JP2016161977A - Image processing system, information processing terminal, information processing terminal control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce operation load when an information processing terminal connects wirelessly to a plurality of image processing apparatuses which provide wireless connection function.SOLUTION: An image processing system includes: a plurality of image processing apparatuses 1 which execute print output in response to a printout request from a client terminal 2, and provide radio communication access points; and a client terminal 2 which transmits a print job by connecting wirelessly to the image processing apparatuses 1. The client terminal acquires information on radio wave intensity of an SSID (Service Set ID) provided by the image processing apparatuses, calculates a distance to each of the image processing apparatuses, on the basis of the radio wave intensity information, and connects to an SSID provided by an image processing apparatus located within a predetermined threshold distance as a result of calculation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, an information processing terminal, an information processing terminal control method, and a control program.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is configured as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. Many.

  In such an image processing apparatus, a print output command including image information (hereinafter referred to as “print job”) is received from an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), and printing is performed based on the received image information. Run the output. When such a print job is transmitted from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal to the image processing apparatus, there is a method in which the mobile terminal wirelessly connects to a wireless communication function provided by the image processing apparatus and transmits the print job. May be used.

  As a function using such wireless connection, a method has been proposed in which the timing at which the user arrives at the position of the image processing apparatus is predicted and a print job is executed in accordance with the timing (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  In Patent Document 1, it is considered that convenience is improved by wireless connection on the premise that one image processing apparatus is used from a mobile terminal, but there are cases where a plurality of image processing apparatuses are used properly. When wireless connection is provided by each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses, the user of the mobile terminal needs to use the apparatus after performing an operation for connecting to the target image processing apparatus. It takes time.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and when there are a plurality of image processing devices that provide a wireless connection function, an operation at the time of wireless connection from the information processing terminal to the image processing device. The purpose is to reduce the burden.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a print output command is received from an information processing terminal, print output is performed, and a function for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication is provided to the information processing terminal. An image processing system including an information processing terminal that performs wireless communication between a plurality of image processing devices and the image processing device and transmits a print output command to the image processing device, wherein the information processing terminal includes: A radio wave intensity information acquisition unit that acquires information on radio wave intensity of wireless communication provided by the plurality of image processing apparatuses, and each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses based on information on the radio wave intensity acquired for each of the image processing apparatuses. A distance calculation unit for calculating a distance to the image processing device, and an image processing device in which the distance calculated for each of the image processing devices is within a predetermined threshold. Characterized in that it comprises a connection processing unit for connecting to a wireless communication that is provided me.

  According to the present invention, when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses that provide a wireless connection function, it is possible to reduce an operation burden at the time of wireless connection from the information processing terminal to the image processing apparatus.

It is a figure which shows the operation | use form of the image processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the near field communication control part of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the radio wave density information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the apparatus information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information of the calculation result of the distance which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the model information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the authentication information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the whole system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the narrowing-down operation | movement of SSID which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the essential function information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the setting screen of the essential function information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another of the essential function and recommended function which concern on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the image processing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system according to the present embodiment is configured such that a client terminal 2 can be wirelessly connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses 1. In FIG. 1, the client terminal 2 is illustrated as being wirelessly connected simultaneously with the plurality of image processing apparatuses 1, but the client terminal 2 is wirelessly connected to any one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses 1. Once established, the functions of the image processing apparatus 1 are used.

  The image processing apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. The image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a function as an access point that is a wireless communication transmission / reception function, and the client terminal 2 connects to a wireless communication access point provided by the image processing apparatus 1.

  The client terminal 2 is an information processing terminal that is carried and used by a user who uses the image processing system according to the present embodiment. In the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 executes print output based on a print output command (hereinafter referred to as “print job”) transmitted from the client terminal 2 to the image processing apparatus 1.

  When the client terminal 2 connects to the wireless communication access point, since the client terminal 2 selects and connects one of the access points provided by the respective image processing apparatuses 1, the connection destination can be selected by the user. Need to ask. Therefore, when transmitting a print job, the user first needs to select a connection destination access point and perform a connection operation, and then perform a print job transmission operation, which is troublesome. One of the gist according to the present embodiment is to improve the convenience of the user by eliminating such trouble of operation.

  Next, a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus that is each device included in the image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as that of a general server or PC.

  That is, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. Connected through. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 and an operation unit 70 are connected to the I / F 50. In addition, the image processing apparatus 1 includes an engine that executes image formation output and scanning.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire information processing apparatus. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 80 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface that displays various types of information and allows the user to check the state of the information processing apparatus. The operation unit 70 is a user interface for the user to input information to the information processing apparatus, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a hard button, or a touch panel.

  In such a hardware configuration, the software control unit is configured by the CPU 10 performing calculations in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 30 or a program read into the RAM 20 from a storage medium such as the HDD 40 or an optical disk (not shown). A combination of the software control unit configured in this way and hardware constitutes a functional block that realizes the function of each device constituting the scan distribution system according to the present embodiment.

  Next, functions of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 100, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 110, a scanner unit 120, a paper discharge tray 130, a display panel 140, and a paper feed table. 150, a print engine 160, a paper discharge tray 170, a network I / F 180, and a near field communication I / F 190.

  The controller 100 includes a main control unit 101, an engine control unit 102, an input / output control unit 103, an image processing unit 104, and an operation display control unit 105. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a multifunction machine having a scanner unit 120 and a print engine 160. In FIG. 3, the electrical connection is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of a sheet or a document bundle is indicated by a broken arrow.

  The display panel 140 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image processing apparatus 1 and is an input when the user directly operates the image processing apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image processing apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface (operation unit). The network I / F 180 is an interface for the image processing apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices such as an administrator terminal via the network, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB interface is used.

  The near field communication I / F 190 is an interface for the image processing apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices by near field wireless communication, and an interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is used. In this embodiment, the case of a WiFi interface will be described as an example. The short-range communication I / F 190 also includes a function as an access point that provides a network connection to the client terminal 2.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, the controller 100 is configured by a software control unit configured by the CPU 10 performing calculations according to various programs and hardware such as an integrated circuit. As a program for the CPU 10 to perform an operation, a program stored in the ROM 30 or a program loaded into the RAM 20 from a nonvolatile storage medium such as the HDD 40 is used. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image processing apparatus 1.

  The main control unit 101 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100, and gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. The engine control unit 102 serves as a drive unit that controls or drives the print engine 160, the scanner unit 120, and the like. The input / output control unit 103 inputs signals and commands input to the main control unit 101 via the network I / F 180 and the short-range communication I / F 190. The main control unit 101 also controls the input / output control unit 103 to access other devices via the network I / F 180, the near field communication I / F 190, and the network.

  The image processing unit 104 generates drawing information based on image information to be printed and output under the control of the main control unit 101. The drawing information is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 160 as an image forming unit. The image processing unit 104 processes image data input from the scanner unit 120 to generate image data. This image data is information stored in the image processing apparatus 1 as a result of the scanner operation or transmitted to other devices via the network I / F 180 or the short-range communication I / F 190. The operation display control unit 105 displays information on the display panel 140 or notifies the main control unit 101 of information input via the display panel 140.

  When the image processing apparatus 1 operates as a printer, first, the input / output control unit 103 receives a print job via the network I / F 180 or the short-range communication I / F 190. The input / output control unit 103 transfers the received print job to the main control unit 101. When the main control unit 101 starts executing the received print job, the main control unit 101 first controls the image processing unit 104 to generate drawing information based on document information or image information included in the print job.

  When drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 104, the engine control unit 102 executes image formation on a sheet conveyed from the paper feed table 150 based on the generated drawing information. As a specific mode of the print engine 160, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. The document on which the image has been formed by the print engine 160 is discharged to the discharge tray 170.

  When the image processing apparatus 1 operates as a scanner, the operation display control unit 105 or the input / output control unit 103 is operated by the main control unit 101 in response to a user operation on the display panel 140 or a scan execution instruction input from an external device. The scan execution signal is transferred to. The main control unit 101 controls the engine control unit 102 based on the received scan execution signal. The engine control unit 102 drives the ADF 110 and conveys the document to be imaged set on the ADF 110 to the scanner unit 120.

  Further, the engine control unit 102 drives the scanner unit 120 and images a document conveyed from the ADF 110. If no original is set on the ADF 110 and the original is set directly on the scanner unit 120, the scanner unit 120 images the set original according to the control of the engine control unit 102. That is, the scanner unit 120 operates as an imaging unit.

  In the imaging operation, an imaging element such as a CCD included in the scanner unit 120 optically scans the document, and imaging information based on the optical information is generated. The engine control unit 102 transfers the imaging information generated by the scanner unit 120 to the image processing unit 104. The image processing unit 104 generates image information based on the imaging information received from the engine control unit 102 according to the control of the main control unit 101.

  Image information generated by the image processing unit 104 is stored in a storage medium attached to the image processing apparatus 1 such as the HDD 40. The image information generated by the image processing unit 104 is stored in the HDD 40 or the like as it is according to a user instruction, or is transmitted to an external device by the input / output control unit 103 via the network I / F 180 and the short-range communication I / F 190. Sent.

  When the image processing apparatus 1 operates as a copying machine, the image processing unit 104 generates drawing information based on the imaging information received by the engine control unit 102 from the scanner unit 120 or the image information generated by the image processing unit 104. To do. Based on the drawing information, the engine control unit 102 drives the print engine 160 as in the case of the printer operation.

  Next, the functional configuration of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 200, a network I / F 210, and a near field communication I / F 220 in addition to the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 described in FIG. 2. The controller 200 includes a network control unit 201, an operation control unit 202, a display control unit 203, a near field communication control unit 204, and a client application 205.

  The network I / F 210 is an interface for the client terminal 2 to communicate with other devices via the network, and an interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) is used. The near field communication I / F 220 is an interface for the client terminal 2 to communicate with other devices by near field wireless communication, and an interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is used. The network I / F 210 and the short-range communication I / F 220 are realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  The controller 200 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. The controller 200 is a control unit that controls the entire client terminal 2. The network control unit 201 acquires information input via the network I / F 210 and transmits information to other devices via the network I / F 210.

  The near field communication control unit 204 acquires information input via the near field communication I / F 220 and transmits information to other devices via the near field communication I / F 220. In addition, the short-range communication control unit 204 according to the present embodiment acquires, from the short-range communication I / F 220, information related to radio waves transmitted by each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses 1 functioning as an access point, and connects them. It has a function of selecting a previous access point. This will be described later.

  The operation control unit 202 acquires a signal of the operation content by the user with respect to the operation unit 70 and inputs it to a module operating in the client terminal 2 such as the client application 205. The display control unit 203 causes the LCD 60 to display the state of the client terminal 2 such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the client application 205.

  The client application 205 is a software module that provides various functions in the client terminal 2, and is configured by a software program corresponding to each function. The client application 205 includes a software module that provides a function of transmitting a print job to the image processing apparatus 1 via short-range wireless communication.

  Next, a detailed functional configuration of the short-range communication control unit 204 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the short-range communication control unit 204 according to the present embodiment includes an I / F control unit 241, a data reception unit 242, a data transmission unit 243, and a connection processing unit 244.

  The I / F control unit 241 controls the short-range communication I / F 220 to perform transmission / reception of data by wireless communication and acquisition of information related to radio communication radio waves detected by the short-range communication I / F 220. The data receiving unit 242 acquires the data transmitted to the client terminal 2 by wireless communication via the I / F control unit 241 and passes it to the client application 205.

  The data transmission unit 243 acquires data transmitted by the client terminal 2 through wireless communication from the client application 205 and transmits the data via the I / F control unit 241. The connection processing unit 244 selects and connects the access points to be connected among the access points provided by the plurality of image processing apparatuses 1 based on the information on the radio communication radio wave acquired by the I / F control unit 241. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the connection processing unit 244 includes a radio wave density calculation unit 245, a distance calculation unit 246, a device information DB 247, a connection destination determination unit 248, and an authentication information DB 249. The radio wave density calculation unit 245 obtains information on the strength of the radio communication radio wave transmitted for the access point function provided by each image processing apparatus 1 from the I / F control unit 241, and based on the information, FIG. Calculate the radio wave density at each access point. The information shown in FIG. 6 is used as information related to the radio wave intensity of wireless communication.

  The distance calculation unit 246 is based on the radio wave density of each access point calculated by the radio wave density calculation unit 245 and the original radio wave intensity information of each image processing device 1 stored in the device information DB 247. To the image processing device 1 is calculated. The apparatus information DB 247 stores information on each image processing apparatus 1 and information on functions for each model of the image processing apparatus 1.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing individual device information that is information of each image processing device 1 among the information stored in the device information DB 247. As shown in FIG. 7, the individual device information according to the present embodiment includes “SSID (Service Set ID)”, “MAC address”, “network key”, “model”, “radio field strength”, and “priority”. Contains information.

  “SSID” is an identifier for identifying an access point provided by each image processing apparatus 1 in the case of WiFi (registered trademark) connection. In the case of Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection, an identifier for identifying an access point of Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used. “MAC address” is an identifier for identifying the hardware of each image processing apparatus 1. The “network key” is authentication information necessary for connecting to an access point provided by each image processing apparatus 1.

  “Model” is information indicating the model of each image processing apparatus 1. “Radio wave intensity” is information indicating the original intensity of the radio wave transmitted for the access point function provided by each image processing apparatus 1. The “priority” is information indicating a priority when selecting each image processing apparatus 1 as a connection destination.

Here, a method of calculating the distance L between the client terminal 2 and each image processing apparatus 1 by the distance calculation unit 246 will be specifically described. Between the radio wave density S _{L at} the position of the client terminal 2, the distance L between the image processing apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2, and the radio wave intensity J ₀ that is the original intensity of the radio wave emitted by the image processing apparatus 1, The relationship (1) is established.

Therefore, the distance calculation unit 246 calculates the distance between the image processing apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 by calculating the following expression (2) obtained by solving the above expression (1) for the distance L between the image processing apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2. L is obtained. The distance calculation unit 246 obtains the distance L for each SSID provided by each image processing apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 8 and inputs the distance L to the connection destination determination unit 248.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating model information that is function information for each model of the image processing apparatus 1 among the information stored in the apparatus information DB 247 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the model information according to the present embodiment, information specifying functions such as “color” and “double-sided printing” is described for each piece of information specifying “model” in FIG. . That is, the model information shown in FIG. 9 is used as the installed function information. Thereby, it can be understood what function each image processing apparatus 1 supports.

  The connection destination determination unit 248 determines a connection destination access point based on the distance information between each image processing apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 acquired from the distance calculation unit 246, and performs wireless communication connection processing. The connection destination determination unit 248 according to the present embodiment acquires information as illustrated in FIG. 8 and selects “SSID” having the shortest “distance” as the connection destination.

  Then, the wireless communication connection is established with the selected SSID access point using the selected “SSID” and “network key”, and the image processing apparatus 1 is based on the information stored in the authentication information DB 249. Process to log in to. The authentication information DB 249 stores authentication information that is information for the user of the client terminal 2 to use the image processing apparatus 1.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of authentication information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the authentication information includes “user ID” for identifying the user of the client terminal 2 and “password” for authenticating the user. These pieces of information are used in login authentication necessary for the user to use the function in the image processing apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 10, only one set of “user ID” and “password” is shown, but it is used when the “user ID” and “password” required for login authentication are different in each image processing apparatus 1. A combination corresponding to the number of image processing apparatuses 1 to be stored is stored. In this case, the combination of each “user ID” and “password” is stored in association with information that can identify the image processing apparatus 1 such as “SSID” and “MAC address” described above.

  Next, the overall operation of the image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in the operation of the image processing system according to the present embodiment, first, the client terminal 2 acquires the radio wave density of the SSID of the wireless communication access point provided by each image processing apparatus 1 (S1101).

  In S1101, the radio wave density calculation unit 245 acquires the radio wave density based on the radio wave intensity of each SSID as described in FIG. The client terminal 2 that has acquired the radio wave density calculates a distance from the image processing apparatus 1 that provides each SSID based on the acquired radio wave density (S1102).

  In S1102, the distance calculation unit 246 calculates the distance from each image processing apparatus 1 based on the radio wave density of each SSID as described in FIG. The distance calculation unit 246 does not calculate the distance based on all the acquired radio wave density information, but performs the SSID exclusion process according to a predetermined condition and then calculates the distance only for the remaining SSID. .

  The client terminal 2 that has calculated the distance to each image processing apparatus 1 selects the target image processing apparatus 1 for establishing wireless communication based on the calculation result (S1103). In S1103, the connection destination determination unit 248 described in FIG. 5 selects the SSID provided by the closest image processing apparatus 1 based on the calculation result by the distance calculation unit 246.

  The client terminal 2 that has selected the connection destination establishes a wireless communication connection with the selected SSID (S1104). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state where a wireless communication connection is established with the closest image processing apparatus 1.

In the image processing system according to the present embodiment, only the image processing apparatus 1 is connected subjects from the client terminal 2 within a predetermined range L _th. As a result, radio waves reach the client terminal 2, but are prevented from establishing unnecessary wireless communication connections with the image processing apparatus 1 that is installed relatively far and has a low possibility of being used. I can do it. The setting of the range L _{th as} a threshold value may be a predetermined value or a value set by the user.

  After that, when movement is detected based on a position sensor such as a vibration sensor or a GPS (Global Positioning System) provided in the client terminal 2 (S1105), the client terminal 2 repeatedly executes the same processing as S1101 to S1104. (S1106 to S1109).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a wireless communication connection is established with another image processing apparatus 1 as a result of the movement of the client terminal 2. By such processing, it is possible to always keep the state connected to the image processing apparatus 1 that is most likely to be used.

  Next, detailed operation of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, first, the I / F control unit 241 searches for radio communication connection radio waves that can be received by the client terminal 2 using the function of the short-range communication I / F 220 (S1401). The I / F control unit 241 repeatedly executes the search until radio waves for one or more SSIDs are received (S1402 / NO).

  When the radio wave is received (S1402), the I / F control unit 241 inputs the received radio wave intensity information to the radio wave density calculation unit 245. Then, the radio wave density calculation unit 245 calculates the radio wave density of each SSID based on the radio wave intensity information acquired from the I / F control unit 241 (S1403). As a result, the information described in FIG. 6 is generated and transferred from the radio wave density calculator 245 to the distance calculator 246. That is, the radio wave density calculation unit 245 functions as a radio wave intensity information acquisition unit.

  The distance calculation unit 246 first narrows down SSIDs for which distances are to be calculated based on the information on the radio wave density acquired from the radio wave density calculation unit 245 (S1404). That is, in S1404, the distance calculation unit 246 functions as a narrowing-down unit. Here, the detailed operation of the SSID narrowing process in S1404 will be described with reference to FIG. The distance calculation unit 246 first acquires necessary function information indicating functions required for the connection target image processing apparatus 1 (S1501).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of necessary function information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, functions of the image processing apparatus 1 such as “color”, “double-sided printing position”, and “aggregated printing” are specified in the necessary function information. The function information of the image processing apparatus 1 corresponds to the function information for each model of the image processing apparatus 1 described in FIG.

  The necessary function information is specified in advance by the user in each client terminal 2. The user selects a necessary function by checking a check box of a necessary function on the necessary function information setting screen as shown in FIG. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the necessary function information setting screen illustrated in FIG. 17 is provided by the connection processing unit 244, for example. The set necessary function information is stored and managed in the connection processing unit 244.

  In addition, the client application 205 may implement the function of providing the GUI shown in FIG. In this case, the distance calculation unit 246 acquires necessary function information from the client application 205 in S1501.

  When the necessary function information is acquired, the distance calculation unit 246 next selects one SSID with reference to the acquired radio wave density information as shown in FIG. 6 (S1502). Then, the function information of the image processing apparatus 1 that provides the wireless communication connection related to the selected SSID is referred to (S1503).

  In step S1503, the distance calculation unit 246 first refers to the device information illustrated in FIG. 7 and confirms the “model” associated with the selected SSID. Based on the “model” thus confirmed, the model concession shown in FIG. 9 is referred to.

  The distance calculation unit 246 referring to the model information determines whether or not all the functions specified in the necessary function information shown in FIG. 16 are included, that is, whether or not the necessary functions are insufficient (S1504). . If all the necessary functions are included as a result of the determination in S1504 (S1504 / NO), the distance calculation unit 246 determines that the selected SSID is suitable as a connection destination candidate.

  On the other hand, when the function is insufficient (S1504 / YES), the distance calculation unit 246 determines that the selected SSID is inappropriate as a connection destination candidate, and excludes it from the connection destination candidate, that is, the distance calculation target. (S1507). As shown in FIG. 6, the distance calculation unit repeats the processing from S1502 until the processing is completed for all SSIDs for which radio wave densities have been acquired (S1508 / NO). When the processing is completed for all SSIDs (S1508 / YES), the processing ends. In this way, the SSID narrowing process in S1404 of FIG. 14 is completed.

  The distance calculation unit that has completed the SSID narrowing process checks whether or not an SSID that is a connection destination candidate remains even after narrowing down (S1405). repeat. On the other hand, when there remains an SSID as a connection destination candidate (S1405 / YES), a distance is calculated for the SSID (S1406).

  In S1406, as described above, the distance calculation unit 246 calculates the distance L based on the radio wave density of each SSID and the intensity of the radio wave originally emitted from the image processing apparatus 1 that provides each SSID. As a result, information as shown in FIG. 8 is generated and input to the connection destination determination unit 248.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the distance calculation unit 246 obtains network key and priority information in addition to the respective SSIDs from the device information shown in FIG. 7, and outputs them in association with the calculation results. As a result, the connection destination determination unit 248 can establish a wireless communication connection based on the acquired information.

From the distance calculation unit 246 obtains the information shown in FIG. 8 connecting destination determination section 248 refers to the setting of the range L _th described in FIG. 12, of the distance L calculated for SSID of each, within the range L _th The presence or absence of a thing is confirmed (S1407). As a result, if no image processing apparatus 1 of the sources is the SSID within the range _{L th} (S1407 / NO), the process is repeated from S1401.

When the image processing apparatus 1 of sources there is a SSID within the range _{L th} (S1407 / YES), and then the connection destination determining section 248 refers to the shorter the most distance L of the SSID within the range _{L th,} It is confirmed whether the number is single or plural (S1408). When there are a plurality of closest SSIDs (S1408 / YES), the connection destination determination unit 248 refers to the “priority” shown in FIG. 8 and selects the SSID having the highest priority (S1409).

  When the closest SSID is single (S1408 / NO) or when the SSID having the highest priority is selected, the connection destination determination unit 248 determines whether or not the SSID is the currently connected SSID. (S1410). If the extracted SSID is the currently connected SSID (S1410 / YES), the connection destination determination unit 248 maintains the current connection as it is.

  On the other hand, when the extracted SSID is not a connected SSID (S1410 / NO), the connection destination determination unit 248 establishes a connection in wireless communication identified by the extracted SSID (S1412). That is, in the processing of S1407 to S1412, the connection destination determination unit 248 functions as a connection processing unit. The case where the extracted SSID is not a connected SSID is, for example, a case where the extracted SSID is different from the currently connected SSID, or a case where the extracted SSID is not currently connected to any SSID.

  In step S1412, the connection destination determination unit 248 first obtains the target SSID and the network key associated therewith from the information illustrated in FIG. 8 and notifies the I / F control unit 241 of it. Thereby, the I / F control unit 241 controls the short-range communication I / F 220 to connect to the wireless communication identified by the target SSID.

  Thereafter, the connection destination determination unit 248 acquires the user ID and password described in FIG. 10 and causes the data transmission unit 243 to transmit a login request. As a result, the client terminal 2 enters a state where it can log in to the image processing apparatus 1 that provides the SSID with which the connection has been established and can use the functions of the image processing apparatus 1.

  The connection destination determination unit 248 connected to the target SSID and logged in to the image processing apparatus 1 inquires and acquires the state of the image processing apparatus 1 from the image processing apparatus 1 via the network (S1413). The connection destination determination unit 248 that acquired the state of the connected image processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the connection destination image processing apparatus 1 (S1414), and if no failure has occurred (S1414). S1414 / NO), the connection is maintained as it is.

  On the other hand, when a failure has occurred in the image processing apparatus 1 at the connection destination (S1414 / YES), the connection destination determination unit 248 excludes the currently connected SSID from the connection destination candidates, and then again in FIG. Information is referred to (S1415). Then, the processing from S1407 is repeated. As a result, if there is another target SSID, the connection is executed for that SSID.

  After the connection is established with any SSID, the client terminal 2 detects the movement of the terminal (S1411). The process of S1411 is executed by the connection processing unit 244 referring to detection results of an acceleration sensor, a position sensor, and the like mounted on the client terminal 2, for example.

  When it is detected that the terminal has moved (S1411 / YES), the processing from S1401 is repeatedly executed, and as described with reference to FIG. 13, the SSID provided by the closest image processing apparatus 1 at the destination is moved. The connection is switched. By such processing, the operation of the wireless connection function by the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment is performed.

As described above, according to the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the distance from the image processing apparatus 1 that provides each wireless communication is calculated based on the radio communication radio waves that the client terminal 2 can receive. . Then, to connect to a wireless communication provided by the image processing apparatus 1 within a predetermined range L _th. Further, when there are a plurality, the wireless communication provided by the nearest image processing apparatus 1 is connected.

  With this configuration, in order to establish a wireless communication connection with the intended image processing apparatus 1, the user only needs to hold the client terminal 2 and approach the target image processing apparatus 1. Therefore, when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses that provide a wireless connection function, it is possible to reduce an operation burden at the time of wireless connection from the information processing terminal to the image processing apparatus.

In the above embodiment, in the image processing apparatus 1 which is present in the range L _th, it has been described as an example a case of connecting to the closest image processing apparatus 1. However, this is only an example, for example if a plurality of image processing apparatus 1 is disposed respectively sufficiently far for the range L _th, never to have to S1408 a plurality of image processing apparatus 1 are extracted simultaneously.

Therefore, the distance to the radio wave source is calculated based on the radio wave of the receivable radio communication connection, and the connection is made with the radio communication connection provided by the source whose calculation result is within the predetermined range L _th If it is an aspect which establishes, it is possible to achieve the gist of the present embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the calculation result of the distance to each image processing apparatus 1 is emphasized, and the case where the priority order is determined when the distances are the same has been described as an example. An aspect may be sufficient.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the necessary function information described in FIG. 16 is determined and the image processing apparatus 1 that does not satisfy the necessary function is completely excluded is described as an example. However, this is an example. For example, when the target SSID becomes zero as a result of narrowing down, the image processing apparatus 1 that does not satisfy the function may be the target.

  In such a case, even when the importance level is set for the required function and the importance level of the unsatisfied function is low, even if the importance level of the image processing apparatus 1 does not satisfy the required function, a mode may be considered as a connection target. . According to such an aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience even when the necessary functions are not satisfied.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of necessary function information in which importance is set. In the example of FIG. 18, it is “required” for the function that must be satisfied, and can be excluded from the determination target when the image processing apparatus 1 that is determined primarily in S 1504 and satisfies the function is zero. "Recommended" is attached. Such setting can be easily performed by providing a selection field on the GUI described in FIG.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the movement of the client terminal 2 was detected in S1411, the case where the process from S1401 was repeated was demonstrated as an example. However, this is only an example, and the processing from S1401 may be executed every predetermined period without performing the determination in S1411, for example. As a result, the connection destination of the wireless communication connection of the client terminal 2 is kept up-to-date every predetermined period.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described as an example in which the failure state of the connection destination image processing apparatus 1 is confirmed only immediately after the connection is established in S1412. In addition, the failure state may be confirmed every predetermined period even in a view where the connection is maintained. As a result, after a connection to an SSID provided by a certain image processing device 1, if a failure occurs in that image processing device 1, it is automatically connected to another normal image processing device 1, and the user Can improve convenience.

  In the above embodiment, after the client terminal 2 establishes a wireless communication connection with the image processing apparatus 1 based on the SSID and the network key, the user terminal 2 logs in to the image processing apparatus 1 using the user ID and password. Was described as an example. However, this is only an example. For example, if security is maintained by logging in to the image processing apparatus 1 using a user ID and a password, a network key is not required when establishing a wireless communication connection, and is disclosed. A wireless communication connection may be used. On the other hand, when requesting connection authentication using a network key, login authentication to the image processing apparatus 1 using a user ID and password may be omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 2 Client terminal 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation Unit 80 Bus 100 Controller 101 Main Control Unit 102 Engine Control Unit 103 Input / Output Control Unit 104 Image Processing Unit 105 Operation Display Control Unit 110 ADF
111 Input / output unit 112 Device management unit 113 Device DB
114 Job management unit 115 Job DB
116 Distance calculation unit 117 Distance determination unit 120 Scanner unit 130 Paper discharge tray 140 Display panel 150 Paper feed table 160 Print engine 170 Paper discharge tray 180 Network I / F
190 Short range communication I / F
200 Controller 201 Network Control Unit 202 Operation Control Unit 203 Display Control Unit 204 Short-Range Communication Control Unit 205 Client Application 210 Network I / F
220 Short range communication I / F
241 I / F control unit 242 Data reception unit 243 Data transmission unit 244 Connection processing unit 245 Radio wave density calculation unit 246 Distance calculation unit 247 Device information DB
248 Connection destination determination unit 249 Authentication information DB

JP 2002-77177 A

Claims (10)

A plurality of image processing apparatuses that execute a print output in response to a print output command from the information processing terminal and provide the information processing terminal with a function of transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication, and wirelessly between the image processing apparatuses An image processing system including an information processing terminal that performs communication and transmits a print output command to the image processing apparatus,
The information processing terminal
A radio wave intensity information acquisition unit for acquiring information on radio wave intensity of wireless communication provided by the plurality of image processing devices;
A distance calculation unit that calculates a distance from each of the image processing devices based on information on the intensity of the radio waves acquired for each of the plurality of image processing devices;
An image processing system comprising: a connection processing unit for connecting to wireless communication provided by an image processing device in which the distance calculated for each of the image processing devices is within a predetermined threshold.   The connection processing unit connects to wireless communication provided by an image processing apparatus with the shortest distance when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses with the distance within a predetermined threshold. 2. The image processing system according to 1.   The connection processing unit refers to the priority information set for each of the plurality of image processing devices when there are a plurality of image processing devices having the distance within a predetermined threshold, The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is connected to a wireless communication provided by a high image processing apparatus. A narrow-down unit that refers to on-board function information indicating a function installed in each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses and narrows down the image processing apparatuses to be connected based on functions required for the image processing apparatus to which the wireless communication connection is made ,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the distance calculation unit calculates a distance from the narrowed-down image processing apparatus.   The narrowing-down unit is based on a function that is essential and recommended in an image processing apparatus to which wireless communication is connected, and there is no image processing apparatus that has both the essential function and the recommended function. In this case, the image processing system according to claim 4, wherein at least the image processing apparatus having the essential function is extracted and narrowed down.   The connection processing unit acquires information indicating a state of the image processing apparatus that provides connected wireless communication, and is provided by another image processing apparatus when a failure occurs in the image processing apparatus 5. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is connected to wireless communication.   When it is detected that the information processing apparatus has moved, the acquisition of information regarding the intensity of the radio wave and the calculation of the distance based on the acquired information regarding the intensity of the radio wave are performed, and wireless communication of a connection target is performed. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is switched. In response to a print output command from an information processing terminal, print output is performed, and wireless communication connection is performed between a plurality of image processing apparatuses that provide information transmission / reception functions by wireless communication to the information processing terminal. An information processing terminal for transmitting the print output command,
A radio wave intensity information acquisition unit for acquiring information on radio wave intensity of wireless communication provided by the plurality of image processing devices;
A distance calculation unit that calculates a distance from each of the image processing devices based on information on the intensity of the radio waves acquired for each of the plurality of image processing devices;
An information processing terminal comprising: a connection processing unit for connecting to wireless communication provided by an image processing device in which the distance calculated for each of the image processing devices is within a predetermined threshold. In response to a print output command from an information processing terminal, print output is performed, and wireless communication connection is performed between a plurality of image processing apparatuses that provide information transmission / reception functions by wireless communication to the information processing terminal. A method of controlling an information processing terminal that transmits the print output command,
Obtaining information on the strength of radio waves of wireless communication provided by a plurality of the image processing devices;
Calculating a distance to each of the image processing devices based on information on the intensity of the radio waves acquired for each of the plurality of image processing devices;
A method for controlling an information processing terminal, comprising: connecting to a wireless communication provided by an image processing device in which the distance calculated for each of the image processing devices is within a predetermined threshold. In response to a print output command from an information processing terminal, print output is performed, and wireless communication connection is performed between a plurality of image processing apparatuses that provide information transmission / reception functions by wireless communication to the information processing terminal. A control program for an information processing terminal that transmits the print output command,
Obtaining information on radio wave strength of wireless communication provided by a plurality of the image processing devices;
Calculating a distance from each of the image processing devices based on information on the intensity of the radio waves acquired for each of the plurality of image processing devices;
And a step of connecting to a wireless communication provided by the image processing apparatus having the distance calculated for each of the image processing apparatuses within a predetermined threshold. .