JP6747486B2 - Device control system, image processing device, device control method, and device control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device control system, an image processing device, a device control method, and a device control program, and more particularly to a device control system including an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, its image processing device, and its image processing device. The present invention relates to a device control method and a device control program executed.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable information devices represented by smartphones have a function of communicating by NFC (Near Field Communication) method, and a technique of causing a smartphone to approach an NFC-compatible device to cause the device to perform various processes. It has been known.

On the other hand, there is a technique of controlling the portable information device from the outside. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-279572 (Patent Document 1) discloses a mobile communication terminal, a non-contact IC tag card that stores identification information of the mobile communication terminal, and the identification information from the non-contact IC tag card. A mobile phone terminal system having a non-contact IC tag card reader for reading, an information processing terminal connected to a network, a management server for managing security of the mobile communication terminal, and a base station for controlling connection of the mobile communication terminal. In the management server, the management server has storage means for storing management information of the mobile communication terminal, and when the identification information read by the contactless IC card reader is received from the information processing terminal, the management server Controls connection to the mobile communication terminal in the base station and lock/unlock operation of the mobile communication terminal based on the management information for each of the identification information stored by the storage means. The mobile phone terminal system is described.

However, in the conventional mobile phone terminal system, the identification information of the mobile communication terminal must be stored in a non-contact IC tag card different from the mobile communication terminal, and the non-contact IC tag card is separated from the mobile information device. There is a problem of having to manage.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-279572

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a device control system capable of causing a portable information device to execute processing regardless of an operation by a user. It is to be.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of causing a portable information device to execute processing regardless of a user's operation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device control method capable of causing a portable information device to execute processing regardless of a user's operation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device control program capable of causing a portable information device to execute processing regardless of a user's operation.

According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, an apparatus control system includes a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, and a portable information apparatus capable of wireless communication with any of the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A device control system including a server connected to a network, wherein each of the plurality of image processing devices includes device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device and the portable information device within a predetermined distance range. In the case of doing, the mobile information device is provided with a command transmitting unit for transmitting a command for causing the mobile information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance to be executed by the mobile information device, to the mobile information device by the device side communication unit, The portable information device includes a portable communication device that can communicate with the image processing device and a command that corresponds to the portable information device when one of the plurality of image processing devices is within a predetermined distance. Command execution means for executing a predetermined process corresponding to the received command , the server includes storage means for storing the command in the portable information device, and the command transmission means for the portable information device. to obtain the corresponding commands to the same device identification information and device identification information indicating the from the server that sends to the portable information device.

According to this aspect, the control device transmits to the mobile information device a command for causing the mobile information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance after communication with the mobile information device becomes possible. Therefore, when the portable information device receives a command in response to a state in which it can communicate with any of the plurality of image processing devices, the portable information device executes the received command. Therefore, if a command that determines the process to be executed by the portable information device is registered in the image processing device, then when the portable information device is brought closer to the image processing device within a predetermined distance range, the registered command is transmitted. Executed on the device. As a result, it is possible to provide a device control system capable of causing a portable information device to execute a process regardless of a user's operation.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus control system is an apparatus control system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network and a portable information apparatus capable of wirelessly communicating with any of the plurality of image processing apparatuses. Then, each of the plurality of image processing devices is pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device when the portable information device is within a predetermined distance range and the device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device. And a command transmitting unit that transmits a command for causing the portable information device to execute the predetermined process to the portable information device by the device side communication unit, and the portable information device is capable of communicating with the image processing device. And a command executing means for receiving a command corresponding to the portable information device when any one of the plurality of image processing devices is present within a predetermined distance range and executing a predetermined process corresponding to the received command. The predetermined process is to specify at least one of a plurality of processes registered in advance as a process to be executed by the portable information device as process identification information, and to execute at least one selected process. The setting value of is registered by being accepted, and the command includes the process identification information and the setting value for the process specified by the process identification information.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a device control system is a device control system including a plurality of image processing devices connected to a network and a portable information device capable of wireless communication with any of the plurality of image processing devices. there are, each plurality of image processing apparatus, a portable information device capable of communicating device side communication means, when the portable information device is present within a predetermined distance, the portable information to be executed by the portable information device A command that causes the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for each device, the command including process identification information that specifies any of a plurality of processes that the portable information device can execute as the predetermined process, Command transmitting means for transmitting to the portable information device by means of the device side communication means, the portable information device is a portable side communication means capable of communicating with the image processing device, and a predetermined one of the plurality of image processing devices. Command execution means for receiving a command corresponding to the portable information device when the device exists within the range of the distance, and executing a predetermined process corresponding to the received command.

Preferably, the command is registered in advance for each portable information device .
Preferably, the command corresponding to the portable information device is registered together with the device identification information for identifying the portable information device.

Preferably, each of the plurality of image processing devices further includes identification information acquisition means for receiving device identification information for identifying the portable information device in response to communication with the portable information device. The transmitting unit transmits, to the portable information device, a command registered for the same device identification information as the device identification information received by the identification information acquisition unit.

Preferably, the device-side communication means and the mobile-side communication means include wireless communication means capable of short-range wireless communication with each other.

Preferably, the command is registered together with the authentication information registered corresponding to the portable information device.

Preferably, the command transmitting means further transmits the authentication information registered corresponding to the command to the portable information device, and the command executing means of the portable information device pre-registers the received authentication information in the portable information device. The received command is executed on condition that the received authentication information matches.

Preferably, the predetermined process is specified according to the operation received from the user and can be registered as a command.

Preferably, each of the plurality of image processing devices includes control information generation means for generating control information including device identification information for identifying the portable information device and a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process, Further prepare.

Preferably, the control information further includes authentication information registered corresponding to the portable information device .

Preferably, the predetermined process further includes a search process of extracting data that satisfies the condition specified by the setting value from the data stored in the portable information device.
Preferably, the predetermined process further includes a transfer process of transferring the data extracted by the search process so as to be stored in the image processing apparatus.

Preferably, the predetermined process further includes a print process of generating a print job corresponding to the data based on the data extracted by the search process and transmitting the print job to the image processing apparatus.
Preferably, the predetermined process includes a transfer process of transferring the data to the destination specified by the set value.
Preferably, the transfer process is a process of transmitting image data captured by a camera included in the portable information device to the destination specified by the setting value.

Preferably, the predetermined process includes a download process of downloading, to the portable information device, data satisfying the condition specified by the setting value from the data stored in the image processing device.
Preferably, the predetermined process includes an erasing process of erasing the data stored in the portable information device.
Preferably, the predetermined process includes a lock setting process for setting the portable information device in a state in which reception of an operation by a user is prohibited.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image processing device is an image processing device capable of communicating with the portable information device, and the device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device and the portable information device have a predetermined distance. A command transmitting unit that transmits a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance to be executed by the portable information device when the device exists within the range, to the portable information device by the device side communication unit, It includes a command transmitting unit acquires a command corresponding to the same device identification information and device identification information of a portable information device from a server connected to the network, that sends to the portable information device.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the image processing device capable of causing the portable information device to execute the process regardless of the operation by the user.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image processing device is an image processing device capable of communicating with the portable information device, and the device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device and the portable information device have a predetermined distance. A command transmitting unit that transmits a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance to be executed by the portable information device when the device exists within the range, to the portable information device by the device side communication unit, The predetermined process includes one or more of a plurality of processes registered in advance as a process to be executed by the portable information device, designated as process identification information, and for executing one or more selected processes. The command is registered by receiving the set value, and the command includes the process identification information and the set value for the process specified by the process identification information.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image processing device is an image processing device capable of communicating with the portable information device, and the device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device and the portable information device have a predetermined distance. Is a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for each portable information device when the portable information device is present within the range of A command transmitting unit that transmits a command including process identification information that identifies one of the processes as a predetermined process to the portable information device by the device communication unit.
Preferably, the command is registered in advance for each portable information device.
Preferably, the command corresponding to the portable information device is registered together with the device identification information for identifying the portable information device.
Preferably, the communication device further includes an identification information acquisition unit that receives device identification information for identifying the portable information device in response to the communication with the portable information device, and the command transmission unit includes the identification information acquisition unit. The command registered for the same device identification information as the device identification information received by is transmitted to the portable information device.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a device control method is a device control method executed by an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, wherein the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range. A determination step for determining whether or not the portable information device is within a range of a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for the portable information device to execute, A command transmitting step of transmitting to the portable information device, and causing the image processing device to execute , wherein the command transmitting step obtains a command corresponding to the same device identification information as the device identification information indicating the portable information device from the server connected to the network. And transmitting to the portable information device .

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the device control method capable of causing the portable information device to execute the process regardless of the operation by the user.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a device control method is a device control method executed by an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, wherein the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range. A determination step for determining whether or not the portable information device is within a range of a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for the portable information device to execute, A command transmission step of transmitting to the portable information device, and a predetermined process, one or more of a plurality of processes registered in advance as a process to be executed by the portable information device are designated as the process identification information. In addition, the command is registered by accepting the set value for executing the selected one or more processes, and the command includes the process identification information and the set value for the process specified by the process identification information. Including.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a device control method is a device control method executed by an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, wherein the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range. A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range, and the portable information device performs a predetermined process registered in advance for each portable information device to be executed by the portable information device. A command transmitting step of transmitting to the portable information device a command including a process identification information for specifying any one of a plurality of processes executable by the portable information device as a predetermined process, the image processing device; To run.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the device control program is a device control program executed by a computer that controls an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, and the portable information is within a predetermined distance range. A determination step of determining whether or not the device exists, and when the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range, the portable information device performs a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device. A command transmitting step for transmitting the command to the portable information device to the computer, and the command transmitting step includes transmitting a command corresponding to the same device identification information as the device identification information indicating the portable information device to the server connected to the network. From the portable information device and transmitting the portable information device to the portable information device .

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the device control program capable of causing the portable information device to execute the process regardless of the operation by the user.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the device control program is a device control program executed by a computer that controls an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, and the portable information is within a predetermined distance range. A determination step of determining whether or not the device exists, and when the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range, the portable information device performs a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device. A command transmitting step of transmitting a command to the portable information device, and causing the computer to execute the predetermined process. One or more of the plurality of processes registered in advance as the process to be executed by the portable information device is the process identification information. Is registered as a set value for executing one or more selected processes is received, and the command includes the process identification information and the set value for the process specified by the process identification information. ,including.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the device control program is a device control program executed by a computer that controls an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device, and the portable information is within a predetermined distance range. A determination step of determining whether or not the device exists, and a predetermined process pre-registered for each portable information device to be executed by the portable information device when the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range. A command transmitted to the portable information device, which is a command to be executed by the portable information device, the command including process identification information for specifying any of a plurality of processes executable by the portable information device as the predetermined process; Causes the computer to execute.

It is a figure showing the whole device control system outline in one of the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of an MFP. It is a top view showing an example of an operation panel. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of a portable information device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a management server. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a process selection screen. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of a setting value setting screen. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of a setting value setting screen. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a function of CPU with which a portable information device is equipped. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of device control processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of controlled processing.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an apparatus control system according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, device control system 1 includes multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) 100A and 100B that function as image processing devices, a management server 300, and a portable information device 200. The MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100A and 100B and the management server 300 are connected to the Internet 5. Portable information device 200 can communicate with either of MFPs 100A and 100B by wireless communication by a short-range wireless system.

The management server 300 is a general computer. The portable information device 200 is a computer such as a smartphone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) that is carried and used by a user. Here, the mobile information device 200 is a smartphone and has a call function. Therefore, the mobile information device 200 can connect to the mobile phone network by wirelessly communicating with the mobile phone base station and make a call.

Although the MFPs 100A and 100B and the management server 300 are described as an example in which they are connected to the Internet 5, they may be a local area network (LAN). The connection form may be wired or wireless. Further, although FIG. 1 shows a case where the apparatus control system 1 includes two MFPs 100A and 100B, the number is not limited and the number may be one or more. The MFPs 100A and 100B have the same functions. Here, unless otherwise specified, the MFP 100A will be described as an example.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP. 2 and 3, MFP 100A includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, an automatic document feeder 120 for feeding the document to the document reading unit 130, and a document reading unit. An image forming section 140 for forming an image on a sheet or the like based on image data output by reading and outputting a document by 130, a sheet feeding section 150 for supplying the sheet to image forming section 140, and an image are formed. A post-processing unit 155 for processing paper and an operation panel 160 as a user interface are included.

The post-processing unit 155 executes a sorting process of rearranging and discharging one or more sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 140, a punch process of punching holes, and a staple process of driving a staple.

The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I/F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and a first device-side communication unit. 117, a second device-side communication unit 118, and an external storage device 119 to which the CD-ROM 119A is attached. The CPU 111 is connected to the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the paper feeding unit 150, the post-processing unit 155, and the operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100A.

The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111, or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes the program. Further, the RAM 114 includes a set value storage area and a setting screen storage area. The set value storage area is an area for storing set values for executing processing. The set value storage area is an area for storing the setting screen displayed on the display unit 161. Further, the RAM 114 temporarily stores read data (image data) continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

Communication I/F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100A to Internet 5. The CPU 111 communicates with the management server 300 and transmits/receives data via the communication I/F unit 112.

Facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to PSTN or receives facsimile data from PSTN. The facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 115 or outputs it to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 116 on paper. Facsimile unit 116 also converts the data stored in HDD 115 into facsimile data and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile device connected to PSTN.

The first device-side communication unit 117 wirelessly communicates with the portable information device 200 based on the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The first device-side communication control unit 117 communicates with the mobile information device 200 when the distance to the mobile information device 200 becomes equal to or less than the first distance. The first distance is, for example, ten and several cm.

The second device-side communication unit 118 wirelessly communicates PtoP (peer to peer) by pairing with the portable information device 200 based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The first device-side communication control unit 117 can communicate with the mobile information device 200 when the distance to the mobile information device 200 is equal to or less than the second distance that is longer than the first distance. The second distance is, for example, 10 m or more. The second device-side communication unit 118 may be a LAN interface that performs wireless communication based on the Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) standard, the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard, or the like.

The first device-side communication control unit 117 may pair the second device-side communication unit 118 with the mobile information device 200 so that the second device-side communication unit 118 can communicate with the mobile information device 200. Good. Accordingly, when the user brings the portable information device 200 within the range of the first distance from the first device-side communication control unit 117, the second device-side communication unit 118 can communicate with the portable information device 200. ..

A CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM) 119A is attached to the external storage device 119. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 119A via the external storage device 119. The CPU 111 loads the program recorded in the CD-ROM 119A mounted on the external storage device 119 into the RAM 114 and executes the program. The medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the CD-ROM 119A, and may be an optical disc (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc)/MD (Mini Disc)/DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, an optical card, It may be a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM).

Further, the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program recorded in the CD-ROM 119A, and the program stored in the HDD 115 may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the Internet 5 may rewrite the program stored in the HDD 115 of the MFP 100A, or may additionally write a new program. Further, MFP 100A may download the program from another computer connected to Internet 5 and store the program in HDD 115. The program mentioned here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

Operation panel 160 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100A and includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 163.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel. The dotted line in the figure is added to show a hard key portion 167 described later, and does not actually exist. Referring to FIG. 4, operation panel 160 includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 163. The display unit 161 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro-Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information regarding acquired image data, and the like.

The operation unit 163 includes a touch panel 165, a hard key unit 167, and a contact position notification area 117A. The touch panel 165 is provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the display unit 161 so as to overlap the display unit 161. The hard key unit 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard key is, for example, a contact switch. The touch panel 165 detects the position designated by the user on the display surface of the display unit 161. The contact position notification area 117A is an area indicating the position where the first device-side communication unit 117 is arranged. In the contact position notification area 117A, for example, the antenna of the first device side communication unit 117 is arranged. The contact position notification area 117A is a display for notifying the user of the position where the portable information device 200 is approached.

When the user operates the MFP 100, since the user often has an upright posture, the display surface of the display unit 161, the operation surface of the touch panel 165, the contact position notification area 117A, and the hard key unit 167 are arranged facing upward. .. This is because the user can easily visually recognize the display surface of the display unit 161, and the user can easily point the operation unit 163 with a finger.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the portable information device. Referring to FIG. 5, portable information device 200 according to the present embodiment has a CPU 201 for controlling the entire portable information device 200, a camera 202, a flash memory 203 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, and a call unit. A wireless communication unit 204 connected to 205, a display unit 206 that displays information, an operation unit 207 that receives a user operation, a wireless LAN I/F 208, a first mobile communication unit 209, and a second mobile communication. The unit 210 and the external storage device 211 are included.

The display unit 206 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or an organic ELD, and displays an instruction menu for the user, information regarding acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 207 includes a main key 207A and a touch panel 207B. Further, when the user instructs the display surface of the display unit 206, the operation unit 207 outputs the position of the display surface detected by the touch panel 207B to the CPU 201. The CPU 201 detects the position designated by the user on the screen displayed on the display unit 206, based on the position detected by the touch panel 207B. The CPU 201 receives input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers, which are operated by the user, based on the screen displayed on the display unit 206 and the position detected by the touch panel 207B. For example, when displaying a screen including an image of a numeric keypad on the display unit 206, the number corresponding to the key displayed at the position detected by the touch panel 207B is accepted.

The camera 202 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element, forms an image of light condensed by the lens on the photoelectric conversion element, and the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts the received light and outputs image data to the CPU 201. The photoelectric conversion element is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, or the like. The camera 202 is arranged such that its imaging range includes the user who views the display unit 206. Specifically, the camera 202 is arranged such that its optical axis is substantially parallel to the normal line of the display surface of the display unit 206 and the imaging direction is the same as the direction of the display surface. In other words, when the user visually recognizes the display unit 206, the camera 202 includes the face part of the user in the imaging range.

The wireless communication unit 204 wirelessly communicates with a mobile phone base station connected to a telephone communication network. The wireless communication unit 204 connects the portable information device 200 to a telephone communication network and enables a call using the call unit 205. The wireless communication unit 204 decodes the audio signal obtained by demodulating the wireless signal received from the mobile phone base station and outputs the decoded audio signal to the call unit 205. The wireless communication unit 204 also encodes the voice input from the call unit 205 and transmits the voice to the mobile phone base station. The call unit 205 includes a microphone and a speaker, outputs voice input from the wireless communication unit 204 from the speaker, and outputs voice input from the microphone to the wireless communication unit 204. Further, the wireless communication unit 204 is controlled by the CPU 201, connects the portable information device 200 to an electronic mail server, and transmits/receives electronic mail.

The wireless LAN I/F 208 is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the portable information device 200 based on the Wi-Fi standard. By registering the IP (Internet Protocol) address of each of MFPs 100A and 100B in mobile information device 200, mobile information device 200 can communicate with MFPs 100A and 100B, and data can be transmitted and received.

The flash memory 203 stores a program executed by the CPU 201 or data necessary for executing the program. The CPU 201 loads the program recorded in the flash memory 203 into the RAM included in the CPU 201 and executes the program. The flash memory 203 also stores device identification information for identifying the portable information device 200 and user identification information for identifying a user assigned as a user who uses the portable information device 200.

Based on the NFC standard, the first mobile communication unit 209 communicates with a device whose distance from the mobile information device 200 is the first distance or less among the MFPs 100A and 100B.

The second mobile communication unit 210 performs PtoP wireless communication by pairing with the mobile information device 200 based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. First portable communication section 210 can communicate with portable information device 200 when the distance from MFP 100A or MFP 100B is the second distance or less. The second distance is, for example, 10 m or more.

First mobile-side communication unit 209 may be paired with MFP 100A or MFP 100B so that second mobile-side communication unit 210 can communicate with MFP 100A or MFP 100B. Thus, if the user brings portable information device 200 within the range of the first distance from MFP 100A or MFP 100B, second portable side communication unit 210 causes the range within the first distance of MFP 100A or MFP 100B. It becomes possible to communicate with the approaching device. The second mobile communication unit 210 may be a LAN interface that performs wireless communication based on the Wi-Fi standard, IrDA rating, or the like.

The external storage device 211 is attachable to and detachable from the portable information device 200, and a CD-ROM 210A storing a remote control program can be attached thereto. The CPU 201 can access the CD-ROM 210A via the external storage device 211. The CPU 201 can load the remote operation program recorded in the CD-ROM 210A mounted on the external storage device 211 into the RAM included in the CPU 201 and execute it.

As the program executed by the CPU 201, the program recorded in the flash memory 203 or the CD-ROM 210A has been described, but another computer connected to the Internet 5 rewrites the program stored in the flash memory 203, Alternatively, it may be a new program additionally written. Further, the portable information device 200 may be a program downloaded from another computer connected to the Internet 5. The program referred to here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

The medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 201 is not limited to the CD-ROM 211A, and may be a semiconductor memory such as an optical disk (MO/MD/DVD), an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, or an EEPROM. Good.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server. Referring to FIG. 6, the management server 300 is connected to the bus 308 and has a CPU 301 for controlling the entire management server 300, a ROM 302 for storing programs executed by the CPU 301, and a work of the CPU 301. A RAM 303 used as an area, a network I/F 304 for connecting the management server 300 to a network, an HDD 305 as a large-capacity storage device, a display unit 306, an operation unit 307 that receives an input of a user operation, and an external unit. And a storage device 309.

A CD-ROM 309A storing a program is attached to the external storage device 309. The CPU 301 loads the program stored in the CD-ROM 309A into the RAM 303 via the external storage device 309 and executes it. The recording medium for storing the program is not limited to the CD-ROM 309A, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO/MD/DVD), an IC card, an optical card, a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM. But it's okay. Further, the program stored in the HDD 305 may be loaded into the RAM 303 and executed. In this case, the management server 300 may download the print job management program from another computer connected to the Internet 5 and store the print job management program in the HDD 305. The program mentioned here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 301 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

The function of the MFP 100A and the function of the MFP 100B are the same. Therefore, in the following description, the function of the MFP 100A will be described as an example unless otherwise specified. Each of the MFPs 100A and 100B includes a function as a registration device and a function as a control device. Functions common to the registration apparatus and the control apparatus will be described as the functions of the MFP 100A, the functions of the registration apparatus will be described as an example in which the MFP 100A functions as the registration apparatus, and the functions of the control apparatus will be performed by the MFP 100B. A case will be described as an example.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the CPU included in the MFP. The functions illustrated in FIG. 7 are formed in the CPU 111 by the CPU 111 included in each of the MFPs 100A and 100B executing the device control program. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 included in MFP 100A includes device-side communication control unit 51, authentication unit 53 that identifies a user who operates MFP 100A, panel control unit 55 that controls operation panel 160, and command generation unit 57. And a control information generation unit 59 and a control information acquisition unit 61.

<Common functions>
The device-side communication control unit 51 controls the communication I/F unit 112, the first device-side communication unit 117, and the second device-side communication unit 118. The device-side communication control unit 51 includes an identification information acquisition unit 63. The identification information acquisition unit 63 controls the first device-side communication unit 117, and when the first device-side communication unit 117 becomes able to communicate with the portable information device 200, the identification information acquisition unit 63 identifies the portable information device 200 from the portable information device 200. Obtain device identification information. The device identification information may be any information that can identify the portable information device 200, and is not limited, and for example, an IP address, a MAC address, a domain name or the like can be used. The identification information acquisition unit 63 outputs the device identification information acquired from the portable information device 200 to the authentication unit 53, the control information generation unit 59, and the control information acquisition unit 61.

When the device identification information of the portable information device 200 is acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 63, the device-side communication control unit 51 controls the communication I/F unit 112 or the second device-side communication unit 118 to control the portable information device. Establishes communication with 200. In this case, the device-side communication control unit 51 controls the first device-side communication unit 117 to communicate with the portable information device 200 by either the communication I/F unit 112 or the second device-side communication unit 118. Take steps to establish. As a result, the MFP 100A establishes a communication path with the portable information device 200 using either the communication I/F unit 112 or the second device-side communication unit 118.

Authentication unit 53 specifies the user who operates MFP 100A based on the device identification information in response to the input of the device identification information from identification information acquisition unit 63. User data of a user who operates the MFP 100A is stored in the HDD 115. The user data includes user identification information for identifying the user and device identification information of the portable information device 200 assigned to the user. The authentication unit 53 extracts the user data including the same device identification information as the device identification information input from the identification information acquisition unit 63, and identifies the user of the user identification information of the extracted user data. When identifying the user, the authentication unit 53 outputs the user identification information of the user to the panel control unit 55. The authentication unit 53 identifies the guest user when the user data including the same device identification information as the device identification information input from the identification information acquisition unit 63 cannot be extracted. When identifying the guest user, the authentication unit 53 outputs the user identification information of the guest user to the panel control unit 55.

<Function of registration device>
The panel control unit 55 receives an operation input to the operation unit 163 after the user identification information is input from the authentication unit 53, as an operation by the user of the user identification information. The panel control unit 55 includes a process specifying unit 71 and an authentication information receiving unit 73.

The process identifying unit 71 identifies a process to be executed by the portable information device 200 carried by the user identified by the user identification information. The process specifying unit 71 includes a selecting unit 75 and a set value receiving unit 77. The process identification unit 71 displays the process identification screen on the display unit 161. The process identification screen is a screen from which a plurality of processes that the portable information device 200 can execute can be selected, and includes a list of process identification information of each of the plurality of processes.

When the user inputs an operation to select the process identification information on the operation unit 163 according to the process identification screen displayed on the display unit 161, the selection unit 75 selects the process identified by the selected process identification information. The selection unit 75 outputs the process identification information of the selected process to the set value reception unit 77. When the user selects a plurality of process identification information, the selection unit 75 selects a plurality of processes specified by the selected plurality of process identification information. When selecting a plurality of processes, the selection unit 75 determines the order of selection in the order of execution of the processes. When the user selects a plurality of process identification information, the selection unit 75 outputs the process identification information and the execution order of the plurality of processes to the set value reception unit 77.

In response to the process identification information input from the selection unit 75, the set value acceptance unit 77 displays on the display unit 161 a set value setting screen corresponding to the process specified by the process identification information. The setting value setting screen is a screen corresponding to the selected process, and includes an area for inputting a setting value used for the portable information device 200 to execute the selected process. When the process that the portable information device 200 can execute is the process of extracting the data stored in the flash memory 203 provided therein, the condition for extracting the data is the set value. The set value that is a condition for extracting data is, for example, a character string included in the name of the data, a date when the data is stored, or the like. When the process that can be executed by portable information device 200 is a process of transmitting an email, the email address indicating the destination of the email is the set value. If the user inputs a set value to the operation unit 163 in the area where the user inputs the set value included in the set value setting screen, the set value reception unit 77 processes the input set value in a process corresponding to the area. Accepted as the setting value of. The set value receiving unit 77 outputs the set of the process identification information and the set value to the command generating unit 57. When a plurality of processes are selected by the selection unit 75, the set value reception unit 77 outputs a plurality of sets of process identification information and set values and an execution order to the command generation unit 57.

The authentication information receiving unit 73 displays the authentication information receiving screen on the display unit 161. The authentication information reception screen includes an area for inputting authentication information. The authentication information is an arbitrary alphanumeric character string, for example, a password. This authentication information is the same as the password registered in the portable information device 200 carried by the user. The authentication information receiving unit 73 receives the authentication information input by the user to the operation unit 163, and outputs the received authentication information to the control information generating unit 59.

The command generation unit 57 receives the set of the process identification information and the set value from the set value receiving unit 77. When a plurality of sets of process identification information and setting values are input from the setting value receiving unit 77, the execution order is input. The command generation unit 57 generates a command for causing the portable information device 200 to execute the process specified by the process identification information using the set value. The command includes process identification information that identifies one of a plurality of processes that can be executed by portable information device 200, and a set value for the process identified by the process identification information. When the execution order is input, the command generation unit 57 generates a plurality of commands respectively corresponding to the plurality of process identification information, but a plurality of commands are generated so that the portable information device 200 executes the plurality of commands in the execution order. Arrange the commands in order of execution. The command generation unit 57 outputs the generated one or more commands to the control information generation unit 59.

In the control information generation unit 59, the device identification information of the portable information device 200 is input from the identification information acquisition unit 63, one or more commands are input from the command generation unit 57, and the authentication information is input from the authentication information reception unit 73. .. The control information generation unit 59 generates control information including device identification information, one or more commands, and authentication information, and outputs the generated control information to the device-side communication control unit 51.

The device-side communication control unit 51 further includes a control information transmission unit 67. The control information transmission unit 67 controls the communication I/F unit 112 in response to the control information input from the control information generation unit 59, and transmits the control information to the management server 300. The network address of the management server 300 is stored in the MFP 100A in advance, and the control information is transmitted to the management server 300 using the network address. In the management server 300, when the control information is input from the MFP 100A, the control information is stored in the HDD 305.

<Function of control device>
The control information acquisition unit 61 acquires the control information including the device identification information in response to the device identification information input from the identification information acquisition unit 63. The network address of the management server 300 is stored in the MFP 100B in advance, and the control information is acquired from the management server 300 using the network address. Specifically, the control information acquisition unit 61 controls the communication I/F unit 112 to transmit a control information transmission request including the device identification information input from the identification information acquisition unit 63 to the management server 300. The management server 300 extracts the control information including the same device identification information as the device identification information included in the control information transmission request from the control information stored in the HDD 305. When extracting control information, management server 300 returns the extracted control information to MFP 100B that has transmitted the control information transmission request. The control information acquisition unit 61 acquires the control information that the communication I/F unit 112 receives from the management server 300 in response to the transmission of the control information transmission request. The control information acquisition unit 61 outputs the set of the authentication information and the command included in the acquired control information to the command transmission unit 65 of the device-side communication control unit 51.

The command transmission unit 65 authenticates the portable information device 200 specified by the device identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 63 in response to the input of the combination of the authentication information and the command from the control information acquisition unit 61. Send a set of information and commands. The device identification information of the portable information device 200 is acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 63 before the control information is input from the control information acquisition unit 61, and the second device-side communication unit 118 or the communication I/F unit is acquired. A communication path is established between the portable information device 200 and any one of them 112. The command transmitting unit 65 transmits the set of the authentication information and the command via the second device-side communication unit 118 or the communication I/F unit 112 that has a communication path established with the portable information device 200. Send.

After the device identification information is acquired from the mobile information device 200 by the identification information acquisition unit 63, in other words, after the first device-side communication unit 117 can communicate with the mobile information device 200, the MFP 100B receives the control information acquisition unit. When the control information corresponding to the portable information device 200 is acquired by 61, it functions as a control device. Further, the MFP 100A receives the control information after the device identification information is acquired from the portable information device 200 by the identification information acquisition unit 63, in other words, after the first device-side communication unit 117 can communicate with the portable information device 200. If the acquisition unit 61 does not acquire the control information corresponding to the mobile information device 200, the acquisition unit 61 functions as a registration device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the process selection screen. Referring to FIG. 8, the process selection screen 500 is a screen in which process identification information is arranged on the right side of each of the check boxes 501 to 507 and the check boxes 501 to 507, and includes a list listing six process identification information. .. When the user points to one of the check boxes 501 to 507, the process specified by the process identification information arranged on the right side of the designated check box is selected and the setting value setting screen is displayed on the display unit 161. Is displayed.

On the right side of the check box 501, the process identification information “file print” is arranged. The process identification information “file print” indicates a process of printing the data stored in portable information device 200 on either MFP 100A or 100B. The process specified by the process identification information “file print” is associated with a setting value for extracting the data to be processed from the data stored in the portable information device 200. The command generated when the check box 501 is instructed is a print command for printing, in the portable information device 200, data that matches the condition defined by the setting value included in the command, out of the data stored in the flash memory 203. A process for generating a job and transmitting it to MFP 100A or MFP 100B is executed. As a result, MFP 100A or MFP 100B executes the print job received from portable information device 200, and thus forms an image of the data stored in portable information device 200 on paper. As the set value corresponding to the command, when the data update date and time, which is a part of the file name added to the data created by the user every day, which is the condition for extracting the data, is set to “today”, the portable information device is installed in the MFP 100A or 100B. An image of data created every day can be formed on a sheet only by performing an operation of bringing 200 closer.

On the right side of the check box 502, processing identification information “file transfer (MFP→mobile terminal)” is arranged. The process identification information “file transfer (MFP→portable terminal)” indicates a process of storing the data stored in one of the MFPs 100A and 100B in the flash memory 203 of the portable information device 200. The process specified by the process identification information “file transfer (MFP→mobile terminal)” is associated with a setting value for extracting data to be processed from data stored in either of the MFPs 100A and 100B. The command generated when the check box 502 is instructed is the data stored in one of the MFPs 100A and 100B that matches the condition defined by the setting value included in the command, in the portable information device 200. The portable information device 200 is caused to execute the process of downloading. Thereby, portable information device 200 can store the data stored in MFPs 100A and 100B in flash memory 203. As the set value corresponding to the command, when the data update date and time, which is a part of the file name added to the data created by the user every day, which is the condition for extracting the data, is set to “today”, the portable information device is installed in the MFP 100A or 100B. The data created every day, which is stored in the MFP 100A or the MFP 100B, can be stored in the flash memory 203 only by the operation of bringing the 200 closer.

On the right side of the check box 503, process identification information “file transfer (MFP→server)” is arranged. The process identification information “file transfer (MFP→server)” indicates a process of storing the data stored in one of the MFPs 100A and 100B in the HDD 305 of the management server 300. The process specified by the process identification information “file transfer (MFP→server)” includes the setting value for extracting the data to be processed among the data stored in either of the MFPs 100A and 100B and the management server 300. It is associated with a set value indicating a storage position for storing. The command generated when the check box 503 is instructed is the data stored in either of the MFPs 100A and 100B that matches the condition defined by the setting value included in the command in the portable information device 200. , Executes the process of storing in the storage location determined by the setting value included in the command of the management server 300. Thereby, portable information device 200 can cause management server 300 to store the data stored in MFPs 100A and 100B. As the set value corresponding to the command, when the data update date and time, which is a part of the file name added to the data created by the user every day, which is the condition for extracting the data, is set to “today”, the portable information device is installed in the MFP 100A or 100B. The data to be created every day stored in the MFP 100A or the MFP 100B can be stored in a predetermined position of the management server 300 only by the operation of bringing 200 closer.

Here, an example in which the data stored in one of the MFPs 100A and 100B is stored in the management server 300 has been shown, but by setting two data storage sources and storage destinations with set values, The data stored in any position can be stored in any position.

On the right side of the check box 504, process identification information “file transfer (mobile terminal→MFP)” is arranged. The process identification information “file transfer (mobile terminal→MFP)” indicates the process of storing the data stored in mobile information device 200 in either MFP 100A or 100B. The process specified by the process identification information “file transfer (mobile terminal→MFP)” is either a set value for extracting data to be processed from the data stored in the mobile information device 200 or one of the MFPs 100A and 100B. The setting value indicating the storage position for storing the crab is associated. The command generated when the check box 504 is designated matches the condition defined by the setting value included in the command in the portable information device 200 among the data stored in the flash memory 203 of the portable information device 200. A process of storing the data in the storage location determined by the setting value included in the command of MFPs 100A and 100B is executed. Thereby, portable information device 200 can store the data stored in portable information device 200 at a predetermined position of MFP 100A or MFP 100B. As the set value corresponding to the command, when the data update date and time, which is a part of the file name added to the data that the user creates every day, which is the condition for extracting the data, is “today”, The data to be created every day, which is stored in the flash memory 203 of the portable information device 200, can be stored in a predetermined position of the MFP 100A or the MFP 100B only by performing an operation of bringing the device 200 closer.

On the right side of the check box 505, the process identification information “file deletion” is arranged. The process identification information “file delete” indicates a process of deleting the data stored in the portable information device 200. The process specified by the process identification information “file deletion” is associated with a setting value for extracting data to be processed among the data stored in the portable information device 200. The command generated when the check box 505 is designated causes the portable information device 200 to execute a process of erasing data that matches the condition defined by the setting value included in the command. If the setting value corresponding to the command is a condition for extracting data, that is, a part of the file name given to the data created by the user every day, and the data update date/time is “within 1 week”, it is carried to the MFP 100A or the MFP 100B. By simply moving the information device 200 closer, it is possible to delete the data stored in the portable information device 200 that is created every day and whose data update date is within one week.

The process identification information “terminal lock” is arranged on the right side of the check box 506. The process identification information “terminal lock” indicates a process of shifting the portable information device 200 to an inoperable state. The process specified by the process identification information “terminal lock” is associated with the password as the setting value. The command generated when the check box 506 is instructed causes the portable information device 200 to transition to the inoperable state. Authentication information is set as a setting value corresponding to the command. Therefore, for example, when the user loses the portable information device 200, if the control information including the command instructing the check box 506 is registered in the management server 300, the third information obtained by the portable information device 200 can be obtained. The person only operates the portable information device 200 closer to the MFP 100A or the MFP 100B, and the portable information device 200 becomes inoperable. In this case, it is preferable to pre-register the control information including the command instructing the check box 504 in the management server 300. Then, all the data stored in the flash memory 203 of the portable information device 200 can be stored in a predetermined storage destination. It is necessary to register the control information including the command instructing the check box 506 in the management server 300 before the portable information device 200 is lost. In this case, the control information registered in the management server 300 may be invalidated before the mobile information device 200 is lost, and may be validated after the mobile information device 200 is lost.

On the right side of the check box 507, process identification information “camera start/shoot” is arranged. The process identification information “camera activation/imaging” indicates a process of activating the camera 202 included in the portable information device 200 to capture an image of a subject and a process of transmitting an image obtained by imaging by e-mail. The process identified by the process identification information “camera activation/shooting” is associated with an email address as a setting value. The command generated when the check box 507 is instructed causes the portable information device 200 to execute a process of capturing an image with the camera 202 and a process of transmitting an image obtained by capturing by e-mail. An e-mail address is set as the setting value corresponding to the command. Therefore, for example, when the user loses the mobile information device 200, if the control information including the command instructing the check box 507 is registered in the management server 300, the third information obtained by the mobile information device 200 can be obtained. The person only operates the mobile information device 200 to bring it closer to the MFP 100A or the MFP 100B, and the mobile information device 200 transmits an e-mail containing an image of a third person to the e-mail address set by the setting value. In this case, it is preferable to register the control information including the command instructing the check box 504 in the management server 300. Then, all the data stored in the flash memory 203 of the portable information device 200 can be stored in a predetermined storage destination. The control information including the command instructing the check box 507 needs to be registered in the management server 300 before the portable information device 200 is lost. In this case, the control information registered in the management server 300 may be invalidated before the mobile information device 200 is lost, and may be validated after the mobile information device 200 is lost.

FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing an example of the setting value setting screen. The setting value setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is a screen displayed when the check box 504 is designated in the process selection screen shown in FIG. Specifically, of the set values corresponding to the process specified by the process identification information “file transfer (mobile terminal→MFP)”, the data to be processed is extracted from the data stored in the mobile information device 200. Is a screen for setting a setting value for. Referring to FIG. 9, setting value setting screen 510 includes an area 511 for inputting a file name and an area 512 for specifying a condition for specifying a file update date. The area 512 includes an area for designating any one of "today", "within one week" and a designated date as the file update date. When specifying the specified date, it includes the area for inputting the period.

FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of the setting value setting screen. The set value setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed after the check box 503 is designated in the process selection screen shown in FIG. 8 and the set value is set in the set value setting screen 510 shown in FIG. It is a screen. Specifically, of the setting values corresponding to the processing specified by the processing identification information “file transfer (mobile terminal→MFP)”, the setting value indicating the storage position for storing in either MFP 100A or 100B is set. This is a screen for doing. With reference to FIG. 10, the setting value setting screen 520 includes an area 521 for inputting a storage position. In the area 521, a value designating a folder included in the HDD 115 included in each of the MFPs 100A and 100B is set. Such a setting value is not limited, but for example, a direct path may be used, an IP address may be used, or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) may be used. Good.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the CPU included in the portable information device. The functions shown in FIG. 11 are formed in the CPU 201 by the CPU 201 included in the portable information device 200 executing the remote operation program. Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 201 included in mobile information device 200 includes a mobile communication control unit 251, an authentication unit 253, and a command execution unit 255.

The mobile communication control unit 251 controls the wireless LAN I/F 206, the first mobile communication unit 209, and the second mobile communication unit 210. The mobile communication controller 251 includes an identification information transmitter 261 and a command receiver 263. The identification information transmitting unit 261 controls the first portable communication unit 209, and when the first portable communication unit 209 becomes communicable with either of the MFPs 100A and 100B, the device that becomes communicable among the MFPs 100A and 100B, The device identification information of the portable information device 200 is transmitted. Here, a case where communication with MFP 100B becomes possible will be described as an example. In this case, the portable information device 200 is within the range of the first distance from the MFP 100B, and the identification information transmission unit 261 controls the first portable communication unit 209 to transmit the device identification information to the MFP 100B. To do.

When transmitting the device identification information of the portable information device 200 to the MFP 100 by the identification information transmitting unit 261, the mobile communication control unit 251 controls the wireless LAN I/F 206 or the second mobile communication unit 210 to communicate with the MFP 100B. Establish a communication path with. In this case, the portable communication control unit 251 controls the first portable communication unit 209 to establish a communication path with the MFP 100B with either the wireless LAN I/F 206 or the second portable communication unit 210. Follow the steps in. Thereby, portable information device 200 can communicate with MFP 100B via either wireless LAN I/F 206 or second portable communication section 210. Here, a case will be described as an example in which the second mobile communication unit 210 becomes communicable with the MFP 100B.

The command receiving unit 263 controls the wireless LAN I/F 206 or the side of the second portable communication unit 210 on which the communication path is established, here, the second portable communication unit 210, and the second portable communication unit 210 causes the MFP 100B to operate. When the authentication information and the command are received from, the authentication information is output to the authentication unit 253, and the command is output to the command execution unit 255.

The authentication unit 253 determines whether the authentication information input from the command receiving unit 263 matches the authentication information stored in the flash memory 203 in advance. If they match, the authentication unit 253 outputs an execution instruction to the command execution unit 255, but if they do not match, the authentication unit 253 outputs an execution prohibition instruction to the command execution unit 255.

The command execution unit 255 executes the command input from the command reception unit 263 on condition that the execution instruction is input from the authentication unit 253. The command corresponds to any of a plurality of processes that can be executed by portable information device 200, and includes a set value. The command execution unit 255 executes the process specified by the command using the setting value included in the command.

In this way, the user carrying the portable information device 200 can register the process to be executed by the portable information device 200 in the MFP 100A when the portable information device 200 is brought closer to the first distance to the MFP 100A functioning as a registration device. .. MFP 100A generates a command for causing portable information device 200 to execute the process registered by the user, and causes management server 300 to store control information including the command. After that, when the portable information device 200 moves the portable information device 200 to the MFP 100B to the first distance, the MFP 100B functions as a control device because the control information is acquired from the management server 300, and the command included in the control information is transmitted to the portable information device. It is transmitted to the device 200, and the portable information device 200 is caused to execute the command. Therefore, the process to be executed by portable information device 200 can be registered in advance in MFP 100A, which is a registration device. Further, since the processing registered in MFP 100A is executed when portable information device 200 approaches MFP 100B that functions as a control device to a first distance, it is not necessary to input an operation to portable information device 200.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of device control processing. The device control process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 included in each of the MFPs 100A and 100B executes the device control program. Here, a case where the CPU 111 included in the MFP 100A executes the device control program will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 12, CPU 111 determines whether or not portable information device 200 is detected (step S01). When the first device-side communication unit 117 can communicate with the mobile information device 200, the mobile information device 200 is detected. The process waits until the portable information device 200 is detected (NO in step S01), and if the portable information device 200 is detected (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

In step S02, the first device-side communication unit 117 is controlled to acquire the device identification information of the portable information device 200. Then, by controlling the first device-side communication unit 117 to communicate with the portable information device 200, the communication with the portable information device 200 is performed by either the communication I/F unit 112 or the second device-side communication unit 118. Establish a communication path. Here, a case will be described as an example where a communication path between the second device-side communication unit 118 and the portable information device 200 is established.

In the next step S04, a control information acquisition request is transmitted to management server 300 via communication I/F unit 112. The control information acquisition request includes the device identification information of portable information device 200 acquired in step S02. When the management server 300 that receives the control information acquisition request stores the control information including the same device identification information as the device identification information included in the control information acquisition request, the management server 300 sends back the control information. When the information is not stored, the control information is not returned. In the next step S05, it is determined whether communication I/F unit 112 has received control information from management server 300. If the control information is received, the process proceeds to step S06. If not, the process proceeds to step S07.

In step S06, the set of the authentication information and the command included in the control information is transmitted to portable information device 200 via second device-side communication section 118 whose communication path has been established in step S03, and the process ends. To do.

In step S07, the process selection screen is displayed on display unit 161. Then, it is determined whether or not the selection of the process is accepted. According to the process selection screen displayed on the display unit 161, it is determined whether or not the user has accepted the operation unit 163 to select the process identification information.
If the operation of selecting the process identification information is accepted, the process proceeds to step S09. If not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S09, the selected process identification information is specified.

In the next step S10, it is determined whether or not the set value has been accepted. The set value setting screen corresponding to the process selected in step S08 is displayed on the display unit 161, and the user uses the operation unit 163 to set the set value in the area for inputting the set value included in the displayed set value setting screen. If is input, the input set value is accepted as the set value of the process corresponding to the area. The process waits until the set value is received, and if the set value is received, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, a command is generated. A command is generated that causes the process identified by the process identification information identified in step S09 to be executed using the setting value accepted in step S10. The command includes the setting value as an argument.

In step S12, it is determined whether or not the selection of processing has been completed. For example, when the user instructs the end key provided in the operation unit 163, it is determined that the process selection has been completed. If the selection of the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process returns to step S07.

In step S13, the authentication information is accepted. The authentication information reception screen is displayed on the display unit 161, and the authentication information input by the user to the operation unit 163 is received according to the authentication information reception screen. Then, the control information is generated. Control information including the device identification information acquired in step S02, the command generated in step S11, and the authentication information accepted in step S13 is generated.

In the next step S15, the generated control information is transmitted to the management server 300 via the communication I/F unit 112, and the process ends. Upon receiving the control information, the management server 300 stores the control information in the HDD 305.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of controlled processing. The controlled process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the portable information device 200 executes the remote operation program. Referring to FIG. 13, CPU 201 determines whether MFP 100A or MFP 100B is detected (step S21). The process waits until either MFP 100A or MFP 100B is detected (NO in step S21), and if either MFP 100A or MFP 100B is detected (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. When the first mobile-side communication unit 209 becomes able to communicate with either of the MFPs 100A and 100B, it detects the communicable device of the MFPs 100A and 100B. Here, a case will be described as an example in which the first portable communication unit 209 becomes communicable with the MFP 100A and detects the MFP 100A.

In the next step S22, the device identification information of portable information device 200 is transmitted to MFP 100A via first portable communication unit 209. Then, a communication path is established with the MFP 100A (step S23). By controlling the first device-side communication unit 117 to communicate with the MFP 100A, either the wireless LAN I/F 208 or the second portable-side communication unit 210 establishes a communication path with the MFP 100A. Here, a case will be described as an example where a communication path between the second mobile communication unit 210 and the MFP 100A is established.

In the next step S24, it is determined whether second portable communication section 210, which has established a communication path with MFP 100A, has received the authentication information and the command from MFP 100A. If the authentication information and the command are received, the process proceeds to step S25. If not, the process ends.

In step S25, authentication is performed using the received authentication information. It is determined whether the received authentication information matches the authentication information previously stored in the flash memory 203. Authenticate if both match, and do not authenticate if both do not match. Then, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (step S26). If the authentication is made in step S25, the process proceeds to step S27, but if the authentication is not made in step S25, the process ends. In step S27, the command is executed. The process specified by the command is executed using the setting value included in the command.

As described above, in the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when MFP 100A functions as a control device, MFP 100A acquires the device identification information of portable information device 200 when it becomes possible to communicate with portable information device 200. According to the operation received thereafter, the process to be executed by the portable information device 200 is specified, and the control information including the device identification information of the portable information device and the command for causing the portable information device 200 to execute the specified process is generated. Then, it is registered in the management server 300. Further, when the MFP 100B functions as a control device, the MFP 100B acquires the device identification information of the mobile information device 200 when it becomes able to communicate with the mobile information device 200, and the control information generated by the MFP 100A is the mobile information device 200. The control information including the same device identification information as the device identification information of 1 is acquired, and the command included in the control information is transmitted to the portable information device 200. Therefore, portable information device 200 transmits the device identification information to MFP 100B in response to communication with MFP 100B, and executes the received command when receiving the command from MFP 100B. Therefore, if control information including a command that determines a process to be executed by portable information device 200 is registered in management server 300 via MFP 100A, then portable information device 200 is brought closer to the first distance range from MFP 100B. Then, the command included in the registered control information is executed by the portable information device 200. Therefore, it is possible to cause the portable information device 200 to execute the process regardless of the operation by the user.

Further, when MFP 100 functions as a registration device, it accepts the same authentication information as the authentication information registered in portable information device 200 when registering the control information, and stores control information including the authentication information in management server 300. When the portable information device 200 is brought closer to the first distance range from the MFP 100B, the portable information device 200 receives the authentication information together with the command from the MFP 100B. Therefore, the portable information device 200 requires that the authentication information matches the previously registered authentication information. To execute the command. Therefore, since the control information is registered only by the user who knows the authentication information registered in the mobile information device 200, it is possible to limit the users who can cause the mobile information device 200 to execute the command.

Further, since the command includes the process identification information for identifying any of the plurality of processes that the portable information device can execute, and the set value for the process specified by the process identification information, various commands can be applied to the portable information device. Processing can be executed.

Further, the plurality of processes registered in advance as the processes to be executed by the mobile information device 200 include the search process of extracting the data satisfying the condition specified by the set value from the data stored in the mobile information device 200. The data to be processed can be specified from the data stored in the mobile information device 200.

Further, since the plurality of processes registered in advance as the processes to be executed by the portable information device 200 include the transmission process of transmitting the data to the destination specified by the setting value, the data can be stored in any destination. it can.

Further, since the plurality of processes registered in advance as the processes to be executed by the portable information device 200 include the lock setting process for setting the state in which the acceptance of the operation by the user is prohibited, the portable information device may be in the inoperable state. it can.

Further, since the control information is stored in the management server 300, the control information for the portable information device 200 can be registered by the MFP 100A connected to the Internet 5, and the portable information device 200 can be brought closer to the MFP 100B connected to the Internet 5. For example, mobile information device 200 can be caused to execute a command determined by the control information registered in MFP 100A.

In the above-described embodiment, the device control system 1 including the management server 300, the MFPs 100A and 100B as an example of the image forming device, and the portable information device 200 has been described, but the device control process illustrated in FIG. Needless to say, the present invention can be understood as a device control method for causing each of the MFPs 100A and 100B to execute, and a device control program that causes the CPU 111 included in each of the MFPs 100A and 100B to execute the device control method.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

1 device control system, 5 internet, 100A, 100B MFP, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I/F part, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile part, 117 first device side communication part, 117A contact Position notification area, 118 Second device side communication unit, 119 External storage device, 119A CD-ROM, 120 Automatic document feeder, 130 Document reading unit, 140 Image forming unit, 150 Paper feeding unit, 155 Post-processing unit, 160 operations Panel, 161 display unit, 163 operation unit, 165 touch panel, 167 hard key unit, 200 portable information device, 201 CPU, 202 camera, 203 flash memory, 204 wireless communication unit, 205 call unit, 206 display unit, 207 operation unit, 208 wireless LAN I/F, 209 first mobile communication unit, 210 second mobile communication unit, 211 external storage device, 300 management server, 301 CPU, 302 ROM, 303 RAM, 304 network I/F, 305 HDD, 306 Display unit, 307 operation unit, 308 bus, 309 external storage device, 51 device side communication control unit, 53 authentication unit, 55 panel control unit, 57 command generation unit, 59 control information generation unit, 61 control information acquisition unit, 63 identification Information acquisition unit, 65 command transmission unit, 67 control information transmission unit, 71 process identification unit, 73 authentication information reception unit, 75 selection unit, 77 set value reception unit, 251 mobile communication control unit, 253 authentication unit, 255 command execution Part, 261 identification information transmitting part, 263 command receiving part.

Claims (32)

A device control system comprising a plurality of image processing devices connected to a network, a portable information device capable of wireless communication with any of the plurality of image processing devices, and a server connected to the network,
Each of the plurality of image processing devices, device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device,
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is issued by the device-side communication means. Command transmitting means for transmitting to the portable information device,
The portable information device is a portable communication unit capable of communicating with the image processing device,
A command for receiving the command corresponding to the portable information device when any one of the plurality of image processing devices is present within the range of the predetermined distance and executing the predetermined process corresponding to the received command And an execution means,
The server includes a storage unit that stores the command for the portable information device,
The device control system, wherein the command transmitting unit acquires the command corresponding to the same device identification information as the device identification information indicating the portable information device from the server and transmits the command to the portable information device. A device control system including a plurality of image processing devices connected to a network, and a portable information device capable of wireless communication with any of the plurality of image processing devices,
Each of the plurality of image processing devices, device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device,
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is issued by the device-side communication means. Command transmitting means for transmitting to the portable information device,
The portable information device is a portable communication unit capable of communicating with the image processing device,
A command for receiving the command corresponding to the portable information device when any one of the plurality of image processing devices is present within the range of the predetermined distance and executing the predetermined process corresponding to the received command And an execution means,
In the predetermined process, one or more of a plurality of processes registered in advance as processes to be executed by the portable information device are designated as process identification information, and a setting for executing one or more selected processes is set. Registered when the value is accepted,
The device control system, wherein the command includes the process identification information and the setting value for the process specified by the process identification information. A device control system including a plurality of image processing devices connected to a network, and a portable information device capable of wireless communication with any of the plurality of image processing devices,
Each of the plurality of image processing devices, device-side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device,
A command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for each of the portable information devices when the portable information device is within a predetermined distance range. And a command transmitting unit that transmits a command including process identification information that specifies any of a plurality of processes that the portable information device can execute as the predetermined process to the portable information device by the device-side communication unit, Is equipped with
The portable information device is a portable communication unit capable of communicating with the image processing device,
A command for receiving the command corresponding to the portable information device when any one of the plurality of image processing devices is present within the range of the predetermined distance and executing the predetermined process corresponding to the received command An apparatus control system comprising: execution means. The command is registered in advance for each of the mobile information device, device control system according to claim 1 or 2. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the command corresponding to the portable information device is registered together with device identification information for identifying the portable information device. Each of the plurality of image processing devices,
Further comprising: identification information acquisition means for receiving device identification information for identifying the portable information device in response to communication with the portable information device,
6. The command transmitting unit transmits, to the portable information device, the command registered for the same device identification information as the device identification information received by the identification information acquisition unit. The device control system according to 1. 7. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the device-side communication unit and the mobile-side communication unit include a wireless communication unit capable of short-range wireless communication with each other. 8. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the command is registered together with the authentication information registered corresponding to the portable information device. The command transmitting means further transmits the authentication information registered corresponding to the command to the portable information device,
9. The command execution means of the mobile information device executes the received command on condition that the received authentication information matches the authentication information registered in advance in the mobile information device. The device control system according to 1. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is specified according to an operation received from a user and can be registered as the command. Each of the plurality of image processing devices generates control information that generates control information including device identification information for identifying the portable information device and the command for causing the portable information device to execute the predetermined process. The apparatus control system according to claim 1, further comprising: The device control system according to claim 11, wherein the control information further includes authentication information registered corresponding to the portable information device. The device control system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined process further includes a search process of extracting data satisfying a condition specified by the setting value from data stored in the portable information device. The device control system according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined process further includes a transfer process of transferring the data extracted by the search process so as to be stored in the image processing device. 15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined processing further includes print processing for generating a print job corresponding to the data based on the data extracted by the search processing and transmitting the print job to the image processing apparatus. Control system. The device control system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined process includes a transfer process of transferring data to a destination specified by the setting value. 17. The device control system according to claim 16, wherein the transfer process is a process of transmitting image data captured by a camera included in the portable information device to a destination specified by the setting value. 18. The predetermined process includes a download process of downloading, to the portable information device, data satisfying a condition specified by the setting value from data stored in the image processing device. The apparatus control system according to any one of claims. 19. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process includes an erasing process of erasing data stored in the portable information device. 20. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process includes a lock setting process for setting a state in which reception of an operation by a user is prohibited in the portable information device. An image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A device side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device;
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is issued by the device-side communication means. Command transmitting means for transmitting to the portable information device,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the command transmitting unit acquires the command corresponding to the same device identification information as the device identification information indicating the portable information device from a server connected to a network and transmits the command to the portable information device. An image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A device side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device;
When the portable information device exists within a range of a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for the portable information device to execute by the device side communication means. Command transmitting means for transmitting to the portable information device,
In the predetermined process, one or more of a plurality of processes registered in advance as processes to be executed by the portable information device are designated as process identification information, and a setting for executing one or more selected processes is set. It is registered by accepting the value,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the command includes the process identification information and the setting value for the process specified by the process identification information. An image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A device side communication means capable of communicating with the portable information device;
A command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for each of the portable information devices when the portable information device is within a predetermined distance range. And a command transmitting unit that transmits a command including process identification information that specifies any of a plurality of processes that the portable information device can execute as the predetermined process to the portable information device by the device-side communication unit, An image processing apparatus equipped with. The image processing device according to claim 21 , wherein the command is registered in advance for each mobile information device. The image processing device according to claim 24, wherein the command corresponding to the portable information device is registered together with device identification information for identifying the portable information device. Further comprising: identification information acquisition means for receiving device identification information for identifying the portable information device in response to communication with the portable information device,
26. The command transmitting unit transmits to the portable information device the command registered for the same device identification information as the device identification information received by the identification information acquisition unit. The image processing device according to. A device control method executed by an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range;
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is transmitted to the portable information device. A command transmission step to
The command transmission step includes a step of acquiring the command corresponding to the same device identification information as the device identification information indicating the portable information device from a server connected to a network and transmitting the command to the portable information device. Method. A device control method executed by an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range;
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is transmitted to the portable information device. A command transmission step to
In the predetermined process, one or more of a plurality of processes registered in advance as processes to be executed by the portable information device are designated as process identification information, and a setting for executing one or more selected processes is set. It is registered by accepting the value,
The apparatus control method, wherein the command includes the process identification information and the setting value for the process specified by the process identification information. A device control method executed by an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range;
A command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for each of the portable information devices when the portable information device is within a predetermined distance range. A command transmission step of transmitting to the portable information device a command including process identification information for specifying any of a plurality of processes executable by the portable information device as the predetermined process. Device control method. A device control program executed by a computer for controlling an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range;
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is transmitted to the portable information device. A command sending step to
The command transmission step includes a step of acquiring the command corresponding to the same device identification information as the device identification information indicating the portable information device from a server connected to a network and transmitting the command to the portable information device. program. A device control program executed by a computer for controlling an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range;
When the portable information device is within a predetermined distance, a command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process pre-registered to be executed by the portable information device is transmitted to the portable information device. A command sending step to
In the predetermined process, one or more of a plurality of processes registered in advance as processes to be executed by the portable information device are designated as process identification information, and a setting for executing one or more selected processes is set. It is registered by accepting the value,
The said command is an apparatus control program containing the said process identification information and the said setting value with respect to the process specified by the said process identification information. A device control program executed by a computer for controlling an image processing device capable of communicating with a portable information device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the portable information device exists within a predetermined distance range;
A command for causing the portable information device to execute a predetermined process registered in advance for each of the portable information devices when the portable information device is within a predetermined distance range. And a command transmitting step of transmitting to the portable information device a command including process identification information for specifying any one of a plurality of processes executable by the portable information device as the predetermined process, and causing the computer to execute the command transmitting step. Device control program.

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