Image forming device registration method, system and image forming device

Abstract

An image forming device capable of being operated by an operating device comprises a storage unit storing a plurality of operation items, a detection unit detecting the operation, and a control unit, wherein the control unit registers the terminal device as the operating device when the operation item detected by the detection unit matches the operation item stored in the storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a registration method. Background Art

[0002] For example, the following invention is disclosed (for example, refer to patent document 1): an authentication unit capable of authenticating a user performing remote operation is provided in an image forming device that is communicatively connected to a remote operating device; and a control unit that manages the image forming action performed through the remote operation of the user when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit, so that the remote operating device displays an operation screen corresponding to the user.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-11090 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the conventional technology, there is a risk that an unintended terminal device is registered as an operating device of the image forming apparatus.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to realize registration of an appropriate device when registering a terminal device as an operating device of an image forming device.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The registration method disclosed herein is a registration method in an image forming device that can be operated through an operating device, and is characterized in that the image forming device has a detection unit and a control unit for detecting operations, and a terminal device displays multiple operation items in a display unit. When the operation items detected by the detection unit are consistent with the operation items displayed in the display unit of the terminal device, the terminal device is registered as the operating device.

[0011] The system of the present invention is a system comprising an image forming device, a terminal device and a server device that can be operated by an operating device, and is characterized in that the server device sends multiple operation items to the terminal device when receiving a request from the terminal device, the terminal device displays the received multiple operation items on a display unit, the image forming device sends multiple operation items detected by a detection unit to the server device, and the server device registers the terminal device as the operating device in the image forming device when the multiple operation items sent to the terminal device are consistent with the multiple operation items received from the image forming device.

[0012] The image forming device disclosed herein is an image forming device that can be operated by an operating device, and is characterized in that it has a storage unit that stores multiple operation items, a detection unit that detects the operation, and a control unit. When the operation item detected by the detection unit is consistent with the operation item stored in the storage unit, the control unit registers a terminal device associated with the image forming device as the operating device.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present embodiment, when registering a second device (for example, a terminal device) as an operating device of a first device (for example, an image forming device), an appropriate device can be registered. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the entire system in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the server device in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the appearance of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the physical operation of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the terminal device in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.13 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.14 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig.15 It is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in the second embodiment.

[0030] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in the third embodiment.

[0031] Fig.17 It is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Fig.18 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Fig.19 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 20 It is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, one embodiment for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example for describing the present invention, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0036] As one of the technologies, there is known a technology for registering a device (second device) for remote operation in a device (first device) to be operated. For example, an image forming device is used as the first device, and a terminal device such as a smartphone is used as the second device, thereby being able to operate the image forming device using the terminal device.

[0037] At this time, various methods are known for registering a terminal device in an image forming device in order to remotely operate the image forming device. For example, there is the following problem: if a terminal device that can be remotely operated can be simply registered in the image forming device via the Internet, etc., it is not possible to prevent a third party from impersonating the device. As a result, it is possible to consider the risk of arbitrary input of billing operations such as copying, failures caused by rewriting the settings of the image forming device, the risk of malfunction, and the risk of information leakage (for example, the address book, printing information, and scanning information being eavesdropped).

[0038] There is also a method of issuing a PIN code using an existing one-time password, but there is a problem that, for example, an unintended terminal device may be registered due to the theft of a UI screen for issuing a PIN code.

[0039] In particular, malicious attacks are becoming more and more advanced, and when remote operations are allowed through general methods, there is a high risk of using other device cracking methods. Therefore, from the perspective of security, a unique method is effective.

[0040] In view of such a problem, according to the device described in the following embodiment, when registering a device that can be remotely operated, the device can be registered in a state where security is further ensured.

[0041] [1. First embodiment]

[0042] [1.1 Overall composition]

[0043] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for schematically illustrating the overall configuration of the system in the first embodiment. For example, the system 1 includes a server device 10, an image forming device 20, and a terminal device 30. Here, one or more image forming devices 20 and terminal devices 30 may be connected to the system 1. In addition, the server device 10 may also be configured integrally with the image forming device 20, for example.

[0044] The server device 10, the image forming device 20, and the terminal device 30 can be connected through a network NW. The network can be constructed by combining a LAN or the Internet. In addition, the network NW is the Internet, and a LAN can also be constructed through a firewall. In addition, each device can communicate with each other by connecting to the LAN.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 20 and the terminal device 30 may be directly connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 and the terminal device 30 may communicate with each other via a communication unit other than the network NW (eg, direct WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.).

[0046] [1.2 Functional structure]

[0047] Next, the functional configuration of each device will be described.

[0048] [1.2.1 Server device]

[0049] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the server device 10 .

[0050] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire server device 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 110, and is composed of one or more computing devices (eg, CPU (Central Processing Unit)).

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 100 functions as the authentication unit 102 and the registration unit 104 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 110 .

[0052] The authentication unit 102 provides an authentication process used when connecting the image forming device 20 and the terminal device 30. The authentication unit 102 can be implemented by a general authentication process. Here, a process using a PIN code using a one-time password is described as an authentication process in this embodiment. In addition, the authentication process may be a process using any method, such as a method using a stored password, a method using an ID card, a method using biometric authentication based on biometric information (fingerprint, palm print, iris, etc.), etc.

[0053] The authentication section 102 executes the same authentication process as the authentication section 204 of the image forming apparatus 20 and the authentication section 302 of the terminal device 30. Although each authentication section executes authentication processes for different devices, it realizes appropriate authentication processes for each device.

[0054] The registration unit 104 performs a process of registering the terminal device 30 as an operating device of the image forming device 20. For example, when the terminal device 30 is registered as an operating device of the image forming device 20 by the registration unit 104, Figure 6 An operation signal inputted from the operation unit 330 of the terminal device 30 shown is transmitted to the image forming device 20. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the terminal device 30 associated with the image forming device 20, the registration unit 104 registers the terminal device 30 as an operation device.

[0055] In addition, when the terminal device 30 is registered as an operating device of the image forming device 20, it may also have a function as a display device. For example, the content displayed by the image forming device 20 as an image may be displayed on the Figure 6 The display unit 320 of the terminal device 30 is shown.

[0056] The storage unit 110 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 110 includes a recording device capable of temporary storage such as a DRAM (dynamic random access memory), and a non-temporary recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) composed of a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) composed of a magnetic disk.

[0057] Furthermore, the storage unit 110 stores an operation item list 112 , an operation sequence table 114 , and authentication information 116 .

[0058] The operation item list 112 stores items of operations detectable by the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the operation item list 112 stores operation items such as "open front cover", "open cassette 1", "open manual tray", "open document stage", and "select energy saving button".

[0059] Furthermore, the operation items in the present embodiment are preferably physical operations. Here, physical operations refer to operations that can actually be physically detected. In particular, physical operations that are unique to the image forming apparatus are preferred. For example, as a physical operation, the switching action of the tray (paper feed box) for paper feeding is an action that is easy for the user of the image forming apparatus 20 to understand. For example, for the user, the operation is easy to understand and easy to operate compared to inputting through software keys displayed on the touch panel (software operation).

[0060] As specific examples of physical operations, for example, as actions accompanied by switch detection of the mechanism unit, the tray switch action (for example, a tray for paper feeding, a manual tray, a large capacity tray, etc.), the front cover, the side cover, the scanning cover, the paper feed box switch action, and the original placement table switch action can be considered. In this case, the physical operation can detect any one of "opening action", "closing action" and "switch action".

[0061] In addition, as actions accompanying the loading and unloading of the device, the loading and unloading operation of the toner cartridge, the presence or absence of paper placed on the original loading table, the presence or absence of paper placed on the manual tray, and the loading and unloading of the stapler replacement needle can be considered. In this case, as physical operations, the device, the situation where paper is removed, the situation where paper is set, or both can also be detected.

[0062] In addition, as a physical operation, a physical key detection may also be performed. For example, a physical key (operation switch) such as a power button, a power saving button, a mode switching button, etc. may be detected. In this case, as a physical operation, it is also possible to detect whether the switch is pressed or pushed up, or whether it is selected. In addition, a long press of the switch (for example, a press for more than 3 seconds) may also be detected as a physical operation.

[0063] In addition, the operation items in the present embodiment are physical operations, but physical operations and software operations may be combined. For example, the user may combine physical operations with operations of software keys displayed on a touch panel or the like.

[0064] The operation sequence table 114 stores the sequence of the items of the above operation. For example, the operation sequence table 114 stores physical operations such as "front cover open", "storage box 1 open", and "energy saving button selection".

[0065] Furthermore, the so-called storage of the order of operations means that as a result, the state of the order of operations can be known. For example, if "front cover opening, storage box 1 opening, energy saving button selection" is stored in the operation order table, it can be recognized as the order of three operations. In addition, the order of operations such as "the first operation is the front cover opening" and "the second operation is the storage box 1 opening" can also be stored.

[0066] The operation sequence table 114 may store the sequence of setting operations generated by the control unit 100. Alternatively, the sequence of physical operations performed in the image forming device 20 may be received and stored as the sequence of operations. Alternatively, the sequence of physical operations inputted in the terminal device 30 may be stored.

[0067] The authentication information 116 stores information used at the time of authentication by the authentication unit 102. For example, when the authentication unit 102 performs authentication using a PIN code, the authentication information 116 stores the PIN code.

[0068] The communication unit 150 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can connect to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, and an LTE network. The communication unit 150 is connected to the network, and thus connected to other devices and an external network.

[0069] Furthermore, the server device 10 Figure 2 In addition to the configuration shown, an operation unit, a display unit, and the like may be provided.

[0070] [1.2.2 Image forming device]

[0071] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 .

[0072] The control unit 200 is a functional unit for overall control of the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 200 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 210, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like.

[0073] The control unit 200 can realize various functions by reading out the program stored in the storage unit 210 and executing the program. For example, the control unit 200 functions as an operation sequence storage unit 202 and an authentication unit 204.

[0074] The operation sequence storage unit 202 mainly stores the operation sequence of physical operations as the operations detected by the detection unit 260. That is, the operation sequence storage unit 202 sequentially stores the physical operations detected by the detection unit 260 in the operation sequence table 212 in the state (mode) of storing the operation sequence.

[0075] The operation sequence may be stored by storing only the items that have been physically operated, or by storing them together with the order (sequence) in the order in which the physical operations were performed. In addition, the order in which the physical operations were performed may be stored in a list structure.

[0076] The storage unit 210 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the image forming apparatus 20. The storage unit 210 includes a recording device capable of temporary storage such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and a non-temporary recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) composed of a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) composed of a magnetic disk.

[0077] Furthermore, the storage unit 210 stores an operation sequence table 212 storing an operation sequence and authentication information 214 .

[0078] The operation sequence table 212 stores the sequence of operations detected by the operation sequence storage unit 202 through the detection unit 260. Here, it is preferable that the operation detected by the detection unit 260 is a physical operation.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferred that the operation sequence storage unit 202 stores the order of the physical operations in chronological order. In this case, the operation sequence storage unit 202 may also store the detected time together. In addition, the operation sequence storage unit 202 stores the order of one or more operations as the operation sequence. In addition, the data may be stored simply in the order in which the physical operations were performed, or may be stored in a list structure.

[0080] The authentication information 214 stores information used by the authentication unit 204 during authentication. For example, when the authentication unit 204 performs authentication using a PIN code, the authentication information 214 stores the PIN code. The authentication information 214 may store information received from the server device 10 or information input from a user.

[0081] The display unit 220 is a functional unit for displaying images and characters, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, etc. The display unit 220 may be a separate display device or may include a display device connected to an external device.

[0082] The operation unit 230 receives operation input from the user. For example, the operation unit 230 is composed of hardware keys and software keys. In addition, the operation unit 230 includes, for example, a task key for executing tasks such as FAX sending and image reading, and a stop key for stopping the operation. In addition, the operation unit 230 may also include physical operation keys 235 such as a task key, a stop key, a power key, and a power saving key.

[0083] In addition, as described later, when the terminal device 30 is registered as an operating device for operation, the operating unit 230 is implemented by the terminal device 30. In addition, the terminal device 30 may function as a display device instead of the display unit 220.

[0084] The image input unit 240 reads an image (manuscript) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 240 is composed of a general scanner (image input device). In addition, the image input unit 240 can input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or can receive images via a network.

[0085] The image forming unit 245 forms an image. For example, the image forming unit 245 forms an image on recording paper using the image data output from the image input unit 240 .

[0086] The communication unit 250 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can connect to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, and an LTE network. The communication unit 250 is connected to the network, and thus connected to other devices and an external network.

[0087] In addition, the communication unit 250 may also have multiple functions. For example, the communication unit 250 may include a communication unit for connecting to a network such as a LAN and a communication unit for communicating with a terminal device. In addition, for example, it may also include a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC (Near field communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0088] The detection unit 260 detects physical motion in the image forming apparatus 20. The detection unit 260 mainly detects physical motion in the image forming apparatus 20, and outputs the detected state to the control unit 200.

[0089] For example, Figure 5(a) is a diagram for explaining the action (operation) when the tray 2412 is pulled out in the paper feeding unit 2410. For example, when the user pulls out the tray 2412 in the P1 direction, the sensor 2612 detects that the tray is pulled out.

[0090] also, Figure 5 (b) is a diagram for explaining the action (operation) when opening the front cover 2422. When the front cover 2422 is opened in the direction P2, the sensor 2622 detects that the front cover is opened.

[0091] Here, the sensor as an example of the detection unit 260 may be a sensor that detects a switch such as a physical switch, or may be a sensor using a photo sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0092] The detection unit 260 can detect any physical motion in the image forming apparatus 20. In addition to the above-mentioned motions (operations), other motions such as opening of another cover, opening and closing of a manual tray, opening and closing of an ADF, and operation of hardware keys can be detected.

[0093] Furthermore, the detection unit 260 may detect detection by other devices, for example, the installation and removal of a USB device, the detection of a device capable of NFC communication, or the detection by a human body sensing sensor.

[0094] Alternatively, the detection unit 260 may detect the pressing of an operation button as a hardware key. For example, the detection unit 260 may detect the pressing of an operation button such as a home button, a power saving button, or a numeric keypad.

[0095] In addition, the detection unit 260 may detect that the user has not performed an operation. For example, when the detection time of the opening and closing operation of the tray 2412 is 5 seconds, if the opening and closing operation of the tray 2412 is not performed during 5 seconds, "no opening and closing operation" can be detected.

[0096] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 20 may also include necessary components. For example, the image forming apparatus may include a paper supply unit 2410 and a paper discharge unit 2420. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 described in the embodiment is mainly described based on the parts necessary for the description of this embodiment. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 may include other specific configurations other than those described above.

[0097] [1.2.3 Terminal device]

[0098] Figure 6 A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 40 .

[0099] The control unit 300 is a functional unit for controlling the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 300 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 310, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like.

[0100] The storage unit 310 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 310 includes a recording device capable of temporary storage such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and a non-temporary recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) composed of a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) composed of a magnetic disk.

[0101] Furthermore, the storage unit 310 stores an operation sequence table 312 for storing an operation sequence, authentication information 314 , and a configuration application 316 .

[0102] The operation sequence table 312 stores, for example, the sequence of setting operations received via the communication unit 350 or the sequence of operations selected by the user. Here, devices having the same contents stored in the operation sequence table 212 and the operation sequence table 312 may be associated with each other.

[0103] The authentication information 314 stores information used by the authentication unit 302 during authentication. For example, when the authentication unit 302 performs authentication using a PIN code, the authentication information 314 stores the PIN code. The authentication information 314 may store information received from the server device 10 or information input from a user.

[0104] The configuration application 316 is an application that is started when the terminal device 30 is registered as an operating device of the image forming apparatus 20. The configuration application 316 may be stored in the storage unit 310 in advance, or may be downloaded from the outside via the communication unit 350 and installed.

[0105] The display unit 320 is a functional unit for displaying images and characters, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, etc. The display unit 320 may be a separate display device or may include a display device connected to an external device.

[0106] The operation unit 330 receives operation input from the user. For example, the operation unit 330 is composed of hardware keys and software keys.

[0107] The communication unit 350 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can connect to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, and an LTE network. The communication unit 350 is connected to the network, thereby connecting to other devices and an external network.

[0108] In addition, the communication unit 350 may also have multiple functions. For example, the communication unit 350 may include a communication unit for connecting to a network such as a LAN and a communication unit for communicating with a terminal device. In addition, for example, it may also include a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC (Near field communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0109] [1.3 Processing Flow]

[0110] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the overall flow of the system 1. The system 1 of the first embodiment is an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus 20, the server device 10, and the terminal device 30 cooperate with each other.

[0111] First, the control unit 300 of the terminal device 30 starts the configuration application 316 (S1002). Here, the configuration application 316 started by the control unit 300 may be downloaded from the outside by the terminal device 30 or may be stored in advance.

[0112] Next, the control unit 300 makes a request for setting operation items (setting operation items) to the server device 10 (S1004). Upon receiving the request for setting operation items, the server device 10 (control unit 100) generates setting operation items (S1006).

[0113] Furthermore, the request transmitted in S1004 may include information of the image forming apparatus 20. Furthermore, the request may include information of the terminal apparatus 30 as a transmission source.

[0114] The control unit 100 extracts, for example, items operable in the image forming apparatus 20 included in the operation item list 112. Then, the control unit 100 combines the extracted operation items for setting operations and outputs the combined items as setting operation items.

[0115] The control unit 100 may randomly generate the setting operation items by the control unit 100 of the server device 10. The number of setting operation items generated may be a predetermined number, a number set by the user, or a number determined randomly.

[0116] The control unit 100 selects an item for setting operation, and if a setting operation item is generated, the information including the setting operation item is sent to the terminal device 30 (S1008). The terminal device 30 displays the setting operation item based on the received information of the setting operation item (S1022). That is, the terminal device 30 temporarily or non-temporarily stores the information including the setting operation item. Thus, the terminal device 30 is associated with the image forming device 20. Moreover, it is sufficient for the terminal device 30 to be able to display the setting operation item.

[0117] In addition, the user causes the image forming device 20 to shift to a standby state for setting operation (S1010). The standby state for setting operation refers to a state of receiving physical operation from the user and the order of physical operation. When the user inputs an operation for registering the terminal device 30 for remote operation from the operation menu of the image forming device 20, the image forming device 20 shifts to a mode (state) for receiving detection of physical operation.

[0118] Image forming apparatus 20 may enter the setting operation standby state by a user operation or may receive a signal from server device 10. Image forming apparatus 20 may also receive a signal from terminal device 30 and enter the setting operation standby state.

[0119] Here, the image forming device 20 detects the physical operation performed by the user (S1012). Then, information related to the items on which the physical operation was performed is sent to the server device 10 (S1014). The information related to the items on which the physical operation was performed may also include the items on which the physical operation was performed and the order in which the physical operation was performed. In addition, it may be that each time a physical operation is detected, the control unit 200 sends information related to the items on which the physical operation was performed to the server device 10. In addition, the control unit 200 may also send the information related to the items on which the physical operation was performed to the server device 10 when the end operation is performed, a predetermined time has passed, or a predetermined number of operations is detected.

[0120] In addition, the control unit 100 may associate the image forming device 20 with the terminal device 30. For example, the information of the transmission source included in the request transmitted in S1004 (the information of the terminal device 30) may be associated with the information of the transmission source included in the information transmitted in S1014 (the information of the image forming device 20). In this way, the image forming device 20 that is physically operated is associated with the terminal device 30 that displays the setting operation item.

[0121] The control unit 100 of the server device 10 determines whether the setting operation generated in S1006 is consistent with the physical operation received from the image forming device 20 (S1016). Here, the setting operation is consistent with the physical operation, which means that the operation items are consistent and the order of the operations is consistent. In addition, according to the setting of the administrator, it can also be that as long as the operation items are consistent.

[0122] When the setting operation and the physical operation are consistent, that is, when the contents of the operation items and the order of the operations are consistent, the control unit 100 determines that the registered operation has been correctly performed (S1016; Yes).

[0123] On the other hand, when the physical operation and the setting operation do not match, the control unit 100 determines that the registration operation has not been correctly performed ( S1016 ; No), and transmits an error notification to the image forming apparatus 20 ( S1018 ).

[0124] When receiving the error notification, the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 displays an error and ends the process (S1020). At this time, the server device 10 may also send an error notification to the terminal device 30. In this case, the process may also be ended in the terminal device 30.

[0125] Furthermore, when receiving an error notification, the image forming apparatus 20 (control unit 200) may not only display an error but also perform a process of receiving a physical operation again. In this case, the control unit 200 may repeat the process from S1012.

[0126] Then, the system 1 may also perform an authentication process (S1030). In addition, the authentication may also be performed by the above-mentioned physical operation. In this case, the authentication process of S1030 may not be performed.

[0127] If the authentication process has not been executed or if the authentication process has been executed and the authentication is correct, the server device 10 executes a registration process ( S1042 ). That is, the registration unit 104 registers the terminal device 30 as an operating device of the image forming device 20 .

[0128] After completing the registration, the control unit 100 sends a registration completion notification to the image forming device 20 (S1044). As a result, the image forming device 20 registers the terminal device 30 as an operating device and completes the registration (S1048). That is, the terminal device 30 associated with the image forming device 20 is properly registered as an operating device.

[0129] Likewise, the control unit 100 transmits a registration completion notification to the terminal device 30 ( S1046 ). As a result, the image forming device 20 registers the terminal device 30 as an operating device and completes the registration ( S1050 ).

[0130] Thus, the terminal device 30 can transmit and receive operation signals to and from the image forming device 20 .

[0131] [1.4 Action Example]

[0132] An operation example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 8 This is an example of a display screen W100 on which items for setting operation are displayed on the terminal device 30 in S1022.

[0133] The display screen W100 displays a list of operation items in a region R102 .

[0134] For example, in the region R102, “open scanner 0C”, “open box 1”, and “press power saving key” are displayed as physical operations. The user can perform these three physical operations by visually checking the display screen W100.

[0135] and, Fig. 9 This is an example of a display screen W110 when the image forming apparatus 20 transitions to a standby state for a setting operation. The display screen W110 is displayed when a physical operation is detected for a setting operation.

[0136] And, in Fig. 9 In the example, by selecting the “end” button after all physical operations are completed, the control unit 200 stores the items of physical operations detected before the “end” button is selected and the order in which the physical operations were performed.

[0137] In addition, you can also set the operation standby state (displayed Fig. 9 When the display screen W110 is displayed, a process different from the normal detection operation is performed. For example, when the user opens the front cover, an error display is performed on the display unit 220. In the case of the standby state, the error display may not be performed. In addition, even if the user selects the power saving key as a physical operation, it will not be converted to the power saving state, and the order of physical operations is directly stored.

[0138] Thus, according to the present embodiment, when registering the terminal device 30 as an operating device of the image forming device 20, it is necessary to physically operate the image forming device. Therefore, it is actually necessary to operate in front of the image forming device 20, and impersonation by a third party can be prevented.

[0139] [1.5 Authentication Processing] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, authentication processing may also be performed in S1030. Fig.10 As an example of the authentication process, a case where a PIN code which is one of the identification information is used will be described.

[0140] The server device 10 (authentication unit 102) generates a PIN code (S1102). For example, the authentication unit 102 generates the PIN code in the form of a one-time password.

[0141] The authentication unit 102 transmits the PIN code to the image forming apparatus 20 (S1104). The control unit 200 (authentication unit 204) of the image forming apparatus 20 displays the received PIN code on the display unit 220 (S1106).

[0142] The user inputs the PIN code displayed on the image forming device 20 in the terminal device 30. Specifically, the terminal device 30 switches to a PIN code input screen (S1110). The PIN code input screen is a screen that can be switched to a PIN code input screen by the user, and can also be displayed based on a signal from the server device 10 or the image forming device 20 (S1110).

[0143] Then, the user inputs the PIN code from the terminal device 30, and the authentication unit 302 sends the PIN code to the authentication unit 102 of the server device 10. If the PIN code is not received from the terminal device 30 within a predetermined time, it is timed out, and the server device 10 ends this process. When the image forming device 20 determines that the valid time has passed (S1107: Yes), it notifies the server device 10 of the timeout (S1108).

[0144] Then, the authentication unit 102 of the server device 10 ends the current procedure based on the timeout notification (S1112; YES).

[0145] On the other hand, when the PIN code is transmitted from the terminal device 30 within the valid time (S1114→S1116), if the PIN code generated in S1102 does not match the PIN code input into the terminal device 30, the authentication unit 102 transmits an error notification (S1118; No→S1120). When receiving the error notification (S1120), the terminal device 30 displays that the terminal device cannot be registered as an operating device on the image forming device (S1122), and ends the present process.

[0146] If the PIN codes match ( S1118 ; Yes), the authentication unit 102 determines that the authentication has been correctly performed ( S1124 ), and transmits an authentication completion notification to the image forming apparatus 20 and the terminal device 30 .

[0147] Fig.11This is an example of a display screen W120 that displays a PIN code in the image forming device 20. The user can confirm the PIN code input in the terminal device 30 by confirming the display screen W120.

[0148] also, Fig.12 This is an example of a display screen W130 in which a PIN code is input in the terminal device 30 . The user inputs the PIN code displayed in the image forming apparatus 20 in the terminal device 30 .

[0149] In addition, Fig.10 In the example of inputting the PIN code displayed by the image forming device 20 through the terminal device 30, the reverse may be used. That is, the server device 10 sends the PIN code to the terminal device 30. Then, the terminal device 30 displays the received PIN code. For example, Fig.13 As shown in the display screen W140 of , the terminal device 30 displays the PIN code. Then, the user can visually check the terminal device 30 to know the PIN code.

[0150] Then, the image forming device 20 receives the input of the PIN code. Fig.14 As shown in the display screen W150 of , the user inputs a PIN code from the image forming device 20. Then, if the PIN code displayed on the terminal device 30 matches the PIN code input from the image forming device 20, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is performed correctly.

[0151] Furthermore, the authentication process may also be performed before the physical operation. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the authentication process may be performed first after the configuration application is executed in the terminal device 30. Then, through the authentication process, when the authentication is performed correctly, the registration based on the physical operation may be determined.

[0152] Furthermore, the image forming device 20 and the terminal device 30 that appropriately perform the authentication process may be handled as related devices.

[0153] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the terminal device 30 can be registered as a device capable of operating the image forming device 20. That is, when the order of operations physically detected in the image forming device 20 matches the order of operations stored in the terminal device 30, the terminal device 30 is registered as a device capable of operating the image forming device 20.

[0154] Furthermore, the terminal device 30 that can operate the image forming device 20 may be associated with the terminal device 30 based on the information of the terminal device 30 included in the setting operation item request.

[0155] Furthermore, although a PIN code is described as an example of identification information, it may be a one-time password including alphanumeric characters, or a unique code identifiable by a QR code or the like.

[0156] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0157] In the second embodiment, an embodiment of determining the consistency between a physical operation and a setting operation in the image forming device 20 is described. In addition, compared with the first embodiment, the system configuration, the functional configuration of the device, and the processing flow are described with the focus on only the parts that have been changed. In addition, the parts not described below can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0158] Fig.15 The timing diagram of the first embodiment is replaced by Figure 7 The same processing is denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0159] Here, in Fig.15 In the request for setting the operation item, the server device 10 generates an item for setting operation and sends it to the terminal device 30 (S1006-S1008). In addition, the server device 10 also sends the item for setting operation to the image forming device 20 at this time (S1060). Here, the image forming device 20 that becomes the sending destination may also be the image forming device 20 selected by the setting application. The information of the image forming device 20 selected by the setting application may also be included in the request for setting the operation item (S1004). In addition, in the server device 10, the image forming device 20 that becomes the sending destination may also be determined or preset.

[0160] Here, the image forming device 20 that has transmitted the setting operation item information and the terminal device 30 are related devices.

[0161] Then, when the image forming device 20 detects the physical operation (S1012), it determines whether the physical operation is consistent with the setting operation (S1062). Here, if the setting operation is consistent with the physical operation, the image forming device 20 determines that the registration process is properly performed (S1062: Yes).

[0162] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to distinguish between a physical operation and a setting operation in the image forming device 20. This makes it possible to further simplify the communication between the server device 10 and the image forming device 20.

[0163] And, in Fig.15In the example, although the setting operation items are generated in S1006, they may be generated by the setting application of the terminal device 30. In this case, the terminal device 30 may also send the setting operation items at S1004. In addition, the terminal device 30 may also directly send the setting operation items to the image forming device 20.

[0164] [3. Third embodiment]

[0165] The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the image forming device 20 has the function of the server device 10. In addition, compared with the first embodiment, the system configuration, the functional configuration of the device, and the processing flow are described only with a focus on the parts that have been changed. In addition, the parts not described below can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0166] The image forming apparatus of this embodiment has the function of the server device 10. For example, the control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 20 can realize Figure 2 The function of the registration unit 104 is shown. Figure 2 The information stored in the storage unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 20 is appropriately stored in the storage unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 20 .

[0167] Fig.16 The timing diagram of the first embodiment is replaced by Figure 7 The same processing is denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0168] When the terminal device 30 starts the setting application, it requests the setting operation item (S1002→S1072). Here, the terminal device 30 sends the request for setting the operation item to the image forming device 20 selected in the setting application as the sending destination. The image forming device 20 that becomes the sending destination may be an image forming device 20 located near the terminal device 30, or may be selected from the image forming devices 20 connected to the network. In addition, the terminal device 30 may determine the image forming device 20 that becomes the sending destination by performing a predetermined operation on the image forming device 20.

[0169] Furthermore, instead of transmitting a request for setting an operation item from the terminal device 30 to the image forming device 20 , the user may execute a function in each device.

[0170] Furthermore, for example, the respective functions can be executed by bringing the terminal device 30 close to the image forming device 20 (for example, touching within the NFC area).

[0171] In this way, based on any method, the image forming device 20 and the terminal device 30 become related devices.

[0172] The image forming apparatus 20 generates an item of setting operation (S1074), and transmits information of the item of setting operation to the terminal apparatus 30 (S1076). That is, in this case, it is preferable that the terminal apparatus 30 and the image forming apparatus 20 are connected via some communication means.

[0173] Furthermore, for example, the information of the setting operation items may be displayed in a two-dimensional barcode or the like on the display unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 20 , and read by the terminal device 30 , thereby acquiring the setting operation items.

[0174] Then, the terminal device 30 displays the items of the setting operation on the display unit 320. Then, the image forming device 20 detects the physical operation (S1012), and when the physical operation matches the setting operation, determines that the registration process is properly performed (S1078; Yes).

[0175] When the registration process is properly executed ( S1082 ), the image forming device 20 transmits a registration completion notification to the terminal device 30 ( S1084 ).

[0176] That is, in the present embodiment, the setting operation items are generated in the image forming apparatus 20, but the user can confirm it in the terminal device 30. Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus 20 generates the setting operation items, the registration process can be appropriately performed.

[0177] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in order for the terminal device 30 and the image forming device 20 to establish a communication path, an authentication process may be performed first.

[0178] [4. Fourth embodiment]

[0179] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which a setting operation is not generated, but a physical operation performed in the image forming apparatus 20 is inputted by the terminal device 30 .

[0180] In addition, the following description will focus on only the parts that are changed in the system configuration, the functional configuration of the device, and the process flow compared to the first embodiment. In addition, the first embodiment can be applied to the parts that are not described below.

[0181] Fig.17 The timing diagram of the first embodiment is replaced by Figure 7 The same processing is denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0182] First, the image forming device 20 is transferred to a standby state for setting operation (S1010), and a physical operation is detected (S1012). Then, information related to the item of the physical operation detected by the image forming device 20 (e.g., the item and order of the physical operation performed) is sent to the server device 10 (S1014).

[0183] The terminal device 30 sequentially selects items physically operated by the image forming device 20 (S1202). Then, the terminal device 30 transmits information of the items of the selected operation (selected operation) to the server device 10 (S1204).

[0184] Here, the information of the selected operation items includes the selected operation items and their order. In addition, the image forming apparatus 20 of the transmission source specified by the information of S1014 and the terminal apparatus 30 of the transmission source specified by the information of S1204 are related apparatuses.

[0185] Next, the server device 10 determines whether the physical operation and the selection operation match (S1206). That is, the server device 10 (control unit 100) determines whether the items and order of the physical operation detected in S1012 match the items and order of the selection operation selected in S1202.

[0186] Then, the server device 10 issues an error notification if there is a mismatch (S1208), and displays that the registration failed on the display unit 320 of the terminal device 30 (S1210). Here, the error notification may be sent to the image forming device 20. The display unit 220 of the image forming device 20 may also display that the registration failed.

[0187] In addition, if there is no match in S1206, the operation item may be selected again. For example, the terminal device 30 may repeat the process from S1202.

[0188] Fig.18 (a) Items to be physically operated are displayed on the display screen W200 of the image forming apparatus 20 .

[0189] In this way, the user can also perform physical operations by following the guidance of the physical operations displayed on the display screen W200.

[0190] In addition, if Fig.18 As shown in the display screen W210 of the image forming apparatus 20 in (b), the user may be allowed to perform any physical operation.

[0191] Fig.19 This is an example of a display screen W220 in the terminal device 30. In the area R220 of the display screen of the terminal device 30, a pull-down menu for selecting a physical operation to be actually performed is displayed.

[0192] For example, in the region R222 , the user selects the physical operation to be performed for the first time. In this way, the user selects the physical operation to be performed in the image forming apparatus 20 .

[0193] [5. Fifth embodiment]

[0194] The fifth embodiment is an embodiment in which the setting operation is set in the terminal device 30. In this case, the setting operation item is not generated in the server device 10, but is selected in the terminal device 30.

[0195] In addition, the following description will focus on only the parts that have been changed in terms of the system configuration, the functional configuration of the device, and the process flow compared to the first and fourth embodiments. In addition, the first embodiment can be applied to the parts that are not described below.

[0196] That is, unlike the fourth embodiment, the registration process is executed by performing the operation item selected in the terminal device 30 in the image forming device 20 .

[0197] For example, Fig. 20 As shown, first, a physical operation to be performed in the image forming device 20 is selected on the display screen W230 of the terminal device 30. Then, the user can appropriately perform the registration process by executing the physical operation selected by the terminal device 30 in the image forming device 20.

[0198] [6. Sixth embodiment]

[0199] The sixth embodiment describes the case where an operation other than a physical operation is selected as an operation. In the above embodiment, the user's comprehensibility is prioritized and the physical operation is described as an example. However, as long as the image forming device 20 can detect the operation, other operations other than the physical operation may be stored.

[0200] For example, the operation item list 112 may store items of operation of software buttons such as "copy mode selection button", "copy density switching button", "job history call button", etc. For example, the operation item list 112 may store physical operations, software operations, and logical operations at the same time, or may store software operations and touch panel detection operations. In addition, these operations may be stored in a single type or in combination.

[0201] That is, the operation of the present embodiment is preferably an operation of switching the operation mode, an operation of executing the copy operation, or an operation of replenishing paper, as an operation other than simple keyboard and numerical input.

[0202] [7. Modifications]

[0203] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and any design that does not depart from the gist of the present invention is included in the scope of the claims.

[0204] Furthermore, the techniques disclosed in the above-described embodiments, application examples, operation examples, and modification examples are intended to be implemented individually or in combination as much as possible.

[0205] Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be applied in combination. For example, in the fourth embodiment, by including the functions of the server device 10 in the image forming device 20 , the functions can be realized only by the image forming device 20 and the terminal device 30 .

[0206] In addition, the above embodiment is described as an image forming device as the first device and a terminal device as the second device, but it can also be a combination of other devices. For example, as the first device, any device that can be remotely operated can be used, such as a television, audio equipment, air conditioner, air purifier, etc.

[0207] In addition, the second device may be any device that can be used as an operating device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a computer, a wearable device, etc.

[0208] In addition, the program running in each device of the present embodiment is a program that controls the CPU and the like (a program that enables the computer to function) to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, the information processed by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) while being processed, and is then stored in various ROM, HDD storage devices, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0209] Furthermore, when the program is distributed to the market, it can be distributed by storing it in a portable storage medium, or it can be transferred to a service computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the service timer is of course also included in the present invention.

[0210] Description of Reference Numerals

[0211] 1 System

[0212] 10 Server Device

[0213] 100 Control Department

[0214] 102 Certification Department

[0215] 104 Registration Department

[0216] 110 Storage

[0217] 112 Operation Item List

[0218] 114 Operation sequence table

[0219] 116 Authentication Information

[0220] 150 Ministry of Communications

[0221] 20 Image forming device

[0222] 200 Control Department

[0223] 202 Operation sequence storage unit

[0224] 204 Certification Department

[0225] 210 Storage

[0226] 212 Operation sequence table

[0227] 214 Authentication Information

[0228] 220 Display unit

[0229] 230 Operation Department

[0230] 240 Image input unit

[0231] 245 Image forming unit

[0232] 250 Ministry of Communications

[0233] 260 Testing Department

[0234] 30 Terminal Device

[0235] 300 Control Department

[0236] 302 Certification Department

[0237] 310 Storage

[0238] 312 Operation sequence table

[0239] 314 Authentication Information

[0240] 316 Setting Application

[0241] 320 Display

[0242] 330 Operation Department

[0243] 350 Ministry of Communications

Claims

1. A registration method in an image forming apparatus that can be operated by an operating device, characterized in that: The image forming apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting a physical operation and a control unit, wherein the physical operation includes a switch of a mechanism. The terminal device displays a plurality of items of the physical operation on a display unit, When the item of the physical operation detected by the detection unit matches the item of the physical operation displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, the terminal device is registered as the operation device.

2. The registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal device displays the plurality of operation items in order on the display unit, When the order of the operations detected by the detection unit and the order of the items of the operations displayed by the display unit match, the terminal device is registered as the operating device.

3. The registration method according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming device receives the plurality of operation items and stores them in a storage unit. When the operation item detected by the detection unit and the operation item stored in the storage unit match, the terminal device is registered as the operation device.

4. The registration method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The operation item displayed on the display unit of the terminal device is generated by the image forming apparatus, received by the terminal device, and displayed on the display unit.

5. The registration method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The terminal device can input operation items, The terminal device displays a plurality of operations on the display unit based on a plurality of input items.

6. The registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a server device having a communication unit connectable to the terminal device and the image forming device, The server device sends a plurality of operation items to the terminal device via the communication unit, The server device receives a plurality of operation items from the image forming device via the communication unit, The server device registers the terminal device as the operating device in the image forming device when the plurality of operation items transmitted to the terminal device and the plurality of operation items received from the image forming device match.

7. The registration method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The detection section detects an operation other than an input operation of a numeric key as a physical operation.

8. The registration method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The switch as the operation mechanism includes at least one of a switch of a door of the image forming apparatus, a switch of a scanning cover, and a switch of a paper feed cassette.

9. The registration method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operation includes the operation of any operating switch.

10. The registration method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: generating identification information when the operation item detected by the detection unit matches the operation item displayed on the display unit of the terminal device; When the identification information is input to the terminal device, the terminal device is registered as the operating device.

11. A registration system comprising a terminal device, a server device, and an image forming device operable by an operating device, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting a physical operation, wherein: The physical operation includes switching of the mechanism, The server device sends the plurality of items of the physical operation to the terminal device when receiving the request from the terminal device. The terminal device displays the received items of the plurality of operations on a display unit, The image forming device sends the plurality of items of the physical operation detected by the detection unit to the server device, The server device registers the terminal device as the operating device in the image forming device when the plurality of items of the physical operations transmitted to the terminal device match the plurality of items of the physical operations received from the image forming device.

12. An image forming device capable of being operated by an operating device, characterized in that: have: A storage unit for storing items of a plurality of operations; a detection unit for detecting a physical operation, wherein the physical operation includes a switch of a mechanism; and Control Department, The control unit registers a terminal device associated with the image forming device as the operating device when the item of the physical operation detected by the detection unit matches the item of the physical operation stored in the storage unit.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The control unit randomly generates items of the plurality of operations and stores the items in the storage unit.

Images