JP6186861B2 - Printing system, image forming apparatus, terminal device, and printing processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a print processing method.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer), copying, printing, and the like are executed according to various types of print setting information. The print setting information relates to items of copying and printing such as paper size (magnification), single-sided printing, double-sided printing, color printing, and monochrome printing. Such print setting information is not only set from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, but may be input from a terminal device connectable to the image forming apparatus.

  When receiving an input of print setting information by a user operation, the terminal device transmits the print setting information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives the print setting information from the terminal device, and executes copying and printing according to the print setting information. The terminal device is a user-owned mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The communication between the terminal apparatus and the image forming apparatus uses near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that an operation for print setting is complicated. Specifically, in the prior art, in order to cause the image forming apparatus to execute copying or printing, the copying and printing items such as paper size (magnification), single-sided printing, double-sided printing, color printing, and monochrome printing are set. The user is made to perform the print setting operation. Since such print settings are performed every time copying or printing is performed, operations for print settings are complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a printing processing method that can facilitate an operation for print setting. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a printing system according to the present invention is a printing system having a terminal device and an image forming device, and the terminal device communicates with the image forming device. A display control unit for displaying a first setting image corresponding to operation information representing information set by a user operation for causing the image forming apparatus to perform a printing process on the display unit, and the displayed first A setting receiving unit that receives print setting information set using a setting image; and a setting information transmission unit that transmits the print setting information to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit; The image forming apparatus includes a terminal communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, and a setting that determines whether print setting using the first setting image corresponding to the operation information is performed on the terminal device. A determination unit; and a setting information reception unit that receives the print setting information via the terminal communication unit when it is determined that the print setting using the first setting image is performed in the terminal device; And a print processing unit that executes print processing based on the received print setting information.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that an operation for print setting can be facilitated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the user information table. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the print setting information table of the terminal device. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of information transmitted by the setting information transmission unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the operation information table of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of operation information transmission processing by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a printing process using the operation screen of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the terminal device according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a printing processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and an image forming apparatus 50. These devices can send and receive various data to and from each other by near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). The terminal device 10 is a user-owned mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The image forming apparatus 50 is an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having at least a copy function or a print function among a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

  In the configuration described above, the user holds the terminal device 10 over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 in order to use the image forming apparatus 50. As a result, NFC communication between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 50 becomes possible. User information is transmitted from the terminal apparatus 10 to the image forming apparatus 50 by NFC, and login to the image forming apparatus 50 is executed. Here, on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50, an image corresponding to print setting information related to copy and print items such as paper size (magnification), single-sided printing, double-sided printing, color printing, and monochrome printing is displayed. . The user operates the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 and presses the print start button. As a result, the image forming apparatus 50 executes print processing according to the print settings set by the user operation. Further, the image forming apparatus 50 stores the print setting selected by the user operation on the operation screen in the memory as operation information operated by the user. In addition, about the utilization of the terminal device 10, you may enable user operation, after performing user authentication, such as biometric authentication.

  After the operation information is stored in the memory by the image forming apparatus 50, when the terminal apparatus 10 is held again at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50, the terminal apparatus 10 sends the user information to the image forming apparatus 50. Will be sent again. The image forming apparatus 50 transmits the operation information stored in the memory to the terminal device 10 when the received user information matches the user information that is currently logged in. The terminal device 10 receives operation information from the image forming apparatus 50 and stores the received operation information in a memory. Also in this case, regarding the use of the terminal device 10, user operation may be made possible after performing user authentication such as biometric authentication.

  Thereafter, the user performs print settings using the operation screen of the terminal device 10. On the operation screen of the terminal device 10, an image corresponding to the operation information stored in the memory is displayed. That is, an image for selecting print settings set when the image forming apparatus 50 is used is displayed on the operation screen of the terminal device 10. As a result, the print settings set using the image forming apparatus 50 can be easily set without selecting each item such as paper size (magnification), single-sided printing, double-sided printing, color printing, and monochrome printing. be able to. Here, the terminal device 10 stores operation information corresponding to the selected print setting, and flag information indicating that the print setting has been made using the operation screen in association with the operation information stored in the memory. To do. In this case, the terminal device 10 may be used after user authentication such as biometric authentication is performed.

  Then, in order to use the image forming apparatus 50, the user holds the terminal device 10 over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50. As a result, NFC communication between the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 50 becomes possible. User information is transmitted from the terminal apparatus 10 to the image forming apparatus 50 by NFC, and login to the image forming apparatus 50 is executed. As described above, the image forming apparatus 50 displays an image corresponding to the print setting information on the operation screen. However, it is assumed that the user does not perform print settings using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 because he wants to execute print processing that reflects the print settings set using the operation screen of the terminal device 10.

  Subsequently, the user again holds the terminal device 10 over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 in order to execute a printing process that reflects the print settings set using the operation screen of the terminal device 10. The image forming apparatus 50 determines whether or not the flag information exists in the terminal device 10 since the user information in the login state is received again without performing the print setting using the operation screen. If the image forming apparatus 50 determines that the flag information exists, the image forming apparatus 50 requests the terminal apparatus 10 to transmit the print setting information corresponding to the flag information. The terminal apparatus 10 transmits print setting information to the image forming apparatus 50 in response to the request. As a result, the image forming apparatus 50 executes print processing according to the print setting information.

  That is, in the printing system 1, the print settings set when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 50 can be easily set from the terminal device 10 in the subsequent printing, thereby facilitating operations for print settings. Can do. In addition, since the printing system 1 enables user operation of the terminal device 10 after performing user authentication such as biometric authentication, it can be prevented from being used by a third party other than the user who owns the terminal device 10. Can be improved.

[External appearance of terminal device according to Embodiment 1]
Next, the external appearance of the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes an operation display unit 101 and a biometric authentication input unit 102. Among these, the operation display unit 101 is a touch panel that displays various kinds of information and accepts an input by a user operation. The biometric authentication input unit 102 is a sensor that inputs biometric information for biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication. When a finger touches the biometric authentication input unit 102, biometric information is input.

[Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 10 includes a main CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an operation input I / F 114, an operation input unit 115, a display I / F 116, a display unit 117, and a biometric authentication I / F. F118, biometric authentication input unit 119, and short-range wireless communication I / F120. Each of the above hardware is connected to the bus 121.

  The main CPU 111 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 112 or the like, and controls each unit of the terminal device 10. The ROM 112 stores a program executed by the main CPU 111. The RAM 113 is used as a work area when a program executed by the main CPU 111 is expanded and various processes are executed. The operation input I / F 114 is an interface for enabling the operation input unit 115 to be controlled from the main CPU 111. The operation input unit 115 receives input of various information by user operation. The operation input unit 115 may be a touch panel or may be configured by an input device such as an operation key.

  The display I / F 116 is an interface for enabling the display unit 117 to be controlled from the main CPU 111. The display unit 117 is a display device that displays various types of information, and may be a touch panel or a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The biometric authentication I / F 118 is an interface for enabling the main CPU 111 to control the biometric authentication input unit 119. The biometric authentication input unit 119 corresponds to the biometric authentication input unit 102 described above. The short-range wireless communication I / F 120 is an interface for enabling the main CPU 111 to control NFC communication.

[Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus According to First Embodiment]
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 50 includes a main CPU 511, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, an operation input I / F 514, an operation input unit 515, a display I / F 516, a display unit 517, and an engine I / F. F518, print processing unit 519, and short-range wireless communication I / F 520. Further, each of the above hardware is connected to the bus 521.

  The main CPU 511 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 512 or the like, and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 50. The ROM 512 stores a program executed by the main CPU 511. The RAM 513 is used as a work area when a program executed by the main CPU 511 is expanded and various processes are executed. The operation input I / F 514 is an interface for enabling the operation input unit 515 to be controlled from the main CPU 511. The operation input unit 515 receives input of various information by user operation. The operation input unit 515 may be a touch panel or may be configured by an input device such as operation keys.

  A display I / F 516 is an interface for enabling the display unit 517 to be controlled from the main CPU 511. The display unit 517 is a display device that displays various types of information, and may be a touch panel, or may be configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The engine I / F 518 is an interface for enabling the print processing unit 519 to be controlled from the main CPU 511. A print processing unit 519 executes image forming processing such as print processing. The short-range wireless communication I / F 520 is an interface for enabling the main CPU 511 to control NFC communication.

[Apparatus Configuration According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the apparatus configuration according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the terminal device 10 includes an authentication unit 11, a device communication unit 12, a user information transmission unit 13, a storage unit 14, an operation information reception unit 15, a display control unit 16, and an operation display. A unit 17, a setting reception unit 18, and a setting information transmission unit 19.

  The authentication unit 11 performs authentication of the user who owns the terminal device 10. More specifically, when the finger is brought into contact with the biometric authentication input unit 102 and the biometric information is input, the authentication unit 11 receives the input biometric information and the biometric information stored in advance in the storage unit 14. The comparison is performed, and authentication is executed according to whether or not the two pieces of biometric information match. Then, the authentication unit 11 outputs the authentication result to the user information transmission unit 13 and the display control unit 16. Note that the authentication processing by the authentication unit 11 may be performed using a predetermined user ID, password, or the like.

  The device communication unit 12 communicates with the image forming apparatus 50. More specifically, the device communication unit 12 performs short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 50 existing within a predetermined range (for example, about several centimeters to one email) from the terminal device 10 by NFC or the like. Send and receive various information.

  The user information transmission unit 13 transmits user identification information for identifying the user of the terminal device 10. More specifically, the user information transmission unit 13 transmits user identification information such as a personal ID for identifying a user who owns the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 50 via the device communication unit 12. The personal ID is information for identifying the individual user who owns the terminal device 10, and information such as a predetermined employee number is set. The personal ID is stored in the storage unit 14. The trigger for transmitting the personal ID by the user information transmission unit 13 is when communication with the image forming apparatus 50 by the device communication unit 12 becomes possible. That is, the terminal device 10 is held over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 by the user, and NFC communication between the terminal apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 50 is established. However, the user information transmission unit 13 does not execute the personal ID transmission process when the authentication results output by the authentication unit 11 do not match.

  The storage unit 14 stores various types of information used in processing by the terminal device 10. For example, the storage unit 14 holds a user information table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the user information table. As shown in FIG. 6, the user information table includes information of a personal ID and biometric authentication data (for example, fingerprint data). For example, the personal ID is information within 32 bytes, and the biometric authentication data is information from several tens of megabytes to several megabytes. As described above, the personal ID is used as user identification information transmitted to the image forming apparatus 50, and the biometric data is used in user authentication for using the terminal device 10. Other information stored by the storage unit 14 will be described later.

  The operation information receiving unit 15 receives operation information. More specifically, the operation information receiving unit 15 displays operation information representing information set by a user operation for causing the image forming apparatus 50 to execute print processing via the device communication unit 12. Receive from. The operation information indicates print setting information set by an operation by a user who owns the terminal device 10 when printing is performed using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. That is, the operation information is information indicating what settings have been made by user operations for items such as paper size (magnification), single-sided printing, double-sided printing, color printing, and monochrome printing. For example, the operation information is information such as “color” for color printing / monochrome printing, “double-sided” for single-sided / double-sided printing, and “A4” for paper size (magnification). Then, the operation information receiving unit 15 stores the received operation information in the print setting information table of the storage unit 14. The print setting information table will be described later. The operation information is received when the terminal device 10 is held over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 by the user after printing is performed using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. The user information is transmitted by the user information transmission unit 13 also when the terminal device 10 is held over the predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 again.

  The display control unit 16 controls display of various information by the operation display unit 17. More specifically, the display control unit 16 performs control to display a print setting image corresponding to the operation information stored in the storage unit 14 on the operation display unit 17. The print setting image corresponding to the operation information is an example of a first setting image. The display control of the print setting image corresponding to the operation information is executed according to the user operation on the operation display unit 17 after the authentication unit 11 succeeds in user authentication. That is, the display control unit 16 acquires operation information from the storage unit 14 when a user operation for displaying the print setting screen is performed on the operation display unit 17 when the user authentication by the authentication unit 11 is successful. To do. The display control unit 16 generates a print setting image corresponding to the acquired operation information, and performs control to display the generated print setting image on the operation display unit 17.

  Here, the print setting image corresponding to the operation information will be described using an operation screen example of the terminal device 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, on the operation screen of the terminal device 10, simple print buttons 103 to simple print buttons 107, which are targets of “easy print”, and an enter button 108 are displayed. “Easy print” is an object that summarizes each item without having to select each item for print settings such as paper size (magnification), single-sided printing, double-sided printing, color printing, and black-and-white printing. This means that print settings can be made by selecting (Easy Print Button). The target of “simple printing” corresponds to the operation information stored in the storage unit 14. In other words, if the simple print button is used, it is possible to instruct the printing process at least once with the same setting as the print setting set by operating the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. The number of simple print buttons is not limited to the illustrated number.

  For example, the simple print button 103 allows print settings to be “color” for color printing / monochrome printing, “double-sided” for single-sided / double-sided printing, and “A4” for paper size (magnification). The simple print button 104 allows print settings of “monochrome” for color printing / monochrome printing, “single side” for single-sided / double-sided printing, and “A5” for paper size (magnification). The user presses any simple print button and presses the enter button 108.

  The operation display unit 17 displays various types of information and inputs user operations. More specifically, the operation display unit 17 displays a print setting image under the control of the display control unit 16. In addition, the operation display unit 17 inputs print setting information according to a user operation (a user operation of pressing one of the simple print buttons and pressing the enter button 108) performed using the print setting image, and sets the setting. Output to the reception unit 18.

  The setting receiving unit 18 receives print setting information. More specifically, the setting receiving unit 18 receives the print setting information output by the operation display unit 17 and sets a flag for the corresponding print setting information in the print setting information table in the storage unit 14. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the print setting information table of the terminal device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the print setting information table of the terminal device 10 includes information of an operation ID, a print setting ID, and print setting information.

  The operation ID is identification information corresponding to a simple print button that is a target of “easy print” in the operation screen of the terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the identification information corresponding to the simple print button 103 is the operation ID “1”, and the identification information corresponding to the simple print button 104 is the operation ID “2”. The print setting ID is identification information corresponding to each setting button operated on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. For example, the identification information corresponding to the setting button for color printing and monochrome printing is the print setting ID “1”, and the identification information corresponding to the setting button for single-sided printing and double-sided printing is the printing setting ID “2”. The operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 will be described later. The print setting information is information relating to print settings, and includes information on color printing / monochrome printing, single-sided / double-sided printing, paper size (magnification), and transmission flag. The transmission flag is flag information indicating that it is print setting information to be transmitted in order to cause the image forming apparatus 50 to execute a printing process. As described above, the setting reception unit 18 sets a transmission flag corresponding to the print setting information output by the operation display unit 17 (sets the transmission flag to “1”). As a result, it can be seen that there is a print process to be executed by the image forming apparatus 50 and which print setting information is to be executed by the image forming apparatus 50. As described above, information other than the transmission flag among the information included in the print setting information table is stored by the operation information receiving unit 15 that receives the operation information. The transmission flag may be cleared by a user operation, or may be cleared when power is turned on, when new operation information is registered, or when print setting information is transmitted. Clearing the transmission flag by a user operation may display an inquiry image as to whether or not to clear the operation screen of the terminal device 10.

  The setting information transmission unit 19 transmits print setting information to the image forming apparatus 50. More specifically, when the setting information transmission unit 19 receives a print setting information transmission request from the image forming apparatus 50, the setting information transmission unit 19 displays the print setting information in which the transmission flag is set from the print setting information table of the storage unit 14. get. Then, the setting information transmission unit 19 transmits the print setting information to the image forming apparatus 50 together with the personal ID via the device communication unit 12. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of information transmitted by the setting information transmission unit 19 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the information transmitted by the setting information transmission unit 19 includes information on a personal ID and print setting information. For example, the personal ID is information within 32 bytes, and the print setting information is information within tens of bytes. The setting information transmission unit 19 appropriately clears the personal ID to be transmitted, and acquires and sets the personal ID from the user information table when transmitting the print setting information.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 50 includes a terminal communication unit 51, a user information reception unit 52, a state determination unit 53, a display control unit 54, an operation display unit 55, and an operation determination unit 56. An operation receiving unit 57, a storage unit 58, a print processing unit 59, an operation information transmitting unit 60, a setting determining unit 61, and a setting information receiving unit 62.

  The terminal communication unit 51 communicates with the terminal device 10. More specifically, the terminal communication unit 51 performs short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 10 existing within a predetermined range (for example, about several centimeters to 1 meter) from the image forming apparatus 50 by NFC or the like. Send and receive various information.

  The user information receiving unit 52 receives user identification information. More specifically, the user information receiving unit 52 receives a personal ID such as an employee number for identifying a user who owns the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51. That is, the user information receiving unit 52 sets the terminal communication unit 51 after the terminal device 10 is held over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 by the user and NFC communication between the terminal apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 50 is established. Via personal ID.

  The state determination unit 53 determines whether or not the user is in a login state. More specifically, the state determination unit 53 determines whether the personal ID received by the user information reception unit 52 is a personal ID currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 50. Then, the state determination unit 53 outputs a determination result as to whether or not it is in the login state to the display control unit 54, the operation information transmission unit 60, and the setting determination unit 61. If there is no personal ID that is currently logged in, the personal ID is not checked, and it is determined that the user is not logged in. If not logged in, login is executed for the target personal ID. In addition, the state determination unit 53 receives a notification from the print processing unit 59 that the printing process corresponding to the operation information has been executed. The output of the determination result as to whether or not the user is in the logged-in state to the operation information transmitting unit 60 is executed when a notification that the printing process corresponding to the operation information has been executed is received. The printing process corresponding to the operation information will be described later.

  The display control unit 54 controls display of various information by the operation display unit 55. More specifically, the display control unit 54 displays a print setting image corresponding to the print setting information that can be set by the image forming apparatus 50 when the state determination unit 53 determines that the personal ID is not currently logged in. Control to display on the operation display unit 55 is performed. The print setting image corresponding to the print setting information is an example of a second setting image. Note that the print setting information that can be set by the image forming apparatus 50 is setting information corresponding to a print function and a copy function that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 50.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50, an item “color” for setting color printing or monochrome printing and an item “printing surface” for setting double-sided printing or single-sided printing are displayed. The In addition, on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50, an item “magnification” for setting the paper size and a start button serving as a trigger for starting the printing process are displayed. The user selects setting contents for each item and presses the start button. As a result, the image forming apparatus 50 starts print processing according to the selected print setting information.

  The operation display unit 55 displays various types of information and inputs user operations. More specifically, the operation display unit 55 displays a print setting image under the control of the display control unit 54. Further, the operation display unit 55 inputs operation information in response to a user operation (user operation of pressing each setting item button and starting button) performed using the print setting image, and an operation determination unit. The information is output to the operation receiving unit 57 via 56.

  The operation determination unit 56 determines whether a user operation has been performed. More specifically, the operation determination unit 56 determines whether or not a user operation has been performed for a certain period of time after the operation screen is displayed by the operation display unit 55. Then, the operation determination unit 56 outputs a determination result as to whether or not a user operation has been performed to the setting determination unit 61. The determination process by the operation determination unit 56 determines whether to execute a print process using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 or a print process using the operation screen of the terminal apparatus 10 for execution of the print process. Is.

  The operation reception unit 57 receives operation information. More specifically, the operation accepting unit 57 accepts the operation information output by the operation display unit 55 and stores it in the operation information table of the storage unit 58. The storage unit 58 stores various types of information used in processing by the image forming apparatus 50. For example, the storage unit 58 holds an operation information table. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the operation information table of the image forming apparatus 50. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the operation information table of the image forming apparatus 50 includes information on an operation ID, a print setting ID, and operation information.

  The operation ID is information for identifying a series of operation information using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 shown in FIG. For example, when a series of operations such as the color “color”, the printing surface “both sides”, and the magnification “A4” are performed, the identification information of the series of operations is set to the operation ID “1”. Similarly, when a series of operations such as the color “monochrome”, the printing surface “single side”, and the magnification “A5” are performed, the identification information of the series of operations is set to the operation ID “2”. The print setting ID is identification information corresponding to each setting button operated on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. For example, the identification information corresponding to the setting button for color printing and monochrome printing is the print setting ID “1”, and the identification information corresponding to the setting button for single-sided printing and double-sided printing is the printing setting ID “2”. The operation information is information regarding user operations performed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50, and includes information on color printing / monochrome printing, single-sided / double-sided printing, and paper size (magnification).

  The print processing unit 59 executes print processing. More specifically, the print processing unit 59 executes print processing based on the operation information received by the operation receiving unit 57. In other words, the print processing unit 59 executes print processing based on print settings set using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. Then, the print processing unit 59 outputs to the state determination unit 53 that the print processing has been executed based on the operation information. As described above, when the notification that the printing process corresponding to the operation information has been executed is received, the state determination unit 53 sends the determination result as to whether or not the user is in the login state to the operation information transmission unit 60. Output.

  The operation information transmission unit 60 transmits the operation information to the terminal device 10 after executing the printing process corresponding to the operation information. More specifically, the operation information transmission unit 60 acquires the operation information from the operation information table in the storage unit 58 when the state determination unit 53 determines that the user is in the login state, and the terminal communication unit 51 The acquired operation information is transmitted to the terminal device 10. When the state determination unit 53 notifies that the user is in the login state, as described above, the state determination unit 53 notifies the print processing unit 59 that the printing process corresponding to the operation information has been executed. When it is accepted. That is, when the terminal apparatus 10 is held over a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50 after executing the printing process according to the operation information in the login state, the image forming apparatus 50 executes the printing process. The used operation information is transmitted to the terminal device 10.

  The setting determination unit 61 determines whether or not print setting using the first setting screen corresponding to the operation information is performed on the terminal device 10. More specifically, the setting determination unit 61 is in a state where the user is logged in by the state determination unit 53 when the operation determination unit 56 determines that no user operation is performed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. The determination result is accepted. Then, the setting determination unit 61 accesses the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51, and determines whether or not the terminal device 10 performs print settings by simple printing using the operation screen of the terminal device 10. . Whether or not the print setting by simple printing is performed in the terminal device 10 may be determined by determining whether or not the transmission flag held in the print setting information table of the terminal device 10 exists. That is, in the login state, when the print setting by simple printing is performed and the terminal device 10 is held again at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 50, no user operation is performed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 Suppose that it is desired to execute printing processing by simple printing. Then, when the transmission flag is present in the print setting information table of the terminal device 10, the setting determination unit 61 issues a print setting information transmission request to the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51.

  The setting information receiving unit 62 receives print setting information. More specifically, the setting information receiving unit 62 receives print setting information from the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51 in response to a print setting information transmission request from the setting determining unit 61. The print setting information received by the setting information receiving unit 62 is print setting information in which a transmission flag is set. Then, the setting information receiving unit 62 outputs the received print setting information to the print processing unit 59.

  In addition, the print processing unit 59 executes print processing based on the print setting information output by the setting information receiving unit 62. That is, the print processing unit 59 executes print processing based on print settings set by simple printing using the operation screen of the terminal device 10.

[Processing by Image Forming Apparatus According to First Embodiment]
Next, the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of operation information transmission processing by the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a printing process using the operation screen of the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when a personal ID is received by the user information receiving unit 52 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step S101: Yes), the state determination unit 53 accepts login, and the display control unit 54 Then, a print setting image corresponding to the print setting information that can be set by the image forming apparatus 50 is displayed on the operation display unit 55 (step S102). At this time, when the user information receiving unit 52 has not received the personal ID (step S101: No), the user information receiving unit 52 is in a state of waiting to receive the personal ID.

  Then, the operation determination unit 56 determines whether or not a user operation has been accepted in the print setting image displayed on the operation display unit 55 (step S103), and determines whether or not the start button has been pressed (step S103). S104). The operation receiving unit 57 receives an input from the operation display unit 55 when a user operation is received by the operation determining unit 56 (step S103: Yes) and when it is determined that the start button is pressed (step S104: Yes). The received operation information is received, and the operation information is stored in the operation information table of the storage unit 58 (step S105).

  If the operation determination unit 56 determines that the user operation is not accepted (step S103: No), the process proceeds to the processing flow “C” illustrated in FIG. Further, when the operation determination unit 56 determines that the start button is not pressed (step S104: No), the operation determination unit 56 executes the process of step S103 again. Thereafter, the print processing unit 59 executes a printing process according to the operation information received by the operation receiving unit 57 (step S106). After execution of the printing process, the process proceeds to a process flow “B” shown in FIG. Note that when executing the printing process according to the operation information, the print processing unit 59 notifies the state determination unit 53 that the printing process has been executed according to the operation information. The printing process using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 is executed according to the processing flow shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, when a personal ID is received by the user information receiving unit 52 via the terminal communication unit 51 after executing the printing process according to the operation information (step S201: Yes), the state determination unit 53 determines whether or not the received personal ID is the same as the currently logged-in personal ID (step S202). It is assumed that the state determination unit 53 has received a notification from the print processing unit 59 that print processing has been executed in accordance with the operation information. At this time, when it is determined by the state determination unit 53 that the personal ID is the same as the currently logged-in personal ID (step S202: Yes), the operation information transmission unit 60 obtains the operation information from the operation information table in the storage unit 58. The acquired operation information is transmitted to the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step S203).

  Further, when the personal ID is not received by the user information receiving unit 52 (step S201: No), the process proceeds to the processing flow “A” illustrated in FIG. If the state determination unit 53 determines that the personal ID is not the same as the personal ID that is currently logged in (step S202: No), the process proceeds to the processing flow “A” illustrated in FIG. With the processing flow shown in FIG. 13, the operation information including the print setting information set during the printing process using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 is transmitted to the terminal device 10. The image forming apparatus 50 temporarily holds the personal ID received from the terminal device 10 until “end” shown in FIG. 13 is reached.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, when a personal ID is received by the user information receiving unit 52 via the terminal communication unit 51 in a state where the user operation is not received by the operation determination unit 56 (step S301: Yes). The state determination unit 53 determines whether or not the received personal ID is the same as the currently logged-in personal ID (step S302). At this time, if the state determination unit 53 determines that the personal ID is the same as the currently logged-in personal ID (step S302: Yes), the setting determination unit 61 accesses the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a transmission flag held in the print setting information table of the terminal device 10 (the transmission flag is “1”) (step S303).

  When the setting determination unit 61 determines that the transmission flag is “1” (step S303: Yes), the setting determination unit 61 sends a print setting information transmission request to the terminal device 10 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step S303). S304). Thereby, when the print setting information is received by the setting information receiving unit 62 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step S305: Yes), the print processing unit 59 executes the print processing based on the print setting information. (Step S306). On the other hand, when the print setting information is not received by the setting information receiving unit 62 (step S305: No), the setting determining unit 61 executes the print setting information transmission request again (step S304).

  If the personal information is not received by the user information receiving unit 52 (step S301: No), the process proceeds to the processing flow “A” shown in FIG. If the state determination unit 53 determines that the personal ID is not the same as the currently logged-in personal ID (step S302: No), the process proceeds to the processing flow “A” illustrated in FIG. When the setting determination unit 61 determines that the transmission flag is not “1” (step S303: No), the process proceeds to the processing flow “A” illustrated in FIG. According to the processing flow shown in FIG. 14, print processing corresponding to simple printing set using the operation screen of the terminal device 10 is executed. The image forming apparatus 50 temporarily holds the personal ID received from the terminal apparatus 10 until “END” shown in FIG. 14 is reached.

[Processing by Terminal Device According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of processing by the terminal device 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described using FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the setting information transmitting unit 19 clears the personal ID transmitted together with the print setting information (step S401). When the authentication unit 11 receives input of biometric information (step S402: Yes), the authentication unit 11 compares the received biometric information with the biometric information stored in the storage unit 14, and whether or not the authentication has been normally completed. Is determined (step S403). When the authentication unit 11 determines that the authentication has been normally completed (step S403: Yes), the setting information transmission unit 19 updates the personal ID to be transmitted to the personal ID in the user information table (step S404). . Here, the user information transmission unit 13 transmits the personal ID to the image forming apparatus 50 via the device communication unit 12. As a result, the user performs print settings using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50. In the image forming apparatus 50 that has received the print settings, print processing according to the print settings is executed.

  In addition, when the authentication unit 11 has not received input of biometric information (step S402: No), the authentication unit 11 waits for input of the biometric information. If the authentication unit 11 determines that biometric authentication is not normally completed (step S403: No), an operation by a user whose biometric authentication does not match is not accepted, and the process of step S401 is executed again. Subsequently, when receiving the operation information from the image forming apparatus 50 (step S405: Yes), the operation information receiving unit 15 stores the received operation information in the print setting information table of the storage unit 14 (step S406).

  On the other hand, if the operation information is not received by the operation information receiving unit 15 (step S405: No), the setting receiving unit 18 has received a user operation using the simple print menu displayed on the operation display unit 17 or not. Is determined (step S407). If the setting reception unit 18 determines that the user operation has been received (step S407: Yes), the setting reception unit 18 updates the transmission flag of the corresponding print setting information in the print setting information table of the storage unit 14 to “1” (step S407). S408). If it is determined by the setting reception unit 18 that no user operation has been received (step S407: No), the process of step S402 is executed again. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 50 can recognize that it is desired to execute a printing process by simple printing.

  The setting information transmission unit 19 acquires the print setting information whose transmission flag is “1” from the print setting information table in the storage unit 14, and sets the print setting information to be transmitted in association with the personal ID (step S409). . When the setting information transmission unit 19 receives a print setting information transmission request from the image forming apparatus 50 (step S410: Yes), the setting information transmission unit 19 transmits the set print setting information to the image forming apparatus 50 via the device communication unit 12. (Step S411). When the setting information transmission unit 19 does not receive a print setting information transmission request (step S410: No), the process of step S402 is executed again. As a result, the image forming apparatus 50 executes print processing by simple printing.

[Effects of Embodiment 1]
According to the printing system 1, the print setting when the print process is executed using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 is registered in the terminal device 10, and the print process corresponding to the registered print setting is performed from the next time. Therefore, operations for print setting can be facilitated. Moreover, according to the printing system 1, since user authentication processing is executed every time the terminal device 10 is used, security can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
Although the embodiment of the printing system 1 according to the present invention has been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment. Therefore, different embodiments of (1) print setting using a terminal device and (2) configuration will be described.

(1) Print Setting Using Terminal Device In the above embodiment, the case where the print setting by simple printing is performed on the operation screen of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 7 has been described. In simple printing, a plurality of simple print buttons may be displayed in order according to the reception time of the operation information. The display of a plurality of simple print buttons will be described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that operation information is received at the following date and time.
2013/01/31 09: 00, black and white, both sides, A3
2013/02/01 10:00, color, single side, A5
2013/02/01 15:00, black and white, both sides, B5
2013/02/03 22:00, black and white, single side, A5
2013/02/04 13:00, color, both sides, A4
From these, a simple print button corresponding to the last received operation information is arranged at the top. That is, the simple print button 103, the simple print button 104, the simple print button 105, the simple print button 106, and the simple print button 107 are arranged from the top in the order shown in FIG. In addition, on the operation screen of the terminal device 10, the number of simple print buttons displayed corresponding to the operation information received in the past can be set. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the number of simple print buttons displayed is the past five times. In addition, when the print setting using the simple print button is performed, the arrangement order may be appropriately changed, for example, the simple print button for which the print setting has been performed is arranged at the top. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability of the user operation when the same print settings are continuously made.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the print setting is once performed using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 has been described. The print setting process using the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 may be performed by the terminal device 10. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the terminal device 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, on the operation screen of the terminal device 10, a simple print button that is a target of “easy print” and a determination button are displayed. In addition, the “color” item, the “printing surface” item, the “magnification” item, and the start button that are targets of “print setting” are displayed on the operation screen of the terminal device 10. The display content related to “simple printing” is the same as that in FIG.

  When the print setting that has been performed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 50 is performed on the operation screen of the terminal apparatus 10, the portion of “print setting” is used. For example, the user uses the “print setting” section to make print settings. As a result, operation information corresponding to the user operation is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 50. In the image forming apparatus 50, the received operation information is recorded. In addition, the image forming apparatus 50 performs print processing according to the operation information and transmits the operation information to the terminal device 10. In the terminal device 10, the received operation information is recorded. As a result, the terminal device 10 generates and displays a “simple print” screen corresponding to the operation information.

(2) Configuration In addition, information including processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data, parameters, and the like shown in the documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed in arbitrary units according to various burdens or usage conditions. Or they can be integrated. For example, the name of “easy print” and the display content of the simple print button can be arbitrarily changed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 10 Terminal device 11 Authentication part 12 Device communication part 13 User information transmission part 14 Storage part 15 Operation information reception part 16 Display control part 17 Operation display part 18 Setting reception part 19 Setting information transmission part 50 Image forming apparatus 51 Terminal communication Unit 52 User information reception unit 53 Status determination unit 54 Display control unit 55 Operation display unit 56 Operation determination unit 57 Operation reception unit 58 Storage unit 59 Print processing unit 60 Operation information transmission unit 61 Setting determination unit 62 Setting information reception unit

JP 2004-295325 A

Claims (9)

A printing system having a terminal device and an image forming apparatus,
The terminal device
A device communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus;
A display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first setting image corresponding to operation information representing information set by a user operation for causing the image forming apparatus to perform print processing;
A setting accepting unit for accepting print setting information set using the displayed first setting image;
A setting information transmission unit that transmits the print setting information to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A terminal communication unit that communicates with the terminal device;
A setting determination unit that determines whether or not a print setting using the first setting image corresponding to the operation information is performed in the terminal device;
A setting information receiving unit that receives the print setting information via the terminal communication unit when it is determined that the print setting using the first setting image is performed in the terminal device;
A printing system comprising: a print processing unit that executes print processing based on the received print setting information. The terminal device
A user information transmitting unit that transmits user identification information for identifying a user of the terminal device to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit;
An operation information receiving unit that receives the operation information via the device communication unit;
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the first setting image corresponding to the received operation information,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A user information receiving unit that receives the user identification information via the terminal communication unit;
A state determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a login state based on the received user identification information;
A display control unit that causes the display unit to display a second setting image corresponding to print setting information that can be set when it is determined that the user is not logged in;
An operation determination unit that determines whether a user operation has been performed on the displayed second setting image;
An operation receiving unit that receives the operation information set using the second setting image when it is determined that the user operation has been performed;
When it is determined that the user is in a logged-in state after executing the printing process based on the operation information, the operation information set using the second setting image is transmitted through the terminal communication unit. An operation information transmission unit for transmitting to the terminal device,
The print processing unit executes print processing based on the received operation information;
The setting determination unit performs printing using the first setting image corresponding to the operation information when it is determined that the user is in a login state in a state where it is determined that the user operation is not performed. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the setting is performed in the terminal device. The terminal device
An authentication unit that performs user authentication;
The user information transmission unit transmits the user identification information to the image forming apparatus when authentication of a regular user is executed by the authentication unit,
The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the first setting image on the display unit when authentication of a regular user is executed by the authentication unit.   The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the authentication unit performs user authentication by biometric authentication.   The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first setting image whose display content is changed according to the reception date and time of the operation information. The device communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatus by short-range wireless communication;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal communication unit communicates with the terminal device by the short-range wireless communication. A terminal communication unit for communicating with the terminal device;
A user information receiving unit for receiving user identification information for identifying a user of the terminal device via the terminal communication unit;
A state determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a login state based on the received user identification information;
A display control unit that displays a setting image corresponding to print setting information that can be set on the display unit when it is determined that the user is not in a login state;
An operation determination unit that determines whether a user operation has been performed on the displayed setting image;
An operation receiving unit that receives operation information representing information set using the setting image when it is determined that the user operation has been performed;
A print processing unit that executes a print process based on the received operation information;
When the user is determined to be logged in after executing the printing process based on the operation information, the operation information set using the setting image is transmitted to the terminal device via the terminal communication unit. An operation information transmission unit to transmit to
When it is determined that the user operation has not been performed, and it is determined that the user is in a login state, it is determined whether or not a print setting corresponding to the operation information has been performed on the terminal device. A setting determination unit to
When it is determined that the print setting corresponding to the operation information is performed in the terminal device, print setting information indicating the print setting information corresponding to the operation information is received via the terminal communication unit. A setting information receiving unit,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the print processing unit executes print processing based on the received print setting information. A terminal device,
A device communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus;
A user information transmitting unit that transmits user identification information for identifying a user of the terminal device to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit;
An operation information receiving unit that receives operation information representing information set by a user operation for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a printing process via the device communication unit;
A display control unit that causes a display unit to display a setting image corresponding to the received operation information;
A setting accepting unit that accepts print setting information set using the displayed setting image;
A terminal device, comprising: a setting information transmitting unit that transmits the print setting information to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit. A printing processing method as a printing system having a terminal device and an image forming apparatus,
The terminal device
An apparatus communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus;
A user information transmission step of transmitting user identification information for identifying a user of the terminal device to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit;
An operation information receiving step for receiving operation information representing information set by a user operation for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a printing process via the device communication unit;
A display control step of causing the display unit to display a first setting image corresponding to the received operation information;
A setting accepting step for accepting print setting information set using the displayed first setting image;
A setting information transmission step for transmitting the print setting information to the image forming apparatus via the device communication unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A terminal communication unit that communicates with the terminal device;
A user information receiving step for receiving the user identification information via the terminal communication unit;
A state determination step of determining whether or not the user is in a login state based on the received user identification information;
A display control step of causing the display unit to display a second setting image corresponding to the print setting information that can be set when it is determined that the user is not logged in;
An operation determination step for determining whether or not a user operation is performed on the displayed second setting image;
An operation receiving step for receiving the operation information set using the second setting image when it is determined that the user operation has been performed;
A print processing step for executing a print process based on the received operation information;
When it is determined that the user is in a logged-in state after executing the printing process based on the operation information, the operation information set using the second setting image is transmitted through the terminal communication unit. An operation information transmission step to be transmitted to the terminal device;
In a state where it is determined that the user operation is not performed, if it is determined that the user is in a login state, print setting using the first setting image corresponding to the operation information is performed on the terminal device. A setting determination step for determining whether or not it is performed;
A setting information receiving step of receiving the print setting information via the terminal communication unit when it is determined that the print setting using the first setting image is performed in the terminal device;
The print processing method, wherein the print processing step executes print processing based on the received print setting information.

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