JP6037062B1 - Image output apparatus, image output system, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable information processing apparatus is provided that receives information for specifying an image output apparatus by visible light communication. A portable terminal includes a visible light communication module that receives information for specifying an image output device by visible light communication, and second communication other than visible light communication according to the specified information of the image output device. And a communication module 110 that transmits a print instruction to the image output apparatus. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image output apparatus, an image output system, and an image processing program.

  In Patent Literature 1, when there are a plurality of candidates as image output apparatuses as print output destinations, an association between an image forming apparatus desired by a user as a print output destination and an image forming apparatus that actually performs print output is associated. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a portable terminal apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a program that can be easily performed. The image forming apparatus transmits authentication information to a UI apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a UI apparatus. When the display control unit that controls the display, the authentication information displayed on the UI device, and the acquired information acquired by the mobile terminal device existing in a predetermined range satisfy a predetermined relationship, And a print control unit that controls the printing unit to print the received image data.

  Patent Document 2 has an object of providing an image forming system with low power consumption and high convenience. A mobile terminal activates an application and receives visible light from a light emitting unit of an MFP with a camera. By acquiring the status information of the MFP, the augmented reality display can be performed. When the operation mode of the MFP shifts to the power saving mode, when the application is started on the mobile terminal, the application Using the function of the acquisition unit, the information acquisition unit transmits a light emission communication start request to the MFP via a network such as a local information communication network. In the MFP, the transmission control unit controls visible light communication. However, it is disclosed that a light emitting unit is turned on in response to a light emission communication start request and visible light communication is performed with a mobile terminal.

  In Patent Document 3, it is an object to provide a data setting system capable of setting data without physically connecting using a scanner unit, and a multifunction machine uses an image reading unit. An optical communication receiving means for receiving an external optical signal; and an optical communication executing means for executing setting of data corresponding to the received optical signal, wherein the communication terminal device sets data using the light irradiation unit. It is disclosed that an optical communication transmission means for transmitting an optical signal corresponding to the above is provided.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a visible light communication apparatus capable of performing visible light communication without providing a complicated circuit or expensive parts even in an environment where the amount of illumination light irradiated around a communication device changes, and An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus provided with this device. A visible light communication device includes a zero-cross detection unit that detects a phase of a zero-cross point where the voltage of a commercial AC power supply is zero, and a zero-cross detection unit that detects a zero-cross. A visible light communication unit that communicates using visible light or its peripheral spectrum light, and the image forming device communicates with the visible light communication device and the visible light communication device with another device. And an image forming unit that forms an image based on the data to be processed.

  In Patent Document 5, it is an object to ensure the safety of communication between communication devices easily and quickly, and the communication setting information generation unit of the digital camera includes a second DSC side communication unit and a second printer side communication unit. Communication setting information necessary for establishing communication is generated, the first DSC side communication unit of the digital camera transmits the generated communication setting information to the printer, and the first printer side communication unit of the printer performs the first DSC side communication. The communication setting unit of the printer receives the communication setting information transmitted from the first printer side, and the communication setting unit of the printer transmits information necessary for establishing communication with the second DSC side communication unit based on the communication setting information received by the first printer side communication unit. It is disclosed that the second DSC side communication unit of the digital camera and the second printer side communication unit of the printer establish communication with the common communication setting information.

JP 2014-180792 A JP 2014-150474 A JP2015-126504A JP 2014-007624 A JP 2007-189348 A

A printing instruction is issued from a portable information processing apparatus, and printing is performed by an image output apparatus.
However, information for specifying an image output device is not communicated by visible light communication.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus that transmits information for specifying an image output apparatus to a portable information processing apparatus by visible light communication.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information according to the information is transmitted from a transmission unit that transmits information for specifying the image output device as a transmission destination of the second communication by visible light communication and a portable information processing device. 2 is an image output device that includes a receiving unit that receives a print instruction through communication 2 and stops the light emission for visible light communication when the receiving unit receives the print instruction.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image output device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects the location of a person, and the transmission unit starts visible light communication when the location of the person is detected. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when a transmission instruction of information for specifying the image output apparatus is received from the portable information processing apparatus by visible light communication, the transmission means starts visible light communication. Alternatively, the image output device according to 2.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the characteristic or state of the image output apparatus by visible light communication.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the case where information indicating that the second communication is performed by receiving information for specifying an image output device by visible light communication is received together with the print instruction, 5. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control printing according to a print instruction. 6.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the transmission method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the information processing apparatus further includes a presentation unit that presents an indication of an operation in which the user applies the visible light to the portable information processing device when the transmission is performed by the visible light communication. It is an image output device of description.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a transmission unit that transmits information for specifying the image output device as a transmission destination of the second communication by visible light communication; Receiving means for receiving a print instruction by communication of 2 and information indicating that the second communication is being performed by receiving information for specifying an image output device by visible light communication together with the print instruction. When received, the transmission of the visible light communication is stopped, and when the information indicating that the second communication is performed is not received together with the print instruction, the transmission of the visible light communication is not stopped. An image output apparatus having control means for controlling .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a first receiving unit that receives information for specifying an image output device as a transmission destination of the second communication by visible light communication; and the second communication according to the information. A portable information processing apparatus having a first transmission means for transmitting a print instruction to the image output apparatus, and information for specifying the image output apparatus as a transmission destination of the second communication are transmitted by visible light communication. And a second transmission unit configured to receive a print instruction from the portable information processing apparatus through the second communication according to the information, and the second reception unit receives the print instruction. In this case, the second transmission unit is an image output system including an image output device that stops light emission for visible light communication.

The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the first transmission means transmits the print instruction to the image output apparatus without receiving an operation of selecting the image output apparatus that is a transmission destination of the print instruction. 8. The image output system according to 8 .

A tenth aspect of the invention is the image output system according to the eighth or ninth aspect , wherein the first receiving unit stops the reception of visible light communication when the information is received.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the second transmission unit transmits the characteristic or state of the image output device by visible light communication, and the portable information processing device has the first reception unit configured by visible light communication. When the characteristic or state of the image output device is received from the image output device, the image transmission device further includes a generation unit that generates the print instruction according to the characteristic or state, and the first transmission unit includes the generation transmitting the print instruction generated by means, an image output system according to any one of claims 8 10.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the first transmission unit prints information indicating that the second communication is performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication. transmitting along with an indication, an image output system according to any one of claims 8 11.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the portable information processing device receives information for specifying an image output device through the visible light communication, an indication of an operation in which the user applies visible light to the portable information processing device. an image output system according to any one of claims 8 to 12 further comprising a presentation means for presenting.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the portable information processing device further includes a deleting unit that deletes information for specifying the image output device received by the first receiving unit after the transmission by the first transmitting unit. An image output system according to any one of claims 8 to 13 .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the first transmission unit prints information indicating that the second communication is performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication. transmitting along with an indication, an image output system according to any one of claims 8 14.
The invention of claim 16 causes a computer included in an image output apparatus having a transmission means, the information for identifying the main image output device as the destination of the second communication, by a visible light communication from said transmitting means and sending, from the portable information processing apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a print instruction by the second communication in accordance with the information, when receiving the print instruction, stopping the light emission for the visible light communication This is an image processing program for executing .
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, information for identifying the image output apparatus as a transmission destination of the second communication is transmitted from the transmission means to the computer included in the image output apparatus having the transmission means by visible light communication. Transmitting, receiving a print instruction from the portable information processing apparatus by the second communication according to the information, and receiving information for specifying the image output apparatus by visible light communication together with the print instruction When the information indicating that the second communication is being performed is received, the transmission of the visible light communication is stopped, and the information indicating that the second communication is performed together with the print instruction Is an image processing program for executing control so as not to stop transmission of the visible light communication.

According to the image output device of the first aspect, information for specifying the image output device can be received by visible light communication. In addition, when a print instruction is received, light emission for visible light communication can be stopped.

According to the image output device of the second aspect , visible light communication can be started when the location of a person is detected.

According to the image output device of the third aspect , visible light communication can be started when an information transmission instruction for specifying the image output device is received from the portable information processing device by visible light communication.

According to the image output apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to transmit the characteristic or state of the image output apparatus by visible light communication.

According to the image output device of claim 5, when information indicating that communication is performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication is received together with the print instruction , the printing is performed. It can be controlled to print according to the instruction.

According to the image output apparatus of the sixth aspect, when transmitting by visible light communication, the user can easily understand the operation to be performed.

According to the image output device of the seventh aspect, when receiving information indicating that communication is performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication together with a print instruction, visible light is received. When transmission of communication is stopped and information indicating that communication is being performed is not received together with a print instruction, control can be performed so as not to stop transmission of visible light communication.

According to the image output system of the eighth aspect , it is possible to receive information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication. In addition, when a print instruction is received, light emission for visible light communication can be stopped.

According to the image output system of the ninth aspect , it is possible to transmit a print instruction to the image output apparatus without receiving an operation for selecting the image output apparatus.

According to the image output system of the tenth aspect , when information is received, reception of visible light communication can be stopped.

According to the image output system of the eleventh aspect , it is possible to generate a print instruction according to the characteristics or state of the image output apparatus.

According to the image output system of the twelfth aspect , it is possible to transmit information indicating that communication is performed together with a print instruction by receiving information for specifying an image output device by visible light communication.

According to the image output system of the thirteenth aspect , when receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication, the user can easily understand the operation to be performed.

According to the image output system of the fourteenth aspect , the information for specifying the image output apparatus received by the first receiving means can be deleted after the transmission by the first transmitting means.

According to the image output system of the fifteenth aspect , the first transmission means transmits information indicating that communication is performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication together with a print instruction. can do.
According to the image processing program of the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to receive information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication. In addition, when a print instruction is received, light emission for visible light communication can be stopped.
According to the image processing program of the seventeenth aspect, when receiving information indicating that communication is performed by receiving information for specifying an image output device by visible light communication together with a print instruction, visible light is received. When transmission of communication is stopped and information indicating that communication is being performed is not received together with a print instruction, control can be performed so as not to stop transmission of visible light communication.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example using this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. This means that control is performed so as to be stored in the apparatus. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. Also, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / status at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the status / status up to that point. When there are a plurality of “predetermined values”, they may be different values, or two or more values (of course, including all values) may be the same. In addition, the description having the meaning of “do B when it is A” is used in the meaning of “determine whether or not it is A and do B when it is judged as A”. However, the case where it is not necessary to determine whether or not A is excluded.
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is also included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150 are configured. The mobile terminal 100 issues a print instruction (also referred to as a print job or a print job) to the printing apparatus 150. The print apparatus 150 receives the print instruction from the mobile terminal 100 and performs printing. . For example, in a situation where the printing apparatus 150 must be used temporarily (such as when the printing apparatus 150 is used only once, such as on a business trip), settings for communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150 are performed. It is annoying to do. According to the present embodiment, even in such a case, a print instruction from the user's portable terminal 100 without performing communication settings (at least a selection operation of the printing apparatus 150 that is a transmission destination of the print instruction) by a user operation. The printing apparatus 150 can perform printing.

Visible light communication is used as communication between the portable terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150 (particularly, communication from the printing apparatus 150 to the portable terminal 100).
Visible light communication refers to communication by changing and modulating the intensity of visible light emitted by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. For example, the following standards are available.
・ JEITA CP-12121 / 1222/1223 (Electronic Information Technology Industries Association)
It is mainly used for illumination light communication of 4.8 kbps in one direction.
JEITA CP-1221 Visible Light Communication System March 2007 http: // www. jeita. or. jp / japanes / standard / book / CP-1221
JEITA CP-1222 Visible Light ID System June 2007 http: // www. jeita. or. jp / japan / standard / book / CP-1222
JEITA CP-1223 Visible Light Beacon System May 2013 http: // www. jeita. or. jp / japanes / standard / book / CP-1223
By radiating and transmitting simple information and ID information unique to the visible light source from the visible light source, various applications such as identification of objects, provision of position information, and construction of various guidance systems are achieved.
ARIB STD-T50 4.0 version (Radio Industry Association) December 2009 This is an optical LAN (visible light extension of infrared light LAN) using downstream visible light and upstream infrared.
http: // www. arib. or. jp / english / html / overview / doc / 1-STD-T50v4_0. pdf
-IrDA "Visible Light Communication Standards" version 1.0 (joint collaboration between Visible Light Communication Consortium and IrDA) February 2009 IrDA's visible light communication extension and compatibility standard.
・ IEEE 802.15.7 (January 2009)
It is a visible light communication standard that has been released.
-IEEE 802.15. SG7a
This is a visible light communication standard using an image sensor.

The printing apparatus 150 emits light for visible light communication, and transmits information for identifying the printing apparatus 150 for communicating with the printing apparatus 150 to the mobile terminal 100 irradiated with the light. Here, “communication” in “to communicate with the printing apparatus 150” is communication that requires information for specifying a communication destination, and refers to communication other than visible light communication. For example, wireless communication such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth for short-range wireless communication (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), or the like may be used. The “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” is information for specifying a communication partner (pairing, etc.), and is generally referred to as a device name, address, and the like. Specifically, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a MAC address (Media Access Control address), a mail address, a terminal name, and the like are applicable.
Then, the portable terminal 100 receives the information (information for specifying the printing device 150 for communicating with the printing device 150) from the printing device 150 by visible light communication.
Next, according to the information, the mobile terminal 100 sets communication (communication set by the information and communication other than visible light communication), and uses the communication to send a print instruction to the printing apparatus 150. Send.
The printing apparatus 150 receives a print instruction from the mobile terminal 100 through the communication, and performs printing according to the print instruction.
In this series of processing, it is not necessary to input an operation for selecting the transmission destination of the print instruction on the mobile terminal 100.

  The mobile terminal 100 includes a visible light communication module 105, a communication module 110, a communication control module 115, a user interface module 120, and a file storage module 125, as shown in the example of FIG. The mobile terminal 100 is generally referred to as a mobile terminal, and corresponds to, for example, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a wearable terminal (for example, a wristwatch type terminal, a glasses type terminal, etc.). Visible light communication (at least visible light communication for transmission) is possible, and a print instruction is transmitted to the printing apparatus 150 in accordance with a user operation.

The visible light communication module 105 is connected to the communication control module 115. The visible light communication module 105 performs visible light communication (light reception and light emission for visible light communication). The visible light communication module 105 receives information for specifying the printing apparatus 150 for communicating with the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication. The information is passed to the communication control module 115.
The visible light communication module 105 may be installed in the same direction as the camera included in the mobile terminal 100. In this case, an image captured by the camera may be displayed on the display of the user interface module 120 so that the user can confirm the transmission destination (printing device 150) of visible light communication.
The communication module 110 is connected to the communication control module 115. The communication module 110 performs communication (communication other than visible light communication) with the printing apparatus 150. The communication module 110 transmits a print instruction to the printing apparatus 150 through communication according to the information received by the visible light communication module 105 under the control of the communication control module 115.

The communication control module 115 is connected to the visible light communication module 105, the communication module 110, the user interface module 120, and the file storage module 125. The communication control module 115 receives information for specifying the printing apparatus 150 for communicating with the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication via the visible light communication module 105. Then, according to the information, the communication module 110 is controlled to transmit a print instruction to the printing apparatus 150 by communication. By using visible light communication, the transmission source (printing device 150 and the like), the receiving destination (mobile terminal 100 and the like), and the communication path are visible to the user, so the communication range is easy to understand.
Further, the communication control module 115 controls the communication module 110 to transmit the print instruction to the printing apparatus 150 without accepting an operation input of a user who selects the printing apparatus 150 that is a transmission destination of the print instruction. May be.

Further, the communication control module 115 may control the visible light communication module 105 to transmit an information transmission instruction for specifying the printing apparatus 150. Here, the “information transmission instruction for specifying the printing apparatus 150” is an instruction for requesting information necessary for the mobile terminal 100 to start communication with the printing apparatus 150.
Further, the communication control module 115 may control the visible light communication module 105 and stop receiving the visible light communication when “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” is received. This is to stop the extra reception of “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150”.
Further, when the visible light communication module 105 receives the characteristic or state of the printing apparatus 150 from the printing apparatus 150 through visible light communication, the communication control module 115 generates a print instruction according to the characteristic or state. May be. Then, the communication control module 115 may control the communication module 110 to transmit the generated print instruction.
Further, the communication control module 115 controls the communication module 110 to display “information indicating that communication is performed by receiving information for specifying the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication” together with a print instruction. You may make it transmit to the printing apparatus 150. FIG.

The user interface module 120 is connected to the communication control module 115 and the file storage module 125. The user interface module 120 accepts user operations using a touch screen, sound, line of sight, gesture, mouse, keyboard, and the like. User operations include print instructions. The user interface module 120 informs the user of information through a liquid crystal display, a speaker, a vibration device, or the like. Further, when the user interface module 120 receives information indicating that a print instruction has been received from the printing apparatus 150, the user interface module 120 may present that fact. The user who received the presentation performs an operation of stopping visible light communication (stopping light reception of visible light communication, removing light of visible light communication from the visible light sensor (light receiving sensor) of the portable terminal 100, etc.) Become.
In addition, when the user interface module 120 receives “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” by visible light communication, the user applies visible light to the mobile terminal 100 (including continuing the operation). The suggestion may be presented. When receiving information for specifying the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication, the user can easily understand the operation to be performed.
The file storage module 125 is connected to the communication control module 115 and the user interface module 120. The file storage module 125 stores a file to be printed. The communication control module 115 may include a file to be printed as a print instruction.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 150 includes a visible light communication module 155, a communication module 160, a communication control module 165, a user interface module 170, a print control module 175, a file storage module 180, and a print module 185. ing. The printing apparatus 150 generally corresponds to a printer, a multifunction machine having a printer function (an image processing apparatus having any two or more functions such as a scanner, a printer, a copying machine, and a fax machine).

The visible light communication module 155 is connected to the communication control module 165. The visible light communication module 155 performs visible light communication (light reception and light emission for visible light communication) with the mobile terminal 100. The visible light communication module 155 transmits information for specifying the printing device 150 for communicating with the printing device 150 to the portable terminal 100 by visible light communication.
The communication module 160 is connected to the communication control module 165. The communication module 160 performs communication (communication other than visible light communication) with the mobile terminal 100. The communication module 160 receives a print instruction from the mobile terminal 100 by communication. The print instruction is passed to the communication control module 165.

The communication control module 165 is connected to the visible light communication module 155, the communication module 160, the user interface module 170, the print control module 175, and the file storage module 180. The communication control module 165 controls the visible light communication module 155 to transmit “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” to the portable terminal 100 by visible light communication. Then, a print instruction from the mobile terminal 100 is received via the communication module 160.
Further, the communication control module 165 may transmit “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” a plurality of times. This is because reception by visible light communication may start without receiving the header portion of the print instruction. That is, the visible light communication may be started before the visible light is applied to the visible light sensor of the mobile terminal 100.
Further, when the printing apparatus 150 transmits “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” a plurality of times, the communication control module 115 of the mobile terminal 100 determines whether or not it is the same as the one received last time, If they are the same, the reception may be discarded.

Further, the printing apparatus 150 may include a human sensor that detects the location of a person. When the human sensor detects the location of a person, the communication control module 165 may control the visible light communication module 155 to start visible light communication. Here, “detecting the location of a person” includes detecting that a person is approaching. For example, the human sensor uses infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, visible light, or the like. Moreover, these combinations, for example, a combination of infrared rays and ultrasonic waves may be used, or only infrared rays or the like may be used.
In addition, when the communication control module 165 receives an information transmission instruction for specifying the printing apparatus 150 from the portable terminal 100 by visible light communication, the visible light communication module is configured so that the printing apparatus 150 starts visible light communication. 155 may be controlled.
Further, when the communication module 160 receives a print instruction, the communication control module 165 may control the visible light communication module 155 to stop light emission for visible light communication. This is to stop excessive transmission of “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150”. Here, “when the communication module 160 receives a print instruction” may be when the reception of all the data that is the print instruction is completed, or even when it is determined that the print instruction is received. Good.

Further, the communication control module 165 may control the visible light communication module 155 to transmit the characteristics or state of the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication. The characteristics of the printing apparatus 150 include, for example, usable paper size, resolution, color or monochrome designation possibility, single-sided or double-side designation possibility, and the like. Examples of the state of the printing apparatus 150 include printable, malfunction, and out of paper.
When the communication control module 165 receives “information indicating that communication is being performed by receiving information for identifying the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication” together with the print instruction, the print instruction The printing may be controlled according to the above. This is for distinguishing between a case where a print instruction is received via visible light communication and a case where a print instruction is received without visible light communication. If not received, control such as waiting until reception is performed.

The user interface module 170 is connected to the communication control module 165 and the print control module 175. The user interface module 170 accepts user operations using a touch screen, voice, line of sight, gesture, mouse, keyboard, and the like. The user interface module 170 informs the user of information by a liquid crystal display, a speaker, a vibration device, or the like.
The print control module 175 is connected to the communication control module 165, the user interface module 170, the file storage module 180, and the print module 185. The print control module 175 causes the print process to be performed using the print module 185 in accordance with the print instruction received by the communication control module 165.
The file storage module 180 is connected to the communication control module 165 and the print control module 175. The file storage module 180 stores a file in the print instruction received by the communication control module 165.
Moreover, when transmitting by visible light communication, the user interface module 170 may present an indication of an operation in which the user applies visible light to the portable terminal 100. When transmitting by visible light communication, the user can easily understand the operation to be performed.
The print module 185 is connected to the print control module 175. The print module 185 performs print processing according to the control of the print control module 175.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example using this embodiment.
As shown in the example of FIG. 2A, visible light communication is performed between the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150. For example, the mobile terminal 100 receives light by visible light communication from the printing apparatus 150 and receives “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150”. Then, the mobile terminal 100 sets “information for specifying the printing apparatus 150” to make it communicable with the printing apparatus 150. As described above, the communication that can be performed here is communication other than visible light communication. Using the communication, the mobile terminal 100 transmits a print instruction to the printing apparatus 150. The printing device 150 prints the file transmitted from the mobile terminal 100. The user takes out the printed paper from the printing apparatus 150.
The visible light communication device of the printing apparatus 150 is provided in a region (for example, a front surface portion or an upper surface portion) where light can be applied from the outside (the portable terminal 100).

In the example of FIG. 2A, the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150 are separated from each other, but may be in close contact as long as visible light communication is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (b 1), a portable terminal place 220 of the portable terminal 100 may be provided on the upper surface portion of the printing apparatus 150.
Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (b2), a visible light communication device 225 may be provided on the upper side surface of the mobile terminal yard 220. Moreover, you may provide the visible light communication apparatus 230 in the bottom face of the portable terminal place 220. FIG. The visible light communication device 225 may be the entire upper surface of the mobile terminal storage 220. The visible light communication device 230 may be the entire bottom surface of the portable terminal place 220. Further, the visible light communication device 225 (visible light communication device 230) may be on the upper side surface, the right side surface, the left side surface, the lower side surface, the bottom surface, or the entire surface thereof. What is necessary is just to install according to the position of the visible light communication apparatus of the portable terminal 100. FIG.
Furthermore, you may install the visible light communication apparatus 225 (visible light communication apparatus 230) in the whole portable terminal place 220 (upper side surface, lower side surface, right side surface, left side surface, bottom surface). This is because no matter how the mobile terminal 100 is placed or any type of mobile terminal 100 is supported.

  On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may include a visible light communication device 250 on the side surface of the mobile terminal 100 as shown in the example of FIG. Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 2 (b 4), a visible light communication device 255 may be provided in the vicinity of the camera 260. In this case, as described above, the other party of the visible light communication (printing apparatus 150) is photographed by the camera 260 and displayed on the display of the portable terminal 100, so that the other party can be confirmed. . The camera 260 may have the function of a visible light communication device (light receiving sensor, light emitting device, or a combination thereof) 255. Of course, in that case, the visible light communication device 255 as shown in the example of FIG. Further, a strobe, a display, or the like provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be used as a light emitting device in visible light communication.

3 to 5 are flowcharts showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
The printing apparatus 150 performs the following processing. In addition, as step U, a user's operation | movement is also demonstrated.
In Step P302, the printing apparatus 150 main body is in the low power consumption mode. The light emission of the LED light for visible light communication based on the visible light communication standard of the printing apparatus 150 is stopped.
In step U302, as a user operation, the visible light communication start switch of the printing apparatus 150 is pressed or the printing apparatus 150 is approached.

In step P304, when the visible light communication start switch of the printing apparatus 150 is pressed, the visible light emission mode is set, and the visible light communication LED light starts to be emitted. This visible light includes the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150. The address or the terminal name is information indicating a communication destination by wireless communication (such as WiFi). In step P304, in order to reduce power consumption, the LED may be caused to emit light only when visible light communication is necessary (when the switch is pressed).
In step P <b> 306, visible light including the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150 is emitted as communication from the printing apparatus 150 to the portable terminal 100. The address or terminal name is information indicating a communication destination in WiFi wireless communication. For example, an IP address, a mail address, or a terminal name is applicable.

In step P308, it is determined whether or not a print job has been received. If received, the process proceeds to step P316. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step P310. The reception of a print job means reception start or reception completion.
In Step P310, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to Step P312. Otherwise, the process returns to Step P308. The “predetermined time” is an elapsed time from the time when the address is transmitted in step S304.

In step P312, a message indicating that “a predetermined time has passed but no print job has been received” is displayed.
In Step P314, the emission of the visible light communication LED light is stopped. Return to Step P302.
In step U308, when the printing apparatus 150 displays a message indicating that “a predetermined time has passed but no print job has been received” as a user action (step P312 or step P314), the user The process from the beginning of the flow (step P302, etc.) is repeated.

  In step P316, when the print job is received, the emission of the visible light communication LED light is stopped. When a print job is received, it is not necessary to emit light, so light emission is stopped to reduce power consumption. Further, by stopping the light emission, the user of the portable terminal 100 is notified that the printing apparatus 150 has received the print job. Therefore, even when the mobile terminal 100 does not perform “sound / display / vibration indicating that the address of the printing apparatus 150 has been received”, the user can detect from the visible light emitted by the printing apparatus 150 that desires to print the visible light sensor. I understand that it can be removed. Although the completion of reception may be displayed on a console panel different from the visible light communication LED of the printing apparatus 150, it is easier for the user to view the display by stopping the light emission of the visible light communication LED. No need to display on the console panel. In step P314, “light emission is stopped”, but in step P314, light emission is stopped “after a predetermined time has elapsed”, but in step P316, “a predetermined time has elapsed”. Since the light emission is stopped before (in general, immediately after transmission of an address or the like), the user can also make a determination.

  In step U310, when the printing apparatus 150 stops emitting light of the visible light communication LED light as a user operation, the user moves the mobile terminal 100 to print the visible light sensor of the mobile terminal 100 on the printing apparatus 150 to be printed. Remove from the flash.

In step P318, the operation of the printing apparatus 150 after receiving a print job via WiFi or the like is the same operation as when a print job is received via normal WiFi. The low power consumption mode of the printing apparatus 150 main body is canceled and the printing mode is set. Print according to the print job.
In step P320, the printing apparatus 150 main body is set to the low power consumption mode after printing is completed. Then, the process returns to Step P302.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 performs the following processing.
In step K302, an image file icon is selected by the user. No printer selection operation is entered.
In step K304, it is determined whether or not the “address reception start by visible light communication” icon has been clicked. If clicked, the process proceeds to step K306, and otherwise waits until it is clicked.
In step K306, the visible light sensor is set to a visible light communication light receiving mode. Start receiving visible light based on the visible light communication standard.

In step U304, as a user operation, the visible light sensor of the portable terminal 100 is applied to visible light emitted from the printing apparatus 150 to be printed.
In step K308, the visible light sensor determines whether or not visible light based on the visible light communication standard is received. If received, the process proceeds to step K310, and otherwise waits until it is received.
In step K310, it is determined whether the received visible light includes the address of the printing apparatus 150. If it is included, the process proceeds to step K312. Otherwise, the process returns to step K308.

In step K312, the visible light communication light receiving mode of the visible light sensor is canceled, and the operation of the visible light sensor is stopped.
In step K314, a sound, display, vibration, or the like indicating that the address of the printing apparatus 150 has been received is generated.
In Step U306, when the mobile terminal 100 performs “presentation processing indicating that the address of the printing apparatus 150 has been received”, the user wants to move the mobile terminal 100 and print the visible light sensor of the mobile terminal 100 as a user action. The printing apparatus 150 is removed from the visible light emitted.
Note that the operation of step K314 is not essential. When the operation in step K314 is performed, the user can know that the reception of the address of the printing apparatus 150 has been completed. Then, the user knows when to remove the mobile terminal 100 from the visible light emitted from the printing apparatus 150.

In step K316, a print job for printing the image file selected by the user is created.
In step K318, a print job is transmitted to the received address of the printing apparatus 150 using wireless communication (WiFi or the like). Communication other than WiFi may be used to transmit the print job. For example, Bluetooth is applicable.
In step K320, a print job is transmitted from the portable terminal 100 to the printing apparatus 150. Here, the communication is via wireless communication (such as WiFi). For example, a printing protocol or mail may be used. Further, user ID and password may be included as additional information for the print job.

In step K322, the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150 received by visible light communication is deleted from the memory. This step K322 may not be performed.
When this embodiment is not used (when communication using only WiFi is used as in the prior art), it is necessary to set the address of the printing apparatus 150 that is the transmission destination of the print job in the mobile terminal 100 in advance. The setting operation may be difficult for the user. For this reason, the address of the printing apparatus 150 once set is stored in the nonvolatile memory and reused at the next print job transmission.
In this embodiment, since the address of the destination printing apparatus 150 can be easily received by visible light communication, it is not necessary to store and reuse the address of the printing apparatus 150 once received. By deleting the address of the printing apparatus 150, unnecessary printing apparatus names are not stored in the printer selection list of the portable terminal 100, so that the user can easily see and prevent leakage of information regarding the printing apparatus 150 (security). Improved).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (mobile terminal 100). Specifically, it is a display example in steps K302 and K304 of the flowchart.
The mobile terminal 100 has a display 600. The example of FIG. 6 shows the content displayed on the display 600.
The display 600 includes an image display area 610, a command display area 620, and a message display area 630 as three areas.
In the image display area 610, an image A icon 612, an image B icon 614, an image C icon 616, and an image D icon 618 are displayed.
The command display area 620 displays a “receive printer address with visible light and send print job with WiFi” icon 622 and a “receive printer address with visible light and send print job with Bluetooth” icon 624.
A message is displayed in the message display area 630. In the message display area 630, for example, “Select an image to be printed and click a command.” Is displayed.
In the example of FIG. 6, the image A icon 612 and the image B icon 614 are selected. Thereafter, when the “Receive printer address with visible light and send print job with WiFi” icon 622 or the “Receive printer address with visible light and send print job with Bluetooth” icon 624 is clicked, the flowchart of FIG. Move to “Yes” in Step K304.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (mobile terminal 100). Specifically, it is a display example in step K306 and step U304 of the flowchart.
The “receive printer address with visible light and send print job with WiFi” icon 622 is selected by user selection.
In the message display area 630, for example, “Please apply the camera to visible light emitted from the printer” is displayed. This display makes it easier for the user to understand the operation to be performed. Here, “camera” means a visible light sensor. The user performs an operation in which the visible light sensor is applied to visible light emitted from the printing apparatus 150 to be printed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment (mobile terminal 100). Specifically, it is a display example from step K308 to step K314 and step U306 in the flowchart.
The “receive printer address with visible light and send print job with WiFi” icon 622 is selected by user selection.
In the message display area 630, for example, “The reception of the printer address has been completed. End the exposure of the camera to visible light.” Is displayed. Here, “camera” means a visible light sensor.
When the reception of the address of the printing apparatus 150 is completed, an operation to be performed by the user is displayed in the message display area 630. This display makes it easier for the user to understand the operation to be performed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (mobile terminal 100). Specifically, it is a display example in step K316 and step K318 of the flowchart.
The “receive printer address with visible light and send print job with WiFi” icon 622 is selected by user selection.
In the message display area 630, for example, “Print job is being transmitted by WiFi.” Is displayed.
In these steps, a print job is transmitted to the received address of the printing apparatus 150 using wireless communication (such as WiFi). When the “Receive printer address with visible light and send print job with Bluetooth” icon 624 is selected, “Print job is being sent with Bluetooth” is displayed.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (mobile terminal 100). Specifically, it is a display example in step K322 of the flowchart.
The “receive printer address with visible light and send print job with WiFi” icon 622 is selected by user selection.
In the message display area 630, for example, “print job transmission completed” is displayed. The user only has to wait for a printout at the printing apparatus 150.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (printing apparatus 150). Specifically, it is a display example in step U302 and step P304 of the flowchart.
The display device 1100 has a display 1110.
The display 1110 has a command display area 1120 and a message display area 1140.
In the command display area 1120, a copy icon 1122, a FAX icon 1124, a scan icon 1126, a job management icon 1128, a user management icon 1130, and a “flash address with visible light” icon 1132 are displayed.
A message is displayed in the message display area 1140.
The “emit address with visible light” icon 1132 is selected by user selection.
The message display area 1140 displays, for example, “The address is being emitted with visible light. Please shoot the camera of the mobile terminal with visible light. Waiting to receive a print job”.
The example of FIG. 11 shows a screen after the icon is selected when the printing apparatus 150 has a visible light communication start icon (corresponding to the “emit address with visible light” icon 1132). .
In the example of FIG. 11, the printing apparatus 150 emits light based on the visible light communication standard. An operation to be performed by the user is displayed in the message display area 1140. This display makes it easier for the user to understand the operation to be performed.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present embodiment (printing apparatus 150). Specifically, it is a display example in step U302 and step P304 (steps P1504 and P1604 described later using the examples in FIGS. 15 and 16) in the flowchart. In other words, when the approach of a person is detected without displaying the “emit address with visible light” icon 1132, the mobile terminal 100 emits light including an instruction for address light emission, and the printing apparatus 150 receives the light. It is a display example in the case of.
In the command display area 1120, a copy icon 1122, a FAX icon 1124, a scan icon 1126, a job management icon 1128, and a user management icon 1130 are displayed.
The message display area 1140 displays, for example, “The address is being emitted with visible light. Please shoot the camera of the mobile terminal with visible light. Waiting to receive a print job”.
When the instruction to start visible light communication by the printing apparatus 150 is not necessary or when light is always emitted, the “emit address with visible light” icon 1132 is not displayed. When the printing apparatus 150 emits light based on the visible light communication standard, an operation to be performed by the user is displayed in the message display area 1140. This display makes it easier for the user to understand the operation to be performed.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (printing apparatus 150). Specifically, it is a display example in step P316 of the flowchart.
In the message display area 1140, for example, “The reception of the print job has been completed. End the exposure of the camera of the mobile terminal to the visible light.” Is displayed.
When the reception of the print job is completed, the emission of the visible light communication LED light is stopped.
When the “emit address with visible light” icon 1132 is displayed, the icon is returned from the selected state to the original state (non-selected state).
An operation to be performed by the user is displayed in the message display area 1140. This display makes it easier for the user to understand the operation to be performed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment (printing apparatus 150). Specifically, it is a display example in step P318 of the flowchart.
In the message display area 1140, for example, “Job is printing.” Is displayed. It indicates that printing is in progress according to the print job. When printing of the print job is completed, “Job printing has been completed.” Is displayed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
Step P304 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 may be replaced with step P1504 illustrated in FIG.
In step P1504, when the printing apparatus 150 detects the approach of a person, the visible light emission mode is set, and emission of the visible light communication LED light is started. This visible light includes the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150. The address or the terminal name is information indicating a communication destination by wireless communication (such as WiFi). In this case, the human switch operation illustrated in FIG. 3 becomes unnecessary.
In Step P1504, in order to reduce power consumption, the visible light communication LED light may be caused to emit light only when visible light communication is necessary (when a person approaches).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
Step P304 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 may be replaced with step P1604 illustrated in FIG.
When visible light including an instruction for address emission is received from the portable terminal 100 to the visible light receiving unit of the printing apparatus 150, the visible light emission mode is set and emission of the visible light communication LED light is started. This visible light includes the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150. The address or the terminal name is information indicating a communication destination by wireless communication (such as WiFi). In this case, the human switch operation illustrated in FIG. 3 becomes unnecessary. Further, it is not necessary for the person illustrated in FIG. 15 to approach. The processing illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 can be performed from a place away from the printing apparatus 150 (a print job can be transmitted).
In step P1604, in order to reduce power consumption, the visible light communication LED light is caused to emit light only when visible light communication is necessary (when visible light including an instruction for address emission is received). Also good.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
Steps P302 and P304 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 may be replaced with step P1702 illustrated in FIG.
In Step P1702, the visible light communication LED light is always caused to emit light. This visible light includes the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150.
In this case, no human switch operation is required, a print job can be transmitted without a person approaching the printing apparatus 150, or visible light emission processing including an instruction for address emission from the mobile terminal 100 Is no longer necessary. Compared to the case of steps P302, P304, etc., the power consumption increases, but it is within an allowable range.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
Steps K304 and K306 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 may be replaced with step K1804 illustrated in FIG.
Steps K304 and K306 are a flow in the case where visible light reception is started after the “start address reception by visible light communication” icon is clicked.
On the other hand, in step K1804, the visible light sensor is always operated to receive visible light communication. This is because light reception uses less power than light emission. In this case, an “address reception start by visible light communication” icon (specifically, a “printer address is received by visible light and a print job is transmitted by WiFi” illustrated in FIG. It is not necessary to wait for the address received and the “Send print job via Bluetooth” icon 624) to be clicked. That is, the user's “click” operation of the “address reception start by visible light communication” icon becomes unnecessary. The user can print the selected image file simply by selecting the image file icon and receiving the visible light emitted from the printing apparatus 150 by the portable terminal 100.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
Step P306 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 may be replaced with step P1906 illustrated in FIG.
In Step P1906, the printing apparatus 150 emits visible light including the address or terminal name of the printing apparatus 150 to the portable terminal 100. The address or terminal name is information indicating a communication destination in WiFi wireless communication. For example, an IP address, a mail address, or a terminal name is applicable. Further, the visible light may include the printing characteristics (usable paper size, resolution, color / black and white, single side / double side, etc.) and state (printable, failure, etc.) of the printing apparatus 150.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
Step K312 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 may be replaced with step K2012 illustrated in FIG.
In step K2012, the visible light sensor is always operated.
In this case, the operation of “stopping sensor operation” in step K312 is not required.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
Step K316 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 may be replaced with step K2116 illustrated in FIG.
In step K2116, if the visible light includes the print characteristics (usable paper size, resolution, etc.) of the printing apparatus 150 in step P1906, image processing or the like that matches the print characteristics (for example, a paper selection instruction) Image enlargement / reduction, conversion processing from color image to black and white, etc.) to create a print job.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
Step K320 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 may be replaced with step K2220 illustrated in FIG. 22, and step P308 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 may be replaced with step P2208 illustrated in FIG.
In step K2220, as communication from the portable terminal 100 to the printing apparatus 150, information indicating that the print job is based on the visible light communication flow (“information for specifying the printing apparatus 150 by visible light communication has been received. ”Includes information indicating that communication (communication at step K2220) is being performed.
In step P2208, it is determined whether a print job based on the visible light communication flow has been received. If received, the process proceeds to step P316. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step P310.
In Step P310, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to Step P312. Otherwise, the process returns to Step P2208.

If the process of step P2208 is not performed, even if a print job unrelated to this visible light communication flow is received by WiFi or the like, the printing apparatus 150 stops emitting light and ends this flow. This flow must be started again.
When performing the process of step P2208, even if an irrelevant print job that does not pass through this visible light communication flow is received, the flow is not terminated. The printing apparatus 150 waits until a print job based on the visible light communication flow is received. Therefore, it will operate as expected by the user. Note that while waiting, printing may be performed according to an irrelevant print job that does not pass through the visible light communication flow.

  With reference to FIG. 23, a hardware configuration example of the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment will be described. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 23 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and illustrates a hardware configuration example including a data reading unit 2317 such as a scanner and a data output unit 2318 such as a printer. In the portable terminal 100, the data reading unit 2317 and the data output unit 2318 may be unnecessary.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2301 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiments, that is, the visible light communication module 105, the communication module 110, the communication control module 115, the user interface module 120, the visible light communication module 155, and the communication. It is a control unit that executes processing according to a computer program describing an execution sequence of each module such as the module 160, the communication control module 165, the user interface module 170, the print control module 175, and the print module 185.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 2302 stores programs, calculation parameters, and the like used by the CPU 2301. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 2303 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 2301, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 2304 including a CPU bus or the like.

  The host bus 2304 is connected to an external bus 2306 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 2305.

  A keyboard 2308 and a pointing device 2309 such as a mouse are devices operated by an operator. The display 2310 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various types of information as text or image information. Further, a touch screen or the like having both functions of the pointing device 2309 and the display 2310 may be used.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 2311 includes a hard disk (may be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 2301 and information. The hard disk realizes functions as a file storage module 125, a file storage module 180, and the like. Further, various other data, various computer programs, and the like are stored.

  The drive 2312 reads data or a program recorded on a removable recording medium 2313 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out to the interface 2307 and the external bus 2306. , The bridge 2305, and the RAM 2303 connected via the host bus 2304. The removable recording medium 2313 can also be used as a data recording area.

  The connection port 2314 is a port for connecting the external connection device 2315 and has a connection unit such as USB or IEEE1394. The connection port 2314 is connected to the CPU 2301 and the like via the interface 2307, the external bus 2306, the bridge 2305, the host bus 2304, and the like. A communication unit 2316 is connected to a communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. As described above, the communication here includes visible light communication, wireless communication other than visible light communication, and the like. The data reading unit 2317 is, for example, a scanner, and executes document reading processing. The data output unit 2318 is a printer, for example, and executes document data output processing.

  Note that the hardware configurations of the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 150 shown in FIG. 23 show one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 23 and will be described in the present embodiment. Any configuration can be used as long as the module can be executed. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected via a communication line In addition, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 23 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other. In particular, in addition to personal computers, portable information communication devices (including mobile phones, smartphones, mobile devices, wearable computers, etc.), information appliances, robots, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, multifunction devices (scanners, printers, An image processing apparatus having two or more functions such as a copying machine and a fax machine) may be incorporated.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
Then, the whole or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or a wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part or all of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

  Note that the visible light used in the visible light communication according to the present embodiment may be diffused visible light such as ceiling lighting, or converged visible light such as a flashlight. When converged visible light is used, it becomes easier to irradiate only the desired transmission destination with visible light compared to the case where diffused visible light is used, and the user can use it easily.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Portable terminal 105 ... Visible light communication module 110 ... Communication module 115 ... Communication control module 120 ... User interface module 125 ... File storage module 150 ... Printing apparatus 155 ... Visible light communication module 160 ... Communication module 165 ... Communication control module 170 ... User interface module 175 ... Print control module 180 ... File storage module 185 ... Print module 220 ... Mobile terminal place 225, 230, 250, 255 ... Visible light communication device 260 ... Camera

Claims (17)

Transmitting means for transmitting information for specifying the image output apparatus as a transmission destination of the second communication by visible light communication;
Receiving means for receiving a print instruction from the portable information processing device by the second communication according to the information;
When the receiving unit receives a print instruction, the transmitting unit stops light emission for visible light communication.
Image output device. A detecting means for detecting the location of the person,
When detecting the location of a person, the transmission means starts visible light communication.
The image output apparatus according to claim 1. When the transmission instruction of the information for specifying the image output device is received by visible light communication from the portable information processing device, the transmission unit starts visible light communication.
The image output device according to claim 1. The transmission means transmits the characteristics or state of the image output device by visible light communication.
The image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When information indicating that the second communication is being performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device through visible light communication is received together with the print instruction, printing is performed according to the print instruction. The image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a control unit that controls the image output device. The image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a presentation unit that presents an indication of an operation in which a user applies visible light to the portable information processing device when transmitting by the visible light communication. Transmitting means for transmitting information for specifying the image output apparatus as a transmission destination of the second communication by visible light communication;
Receiving means for receiving a print instruction from the portable information processing device by the second communication according to the information;
When the information indicating that the second communication is being performed by receiving the information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication is received together with the print instruction, the transmission of the visible light communication is stopped. And a control means for controlling the transmission of the visible light communication not to stop when the information indicating that the second communication is performed is not received together with the print instruction.
An image output apparatus. First receiving means for receiving, by visible light communication, information for specifying an image output device as a transmission destination of the second communication;
A portable information processing apparatus having a first transmission means for transmitting a print instruction to the image output apparatus by the second communication according to the information;
Second transmission means for transmitting information for identifying the image output device as a transmission destination of the second communication by visible light communication;
A second receiving unit configured to receive a print instruction by the second communication according to the information from the portable information processing apparatus;
When the second receiving unit receives a print instruction, the second transmitting unit stops light emission for visible light communication.
An image output system comprising an image output device. The first transmission means includes
Transmitting the print instruction to the image output device without accepting an operation of selecting the image output device to which the print instruction is transmitted;
The image output system according to claim 8 . The first receiving means stops receiving visible light communication when the information is received;
The image output system according to claim 8 or 9 . The second transmission means transmits the characteristics or state of the image output device by visible light communication,
The portable information processing apparatus
When the first receiving unit receives the characteristic or state of the image output device from the image output device by visible light communication, the first receiving unit further includes a generating unit that generates the print instruction according to the characteristic or state. ,
The first transmission unit transmits the print instruction generated by the generation unit;
The image output system according to any one of claims 8 to 10 . The first transmission means transmits information indicating that the second communication is being performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication together with the print instruction;
The image output system according to any one of claims 8 to 11 . The portable information processing apparatus
If receiving the information for identifying the image output apparatus by the visible light communication is user claims 8, further comprising a presentation means for presenting an indication of operation shed visible light to the portable information processing apparatus 12 of the The image output system as described in any one of Claims. The portable information processing apparatus
After transmission by the first transmission means, according to any one of the first receiving means an image output apparatus received from claim 8, further comprising a deleting means for deleting the information for specifying the 13 Image output system. The first transmission means transmits information indicating that the second communication is being performed by receiving information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication together with the print instruction;
The image output system according to any one of claims 8 to 14 . A computer included in an image output apparatus having a transmission means,
And the information for specifying the present image output device as the destination of the second communication, transmitted from the transmitting means by the visible light communication,
Receiving a print instruction from the portable information processing device by the second communication according to the information ;
When receiving the print instruction, stopping the light emission for the visible light communication
An image processing program for executing   A computer included in an image output apparatus having a transmission means;
  Transmitting information for identifying the image output device as a transmission destination of the second communication from the transmission unit by visible light communication;
  Receiving a print instruction from the portable information processing device by the second communication according to the information;
  When the information indicating that the second communication is being performed by receiving the information for specifying the image output device by visible light communication is received together with the print instruction, the transmission of the visible light communication is stopped. And controlling not to stop the transmission of the visible light communication when the information indicating that the second communication is performed is not received together with the print instruction.
  An image processing program for executing

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