JP6089994B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that acquires and prints an image from an external apparatus in accordance with an instruction from an external terminal.

  In an office or the like, there are cases where a single multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) having a function as an image forming apparatus is used by a plurality of people. For example, each user transmits a job from the terminal owned by the user to the MFP, and causes the MFP to execute the job.

  As a job to be executed by the MFP, for example, there is a job for acquiring an image from an external apparatus and printing such as polling reception or pull printing. Patent Documents 1 and 2 below describe apparatuses that receive an instruction from an external terminal and perform polling reception.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in response to an instruction from an external terminal that does not have a polling reception function in a facsimile procedure, polling reception is performed on a facsimile machine in place of the external terminal, and an image is acquired and stored. A relay device is disclosed that transfers an image to an external terminal (see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method for setting a reception mode from an external terminal to store or output image data acquired by polling reception by the MFP. In Patent Document 2, when an MFP issues a file ID (Identification) to an external terminal and receives an instruction to execute polling reception from the external terminal, the polled image is received according to the reception mode set by the external terminal. Data is stored or output (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-329728 A JP-A-7-288628

  By the way, when a user who is not near the MFP body instructs the MFP to execute polling reception from the external terminal, the MFP body outputs it until the user picks up the printed material from the remote location. There is a risk that confidential documents that have been viewed may be seen by others, which is a security problem.

  In the above Patent Document 1, since it is a relay device that does not have a printing function in the first place, an image acquired by performing polling reception in response to an instruction from an external terminal is transferred to the external terminal and is not printed by the relay device. The above problems do not occur. In this case, however, the external terminal must have a printing function to print.

  In the above Patent Document 2, even if a user who operates the MFP from an external terminal is away from the MFP body, if the reception mode for storing image data acquired by polling reception is set, the image data is not output. The above-mentioned problem is solved.

  However, it takes time to set the reception mode in advance. When polling reception is instructed without setting the reception mode, the MFP prints image data acquired in accordance with the instruction. In that case, there is a possibility of information leakage such as a printed matter being peeped or taken away by a third party. Therefore, it is desired to prevent such information leakage without setting the reception mode.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and has a print function of an image acquired by polling reception or pull print instructed from an external terminal, and the printed matter is peeped or taken away. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent information leakage due to a user without performing a conscious operation.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] An acquisition unit that acquires an image from an external device;
A storage unit;
A printing section;
An operation unit provided in the device;
A communication unit that receives an instruction for the device from an external terminal;
When the operation unit receives a first instruction for instructing execution of an operation for acquiring an image from an external device and printing with the printing unit, the image is acquired from the external device according to the first instruction and the printing unit When printing is performed and the communication unit receives the first instruction, control is performed so that an image is acquired from an external device according to the first instruction, and the image is stored in the storage unit without being printed by the printing unit. A control unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  In the above invention, when the operation unit receives a first instruction to acquire and print an image from the external apparatus, the image is acquired from the external apparatus and printed according to the first instruction. On the other hand, when the communication unit receives the first instruction, the image is acquired from the external device and stored in the storage unit without printing. When the first instruction is received from the external terminal, the acquired image is not output. Therefore, when the first instruction is transmitted from the external terminal located away from the own apparatus, information leakage due to peeping or taking away the printed matter. Can be prevented without the user performing a conscious operation.

[2] When the operation unit receives a second instruction for reading out an image stored in the storage unit and instructing execution of an operation of printing by the printing unit, the control unit If the communication unit receives the second instruction without performing the instructed printing, control is performed so that an image is read from the storage unit according to the second instruction and printed by the printing unit. ] The image forming apparatus described in the above.

  In the above invention, when the operation unit receives the second instruction to read and print the image stored in the storage unit, the printing is not performed, and when the communication unit receives the second instruction, the second instruction is followed. Print. As a result, it is possible to prevent information leakage such that a user other than the operator of the external terminal that has input the first instruction prints an image stored without permission and takes it away.

[3] The control unit
When the communication unit receives the first instruction, the identification information of the external terminal that is the transmission source of the first instruction is associated with the image acquired from the external device according to the first instruction and stored in the storage unit. ,
When the communication unit receives the second instruction, the image associated with the same identification information as the identification information of the external terminal that has transmitted the second instruction is read from the storage unit and printed by the printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to [2], which is controlled to perform.

  In the above invention, when the image acquired by the first instruction is stored without printing, the image and the identification information of the transmission source device of the first instruction are stored in association with each other. When the second instruction is received, an image in which the identification information of the transmission source device matches the associated identification information is read and printed. Even when there are a plurality of external terminals that transmit the first instruction and the second instruction, printing is performed according to the second instruction only when the external terminals that are the transmission source of the first instruction and the second instruction match. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information leakage such that a user other than the operator of the external terminal that is the transmission source of the first instruction prints away the image stored without permission.

[4] The image according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the acquisition unit acquires an image from an external device by polling reception in facsimile communication or network pull printing. Forming equipment.

[5] When the communication unit receives the first instruction, the control unit obtains an image acquired from an external device according to the first instruction and stored in the storage unit or a reduced image of the image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the image forming apparatus is transmitted to an external terminal that is a transmission source of one instruction and displayed.

  In the above invention, when the communication unit receives the first instruction, the acquired image is stored in the storage unit, and the image is transmitted to the external terminal that is the transmission source of the first instruction. As a result, the operator of the external terminal that is the transmission source of the first instruction can confirm the acquired image.

[6] A determination unit that determines a connection state between the communication unit and the external terminal,
Whether the control unit executes the printing indicated by the second instruction based on the determination result of the determination unit regarding the external terminal that is the transmission source of the second instruction when the communication unit receives the second instruction. The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein it is determined whether or not.

  In the above invention, when the communication unit receives the second instruction, the communication unit determines whether to read and print the image in the storage unit according to the connection state with the external terminal that is the transmission source of the second instruction. For example, if it is in a state of being connected by communication over a long distance instead of a short distance, it is determined not to perform the printing.

[7] The determination unit determines whether the external terminal is connected to the communication unit by wire,
The control unit executes printing indicated by the second instruction when the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the external terminal is connected to the communication unit by wire [6] The image forming apparatus described in 1.

  In the above invention, when the external device that transmits the second instruction is connected by wire, printing indicated by the second instruction is executed. When connected by wire, it is estimated that the distance between the own device and the external terminal is a short distance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information leakage such as peeping on the printed recording paper or being taken away before the user who has instructed transmission of the second instruction from the external terminal arrives at the apparatus.

[8] The communication unit communicates with the external terminal by wireless communication,
The determination unit determines whether or not a radio wave intensity in communication between the external terminal and the communication unit is a predetermined value or more,
The control unit executes printing indicated by the second instruction when the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value [6] or [7] The image forming apparatus described in 1.

  In the above invention, it is determined whether or not the radio field intensity in the wireless connection is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and when it is determined that the radio field intensity is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, printing indicated by the second instruction is performed. If the radio field strength is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the distance between the external device in communication with its own device is a short distance. Presumed to be. Since printing is performed only when the distance between the own device and the external terminal is a short distance, the printed recording paper is peeped until the user who has instructed the transmission of the second instruction arrives at the own device. In addition, information leakage such as being taken away can be prevented.

[9] The apparatus further includes a joint portion to which the external terminal is attached,
The determination unit determines whether the external terminal is attached to the joint,
The control unit performs printing indicated by the second instruction when the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the external terminal is attached to the joint [6] to [[ 8]. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [8].

  In the above invention, it is determined whether or not an external terminal is attached to the apparatus, and when it is determined that the external terminal is attached, printing indicated by the second instruction is performed. If an external terminal is attached to the own apparatus, the user who gives an instruction to transmit the second instruction from the external terminal should be in front of the own apparatus, so that the printed recording paper can be peeped or taken away. Such information leakage can be prevented.

[10] The determination unit determines whether the distance to the external terminal is within a predetermined short distance,
The image forming apparatus according to [6], wherein the control unit executes printing indicated by the second instruction when the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the determination result is within a predetermined short distance.

  In the above invention, the printing indicated by the second instruction is performed when the distance between the own device and the external terminal is a short distance. Since printing is performed only when the distance between the own device and the external terminal is a short distance, the printed recording paper is peeped until the user who has instructed the transmission of the second instruction arrives at the own device. In addition, information leakage such as being taken away can be prevented.

  As a method of determining whether or not the distance between the own device and the external terminal is within a predetermined short distance, for example, the distance can be calculated from position information obtained by GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, Whether or not the distance between the device itself and the external terminal is within a predetermined short distance may be determined based on whether or not the radio wave intensity is a certain level or higher in wireless communication. Further, when the external terminal is attached to the own apparatus, it may be determined that the distance between the own apparatus and the external terminal is within a predetermined short distance.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when an instruction to execute polling reception, pull printing, or the like is received from an external terminal located at a position distant from the image forming apparatus, information leakage due to peeping or taking away the printed matter is prevented. This can be prevented without the user performing a conscious operation.

1 is a diagram illustrating a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a remote panel. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a remote panel performs at the time of communication establishment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus when communication is established. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus when a first instruction is input. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus when a second instruction is input. It is a flowchart which shows a connection state determination process. It is a figure which shows a mode that a remote panel and an image forming apparatus are joined.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a print system 7 including an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the print system 7, the image forming apparatus 10 and two remote panels 40 (40A, 40B) are connected via a LAN 3 that is a wireless LAN. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured such that a facsimile apparatus 70 is connected via a telephone line 5 and a multifunction peripheral 60 is connected via a network 6. The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the LAN 3 via the router 80 connected by a wired LAN. However, the image forming apparatus 10 will be described as being directly connected to the LAN 3 hereinafter. Note that any one of the two remote panels 40 (40A, 40B) is indicated as a remote panel 40. The remote panel 40 may be one or any number of three or more.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a copy job that optically reads a document and prints a duplicate image on a recording sheet, a scan job that saves the image data of the read document as a file, or transmits it to an external device, This is a so-called multi-function machine having a function of executing a job such as a print job for printing an image relating to data transmitted from the apparatus on a recording sheet and outputting the image. In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 executes jobs such as pull printing and polling reception.

  Pull printing is a job for printing an acquired image after acquiring the image from an external device (multifunction device 60) via the network 6. Polling reception is a job for printing an acquired image after acquiring the image from a device having a facsimile function (facsimile device 70) through the telephone line 5.

  The facsimile apparatus 70 is an apparatus having a facsimile function. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the image forming apparatus 10 performs polling reception, an image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 through the telephone line 5. The multi-function device 60 has functions as a scanner, a printer, a storage device, and the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the image forming apparatus 10 performs pull printing, an image is acquired from the multi-function device 60 through the network 6.

  The remote panel 40 is a portable terminal that can be carried, and fulfills a function of transmitting an instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 when communication with the image forming apparatus 10 is established. In the embodiment of the present invention, once the remote panel 40 and the image forming apparatus 10 establish communication, the user can operate the image forming apparatus 10 via the remote panel 40. For example, the user can instruct execution of a job such as polling reception or pull printing by the operation.

  The router 80 serves as a relay device that relays data when the image forming apparatus 10 and other apparatuses transmit and receive data via the LAN 3.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation display unit 30 including a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32, which will be described later, fixed to the main body. The user can also instruct the operation display unit 30 to execute a job such as pull printing or polling reception.

  The image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction (hereinafter referred to as a first instruction) from the operation display unit 30 to execute a job (operation) for acquiring and printing an image from an external apparatus, such as polling reception or pull printing. If an image is received, an image is acquired and printed according to the first instruction. On the other hand, when the first instruction is received from the remote panel 40, the image is acquired according to the first instruction, and then the image is stored without printing. When the first instruction is input from the remote panel 40 at a position away from the image forming apparatus 10, an image acquired from an external apparatus is not output without performing a special operation. Information leakage such as being seen or taken away can be prevented.

  When the first instruction is received from the remote panel 40, an image acquired from an external device is stored in a storage area associated with the remote panel 40 in the hard disk device 15 to be described later. The image forming apparatus 10 registers identification information (panel ID) of each remote panel 40 in advance, and allocates a dedicated storage area to each remote panel 40. In the embodiment of the present invention, this dedicated storage area is called a box. For example, when the first instruction is received from the remote panel 40 with the panel ID 001, the image acquired from the external device is stored in the box corresponding to the panel ID 001.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 connected to the CPU 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a nonvolatile memory. Memory 14, hard disk device 15, image processing unit 16, printer unit 17, scanner unit 18, network I / F unit 19, facsimile communication unit 22, remote panel connection determination unit 24, power supply control unit 25, a remote control determination unit 26, and an operation display unit 30.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, on which middleware and application programs are executed. Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the image forming apparatus 10 such as job execution is realized by the CPU 11 executing processes according to these programs. The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a rewritable memory (flash memory) that can retain memory even when the power is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 14 stores device-specific information and various setting information. The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, various application programs, print data and image data, an information history relating to a job, an ID of the remote panel 40, and the like.

  The image processing unit 16 performs rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression and expansion processing, in addition to processing such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation.

  The printer unit 17 has a function of forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, etc., and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. When image formation output (printing) is performed, the image formation target (recording paper) is moved in the sub-scanning direction while repeating image formation for one line in the main scanning direction, so that it is two-dimensionally printed on the recording paper. Images are formed.

  The scanner unit 18 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The scanner unit 18 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a line-by-line reading position in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, a conversion unit for converting the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is prepared for.

  The network I / F unit 19 includes a wireless LAN module 20 and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 21, and communicates with external devices (the remote panel 40 and the multifunction device 60) through the LAN 3 and the network 6. In the embodiment of the present invention, for example, control information related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and images are transmitted to and received from the remote panel 40.

  The wireless LAN module 20 is connected to the router 80 by wire. When communication is performed using the wireless LAN module 20, data is transmitted / received via the router 80. The wireless LAN module 20 can measure the radio field intensity in wireless communication between the router 80 and an external terminal (for example, the remote panel 40).

  When a user communicates with a device (for example, the remote panel 40) and the image forming apparatus 10 directly by a cable or the like, data transmission / reception is performed using the NIC 21.

  The facsimile communication unit 22 includes a modem / NCU (Network Control Unit) 23, and fulfills a function of transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external facsimile device 70 through the telephone line 5. The procedure of facsimile communication is the international standard T.25 of ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication standardization sector). 30.

  The remote panel joint determination unit 24 determines whether or not the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 (in the embodiment, the lower part of the operation display unit 30 (see FIG. 9)). to decide. For example, when the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint, the predetermined interface 35 (see FIG. 9) is connected to the joint and the remote panel 40 so that the image forming apparatus 10 and the remote panel 40 can communicate with each other. USB (Universal Serial Bus) etc. are installed. If communication by the interface 35 is possible, it is determined that the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint. The above is an example, and another sensor or method may be used to detect that the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint.

  The power control unit 25 controls the power supply to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 10.

  The remote control determination unit 26 determines whether an operation is received from the operation display unit 30 or an operation is received from the remote panel 40 during communication. For example, it is determined whether the first instruction is input from the operation display unit 30 or the first instruction is input from the remote panel 40. When the first instruction is input, the CPU 11 performs different processing depending on the determination of the remote control determination unit 26.

  The operation display unit 30 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32. Among these, the operation unit 32 includes a switch unit 33 such as a start button and a touch panel unit 34. The display unit 31 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The CPU 11 controls the display content displayed by the operation display unit 30 and the control related to the reception of the operation by the operation display unit 30.

  The touch panel unit 34 is provided on the display unit 31. The touch panel unit 34 detects a touch position (coordinate position) on the display unit 31 pressed by a touch pen or a finger, a flick operation, a drag operation, and the like. Further, the CPU 11 recognizes handwritten input by the user from the continuously detected change in touch position (operation information).

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the remote panel 40. The remote panel 40 includes a CPU 41 that controls the operation of the remote panel 40, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a nonvolatile memory 44, a hard disk device 45, a power supply control unit 46, and a network I / F unit connected to the CPU 41. 47, an apparatus joint section 49, and an operation display section 50.

  The CPU 41 is based on an OS program, on which middleware and application programs are executed. Various programs are stored in the ROM 42, and each function of the remote panel 40 such as job transmission is realized by the CPU 41 executing processes according to these programs. The RAM 43 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 41 executes a program.

  The nonvolatile memory 44 is a rewritable memory (flash memory) that can retain memory even when the power is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 44 stores terminal-specific information and various setting information. In the embodiment of the present invention, a device ID (panel ID) is stored as terminal-specific identification information.

  The hard disk device 45 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, various application programs such as an operation application for operating the image forming apparatus 10, and image data.

  The power control unit 46 controls power supply to each unit constituting the remote panel 40.

  The network I / F unit 47 includes a wireless LAN module 48 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 10 through the LAN 3.

  The apparatus joint portion 49 is a mechanism for performing communication through the interface 35 (see FIG. 9) provided at the joint portion of the image forming apparatus 10. When the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint portion of the image forming apparatus 10, communication through the interface 35 is possible. For example, when the interface 35 is a connection port of a USB connector, the USB connector becomes the device joint portion 49.

  The operation display unit 50 includes a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52. Among these, the operation unit 52 includes a switch unit 53 such as a start button and a touch panel unit 54. The display unit 51 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and fulfills a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The CPU 41 performs control of display contents displayed by the operation display unit 50 and control related to reception of operations by the operation display unit 50.

  The touch panel unit 54 is provided on the display unit 51. The touch panel unit 54 detects a touch position (coordinate position) on the display unit 51 pressed by a touch pen or a finger, a flick operation, a drag operation, and the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 41 recognizes which part of the screen displayed on the display unit 51 corresponds to the touch position.

  Next, processing for establishing communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the remote panel 40 will be described. In the print system 7, communication is established from the remote panel 40 side. First, the user starts up an operation application on the remote panel 40, the application issues a communication establishment request to the image forming apparatus 10, and communication is established with the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the request. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 and the remote panel 40 with which communication has been established enter a connected state.

  4 shows processing performed by the remote panel 40 when establishing communication, and FIG. 5 shows processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 when establishing communication.

  In the process of FIG. 4, first, when the operation application is launched by the user, the remote panel 40 starts a process of establishing communication (connection process) (step S101).

  Next, the device ID (panel ID) of the own device is transmitted together with the communication establishment request (connection request) using the initial port number (step S102).

  Until a response that communication establishment (connection) is possible and a port number used for communication (communication port number) are received (step S103; No), the process returns to step S102 to continue the processing.

  When the response and the communication port number are received from the image forming apparatus 10 (step S103; Yes), the port number used for communication is switched from the initial port number to the communication port number received in S103, and the image forming apparatus is used. 10 confirms that communication has been established, shifts to a connected state (step S104), and ends this processing.

  In the process of FIG. 5, first, the image forming apparatus 10 checks whether or not the panel ID is received together with the communication establishment request (connection request) with the initial port number from the remote panel 40 (step S201).

  If not received (step S201; No), this process is terminated. When the communication establishment request and the panel ID transmitted in step S102 of FIG. 4 are received (step S201; Yes), a communication port number is assigned to the received panel ID, and the two are associated and stored (step S202). .

  Thereafter, a response indicating that communication can be established (connected) and the assigned communication port number are transmitted to the remote panel 40 (step S203).

  Thereafter, the port number used for communication is switched from the initial port number to the communication port number, it is confirmed that communication with the remote panel 40 has been established, the state is shifted to the connected state (step S204), and this process is terminated.

  Note that the processing of FIG. 5 is periodically repeated when not in a connected state. When the image forming apparatus 10 establishes communication with a certain remote panel 40 and is in a connected state and receives a communication establishment request from another remote panel 40, the image forming apparatus 10 replies that communication establishment is impossible.

  The same screen as the screen displayed on the operation display unit 30 is displayed on the remote panel 40 that has been established and is in a connected state, and the same operation as that possible on the operation display unit 30 is possible. . Specifically, screen data created in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10, and the remote panel 40 that has received the screen data displays a screen based on the screen data.

  Thereafter, the remote panel 40 transmits information on the coordinates pressed on the screen to the image forming apparatus 10. Based on this information, the image forming apparatus 10 recognizes which button on the screen has been pressed, and performs screen transition, job execution, and the like as received by the operation display unit 30. In addition, while the same screen as the operation display unit 30 is displayed on the operation display unit 50, that is, during the connection state, the operation on the operation display unit 30 is invalidated.

  As described above, the remote panel 40 that has established communication with the image forming apparatus 10 can instruct execution of a job by the same operation as that performed by the operation display unit 30. The image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction (first instruction) for executing a job for acquiring an image from an external apparatus and printing it from the operation display unit 30 such as polling reception or pull printing, and a remote panel. Different processing is performed when received from 40.

  FIG. 6 illustrates processing when the image forming apparatus 10 operates according to the first instruction. First, when a first instruction is received (step S301), an image is acquired from an external device according to the first instruction (step S302).

  If the image forming apparatus 10 is not in communication with the remote panel 40 (connected state) (step S303; No), it is determined that the first instruction is input from the operation display unit 30, and the image acquired in step S302 is printed. (Step S308), and the process ends.

  If the image forming apparatus 10 is communicating (connected) with the remote panel 40 (step S303; Yes), it is checked whether or not the panel ID of the remote panel 40 has been registered (step S304). In the embodiment of the present invention, the panel ID of the remote panel 40 scheduled for communication is registered in advance, and a dedicated storage area (box) is allocated for each panel ID.

  If the panel ID is not registered, that is, if the panel ID of the connected remote panel 40 is an unregistered panel ID (step S304; No), the image acquired in step S302 is used for management (for unregistered ID). ) In the box (step S307), and the process ends.

  If the panel ID is registered, that is, if the panel ID of the remote panel 40 in communication is a registered panel ID (step S304; Yes), the image acquired in step S302 is associated with the panel ID. The storage area (box) is saved (step S305).

  Thereafter, the image acquired in step S302 is transferred to the remote panel 40 in communication (step S306), and the process ends. When the image is transferred in step S306, the image size, resolution, and the like may be transferred to a size that can be easily viewed by the user on the display unit 51 of the remote panel 40. Thereby, the operator of the remote panel 40 can confirm the image acquired by the image forming apparatus 10 from the external apparatus.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction (first instruction) from the operation display unit 30 for executing a job to acquire and print an image from an external apparatus, such as polling reception or pull printing. In accordance with the first instruction, an image is acquired and printed. When the first instruction is received from the remote panel 40, the image is acquired according to the first instruction, and then the image is stored without printing. As a result, when an instruction to execute a job such as polling reception or pull printing is received from the remote panel 40 located away from the image forming apparatus 10, the user leaks information due to peeping or taking away the printed matter. This can be prevented without conscious operation.

  Next, a case where an image acquired from an external device according to the first instruction received from the remote panel 40 and stored in a box (hereinafter referred to as an acquired image) is read and printed will be described.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction from the operation display unit 30 to execute a job for reading and printing an acquired image (hereinafter referred to as a second instruction), the image forming apparatus 10 does not perform an operation according to the second instruction. On the other hand, when the second instruction is received from the remote panel 40, the acquired image is printed according to the second instruction.

  Note that the image (acquired image) stored in the box can be read only by an instruction from the remote panel 40 of the panel ID associated with the box. That is, if the remote panel 40 that is the transmission source of the first instruction and the remote panel 40 that is the transmission source of the second instruction are not the same terminal, the acquired image is not read and printing is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent information leakage such that a user other than the operator of the remote panel 40 that is the transmission source of the first instruction arbitrarily prints and deletes the acquired image stored in the image forming apparatus 10. it can.

  In addition, even when the image forming apparatus 10 receives the second instruction from the remote panel 40 (hereinafter referred to as the input machine) as the transmission source of the first instruction, depending on the connection state with the input machine, Do not print.

  The image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of determination modes in which the connection state is determined under different conditions. In each determination mode, the user can switch between the valid state (ON state) and the invalid state (OFF state), and the image forming apparatus 10 satisfies the condition of the ON state determination mode in the connection state with the input device. It is determined whether or not. If there is a determination mode that is established, it is determined that printing is possible according to the second instruction. On the other hand, if no determination mode is established, it is determined that printing according to the second instruction is impossible.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 has three determination modes: a first determination mode, a second determination mode, and a third determination mode. The first determination mode is a determination mode in which it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 10 and the input device are connected by wire or wirelessly. The second determination mode is a determination mode for determining whether the radio wave intensity in wireless communication is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The third determination mode is a determination mode in which it is determined whether or not the feeder is attached to the joint portion of the image forming apparatus 10.

  When the first determination mode is ON, it is checked whether the image forming apparatus 10 and the input device are directly connected by wire or wirelessly. When connected by wire, it is determined that the condition indicated by the first determination mode is satisfied, and when connected by wireless, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied.

  When the second determination mode is in the ON state, it is checked whether the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. When the radio wave intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that the condition indicated by the second determination mode is satisfied, and when it is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied.

  When the third determination mode is in the ON state, it is checked whether or not the charging machine is attached to the joint portion of the image forming apparatus 10. If it is mounted, it is determined that the condition indicated by the third determination mode is satisfied, and if it is not mounted, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied.

  In the above-described three determination modes, it is determined whether or not the distance between the feeder and the image forming apparatus 10 is substantially short. That is, when connected by wire, when the radio field intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or when the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint, it is determined that the distance between the input device and the image forming apparatus 10 is short. . If the distance between the feeder and the image forming apparatus 10 is short, it is determined that the condition indicated by the determination mode is satisfied. On the other hand, if the distance between the feeder and the image forming apparatus 10 is long, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. Another method may be used to determine whether or not the distance between the feeder and the image forming apparatus 10 is short. For example, the distance may be calculated from the positional information of both obtained by GPS or the like (the distance may be calculated by another method).

  FIG. 7 shows processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 when the second instruction is received. First, it waits until the second instruction is accepted (step S401; No). When the second instruction is accepted (step S401; Yes), it is checked whether the image forming apparatus 10 is communicating with the remote panel 40 (connected state). (Step S402).

  If it is not in communication with the remote panel 40 (connected state) (step S402; No), this process is terminated. If it is in communication with the remote panel 40 (connection state) (step S402; Yes), it is determined whether or not the connection state with the remote panel 40 in communication is printable according to the second instruction (connection state determination). Process) (step S403). Details of the connection state determination process will be described later.

  If it is determined in the connection state determination process that printing is not possible (step S404; No), this process ends.

  If it is determined in the connection state determination process that printing is possible (step S404; Yes), it is checked whether or not there is an acquired image in the box corresponding to the panel ID of the remote panel 40 in communication (step S405). ).

  If there is an acquired image in the box (step S405; Yes), the acquired image is printed (step S407), and this process ends.

  If there is no acquired image in the box (step S405; No), the remote panel 40 in communication is notified that there is no printable image (step S406), and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 shows the connection state determination process performed in step S403 of FIG. First, the setting contents (ON state, OFF state) of each determination mode are read (step S501).

  If the first determination mode is ON (step S502; Yes), it is checked whether the remote panel 40 being connected to the image forming apparatus 10 is directly connected by wire or wirelessly (step S503). ). Specifically, when the wireless LAN module 20 is used for data transmission / reception, it is determined that the wireless connection is established. When the NIC 21 is used for data transmission / reception, the wireless connection is established. CPU11 judges that it is.

  If it is determined that the connection is wired (step S503; Yes), the flag 1 is set (step S504) and the process proceeds to step S505. When it is determined that the wireless connection is established (step S503; No), the process proceeds to step S505. If the first determination mode is OFF (step S502; No), the process proceeds to step S505.

  If the second determination mode is in the ON state (step S505; Yes), in the wireless communication, it is checked whether or not the radio field intensity between the image forming apparatus 10 and the remote panel 40 is a predetermined value or more (step S506).

  The predetermined value can be determined by the user. If the radio field intensity is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (step S506; Yes), the flag 2 is set (step S507), and the process proceeds to step S508.

  If the radio wave intensity is less than the predetermined value (step S506; No), the process proceeds to step S508. If the second determination mode is OFF (step S505; No), the process proceeds to step S508.

  If the third determination mode is in the ON state (step S508; Yes), it is checked whether or not the connected remote panel 40 is attached to the joint portion of the image forming apparatus 10 (step S509).

  If it is mounted (step S509; Yes), the flag 3 is set (step S510) and the process proceeds to step S511. If it is not attached (step S509; No), the process proceeds to step S511. If the third determination mode is OFF (step S508; No), the process proceeds to step S511.

  If any of the flags (flag 1 to flag 3) is set (step S511; Yes), it is determined that the determination result can be printed (step S513), and this process is terminated.

  If no flag is set (step S511; No), it is determined that the determination result cannot be printed (step S512), and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 9 shows a state in which the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint portion of the image forming apparatus 10. In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to be slidable at a lower portion of the operation display unit 30 between a state housed in the operation display unit 30 and a state pulled out from the operation display unit 30. The panel support part 36 corresponds to the joint part.

  9A shows a state in which the panel support portion 36 is housed in the remote panel 40, and FIG. 9B shows a state in which the panel support portion 36 is pulled out.

  An interface 35 is provided on the panel support portion 36, and when the user attaches the remote panel 40 to the panel support portion 36, communication between the device joint portion 49 of the remote panel 40 and the interface 35 becomes possible. Connect like so. FIG. 9C shows a state where the remote panel 40 is mounted on the panel support portion 36.

  In the connected state, since the same screen is displayed on the remote panel 40 and the operation display unit 30, the remote panel 40 and the image forming apparatus 10 are in a connected state, and the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint. In this case, the display on the operation display unit 30 may be turned off.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a box is used as a method for associating a panel ID and an acquired image, but association may be performed by other methods. For example, additional information such as a panel ID may be added to the acquired image file and stored. In this case, when the second instruction is input, it is checked whether or not the acquired image associated with the panel ID of the input machine is stored. If the acquired image associated with the panel ID of the input machine is stored, the acquired image is read and printed.

  In the embodiments of the present invention, the operations such as polling reception and pull print are described as the operations in which the first instruction instructs execution. However, the operations instructed by the first instruction to execute are performed on these jobs. Not exclusively. Any other operation or job may be used as long as it is an operation (job) for acquiring an image from an external device and printing it.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the interface 35 is used only to determine whether or not the remote panel 40 is attached to the joint, but when communicating with the remote panel 40 attached to the joint. May transmit / receive data via the interface 35 instead of communication via the LAN 3.

  In FIG. 8 of the embodiment of the present invention, when all the determination modes are OFF, none of the flags is set and printing is impossible. However, when all the determination modes are OFF, the determination result can be printed. Also good. Further, the determination mode described in the embodiment may not be provided. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 invalidates the second instruction when the second instruction is input from the operation panel 30 and operates according to the second instruction when the second instruction is input from the remote panel 40. do it.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the remote panel 40 is a portable terminal, but it may be a terminal such as a PC terminal that cannot be carried around.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the first instruction is received from the remote panel 40, the acquired image is stored and the image is transmitted to the remote panel 40. However, the image may not be transmitted.

3 ... LAN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Telephone line 6 ... Network 7 ... Print system 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Nonvolatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Image processing part 17 ... Printer part 18 ... Scanner part 19 ... Network I / F part 20 ... Wireless LAN module 21 ... NIC
22 ... Facsimile communication unit 23 ... Modem / NCU
24 ... Remote panel joining judgment part 25 ... Power supply control part 26 ... Remote control judgment part 30 ... Operation display part 31 ... Display part 32 ... Operation part 33 ... Switch part 34 ... Touch panel part 35 ... Interface 36 ... Panel support part 40 (40A) 40B) ... Remote panel 41 ... CPU
42 ... ROM
43 ... RAM
44 ... Non-volatile memory 45 ... Hard disk device 46 ... Power supply control unit 47 ... Network I / F unit 48 ... Wireless LAN module 49 ... Device junction unit 50 ... Operation display unit 51 ... Display unit 52 ... Operation unit 53 ... Switch unit 54 ... Touch panel Section 60 ... MFP 70 ... Facsimile machine 80 ... Router

Claims (10)

An acquisition unit for acquiring an image from an external device;
A storage unit;
A printing section;
An operation unit provided in the device;
A communication unit that receives an instruction for the device from an external terminal;
When the operation unit receives a first instruction for instructing execution of an operation for acquiring an image from an external device and printing with the printing unit, the image is acquired from the external device according to the first instruction and the printing unit When printing is performed and the communication unit receives the first instruction, control is performed so that an image is acquired from an external device according to the first instruction, and the image is stored in the storage unit without being printed by the printing unit. A control unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit is instructed by the second instruction when the operation unit receives a second instruction for reading out an image stored in the storage unit and instructing execution of an operation of printing by the printing unit. 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the communication unit receives the second instruction without printing, the image is read from the storage unit according to the second instruction and printed by the printing unit. Image forming apparatus. The controller is
When the communication unit receives the first instruction, the identification information of the external terminal that is the transmission source of the first instruction is associated with the image acquired from the external device according to the first instruction and stored in the storage unit. ,
When the communication unit receives the second instruction, the image associated with the same identification information as the identification information of the external terminal that has transmitted the second instruction is read from the storage unit and printed by the printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to perform. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an image from an external device by polling reception in facsimile communication or network pull printing. When the communication unit receives the first instruction, the control unit obtains an image acquired from an external device according to the first instruction and stored in the storage unit or a reduced image of the image according to the first instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits the image to an external terminal that is a transmission source to display the image. A determination unit for determining a connection state between the communication unit and the external terminal;
Whether the control unit executes the printing indicated by the second instruction based on the determination result of the determination unit regarding the external terminal that is the transmission source of the second instruction when the communication unit receives the second instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not. The determination unit determines whether the external terminal is connected to the communication unit by wire,
The said control part performs the printing which the said 2nd instruction | indication performs, when the judgment result of the said judgment part shows that the said external terminal is connected to the said communication part by wire. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The communication unit communicates with the external terminal by wireless communication,
The determination unit determines whether or not a radio wave intensity in communication between the external terminal and the communication unit is a predetermined value or more,
The said control part performs the printing which the said 2nd instruction | indication performs, when the judgment result of the said judgment part shows that the said electromagnetic wave intensity is more than predetermined value. Image forming apparatus. It further comprises a joint part to which the external terminal is attached,
The determination unit determines whether the external terminal is attached to the joint,
The said control part performs the printing which the said 2nd instruction | indication performs, when the judgment result of the said judgment part shows that the said external terminal is mounted | worn with the said junction part. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The determination unit determines whether the distance to the external terminal is within a predetermined short distance,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit executes printing indicated by the second instruction when the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the determination result is within a predetermined short distance.

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