JP6835148B2 - Information processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

By connecting a desktop computer to an image forming device that reads, prints, or facsimiles an image, data is transmitted and received between the desktop computer and the image forming device, and the image forming device reads and prints the image. , Or facsimile transmission. The image forming apparatus may be connected to another apparatus such as a server via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In order to connect the desktop computer and the image forming apparatus via the network, it is necessary to set the server and the address of each device in advance. For example, when an image is read by an image forming apparatus and the read data is transmitted to a desktop computer, the read data is temporarily stored in a server, and the data is transmitted from the server to the desktop computer. In this case, the user needs to set the server and the data destination in advance.

Further, a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assist) can store data such as document data and image data, and can send and receive data to and from other devices. Such terminal devices are relatively lightweight and portable. By connecting the terminal device to the image forming device, data may be transmitted and received between the terminal device and the image forming device, and the image forming device may want to read, print, or perform facsimile transmission of the image.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image input / output device that converts the format of data such as document data and image data sent from a terminal device and prints the data.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a system in which a control device is provided between the terminal device and the image input / output device, and the terminal device and the image input / output device are connected via the control device. The control device and the image input / output device are connected via a network such as a LAN, and the terminal device and the control device are connected by infrared communication.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a printing system in which a command for instructing transmission processing such as fax transmission and address data are transmitted from a terminal device to a printing device, and transmission processing is performed to a designated address. ..

Further, Patent Document 4 discloses a system in which access information for acquiring contents via a network and processing information such as a print instruction are included in an e-mail and transmitted from a terminal device to a copying machine. In this system, a copier analyzes e-mail, acquires content from an environment such as the Internet, and prints it.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-268302 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-358880 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-0745662 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-323456

By the way, when data is transmitted and received between the portable terminal device and the image forming device, the user needs to set the server and the address of each device in advance, as in the case of the desktop computer. For example, when an image is read by an image forming apparatus and the read data is transmitted to a terminal device, the read data is temporarily stored in a server, and the data is transmitted from the server to the terminal device. In this case, the user needs to set the server and the data transmission destination in advance, as in the case of the desktop personal computer.

An object of the present invention is that the information processing device and the terminal device are connected and control data is transmitted from the terminal device to the information processing device without making settings for connecting the information processing device and the terminal device in advance. Is to do so.

The invention according to claim 1 is an application in which a terminal device connects to its own device and displays screen information for setting operating conditions for a processing function of the own device, directly connecting the terminal device and the own device. A transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device via a first communication path for connecting, a receiving means for receiving the operating conditions from the terminal device via a second communication path configured by a network, and a receiving means. It is an information processing apparatus having an executing means for executing a processing function based on the operating conditions received by the receiving means.

The invention according to claim 2, the application for displaying the screen information for setting the operating conditions of the computer, processing functions of the self-device terminal is connected to its own device, the terminal device and the own device A transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device via a first communication path for directly connecting with, and a receiving means for receiving the operating conditions from the terminal device via a second communication path configured by a network. , A program that functions as an executing means that executes a processing function based on the operating conditions received by the receiving means.

According to the first or second aspect of the invention, the information processing device and the terminal device are connected to each other and information processing is performed from the terminal device without making settings for connecting the information processing device and the terminal device in advance. Control data can be transmitted to the device.

It is a block diagram which shows the image formation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on the terminal apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on the terminal apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by an image forming apparatus and a terminal apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by an image forming apparatus and a terminal apparatus.

The information processing apparatus and the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 2 and a terminal device 4. The image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 transmit and receive data via the first communication path 5 and the second communication path 6. The information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by the image forming apparatus 2 as an example, and the information processing system is realized by the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 4 as an example. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 2 as an example of the information processing apparatus will be described.

(Image forming apparatus 2)
The image forming apparatus 2 is an apparatus having at least one of a function of printing received data and a function of reading a paper document and converting it into electronic document data. For example, a digital multifunction device having functions such as a copier, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile is an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a printer having no scanner function, a scanner having no printing function, and the like are also included in the category of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. As an example, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 21 for reading an image on a document, a printing unit 22 for printing an image on paper, and a facsimile transmitting unit 23 for facsimile transmitting an image. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 has a copying function of copying the image on the document onto the paper by reading the image on the document by the image reading unit 21 and printing the read image on the paper by the printing unit 22. You may have it. The image forming apparatus 2 is placed in a place such as an office, a convenience store, a library, a hotel, or a condominium.

(Terminal device 4)
The terminal device 4 is a portable device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. The terminal device 4 includes a storage unit 43 that stores input / output data such as document data and image data. The document data may be, for example, data created by a document creation application in the terminal device 4, or may be data created in another device and transmitted to the terminal device 4 via communication or the like. .. Further, the image data may be, for example, data taken by a camera 44 such as a digital camera, or data taken by another camera and transmitted to the terminal device 4 via communication or the like. Alternatively, the data may be data read by the image forming device 2 or another image reading device and transmitted to the terminal device 4 via communication or the like. Hereinafter, the input / output data will be described as including document data and image data.

(1st communication path 5)
The first communication path 5 is a communication path different from networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network), and is a communication path for directly connecting the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4. .. The first communication path 5 is a so-called peer-to-peer (P2P) communication path. For example, the first communication path 5 includes a communication path using infrared rays or radio waves. Specifically, the first communication path 5 is realized by wireless data communication or data communication using an IC card. Examples of wireless data communication include infrared wireless data communication (Infrared Data Association: IrDA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like. Data communication using an IC card corresponds to data communication using a contactless IC card such as Felica (registered trademark).

(Second communication path 6)
The second communication path 6 is composed of, for example, a network such as LAN or WAN. The connection between the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4 by the second communication path 6 may be a connection by a cable, a connection by wireless data communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a connection by the communication standard of G3. Good. The second communication path 6 is a communication path having a higher speed than the first communication path 5.

As an example, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 21, a printing unit 22, a facsimile transmission unit 23, a UI providing unit 24 (user interface providing unit 24), a first transmitting / receiving unit 25, and a second transmitting / receiving unit. It includes 26, a storage unit 27, a UI unit 28 (user interface unit 28), a billing unit 29, an authentication unit 30, and a control unit 31. Further, as an example, the terminal device 4 includes a first transmission / reception unit 41, a second transmission / reception unit 42, a storage unit 43, a camera 44, a UI unit 45 (user interface unit 45), and a control unit 46. ing.

(Image reading unit 21, printing unit 22, facsimile transmission unit 23)
Under the control of the control unit 31, the image reading unit 21 reads an image on a document to generate input / output data representing the image, and stores the input / output data in the storage unit 27. Under the control of the control unit 31, the printing unit 22 receives the input / output data stored in the storage unit 27, and prints an image on the paper based on the input / output data. Under the control of the control unit 31, the facsimile transmission unit 23 receives the input / output data stored in the storage unit 27, and facsimiles the image based on the input / output data. The image forming apparatus 2 does not have to include all of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, and the facsimile transmitting unit 23, and at least of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, and the facsimile transmitting unit 23. It suffices to have one.

(UI Provider 24)
The UI providing unit 24 creates a user interface (UI) for setting the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 on the terminal device 4. The UI providing unit 24 creates a user interface corresponding to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. Hereinafter, the user interface for setting the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmitting unit 23 may be referred to as a “setting user interface”. For example, the UI providing unit 24 creates a setting user interface in html format for display on a Web browser. Further, the UI providing unit 24 may create a user interface for setting in html format by using an object-oriented program language such as Javascript (registered trademark). Further, the UI providing unit 24 may create a setting user interface including audio, video, or animation by creating the setting user interface as a Flash (registered trademark) application. In addition, the UI providing unit 24 creates connection information for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 via the second communication path 6. This connection information is address data for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 on the Internet. This address data corresponds to, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). When the terminal device 4 is connected to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6, the UI providing unit 24 provides a setting user interface to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. To do. The setting user interface may be stored in the storage unit 27. Further, the UI providing unit 24 may create a two-dimensional barcode indicating the address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface. In this case, the UI providing unit 24 provides the UI unit 28 with a two-dimensional barcode indicating address data. A QR code (registered trademark) is applicable as an example of a two-dimensional barcode. The UI providing unit 24 may create a user interface for setting the above operating conditions in the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2, and provide the user interface to the UI unit 28.

(First transmitter / receiver 25)
The first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 transmits connection information for the terminal apparatus 4 to connect to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. To do. For example, the first transmission / reception unit 25 provides the address data (for example, URL) for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 via the second communication path 6, the first communication path. It is transmitted to the terminal device 4 via 5. For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the LAN, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data (URL) of the setting user interface in the LAN to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. .. When the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the WAN, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data (URL) of the setting user interface in the WAN to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. ..

For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 and the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 are composed of transmission / reception ports for wireless data communication such as IrDA and Bluetooth (registered trademark), the first transmission / reception unit 25 is a terminal. By transmitting and receiving infrared rays and radio waves to and from the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the device 4, communication is performed with the first transmission / reception unit 41, and connection information is transmitted to the first transmission / reception unit 41. In this case, the first communication path 5 is a communication path by wireless data communication such as IrDA or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Further, the first transmission / reception unit 25 is composed of an IC card authentication device that authenticates a non-contact IC card such as Felica (registered trademark), and the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 is composed of a non-contact IC card. It may have been. In this case, the first transmission / reception unit 25 as an IC card authentication device communicates with the non-contact type IC card by transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the first transmission / reception unit 41 as a contactless IC card, and is non-contact. Send connection information to the type IC card.

(Second transmitter / receiver 26)
The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming device 2 is the second transmission / reception unit 42 when the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 is connected to the image formation device 2 via the second communication path 6 using the connection information. Send and receive data to and from.

For example, the second transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 to the second transmission / reception unit 42 via the second communication path 6. Specifically, when the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 accesses the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 using the URL transmitted from the image forming device 2, the second transmission / reception unit 26 Transmits the setting user interface to the second transmission / reception unit 42 via the second communication path 6.

Further, when the image is read by the image reading unit 21 and the input / output data is generated according to the instruction from the terminal device 4, the second transmission / reception unit 26 uses the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21. , The data is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Further, the second transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the data printed by the printing unit 22, the data transmitted by the facsimile transmission unit 23, and the control data (command data) to the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Received from the second transmitter / receiver 42. The control data (command data) is data indicating commands related to image processing in the image forming apparatus 2, and as an example, is data indicating operating conditions for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission. Specifically, the second transmission / reception unit 26 receives control data as a request in the form of an http request from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. When printing or facsimile transmission is performed by the image forming apparatus 2, the second transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the input / output data to be printed or facsimile transmission via the second communication path 6 to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4. Receive from. When the image forming apparatus 2 reads an image, the second transmission / reception unit 26 uses the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as a response in the http response format to the request in the http request format. The data is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the communication path 6.

(Memory unit 27)
The storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 stores the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21. Further, the storage unit 27 stores the printed data transmitted from the terminal device 4, the data transmitted by facsimile, and the control data (command data).

(UI part 28)
The UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2 has a display unit, and displays, for example, a user interface provided by the UI providing unit 24. The UI unit 28 receives input by the user of control data related to the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23. Further, when the UI providing unit 24 creates a two-dimensional barcode indicating the address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface, the UI unit 28 displays the two-dimensional barcode.

(Billing section 29)
The charging unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 2 performs a charging process according to the processing in the image forming apparatus 2 to the user who uses the terminal device 4. The billing unit 29 obtains the billing amount based on the operating conditions indicated by the control data. The billing unit 29 may perform billing processing on the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6. For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 is composed of an IC card authentication device and the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 is composed of a contactless IC card having a prepaid function, the IC card authentication device may be used. Billing processing may be performed on the contactless IC card. If the image forming apparatus 2 does not perform the charging process, the image forming apparatus 2 may not include the charging unit 29.

(Authentication unit 30)
The authentication unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 2 performs an authentication process for the terminal apparatus 4 based on the authentication information received from the terminal apparatus 4. The authentication information is information for identifying a user of the terminal device 4, and includes, for example, information such as a user's name, a user ID, a password, and a user's date of birth. For example, the authentication unit 30 transmits a request for authentication information to the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, and acquires the authentication information corresponding to the request from the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5. The authentication unit 30 performs the authentication process by collating the authentication information acquired from the terminal device 4 with the authentication information registered in advance in the image forming device 2. The authentication unit 30 outputs the authentication result to the control unit 31. When the user of the terminal device 4 is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the control unit 31 permits the first transmission / reception unit 25 to transmit connection information, and the first transmission / reception unit 25 passes through the first communication path 5. The connection information is transmitted to the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4. When the user of the terminal device 4 is not authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the control unit 31 prohibits the transmission of the connection information, and the first transmission / reception unit 25 does not transmit the connection information to the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4. .. For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 is configured by an IC card authentication device, the authentication process may be performed by the IC card authentication device. When the authentication information is stored in the non-contact type IC card as the first transmission / reception unit 41, the IC card authentication device as the first transmission / reception unit 25 acquires the authentication information from the non-contact type IC card and performs the authentication process. You may go. If the image forming apparatus 2 does not perform the authentication process, the image forming apparatus 2 may not include the authentication unit 30.

(Control unit 31)
The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 controls the operation of each portion of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the control unit 31 receives control data (command data) transmitted from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4, and based on this control data, the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23. Control the operation of. Specifically, the control unit 31 receives a request in the form of an http request transmitted from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4, analyzes the content of the request, and analyzes the content of the request to the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile. It controls the operation of the transmission unit 23.

(First transmitter / receiver 41)
The first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives connection information for the terminal device 4 to connect to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6 from the image forming device 2 via the first communication path 5. To do. For example, the first transmission / reception unit 41 provides address data (for example, a URL) for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6. , Received from the image forming apparatus 2 via the first communication path 5. The address data received by the first transmission / reception unit 41 is stored in the storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4.

For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 41 and the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 are composed of transmission / reception ports for wireless data communication such as IrDA and Bluetooth (registered trademark), the first transmission / reception unit 41 may be used. By transmitting and receiving infrared rays and radio waves to and from the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2, communication is performed with the first transmission / reception unit 25, and connection information is received from the first transmission / reception unit 25.

Further, the first transmission / reception unit 41 may be composed of a non-contact IC card such as Felica (registered trademark), and the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 may be composed of an IC card authentication device. In this case, the first transmission / reception unit 41 as a contactless IC card communicates with the IC card authentication device by transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the first transmission / reception unit 25 as an IC card authentication device, and IC card authentication is performed. Receive connection information from the device.

(Second transmitter / receiver 42)
The second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 connects to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6 using the connection information received by the first transmission / reception unit 41, and the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the image forming device 2 Data is transmitted and received to and from 26 via the second communication path 6.

For example, the second transmission / reception unit 42 receives the setting user interface created by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 from the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Specifically, the user activates a Web browser on the terminal device 4. The Web browser program is stored in advance in the storage unit 43. When the user gives an instruction to start the Web browser using the UI unit 45, the control unit 46 starts the Web browser according to the instruction from the user and causes the display unit of the UI unit 45 to display the initial screen. Then, the second transmission / reception unit 42 accesses the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 by using the address data (URL) received by the first transmission / reception unit 41. After that, the setting user interface is transmitted from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second transmitting / receiving unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2, the second communication path 6, and the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 of the terminal device 4. It is provided to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. The Web browser of the terminal device 4 displays the user interface received from the image forming device 2. Further, when the first transmission / reception unit 41 receives the address data (URL) from the first transmission / reception unit 25, the control unit 46 automatically starts the Web browser without waiting for the instruction from the user, and the second transmission / reception unit 46. The unit 42 may access the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 by using the address data (URL).

In addition, the second transmission / reception unit 42 secondly transmits the data printed by the printing unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 2, the data transmitted by the facsimile transmitting unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 2, and the control data (command data). The data is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication path 6. Further, when the image is read by the image reading unit 21 and the input / output data is generated according to the instruction from the terminal device 4, the second transmission / reception unit 42 uses the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21. , Received from the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6.

Specifically, the user inputs control data (command data) related to the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 in the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45. The second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the control data as a request in the http request format to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. When printing or facsimile transmission is performed by the image forming apparatus 2, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the data to be printed or facsimile transmission to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Send. The data to be printed or facsimile-transmitted is specified by the user using the UI unit 45. When the image forming apparatus 2 reads an image, the second transmission / reception unit 42 uses the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as a response in the http response format to the request in the http request format. It is received from the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication path 6.

(Memory unit 43)
The storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4 stores input / output data such as document data and image data. For example, the storage unit 43 stores the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 2 and the input / output data printed or facsimile-transmitted by the image forming apparatus 2.

(Camera 44)
The terminal device 4 may include a camera 44. The camera 44 is, for example, a digital camera. When a two-dimensional barcode indicating the address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface is displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2, the user of the terminal device 4 has the two-dimensional displayed on the UI unit 28. The barcode may be photographed by the camera 44. The image data representing the two-dimensional barcode is output from the camera 44 to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 acquires the address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface by analyzing the two-dimensional barcode. The terminal device 4 does not have to include the camera 44.

(UI unit 45)
The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 has a display unit and displays a setting user interface provided by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming device 2. The UI unit 45 receives input by the user of control data regarding the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmission unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 2. Further, the UI unit 45 may display an image represented by the input / output data read by the image reading unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 2.

The control data (command data) relating to the operating conditions of the image reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, or the facsimile transmitting unit 23 includes, for example, the following information. The control data includes information indicating the function selected by the user among image reading, printing, and facsimile transmission. When the image reading unit 21 reads an image, the control data includes information on image reading conditions such as resolution, density, monochrome / color selection, original size, and file name of the read image data. .. When printing is performed by the printing unit 22, the control data includes information on printing conditions such as resolution, density, monochrome / color selection, paper size, number of copies to be printed, and file name of data to be printed. .. When the facsimile transmission unit 23 performs facsimile transmission, the control data includes, for example, information on facsimile transmission conditions such as resolution, density, telephone number of the destination, and file name of data to be transmitted.

(Control unit 46)
The control unit 46 of the terminal device 4 controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 4.

Next, the setting user interface provided by the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of a user interface displayed on the terminal device.

As described above, the user activates the Web browser on the terminal device 4, and the second transmission / reception unit 42 accesses the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 using the URL. After that, the setting user interface is provided from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 via the second transmitting / receiving unit 26, the second communication path 6, and the second transmitting / receiving unit 42. Will be done.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the main screen 100 displayed on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. The main screen 100 is a screen for the user to select the function of the image forming apparatus 2. The main screen 100 is provided and displayed from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. On the main screen 100, the user specifies any one of "scan (image reading)", "print (printing)", "facsimile transmission", and "box operation" using the UI unit 45. .. When the image is read by the image forming apparatus 2, the user specifies "scan (image reading)". When the image forming apparatus 2 prints input / output data such as document data and image data stored in the terminal device 4, the user specifies "print (print)". When input / output data such as document data and image data stored in the terminal device 4 is facsimile-transmitted by the image forming apparatus 2, the user specifies "facsimile transmission". The "box operation" shown in FIG. 2 is a function of storing input / output data in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 and a function of acquiring input / output data from the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. When storing the input / output data in the image forming apparatus 2 or acquiring the input / output data from the image forming apparatus 2, the user specifies "box operation".

FIG. 3 shows an example of the scan setting screen 110 displayed on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When "scan (image reading)" is specified on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, the scan setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. It is provided and displayed on the UI unit 45 of the device 4. On the scan setting screen 110, for example, an item "color mode" for specifying whether to read an image in color, an item "double-sided document feed" for specifying whether to read both sides of an original, and a document type are specified. The item "Original type" to be displayed and the item "Reading resolution" to specify the resolution are displayed. The user inputs the conditions for each item on the scan setting screen 110. The information input by the user on the scan setting screen 110 is included in the control data. When the setting of the image reading condition is completed, the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When the "start" button is selected, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6 as a request in the form of a http request.

Further, when "print (print)" is specified on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, the print setting screen is displayed from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming device 2 to the UI of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. It is provided and displayed in the unit 45. On the print setting screen, the user inputs printing conditions such as resolution, density, monochrome / color selection, paper size, number of copies to print, and file name of data to be printed. The information input by the user on the print setting screen is included in the control data. When the setting of the print conditions is completed, the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When the "start" button is selected, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6 as a request in the form of a http request. Further, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the data to be printed to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. The data to be printed is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2.

Further, when "facsimile transmission" is specified on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile transmission setting screen is displayed from the UI providing unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 2 to the UI unit of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Provided and displayed at 45. The user inputs the facsimile transmission conditions such as the resolution, the density, the telephone number of the destination, and the file name of the data to be transmitted on the facsimile transmission setting screen. The information input by the user on the facsimile transmission setting screen is included in the control data. When the setting of the facsimile transmission condition is completed, the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4. When the "start" button is selected, the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits control data to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6 as a request in the form of a http request. Further, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the data to be facsimile-transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. The data to be transmitted by facsimile is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2.

Next, the user interface displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. 4 to 7 are diagrams showing an example of a user interface displayed on the image forming apparatus. The UI unit 28 displays, for example, the user interface created by the UI providing unit 24. FIG. 4 shows an example of the main screen 120 displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2. The main screen 120 is a screen for the user to select the function of the image forming apparatus 2. The user specifies items such as "copy (copy)", "scan (email transmission)", "scan (save on PC)", and "facsimile transmission" on the main screen 120. For example, when the image reading unit 21 reads an image and transmits the generated input / output data to a personal computer (PC), the user specifies "scan (PC storage)" using the UI unit 28. When "scan (PC save)" is specified by the user, for example, the save destination setting screen 130 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the UI unit 28. On the save destination setting screen 130, the user inputs, as an example, information that identifies the server, information that identifies the save location, a user name, and a password. When adjusting the image quality, for example, the image quality adjustment screen 140 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the UI unit 28. The user sets items such as "reading resolution" and "reading size" on the image quality adjustment screen 140 as an example. When the setting of the image reading condition is completed, the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 28. When the "Start" button is selected, the image reading unit 21 reads an image of the original and generates input / output data representing the image. The generated input / output data is transmitted to the save destination set on the save destination setting screen 130 by communication or the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a user interface when a two-dimensional barcode is generated by the UI providing unit 24 will be described. The UI unit 28 displays the user interface created by the UI providing unit 24. FIG. 7 shows an example of the main screen 150 displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2. Similar to the main screen 120 shown in FIG. 4, the main screen 150 is a screen for the user to select the function of the image forming apparatus 2. The user specifies items such as "copy (copy)", "scan (email transmission)", "scan (save on PC)", and "facsimile transmission" on the main screen 150. Further, a two-dimensional barcode 151 is displayed on the main screen 150. The two-dimensional barcode 151 is information indicating the address data (for example, URL) of the setting user interface, and is the information created by the UI providing unit 24. When the user of the terminal device 4 provided with the camera 44 captures the two-dimensional barcode 151 displayed on the UI unit 28 with the camera 44, the terminal device 4 acquires the address data for connecting to the setting user interface. To do. The two-dimensional barcode may be drawn on the housing of the image forming apparatus 2 without being displayed on the UI unit 28.

Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 and the usage example by the user will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing a procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus and the terminal apparatus.

First, with reference to FIG. 8, the process until the terminal device 4 acquires the address data of the setting user interface will be described. As an example, a case where an image is read by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. When the image is read by the image forming apparatus 2, the user carrying the terminal device 4 takes the document and goes to the place where the image forming apparatus 2 is installed.

The image forming apparatus 2 waits until a signal is sent from the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5 and the first transmitting / receiving unit 25 detects the signal (step S01). Then, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 detects a signal transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 (step S01, Yes), the first communication path Communication with the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 is established via the fifth (step S02). Then, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data (for example, URL) for connecting to the setting user interface to the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 (step S03). .. As a result, the terminal device 4 acquires the address data for connecting to the setting user interface.

For example, when the first transmission / reception unit 25 and the first transmission / reception unit 41 are configured by a transmission / reception port for wireless data communication such as IrDA or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the user can use the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4. (Transmission / reception port) is brought closer to the first transmission / reception unit 25 (transmission / reception port) of the image forming apparatus 2. The first transmission / reception unit 25 communicates with the first transmission / reception unit 41 by transmitting / receiving infrared rays or radio waves to / from the first transmission / reception unit 41, and transmits address data for connecting to the setting user interface. Send to 41.

Further, when the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 is composed of a non-contact IC card and the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming device 2 is composed of an IC card authentication device, the user can use the non-contact IC. The terminal device 4 in which the card is built is brought close to the IC card authentication device provided in the image forming device 2. The first transmission / reception unit 25 as an IC card authentication device communicates with the first transmission / reception unit 41 by transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the first transmission / reception unit 41 as a contactless IC card, and serves as a setting user interface. The address data for connection is transmitted to the first transmission / reception unit 41.

Further, the authentication process may be performed by the authentication unit 30 via the first communication path 5. For example, when communication is performed between the terminal device 4 and the image forming device 2 using a non-contact IC card and an IC card authentication device, the IC card authentication device authenticates from the non-contact IC card of the terminal device 4. The information may be acquired and the user authentication process of the terminal device 4 may be performed. When the user of the terminal device 4 is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data of the setting user interface to the first transmission / reception unit 41 via the first communication path 5.

In addition, the billing unit 29 may perform the billing process. For example, when a contactless IC card having a prepaid function is used, the IC card authentication device may charge the contactless IC card.

The first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the address data for connecting to the setting user interface to the first transmission / reception unit 41, and then disconnects the communication with the first transmission / reception unit 41 (step S04).

As shown in FIG. 7, when the two-dimensional bar code 151 is displayed on the UI unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2, the user may take a picture of the two-dimensional bar code 151 by the camera 44 of the terminal device 4. .. The control unit 46 of the terminal device 4 acquires the address data for connecting to the setting user interface by analyzing the captured two-dimensional barcode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the process until the terminal device 4 acquires the setting user interface will be described. The image forming apparatus 2 waits until it is accessed from the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S10). In order to display the setting user interface on the terminal device 4, the user activates a Web browser on the terminal device 4. The second transmission / reception unit 42 accesses the address data (for example, URL) acquired from the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 (network such as LAN). When the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 is accessed from the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S10, Yes), the setting user interface is set to the second communication path 6 via the second communication path 6. It transmits to the transmission / reception unit 42 (step S11). As a result, the terminal device 4 acquires the setting user interface.

Next, a case where the image is read by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 displays the setting user interface transmitted from the image forming device 2 (step S21). The user inputs the image reading condition in the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 (step S22). For example, the UI unit 45 displays the main screen 100 shown in FIG. When the image is read by the image forming apparatus 2, the user specifies "scan (image reading)" on the main screen 100. When "scan (image reading)" is specified by the user, the UI unit 45 displays, for example, the scan setting screen 110 shown in FIG. The user inputs the image reading conditions on the scan setting screen 110. Then, the user places the document on the image reading unit 21. When the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 45, the second transmission / reception unit 42 sends the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 the control data including the image reading condition as a request in the http request format. Transmit (step S23).

The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives control data as a request in the form of an http request from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S24). The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the content of the request in the http request format, and outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 21. Under the control of the control unit 31, the image reading unit 21 reads an image of the original and generates input / output data representing the image (step S25). The input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. Then, the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as a response in the http response format to the request in the http request format, via the second communication path 6. It is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of 4 (step S26). The second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 as a response in the http response format to the request in the http request format of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Received from the second transmission / reception unit 26 (step S27).

The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 may display an image represented by the input / output data transmitted from the image forming device 2. Further, the storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4 may store the input / output data transmitted from the image forming device 2. For example, the user may instruct the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 to display an image or save input / output data. The input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming device 2 is deleted after being transmitted to the terminal device 4.

Further, the billing unit 29 may obtain the billing amount based on the image reading condition indicated by the control data, and perform the billing process on the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6. ..

Next, a case where printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 displays the setting user interface transmitted from the image forming device 2 (step S31). The user inputs printing conditions in the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 (step S32). For example, the UI unit 45 displays the main screen 100 shown in FIG. When the image forming apparatus 2 intends to print the input / output data, the user specifies "print (print)". When "print (print)" is specified by the user, the UI unit 45 displays the print setting screen. The user inputs printing conditions on the print setting screen. In addition, the user specifies the input / output data to be printed in the UI unit 45. When the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 45, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the control data including the print conditions to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 as a request in the http request format. (Step S33). In addition, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the input / output data of the print target designated by the user to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 (step S33).

The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the control data as a request in the http request format from the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6 (step S34). Further, the second transmission / reception unit 26 receives the input / output data to be printed from the second transmission / reception unit 42 via the second communication path 6 (step S34). The input / output data to be printed is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the content of the request in the http request format and outputs a printing instruction to the printing unit 22. The printing unit 22 prints an image on paper based on the input / output data under the control of the control unit 31 (step S35). The input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 is deleted after the printing is completed. Further, the billing unit 29 may obtain the billing amount based on the printing conditions indicated by the control data, and may perform the billing process on the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6.

Further, the operation in the case of facsimile transmission is almost the same as the operation in the case of printing. For example, the user specifies "facsimile transmission" on the main screen 100 shown in FIG. When "facsimile transmission" is specified by the user, the UI unit 45 displays the facsimile transmission setting screen. The user inputs the conditions for facsimile transmission including the facsimile transmission destination on the facsimile transmission setting screen. When the user selects the "start" button on the UI unit 45, the second transmission / reception unit 42 sends the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6 the control data including the conditions for facsimile transmission as a request in the http request format. Send. Further, the second transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the input / output data of the facsimile transmission target designated by the user to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. The input / output data to be transmitted by facsimile is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the content of the request in the http request format, and outputs an instruction for facsimile transmission to the facsimile transmission unit 23. Under the control of the control unit 31, the facsimile transmission unit 23 facsimiles and transmits an image based on the input / output data. The input / output data stored in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 is deleted after the facsimile transmission is completed. Further, the billing unit 29 may obtain the billing amount based on the conditions of facsimile transmission indicated by the control data, and perform the billing process on the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5 or the second communication path 6. ..

After the terminal device 4 has acquired the address data of the setting user interface once, the address data of the setting user interface is requested every time the image forming device 2 is requested to read, print, or transmit the image. Does not have to be obtained from the image forming apparatus 2. That is, the terminal device 4 may access the setting user interface using the address data once acquired and request the image forming device 2 to read, print, or fax the image.

Further, the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 of the terminal device 4 may accept a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission by input by the user's voice. Further, when the terminal device 4 receives information indicating how to use the image forming device 2 from the image forming device 2, the UI unit 45 may provide the using method by voice or a character string.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the address data for the terminal device 4 to access the setting user interface via the second communication path 6 is transmitted to the terminal via the first communication path 5. It is transmitted to the device 4. The terminal device 4 uses the address data to access the setting user interface via the second communication path 6, and makes a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission via the second communication path 6. Input / output data is transmitted / received to / from the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. In this way, the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 are connected to each other via the second communication path 6 by using the address data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. Therefore, the input / output data is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted / received between the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Therefore, the input / output data is transmitted and received between the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4 without making settings for transmitting and receiving input / output data between the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4 in advance. For example, input / output data is transmitted / received between the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6 without setting the server or the data transmission destination in advance.

For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives the image reading request input in the setting user interface via the second communication path 6, the image forming apparatus 2 reads the image and inputs / outputs data as a response to the request. It is transmitted to the terminal device 4 via the communication path 6. In this way, the input / output data generated by the image forming apparatus 2 is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted to the terminal apparatus 4 via the second communication path 6 connected by using the address data.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives the print request input in the setting user interface and the input / output data to be printed via the second communication path 6, the image forming apparatus 2 prints based on the input / output data. .. Further, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives the facsimile transmission request input in the setting user interface and the input / output data of the facsimile transmission target via the second communication path 6, the image forming apparatus 2 is facsimile based on the input / output data. Send. In this way, the input / output data is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6 connected by using the address data, and is printed by the image forming device 2. Alternatively, facsimile transmission is performed.

Further, since the first communication path 5 is a communication path for directly connecting the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4, the image forming device 2 to the terminal device 4 can be more easily connected than via a network such as a LAN. Address data is sent to. For example, wireless data communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and IrDA used for the first communication path 5 and communication by a non-contact IC card such as FeliCa (registered trademark) are performed by the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 4. Is automatically established between. As a result, the connection work by the user can be omitted, and the address data is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 4 more easily than via a network such as a LAN.

Further, the terminal device 4 accesses the setting user interface using the address data transmitted from the image forming device 2 and acquires the setting user interface. Therefore, even if the setting user interface program is not installed in the terminal device 4 in advance, the terminal device 4 requests the image forming device 2 to read, print, or fax the image.

Further, even when the function of the image forming apparatus 2 is expanded or added, the expanded or added function can be used in the terminal device 4 only by changing the setting user interface. Become. Further, since the setting user interface does not depend on the type of the terminal device 4, it is not necessary to prepare the setting user interface for each type of the terminal device 4.

Further, by performing the authentication process of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, it is possible to prevent the unauthenticated terminal device 4 from being connected to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6. As a result, the security of the image forming apparatus 2 is improved. Further, by performing the authentication process via the first communication path 5, the terminal device 4 is authenticated and the address data is acquired by the terminal device 4 in a series of processes via the first communication path 5. Further, authentication of the terminal device 4, acquisition of address data by the terminal device 4, and display of the setting user interface by the terminal device 4 are performed by one operation of the user.

Further, by performing the billing process on the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, the acquisition of the address data by the terminal device 4 and the billing process are performed by a series of processes via the first communication path 5. Will be. In addition, billing processing, acquisition of address data by the terminal device 4, and display of the setting user interface by the terminal device 4 are performed by a single operation of the user. Further, by performing the authentication process and the charge process via the first communication path 5, the authentication of the terminal device 4, the acquisition of the address data by the terminal device 4, the display of the setting user interface by the terminal device 4, and the charge process can be performed. , It is done by the user's one operation.

Further, the communication speed of the second communication path 6 is faster than the communication speed of the first communication path 5. For example, the communication speed of Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the first communication path 5 is 1 Mbps, and the communication speed of Felica (registered trademark) is 100 Kbps. On the other hand, the communication speed of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as the second communication path 6 is 10 Mbps. Therefore, by transmitting and receiving input / output data via the second communication path 6, the input / output data is transmitted and received at a higher speed than when data is transmitted and received via the first communication path 5. For example, the input / output data generated by image reading, the input / output data to be printed, and the input / output data to be facsimile-transmitted may have a relatively large capacity, but the input / output data via the second communication path 6. By transmitting and receiving, input / output data is transmitted and received at a higher speed than via the first communication path 5.

Further, the communication area of the second communication path 6 is wider than the communication area of the first communication path 5. For example, the communication area of a network such as LAN or WAN used for the second communication path 6 is wider than the communication area for wireless data communication and contactless IC card used for the first communication path 5. Therefore, by transmitting and receiving input / output data via the second communication path 6, the input / output data is transmitted and received in a wider range than via the first communication path 5.

(Modification example)
Next, a modified example of the image forming system 1 will be described. In the modified example, the image forming apparatus 2 uses the setting user interface application (hereinafter, may be referred to as “UI application”) instead of the address data for accessing the setting user interface as the terminal device 4. Send to. The operation is the same as that of the above-described embodiment except that the UI application is transmitted from the image forming device 2 to the terminal device 4 instead of the address data. In the modified example, since the image forming apparatus 2 does not provide the setting user interface to the terminal apparatus 4, the image forming apparatus 2 does not have to include the UI providing unit 24.

In the modified example, the UI application is stored in advance in the storage unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 2. When the first transmission / reception unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 2 detects a signal transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5, the UI application stored in the storage unit 27 is stored. , Transmit to the terminal device 4 via the first communication path 5. The first transmission / reception unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives the UI application from the image forming device 2 via the first communication path 5. The storage unit 43 of the terminal device 4 stores the UI application.

Then, the control unit 46 of the terminal device 4 starts the UI application and displays the setting user interface on the UI unit 45. The setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45 is the same as the setting user interface shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The user inputs the operating conditions for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission in the image forming apparatus 2 in the setting user interface displayed on the UI unit 45.

The operation of the image forming system 1 after the operating conditions are input in the setting user interface is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 reads an image, the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 of the terminal device 4 transmits the control data related to the image reading to the second transmitting / receiving unit of the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Send to 26. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 21 according to the control data. Under the control of the control unit 31, the image reading unit 21 reads the image of the original and generates input / output data. The second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming device 2 transmits the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 to the second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. The second transmission / reception unit 42 of the terminal device 4 receives the input / output data generated by the image reading unit 21 from the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6. The UI unit 45 may display an image of the input / output data, or the storage unit 43 may store the input / output data.

Further, when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2, the second transmitting / receiving unit 42 of the terminal apparatus 4 transmits the control data related to printing and the input / output data to be printed to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6. Is transmitted to the second transmission / reception unit 26 of the above. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 outputs a printing instruction to the printing unit 22 according to the control data. The printing unit 22 prints an image under the control of the control unit 31 based on the input / output data to be printed. When performing facsimile transmission, control data including information indicating a transmission destination may be transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the image forming device 2.

As in the above-described embodiment, the billing unit 29 may perform the billing process, or the authentication unit 30 may perform the authentication process. For example, when the user of the terminal device 4 is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the first transmission / reception unit 25 transmits the UI application to the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6.

As described above, according to the modified example, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the UI application to the terminal apparatus 4 via the first communication path 5. By executing the UI application, the terminal device 4 transmits a request for image reading, printing, or facsimile transmission to the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication path 6, and the terminal device 4 transmits the request to the image forming device 2 via the second communication path 6. Input / output data is transmitted / received to / from the image forming apparatus 2. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the input / output data is not temporarily stored in the server, but is transmitted / received between the image forming device 2 and the terminal device 4 via the second communication path 6. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the server and the data transmission destination in advance.

Further, the terminal device 4 acquires the UI application via the first communication path 5. Therefore, even if the UI application is not installed in the terminal device 4 in advance, the terminal device 4 requests the image forming device 2 to read, print, or fax the image.

(Hardware configuration)
The configuration of the information processing portion of the image forming apparatus 2 illustrated above is realized, for example, by causing a general-purpose computer to execute a program representing the function or processing content of each portion of the image forming apparatus 2 described above. The computer is, for example, hardware such as a microprocessor such as a CPU, a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), an HDD controller for controlling an HDD (hard disk drive), and various I / O (input / output). ) An interface, a network interface that controls for connection to a network such as a LAN, and the like have a circuit configuration connected via, for example, a bus. In addition, for the bus, for example, a disk drive for reading and / or writing to an HDD (hard disk drive), a portable disk recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or a flash memory via an I / O interface. A memory reader / writer or the like for reading and / or writing to a standard portable non-volatile recording medium may be connected. A program in which the functions or processing contents of each part of the image forming apparatus 2 described above is described in a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD or a communication path such as a network. It is stored on a fixed storage device and installed on your computer. The functions of each part of the image forming apparatus 2 described above are realized by reading the program stored in the fixed storage device into the RAM and executing it by a microprocessor such as a CPU. For example, the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 is composed of a microprocessor such as a CPU. Further, each function of the UI providing unit 24, the charging unit 29, and the authentication unit 30 is realized by executing the corresponding program by a microprocessor such as a CPU.

1 Image forming system, 2 Image forming device, 4 Terminal device, 5 1st communication path, 6 2nd communication path, 21 Image reading unit, 22 Printing unit, 23 Facsimile transmitting unit, 24 UI providing unit, 25, 41 1st Transmission / reception unit, 26,42 2nd transmission / reception unit, 27,43 storage unit, 28,45 UI unit, 29 billing unit, 30 authentication unit, 31,46 control unit, 44 camera.

Claims (2)

A first communication path for directly connecting the terminal device and the own device to an application for displaying screen information for the terminal device to connect to the own device and set operating conditions of the processing function of the own device. A transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device via
A receiving means for receiving the operating conditions from the terminal device via a second communication path configured in the network, and
An execution means that executes a processing function based on the operating conditions received by the receiving means, and
Information processing device with. Computer,
A first communication path for directly connecting the terminal device and the own device to an application for displaying screen information for the terminal device to connect to the own device and set operating conditions of the processing function of the own device. A transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device via
A receiving means for receiving the operating conditions from the terminal device via a second communication path configured in the network.
An execution means that executes a processing function based on the operating conditions received by the receiving means.
A program that functions as.