WO2018216437A1 - Image forming system and image forming device - Google Patents

Image forming system and image forming device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018216437A1
WO2018216437A1 PCT/JP2018/017352 JP2018017352W WO2018216437A1 WO 2018216437 A1 WO2018216437 A1 WO 2018216437A1 JP 2018017352 W JP2018017352 W JP 2018017352W WO 2018216437 A1 WO2018216437 A1 WO 2018216437A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image forming
wireless communication
forming apparatus
print request
pseudo
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/017352
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
門林　泉
Original Assignee
京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 filed Critical 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
Priority to JP2019519538A priority Critical patent/JPWO2018216437A1/en
Publication of WO2018216437A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018216437A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus.
  • image forming apparatuses such as printers and multifunction peripherals are equipped with wireless communication devices such as a wireless local area network (LAN) interface, and are directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device via an access point via Wi-Fi Direct or the like.
  • wireless communication devices such as a wireless local area network (LAN) interface
  • Some printers can perform printing based on the coming image data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
  • an image forming apparatus that does not include a wireless communication device cannot perform data communication using a peer-to-peer wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi Direct as described above, a user issues a print request from a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone. It is difficult to transmit and cause an image forming apparatus that does not include such a wireless communication apparatus to execute printing.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image forming system capable of transmitting a print request from a portable terminal device and causing an image forming apparatus not equipped with a wireless communication apparatus to execute printing.
  • An object is to obtain an image forming apparatus usable in the image forming system.
  • An image forming system includes a first wireless communication apparatus having a specific wireless communication method, and receives a print request directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device using the specific wireless communication method. And a second image forming apparatus capable of wired data communication with the first image forming apparatus without the wireless communication apparatus of the specific wireless communication method.
  • the second image forming apparatus has a pseudo wireless communication mode. When the second image forming apparatus is operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, the second image forming apparatus is received by the first image forming apparatus using the specific wireless communication method.
  • the print request is received from the first image forming apparatus, printing is performed based on the received print request, and the first image forming apparatus is operated in the pseudo wireless communication mode.
  • a forming apparatus is specified, and the received print request is transmitted to the specified second image forming apparatus by wired data communication.
  • An image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that includes a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication method, and that receives a print request directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device using the specific wireless communication method.
  • a wired communication device that does not include the wireless communication device of the specific wireless communication method and performs wired data communication with another image forming device, and the other image forming device that is operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode.
  • a relay processing unit configured to transmit the specified and received print request to the specified another image forming apparatus by the wired communication device and cause the other image forming apparatus to execute printing based on the print request; .
  • An image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that does not include a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication method, and includes a wireless communication device of the specific wireless communication method and a mobile terminal device using the specific wireless communication method
  • a wired communication device that performs wired data communication with another image forming device that receives a print request transmitted directly from the device, and the specific wireless when operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode
  • a pseudo wireless communication processing unit that receives the print request received by the other image forming apparatus in a communication method from the other image forming apparatus by the wired communication apparatus, and executes printing based on the received print request; Prepare.
  • an image forming system capable of transmitting a print request from a portable terminal device and causing an image forming apparatus not equipped with a wireless communication apparatus to execute printing, and an image forming usable in the image forming system A device is obtained.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a user carries a portable terminal device 1 such as a smartphone, and a plurality of image forming devices 2a and 2b (multifunction devices, copiers, etc.) are installed.
  • the image forming apparatus 2a includes a wireless communication apparatus (in this case, a wireless LAN interface) of a specific wireless communication system
  • the image forming apparatus 2b includes a wireless communication apparatus (in this case, a wireless LAN interface) of a specific wireless communication system. I do not have.
  • the mobile terminal device 1 is a portable device such as a smartphone, and includes a wireless communication device (in this case, a wireless LAN interface), and transmits a print request using Wi-Fi Direct.
  • a wireless communication device in this case, a wireless LAN interface
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b in FIG.
  • the image forming apparatus 2a includes a printing device 11, an image reading device 12, an operation panel 13, a wireless communication device 14, a wired communication device 15, a storage device 16, and a controller 17.
  • the image forming apparatus 2 b includes a printing device 31, an image reading device 32, an operation panel 33, a wired communication device 34, a storage device 35, and a controller 36.
  • the image forming apparatus 2b does not include a wireless communication device similar to the wireless communication device 14.
  • Each of the printing apparatuses 11 and 31 is an internal apparatus that prints an image on a print sheet one page at a time based on a print request (print image data, PDL (Page Description Language) data, or the like).
  • the image reading devices 12 and 32 are internal devices that read a document image from a document and generate image data (that is, scan data).
  • the operation panels 13 and 33 are disposed in the housings of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b, respectively, and include a display device that displays various types of information to the user and an input device that receives user operations.
  • a display device that displays various types of information to the user
  • an input device that receives user operations.
  • a liquid crystal display is used as the display device.
  • a key switch, a touch panel, or the like is used as the input device.
  • the wireless communication device 14 is an internal device that performs wireless data communication using a specific wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN.
  • the wired communication devices 15 and 34 are circuits that are connected to a network such as a wired LAN and perform data communication with other devices connected to the network. Thereby, the wired communication devices 15 and 34 perform wired data communication with each other.
  • the storage devices 16 and 35 are non-volatile storage devices such as a flash memory and a hard disk, respectively.
  • the storage devices 16 and 35 store programs executed by the controllers 17 and 36, respectively.
  • the controllers 17 and 36 include a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like, and image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b. Each internal device is controlled.
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the controller 17 operates as the relay processing unit 21 by executing a program with a computer.
  • the controller 17 is transmitted directly from the mobile terminal device 1 by a specific wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi Direct using the wireless communication device 14 (that is, not via a relay device such as an access point). Receive incoming print requests.
  • a specific wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi Direct using the wireless communication device 14 (that is, not via a relay device such as an access point).
  • the relay processing unit 21 specifies another image forming apparatus 2b that is operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode by wired data communication, and transmits the received print request to the specified other image forming apparatus 2b by the wired communication apparatus 15. And sending another image forming apparatus 2b to perform printing based on the print request.
  • the relay processing unit 21 determines (a) whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and (b1) when there is an image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode.
  • the received print request is transmitted by wired data communication to the image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode.
  • B2 When there is no image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, Using the printing apparatus 11, printing is performed based on the received print request.
  • the image forming apparatus 2b transmits a notification to the image forming apparatus 2a through wired data communication when the pseudo wireless communication mode is entered and when the pseudo wireless communication mode is canceled. Based on this notification, the relay processing unit 21 determines whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 2b currently operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode.
  • the controller 36 operates as the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 by executing a program with a computer.
  • the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 When the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is activated based on a user operation on the operation panel 33, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 transmits the above notification, and the controller 36 shifts to a specific pseudo wireless communication mode. In the specific pseudo wireless communication mode, when a user operation on the operation panel 33 is detected, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 transmits the above notification, and the controller 36 cancels the specific pseudo wireless communication mode. .
  • the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 When the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 transmits a print request received by another image forming apparatus 2a using a specific wireless communication method from another image forming apparatus 2a to wired communication. The printing is received by the apparatus 34, and printing is performed using the printing apparatus 31 based on the received print request.
  • the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is realized by adding optional software to the image forming apparatus 2b, and controls on / off of the pseudo wireless communication mode according to a user operation on the operation panel 33.
  • FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG.
  • step S1 when a predetermined user operation is detected by the operation panel 33 (step S1), the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is activated and the pseudo wireless communication mode is turned on. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2a by the wired communication device 34, and the controller 36 operates in the pseudo wireless communication mode (step S2).
  • the relay processing unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 2a establishes a wireless connection with the mobile terminal device 1 (step S3), and receives a print request by Wi-Fi Direct or the like (step S4), at that time. It is specified whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 2b in which the pseudo wireless communication mode is on (step S5).
  • the relay processing unit 21 immediately transmits the received print request to the image forming apparatus 2b through the wired communication device 15 (step S6).
  • the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 2b receives the print request using the wired communication device 34, and executes printing based on the print request using the printing device 31 (step S7). .
  • the relay processing unit 21 immediately uses the printing apparatus 11 to execute printing based on the print request.
  • the image forming apparatus 2a includes the wireless communication device 14 of a specific wireless communication method, and is directly transmitted from the mobile terminal device 1 using the specific wireless communication method. Receive incoming print requests.
  • the image forming apparatus 2b does not include a wireless communication apparatus of such a specific wireless communication system, but can perform wired data communication with the image forming apparatus 2a.
  • the image forming apparatus 2a identifies the image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and transmits the received print request to the identified image forming apparatus 2b through wired data communication.
  • the image forming apparatus 2b When the image forming apparatus 2b has a pseudo wireless communication mode and is operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, the image forming apparatus 2b receives a print request received from the image forming apparatus 2a by a specific wireless communication method from the image forming apparatus 2a. Then, printing is executed based on the received print request.
  • the image forming apparatus 2b is an old model or a lower model and does not include a wireless communication device
  • the above-described option software is installed in the image forming apparatus 2b, so that the mobile terminal device 1 can use Wi-Fi Direct or the like.
  • the image forming apparatus 2b can execute printing via the image forming apparatus 2a.
  • the present invention is applicable to a network system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, for example.

Abstract

According to the present invention, an image forming device (2a) is provided with a wireless communication device employing a specific wireless communication method, and receives a print request transmitted directly from a portable terminal device (1) through the specific wireless communication method. Meanwhile, an image forming device (2b) is not provided with such a wireless communication device employing a specific wireless communication method, but is capable of performing wired data communication with the image forming device (2a). The image forming device (2a) specifies the image forming device (2b) operating in a pseudo wireless communication mode, and transmits the received print request to the specified image forming device (2b) via wired data communication. When operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, the image forming device (2b) receives, from the image forming device (2a), the print request received by the image forming device (2a) through the specific wireless communication method, and executes printing.

Description

画像形成システムおよび画像形成装置Image forming system and image forming apparatus
　本発明は、画像形成システムおよび画像形成装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus.
　近年、プリンター、複合機などの画像形成装置には、無線ＬＡＮ（Local Area Network）インターフェイスなどの無線通信装置を備え、Ｗｉ－Ｆｉ　Ｄｉｒｅｃｔなどで、携帯端末装置からアクセスポイントを介さず直接送信されてくる画像データに基づき印刷を行えるものがある（例えば特許文献１参照）。 In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers and multifunction peripherals are equipped with wireless communication devices such as a wireless local area network (LAN) interface, and are directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device via an access point via Wi-Fi Direct or the like. Some printers can perform printing based on the coming image data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２０１６－２５６４７号公報JP 2016-25647 A
　しかしながら、無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置は、上述のようなＷｉ－Ｆｉ　Ｄｉｒｅｃｔなどのピアツーピア無線通信方式でデータ通信を行えないため、ユーザーとしては、スマートフォンなどの携帯端末装置から印刷要求を送信して、そのような無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置に印刷を実行させることは困難である。 However, since an image forming apparatus that does not include a wireless communication device cannot perform data communication using a peer-to-peer wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi Direct as described above, a user issues a print request from a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone. It is difficult to transmit and cause an image forming apparatus that does not include such a wireless communication apparatus to execute printing.
　本発明は、上記の問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、携帯端末装置から印刷要求を送信して、無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置に印刷を実行させることが可能な画像形成システムおよびその画像形成システムで使用可能な画像形成装置を得ることを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image forming system capable of transmitting a print request from a portable terminal device and causing an image forming apparatus not equipped with a wireless communication apparatus to execute printing. An object is to obtain an image forming apparatus usable in the image forming system.
　本発明に係る画像形成システムは、特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備え、前記特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する第１の画像形成装置と、前記特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えず、前記第１の画像形成装置との間で有線データ通信が可能な第２の画像形成装置とを備える。そして、前記第２の画像形成装置は、擬似無線通信モードを有し、前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の場合には、前記特定の無線通信方式で前記第１の画像形成装置により受信された前記印刷要求を前記第１の画像形成装置から受信し、受信した前記印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行し、前記第１の画像形成装置は、前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記第２の画像形成装置を特定し、受信した前記印刷要求を、特定した前記第２の画像形成装置へ有線データ通信で送信する。 An image forming system according to the present invention includes a first wireless communication apparatus having a specific wireless communication method, and receives a print request directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device using the specific wireless communication method. And a second image forming apparatus capable of wired data communication with the first image forming apparatus without the wireless communication apparatus of the specific wireless communication method. The second image forming apparatus has a pseudo wireless communication mode. When the second image forming apparatus is operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, the second image forming apparatus is received by the first image forming apparatus using the specific wireless communication method. The print request is received from the first image forming apparatus, printing is performed based on the received print request, and the first image forming apparatus is operated in the pseudo wireless communication mode. A forming apparatus is specified, and the received print request is transmitted to the specified second image forming apparatus by wired data communication.
　本発明に係る画像形成装置は、特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備え、前記特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する画像形成装置であり、前記特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えず、別の画像形成装置との間で有線データ通信を行う有線通信装置と、特定の擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記別の画像形成装置を特定し、受信した前記印刷要求を、特定した前記別の画像形成装置へ前記有線通信装置で送信し、前記別の画像形成装置に、前記印刷要求に基づく印刷を実行させる中継処理部とを備える。 An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication method, and that receives a print request directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device using the specific wireless communication method. A wired communication device that does not include the wireless communication device of the specific wireless communication method and performs wired data communication with another image forming device, and the other image forming device that is operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode. A relay processing unit configured to transmit the specified and received print request to the specified another image forming apparatus by the wired communication device and cause the other image forming apparatus to execute printing based on the print request; .
　本発明に係る画像形成装置は、特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置であり、前記特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備え前記特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する別の画像形成装置との間で有線データ通信を行う有線通信装置と、特定の擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の場合には、前記特定の無線通信方式で前記別の画像形成装置により受信された前記印刷要求を前記別の画像形成装置から前記有線通信装置で受信し、受信した前記印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する擬似無線通信処理部とを備える。 An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that does not include a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication method, and includes a wireless communication device of the specific wireless communication method and a mobile terminal device using the specific wireless communication method A wired communication device that performs wired data communication with another image forming device that receives a print request transmitted directly from the device, and the specific wireless when operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode A pseudo wireless communication processing unit that receives the print request received by the other image forming apparatus in a communication method from the other image forming apparatus by the wired communication apparatus, and executes printing based on the received print request; Prepare.
　本発明によれば、携帯端末装置から印刷要求を送信して、無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置に印刷を実行させることが可能な画像形成システムおよびその画像形成システムで使用可能な画像形成装置が得られる。 According to the present invention, an image forming system capable of transmitting a print request from a portable terminal device and causing an image forming apparatus not equipped with a wireless communication apparatus to execute printing, and an image forming usable in the image forming system A device is obtained.
　本発明の上記又は他の目的、特徴および優位性は、添付の図面とともに以下の詳細な説明から更に明らかになる。 The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
図１は、本発明の実施の形態に係る画像形成システムの構成を示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、図１における画像形成装置２ａ，２ｂの構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b in FIG. 図３は、図１に示す画像形成システムにおける各装置の動作について説明するシーケンス図である。FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG.
　以下、図に基づいて本発明の実施の形態を説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　図１は、本発明の実施の形態に係る画像形成システムの構成を示す図である。図１に示すシステムでは、ユーザーが、スマートフォンなどの携帯端末装置１を携帯しており、さらに、複数の画像形成装置２ａ，２ｂ（複合機、コピー機など）が設置されている。画像形成装置２ａは、特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置（ここでは無線ＬＡＮインターフェイス）を備えており、画像形成装置２ｂは、特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置（ここでは無線ＬＡＮインターフェイス）を備えていない。 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the system shown in FIG. 1, a user carries a portable terminal device 1 such as a smartphone, and a plurality of image forming devices 2a and 2b (multifunction devices, copiers, etc.) are installed. The image forming apparatus 2a includes a wireless communication apparatus (in this case, a wireless LAN interface) of a specific wireless communication system, and the image forming apparatus 2b includes a wireless communication apparatus (in this case, a wireless LAN interface) of a specific wireless communication system. I do not have.
　なお、携帯端末装置１は、例えばスマートフォンなどのポータブルデバイスであって、無線通信装置（ここでは、無線ＬＡＮインターフェイス）を備えており、Ｗｉ－Ｆｉ　Ｄｉｒｅｃｔで印刷要求を送信する。 Note that the mobile terminal device 1 is a portable device such as a smartphone, and includes a wireless communication device (in this case, a wireless LAN interface), and transmits a print request using Wi-Fi Direct.
　図２は、図１における画像形成装置２ａ，２ｂの構成を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b in FIG.
　画像形成装置２ａは、印刷装置１１、画像読取装置１２、操作パネル１３、無線通信装置１４、有線通信装置１５、記憶装置１６、およびコントローラー１７を備える。画像形成装置２ｂは、印刷装置３１、画像読取装置３２、操作パネル３３、有線通信装置３４、記憶装置３５、およびコントローラー３６を備える。なお、画像形成装置２ｂは、無線通信装置１４と同様の無線通信装置を備えていない。 The image forming apparatus 2a includes a printing device 11, an image reading device 12, an operation panel 13, a wireless communication device 14, a wired communication device 15, a storage device 16, and a controller 17. The image forming apparatus 2 b includes a printing device 31, an image reading device 32, an operation panel 33, a wired communication device 34, a storage device 35, and a controller 36. The image forming apparatus 2b does not include a wireless communication device similar to the wireless communication device 14.
　印刷装置１１，３１は、それぞれ、印刷要求（印刷画像データ、ＰＤＬ（Page Description Language）データなど）に基づいて１ページずつ画像を印刷用紙に電子写真方式で印刷する内部装置である。 Each of the printing apparatuses 11 and 31 is an internal apparatus that prints an image on a print sheet one page at a time based on a print request (print image data, PDL (Page Description Language) data, or the like).
　画像読取装置１２，３２は、それぞれ、原稿から原稿画像を読み取り、その画像データ（つまり、スキャンデータ）を生成する内部装置である。 The image reading devices 12 and 32 are internal devices that read a document image from a document and generate image data (that is, scan data).
　操作パネル１３，３３は、それぞれ、画像形成装置２ａ，２ｂの筐体に配置され、ユーザーに対して各種情報を表示する表示装置と、ユーザー操作を受け付ける入力装置とを有する。表示装置としては例えば液晶ディスプレイが使用される。入力装置としては、キースイッチ、タッチパネルなどが使用される。 The operation panels 13 and 33 are disposed in the housings of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b, respectively, and include a display device that displays various types of information to the user and an input device that receives user operations. For example, a liquid crystal display is used as the display device. A key switch, a touch panel, or the like is used as the input device.
　無線通信装置１４は、無線ＬＡＮなどの特定の無線通信方式で無線データ通信を行う内部装置である。 The wireless communication device 14 is an internal device that performs wireless data communication using a specific wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN.
　有線通信装置１５，３４は、それぞれ、有線ＬＡＮなどのネットワークに接続され、そのネットワークに接続された他の装置とデータ通信を行う回路である。これにより、有線通信装置１５，３４は、互いに有線データ通信する。 The wired communication devices 15 and 34 are circuits that are connected to a network such as a wired LAN and perform data communication with other devices connected to the network. Thereby, the wired communication devices 15 and 34 perform wired data communication with each other.
　また、記憶装置１６，３５は、それぞれ、フラッシュメモリー、ハードディスクなどの不揮発性の記憶装置である。記憶装置１６，３５には、コントローラー１７，３６により実行されるプログラムなどがそれぞれ記憶されている。 Further, the storage devices 16 and 35 are non-volatile storage devices such as a flash memory and a hard disk, respectively. The storage devices 16 and 35 store programs executed by the controllers 17 and 36, respectively.
　また、コントローラー１７，３６は、ＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）などを有するコンピューター、ＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）などを備え、画像形成装置２ａ，２ｂ内の内部装置をそれぞれ制御する。 The controllers 17 and 36 include a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like, and image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b. Each internal device is controlled.
　画像形成装置２ａでは、コントローラー１７は、コンピューターでプログラムを実行することで、中継処理部２１として動作する。 In the image forming apparatus 2a, the controller 17 operates as the relay processing unit 21 by executing a program with a computer.
　コントローラー１７は、無線通信装置１４を使用して、Ｗｉ－Ｆｉ　Ｄｉｒｅｃｔなどの特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置１から直接的に（つまり、アクセスポイントなどの中継装置を介さずに）送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する。 The controller 17 is transmitted directly from the mobile terminal device 1 by a specific wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi Direct using the wireless communication device 14 (that is, not via a relay device such as an access point). Receive incoming print requests.
　中継処理部２１は、有線データ通信によって特定の擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の別の画像形成装置２ｂを特定し、受信した印刷要求を、特定した別の画像形成装置２ｂへ有線通信装置１５で送信し、別の画像形成装置２ｂに、印刷要求に基づく印刷を実行させる。 The relay processing unit 21 specifies another image forming apparatus 2b that is operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode by wired data communication, and transmits the received print request to the specified other image forming apparatus 2b by the wired communication apparatus 15. And sending another image forming apparatus 2b to perform printing based on the print request.
　具体的には、中継処理部２１は、（ａ）擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の画像形成装置２ｂの有無を判定し、（ｂ１）擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の画像形成装置２ｂがある場合には、受信した印刷要求を、擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の画像形成装置２ｂへ有線データ通信で送信し、（ｂ２）擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の画像形成装置２ｂがない場合には、印刷装置１１を使用して、受信した印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する。 Specifically, the relay processing unit 21 determines (a) whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and (b1) when there is an image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode. The received print request is transmitted by wired data communication to the image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode. (B2) When there is no image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, Using the printing apparatus 11, printing is performed based on the received print request.
　なお、画像形成装置２ｂは、擬似無線通信モードに移行した際、および擬似無線通信モードを解除した際に、有線データ通信で通知を画像形成装置２ａへ送信する。中継処理部２１は、この通知に基づいて、現時点における擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の画像形成装置２ｂの有無を判定する。 The image forming apparatus 2b transmits a notification to the image forming apparatus 2a through wired data communication when the pseudo wireless communication mode is entered and when the pseudo wireless communication mode is canceled. Based on this notification, the relay processing unit 21 determines whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 2b currently operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode.
　また、画像形成装置２ｂでは、コントローラー３６は、コンピューターでプログラムを実行することで、擬似無線通信処理部４１として動作する。 In the image forming apparatus 2b, the controller 36 operates as the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 by executing a program with a computer.
　擬似無線通信処理部４１は、操作パネル３３に対するユーザー操作に基づいて起動すると、上述の通知を送信し、コントローラー３６は、特定の擬似無線通信モードに移行する。なお、特定の擬似無線通信モードにおいて、擬似無線通信処理部４１は、操作パネル３３に対するユーザー操作が検出されると、上述の通知を送信し、コントローラー３６は、特定の擬似無線通信モードを解除する。 When the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is activated based on a user operation on the operation panel 33, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 transmits the above notification, and the controller 36 shifts to a specific pseudo wireless communication mode. In the specific pseudo wireless communication mode, when a user operation on the operation panel 33 is detected, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 transmits the above notification, and the controller 36 cancels the specific pseudo wireless communication mode. .
　擬似無線通信処理部４１は、特定の擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の場合には、特定の無線通信方式で別の画像形成装置２ａにより受信された印刷要求を別の画像形成装置２ａから有線通信装置３４で受信し、印刷装置３１を使用して、受信した印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する。 When the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 transmits a print request received by another image forming apparatus 2a using a specific wireless communication method from another image forming apparatus 2a to wired communication. The printing is received by the apparatus 34, and printing is performed using the printing apparatus 31 based on the received print request.
　ここでは、擬似無線通信処理部４１は、画像形成装置２ｂにオプションソフトウェアを追加することで実現され、操作パネル３３に対するユーザー操作に従って、擬似無線通信モードのオン／オフを制御する。 Here, the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is realized by adding optional software to the image forming apparatus 2b, and controls on / off of the pseudo wireless communication mode according to a user operation on the operation panel 33.
　次に、当該実施の形態に係る画像形成システムにおける各装置の動作について説明する。図３は、図１に示す画像形成システムにおける各装置の動作について説明するシーケンス図である。 Next, the operation of each device in the image forming system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of each apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG.
　無線通信装置のない画像形成装置２ｂにおいて、操作パネル３３により所定のユーザー操作が検出されると（ステップＳ１）、擬似無線通信処理部４１は、起動して、擬似無線通信モードがオンとなっている旨の通知を有線通信装置３４で画像形成装置２ａへ送信し、コントローラー３６は、擬似無線通信モードで動作する（ステップＳ２）。 In the image forming apparatus 2b without the wireless communication device, when a predetermined user operation is detected by the operation panel 33 (step S1), the pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 is activated and the pseudo wireless communication mode is turned on. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2a by the wired communication device 34, and the controller 36 operates in the pseudo wireless communication mode (step S2).
　その後、画像形成装置２ａの中継処理部２１は、携帯端末装置１との間で無線接続を確立し（ステップＳ３）、Ｗｉ－Ｆｉ　Ｄｉｒｅｃｔなどで印刷要求を受信すると（ステップＳ４）、その時点で擬似無線通信モードがオンとなっている画像形成装置２ｂが存在するか否かを特定する（ステップＳ５）。 Thereafter, the relay processing unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 2a establishes a wireless connection with the mobile terminal device 1 (step S3), and receives a print request by Wi-Fi Direct or the like (step S4), at that time. It is specified whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 2b in which the pseudo wireless communication mode is on (step S5).
　擬似無線通信モードがオンとなっている画像形成装置２ｂが存在すれば、中継処理部２１は、ただちに、受信した印刷要求を、有線通信装置１５でその画像形成装置２ｂへ送信する（ステップＳ６）。画像形成装置２ｂの擬似無線通信処理部４１は、有線通信装置３４を使用して、その印刷要求を受信し、印刷装置３１を使用して、その印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する（ステップＳ７）。 If there is an image forming apparatus 2b in which the pseudo wireless communication mode is on, the relay processing unit 21 immediately transmits the received print request to the image forming apparatus 2b through the wired communication device 15 (step S6). . The pseudo wireless communication processing unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 2b receives the print request using the wired communication device 34, and executes printing based on the print request using the printing device 31 (step S7). .
　一方、擬似無線通信モードがオンとなっている画像形成装置２ｂが存在しなければ、中継処理部２１は、ただちに、印刷装置１１を使用して、その印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する。 On the other hand, if there is no image forming apparatus 2b in which the pseudo wireless communication mode is on, the relay processing unit 21 immediately uses the printing apparatus 11 to execute printing based on the print request.
　以上のように、上記実施の形態によれば、画像形成装置２ａは、特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置１４を備え、その特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置１から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する。一方、画像形成装置２ｂは、そのような特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えていないが、画像形成装置２ａとの間で有線データ通信が可能となっている。画像形成装置２ａは、擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の画像形成装置２ｂを特定し、受信した印刷要求を、特定した画像形成装置２ｂへ有線データ通信で送信する。画像形成装置２ｂは、擬似無線通信モードを有し、擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の場合には、特定の無線通信方式で画像形成装置２ａにより受信された印刷要求を画像形成装置２ａから受信し、受信した印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する。 As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2a includes the wireless communication device 14 of a specific wireless communication method, and is directly transmitted from the mobile terminal device 1 using the specific wireless communication method. Receive incoming print requests. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 2b does not include a wireless communication apparatus of such a specific wireless communication system, but can perform wired data communication with the image forming apparatus 2a. The image forming apparatus 2a identifies the image forming apparatus 2b operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and transmits the received print request to the identified image forming apparatus 2b through wired data communication. When the image forming apparatus 2b has a pseudo wireless communication mode and is operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, the image forming apparatus 2b receives a print request received from the image forming apparatus 2a by a specific wireless communication method from the image forming apparatus 2a. Then, printing is executed based on the received print request.
　これにより、携帯端末装置１から印刷要求を送信して、無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置２ｂに印刷を実行させることが可能となる。 Thereby, it is possible to transmit a print request from the mobile terminal device 1 and cause the image forming apparatus 2b not equipped with the wireless communication device to execute printing.
　例えば、画像形成装置２ｂが古い機種や下位機種で無線通信装置を備えていない場合でも、画像形成装置２ｂに上述のオプションソフトウェアをインストールすることで、携帯端末装置１から、Ｗｉ－Ｆｉ　Ｄｉｒｅｃｔなどで、画像形成装置２ａを介して、画像形成装置２ｂに印刷を実行させることができる。 For example, even when the image forming apparatus 2b is an old model or a lower model and does not include a wireless communication device, the above-described option software is installed in the image forming apparatus 2b, so that the mobile terminal device 1 can use Wi-Fi Direct or the like. The image forming apparatus 2b can execute printing via the image forming apparatus 2a.
　なお、上述の実施の形態に対する様々な変更および修正については、当業者には明らかである。そのような変更および修正は、その主題の趣旨および範囲から離れることなく、かつ、意図された利点を弱めることなく行われてもよい。つまり、そのような変更および修正が請求の範囲に含まれることを意図している。 It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. That is, such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
　本発明は、例えば、複数の画像形成装置が接続されたネットワークシステムに適用可能である。 The present invention is applicable to a network system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, for example.

Claims (5)

  1. 　特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備え、前記特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する第１の画像形成装置と、
    　前記特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えず、前記第１の画像形成装置との間で有線データ通信が可能な第２の画像形成装置とを備え、
    　前記第２の画像形成装置は、擬似無線通信モードを有し、前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の場合には、前記特定の無線通信方式で前記第１の画像形成装置により受信された前記印刷要求を前記第１の画像形成装置から受信し、受信した前記印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行し、
    　前記第１の画像形成装置は、前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記第２の画像形成装置を特定し、受信した前記印刷要求を、特定した前記第２の画像形成装置へ有線データ通信で送信すること、
    　を特徴とする画像形成システム。     A first image forming apparatus that includes a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication method, and that receives a print request directly transmitted from a mobile terminal device in the specific wireless communication method;
    A second image forming apparatus capable of wired data communication with the first image forming apparatus without the wireless communication apparatus of the specific wireless communication method;
    The second image forming apparatus has a pseudo wireless communication mode. When the second image forming apparatus is operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, the print received by the first image forming apparatus in the specific wireless communication method is used. Receiving a request from the first image forming apparatus, executing printing based on the received print request,
    The first image forming apparatus identifies the second image forming apparatus operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and transmits the received print request to the identified second image forming apparatus through wired data communication. Sending,
    An image forming system.
  2. 　前記第１の画像形成装置は、（ａ）前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記第２の画像形成装置の有無を判定し、（ｂ１）前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記第２の画像形成装置がある場合には、受信した前記印刷要求を、前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記第２の画像形成装置へ有線データ通信で送信し、（ｂ２）前記擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記第２の画像形成装置がない場合には、受信した前記印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行することを特徴とする請求項１記載の画像形成システム。 The first image forming apparatus determines (a) the presence or absence of the second image forming apparatus operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and (b1) the second image forming apparatus operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode. When there is an image forming apparatus, the received print request is transmitted by wired data communication to the second image forming apparatus operating in the pseudo wireless communication mode, and (b2) operated in the pseudo wireless communication mode. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein printing is executed based on the received print request when there is no second image forming apparatus.
  3. 　前記第２の画像形成装置は、オプションソフトウェアを追加することで実現する擬似無線通信処理部を備え、
    　前記擬似無線通信処理部は、前記擬似無線通信モードのオン／オフを制御すること、
    　を特徴とする請求項１記載の画像形成システム。     The second image forming apparatus includes a pseudo wireless communication processing unit realized by adding optional software,
    The pseudo wireless communication processing unit controls on / off of the pseudo wireless communication mode;
    The image forming system according to claim 1.
  4. 　特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備え、前記特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する画像形成装置において、
    　前記特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えず、別の画像形成装置との間で有線データ通信を行う有線通信装置と、
    　特定の擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の前記別の画像形成装置を特定し、受信した前記印刷要求を、特定した前記別の画像形成装置へ前記有線通信装置で送信し、前記別の画像形成装置に、前記印刷要求に基づく印刷を実行させる中継処理部と、
    　を備えることを特徴とする画像形成装置。     In an image forming apparatus comprising a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication system and receiving a print request transmitted directly from a portable terminal device in the specific wireless communication method,
    A wired communication device that does not include the wireless communication device of the specific wireless communication method and performs wired data communication with another image forming device;
    The other image forming apparatus operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode is specified, and the received print request is transmitted to the specified another image forming apparatus by the wired communication apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus is transmitted. A relay processing unit for executing printing based on the print request;
    An image forming apparatus comprising:
  5. 　特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備えていない画像形成装置において、
    　前記特定の無線通信方式の無線通信装置を備え前記特定の無線通信方式で携帯端末装置から直接的に送信されてくる印刷要求を受信する別の画像形成装置との間で有線データ通信を行う有線通信装置と、
    　特定の擬似無線通信モードで稼働中の場合には、前記特定の無線通信方式で前記別の画像形成装置により受信された前記印刷要求を前記別の画像形成装置から前記有線通信装置で受信し、受信した前記印刷要求に基づき印刷を実行する擬似無線通信処理部と、
    　を備えることを特徴とする画像形成装置。     In an image forming apparatus that does not include a wireless communication device of a specific wireless communication method,
    Wired data communication is performed with another image forming apparatus that includes the wireless communication apparatus of the specific wireless communication system and receives a print request directly transmitted from the mobile terminal apparatus by the specific wireless communication system. A communication device;
    When operating in a specific pseudo wireless communication mode, the print request received by the another image forming apparatus in the specific wireless communication method is received from the other image forming apparatus by the wired communication apparatus, A pseudo wireless communication processing unit that executes printing based on the received print request;
    An image forming apparatus comprising:
PCT/JP2018/017352 2017-05-23 2018-04-27 Image forming system and image forming device WO2018216437A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2019519538A JPWO2018216437A1 (en) 2017-05-23 2018-04-27 Image forming system and image forming apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017102173 2017-05-23
JP2017-102173 2017-05-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018216437A1 true WO2018216437A1 (en) 2018-11-29

Family

ID=64395644

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2018/017352 WO2018216437A1 (en) 2017-05-23 2018-04-27 Image forming system and image forming device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JPWO2018216437A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018216437A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002073306A (en) * 2000-08-29 2002-03-12 Canon Inc Printer system, printer control device, method and storage medium
JP2015185048A (en) * 2014-03-25 2015-10-22 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image forming system, repeating installation, and program
JP2016025647A (en) * 2014-07-24 2016-02-08 キヤノン株式会社 Printing apparatus, control method for printing apparatus, and program

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6224902B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2017-11-01 キヤノン株式会社 COMMUNICATION DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM
JP6511946B2 (en) * 2015-05-11 2019-05-15 富士ゼロックス株式会社 INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002073306A (en) * 2000-08-29 2002-03-12 Canon Inc Printer system, printer control device, method and storage medium
JP2015185048A (en) * 2014-03-25 2015-10-22 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image forming system, repeating installation, and program
JP2016025647A (en) * 2014-07-24 2016-02-08 キヤノン株式会社 Printing apparatus, control method for printing apparatus, and program

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPWO2018216437A1 (en) 2019-11-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11849087B2 (en) Voice control device, printing apparatus, control methods thereof, and storage medium
US9335957B2 (en) Communication apparatus and method for controlling the same, and storage medium
US10437526B2 (en) Printing method, sound control system, and program
US11210036B2 (en) Print system, print apparatus, control method, and storage medium
US10567602B2 (en) Print apparatus and control method for obtaining print data when a print instruction is received by audio
JP2014179927A5 (en) COMMUNICATION DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM
US20200252369A1 (en) Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium
JP2014164420A (en) Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, and program
US9740443B2 (en) Printing apparatus capable of performing near field wireless communication, method for controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium
JP5850880B2 (en) Image forming apparatus and image forming system
US9917964B2 (en) Information processing apparatus, information system, information processing method, and storage medium
JP2016208497A (en) Image formation device, control method of the same, and program
WO2018216437A1 (en) Image forming system and image forming device
JP6472263B2 (en) Information processing apparatus, control method, and program
JP7447070B2 (en) Mobile devices and programs
JP6579385B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
JP6073752B2 (en) Image forming apparatus, portable terminal, and data communication system including the same
US9350891B2 (en) Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a setup program
JP2015136813A (en) Image forming device
JP2019070947A (en) Device management system and device management program
JP2019185288A (en) Information processing apparatus, image forming processing system, print control method, and print control program

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18804915

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2019519538

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 18804915

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1