JP6633026B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system in which a communication device and an image processing device transmit and receive information related to image processing by wireless communication. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing device and an image processing method capable of improving operability.

  A portable communication device called a so-called smartphone is widely used. Such a communication device is highly convenient because it can have various functions by adding various applications in addition to functions such as a camera, a game, and a media player.

  In recent years, a technology has been widespread in which a communication device is connected by wireless communication to a network to which a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) having a wireless communication function is connected, and the communication device transmits and receives information to and from the multifunction device. are doing. In particular, image data is transmitted from a communication device having a camera function to a multifunction peripheral in a network by wireless communication, and is directly printed out by the multifunction peripheral without using a storage medium, a USB cable, a personal computer, or the like. A possible system has been realized. A mechanism for transmitting image data obtained by reading a document by a multifunction peripheral to a communication device has also been proposed.

  In order to establish communication between the communication device and the multifunction peripheral and transmit and receive data, it is necessary for the user to perform an operation such as registering information on a network to which the multifunction peripheral is connected in the communication device. Further, in order to cause the MFP to transmit data to the communication device, the user also needs to perform an operation of registering destination information of the communication device in the MFP. When the operation is complicated as described above, the user may perform an erroneous operation or refrain from using the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the complexity of the operation.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a multifunction peripheral connected to the same LAN by a user dragging and dropping a setting file into a setting screen of a Web browser on a client PC (personal computer) connected to the LAN. Discloses an invention capable of displaying a user's one-touch key and an address book.

JP 2007-300480 A

  Since communication with the multifunction device has been realized directly from the portable information terminal device, it is necessary to improve the operability by minimizing the setting operation as much as possible and make the mechanism more user-friendly. It has been demanded. In the invention disclosed in Patent Literature 1, only an operation screen set for a user can be displayed, and the user still needs to perform an operation of creating a setting for himself. Therefore, it can be said that it is still insufficient to improve the required operability and simplify the operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of further improving operability.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays an operation screen for receiving an operation, a reception unit that receives an operation corresponding to the operation screen, and performs image processing according to the operation received by the reception unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit, the image processing unit includes a document reading unit that reads a document, a wireless communication unit that performs communication by wireless communication, and a wireless communication unit that performs communication from an external device. A connection detecting means for detecting a connection request of the user, and a request reception for receiving an execution request of image processing based on information transmitted and received between the wireless communication means and the external device when the connection detecting means detects the connection request Means for determining whether the received execution request is an execution request for reading a document when the request receiving means receives the execution request; If the constant means determines that the execution request for requesting the reading of a document, and request transmitting means for transmitting a transmission request for information necessary for the reading to the external device by the wireless communication means, said request transmission means transmits When a request is transmitted, an information receiving unit that receives information necessary for the reading by the wireless communication unit, and when the information receiving unit receives the information, the information is displayed on the display unit based on the received information. the are operation screens, and a changing means for changing the operation screen for accepting an operation to start reading operation and a document to select the setting information when reading a document by the previous SL document reading unit, wherein the receiving unit is started When an operation to perform the operation is received, the original is read by the original reading means.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when a document is read by the document reading means, the read document is transmitted to the external device .

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the wireless communication unit performs one-to-one communication with the external device.

An image processing method according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays an operation screen for receiving an operation, a reception unit that receives an operation corresponding to the operation screen, and reading of a document according to the operation received by the reception unit. An image processing unit that performs image processing including, and a method of performing image processing in an image processing apparatus including a wireless communication unit that performs communication by wireless communication, wherein the wireless communication unit detects a connection request from an external device, When a connection request is detected, a step of receiving an execution request for image processing based on information transmitted / received to / from the external device by the wireless communication unit, and when the execution request is received, the received execution request is when it is determined the step of determining whether an execution request for reading, and an execution request for requesting the reading of the document, to the radio communication unit Transmitting a request for transmitting the information necessary for the reading to the external device, receiving the information required for the reading by the wireless communication unit when transmitting the transmission request, and transmitting the information required for the reading. is received, based on the received information, an operation screen displayed on the display unit, the pre-Symbol image processing unit an operation for starting the reading operation and a document to select the setting information when reading a document The method includes a step of changing to an operation screen for accepting, and a step of reading a document by the image processing unit when an operation started by the accepting unit is accepted.

  According to the present invention, when a connection request is received from an external communication device to an image processing apparatus that receives an operation corresponding to an operation screen and performs image processing, the image processing apparatus receives the execution request of the image processing. If the received execution request is an execution request requesting storage of an e-mail address, the e-mail address is stored in the address book.

  In the present invention, when there is a connection request from a communication device, the operation screen is changed to an operation screen for selecting image processing based on information transmitted and received with the communication device.

  According to the present invention, when the execution request received by the image processing apparatus is an execution request for requesting storage of an e-mail address, a transmission request of an e-mail address to be stored is requested to the communication device.

  In the present invention, a selected one of the e-mail addresses received from the external device and displayed on the display unit is stored.

  In the present invention, the image processing device and the communication device communicate directly, for example, in an ad hoc mode. Thereby, control is performed such that only a connection with one communication device is established.

  In the present invention, IP address information, e-mail address information, or telephone number information of a communication device connected to the image processing device is provided as provision information for providing image data generated by the image processing device. May be generated. The destination of the generated image data is not limited to the connected communication device, but may be another communication device or a recording device that can be accessed from the other communication device. In this case, the provided information is path information or URL information in the recording device, and an external communication device can acquire the generated image data based on the path information or URL information. Since the image processing apparatus creates the provided information, the operation on the external communication device is simplified.

  In the present invention, a list of image data to be printed and output by the image processing apparatus is automatically acquired from an external device including a connected communication device or another communication device, and is displayed on the display unit in a selectable manner. You may. This simplifies the operation up to execution of print output.

  When the communication with the communication device is disconnected and the operation is returned to the default operation screen, the change is confirmed and the operation is returned only when the change is selected, so that the operation of the user may be simplified. .

  Furthermore, even if a communication device is connected to the image processing apparatus, if an operation is not performed for a predetermined period or more, the screen is returned to the original predetermined operation screen, thereby preventing an erroneous operation from being accepted. You may make it.

  An operation related to image processing in the image processing device may be accepted only when the communication device is externally connected by wireless communication. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation related to the image processing from being complicated.

  According to the present invention, the operation of the image processing apparatus is automatically changed according to the presence or absence of a communication device connected to the image processing apparatus by wireless communication, so that the operation of image processing related to wireless communication is simplified. You. Thereby, the operability by the user can be further improved. Further, by controlling so that only the connection with one communication device is established, it is possible to prevent image processing based on information transmitted from a plurality of communication devices from being complicated.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a screen change procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of a copy function. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen after a change displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of a mobile scan function. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the image processing system according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen on which a list of image data is displayed in the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen of an address list according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list display screen of address information received from a communication device. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the multifunction peripheral when it is determined that communication with the communication device has been disconnected. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a screen change procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 5. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on a display unit in Embodiment 5. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the image processing system according to Embodiment 6.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the image processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing system according to the first embodiment. The image processing system includes a multifunction peripheral 1 installed in a company, a public facility, a home, or the like, and a communication device 2 owned by a user. The multifunction device 1 establishes a connection by wireless communication directly with one communication device 2 existing in an effective area of wireless communication in the ad hoc mode. In addition to the communication connection with the communication device 2, the multifunction device 1 may be connected to a LAN in a company, a public facility, or a home, or may be connected to the external Internet.

  In the present invention, in such an image processing system, the multifunction device 1 possesses the communication device 2 when performing scanning or printing out based on information from the communication device 2 owned by the user. Simplify the operations to be performed by the user as much as possible.

  The multifunction device 1 is an image processing device that has a reading function (scanner), a print output function (printer), a facsimile function, and the like, and performs processing on image data. The multifunction device 1 communicates with a control unit 10 that controls each component unit, an input / output unit 11 using a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a temporary storage unit 12, a storage unit 13 that stores various information, and a communication unit. A communication unit 14 that realizes communication with the device 2, an image reading unit 15 that realizes a reading function, and an image forming unit 16 that realizes a print output function are provided. The multifunction peripheral 1 further includes components for realizing a number of functions, such as a facsimile communication unit for performing facsimile communication via a telephone network, but illustration and detailed description are omitted here.

  The control unit 10 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to control each component based on a control program stored in a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The input / output unit 11 includes a display unit 11a using an LCD and an operation unit 11b using a touch panel. The operation unit 11b may use not only a touch panel but also hardware keys. The operation unit 11b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user on the display unit 11a displaying various icons or buttons. The control unit 10 can specify which icon or button has been touched based on the position information touched by the user and the position information of the icon or button displayed on the display unit 11a. Further, the control unit 10 can specify which hardware key has been pressed.

  The temporary storage unit 12 uses a RAM such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The temporary storage unit 12 stores temporary information for various processes generated by the process of the control unit 10. Further, the temporary storage unit 12 stores an access key (permission information) for accessing the scanning or the printer function of the multifunction device 1 via wireless communication. The access key will be described later in detail.

  The storage unit 13 uses a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 13 may store address information for a fax function, an e-mail communication function, and an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) communication function. The storage unit 13 may store image data read by the image reading unit 15 or image data received via the communication unit 14.

  The communication unit 14 implements a wireless communication function. The control unit 10 can transmit and receive data to and from the communication device 2 by wireless communication using the communication unit 14. Note that the communication unit 14 is connected to one communication device 2 in the ad hoc mode, and cannot be connected to a plurality of communication devices 2 at the same time. The communication unit 14 has a function of an access point, that is, a function of a parent device in a wireless LAN. The communication by the communication unit 14 is not limited to the ad hoc mode. Other methods may be used as long as simultaneous connection with a plurality of communication devices 2 can be excluded. Further, the communication unit 14 is an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (not shown) provided in the multifunction peripheral 1, and a communication is realized by connecting a wireless communication device having an access point function to the interface. Is also good.

  The image reading unit 15 uses a scanner unit. The scanner unit is a reading device for optically reading a document placed on the document table 15a or the document tray, and a control unit for controlling a reading operation by the optical unit and the optical unit inside the main body of the multifunction device 1. And The image reading unit 15 outputs image data obtained by reading a document to a predetermined image memory, and the control unit 10 can acquire image data from the image memory.

  The image forming unit 16 uses a printer unit. The printer unit is arranged inside the main body of the multifunction device 1 and below the scanner unit. The printer unit generates a toner image based on the image data provided from the control unit 10, and forms an image by transferring the toner image onto paper.

  The communication device 2 is a mobile phone called a so-called smartphone. The communication device 2 may be a tablet PC (personal computer). The communication device 2 realizes communication with the multifunction device 1 via a control unit 20 for controlling each component, an input / output unit 21 using a touch panel, a storage unit 22 for storing various information, and an access point AP. A communication unit 23;

  The control unit 20 uses a CPU to control each component based on a control program stored in a built-in ROM.

  The input / output unit 21 includes a display unit 21a using an LCD and an operation unit 21b using a touch panel and hardware keys. The operation unit 21b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user with respect to the display unit 21a displaying various icons or buttons, and the operation unit 21b notifies the control unit 20 of the position information touched by the user. The control unit 20 can specify which icon or button has been touched based on the position information of the icon or button displayed on the display unit 21a. When a hardware key is pressed, the operation unit 21b notifies the control unit 20 together with information specifying which key is pressed.

  The storage unit 22 uses a RAM and a flash memory. In the flash memory of the storage unit 22, an application program (hereinafter, referred to as a print scan application) used to print out (print) image data or scan (scan) a document in the MFP 1 connected to the network N is stored. ) Is stored. The control unit 20 reads out and executes the print scan application stored in the storage unit 22, thereby realizing communication with the MFP 1 described later and transmission / reception of image data with the MFP 1.

  In addition, the storage unit 22 stores, as setting information, a resolution setting for reading received image data, a file type (format), a color / monochrome setting, a size of a document to be read, and a setting corresponding to the print scanning application. Setting information such as the size (whether or not to reduce) of the image data to be stored is stored. Further, setting information such as a print size setting, a color / monochrome setting, and a print quality setting for print output based on image data to be transmitted may be used. The setting information is initially set by the print scan application, and can be edited later by the user via the print scan application. The setting information may be separately stored for each different multifunction peripheral. The setting information may include a user name (user ID) of the communication device 2.

  The storage unit 22 may store image data in a flash memory. The control unit 20 can transmit the image data stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 1 through the communication unit 23. Further, the image data received by the communication unit 23 may be temporarily stored in the RAM of the storage unit 22 or may be stored in a flash memory for storage.

  The storage unit 22 stores address book information in a flash memory. The control unit 20 can transmit an e-mail using a mailer function based on the information in the address book stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 22.

  The communication unit 23 implements a wireless communication function. Based on an instruction from the control unit 20, it is possible to connect to the communication unit 14 of the multifunction device 1 and transmit and receive various information including image data to and from the multifunction device 1.

  A procedure for changing a screen displayed when the communication device 2 is connected to the MFP 1 in the image processing system configured as described above will be described with reference to a flowchart and an operation screen example.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a screen change procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 determines whether the communication unit 14 has received a connection request from the communication device 2 (Step S11). When determining that the connection request has not been received (S11: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S11 and waits until determining that the connection request has been received.

  During this time, the control unit 20 of the communication device 2 searches for the access point, that is, the communication unit 14 of the multifunction device 1, obtains identification information such as the SSID of the multifunction device 1, and sends the multifunction device 1 based on the obtained identification information. Send a connection request. Note that the control unit 20 may acquire the SSID of the multifunction device 1 that is directly input by the user through the operation unit 21b without performing a search.

  When determining that the connection request has been received in step S11 (S11: YES), the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 issues the network identification information of the communication device 2 to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 2. (Step S12), and transmits to the communication device 2 (Step S13). Here, for example, when the IP address of the communication unit 14 of the MFP 1 is “192.168.9.10”, the control unit 10 assigns an IP address such as “192.168.0.20” to the communication device 2 as the network identification information. As a result, a wireless communication connection between the multifunction device 1 and the communication device 2 is established.

  Next, the control unit 10 changes the operation screen displayed on the display unit 11a to an operation screen related to image processing based on information transmitted and received with the communication device 2 (step S14), and enters a standby state.

  After step S14, the control unit 10 receives an operation corresponding to the changed operation screen (step S15), and executes a scan by the image reading unit 15 or an image process of printing by the image forming unit 16 according to the operation. (Step S16), the process ends.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction peripheral 1. On the initial screen (default screen), icons 110 to 113 of functions that are not essential for the communication device 2 among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 1 are displayed. In the screen example of FIG. 4, an initial screen is an icon 110 for starting copying, an icon 111 for executing scanning (image reading), an icon 112 for executing printing (printing output), and a multifunction peripheral. An icon 113 for selecting and editing address information registered in the first storage unit 13 is included. The user can cause the MFP 1 to execute each function by touching the touch panel on any one of the icons 110 to 113. For example, when the user touches the touch panel on the icon 110 with a finger or the like, the control unit 10 detects this and causes the display unit 11a to display an operation screen including setting conditions for executing the copy function.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the copy function. When the copy function is selected, as shown in FIG. 5, a pull-down menu for setting a document size, a copy magnification, the number of copies, and the like is displayed on the display unit 11a. Is displayed. By touching the touch panel on the copy start button after setting each item, the user can print out a copy of the document placed on the document table 15a.

  A screen that is changed by connecting the communication device 2 to the MFP 1 with respect to the initial screen illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen after the change displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction peripheral 1. In the screen example shown in FIG. 6, an icon 114 named "mobile scan" and an icon 115 named "mobile print" are added to the initial screen shown in FIG. By touching the touch panel on the icon 114, the user can execute the function of providing the communication device 2 or another communication device with image data obtained by scanning the document by the multifunction device 1. Further, by touching the touch panel on the icon 115, the user can cause the MFP 1 to execute a function of printing out based on image data stored in the communication device 2 or image data stored in another communication device. Is possible. For example, when the user touches the touch panel on the icon 114 while the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 11a, the control unit 10 detects this and performs an operation screen for executing the mobile scan function. Is displayed on the display unit 11a.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the mobile scan function. When the mobile scan function is selected, as shown in FIG. 7, a pull-down menu is displayed on the display unit 11a. The pull-down menu allows settings such as a document size to be read, a file format of image data to be generated, and color / monochrome settings. Also, a scan start button for executing a scan is displayed. In addition, the pull-down menu may include a resolution at the time of reading, a compression format, a compression ratio and the like. When the user touches the touch panel on each pull-down menu, control unit 10 displays the options of each item in a selectable manner, and can obtain the selected information. This allows the user to edit the scan setting information. Then, after setting each item, the user touches the touch panel on the scan start button to start scanning the document placed on the document table 15a.

  When the operation unit 11b detects that the touch panel on the scan start button is touched by the operation unit 11b in the screen example of FIG. 7, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 reads the original on the document table 15a by the image reading unit 15, Generate data. That is, in step S16 of the processing procedure shown in the above-described flowchart, the control unit 10 reads an original to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the communication device 2 based on the issued network identification information. Execute the process.

  Thereby, the user can easily recognize and select an interface for realizing the function related to the communication device 2 from the operation screen changed by the connection of the communication device 2 possessed by the user. The multifunction device 1 issues network identification information to the communication device 2 by the access point function, and can recognize the destination. Therefore, when transmitting the image data obtained by performing the scan, it is not necessary for the user to operate the operation unit 11b of the multifunction peripheral 1 to register the destination information. Further, since communication is performed between the communication device 2 and the multifunction device 1 in the ad hoc mode, connections from communication devices owned by a plurality of users are not mixed. Therefore, while one user is connecting the communication device 2 and operating the multifunction device 1, a user possessing another communication device 2 cannot operate the multifunction device 1 and an erroneous transmission occurs. I will not do it.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 1 is configured to provide information on the destination of the image data provided from the connected communication device 2, the image data stored in the communication device 2, or various types of information stored in the communication device 2. A process for requesting the communication device 2 to transmit information is performed, and a process is performed based on the information received from the communication device 2.

  The hardware configuration of the image processing system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the image processing system according to the second embodiment.

  When the print scan application is activated, the control unit 20 of the communication device 2 searches the communication unit 23 for an access point (step S201). The information of the access point of the search result is displayed on the display unit 21a (step S202), and the selection of the access point corresponding to the MFP 1 is received (step S203). The control unit 20 transmits a connection request to the access point (communication unit 14) of the MFP 1 (Step S204). In step S204, if image processing to be executed by the multifunction peripheral 1 such as scanning or printing is determined, the control unit 20 of the communication device 2 executes a connection including an execution request specifying the content of the image processing. Submit the request.

  The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 receives the connection request from the communication device 2 (step S205), and issues network identification information of the communication device 2 to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 2 (step S206). ). The control unit 10 transmits the issued network identification information to the communication device 2 (Step S207).

  The control unit 20 of the communication device 2 receives the transmitted network identification information (Step S208). As a result, a wireless communication connection between the multifunction device 1 and the communication device 2 is established.

  The control unit 10 determines whether it is necessary to obtain information from the communication device 2 based on the connection request (Step S209). For example, the control unit 10 includes a case where the received connection request includes an execution request, and the content of the image processing specified by the execution request is scanning of image data to be transmitted to the communication device 2 and transmission of the image data. It is determined that the information of the setting information for executing the scan is necessary.

  If the control unit 10 determines that information acquisition is not necessary (S209: NO), the control unit 10 changes the screen displayed on the display unit 11a to an operation screen related to image processing based on information transmitted and received with the communication device 2. Then (step S210), a standby state is set. The operation screen displayed at this time is, for example, a screen in which functions that can be selected according to the connection of the communication device 2 are increased, as illustrated in FIG.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S209 that information acquisition is necessary (S209: YES), the control unit 10 transmits a request for transmitting necessary information to the communication device 2 (step S211).

  In the communication device 2, the control unit 20 receives the information transmission request from the multifunction device 1 by the communication unit 23 (step S212), and transmits information according to the received transmission request (step S213). For example, the control unit 20 transmits the setting information read from the flash memory of the storage unit 22 from the communication unit 23.

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 receives the information requested in step S211 (step S214), and temporarily stores the received information in the temporary storage unit 12 (step S215). The control unit 10 changes the operation screen based on the received information (step S216), and enters a standby state. The operation screen displayed at this time is, for example, an operation screen corresponding to the function to be executed, as shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the operation of the multifunction device 1 and the operation of the communication device 2 by the user.

  In step S209, the information that needs to be acquired from the communication device 2 includes, for example, the following information.

  As described above, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 requests setting information for executing mobile scanning, that is, image processing by the image reading unit 15. The setting information is information such as a document size to be read, a file format of image data to be generated, a color / monochrome setting, a resolution, a compression format, and a compression ratio. The control unit 10 reflects the content of the received setting information as a default on the setting information setting / editing screen shown in FIG. This increases the possibility that the user performs the scan by touching the touch panel on the scan start button without performing the operation of changing the setting contents on the screen shown in FIG.

  Further, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 may request information of a destination of image data obtained by mobile scanning, that is, image processing by the image reading unit 15. When the transmission destination is the connected communication device 2, the information of the transmission destination may be an electronic mail address or a telephone number of the communication device 2 in addition to the network identification information issued by the multifunction peripheral 1. When the transmission destination is a communication device other than the communication device 2 to which the communication device 2 is connected, an electronic mail address or a telephone number of the communication device may be used. When the multifunction device 1 is connected to a LAN in a company, a public facility, or a home by a communication function other than the communication unit 14, and another communication device is similarly connected to the LAN, The IP address of another communication device may be used. When the transmission destination is a recording device to which the communication device 2 and another communication device can be connected, the information of the transmission destination may be the IP address or the like of the recording device.

  Further, the control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1 requests mobile print, that is, image data to be printed out when the image forming unit 16 performs image processing. At this time, the control unit 10 receives a connection request including an execution request for specifying printing in the connection request from the communication device 2. The control unit 10 may request a list including compressed thumbnails, or may request the image data itself. Further, setting information for print output of image data may be requested. The print output setting information includes print size settings, color / monochrome settings, print quality settings, and the like. This allows the user to select an image to be printed from the list displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction device 1 and perform an operation of starting printing without performing an operation of transmitting image data from the communication device 2.

  Further, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 adds information from the communication device 2 to the address book of the multifunction device 1 as information on a transmission destination of image data obtained by image processing by the image reading unit 15, Address information may be requested. When the transmission destination is a communication device other than the communication device 2 and a communication device of the address information registered in the communication device 2, the user operation is simplified by adding the transmission destination to the data in the address book of the multifunction device 1. I do.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the MFP 1 detects the connection of the communication device 2 and changes the operation screen to the operation screen as shown in the screen example of FIG. 6, and the touch panel on the icon 114, the icon 115, or the icon 113 is touched. In this case, the control unit 10 requests the communication device 2 to transmit information according to each operation.

  The hardware configuration of the image processing system according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first embodiment, and the detailed description of each component is omitted.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment.

  The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether the communication unit 14 has received a connection request from the communication device 2 (Step S301). When determining that the connection request has not been received (S301: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S301 and waits until determining that the connection request has been received.

  During this time, the control unit 20 of the communication device 2 searches for the access point, that is, the communication unit 14 of the multifunction device 1, obtains identification information such as the SSID of the multifunction device 1, and sends the multifunction device 1 based on the obtained identification information. Send a connection request. Note that the control unit 20 may acquire the SSID of the multifunction device 1 that is directly input by the user through the operation unit 21b without performing a search.

  When determining that the connection request has been received in step S301 (S301: YES), the control unit 10 issues network identification information of the communication device 2 to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 2 (step S302). ), And transmits it to the communication device 2 (step S303). In step S302, specifically, the control unit 10 assigns an IP address. Thereby, a wireless communication connection between the multifunction device 1 and the communication device 2 is established.

  Next, the control unit 10 changes the operation screen displayed on the display unit 11a to an operation screen related to image processing based on information transmitted to and received from the communication device 2 (step S304). The changed operation screen displayed at this time is the same as the screen example shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

  The control unit 10 receives an operation on the changed operation screen (step S305). The control unit 10 determines whether the function selected by the operation received by the operation unit 11b is “mobile scan”, “mobile print”, or “address list” (step). S306).

  When determining that “mobile scan” has been selected in step S306 (S306: mobile scan), the control unit 10 requests setting information for executing image processing by the image reading unit 15 (step S307). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the requested setting information has been received (step S308). If it is determined that the requested setting information has not been received (S308: NO), the process returns to step S308 and continues until it is determined that it has been received. stand by. When determining that the requested setting information has been received (S308: YES), the control unit 10 changes the operation screen displayed on the display unit 11a based on the received setting information (step S309). The operation screen after the change in step S309 is the screen as shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, and is changed by reflecting the content in the received setting information. Thereby, the user can reach the display of the scan start button for starting the scan based on the setting information stored in the communication device 2 only by touching the touch panel on the “mobile scan” icon 114 in step S305. Operation is simplified.

  Note that the control unit 10 may receive a change in the setting using the operation unit 11b based on the received setting information (Step S310). The control unit 10 executes image reading (scanning) by the image reading unit 15 based on the setting indicated by the received setting information or the setting received in step S310 (step S311), and the image generated by the image reading unit 15 The data is transmitted to the communication device 2 (step S312).

  The control unit 10 is a storage unit that can be shared from other communication devices so that the image data generated by the image reading unit 15 can be acquired from other communication devices in addition to being transmitted to the communication device 2. 13 is created (step S313), the created offer information is transmitted to the communication device 2 (step S314), and the process related to the mobile scan function ends. The provided information in step S313 may be an e-mail address, a telephone number, or the like of another communication device itself, or may be path information on a sharable recording device other than the storage unit 13. The image data generated by the process in step S311 may be transmitted to the server to be recorded on the server indicated by the URL (S312), the URL may be created as provided information, and transmitted to the communication device 2. . Further, the MFP 1 is connected to a LAN in a company, a public facility, or a home to which the MFP 1 is connected by a communication function other than the communication unit 14, and the destination of the generated image data is set to a communication device in the LAN. Alternatively, when a server or a recording device is used, path information and URL information for obtaining image data from these transmission destinations may be created as provision information and transmitted to the communication device 2.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S306 that “mobile print” has been selected (S306: mobile print), the image forming unit 16 executes a list of image data to be printed and output (step S306: mobile print). A request for identification information of an image and a thumbnail) is made (step S315). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the requested list of image data has been received (step S316). If it is determined that the list has not been received (S316: NO), the process returns to step S316 and determines that the list has been received. Wait until you do. When determining that the requested list of image data has been received (S316: YES), the control unit 10 changes the screen based on the received list so that the display unit 11a displays a list of image data (thumbnail). (Step S317).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which a list of image data is displayed according to the third embodiment. In the example of FIG. 11, thumbnails of the received image data are displayed in a list from “mobile1” that is the identification information of the communication device 2. The user can select any of the displayed thumbnails.

Returning to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, the description will be continued.
The control unit 10 accepts an operation to be selected by touching the touch panel on the screen displayed in step S317 by the user through the operation unit 11b (step S318), and requests transmission of the selected image data (not a thumbnail). (Step S319). The control unit 10 determines whether the requested image data has been received (step S320). If it is determined that the requested image data has not been received (S320: NO), the process returns to step S320 until it is determined that the requested image data has been received. stand by. When the control unit 10 determines that the requested image data has been received (S320: YES), the image forming unit 16 performs print output based on the received image data (step S321), and performs processing related to the mobile print function. To end.

  Accordingly, the user operates the communication device 2 to connect to the multifunction device 1 and touches the touch panel on the “mobile print” icon 115 on the changed operation screen displayed on the display unit 11 a of the multifunction device 1. Only with this, it is possible to reach the operation screen as shown in FIG. When the user touches the touch panel on the print start button in a state where a desired image is selected from the list of image data as shown in FIG. it can. Thus, it is possible to simplify the operation of the user.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S306 that “address list” has been selected (S306: address list), the control unit 10 registers the address information obtained from the communication device 2 in the multifunction device 1 in order to perform processing for registering the information in the multifunction device 1. Is requested (step S322). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the requested address information has been received (step S323). If it is determined that the requested address information has not been received (S323: NO), the process returns to step S323 until the determination is made that the received address information has been received. stand by. When the control unit 10 determines that the requested address information has been received (S323: YES), the control unit 10 changes the screen to an address list display screen including an icon for displaying the received address information (step S324).

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an address list screen according to the third embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the address information registered in advance in the MFP 1 is displayed in the order of the Japanese syllabary. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the address information includes destination identification information (name), a telephone number, and an e-mail address. By the processing in step S324, the icon 116 of “mobile” for displaying the address information received from the communication device 2 is displayed in the list display of the address information.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list display screen of the address information received from the communication device 2. In the example of the screen shown in FIG. 12, when the user touches the touch panel on the icon 116, the control unit 10 detects this by the operation unit 11b and displays the example of the screen shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, a list of received address information from “mobile1” that is identification information of the communication device 2 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 13, the control unit 10 has received the e-mail addresses of the destinations "user1" and "user2" from the communication device 2 in step S323. The user can select any of the displayed address information of "user1" and the address information of "user2". When the user touches the touch panel on any of the address information to select the address information and touches the touch panel on the registration button displayed on the same screen, the control unit 10 determines that the address information is selected. Is detected and registration processing is performed.

Returning to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, the description will be continued.
The control unit 10 accepts the selection of the address information to be registered from the address information received from the communication device 2 (Step S325). As described above, the details of the processing in step S325 are realized by detecting selection of the address information and touch of the registration button on the list display screen of the address information received from the communication device 2. The control unit 10 adds the selected address information to the address book of the storage unit 13 and stores it (step S326), and ends the address information registration process based on the information from the communication device 2.

  As a result, the user operates the communication device 2 to connect to the MFP 1, and touches the touch panel on the “address list” icon 113 to reach the operation screen on which the “mobile” icon 116 is displayed. After touching the touch panel on the icon 116, the user selects the desired address information and touches the registration button, whereby the address information registered in the communication device 2 can be registered in the multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 automatically acquires the address information from the communication device 2 and displays a screen for displaying the acquired address information and accepting the selection, so that the operation of the user can be simplified.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first to third embodiments, when the communication device 2 is connected to the multifunction device 1, the process for appropriately changing the operation screen and simplifying the operation has been described. In the fourth embodiment, a description will be given of a process of changing an operation screen when communication between the communication apparatus 2 and the multifunction peripheral 1 is disconnected.

  The hardware configuration of the image processing system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first embodiment, and the detailed description of each component is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the MFP 1 according to the fourth embodiment. After the communication connection between the communication device 2 and the multifunction device 1 is established as described in the first to third embodiments, the processing procedure shown in FIG. Are executed independently and at any time.

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 determines whether the communication unit 14 has disconnected the communication device 2 (step S41).

  When the control unit 10 determines that the connection has been disconnected in step S41 (S41: YES), the control unit 10 receives a selection as to whether or not to return the operation screen (step S42). Specifically, in step S42, control unit 10 causes display unit 11a to display a screen (dialog) for accepting selection of whether to return the operation screen. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the MFP 1 when it is determined that communication with the communication device 2 has been disconnected. In the example of FIG. 15, a message indicating that the connection with the communication device 2 has been disconnected and a message inquiring whether to store information acquired from the communication device in the MFP 1 are displayed. If “Yes” is selected here, it is selected not to return the operation screen to the initial screen (see FIG. 4). Conversely, if "No" is selected, it is selected to return the operation screen to the initial screen.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the description will be continued.
The control unit 10 determines whether or not the return of the operation screen is selected in step S42 (step S43). When the control unit 10 determines that the return of the operation screen has been selected (S43: YES), the control unit 10 interrupts the processing that has been executed until then, returns the operation screen to the initial screen (step S44), and ends the processing. . In step S44, not only the operation screen is returned to the initial screen, but also the information temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 12 or the like may be deleted.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the selection to return the operation screen has not been made (S43: NO), the processing ends as it is. In this case, the display of the changed operation screen is maintained.

  As described above, when the communication connection with the communication device 2 is disconnected, the operation screen is automatically returned to the initial screen, thereby simplifying the operation of the user. By accepting the selection of whether to return to the initial screen as shown in the above processing procedure, it is possible to prevent the operation from becoming complicated when the communication connection is disconnected contrary to the user's intention Becomes As such a situation, for example, there may be a case where it is desired to store the address information in the MFP 1 even if the connection is disconnected. Further, there may be a case where, even if the communication connection is disconnected, it is desired to continue the print output based on the image data once transmitted to the multifunction device 1. If the user is disconnected due to a communication failure on the way and restarts the transmission and reception of the image data again, the operation of the user is complicated. Further, even if the communication connection is disconnected, there may be a case where it is desired to continue processing such as transmitting image data generated by scanning to another recording apparatus. Even in this case, even if the transmission is disconnected due to a communication failure during the processing, if the transmission destination is not the communication device 2, there is no problem if the processing is continued as it is, and even if the transmission destination is the communication device 2, If it is within a predetermined time when the connection is restored, there may be a case where transmission of image data is desired to be performed.

  When the control unit 10 determines in step S41 that the connection with the communication device 2 is valid and has not been disconnected (S41: NO), a certain period (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the latest operation. It is determined whether or not (step S45). When determining that the fixed period has not elapsed (S45: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S41. When determining that the certain period has elapsed (S45: YES), the control unit 10 determines that the operation has been interrupted, returns the operation screen to the initial screen (S44), and ends the processing. Also in this case, information temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 12 or the like may be deleted.

  In this way, when a certain period of time has elapsed without any operation being performed, the operation is interrupted and the screen is automatically returned to the initial screen, whereby an erroneous operation is performed by a different user regarding the interrupted operation. The occurrence of such a situation can be prevented.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first to fourth embodiments, an initial screen (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction device 1, and when the communication device 2 is connected, transmission and reception with the communication device 2 are performed. The operation screen is changed to the operation screen related to the processing based on the information to be performed. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the operation is not accepted until the communication device 2 is connected, even if the initial operation screen is displayed.

  The hardware configuration of the image processing system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a screen change procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether the communication unit 14 has received a connection request from the communication device 2 (Step S51). At this point, for example, it is assumed that the operation screen is not displayed on the display unit 11a. Although the operation screen is displayed, the display luminance may be reduced.

  When determining that the connection request has not been received (S51: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the operation unit 11b has been operated (step S52). In step S52, the control unit 10 determines that an operation has been performed when the touch panel of the operation unit 11b has been touched or another hardware key or the like has been pressed. If the control unit 10 determines that the operation unit 11b has not been operated (S52: NO), the process returns to step S51, and waits.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S52 that the operation unit 11b has been operated in spite of not receiving the connection request (S52: YES), the control unit 10 displays a message indicating that the operation is not accepted on the display unit 11a. Then, the process returns to step S51 and waits. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the display unit 11a according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the display unit 11a shows a message indicating that the communication device 2 cannot be used until the communication device 2 is connected for communication. Thus, until the communication device 2 is connected, even if the user touches the operation unit 11b, the operation is not accepted and the image processing is not executed.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 16, the description will be continued.
When the control unit 10 determines that the connection request has been received (S51: YES), the control unit 10 issues network identification information of the communication device 2 to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 2 (step S54). 2 (step S55). As a result, a wireless communication connection between the multifunction device 1 and the communication device 2 is established.

  Next, the control unit 10 displays the operation screen (FIG. 6) related to the image processing based on the information transmitted and received between the communication device 2 and the operation screen displayed on the display unit 11a (step S56). Become. Thereafter, when the user touches the operation unit 11b, the operation is accepted.

  The control unit 10 receives an operation corresponding to the displayed operation screen (step S57), and executes image processing of scanning by the image reading unit 15 or printing by the image forming unit 16 (step S58) according to the operation. To end.

  As a result, only the user who carries the communication device 2, activates the print scan application, and connects to the multifunction device 1 can operate the multifunction device 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation related to the image processing from being complicated.

(Embodiment 6)
In the sixth embodiment, when connected to the communication device 2, the multifunction device 1 changes the operation screen to a screen (custom menu) uniquely corresponding to the communication device 2.

  The hardware configuration of the image processing system according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment except for the information described below stored in the storage unit 22 of the communication device 2. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, the flash memory of the storage unit 22 of the communication device 2 has a UI (User Interface) definition for defining a configuration of an operation screen for the communication device 2 in the multifunction device 1 in association with the print scan application. Information is stored. The UI definition information is, for example, information described in an HTML format, an XML format, or the like. In this case, the multifunction peripheral 1 has a Web browser function, reads out the UI definition information transmitted from the communication device 2 by the Web browser function, and creates and displays an operation screen for the communication device 2.

  A procedure for changing the operation screen of the multifunction device 1 uniquely to the communication device 2 using such UI definition information will be described below.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the image processing system according to the sixth embodiment.

  When the print scanning application is activated, the control unit 20 of the communication device 2 searches the communication unit 23 for an access point (step S601). The information of the access point as the search result is displayed on the display unit 21a (step S602), and the selection of the access point corresponding to the MFP 1 is received (step S603). The control unit 20 transmits a connection request to the access point (the communication unit 14) of the multifunction device 1 (Step S604). In step S604, when image processing to be executed in the multifunction device 1, such as scanning or printing, is determined, the control unit 20 of the communication device 2 displays a custom menu corresponding to the image processing content. Send a connection request containing the execution request you specify.

  The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 receives the connection request from the communication device 2 (step S605), and issues network identification information of the communication device 2 to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 2 (step S606). ). The control unit 10 transmits the issued network identification information to the communication device 2 (Step S607).

  The control unit 20 of the communication device 2 receives the transmitted network identification information (Step S608). As a result, a wireless communication connection between the multifunction device 1 and the communication device 2 is established.

  Based on the connection request, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether it is necessary to obtain information on the custom menu from the communication device 2 (Step S609). Specifically, if the received connection request includes an execution request specifying display of a custom menu, control unit 10 determines that information on the custom menu is necessary.

  If the control unit 10 determines that the information acquisition is not necessary (S609: NO), the image processing based on the information transmitted and received with the communication device 2 set in advance on the screen displayed on the display unit 11a is performed. (Step S610), and enters a standby state. The operation screen is, for example, a screen in which functions that can be selected according to the connection of the communication device 2 are increased (see FIG. 6).

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S609 that it is necessary to acquire information on the custom menu (S609: YES), the control unit 10 transmits a transmission request for the UI definition information to the communication device 2 (step S611).

  In the communication device 2, the control unit 20 receives the transmission request of the UI definition information from the MFP 1 by the communication unit 23 (Step S <b> 612), reads the UI definition information stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 22, and The data is transmitted to the MFP 1 (step S613).

  The control unit 10 of the MFP 1 receives the UI definition information requested in step S611 (step S614), and temporarily stores the received UI definition information in the temporary storage unit 12 (step S615). The control unit 10 changes the operation screen based on the received UI definition information (step S616), and enters a standby state.

  This allows the user to change the operation screen of the multifunction device 1 to a user interface suitable for the user who owns the communication device 2 only by connecting the communication device 2 owned by the user to the multifunction device 1. Can be. The operation is simplified because the operation screen for the service actually used by the user is directly displayed.

  Note that the processes described in the first to sixth embodiments can be implemented in combination.

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

1 MFP (image processing device)
Reference Signs List 10 control unit 11 input / output unit 11a display unit 11b operation unit 114, 115 icon (interface)
12 temporary storage unit 13 storage unit 14 communication unit 15 image reading unit (generation unit)
16 Image forming unit (printing means)
2 communication device 20 control unit 21 input / output unit 21a display unit 21b operation unit 22 storage unit 23 communication unit

Claims (4)

An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays an operation screen for receiving an operation; a reception unit that receives an operation corresponding to the operation screen; and an image processing unit that performs image processing according to the operation received by the reception unit At
The image processing unit has a document reading unit that reads a document,
Wireless communication means for performing communication by wireless communication,
Connection detection means for detecting a connection request from an external device by the wireless communication means,
When the connection detection unit detects a connection request, a request reception unit that receives an execution request for image processing based on information transmitted and received between the wireless communication unit and the external device,
When the request receiving unit receives an execution request, a determination unit that determines whether the received execution request is an execution request that requests reading of a document,
When the determination unit determines that the execution request is to request reading of the document, request transmission unit that transmits a transmission request of the information necessary for the reading to the external device by the wireless communication unit,
When the request transmitting unit transmits a transmission request, an information receiving unit that receives information necessary for the reading by the wireless communication unit;
If the information receiving means receives the information, based on the received information, an operation screen displayed on the display unit, before Symbol original reading means by the operation and the document to select a setting information when reading a document Changing means for changing to an operation screen for accepting an operation to start reading, and
An image processing apparatus, wherein when an operation to be started by the receiving unit is received, a document is read by the document reading unit.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the document is read by the document reading unit, the read document is transmitted to the external device. It said wireless communication means, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that are to perform communication of the external device and the one-to-one. A display unit that displays an operation screen for receiving an operation, a reception unit that receives an operation corresponding to the operation screen, and an image processing unit that performs image processing including reading a document in accordance with the operation received by the reception unit. In a method of performing image processing with an image processing apparatus including a wireless communication unit that performs communication by wireless communication,
Detecting a connection request from an external device by the wireless communication unit;
When detecting a connection request, receiving a request to execute image processing based on information transmitted and received between the wireless communication unit and the external device,
When receiving the execution request, determining whether the received execution request is an execution request to request reading of the document,
When determining that the execution request is to request reading of a document, transmitting a transmission request for information necessary for the reading to the external device by the wireless communication unit,
When transmitting a transmission request, receiving the information required for the reading by the wireless communication unit,
When receiving the information required for the read, based on the received information, an operation screen displayed on the display unit, the operation and the document to select a setting information when reading a document by pre Symbol image processing unit Changing to an operation screen for accepting an operation to start reading;
Reading an original by the image processing unit when an operation started by the receiving unit is received.

Images