JP6950382B2 - Image formation system and mobile communication device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming device and a mobile communication device. The present invention also relates to a portable communication device that communicates with an image forming device.

Mobile terminals are widespread. The mobile terminal is, for example, a mobile phone. It may be possible to set the image forming apparatus on the mobile terminal. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a technique for setting an image forming apparatus using such a mobile terminal.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, non-contact wireless communication is performed, setting information of a function executed by the target device is set, the set setting information is stored, and the stored setting information is stored in non-contact wireless communication. Describes the mobile terminal to be transmitted to the target device by. With this configuration, the setting information of the function is registered, and the setting information can be set to the desired device only by bringing the mobile terminal closer to the target device (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0006]. ] Etc.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-099565

In recent years, the functionality of image forming apparatus has been improved. Various setting items are prepared in the image forming apparatus. The user selects a setting item so as to obtain a desired result. The user sets the setting value of the selected setting item so that a desired result can be obtained. For example, when a user wants to obtain a printed matter for double-sided printing, the user selects a setting item for double-sided printing. Then, the user sets a setting value for enabling double-sided printing.

Conventionally, the number of setting information that can be registered in the mobile terminal is limited from the viewpoint of executing only one desired job and reducing the storage capacity of the memory. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the number of setting information that can be registered is one for each model. When the setting information of the same model is already saved, the newly created setting information is overwritten and saved in the area where the old setting information is stored (Reference 1: Paragraph [0038]).

The setting value that the user wants to set differs from time to time. When executing a job, the setting values are not always the same. The desired result may not be obtained with the setting information registered in the mobile terminal. In this case, the user performs a setting operation on the operation panel. For example, the user performs an operation of adding a necessary setting value. In addition, the user performs an operation to correct an inappropriate setting value. When only one setting information can be registered in the mobile terminal, there is a problem that the operation burden on the user cannot be reduced in many cases.

It is conceivable to register multiple setting information in the mobile terminal. However, when registering a plurality of setting information, there is a problem that it is necessary to select an appropriate setting information suitable for the purpose of use. If the user selects the setting information, the operation burden on the user increases.

As described above, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, only one setting information can be registered for each model. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention automatically sets the setting value related to the job so that the desired result of the mobile phone can be obtained according to the behavior (movement) pattern of the mobile phone of the mobile communication device. do.

The image forming system according to the present invention includes a mobile communication device and an image forming device. The mobile communication device stores movement history data and setting information indicating the movement history of the carrier of the mobile communication device. The setting information is data in which route data and set value data are combined. The route data indicates a movement route until the carrier reaches the image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus. The set value data indicates the set value of each setting item of the job. The portable communication device wirelessly communicates with the image forming device. When the mobile phone enters the communicable area with the image forming apparatus by approaching the image forming apparatus, the mobile communication apparatus becomes communicable with the image forming apparatus based on the movement history data. Check the current route data indicating the movement route of the carrier. The mobile communication device extracts the setting information in which the route data is the same as the current route data from the stored setting information. The mobile communication device transmits the set value data included in the extracted setting information to the image forming device. The mobile communication device causes the image forming apparatus to set the set value of each of the set items based on the transmitted set value data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically set a setting value related to a job according to a pattern of behavior (movement) of a carrier of a mobile communication device. Settings related to the job can be automatically set so that the desired result of the mobile phone can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the mobile communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the storage of the movement history data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage of the movement history data in the mobile communication device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the accumulation of the setting information in the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of transmission of the set value data from the mobile communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment to an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing flow at the time of receiving the setting value data of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting value data selection screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of switching of the set value data which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, the mobile communication device 1, the image forming device 2, and the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. However, each element such as the configuration and the arrangement described in the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an explanatory example. In the following description, a person who carries the mobile communication device 1 is referred to as a mobile phone.

(Image formation system 100)
An example of the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a mobile communication device 1 and an image forming device 2. The mobile communication device 1 is carried (possessed) by the user. The mobile communication device 1 moves with the user. As shown in FIG. 1, an example in which a smartphone is used as the mobile communication device 1 will be described. The mobile communication device 1 is not limited to a smartphone. The mobile communication device 1 may be a tablet computer, a notebook PC, or a head-mounted display 12. A mobile communication device 1 that is carried and has a function of communicating with other communication devices can be used.

Further, in the following description, an example in which the multifunction device is used as the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. The image forming apparatus 2 is not limited to the multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 2 may be a printer or a copying machine. Then, there are a plurality of types of jobs that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 2 (multifunction device). For example, a copy job, a scan save job, a scan send job, and a memory connection print job can be performed. The copy job is a job for printing based on the image data obtained by scanning the original. A copy job is a job for obtaining a copy of a manuscript. The scan save job is a job of storing the image data obtained by scanning the original in the storage of the multifunction device. The scan transmission job is a job of transmitting image data obtained by scanning a document to a set destination. The memory connection print job is a job that reads data from a portable memory connected to a multifunction device and prints based on the read data. The portable memory is, for example, a USB memory or a memory card.

(Mobile communication device 1)
Next, an example of the mobile communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the mobile communication device 1 according to the embodiment.

The mobile communication device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a first storage unit 11, a display 12, a touch panel 13, an imaging unit 14, a voice processing unit 15, a microphone 16, a reproduction processing unit 17, a speaker 18, and a wireless communication unit 19.

The processing unit 10 is a circuit that controls the operation of the mobile communication device 1. The processing unit 10 includes a CPU 10a and an image processing circuit 10b. The processing unit 10 controls the operation of the mobile communication device 1 based on the OS, the program, the application, and the data. The image processing circuit 10b performs image processing of image data.

The first storage unit 11 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The first storage unit 11 non-volatilely stores the OS, programs, applications, and data of the mobile communication device 1. The processing unit 10 controls each unit of the mobile communication device 1 according to the stored contents of the first storage unit 11. In response to the user's application activation request through the touch panel 13, the processing unit 10 reads the application from the first storage unit 11 into the first storage unit 11 and executes the application.

As an application, the automatic setting application 11a is installed in the first storage unit 11. The first storage unit 11 non-volatilely stores the automatic setting application 11a. The automatic setting application 11a is an application for automatically setting the image forming device 2 when the mobile phone approaches the image forming device 2 (details will be described later).

The display 12 displays various information in accordance with the request from the processing unit 10. The display 12 is a display panel 21a such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display 12 displays an operation image. Operational images are, for example, icons, buttons, keys, and tabs. The touch panel 13 is connected to the processing unit 10. The processing unit 10 recognizes the touch position based on the output of the touch panel 13, and recognizes the operated (touched) operation image. By pressing an icon, button or key, the user can start and use the application.

The image pickup unit 14 is a camera provided in the mobile communication device 1. The imaging unit 14 generates image data or moving image data. The data obtained by the photographing by the imaging unit 14 is stored in the first storage unit 11. The voice processing unit 15 performs signal processing for converting the voice input from the microphone 16 into a form that can be transmitted from the wireless communication unit 19. The reproduction processing unit 17 causes the speaker 18 to reproduce the sound (voice) data from the other party received by the wireless communication unit 19. Further, the reproduction processing unit 17 can also cause the speaker 18 to reproduce the sound data stored in the first storage unit 11.

The wireless communication unit 19 includes a circuit and software for performing short-range wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 19 communicates with the wireless device 200 within the communicable distance in response to the instruction of the processing unit 10. The wireless communication unit 19 (portable communication device 1) can also communicate with the image forming device 2 by short-range wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication unit 19 can perform communication based on the IEEE 802.11 series (Wi-Fi) standard. Further, for example, the wireless communication unit 19 can also perform communication based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The wireless communication unit 19 includes hardware (communication circuit) and communication software for performing communication based on a communication standard. The wireless communication unit 19 may perform communication based on another communication standard.

(Image forming apparatus 2)
An example of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20, an operation panel 21, an image reading unit 22, a printing unit 23, a communication unit 24, a memory interface 25, and a camera 26.

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 20a, an image processing unit 20b, and a second storage unit 20c. The second storage unit 20c stores data, settings, and programs for controlling the image forming apparatus 2. The CPU 20a controls the image forming apparatus 2 based on the programs and data stored in the second storage unit 20c. The image processing unit 20b includes a circuit for processing image data. The image processing unit 20b processes the image data and generates the image data to be used for the job.

At the time of a job of reading a document (copy job, scan save job, scan transmission job), the control unit 20 causes the image reading unit 22 to read the document. The image reading unit 22 generates image data of the original.

The operation panel 21 accepts the user's setting operation. The operation panel 21 includes a display panel 21a, a touch panel 21b, and a hard key 21c. The display panel 21a is a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The control unit 20 displays the setting screen and the operation image on the display panel 21a. Operational images are, for example, buttons, softkeys, and tabs. The user operates (touches) the operation image displayed on the display panel 21a. As a result, the user can input various settings of the image forming apparatus 2.

The touch panel 21b is provided on the upper surface of the display panel 21a. The touch panel 21b detects the position and coordinates touched by the user. The touch panel 21b accepts the user's operation. The output of the touch panel 21b is input to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 recognizes the user's touch position. The control unit 20 compares the display position of the operation image with the touch position. The control unit 20 recognizes an operation image operated by the user. The control unit 20 recognizes the user's setting operation. Based on the user's settings, the control unit 20 operates the image reading unit 22, the printing unit 23, and the communication unit 24. For example, the hard key 21c is a numeric keypad or a start key. The numeric keypad is a key for inputting numbers. The start key is a key for instructing to start a job. The hard key 21c also accepts user operations.

The operation panel 21 accepts the selection of the job type. The user can select the type of job to be executed on the operation panel 21. Job types include, for example, a copy job, a scan transmission job, a scan save job, and a memory connection print job. Multiple setting items are provided for the selected job type. For example, regarding a copy job, setting items such as the paper size used for printing and the magnification of enlargement / reduction are provided. In this way, the operation panel 21 accepts the selection of the setting item.

Further, the operation panel 21 accepts the setting value of the selected setting item. For example, for the paper size setting item, the paper size to be used can be set as a set value (for example, letter size). For the enlargement / reduction setting items, the magnification can be set as the set value. In the scan transmission and scan save jobs, it is necessary to set the setting value of the transmission destination (save destination) of the image data of the original.

The printing unit 23 includes, for example, a paper feeding unit 23a, a paper conveying unit 23b, an image forming unit 23c, and a fixing unit 23d. In the case of a job involving printing, the control unit 20 causes the printing unit 23 to perform printing based on the image data. The control unit 20 supplies the paper to the paper feed unit 23a. The control unit 20 conveys the paper to the paper conveying unit 23b. The control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 23c to form a toner image. The control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 23c to transfer the formed toner image to the paper. The control unit 20 causes the fixing unit 23d to fix the toner image on the paper.

The communication unit 24 can communicate with the computer 300 via the network. The communication unit 24 receives the print data transmitted from the computer 300. The control unit 20 causes the printing unit 23 to print based on the received printing data.

Further, the communication unit 24 can communicate with the wireless communication unit 19 (portable communication device 1) by short-range wireless communication. For example, the communication unit 24 can communicate with the wireless communication unit 19 based on the Wi-Fi standard. Further, the communication unit 24 may communicate with the wireless communication unit 19 based on the Bluetooth standard. The communication unit 24 includes hardware (communication circuit) and communication software for performing communication based on the standard.

The memory interface 25 is a circuit for connecting the portable memory to the image forming apparatus 2. The memory interface 25 includes a socket, a terminal, a communication circuit, and communication software for communicating with the portable memory. The control unit 20 can read data from the portable memory connected to the memory interface 25. The control unit 20 causes the print unit 23 to print based on the read data (memory connection print job).

The image forming apparatus 2 includes a camera 26. The number of cameras 26 may be one or a plurality. The control unit 20 causes the camera 26 to take an image of a mobile phone approaching the image forming apparatus 2. The camera 26 and the lens are provided so as to be able to take a picture of a portable person approaching the image forming apparatus 2. The camera 26 includes a lens, an image sensor, and an imaging data generation circuit.

The image sensor includes a plurality of light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally. Each light receiving element of the image sensor outputs an analog signal (charge) having a size corresponding to the amount of light received. For example, the image sensor outputs analog signals of R, G, and B color components. The imaging data generation circuit processes the analog signal output from the image sensor. The imaging data generation circuit A / D-converts the processed analog signal. The imaging data generation circuit outputs imaging data (digital data).

Imaging data is a type of image data. The control unit 20 (image processing unit 20b) determines the belongings of the portable person based on the image pickup data. First, the control unit 20 recognizes a moving object portion in each imaging data. When the carrier approaches the image forming apparatus 2, the carrier also approaches the camera 26. When the carrier is approaching the image forming apparatus 2, the size of the carrier in the captured data changes. By comparing a plurality of captured data, a moving object portion can be recognized.

In order to recognize the moving object portion, the control unit 20 makes the image taken a plurality of times at a predetermined time interval. The number of imagings may be predetermined. As a result, a plurality of imaging data can be obtained. The control unit 20 compares a plurality of captured data. The control unit 20 determines the changing pixel region for each imaging data. The control unit 20 determines that the changing pixel region is a moving object portion.

Next, the control unit 20 recognizes the flesh-colored pixel region among the pixel regions determined to be the moving object portion. The control unit 20 recognizes the skin color pixel region for each image pickup data. The skin color and the pixel value to be treated are predetermined. The control unit 20 determines the hand portion of the recognized skin color pixel region for each image pickup data. When a photograph is taken of a mobile phone, the face and hand portions are usually determined to be skin-colored pixel regions. Normally, in the imaging data, the skin color pixel region of the face is located at the top. Therefore, for example, the control unit 20 determines that the skin color pixel region that is not the top is the hand portion.

The control unit 20 confirms the pixels in the vicinity of the skin color pixel region of the hand in each imaging data. When a certain white area is imaged in the vicinity of the hand in the plurality of or all the imaged data, the control unit 20 determines that the carrier has the paper. When a stick-shaped or card-shaped area of the same color is imaged in the vicinity of the hand in a plurality or all of the captured data, the control unit 20 determines that the control unit 20 possesses a portable memory such as a USB memory or a memory card. do. When it cannot be determined that the paper is possessed and it cannot be determined that the portable memory is possessed, the control unit 20 determines that the possession is not possessed or is unknown.

(Memory of movement history data 3)
Next, the storage of the movement history data 3 in the mobile communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of storing the movement history data 3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of storage of movement history data 3 in the mobile communication device 1 according to the embodiment.

The storage of the movement history data 3 in the office will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The upper center view of FIG. 4 shows the image forming apparatus 2. In FIG. 4, the lower center figure shows the work place (desk) of the mobile phone. The figure on the right side of FIG. 4 shows the work place of the boss of the mobile phone. The figure on the left side of FIG. 4 is a warehouse (library stack) containing materials and documents. In the following description, the movement of the mobile phone in the office will be described. However, the movement history data 3 is stored even when moving outside the office.

Further, in FIG. 4, circles including uppercase letters of the alphabet indicate access points. In other words, the circle mark including the uppercase letters of the alphabet is the wireless device 200 based on the Wi-Fi standard. A wireless device 200 for constructing a wireless local network is installed at the access point. For example, the access point is installed on the ceiling. Further, in FIG. 4, a quadrangle including a lowercase letter of the alphabet indicates a wireless device 200 installed in a room based on the Bluetooth standard. Further, in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 2 is also a kind of wireless device 200.

The first storage unit 11 (portable communication device 1) stores movement history data 3 indicating the movement history of the carrier. In the mobile communication device 1, the automatic setting application 11a is started. The processing unit 10 stores the movement history data 3 based on the automatic setting application 11a. Specifically, as the mobile phone moves, the mobile communication device 1 may newly enter the communicable area of the wireless device 200. At this time, the processing unit 10 causes the wireless communication unit 19 to communicate with the newly communicable wireless device 200. The processing unit 10 recognizes the newly communicable wireless device 200. The processing unit 10 causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the identification information of the wireless device 200. The processing unit 10 stores the data in which the identification information is arranged (in time series) in the acquisition order as the movement history data 3 in the first storage unit 11.

Further, the identification information of the image forming apparatus 2 can be registered in the first storage unit 11 by using the automatic setting application 11a. The processing unit 10 can recognize that it has approached the image forming apparatus 2 by newly acquiring the identification information of the image forming apparatus 2.

For example, the processing unit 10 causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the MAC address of the wireless device 200 as identification information. The processing unit 10 may have the wireless communication unit 19 acquire identification information other than the MAC address. For example, the processing unit 10 may acquire ID information such as SSID.

For example, in FIG. 4, consider a case where documents and materials are taken out from a library and then copied by an image forming apparatus 2. In this case, the wireless communication unit 19 can communicate in the order of the wireless device 200A, the wireless device 200a, the wireless device 200C, the wireless device 200c, and the image forming device 2. The processing unit 10 causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the identification information each time it enters the communicable area of the new wireless device 200. Each time the identification information is acquired, the processing unit 10 causes the first storage unit 11 to add (update) the newly acquired identification information to the movement history data 3. As a result, due to the movement of the carrier, the identification information of the wireless device 200A, the identification information of the wireless device 200a, the identification information of the wireless device 200C, the identification information of the wireless device 200c, and the identification information of the image forming apparatus 2 The movement history data 3 described in order is stored in the first storage unit 11.

For example, consider the case where a document signed by a boss is read and a scan save job is executed. At this time, the mobile phone goes from the work place (desk) to the desk of the boss. After obtaining the signature of the boss, the carrier heads for the image forming apparatus 2. The movement route of the mobile phone is the work place (own desk) → the desk of the boss → the image forming device 2. From a different point of view, if the movement route is the work place (own desk) → the boss's desk → the image forming apparatus 2, it can be inferred that there is a high possibility that the scan save job will be executed. That is, the mobile phone may make certain movements before performing a particular job.

In addition, the handling of documents may be stipulated in business. For example, the storage destination of the image data of the document signed by the boss may be determined. In this case, in the scan save job, a specific folder (save destination, destination) is set as a setting value. In addition, the file format of the image data to be saved may be determined. In this case, the scan save job sets a specific file format as the setting value. Depending on the movement pattern, the set value to be set may be constant.

Therefore, the image forming system 100 learns the moving path leading to the image forming apparatus 2, the type of job that is often executed for the moving path, and the set value that is often set. For learning, the processing unit 10 stores the setting information 4 in the first storage unit 11 (portable communication device 1). The setting information 4 is data in which the route data 41 and the set value data 42 are combined. The route data 41 indicates a movement route until the mobile phone reaches the image forming apparatus 2 when the job is executed. The setting value data 42 indicates the type of the executed job and the setting value of each setting item. The processing unit 10 sets the image forming apparatus 2 based on the route data 41 and the set value data 42 (details will be described later).

(Accumulation of setting information 4)
Next, an example of accumulating the setting information 4 in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of accumulating the setting information 4 in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment.

In order to learn the type of job and the set value corresponding to the movement route, the processing unit 10 stores the setting information 4 in the first storage unit 11. The first storage unit 11 can non-volatilely store a plurality of setting information 4. An example of the flow of accumulating the setting information 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The start of FIG. 6 is when the mobile phone approaches the image forming apparatus 2 and causes the image forming apparatus 2 to start executing a job. Here, before the job is executed, the mobile phone selects necessary setting items and sets the setting values. Further, in the mobile communication device 1, the automatic setting application 11a is started. The processing unit 10 performs processing for accumulating the setting information 4 based on the automatic setting application 11a.

The second storage unit 20c of the image forming apparatus 2 stores the job set value data D1 (see FIG. 3). For example, the control unit 20 stores the job setting value data D1 in a specific area of the RAM. The job setting value data D1 is data indicating the current setting value. The control unit 20 stores all the setting values of each setting item corresponding to the selected job type as job setting value data D1.

Here, the second storage unit 20c non-volatilely stores the default set value data D2. The default setting value data D2 is data in which the default setting value of each setting item is defined. When the job type is selected, the control unit 20 reads the default setting value data D2. Then, the control unit 20 sets the read data as the job setting value data D1. At the beginning of setting, the setting values of all setting items are set to default values. The carrier changes the set value so as to obtain the desired result. For example, double-sided printing is disabled by default. When performing double-sided printing, the mobile phone effectively changes the setting value of the double-sided printing function. When the set value is changed, the control unit 20 updates the job set value data D1. The control unit 20 writes the changed setting value to the job setting value data D1.

When all the set values are the desired set values, the mobile phone gives an instruction to start executing the job. For example, the mobile phone operates the start key on the operation panel 21. The operation panel 21 receives a job execution start instruction. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 (control unit 20) starts executing the job.

The control unit 20 (image forming device 2) causes the mobile communication device 1 (wireless communication unit 19) to transmit the job setting value data D1 to the communication unit 24 (step # 11). In this case, the job setting value data D1 is data indicating the setting value of each setting item of the executed job. Further, the control unit 20 includes data indicating the type of the executed job in the job setting value data D1. The wireless communication unit 19 receives the job set value data D1 (step # 12). The fact that the mobile phone has instructed the operation panel 21 to execute the job means that the mobile phone (mobile communication device 1) is near the image forming device 2. That is, the mobile communication device 1 is in a state of being able to communicate with the image forming device 2.

At the start of job execution, a person who is not the job executor may happen to pass near the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, when the job setting value data D1 is received, the processing unit 10 may confirm whether or not the received job setting value data D1 is the data addressed to the own machine.

When the job set value data D1 is received in a communicable state after the communication with the image forming apparatus 2 becomes possible, the processing unit 10 may determine that the set value data 42 is addressed to the own machine. When it is determined that the job setting value data D1 is not addressed to the own machine, the processing unit 10 discards the received job setting value data D1.

Further, the control unit 20 acquires identification information of the mobile communication device 1 capable of wirelessly communicating with the communication unit 24. In other words, the control unit 20 acquires the identification information of the mobile communication device 1 that has entered the communicable area of the communication unit 24. Further, the control unit 20 periodically acquires identification information while the mobile communication device 1 is in the communicable area.

Therefore, when only one mobile communication device 1 exists in the communicable area of the communication unit 24, the control unit 20 and the mobile communication device 1 in which the job executor possesses the mobile communication device 1 in the communicable area. judge. When a plurality of mobile communication devices 1 exist in the communicable area of the communication unit 24, the control unit 20 has the mobile communication device 1 in which the job executor possesses the mobile communication device 1 that has been in the communicable area for the longest time. Is determined. The mobile communication device 1 possessed by the job executor may be determined by another algorithm.

Then, the control unit 20 may cause the communication unit 24 to transmit the identification information of the mobile communication device 1 determined to be possessed by the job executor as data indicating the destination. When the identification information attached to the job setting value data D1 matches that of the own machine, the processing unit 10 may determine that the received job setting value data D1 is addressed to the own machine.

When the job set value data D1 is received, the processing unit 10 of the mobile communication device 1 confirms the current route data (step # 13). The current route data is data indicating the movement route of the mobile phone until communication with the image forming apparatus 2 becomes possible. The current route data is data based on the movement history data 3. The identification information of the image forming apparatus 2 is registered in advance in the first storage unit 11.

The processing unit 10 currently generates route data. The processing unit 10 extracts information for identification of a predetermined number of continuous wireless devices 200 as current route data from the movement history data 3. The predetermined number is determined as appropriate. For example, the predetermined number of units can be several to a dozen or so. Of the current route data, the last identification information in chronological order is the wireless device 200, which has become capable of communicating one unit before the image forming apparatus 2.

For example, in the movement history data 3, it is assumed that the identification information is stored in the order of wireless device 200A → wireless device 200a → wireless device 200C → wireless device 200c → image forming device 2. When the predetermined number of units is 3, the processing unit 10 treats the identification information of the wireless device 200a + the identification information of the wireless device 200C + the identification information of the wireless device 200c as the current route data.

Next, the processing unit 10 confirms whether or not the first storage unit 11 stores the same information (step # 14). As for the same information, the current route data and the route data 41 are the same, and the received job setting value data D1 and the setting value data 42 are the same setting information 4. In step # 14, it is confirmed whether or not a job having the same movement route and the same set value as the job executed this time has been executed in the past.

When the same information is not stored (No in step # 14), the processing unit 10 (portable communication device 1) sets the current route data as the route data 41 and the received job set value data D1 as the set value data 42. The setting information 4 is newly stored in the first storage unit 11 (step # 15). Then, this flow ends (end). As a result, the movement pattern of the mobile phone and the setting value of the job corresponding to the movement pattern are accumulated.

When the same information is stored (Yes in step # 14), the processing unit 10 (portable communication device 1) adds the usage frequency value 43 of the same information (step # 16). Then, this flow ends (end). Each setting information 4 includes a usage frequency value 43. For example, the processing unit 10 adds 1 to the usage frequency value 43 of the setting information 4 determined to be the same information. From the usage frequency value 43, it is possible to learn a combination of set values that are often used corresponding to a certain movement route.

(Transmission of set value data 42 from the mobile communication device 1 to the image forming device 2)
Next, an example of the flow of transmitting the set value data 42 from the mobile communication device 1 to the image forming device 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of transmission of set value data 42 from the mobile communication device 1 to the image forming device 2 according to the embodiment.

When the image forming apparatus 2 wants to execute a job, the mobile phone approaches the image forming apparatus 2. The start of FIG. 7 is when the mobile communication device 1 becomes able to communicate with the image forming device 2. In other words, it is the time when the mobile communication device 1 enters the communicable area of the image forming device 2. Further, in the mobile communication device 1, the automatic setting application 11a is started. The processing unit 10 transmits the set value data 42 based on the automatic setting application 11a.

When the mobile phone approaches the image forming apparatus 2 and becomes able to communicate with the image forming apparatus 2, the processing unit 10 confirms the current route data (step # 21). Then, the processing unit 10 extracts the setting information 4 in which the route data 41 is the same as the current route data from the setting information 4 stored in the first storage unit 11 (step # 22).

Then, the processing unit 10 confirms whether or not the extracted setting information 4 is a plurality (step # 23). When there is only one extracted setting information 4 (No in step # 23), the processing unit 10 wirelessly transmits the setting value data 42 included in the extracted setting information 4 to the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 24). The communication unit 19 is made to transmit (step # 24). Then, this flow ends (end).

When there are a plurality of extracted setting information 4 (No in step # 23), the processing unit 10 directs the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 24) to the set value data 42 included in each of the extracted setting information 4. Is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 19 (step # 25). That is, the processing unit 10 transmits a plurality of set value data 42. The processing unit 10 transmits the usage frequency value 43 together with the set value data 42. Then, this flow ends (end).

When the plurality of setting information 4s are extracted, the processing unit 10 may transmit only the setting value data 42 of the setting information 4 having the largest usage frequency value 43 among the setting information 4. When there are a plurality of setting information 4 having the largest usage frequency value 43, the processing unit 10 transmits the plurality of setting value data 42 to the image forming apparatus 2. Further, only one set value data 42 may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 (when there is one setting information 4 having the largest usage frequency value 43).

Further, when the plurality of setting information 4s are extracted, the processing unit 10 may select a predetermined number of setting information 4s in order from the one having the largest usage frequency value 43. Then, the processing unit 10 may cause the wireless communication unit 19 to transmit the setting value data 42 included in the selected setting information 4. Further, the processing unit 10 may not transmit the setting value data 42 for the setting information 4 in which the usage frequency value 43 is less than a predetermined value among the extracted setting information 4.

(Setting of set value based on set value data 42)
Next, an example of the processing flow at the time of receiving the set value data 42 of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow at the time of receiving the set value data 42 of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the set value data selection screen 51 according to the embodiment.

The start of FIG. 8 is when the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 24) receives the set value data 42 from the portable communication device 1 (wireless communication unit 19) capable of communicating. First, the control unit 20 causes the camera 26 to take an image of a mobile phone approaching the image forming device 2 (step # 31). Then, the control unit 20 determines the belongings based on the imaging data obtained by the imaging (step # 32).

Subsequently, the control unit 20 confirms whether or not a plurality of set value data 42 has been received (step # 33). When there is only one received set value data 42 (No in step # 33), the control unit 20 (image forming apparatus 2) sets the set value of each setting item based on the received set value data 42 (step #). 34). Specifically, the control unit 20 rewrites the job setting value data D1 of the second storage unit 20c. The control unit 20 writes the received set value data 42 to the storage area of the job set value data D1. As a result, the setting state of the previously executed job is reproduced. Then, the control unit 20 displays the setting screen on the display panel 21a (step # 35 → end).

The control unit 20 causes the display panel 21a to display a job type setting screen corresponding to the received setting value data 42. For example, when the received setting value data 42 is the setting value data 42 of the copy job, the control unit 20 causes the display panel 21a to display the setting screen of the copy job. Further, the control unit 20 causes the display panel 21a to display a setting screen on which the set value defined in the received set value data 42 is reflected. In order to indicate what kind of set value is set, the control unit 20 may display a list of set values different from the default value on the display panel 21a. As a result, the setting contents can be notified to the portable person who has come to the image forming apparatus 2.

When there are a plurality of received set value data 42 (Yes in step # 33), the control unit 20 determines the order of the set value data 42 (step # 36). Based on the usage frequency value 43, the control unit 20 determines the order of the set value data 42. Among the received set value data 42, the control unit 20 advances the order of the set value data 42 having the larger usage frequency value 43.

A plurality of set value data 42 having the same usage frequency value 43 may be received. In this case, the control unit 20 determines the order of the set value data 42 based on the determined possession. When it is determined that the paper is possessed, the control unit 20 sets the order of the job of reading the document before the job of not reading the document. Jobs for reading a document include, for example, a copy job, a scan transmission job, and a scan save job. Jobs that do not read documents include memory-connected print jobs. For example, when the frequency value 43 of the set value data 42 of the copy job and the memory connection print job is the same, the order of the set value data 42 of the copy job is set first.

Further, when it is determined that the user has the portable memory, the control unit 20 sets the order of the jobs using the portable memory ahead of the jobs not using the portable memory. Jobs that use portable memory include memory-connected print jobs. For example, when the frequency value 43 of the set value data 42 of the copy job and the memory connection print job is the same, the order of the memory connection print job is set first.

When it cannot be determined that the user has the paper and the portable memory cannot be determined, the control unit 20 determines that the set value data 42 having the same usage frequency value 43 is based on the reception order. Set the order.

Further, when a plurality of set value data 42 are received, the control unit 20 may first sort the set value data 42 based on the determined possession. When it is determined that the paper is possessed, the control unit 20 treats the set value data 42 of the job of reading the original as the set value data 42 having priority. Further, the control unit 20 treats the set value data 42 of the job that does not read the document as the set value data 42 that does not give priority. When it is determined that the portable memory is possessed, the control unit 20 treats the set value data 42 of the job using the portable memory as the set value data 42 having priority. Further, the control unit 20 treats the set value data 42 of the job that does not use the portable memory as the set value data 42 that does not give priority.

The control unit 20 sets the order of the priority set value data 42 before the non-priority set value data 42. Further, the control unit 20 sets the priority setting value data 42 in the order of the previous one, as the frequency value 43 is larger. When there are n priority set value data 42, the control unit 20 assigns the priority set value data 42 in the order from No. 1 to No. n. For the set value data 42 that is not prioritized, the control unit 20 assigns any order after the (n + 1) number. Among the non-priority set value data 42, the control unit 20 sets the order in which the usage frequency value 43 is larger.

The control unit 20 (image forming apparatus 2) displays the set value data selection screen 51 on the display panel 21a (step # 37). FIG. 9 shows an example of the set value data selection screen 51. The setting value data 42 is a screen for allowing the mobile phone to select the setting value data 42 to be used.

The set value data selection screen 51 is divided into a plurality of areas. In the example of FIG. 9, two of the regions divided into a plurality of regions are designated as the selection region 52. The selection area 52 is an area for selecting the set value data 42. The number of selection areas 52 is not limited to two. It may be three or more.

The control unit 20 selects the first and second set value data 42 in the order. The control unit 20 selects the same number of set value data 42 as the number of selection areas 52. The control unit 20 selects a plurality of set value data 42 from the one in the previous order. The control unit 20 allocates one selection area 52 to one of the selected set value data 42. The control unit 20 displays the contents of the corresponding set value data 42 inside the selection area 52. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the job type and the setting item names and setting values different from the default values are displayed inside the selection area 52.

The user (portable person) touches the selection area 52 corresponding to the set value data 42 to be used. The operation panel 21 accepts the selection of the set value data 42. Based on the output of the touch panel 13, the control unit 20 recognizes the selected set value data 42. As a result, when there are a plurality of set value patterns that are often set for the movement path (movement pattern), the desired set value data 42 can be selected.

Then, based on the set value data 42 selected on the operation panel 21, the control unit 20 (image forming apparatus 2) sets the set value of each setting item (step # 38). Then, the control unit 20 displays the setting screen on the display panel 21a (step # 39 → end). Steps # 38 and # 39 are the same as steps # 34 and # 35.

After the settings in steps # 34 and # 38, if the desired set value is set, the job can be started immediately. The mobile phone may operate the start key immediately. When it is necessary to change the set value, the mobile phone sets the set value on the operation panel 21. The mobile phone operates the start key after the setting is completed.

(Switching of set value data 42 to be used)
Next, an example of switching the set value data 42 to be used will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the set value data 42 according to the embodiment.

Although the received setting value data 42 is selected, there is a case where it is desired to set based on other setting value data 42. In the image forming apparatus 2, the set value data 42 to be used can be switched. When switching the set value data 42 to be used, the mobile phone performs a switching operation. The operation panel 21 accepts a switching operation. What kind of operation is treated as a switching operation can be appropriately determined. FIG. 10 shows an example in which an operation (flick operation or swipe operation) of sliding and moving the touch position while touching the background area (area without an operation image) in the setting screen is treated as a switching operation.

Then, when the switching operation is performed so that the touch position moves in the predetermined first direction, the control unit 20 newly sets the set value data 42 in the order next to the currently selected set value data 42. select. The order is determined by the control unit 20 when a plurality of set value data 42 are received (step # 34 in FIG. 8). When the switching operation is performed so that the touch position moves in the second direction, the control unit 20 newly selects the set value data 42 in the order immediately preceding the currently selected set value data 42.

The second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction. The first direction is appropriately determined. For example, the first direction can be the left direction. In this case, the second direction is the right direction. The first direction may be downward. In this case, the second direction is upward.

When the new set value data 42 is selected by the switching operation, the control unit 20 sets the set value of each setting item based on the newly selected set value data 42. The control unit 20 treats the newly selected set value data 42 as job set value data D1. Then, the control unit 20 changes the screen displayed on the display panel 21a. The control unit 20 causes the display panel 21a to display the job type setting screen corresponding to the newly selected setting value data 42. Further, the control unit 20 causes the display panel 21a to display a setting screen on which the setting value defined in the newly selected setting value data 42 is reflected. The control unit 20 may display a list of set values different from the default values on the display panel 21a for a certain period of time.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a setting value and a change in the setting screen due to the switching operation. The upper part of FIG. 10 shows an example of the setting screen before the switching operation. The lower figure of FIG. 10 shows an example of a setting screen whose display contents are changed based on the newly selected setting value data 42.

When executing a job by combining specific set values, the mobile phone may perform a fixed action (movement) before reaching the image forming apparatus 2. For example, when a boss signs a document and a signed document is copied, the document is moved by the route of own desk → boss's desk → image forming apparatus 2. Then, when copying the signed document, the set value to be set by the image forming apparatus 2 may be determined. Depending on the movement route, it may be possible to predict the set value desired by the user.

Therefore, the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment includes the mobile communication device 1 and the image forming device 2. The mobile communication device 1 stores movement history data 3 and setting information 4 indicating the movement history of the carrier of the mobile communication device 1. The setting information 4 is data in which the route data 41 and the set value data 42 are combined. The route data 41 shows the movement route until the carrier reaches the image forming apparatus 2 in the image forming apparatus 2. The setting value data 42 indicates the setting value of each setting item of the job. The mobile communication device 1 wirelessly communicates with the image forming device 2. When the mobile phone enters the communicable area with the image forming apparatus 2 due to approaching the image forming apparatus 2, the mobile communication apparatus 1 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 2 based on the movement history data 3. Check the current route data indicating the movement route of the mobile phone. The mobile communication device 1 extracts the setting information 4 in which the route data 41 is the same as the current route data from the stored setting information 4. The mobile communication device 1 transmits the set value data 42 included in the extracted setting information 4 to the image forming device 2. The mobile communication device 1 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to set the set value of each setting item based on the transmitted set value data 42.

As a result, the set value corresponding to the movement route (behavior pattern) of the mobile phone can be automatically set. Based on the movement route leading to the image forming apparatus 2, it is possible to automatically set a set value that the mobile phone is likely to want to set. The set value of the image forming apparatus 2 can be automatically set so that the probability that the job can be started without performing the setting operation is high.

Further, when the job is executed after receiving the set value data 42, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the job set value data D1 to the mobile communication device 1. The job setting value data D1 is data indicating the setting values of each setting item of the executed job. When the mobile communication device 1 receives the job setting value data D1, the current route data and the route data 41 are the same, and the received job setting value data D1 and the setting value data 42 are the same setting information 4. Check if the information is memorized. When the mobile communication device 1 stores the same information, the usage frequency value 43 of the same information is added. When communication with the image forming apparatus 2 becomes possible, the mobile communication apparatus 1 transmits the frequency value 43 of each of the extracted setting information 4 to the image forming apparatus 2. The mobile communication device 1 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to set the set value of each setting item based on the set value data 42 having the maximum usage frequency value 43.

As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 can be automatically set by the combination of the set values most frequently used among the set value data 42 corresponding to the movement route (behavior pattern) of the mobile phone. It is possible to learn the behavior of the mobile phone and automatically set the set value according to the movement route. The image forming apparatus 2 can be automatically set to a state in which a set value that is frequently used is set. The set value can be automatically set so that the probability that the job can be started without performing the setting operation in the image forming apparatus 2 is high.

When the same information is not stored, the mobile communication device 1 newly stores the setting information 4 in which the current route data is the route data 41 and the received job setting value data D1 is the setting value data 42. As a result, the combination of the new movement route and the new set value data 42 (new setting information 4) can be automatically registered in the mobile communication device 1.

Further, when the mobile communication device 1 currently stores a plurality of the same setting information 4 in the route data and the route data 41, the portable communication device 1 extracts the plurality of setting information 4. The mobile communication device 1 transmits the set value data 42 of the plurality of extracted setting information 4 to the image forming device 2. The image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 21. When the image forming apparatus 2 receives a plurality of set value data 42, the image forming apparatus 2 causes the operation panel 21 to display a screen for selecting the set value data 42 to be used. The image forming apparatus 2 sets the set value of each setting item based on the set value data 42 selected on the operation panel 21. As a result, the carrier who has reached the image forming apparatus 2 can select the set value data 42 to be used. A desired set value can be set only by selecting the set value data 42. By simply selecting the set value data 42, the image forming apparatus 2 can be put into a state where the job can be started immediately.

Further, the operation panel 21 accepts a switching operation for switching the set value data 42 to be used. When the switching operation is performed, the image forming apparatus 2 sets the setting value of each setting item based on the setting value data 42 newly selected by the switching operation. As a result, when the setting value data 42 is selected incorrectly, the setting value data 42 can be easily switched to the correct setting value data 42. The desired set value data 42 can be easily selected.

Further, the operation panel 21 displays the set value set by the selected set value data 42. The set value set based on the set value data 42 can be confirmed.

In addition, the mobile communication device 1 recognizes the wireless device 200 that has become newly communicable with the movement of the mobile phone. The mobile communication device 1 communicates with the newly communicable wireless device 200. The mobile communication device 1 acquires the identification information of the wireless device 200. The data in which the identification information is arranged in the acquisition order is stored as the movement history data 3. Thereby, the movement route (behavior pattern) of the mobile phone can be shown based on the arrangement of the recorded identification information.

Further, the portable communication device 1 includes a storage unit (first storage unit 11), a wireless communication unit 19, and a processing unit 10. The first storage unit 11 stores the movement history data 3 and the setting information 4 indicating the movement history of the carrier of the mobile communication device 1. The wireless communication unit 19 wirelessly communicates with the image forming apparatus 2. The setting information 4 is data in which the route data 41 and the set value data 42 are combined. The route data 41 indicates a movement route until the mobile phone reaches the image forming apparatus 2 when the mobile phone executes a job in the image forming apparatus 2. The setting value data 42 indicates the setting value of each setting item in the job. When the mobile phone enters the communicable area with the image forming apparatus 2 due to the mobile phone approaching the image forming apparatus 2, the processing unit 10 moves the mobile phone until entering the communicable area based on the movement history data 3. Check the current route data indicating the route. The processing unit 10 extracts the setting information 4 in which the route data 41 is the same as the current route data from the stored setting information 4. The processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to transmit the set value data 42 included in the extracted setting information 4 to the wireless communication unit 19. The processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to set the set value of each setting item based on the set value data 42. As a result, the set value corresponding to the movement route (behavior pattern) of the mobile phone can be automatically transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2. The setting information 4 can be automatically extracted, and the image forming apparatus 2 can be automatically set based on the set value data 42 of the extracted setting information 4. The set value of the image forming apparatus 2 can be automatically set so that the probability that the job can be started without performing the setting operation is high.

Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention can be used in mobile communication devices, image forming devices, and image forming systems.

100 Image formation system 1 Mobile communication device 10 Processing unit 11 First storage unit (storage unit)
19 Wireless communication unit 2 Image forming device 3 Movement history data 4 Setting information 41 Route data 42 Setting value data 43 Frequency of use 200 Wireless device

Claims (6)

Including mobile communication equipment and image forming equipment
The mobile communication device stores movement history data and setting information indicating the movement history of the carrier of the mobile communication device.
The setting information is data that is a combination of route data and set value data.
The route data indicates a movement route until the carrier reaches the image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus.
The setting value data indicates the setting value of each setting item of the job, and indicates the setting value.
The mobile communication device is
Communicate wirelessly with the image forming apparatus
When the carrier enters the communicable area with the image forming device due to approaching the image forming device, the carrier until communication with the image forming device becomes possible based on the movement history data. Check the current route data showing the movement route,
From the setting information to be stored, the setting information whose route data is the same as the current route data is extracted.
The set value data included in the extracted setting information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the setting value data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
Based on the transmitted set value data, the image forming apparatus is made to set the set value of each of the set items .
When the job is executed after receiving the set value data
The image forming apparatus transmits job set value data to the mobile communication apparatus, and the image forming apparatus transmits the job set value data to the mobile communication apparatus.
The job setting value data is data indicating the setting value of each setting item of the executed job.
The mobile communication device is
When the job setting value data is received, the same information that the current route data and the route data are the same and the received job setting value data and the setting value data are the same is stored. Check if it is,
When the same information is stored, the frequency value of the same information is added and added.
When it becomes possible to communicate with the image forming apparatus, the frequency value of each of the extracted setting information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
An image forming system wherein use frequency value is based on the maximum of the set value data, and wherein the Rukoto to set the setting value of each of the setting items in the image forming apparatus. When the same information is not stored
The image according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile communication device newly stores the setting information in which the current route data is used as the route data and the received job setting value data is used as the setting value data. Formation system. Including mobile communication equipment and image forming equipment
The mobile communication device stores movement history data and setting information indicating the movement history of the carrier of the mobile communication device.
The setting information is data that is a combination of route data and set value data.
The route data indicates a movement route until the carrier reaches the image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus.
The setting value data indicates the setting value of each setting item of the job, and indicates the setting value.
The mobile communication device is
Communicate wirelessly with the image forming apparatus
When the carrier enters the communicable area with the image forming device due to approaching the image forming device, the carrier until communication with the image forming device becomes possible based on the movement history data. Check the current route data showing the movement route,
From the setting information to be stored, the setting information whose route data is the same as the current route data is extracted.
The set value data included in the extracted setting information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the setting value data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
Based on the transmitted set value data, the image forming apparatus is made to set the set value of each of the set items.
The mobile communication device is
When a plurality of the setting information in which the current route data and the route data are the same are stored, a plurality of the setting information is extracted.
The set value data of the plurality of extracted setting information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the set value data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus
Including the operation panel
When a plurality of the set value data are received, a screen for selecting the set value data to be used is displayed on the operation panel.
Wherein based on the set value data selected by the operation panel, the image forming system, characterized in that you set the setting value of each of the setting items. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the operation panel displays a set value set by the selected set value data. The operation panel accepts a switching operation for switching the set value data to be used.
When the switching operation is performed
The image forming system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the image forming apparatus sets the set value of each of the setting items based on the set value data newly selected by the switching operation. The mobile communication device is
Recognizing the wireless device that has become newly communicable due to the movement of the mobile phone,
Communicate with the newly enabled wireless device,
Acquire the identification information of the wireless device,
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein data in which the identification information is arranged in the acquisition order is stored as the movement history data.

Images