JP6493605B2 - Image forming system, portable terminal and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal that performs a cooperative operation with an image forming apparatus and a technology related thereto.

  There is a technology for linking an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and a portable terminal outside the image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1).

  Various wireless communication technologies can be used for communication between the image forming apparatus and the portable terminal. For example, communication by wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 or the like) and / or short-range wireless communication can be used. As short-range wireless communication, there are communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, communication based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) which is an extended standard of Bluetooth (Bluetooth), and the like.

JP 2012-138970 A

  By utilizing such wireless communication for communication between the image forming apparatus and the portable terminal, various applied technologies are created.

  For example, the image forming apparatus transmits radio waves to the periphery of the image forming apparatus using BLE or the like, and the portable terminal that has moved to the periphery of the image forming apparatus receives the radio waves from the BLE. It is conceivable to detect proximity to the forming apparatus.

  In addition, the mobile terminal can start various cooperative operations (for example, an authentication operation) in response to detecting proximity to the image forming apparatus.

  However, in the case where a plurality of (for example, two) image forming apparatuses are arranged side by side, depending on the arrangement state of the apparatus and / or the radio wave condition, etc., the apparatus is different from the original intention. Authentication operation may progress. More specifically, even though the user intends to proceed with the cooperative operation with a certain image forming apparatus, the portable terminal can receive another image forming apparatus ( It may happen that a cooperative operation with an apparatus different from the image forming apparatus desired by the user is advanced. In this case, the authentication operation for another image forming apparatus proceeds against the user's will.

  Such a situation can occur not only in the authentication operation but also in other cooperative operations.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when the cooperative operation between the image forming apparatus and the user's portable terminal is performed, it is possible to confirm that the image forming apparatus that is the cooperation destination for the portable terminal is the user's desired image forming apparatus. The issue is to provide technology.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is directed to a computer that controls a portable terminal: a) based on short-range wireless communication, whether the portable terminal is close to the image forming apparatus within a predetermined range. A step of determining whether or not, and b) cooperation with the portable terminal for only the one image forming apparatus when it is determined that the one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range. A step of displaying a confirmation message for confirming as a cooperation destination apparatus for executing an operation on the operation means of the portable terminal; c) the one image forming apparatus in accordance with the confirmation operation of the confirmation message by the user; a program for executing the steps of determining a previous device, wherein the program is an application that performs the cooperative operation, in said step of displaying Information, and when the application is not in an operating state in the foreground of the portable terminal, wherein the confirmation message characterized in that it is displayed using the notification function of the operating system of the mobile terminal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the first aspect of the invention, d) short-distance wireless communication with the one image forming apparatus using d) identifying apparatus identification information that is information for identifying the one image forming apparatus. The step of acquiring using the computer, and in the step of determining, the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information is determined as the cooperation destination apparatus. And

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the program is an application that executes the cooperative operation, and in the displaying step , the application is in the foreground of the portable terminal. The confirmation message is superimposed and displayed on the predetermined screen while the application is displaying the predetermined screen.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer for controlling a portable terminal; a) determining whether or not the portable terminal is in proximity to the image forming apparatus within a predetermined range based on short-range wireless communication; B) Cooperation destination device that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal only for the one image forming device when it is determined that the one image forming device and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range. A confirmation message for confirming as confirmation on the operation means of the portable terminal; c) confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by the user; , a program for execution, the program further, e) when the information for executing the cooperative operation with the one of the image forming apparatus is not registered And displaying a second confirmation message to confirm that registers the information, f) and a confirmation operation by the user according to the confirmation operation of the second confirmation message, performing the cooperative operation And registering information for the computer to be executed by the computer.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourth aspect of the invention, d) short-distance wireless communication with the one image forming apparatus using d) identifying apparatus identification information, which is information for identifying the one image forming apparatus. The step of acquiring using the computer, and in the step of determining, the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information is determined as the cooperation destination apparatus. And
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the program according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the program is an application that executes the cooperative operation, and in the displaying step, the application is in the foreground of the portable terminal. The confirmation message is superimposed and displayed on the predetermined screen while the application is displaying the predetermined screen.

The invention according to claim 7 is a portable terminal, wherein a determination means for determining whether or not the portable terminal is close to a predetermined range with respect to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication; When it is determined that the image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the one image forming apparatus is determined as a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal. Display means for displaying a confirmation message; and confirmation means for confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user , wherein the display means includes the cooperation operation. The confirmation message is displayed using the notification function of the operating system of the mobile terminal when the application that executes is not in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal And wherein the Rukoto.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, short-distance wireless communication with the one image forming apparatus is performed using the apparatus specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming apparatus. Obtaining means for obtaining information, and the confirmation means confirms the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information as the cooperation destination apparatus.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the portable terminal according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the display means is configured to display the application when the application for executing the cooperative operation is an operating state in the foreground of the portable terminal. The confirmation message is superimposed on the predetermined screen while the predetermined screen is displayed.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a portable terminal, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the portable terminal is close to the image forming apparatus within a predetermined range based on short-range wireless communication; When it is determined that the image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the one image forming apparatus is determined as a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal. Display means for displaying a confirmation message; and confirmation means for confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user . When the information for executing the cooperation operation with the image forming apparatus is not registered, a second confirmation message for confirming that the information is registered is displayed, and the portable terminal Depending on the confirmation operation of the second confirmation message to a confirmation operation that, registration means for registering the information for executing the cooperative operation, and further comprising a.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the mobile terminal according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, short-distance wireless communication with the one image forming apparatus is performed using apparatus specifying information that is information for specifying the one image forming apparatus. Obtaining means for obtaining information, and the confirmation means confirms the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information as the cooperation destination apparatus.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal according to the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention, the display means is configured such that when the application that executes the cooperative operation is an operating state in the foreground of the portable terminal, the application The confirmation message is superimposed on the predetermined screen while the predetermined screen is displayed.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an image forming system including a mobile terminal and an image forming apparatus, and the mobile terminal is predetermined to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication. A determination unit that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is close to the range, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the image forming apparatus is Display means for displaying a confirmation message for confirming as a cooperation destination apparatus for executing a cooperation operation with the portable terminal, and the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus according to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user and determining means for determining, it was useful as the display means, when an application that performs the cooperative operation is not an operation state in the foreground of the portable terminal, operations of the mobile terminal And displaying the confirmation message using the notification function of computing systems.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the one image forming apparatus stores storage means for storing own apparatus specifying information, which is information for specifying the own apparatus, A transmission unit that transmits the device identification information stored in the storage unit to the portable terminal when a request for the device identification information is received from the portable terminal by short-range wireless communication, and The portable terminal uses the short-range wireless communication to request the device specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming device, to the one image forming device, and the request unit. Receiving means for receiving the apparatus specifying information transmitted from the one image forming apparatus based on the request by the image forming apparatus, wherein the determining means is the one image specified by the apparatus specifying information. The deposition apparatus is characterized in that is determined as the cooperation destination device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the invention, the display unit is configured such that when the application that performs the cooperative operation is in an operating state in the foreground of the portable terminal, The confirmation message is superimposed on the predetermined screen while the application is displaying the predetermined screen.

The invention according to claim 16 is an image forming system, comprising a mobile terminal and an image forming apparatus, and the mobile terminal is predetermined to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication. A determination unit that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is close to the range, and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the image forming apparatus is Display means for displaying a confirmation message for confirming as a cooperation destination apparatus for executing a cooperation operation with the portable terminal, and the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus according to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user It includes a determining means for determining, as said display means, when the information for executing the cooperative operation with the one of the image forming apparatus is not registered, to confirm that registers the information And displaying a second confirmation message because the mobile terminal registration means in response to the confirmation operation of the second confirmation message to a confirmation operation by the user, registers the information for executing the cooperative operation , Further comprising.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the one image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores information for identifying the apparatus itself, which is information for identifying the apparatus. A transmission unit that transmits the device identification information stored in the storage unit to the portable terminal when a request for the device identification information is received from the portable terminal by short-range wireless communication, and The portable terminal uses the short-range wireless communication to request the device specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming device, to the one image forming device, and the request unit. Receiving means for receiving the apparatus specifying information transmitted from the one image forming apparatus based on the request by the image forming apparatus, wherein the determining means is the one image specified by the apparatus specifying information. The deposition apparatus is characterized in that is determined as the cooperation destination device.
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the display means is configured such that when the application that performs the cooperative operation is in an operating state in the foreground of the portable terminal, The confirmation message is superimposed on the predetermined screen while the application is displaying the predetermined screen.

According claims 1 to the invention of claim 18, in the case of performing the cooperative operation between the portable terminal of the one image forming apparatus and the user, the user, one image forming apparatus cooperation destination for the mobile terminal user It is possible to confirm that the desired image forming apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. It is a figure which shows the functional block of an image forming apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of a portable terminal. It is a figure which shows the time change of the electromagnetic wave intensity when a portable terminal approaches MFP. It is a figure which shows a mode that a portable terminal is approaching MFP. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a portable terminal (when the program for cooperation has a foreground operation state). It is a flowchart (when a cooperation program has a background operation state) which shows operation | movement of a portable terminal. It is a timing chart which shows the operation example in a communication system. It is a figure which shows advertising data. It is a figure which shows a display screen (login reception screen). 3 is a diagram showing a device data table in the MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the registration data table in a portable terminal. It is a figure which shows a confirmation message. It is a figure which shows a confirmation message. It is a figure which shows the input screen of authentication information. It is a figure which shows a confirmation message. It is a figure which shows a confirmation message. It is a figure which shows a display screen (top menu screen). It is a figure which shows the registration data table which concerns on a modification.

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

<1. Outline of configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an MFP (image forming apparatus) 10 and a portable terminal 50.

  The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are wirelessly connected to each other using various wireless communication technologies. For example, for communication between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal, communication using a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 or the like) and short-range wireless communication can be used. In this embodiment, communication based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as short-range wireless communication, and proximity determination processing between the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 is performed.

<2. Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 10. Here, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 10. In FIG. 2, functional blocks of the MFP 10 are shown.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating each part of the above in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image). is there. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform various types of wireless communication (including wireless communication using BLE and the like). Specifically, the communication unit 4 includes a wireless LAN communication unit 4a that performs wireless communication using a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 or the like) and a BLE communication unit 4b that performs wireless communication using BLE. The MFP 10 incorporates a BLE chip 42 (also referred to as a short-range wireless communication chip (or simply a communication chip)) that functions as part or all of the BLE communication unit 4b (see also FIG. 1). The BLE chip 42 can broadcast advertising data (Advertising Data). The advertising data includes the MAC address (Media Access Control address) of the MFP 10 and the like.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information.

  The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1). Further, the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding various sensors and the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various information and accept various operation inputs from an operator.

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. Note that the program (specifically, a program module group) may be installed in the MFP 10 via a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, a wireless LAN, or the like.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 realizes various processing units including the communication control unit 11, the input control unit 12, the display control unit 13, and the operation control unit 14 by executing the above-described program. To do.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (such as the portable terminal 50) in cooperation with the communication unit 4 and the like. The communication control unit 11 includes a transmission control unit that controls a transmission operation of various data and a reception control unit that controls a reception operation of various data.

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 6a (the touch panel 25 or the like). For example, the input control unit 12 controls an operation for receiving an operation input (such as a designation input from the user) on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 25.

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 6b (the touch panel 25 or the like). The display control unit 13 causes the touch panel 25 to display an operation screen (remote operation screen) 200 for operating the MFP 10.

  The operation control unit 14 is a processing unit that controls various operations (authentication operation, print output operation, scan operation, and the like).

<3. Configuration of mobile terminal>
Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal 50 will be described.

  The portable terminal 50 is an apparatus that can perform a cooperative operation with the MFP 10 (image forming apparatus).

  Specifically, the portable terminal 50 is an information input / output terminal device (information terminal) capable of network communication with the MFP 10. Here, a smart phone is illustrated as the portable terminal 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mobile terminal 50 may be a tablet terminal or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 50.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, the portable terminal 50 includes a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, an operation unit 56, a controller 59, and the like. Realize the function.

  The communication unit 54 can perform various types of wireless communication (including wireless communication using BLE). Specifically, the communication unit 54 includes a wireless LAN communication unit 54a that performs wireless communication using a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 or the like) and a BLE communication unit 54b that performs wireless communication using BLE. The BLE communication unit 54b receives advertising data (Advertising Data) broadcast from the BLE chip 42 built in the MFP 10 and measures the intensity of the data transmission radio wave.

  The storage unit 55 includes a storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The storage unit 55 stores various screens 500 (see FIG. 14 and the like) described later (specifically, display data thereof).

  The operation unit 56 includes an operation input unit 56a that receives an operation input to the portable terminal 50, and a display unit 56b that performs display output of various types of information. The portable terminal 50 is provided with a touch panel 75 (see FIG. 1) configured by embedding various sensors in a liquid crystal display panel. The touch panel 75 functions as a part of the operation input unit 56a and also functions as a part of the display unit 56b.

  For example, the touch panel 75 displays a confirmation message (described later) for confirming execution of the cooperation operation with the image forming apparatus. The touch panel 75 receives an operation input for the confirmation message.

  The controller 59 in FIG. 3 is a control device that is built in the mobile terminal 50 and controls the mobile terminal 50 in an integrated manner. The controller 59 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 59 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a storage unit (semiconductor memory or the like) in the CPU. The program (specifically, a program module group) may be installed in the portable terminal 50 via a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, a wireless LAN, or the like.

  A program (cooperation program) for cooperation with the MFP 10 is installed in the portable terminal 50. The cooperation program is an application software program (also simply referred to as an application) that implements various processes including a proximity detection process for the MFP 10.

  Specifically, the controller 59 realizes various processing units including a communication control unit 61, an input control unit 62, a display control unit 63, an acquisition unit 64, and an operation execution unit 65 by executing a cooperation program or the like. .

  The communication control unit 61 is a processing unit that controls a communication operation with the MFP 10 or the like in cooperation with the communication unit 54 or the like.

  The input control unit 62 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 56a (the touch panel 75 or the like).

  The display control unit 63 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 56b (touch panel 75 or the like). The display control unit 63 controls, for example, display operations of confirmation messages (also referred to as confirmation message display screens) 500 and 700 (described later).

  The acquisition unit 64 is a processing unit that acquires device specifying information (described later). The acquisition unit 64 acquires device specifying information related to the MFP 10 using short-range wireless communication with the MFP 10.

  The operation execution unit 65 is a processing unit that executes a predetermined cooperative operation (such as an authentication operation) in response to a confirmation operation (approval operation) of the confirmation messages 500 and 700 by the user.

<4. Operation>
<4-1. Acquisition of device identification information>
The MFP 10 displays a login acceptance screen 201 as shown in FIG. 11 on the touch panel 25 in a login standby state (a state where the user is waiting for login).

  Further, the MFP 10 always transmits radio waves for BLE communication at a minute time interval. Specifically, the BLE chip 42 (see FIG. 1) built in the MFP 10 broadcasts advertising data (Advertising Data) at minute time intervals. Advertising data is broadcast data transmitted using short-range wireless communication radio waves (BLE communication radio waves). The radio wave for BLE communication reaches only the peripheral area of the MFP 10 (for example, within several tens of centimeters to several meters).

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 50 receives the radio wave for BLE communication from the MFP 10 and also measures the intensity of the radio wave from the MFP 10. Specifically, the BLE communication unit 54b of the portable terminal 50 receives the advertising data (Advertising Data) broadcast from the BLE chip 42 and measures the strength of the data transmission radio wave. Further, the cooperation program installed in the mobile terminal 50 acquires the intensity of the radio wave (in the foreground operation state or the background operation state). Note that the cooperation program may also perform a part of the radio field intensity measurement process.

  As the mobile terminal 50 approaches the MFP 10 as the mobile terminal 50 approaches (ie, as the distance between the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 decreases), the radio wave intensity detected by the mobile terminal 50 (transmitted from the BLE chip 42 in the MFP 10). The intensity of the incoming BLE radio wave) increases (see FIG. 4). On the contrary, as the mobile terminal 50 moves away from the MFP 10 (that is, as the distance between the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 increases), the radio wave intensity detected by the mobile terminal 50 (BLE radio wave intensity from the MFP 10) decreases.

  Utilizing such a property, when the radio field intensity detected by the mobile terminal 50 changes (increases) to a value exceeding the predetermined threshold value TH1, the mobile terminal 50 determines that its own device is close to the MFP 10. (See FIG. 4). Specifically, the distance between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10 (more specifically, the location where the BLE chip 42 is arranged in the MFP 10) is within a predetermined range (for example, 20 cm (centimeter)) (a distance of a predetermined value D1 or less). ) Is determined (see FIG. 5). Note that the value of the radio wave intensity when the distance between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10 is close to the distance D1 (for example, about 20 cm) may be measured in advance, and the measured value may be set as the threshold value TH1.

  Specifically, first, as the user approaches the MFP 10, the strength of the radio wave intensity detected by the mobile terminal 50 gradually increases. For example, a situation is assumed in which the user approaches the MFP 10 while holding the mobile terminal 50 by hand and moves the mobile terminal 50 toward the vicinity of the touch panel 25 while holding the mobile terminal 50 held by hand. Along with such movement, the radio field intensity detected by the portable terminal 50 increases from a value smaller than the threshold value TH1 to a value exceeding the threshold value TH1 (time T11) (see FIG. 4). In response to the detection of the increase in the radio field intensity, the portable terminal 50 determines that its own device is close to the MFP 10 within a predetermined range.

  In the portable terminal 50, the cooperation program is operating in the foreground operation state (also referred to as an active state) or the background operation state (also referred to as an inactive state). Various processes (processes after the proximity determination process) including such a determination process (proximity determination process) are executed by the cooperation program. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation executed by the cooperation program.

  First, in step S21 in FIG. 6, the proximity determination process described above is performed. Specifically, when the strength of the radio wave for short-range wireless communication (for BLE communication) from MFP 10 becomes larger than threshold value TH1 for proximity detection, portable terminal 50 has its own device within a predetermined range with respect to MFP 10. It is determined that it is close to the inside. In other words, the portable terminal 50 detects proximity to the MFP 10. If the portable terminal 50 determines that its own device is close to the MFP 10 within a predetermined range, the portable terminal 50 provisionally determines the MFP 10 (for example, 10a) as the cooperation destination device, and proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the portable terminal 50 includes device identification information (information for identifying each device from each other) included in the short-range wireless communication radio waves (specifically advertising data) from the cooperation destination device (MFP 10a). ) Is extracted from the advertising data. For example, the MAC address (Media Access Control address) of the MFP 10a is extracted as the device identification information. In this way, the portable terminal 50 acquires device identification information using the short-range wireless communication radio wave from the MFP 10a.

  An area (customizable area) that can be freely used for each BLE user company is assigned to the advertising data. More specifically, the advertising data includes a company ID description area and a customizable area (unique data area for each company) following the company ID description area. Here, it is assumed that the MAC address of the MFP 10 (advertisement data transmission source device) is described (included) in the customizable area of the advertising data (see FIG. 10).

  In step S22, the portable terminal 50 establishes wireless communication (for example, BLE wireless communication) with the MFP 10a (see also FIG. 9).

  In the next steps S23 and S24, the portable terminal 50 acquires information for the user to specify a desired image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “device specifying information”) based on the device identification information. The “device specifying information” is information for specifying one image forming device from among a plurality of image forming devices, and is an image forming device (an image forming device that is going to cooperate with the portable terminal 50). ) Is information for the user to determine whether or not the desired image forming apparatus. The certain image forming apparatus is also expressed as an image forming apparatus (provisionally determined apparatus) that is provisionally determined as the cooperation destination apparatus of the mobile terminal 50.

  Specifically, first, the portable terminal 50 transmits a request for transmitting device specifying information of the MFP 10 to the MFP 10 (step S23). More specifically, a transmission request for device specifying information corresponding to the MAC address (device identification information) (a transmission request specifying the MAC address) is transmitted. In response to the transmission request, the MFP 10 extracts the device specifying information from the device data table (device information) 300 (FIG. 12) stored in the storage unit 5 of the MFP 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the device data table 300. As shown in FIG. 12, the device data table 300 in the MFP 10 stores the MAC address, IP address, model name, device name, and the like of the MFP 10. The MFP 10 refers to the device data table 300 and confirms that the MAC address transmitted from the portable terminal 50 matches the MAC address of the own device (the MAC address of the device data table 300), and the model of the own device. A name, a device name, and the like are extracted from the device data table 300 as device specifying information. For example, the model name “C652” of the MFP 10a and the device name “6th floor east side 1” of the MFP 10a are extracted as device specifying information of the MFP 10a.

  Here, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a transmission request for information for specifying a device corresponding to a specific MAC address (a transmission request specifying a specific MAC address), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case where the BLE communication establishment destination is always single, the device specifying information transmission request (of the BLE communication establishment destination MFP 10a) may simply be transmitted to the BLE communication establishment destination MFP 10a. . Then, the mobile terminal 50 may acquire the device specifying information returned from the MFP 10a as the device specifying information corresponding to the MFP 10a (the specific MAC address).

  Then, the MFP 10 transmits the extracted device specifying information to the portable terminal 50. In other words, the portable terminal 50 receives the device specifying information returned in response to the transmission request from the MFP 10a (step S24).

  In this way, the portable terminal 50 acquires the device specifying information of the MFP 10a to be logged in through near field communication (here, BLE communication) with the MFP 10a.

  In the next step S25, it is determined whether the cooperation program (cooperation application) has the foreground operation state or the background operation state.

  When the cooperation program has the foreground operation state, the process proceeds to step S31 in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, if the cooperation program has a background operation state, the process proceeds to step S51 in the flowchart of FIG.

  As will be described later, when the cooperation program has the foreground operation state, a confirmation message 500 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) is displayed, and the cooperation program has the background operation state. If so, a confirmation message 700 (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) is displayed.

<4-2. When the linking program has a foreground operating state>
First, the operation of each device when the cooperation program has the foreground operation state will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 31, the mobile terminal 50 determines whether user authentication information for the MFP 10 a is already registered in the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the matter is determined based on a registration data table (registration information) 400 (401) (see FIG. 13) stored in the portable terminal 50. When the authentication information (both user ID and password) corresponding to the MAC address of the MFP 10a (cooperation destination device) is stored in the registration data table 401, the portable terminal 50 stores the user authentication information for the MFP 10a. It is determined that it has been registered. On the other hand, when the authentication information corresponding to the MAC address of the MFP 10a is not available (when at least one of the user ID and the password is blank), it is determined that it has not been registered.

<4-2-1. When user authentication information has been registered>
When it is determined that the user authentication information for the cooperation destination apparatus (MFP 10a) has already been registered in the portable terminal 50 (specifically, in the registration data table 400), the process proceeds from step S31 to step S32. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the user authentication information (user ID “SUZUKI1”) and password “******” corresponding to the MAC address (“11: 22: 33: 44: 55: 66”) of the MFP 10a. ) Exists in the registration data table 400, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In this case, in step S32, the portable terminal 50 displays a confirmation message 510 (500) as shown in FIG. A confirmation message 510 is a message for confirming execution of the authentication operation in the MFP 10. Further, the confirmation message 510 has, for example, a phrase such as “Do you want to log in to the MFP in front of you (C652_6 floor east side 1)?” And the device specifying information (“C652” and “6th floor east side” 1 "). In other words, information related to the combination of the model name “C652” and the device name “6th floor east side 1” is included in the confirmation message 510 as device specifying information. For example, only the device name of the model name “C652” and the device name “6th floor east side 1” of the MFP 10a may be used as the device specifying information of the MFP 10a.

  This confirmation message 510 is displayed on the touch panel 75 under direct control by the cooperative application. Specifically, the confirmation message 510 is displayed in the screen 600 of the present cooperative application having a foreground operating state. More specifically, the confirmation message 510 is displayed in a dialog screen superimposed on the screen 600 of the cooperative application.

  Then, the portable terminal 50 waits for approval for the confirmation message 510.

  The user looks at the content of the confirmation message 510 to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus 10a ("C652_6th floor east side 1") provisionally determined as the cooperation destination apparatus of the portable terminal 50 is the desired image forming apparatus. To do. When the image forming apparatus 10 a (“C652 — 6th floor east side 1”) is a desired image forming apparatus, the user presses a “Yes” button 511 in the confirmation message 510.

  When the “Yes” button 511 in the confirmation message 510 is pressed and approval for the confirmation message 510 is given by the user, the process proceeds from step S33 to step S35.

  If the “No” button 512 in the confirmation message 510 is pressed and a non-approval for the confirmation message 510 is given by the user, the process does not proceed to step S35 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 are temporarily ended. Thereafter, the processing of step S21 (FIG. 6) is started again after a certain period of time has elapsed.

  In step S <b> 35, in response to the confirmation message confirmation operation (pressing operation of the “Yes” button 511) (approval operation) by the user, the portable terminal 50 uses the MFP 10 a tentatively determined as the cooperation destination device as the cooperation destination device. Confirm and execute an authentication operation related to the MFP 10a. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 obtains user authentication information (more specifically, user authentication information for the MFP 10 (10a)) registered in the registration data table 400 (FIG. 13) from the registration data table 400. The extracted user authentication information is transmitted to the MFP 10a. In response to this, the MFP 10a executes an authentication process based on the user authentication information (a process of matching the received user authentication information with the regular user authentication information).

  If the authentication is successful, the MFP 10 changes the display screen of the touch panel 25. Specifically, the display screen of the touch panel 25 is changed from the display screen 201 in FIG. 11 to the display screen 202 in FIG. The display screen 201 is a display screen before login (login reception screen), and the display screen 202 is a display screen (top menu screen) immediately after login. The user can proceed with further processing using the display screen 202 of the touch panel 25 or the display screen displayed on the touch panel 75 (for example, a simulated screen of the display screen 202).

  If the authentication fails, the display screen of the touch panel 25 is not changed and the display screen 201 of FIG. 11 is continuously displayed.

<4-2-2. When user authentication information is not registered>
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S31 (FIG. 7) that the user authentication information for the cooperation destination apparatus (MFP 10a) is not yet registered in the portable terminal 50 (specifically, in the registration data table 400). The process proceeds to step S42. For example, if the user authentication information corresponding to the MAC address (“11: 22: 33: 44: 55: 66”) of the MFP 10a does not exist in the registration data table 400, the process proceeds from step S31 to step S42.

  In this case, in step S42, the portable terminal 50 displays a confirmation message 520 (500) as shown in FIG. The confirmation message 520 is a message for confirming execution of an authentication operation (more specifically, an authentication operation including an authentication information input operation) in the MFP 10. In addition, the confirmation message 520 has, for example, a phrase such as “Authentication information corresponding to the MFP in front of you (C652_6 floor east side 1) is not registered. Do you want to log in after registering the authentication information?”. And device specifying information (“C652” and “6th floor east side 1”).

  This confirmation message 520 is displayed in the screen 600 of the cooperative application having the foreground operating state. More specifically, the confirmation message 520 is displayed in a dialog screen superimposed on the screen 600 of the cooperative application.

  Then, the portable terminal 50 waits for approval for the confirmation message 520.

  The user looks at the content of the confirmation message 520 and determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 10a ("C652_6th floor east side 1") provisionally determined as the cooperation destination apparatus of the portable terminal 50 is the desired image forming apparatus. To do.

  When the “Yes” button 521 in the confirmation message 520 is pressed and approval for the confirmation message 520 is given by the user, the process proceeds from step S43 to step S44.

  If the “No” button 522 in the confirmation message 520 is pressed and the confirmation message 520 is not approved (in the case of “non-approved”), the process does not proceed to step S44 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 are temporarily ended. To do. Thereafter, the processing of step S21 (FIG. 6) is started again after a certain period of time has elapsed.

  In step S <b> 44, the portable terminal 50 displays the user authentication information input screen 580 (FIG. 16) on the touch panel 75 in accordance with the confirmation operation (approval operation) of the confirmation message 520 (500) by the user. As shown in FIG. 16, the input screen 580 is a screen having input fields for various types of authentication information (user ID, password, etc.). This input screen 580 is a screen (more specifically, a dialog screen superimposed on the screen 600) displayed in the screen 600 of the cooperative application having the foreground operation state. Using the input screen 580, input of user authentication information is accepted.

  After the user ID and password are input on the input screen 580 and the OK button 581 is pressed to confirm the input content, the mobile terminal 50 registers the input user authentication information in the mobile terminal 50. Register (additional registration) in the data table 400, and proceed to step S45.

  In step S45, the same process as step S35 is executed. Specifically, the portable terminal 50 determines the MFP 10a temporarily determined as the cooperation destination device as the cooperation destination device, and transmits the user authentication information input (registered) in step S44 to the MFP 10 (10a). (Step S45). On the other hand, the MFP 10 executes an authentication process based on the user authentication information (a process of matching the received user authentication information with the regular user authentication information).

  As described above, the mobile terminal 50 acquires device specifying information (such as “C652” and “6th floor east side 1”) through short-range wireless communication with the MFP 10 and displays a confirmation message including the device specifying information. To do. More specifically, when the cooperative application is operating in the foreground, a confirmation message 500 (510, 520) is displayed on the screen of the cooperative application. The confirmation message 500 is displayed under direct control by the cooperation application. Then, an authentication process or the like is executed on condition that an approval operation for the confirmation message 500 is performed.

  Therefore, the user browses the device specifying information included in the confirmation message 500 and confirms that the authentication target device is the desired MFP 10 (for example, the MFP 10a on the device name “6th floor east side 1”). Cooperation processing with the desired MFP 10 can be advanced. In other words, when the cooperative operation between the MFP 10 and the user's portable terminal 50 is performed, it can be confirmed that the MFP 10 that is the cooperation destination for the portable terminal 50 is the MFP 10 desired by the user. More specifically, for example, when two MFPs 10 (the MFP 10a with the device name “6th floor east side 1” and the MFP 10b with the device name “6th floor east side 2”) are arranged close to each other, the user logs in The login process (authentication process) for the desired MFP 10 (for example, the MFP 10a having the device name “6th floor east side 1”) can be reliably advanced. If the device specifying information of the MFP 10 other than the MFP 10a desired by the user (for example, the MFP 10b with the device name “6th floor east side 2”) is displayed on the touch panel 75, the authentication process for the MFP 10b may be interrupted. Is possible.

  In the above description, the confirmation message 500 is displayed when the cooperative application is operating in the foreground.

  On the other hand, when the cooperative application is operating in the background, the cooperative application displays the confirmation message 500 directly on the screen of the cooperative application under direct control by the cooperative application. I can't. In other words, the cooperative application operating in the background cannot display the screen of the cooperative application superimposed on the screen (or home screen) of another application operating in the foreground.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the cooperative application is operating in the background, the confirmation message 700 is displayed on the touch panel of the mobile terminal 50 using the notification function of the operating system (OS) of the mobile terminal 50 as described later. 75.

<4-3. When the linkage program has a background operating status>
Next, the operation of each device when the cooperation program has a background operation state will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 51, the mobile terminal 50 determines whether user authentication information for the MFP 10 has already been registered in the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the matter is determined based on a registration data table (registration information) 400 (see FIG. 13) stored in the portable terminal 50. In step S51, the same determination process as in step S31 is performed.

<4-3-1. When user authentication information has been registered>
When it is determined that the user authentication information for the cooperation destination apparatus (MFP 10a) has already been registered in the portable terminal 50 (specifically, in the registration data table 400), the process proceeds from step S51 to step S52. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the user authentication information (user ID “SUZUKI1”) and password “******” corresponding to the MAC address (“11: 22: 33: 44: 55: 66”) of the MFP 10a. ) Exists in the registration data table 400, the process proceeds to step S52.

  In this case, in step S52, the portable terminal 50 displays a confirmation message 710 (700) as shown in FIG. A confirmation message 710 is a message for confirming execution of the authentication operation in the MFP 10. The confirmation message 710 has a phrase such as “Do you want to log in to the MFP in front of you (C652_6 floor east side 1)?”, For example, and the device identification information (“C652” and “6th floor east side 1”). )have. In other words, information related to the combination of the model name “C652” and the device name “6th floor east side 1” is included in the confirmation message 710 as device specifying information.

  This confirmation message 710 is displayed on the touch panel 75 using the notification function of the operating system (OS) of the portable terminal 50 (see FIG. 17).

  The OS notification function of the portable terminal 50 is one of the functions provided by the OS, and is a function of notifying a user of a message regarding each application (inactive application) via the OS. By using the notification function of the OS, it is possible to notify the user of a message regarding an application running in the background.

  Specifically, the cooperative application running in the background has text information (character string information) indicating the confirmation message 710 and operation details when receiving an operation on the confirmation message 710 (such as an execution command described in the URL scheme). ) To the OS. In step S52, as the operation content when the “Yes” button is pressed, the fact that the cooperative application is transitioned to the foreground operating state and that the cooperative application is to execute an authentication operation (more specifically, an authentication information transmission operation). Is specified. These designations are performed using, for example, the URL scheme “application1: // auth?”. The URL scheme is specified in a format such as “(application name): // (command name in application)?”.

  The OS displays a confirmation message 710 on the touch panel 75 based on the text information received from the cooperative application. For example, the confirmation message 710 is displayed superimposed on a screen (for example, a home screen or a screen of another application) displayed in the foreground at that time.

  Then, the portable terminal 50 waits for approval for the confirmation message 710.

  The user looks at the content of the confirmation message 710 and determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 10a ("C652_6th floor east side 1") provisionally determined as the cooperation destination apparatus of the portable terminal 50 is the desired image forming apparatus. judge.

  When the “Yes” button 711 in the confirmation message 710 is pressed and approval for the confirmation message 710 is given by the user, the process proceeds from step S53 to step S54.

  If the “No” button 712 in the confirmation message 710 is pressed and a non-approval for the confirmation message 710 is given by the user, the process does not proceed to step S54 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 8 are temporarily ended. Thereafter, the processing of step S21 (FIG. 6) is started again after a certain period of time has elapsed.

  In step S54, the cooperative application transitions from the background operation state to the foreground operation state. In the next step S55, the portable terminal 50 determines the MFP 10a that has been provisionally determined as the cooperation destination device as the cooperation destination device, and executes an authentication operation related to the MFP 10a.

  Specifically, an operation based on the URL scheme specified as a command to be executed when the “Yes” button 711 is pressed is performed. For example, based on the URL scheme “application1: // auth?”, The cooperative application (“application1”) transitions to the foreground operation state, and an authentication operation (operation corresponding to the command “auth”) as an operation in the cooperative application. (More specifically, authentication information transmission operation) is executed. The authentication operation is the same as step S35.

  Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 extracts the user authentication information (more specifically, user authentication information for the MFP 10 (10a)) registered in the registration data table 400 (FIG. 13) from the registration data table 400. Then, the extracted user authentication information is transmitted to the MFP 10a. In response to this, the MFP 10a executes an authentication process based on the user authentication information (a process of matching the received user authentication information with the regular user authentication information).

  If the authentication is successful, the MFP 10 changes the display screen of the touch panel 25. Specifically, the display screen of the touch panel 25 is changed from the display screen 201 in FIG. 11 to the display screen 202 in FIG.

  If the authentication fails, the display screen of the touch panel 25 is not changed and the display screen 201 of FIG. 11 is continuously displayed.

<4-3-2. When user authentication information is not registered>
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the user authentication information for the cooperation destination apparatus (MFP 10a) is not yet registered in the portable terminal 50 (specifically, in the registration data table 400), the process proceeds to step S62. move on. For example, when the user authentication information corresponding to the MAC address (“11: 22: 33: 44: 55: 66”) of the MFP 10a does not exist in the registration data table 400, the process proceeds from step S51 to step S62.

  In this case, in step S62, the portable terminal 50 displays a confirmation message 720 (700) as shown in FIG. The confirmation message 720 is a message for confirming execution of an authentication operation (more specifically, an authentication operation including an authentication information input operation) in the MFP 10a. Further, the confirmation message 720 has a wording such as “Authentication information corresponding to the front MFP (C652_6 floor east side 1) is not registered. Do you want to log in after registering the authentication information?”. And device specifying information (“C652” and “6th floor east side 1”).

  This confirmation message 720 is displayed on the touch panel 75 using the notification function of the operating system (OS) of the portable terminal 50 (see FIG. 17).

  Specifically, the cooperative application that is executed in the background displays text information (character string information) indicating the confirmation message 720 and the operation content when the operation is accepted for the confirmation message 720 (such as an execution command described in the URL scheme). ) To the OS. In step S52, as the operation content when the “Yes” button is pressed, the cooperative application is caused to transition to the foreground operation state and the cooperative application performs an authentication operation (more specifically, an authentication information registration operation (input operation)). It is specified that it should be done. These designations are performed using, for example, the URL scheme “application1: // register?”.

  The OS displays a confirmation message 720 on the touch panel 75 based on the received text information. For example, the confirmation message 720 is displayed superimposed on a screen displayed at that time (for example, a home screen or a screen of another application).

  Then, the portable terminal 50 waits for approval for the confirmation message 720.

  The user looks at the content of the confirmation message 720 and determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 10a ("C652_6th floor east side 1") provisionally determined as the cooperation destination apparatus of the mobile terminal 50 is the desired image forming apparatus. To do.

  When the “Yes” button 721 in the confirmation message 720 is pressed and approval for the confirmation message 720 is given by the user, the process proceeds from step S63 to step S64.

  If the “No” button 722 in the confirmation message 720 is pressed and the user is given non-approval for the confirmation message 720, the process does not proceed to step S64 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 8 are temporarily ended. Thereafter, the processing of step S21 (FIG. 6) is started again after a certain period of time has elapsed.

  In step S64, the cooperative application transitions from the background operation state to the foreground operation state. In the next step S65, the portable terminal 50 determines the MFP 10a that has been provisionally determined as the cooperation destination device as the cooperation destination device, and executes an operation for registering authentication information related to the MFP 10a.

  Specifically, an operation based on the URL scheme specified as a command to be executed when the “Yes” button 721 is pressed is performed. For example, based on the URL scheme “application1: // register?”, The cooperative application transitions to the foreground operation state, and authentication information registration operation (input operation) is executed in the cooperative application.

  More specifically, in step S <b> 65, the portable terminal 50 displays the user authentication information input screen 580 (FIG. 16) on the touch panel 75 in response to the “Yes” button 721 being pressed.

  When the user authentication information is input using the input screen 580 and the OK button 581 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S66. In step S66, the same operation as in step S45 is performed. Specifically, the portable terminal 50 transmits the input user authentication information to the MFP 10 (10a). In response to this, the MFP 10 executes an authentication process based on the user authentication information (a process of matching the received user authentication information with the regular user authentication information) and the like.

  As described above, even when the cooperative application is operating in the background, the mobile terminal 50 transmits device identification information (such as “C652” and “6th floor east side 1”) through short-range wireless communication with the MFP 10. Acquire and display a confirmation message including the device specifying information. Specifically, the confirmation message 700 (710, 720) is displayed on the touch panel 75 using the notification function of the OS. Then, an authentication process or the like is executed on condition that an approval operation for the confirmation message 700 is performed.

  Therefore, the user browses the device specifying information included in the confirmation message 700 and confirms that the authentication target device is the desired MFP 10 (for example, the MFP 10a on the device name “6th floor east side 1”). Cooperation processing with the desired MFP 10 can be advanced. In other words, when the cooperative operation between the MFP 10 and the user's portable terminal 50 is performed, the user can confirm that the MFP 10 that is the cooperation destination for the portable terminal 50 is the MFP 10 desired by the user. More specifically, for example, when two MFPs 10 (the MFP 10a with the device name “6th floor east side 1” and the MFP 10b with the device name “6th floor east side 2”) are arranged close to each other, The login process (authentication process) for the MFP 10 that the user wishes to log in to (for example, the MFP 10a having the device name “6th floor east side 1”) can be reliably advanced. If the device specifying information of the MFP 10 other than the user's desired MFP 10a (for example, the MFP 10b with the device name “6th floor east side 2”) is displayed on the touch panel 75, the user interrupts the authentication process for the MFP 10b. It is possible.

  In particular, in the above, when the cooperative application has a background operation state, the confirmation message 700 is displayed using the OS notification function of the portable terminal 50. Therefore, even when the cooperative application is not in the active state, the mobile terminal 50 can reliably perform the cooperative process with the MFP 10 desired by the user.

  In the above description, when the user authentication information for the MFP 10 a exists in the registration data table 400, the portable terminal 50 displays a confirmation message 710 on the touch panel 75. When the content of the confirmation message 710 is approved, the cooperative application transitions to the active state (foreground operation state) and the authentication information transmission process is immediately executed.

  On the other hand, when the user authentication information for the MFP 10 a does not exist in the registration data table 400, the portable terminal 50 displays a confirmation message 720 on the touch panel 75. When the content of the confirmation message 720 is approved, the cooperative application transitions to the active state (foreground operation state) and the user authentication information input screen 580 is displayed. Also, authentication information registration processing is executed using the input screen 580. According to this, since the input screen 580 is displayed immediately after the content of the confirmation message 720 is approved, the user does not need to perform a menu selection operation for displaying the input screen 580, and the user authentication information Input can be started immediately. Therefore, the user can obtain high operability.

  As described above, the cooperative application transitions to the foreground operation state (active state) in response to the approval of the confirmation message 700, and whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (whether or not the user authentication information for the MFP 10a exists in the registration data table 400). Each of the processes according to (i) is immediately executed. Specifically, processing specified by an individual URL scheme (more specifically, the command name (“auth” / “register”)) is executed. Therefore, immediately after the transition from the background operation state to the foreground operation state, processing according to whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied is appropriately executed.

<5. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the MAC address is exemplified as the device identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an IP address or the like may be used as the device identification information.

  In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 receives the advertising data transmitted from the MFP 10a using the short-range wireless communication radio wave (step S21), and also includes the device identification information included in the advertising data ( MAC address) is extracted from the advertising data. In addition, after BLE communication is established between both devices 10a and 50 (step S22), a transmission request for device specifying information corresponding to the device identification information is transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10a using the BLE communication. It is transmitted (step S23). The portable terminal 50 receives the device specifying information (a combination of the device name and the model name) returned from the MFP 10a in response to the transmission request, thereby acquiring the device specifying information (step S24). ). In short, after receiving the device identification information (MAC address) from the MFP 10a, the portable terminal 50 further acquires device specifying information (device name, etc.) by communicating with the MFP 10a. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when an increase in the data capacity of the advertising data is allowed, the advertising data itself may include the device name of the MFP 10a (device specifying information). Then, the mobile terminal 50 may extract the device name and the like (device specifying information) of the MFP 10a from the received advertising data. In other words, the device specifying information may be acquired without using the device identification information (MAC address).

  Alternatively, the MAC address (device identification information) itself included in the advertising data is acquired as the device specifying information, and a confirmation message including the MAC address (for example, “MFP in front of you (MAC address = 11: 22: 33 : 44:55:66), a confirmation message having a phrase such as “Do you want to log in?” May be displayed. That is, the MAC address (device identification information) may be used as it is as device identification information. In other words, the device specifying information may be a “MAC address”. More specifically, when a sticker or the like describing the MAC address of the MFP 10a is attached to the front surface of the main body of the desired MFP 10a or the like, the user is included in the MAC address and the confirmation message described in the sticker. What is necessary is just to confirm the identity with a MAC address. Thereby, the user can confirm that the authentication target apparatus (cooperation destination apparatus) is the desired MFP 10a.

  In the above embodiment, the advertising data includes the MAC address (device identification information), and the MAC address (device identification information) is set to (establishment of BLE communication (step S21)). Although acquired before step S22), it is not limited to this. For example, when device identification information (such as a MAC address) is not included in the advertising data, the mobile terminal 50 establishes BLE communication with the MFP 10a (step S22), and then uses the BLE communication to determine the MFP 10a. You may make it acquire apparatus identification information (MAC address etc.). More specifically, after the BLE communication is established, a request for transmitting device identification information (such as a MAC address) of the MFP 10a is sent from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10a, and in response to the transmission request, the request is transmitted using the BLE communication. The device identification information (such as a MAC address) of the MFP 10a is transmitted from the MFP 10a to the portable terminal 50. In this way, the mobile terminal 50 may acquire device identification information (such as a MAC address) of the MFP 10a.

  In the above embodiment, the portable terminal 50 acquires the device specifying information of the MFP 10a by further communicating with the MFP 10a after acquiring the device identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal 50 may acquire information for specifying the device of the MFP 10a to be logged in by extracting from the registration data table 402 (400) (FIG. 20) in the storage unit 55. More specifically, an apparatus name (“6th floor east side 1”) or the like corresponding to the MAC address (the MAC address of the MFP 10a) transmitted from the MFP 10a is the registration data table as the apparatus specifying information of the MFP 10a to be logged in. What is necessary is just to extract from 402. As shown in FIG. 20, the registration data table 402 in the portable terminal 50 includes various information of one or more MFPs 10 registered in advance as cooperation targets (specifically, the MAC address and IP address of each MFP 10). , Model name, device name, authentication information, etc.).

  Further, as described above, the device specifying information is not limited to the combination of the model name and the device name, and may be, for example, only “device name” or “MAC address”. Alternatively, the device specifying information may be an “IP address”. For example, a confirmation message including the IP address (for example, a confirmation message having a phrase such as “Do you want to log in to the MFP in front of you (IP address = 192.168.30.1)?”) Is displayed. May be. When a sticker or the like describing the IP address of the MFP 10a is affixed on the front surface of the main body of the desired MFP 10a or the like, the user has the same IP address written on the seal and the IP address included in the confirmation message. What is necessary is just to confirm sex. Note that the “IP address” of the MFP 10a may be received by the portable terminal 50 in the state where it is included in the advertising data as the device identification information, or the device specifying information is received from the MFP 10a in response to a transmission request after the BLE communication is established. May be received as Thus, the device specifying information may be an “IP address”.

  Furthermore, the device specifying information may be a combination of at least two of a MAC address, an IP address, a model name, a device name, and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the authentication operation related to the MFP 10 (login operation to the MFP 10) is exemplified as the cooperation operation between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the cooperation operation may include a print output operation by the MFP 10. More specifically, a print output job is first registered (registered in the mobile terminal 50) in the cooperative application of the portable terminal 50 (at a location away from the MFP 10), and then the cooperative application is foreground or background. Assume a situation in which the system is operating. In such a situation, a confirmation message for confirming whether or not to execute the print output job may be displayed on the touch panel 75 in accordance with the proximity of the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10. In the confirmation message, the contents including the device specifying information are displayed. For example, a confirmation message including the phrase “Do you want to print out the reserved job in the MFP in front (C652_6 floor east side 1)?” Is displayed. The MFP 10 may execute a print output operation related to the print output job in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by the user (such as pressing a “Yes” button).

  Alternatively, the cooperation operation may include a scanning operation by the MFP 10. For example, a situation is assumed in which, after a scan job storage destination or the like is specified in the cooperative application of the mobile terminal 50, the cooperative application is operating in the foreground or background. In such a situation, when the portable terminal 50 comes close to the MFP 10, a confirmation message for confirming whether or not to execute the scan job is displayed on the touch panel 75. You may make it do. For example, a confirmation message including a message “Do you want to execute a scan job on the front MFP (C652_6 floor east side 1)?” Is displayed. Then, in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by the user (such as pressing a “Yes” button), the MFP 10 may execute a scan operation related to the scan job.

  Also in these cooperative operations, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described embodiment by displaying a confirmation message including device specifying information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 6c Operation panel part 10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
25 Touch panel (of MFP) 42 BLE chip 50 Mobile terminal 75 Touch panel of (mobile terminal) 500 Confirmation message (during foreground operation)
700 Confirmation message (during background operation)

Claims (18)

To the computer that controls the mobile device,
a) determining whether the portable terminal is close to the image forming apparatus within a predetermined range based on short-range wireless communication;
b) As a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal for only the one image forming apparatus when it is determined that the one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range. Displaying a confirmation message for confirmation on the operating means of the mobile terminal;
c) determining the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by the user;
A program for executing
The program is an application that executes the cooperative operation,
In the displaying step , the confirmation message is displayed using a notification function of an operating system of the portable terminal when the application is not in an operating state in the foreground of the portable terminal. The program according to claim 1,
d) acquiring device specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming device, using short-range wireless communication with the one image forming device;
Further executing on the computer,
In the determining step , the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information is determined as the cooperation destination apparatus. In the program according to claim 1 or 2,
The program is an application that executes the cooperative operation,
In the displaying step , when the application is in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal, the confirmation message is displayed superimposed on the predetermined screen while the application is displaying the predetermined screen. A program characterized by being executed. To the computer that controls the mobile device,
a) determining whether the portable terminal is close to the image forming apparatus within a predetermined range based on short-range wireless communication;
b) As a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal for only the one image forming apparatus when it is determined that the one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range. Displaying a confirmation message for confirmation on the operating means of the mobile terminal;
c) determining the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by the user;
A program for executing
The program further includes:
e) displaying a second confirmation message for confirming registration of the information when the information for executing the cooperative operation with the one image forming apparatus is not registered;
f) a step of registering information for executing the cooperative operation in response to a confirmation operation by the user and the confirmation operation of the second confirmation message;
That causes the computer to execute the program. The program according to claim 4, wherein
d) acquiring device specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming device, using short-range wireless communication with the one image forming device;
Further executing on the computer,
In the determining step , the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information is determined as the cooperation destination apparatus. In the program according to claim 4 or 5,
The program is an application that executes the cooperative operation,
In the displaying step , when the application is in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal, the confirmation message is displayed superimposed on the predetermined screen while the application is displaying the predetermined screen. A program characterized by being executed. A mobile device,
Determining means for determining whether or not the mobile terminal is close to a predetermined range with respect to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication;
When it is determined that one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the one image forming apparatus is determined as a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal. Display means for displaying a confirmation message for
Confirming means for confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user;
With
The display means displays the confirmation message using a notification function of the operating system of the mobile terminal when the application that executes the cooperative operation is not in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal. . The mobile terminal according to claim 7, wherein
Acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying a device, which is information for specifying the one image forming device, using short-range wireless communication with the one image forming device;
Further comprising
The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information as the cooperation destination apparatus. In the portable terminal according to claim 7 or 8,
The display means superimposes the confirmation message on the predetermined screen in a state where the application displays a predetermined screen when the application executing the cooperative operation is in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal. A portable terminal characterized by being displayed. A mobile device,
Determining means for determining whether or not the mobile terminal is close to a predetermined range with respect to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication;
When it is determined that one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the one image forming apparatus is determined as a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal. Display means for displaying a confirmation message for
Confirming means for confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user;
With
The display means displays a second confirmation message for confirming that the information is registered when the information for executing the cooperative operation with the one image forming apparatus is not registered;
The portable terminal is
Registration means for registering information for executing the cooperative operation in response to a confirmation operation of the second confirmation message by a confirmation operation by a user;
A portable terminal further comprising: The mobile terminal according to claim 10,
Acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying a device, which is information for specifying the one image forming device, using short-range wireless communication with the one image forming device;
Further comprising
The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information as the cooperation destination apparatus. The mobile terminal according to claim 10 or 11,
The display means superimposes the confirmation message on the predetermined screen in a state where the application displays a predetermined screen when the application executing the cooperative operation is in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal. A portable terminal characterized by being displayed. An image forming system,
A mobile device,
An image forming apparatus;
With
The portable terminal is
Determining means for determining whether or not the mobile terminal is close to a predetermined range with respect to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication;
When it is determined that one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the one image forming apparatus is determined as a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal. Display means for displaying a confirmation message for
Confirming means for confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user;
Have
The display unit displays the confirmation message using a notification function of the operating system of the mobile terminal when the application that executes the cooperative operation is not in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal. system. The image forming system according to claim 13.
The one image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing information for specifying the own device, which is information for specifying the own device;
A transmission unit that transmits the device identification information stored in the storage unit to the portable terminal when a request for the device identification information is received from the portable terminal by the short-range wireless communication;
Have
The portable terminal is
Request means for requesting the one image forming apparatus for the apparatus specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming apparatus, using the short-range wireless communication;
Receiving means for receiving the apparatus specifying information transmitted from the one image forming apparatus based on a request by the requesting means;
Further comprising
The image forming system characterized in that the determining means determines the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information as the cooperation destination apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 13 or 14,
The display means superimposes the confirmation message on the predetermined screen in a state where the application displays a predetermined screen when the application executing the cooperative operation is in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal. And an image forming system. An image forming system,
A mobile device,
An image forming apparatus;
With
The portable terminal is
Determining means for determining whether or not the mobile terminal is close to a predetermined range with respect to the image forming apparatus based on short-range wireless communication;
When it is determined that one image forming apparatus and the portable terminal are close to each other within a predetermined range, only the one image forming apparatus is determined as a cooperation destination apparatus that executes a cooperative operation with the portable terminal. Display means for displaying a confirmation message for
Confirming means for confirming the one image forming apparatus as the cooperation destination apparatus in response to a confirmation operation of the confirmation message by a user;
Have
The display means displays a second confirmation message for confirming that the information is registered when the information for executing the cooperative operation with the one image forming apparatus is not registered;
The portable terminal is
Registration means for registering information for executing the cooperative operation in response to a confirmation operation of the second confirmation message by a confirmation operation by a user;
And an image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 16.
The one image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing information for specifying the own device, which is information for specifying the own device;
A transmission unit that transmits the device identification information stored in the storage unit to the portable terminal when a request for the device identification information is received from the portable terminal by the short-range wireless communication;
Have
The portable terminal is
Request means for requesting the one image forming apparatus for the apparatus specifying information, which is information for specifying the one image forming apparatus, using the short-range wireless communication;
Receiving means for receiving the apparatus specifying information transmitted from the one image forming apparatus based on a request by the requesting means;
Further comprising
The image forming system characterized in that the determining means determines the one image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus specifying information as the cooperation destination apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 16 or 17,
The display means superimposes the confirmation message on the predetermined screen in a state where the application displays a predetermined screen when the application executing the cooperative operation is in the foreground operating state of the mobile terminal. And an image forming system.

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