. In step S63, the instruction page specified by the switching instruction received in step S62 among the plurality of pages included in the data selected in step S51 is displayed, and the process returns to step S60. On the other hand, in step S64, as in step S65, it is determined whether an end instruction has been accepted. If an end instruction is accepted, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S62.

  If the switching instruction is not accepted in step S62, the process does not return to step S60. Therefore, accepting the switching instruction is a condition for transmitting the page data of the display page after switching to MFP 100 in step S61.

<First Modification>
In the embodiment described above, in order for MFP 100 to detect portable information device 200 present at the same position, the current position detected by GPS sensor 119 included in MFP 100 and the GPS included in portable information device 200. The current position detected by the sensor 219 is compared.

  In the first modification, each of MFP 100 and portable information device 200 has a short-range wireless communication device. In this case, the device detection unit 51 included in the MFP 100 allows the portable information that can be communicated when the short-range wireless communication device included in the MFP 100 can communicate with the short-range wireless communication device included in the portable information device 200. The apparatus 200 is detected as an apparatus existing at the same position.

  The short-range wireless communication device has a short-range wireless communication function, and the communication medium is not limited. For example, wireless communication is performed using a communication standard such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). It has a function. Since the short-range wireless communication device has a limited communication range, when the short-range wireless device included in each of the MFP 100 and the portable information device 200 becomes communicable, the distance between the portable information device 200 and the MFP 100 is This is a case where it falls within a predetermined range. In this case, it can be determined that MFP 100 and portable information device 200 are at the same position.

  When MFP 100 and portable information device 200 each have a short-range wireless communication device, MFP 100 need not include GPS sensor 119 and data communication control unit 117.

  Further, a connection request is transmitted from the portable information device 200, and when the data communication control unit 117 receives a connection request from the portable information device 200, the portable information device 200 that has transmitted the connection request is detected. Also good. In this case, MFP 100 need not include GPS sensor 119 and data communication control unit 117. Further, the portable information device 200 does not need to include the GPS sensor 219 and the wireless LAN I / F 218, and the CPU 201 does not need to include the current position detection unit 265 and the position information transmission unit 267.

<Second Modification>
In order for MFP 100 to detect portable information device 200 existing at the same position, current position detected by GPS sensor 119 provided in MFP 100 and current position detected by GPS sensor 219 provided in portable information device 200 Compared with.

  In the image forming system according to the second modification, the user inputs to the portable information device 200 an operation for selecting a device that the user desires to operate from among the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B.

  Specifically, with reference to the functional block diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, first, referring to FIG. 6, the CPU 201 included in the portable information device 200 in the second modification includes the current position detection unit 265. Instead of the position information transmission unit 267, a communication establishment unit is provided. The communication establishment unit included in the CPU 201 establishes communication with the MFP 100 in the wireless LAN I / F 218 when the user inputs, for example, an operation for designating the MFP 100 as a connection destination from the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B to the operation unit 217. Let More specifically, the communication establishment unit displays on the display unit 216 a connection destination designation screen for designating each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B that can be communication establishment partners. The connection destination designation screen is a screen for selectively displaying device identification information for identifying each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B and PCs 400 to 402.

  If the user designates one of a plurality of device identification information displayed on the operation unit 217 so as to be selectable on the connection destination designation screen, the communication establishment unit displays the designated device identification information on the connection destination device. Accepted as device identification information. For example, when operating the MFP 100, the user selects device identification information of the MFP 100. When the user designates device identification information of MFP 100 as a connection destination device on the connection destination designation screen, the communication establishment unit controls wireless LAN I / F 218 to transmit a connection request to MFP 100 and responds to a response from MFP 100. Communication with the MFP 100 is established.

  On the other hand, referring to FIG. 5, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 causes device detection unit 51 to send a response signal to portable information device 200 in response to data communication control unit 117 receiving a connection request from portable information device 200. Reply to Thereby, communication is established between MFP 100 and portable information device 200. In MFP 100, portable information device 200 that has transmitted the connection request can be specified as a communication partner, and portable information device 200 is MFP 100 designated by the user, and MFP 100 communicates when MFP 100 returns a response. Can be identified as a partner.

  In the case of the second modified example, the MFP 100 does not need to include the GPS sensor 119, and the portable information device 200 does not need to include the GPS sensor 219.

<Third Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, when mobile information device 200 receives a display page transmission request from MFP 100, the page of the display page displayed on display unit 216 among the plurality of pages included in the data selected by the user. Send data. Instead, the data selected by the user is transmitted from the portable information device 200 to the MFP 100, and when the portable information device 200 receives a display page transmission request from the MFP 100, the data selected by the user is transmitted. You may make it transmit the page identification information (for example, page number) for identifying the display page currently displayed on the display part 216 among the several pages contained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print system 1 has been described. However, the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are caused to execute the image forming processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, and the cooperation processing shown in FIG. The invention can be understood as an image forming method to be executed by the apparatus 200. Further, an image forming program that causes the CPU 111 provided in each of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B to execute the image forming processes shown in FIGS. It goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a cooperation program that causes the CPU 201 of the portable information device 200 to execute the cooperation processing.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print system, 3 network, 5 wireless station, 100, 100A, 100B MFP, 200 portable information device, 400-402 PC, 9 operation panel, 10 ADF, 11 document feed tray, 20 image reading part, 30 image formation part , 40 paper feed unit, 41 manual feed tray, 43A, 43B, 43C paper feed tray, 45 post-processing unit, 47 PI tray, 11A, 20A, 41A, 47A sensor, 51 device detection unit, 53 position detection unit, 55 directions Acquisition unit 57 Setting unit 59 Data receiving unit 61 Composition unit 63 Document reading control unit 65 Paper discharge control unit 67 Image formation control unit 71 Position reference setting unit 73 Change unit 75 Display page request unit 77 All page request section, 101 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 RAM, 113 ROM, 114 display section, 115 operation section, 11 HDD, 117 data communication control unit, 118 external storage device, 118A CD-ROM, 119 GPS sensor, 122 facsimile unit, 123 communication control unit, 200 portable information device, 211 detection sensor, 212 camera, 213 flash memory, 214 wireless communication Unit, 215 call unit, 216 display unit, 217 operation unit, 218 wireless LAN I / F, 219 GPS sensor, 221 tilt detection sensor, 251 switching instruction reception unit, 253 display control unit, 255 page unit transmission unit, 257 display page request Reception unit, 259 synchronization unit, 261 all page request reception unit, 263 data transmission unit, 265 current position detection unit, 267 position information transmission unit, 269 direction detection unit, 269 position information transmission unit, 271 direction information transmission unit.

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a portable information device,
Position detecting means for detecting which of a plurality of predetermined installation positions the portable information device;
Data receiving means for receiving data from the portable information device;
Setting means for setting operating conditions;
Image forming control means for forming an image on a sheet based on the received data in accordance with the operating condition set by the setting means,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit includes a position reference setting unit that sets a predetermined operation condition corresponding to the installation position detected by the position detection unit. A document reading unit that reads the document and outputs image data;
The position reference setting means, when the position detected by the position detection means is a position where the original of the original reading means is placed, a sign page for forming an image of the page displayed by the portable information device The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing conditions are set as operating conditions. A document reading means for reading a document and outputting image data;
Direction acquisition means for acquiring, from the portable information device, a direction with respect to the direction of gravity which is a direction in which the display surface of the portable information device is facing;
Wherein the position reference setting means is a position where the detected position by the position detecting means document of the document reading means is arranged, when a direction is received from the mobile information device is in the gravity direction once A single printing condition for performing the image forming operation is set as the operating condition, and when the direction received from the portable information device is not the gravity direction, a continuous printing condition for performing a plurality of image forming operations is set as the operating condition,
The image forming apparatus further transmits a transmission request signal once to the portable information device when the single printing condition is set, and transmits the transmission request signal when the continuous printing condition is set. continuously a transmission request means to send multiple,
The data receiving means receives data transmitted by the portable information device in response to transmission of the transmission request signal,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming control unit forms an image of the received data. The portable information device includes display means for displaying an image of a page selected by a user from data including a plurality of pages;
Direction detecting means for detecting a direction with respect to the direction of gravity in which the display surface is directed;
Direction notification means for transmitting the detected direction to the image forming apparatus;
When receiving a transmission request signal from the image forming apparatus, a page unit transmission unit that transmits data of a page displayed by the display unit among the plurality of pages;
After transmitting the page data displayed by the display means, the page data after the switching displayed by the display means is changed on the condition that the page displayed on the display means is switched. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a synchronization unit that causes the page unit transmission unit to transmit. The document reading means has a cover that can be freely opened and closed,
5. The image according to claim 2, wherein the image formation control unit forms an image on a sheet even when the cover is open while the portable information device can communicate. Forming equipment. A document conveying means for conveying the document to the document reading means;
When the position detected by the position detecting means is a position where the original of the original conveying means is placed, the position reference setting means displays images of all pages including the page displayed by the portable information device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein all page printing conditions for forming are set as operating conditions. Internal paper feeding means for supplying paper for forming an image;
An external paper feed unit that is provided separately from the internal paper feed unit and that supplies paper for forming an image;
When the position detected by the position detection unit is a position where the external sheet feeding unit accumulates paper, the position reference setting unit displays an image of a page displayed by the portable information device as the document reading unit. Set the overlay printing conditions for forming the combined data image combined with the image data image output as the operating condition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image formation control unit forms an image on a sheet supplied by the internal sheet feeding unit. A paper discharge means for discharging the paper on which the image is formed by the image formation control means;
The paper discharge means includes a paper insertion means for outputting an insertion paper superimposed on a paper on which an image is formed by the image formation control means,
When the position detected by the position detection means is a position where the paper insertion means accumulates insertion paper, the position reference setting means is a paper on which an image of the page displayed by the portable information device is formed. The image formation according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein an insertion printing condition for overlapping and discharging sheets on which images of image data output from the document reading unit are discharged is set as an operation condition. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit includes a changing unit that changes the operation condition set by the position reference setting unit according to an operation by a user. An image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a portable information device,
Detecting at which of a plurality of predetermined installation positions the portable information device; and
Receiving data from the portable information device;
Setting operating conditions; and
Forming an image on a sheet based on the received data in accordance with the operating condition set in the setting step,
The image forming method, wherein the setting step includes a step of setting a predetermined operation condition corresponding to the installation position detected in the step of detecting the position. An image forming program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a portable information device,
Detecting at which of a plurality of predetermined installation positions the portable information device; and
Receiving data from the portable information device;
Setting operating conditions; and
Forming the image on a sheet based on the received data according to the operating condition set in the setting step,
The image forming program, wherein the setting step includes a step of setting a predetermined operating condition corresponding to the installation position detected in the step of detecting the position. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a portable information device capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus,
The portable information device includes display means for displaying an image of a page selected by a user from data including a plurality of pages;
Direction detection means for detecting a direction with respect to the direction of gravity in a direction in which the display surface of the display means faces;
Direction notification means for transmitting the detected direction to the image forming apparatus;
When receiving a transmission request signal from the image forming apparatus, a page unit transmission unit that transmits data of a page displayed by the display unit among the plurality of pages;
After transmitting the page data displayed by the display means, the page data after the switching displayed by the display means is changed on the condition that the page displayed on the display means is switched. Synchronization means for transmitting to the page unit transmission means,
When the direction received from the portable information device is a gravitational direction, the image forming apparatus sets a single printing condition for performing one image forming operation as an operation condition, and the direction received from the portable information device is A printing condition setting means for setting a continuous printing condition for performing a plurality of image forming operations as an operation condition when not in the gravity direction;
When the single print condition is set, the transmission request signal is transmitted once to the portable information device, and when the continuous print condition is set, a plurality of transmission request signals are transmitted continuously. Request means;
Data receiving means for receiving data transmitted by the portable information device in response to transmission of the transmission request signal;
And an image formation control means for forming an image of the received data. The image forming apparatus further includes an openable / closable cover, and further includes a document reading unit that reads a document and outputs image data.
The image formation control unit is configured such that the portable information device is disposed at a position where the document of the document reading unit is disposed, and the cover is opened while the portable information device can communicate with the portable information device. The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein an image is formed on a sheet even if it exists.

Images