Communication apparatus, image forming control method, and image forming system

Abstract

The invention provides communication equipment, an image forming control method and an image forming system, and is applied to the technical field of printing processing. The information processing apparatus is connected to a communication apparatus and supplies power to the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus including: a first communication unit configured to receive print data from the information processing apparatus through a first communication protocol, a second communication unit configured to store the print data, and a storage unit configured to store the print data through a second communication protocol; the second communication unit is configured to forward the print data to the paired image forming apparatus for processing through a second communication protocol. According to the invention, the printing data is forwarded to the paired image forming equipment for processing without depending on a network and a driving program, the convenience is high, and the usability is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of printing processing technology, and in particular to a communication device, an image forming control method and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] Image forming devices (such as printers, copiers, scanners or fax machines, etc.) are computer peripherals. When using them, you usually need to install the driver corresponding to the image forming device in the computer. This is because the instruction sets of computers and image forming devices are different. The data processed by the user on the computer needs to be converted by the driver into a format that the image forming device can recognize in order to process the job correctly. In addition, the driver also assumes the function of data transmission, ensuring that the print data is transmitted to the designated image forming device.

[0003] The driver installation process may take several minutes to more than ten minutes. If the image forming device is a multi-function machine, it will take longer to install programs such as print drivers, status monitors, scanning application software, auxiliary tools, and network tools. When the user only uses the computer temporarily to perform printing, for example, the user uses his or her computer to temporarily connect to a nearby printer to perform a print job, if the driver is installed on the computer, it will take up additional storage space, and you will need to wait until the driver installation is complete before you can start printing.

[0004] To solve the above problems, in the related technology, the computer and the image forming device are set up in the same local area network, and based on the hot folder technology, a separate shared folder is set up on the computer. When the files to be printed are placed in the shared folder, the files to be printed can be transmitted to the image forming device for processing via the wireless network.

[0005] However, the steps of building a LAN and setting up a shared folder are complicated, and still have the disadvantages of low convenience and poor usability. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication device, an image formation control method and an image formation system, so as to achieve the effects of high convenience and good usability.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication device, wherein an information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device, and the communication device includes:

[0008] a first communication unit configured to receive print data from an information processing device via a first communication protocol;

[0009] a storage unit configured to store print data;

[0010] The second communication unit is configured to forward the print data to the paired image forming device for processing via a second communication protocol.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the print data is not format-converted by the information processing device and the communication device.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the transmission rate of the first communication protocol is higher than the transmission rate of the second communication protocol.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the storage unit is also configured to store device information; and the second communication unit is further configured to store authentication information of the image forming device in the storage unit when searching for an image forming device corresponding to the device information through the second communication protocol, so as to send printing data to the image forming device through the second communication protocol according to the authentication information.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first communication unit is further configured to obtain device information from the image processing device through the first communication protocol and store the device information in the storage unit.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the storage unit is further configured to, in response to a storage path creation signal, create a storage path, where the storage path is represented in character form;

[0016] The communication equipment also includes:

[0017] A parameter determination unit, used for determining image formation parameters according to the storage path;

[0018] The second communication unit is further configured to send the image forming parameters to the image forming device through a second communication protocol.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the second communication unit is further configured to receive scan data from the image forming device through a second communication protocol; and the storage unit is further configured to store the scan data.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present application provides an image formation control method, which is applied to the communication device as described in the first aspect, and the image formation control method includes:

[0021] receiving print data from an information processing device via a first communication protocol;

[0022] Store print data;

[0023] The print data is forwarded to the paired image forming device for processing via the second communication protocol.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the image formation control method further includes: determining an image forming device corresponding to the device information based on a second communication protocol and stored device information; storing authentication information of the image forming device; and sending print data to the image forming device based on the authentication information and the second communication protocol.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the image formation control method further includes: acquiring device information from the image processing device through the first communication protocol, and storing the device information.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the image formation control method further includes: creating a storage path in response to a storage path creation signal, wherein the storage path is represented in a character form;

[0027] determining image formation parameters according to the storage path;

[0028] The image forming parameters are sent to the image forming device through the second communication protocol.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present application provides an image forming system, including an image forming device and a communication device, wherein an information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device; wherein:

[0030] A communication device, configured to execute the image formation control method as described in any one of the second aspects;

[0031] The image forming apparatus is configured to perform an image forming process based on print data and image forming parameters.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, including: a memory, a processor;

[0033] The memory stores computer-executable instructions;

[0034] The processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above second aspect and / or various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, they are used to implement the above second aspect and / or various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed, implements the above second aspect and / or various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0037] The communication device, image formation control method and image formation system provided by the present application are connected to the communication device through an information processing device, power is provided to the communication device, a first communication unit receives print data from the information processing device through a first communication protocol, a storage unit stores the print data, and a second communication unit forwards the print data to a paired image forming device for processing through a second communication protocol. The present application uses the second communication protocol to forward the print data to the paired image forming device for processing, so as to achieve the effect of forwarding the print data to the paired image forming device for processing without relying on the network and the driver, thereby achieving high convenience and good usability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0039] Figure 1 Application scenario 1 of the communication device provided for the exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 2 Application scenario 2 of the communication device provided for the exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 4 A product schematic diagram of a communication device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a display interface of an information processing device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a folder of a communication device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the communication device pairing process provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the communication device pairing process provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0047] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a communication device pairing connection process provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Fig.10 The storage form of files in the communication device provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig.11 The image forming device control panel interface diagram provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0050] Fig.12 A schematic flow chart of an image formation control method provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.13 The image forming device control panel interface diagram provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0052] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a communication device receiving print data provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.15 The image forming device control panel interface diagram provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0054] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0055] The above drawings have shown clear embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail later. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0057] The terms "first", "second", etc. (if any) in the specification and claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the implementation of the application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, for example.

[0058] It should be noted that the directional words such as "up", "down", "left" and "right" described in the embodiments of the present application are described based on the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0059] In the related art, a computer and an image forming device are set up in the same local area network. Based on the hot folder technology, a separate shared folder is set up on the computer and the shared folder is set up, such as setting up an image forming device that specifies the transmission destination. When the file to be printed is placed in the shared folder, the file to be printed can be transmitted to the image forming device for processing through a wireless network according to the settings associated with the hot folder. If the shared file is in a format that the printer can recognize, the printer can directly process it to achieve driver-free printing. The disadvantage of this technology is that the steps of building a local area network and configuring a shared folder are relatively complicated, and the convenience and ease of use are low.

[0060] In another related technology, the driver is set in the cloud server, the user computer sends the file to be printed to the server, and the server processes the file to be printed into a format that the printer can recognize and then sends it to the printer. The disadvantage of this technology is that the user computer and the printer need to be connected to the wide area network at the same time, otherwise the data transmission cannot be completed.

[0061] In response to the above technical problems, the present application provides a communication device, an image formation control method and an image formation system. A communication device that supports wireless communication and storage functions is used and the communication device is inserted into an information processing device. After the communication device receives print data from the information processing device, the print data can be wirelessly forwarded to a paired image forming device for processing. It does not rely on a network or a driver and is highly convenient and easy to use.

[0062] The technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 This is an application scenario 1 of the communication device provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the application scenario includes a printing process, a file to be printed is placed on the information processing device 11, and the image forming device 12 and the communication device 13 have been paired. When the user wants to print the file, the user inserts the communication device 13 into the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface of the information processing device 11, and drags the file to be printed from the information processing device 11, or copies it, or sends it to the communication device 13, for example, drags it into the PRINT folder of the communication device 13. After receiving the file to be printed, the communication device 13 forwards it to the paired image forming device 12 by wireless means. The image forming device 12 receives the file to be printed, parses the file to be printed, and completes the printing.

[0064] Figure 2 The second application scenario of the communication device provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the application scenario includes a scanning process. When the user wants to obtain a scanned file, the user inserts the communication device 13 into the USB interface of the information processing device 11, and puts the file to be scanned into the image forming device 12 for scanning. After the user selects and confirms on the control panel of the image forming device 12 to transfer the scanned file to the designated communication device, the image forming device 12 sends the scanned file to the communication device 13, and the user can obtain the required scanned file in the SCAN folder of the communication device 13.

[0065] It should be noted that the information processing device 11 includes a mobile terminal with a USB interface, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a smart phone, or a microcomputer, etc. The USB interface type is not limited to USB Type-A, USB Type-B, USB Type-C, etc.; the image forming device 12 can be any device that supports printing and scanning, such as a multi-function printer. Optionally, the communication device 13 can be a separately sold device, or a detachable accessory pre-installed on the image forming device 12, which the user can remove and use as needed.

[0066] Combine the following Figure 1 For application scenarios, refer to Figure 3 The communication device 13 is described. It should be noted that the above application scenarios are only shown to facilitate understanding of the spirit and principle of the present application. The implementation methods of the present application are not limited to Figure 1 Limitations of the application scenario shown.

[0067] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application. The information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device, such as Figure 2 As shown, the communication device 30 includes: a first communication unit 31, a storage unit 32 and a second communication unit 33, wherein:

[0068] The first communication unit 31 is configured to receive print data from the information processing device through a first communication protocol.

[0069] Communication equipment can be understood as hardware equipment with a USB interface, such as Figure 4A product schematic diagram of a communication device provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the hardware device has a wireless communication function and a storage function, such as a USB flash drive with a wireless communication function. An information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device. For example, the communication device is inserted into a USB interface of an information processing device (such as a computer), and power is provided to the communication device through the USB interface.

[0070] The first communication protocol includes a USB communication protocol, and the first communication unit 31 communicates with the information processing device via the USB communication protocol. For example, the communication device is inserted into the USB interface of the information processing device, such as Figure 5 As shown in the schematic diagram of the information processing device display interface provided for the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the communication device is identified as a USB flash drive and displayed as PRINT (G:). The user directly drags the file to be printed into the corresponding print folder in PRINT (G:), thereby realizing communication with the information processing device through the USB communication protocol.

[0071] The print data includes document content, format, etc., and the print data can be directly recognized by the image forming device.

[0072] The storage unit 32 is configured to store print data.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown in the folder diagram of the communication device provided for the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the PRINT folder is a print folder that stores print data, and the SCAN folder is a scan folder that stores scan data.

[0074] The second communication unit 33 is configured to forward the print data to the paired image forming device for processing via a second communication protocol.

[0075] For example, a corresponding communication chip needs to be configured inside the communication device, and the wireless communication function of the communication chip is used to communicate with the image forming device. The second communication unit 33 can be understood as the communication chip, and the second communication unit 33 further communicates with the image forming device through the second communication protocol.

[0076] The second communication protocol includes a wireless communication protocol for transmitting data between the communication device and the image forming device through wireless signals, such as a WI-FI protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, a Z-Wave protocol, etc. The second communication protocol is implemented through a USB interface. For example, a Bluetooth module, a WI-FI module, etc. can be integrated in the communication device to achieve Bluetooth connection and WI-FI connection between the second communication unit 33 and the image forming device.

[0077] It should be noted that the second communication protocol can be selected according to specific application scenarios or requirements. Different wireless connection methods correspond to different pairing methods. After pairing is completed, the second communication unit 33 sends the print data to the paired image forming device. For example, if the second communication unit 33 is connected to the image forming device via Bluetooth, pairing is performed via Bluetooth. If the second communication unit 33 is connected to the image forming device via WI-FI, pairing is performed via WI-FI.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the print data, the communication device forwards it to the paired image forming device through wireless communication, so that the print data transmission can be completed without installing a driver, which is highly convenient and easy to use, thereby improving the user experience. In addition, compared with the related art, in which the information processing device and the image forming device must be connected to a wide area network or a local area network, the implementation of the embodiment of the present application does not rely on the network environment, further reflecting the advantages of good ease of use and high convenience.

[0079] In some embodiments, the print data is not format-converted by the information processing device and the communication device.

[0080] It can be understood that the print data is the original file to be printed, which has not been converted into a format that can be recognized by the image forming device by the driver. For example, the original file to be printed by the user is stored on the information processing device, and the user puts the original file into the folder corresponding to the communication device. After the communication device responds to receiving the file, it transmits the original file to the image forming device in real time. The image forming device can recognize the original file, parse and judge the file, and complete the printing.

[0081] In some embodiments, the transmission rate of the first communication protocol is higher than the transmission rate of the second communication protocol.

[0082] That is, the rate of receiving print data from the information processing device is higher than the rate of forwarding print data to the image forming device, which effectively avoids the situation where the image forming device stops printing before the current communication device has finished receiving the print data, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0083] In some embodiments, the storage unit is also configured to store device information; the second communication unit is also configured to store authentication information of the image forming device in the storage unit when searching for an image forming device corresponding to the device information through the second communication protocol, so as to send printing data to the image forming device through the second communication protocol according to the authentication information.

[0084] The device information includes the unique identification information of the image forming device, such as a unique combination of a static MAC address, a device serial number, a model + a static MAC address, a model + a device serial number, etc. The storage unit stores the unique identification information of the image forming device paired with the communication device. Optionally, the device information can be stored in encrypted form to prevent the device information from being maliciously read or leaked. It should be noted that the storage unit only stores the device information of the image forming device that was paired with it the most recently, so as to avoid sending the print data to multiple paired image forming devices at the same time.

[0085] For example, after the communication device is connected (inserted) into the information processing device and is powered, the second communication unit searches for the image forming device corresponding to the stored device information in the surrounding environment through the second communication protocol. Taking Bluetooth communication as an example, the image forming device will normally send out Bluetooth beacons, that is, it will periodically send out its own device information through Bluetooth broadcasting. After the second communication unit of the communication device is connected to the information processing device, it will perform a search. When the surrounding device information that meets the conditions is found (that is, the image forming device that is consistent with the stored device information is found), the image forming device corresponding to the device information will perform Bluetooth pairing connection. The same is true for other transmission methods such as WI-FI communication (just change the search beacon to a polling channel).

[0086] To further improve the security connection level, the image forming device also generates random authentication information, such as a PIN code, based on the second communication protocol.

[0087] For example, the authentication information is displayed on the display interface of the image forming device in a pop-up window, and correspondingly, the user inputs the authentication information into the communication device to complete the storage of the authentication information in the communication device storage unit. In another example, the authentication information is sent via broadcast, and the communication device receives the authentication information and stores it in the communication device storage unit.

[0088] Still taking Bluetooth communication as an example, the second communication unit of the communication device sends a message carrying the authentication information and print data via Bluetooth broadcast, and the image forming device only receives the message with the same authentication information, so as to send the print data to the image forming device via the second communication protocol according to the authentication information. Preferably, the message is encrypted based on the authentication information, effectively preventing the print data from being stolen by other devices.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present application, device information of a paired image forming device is stored in a storage unit, a corresponding image forming device is accurately searched based on the device information, authentication information of the image forming device is stored in the storage unit, and when the print data is subsequently sent to the image forming device based on the authentication information, the security of the print data transmission is improved.

[0090] In practical applications, the storage unit of the communication device is configured to store device information, which may involve the following exemplary scenarios:

[0091] In an exemplary scenario, when the image forming device leaves the factory, the communication device is pre-installed in the image forming device, that is, the communication device and the image forming device have been paired, and the device information of the image forming device has been stored in the storage unit of the communication device.

[0092] In another exemplary scenario, the communication device and the image forming device are sold separately as independent devices, and before leaving the factory, the model of the supported image forming device is stored in the communication device. When the user performs a printing operation, the communication device is inserted into the information processing device. Taking Bluetooth communication as an example, the image forming device will normally send out a Bluetooth beacon, that is, it periodically sends out its own device information through Bluetooth broadcasting, and the device information carries the model. After the communication device is connected to the information processing device, it performs a search. When the device information matching the model is found in the surrounding area, the device information is stored in the storage unit. It should be noted that the storage unit only stores the first device information matching the model found in the search, so as to avoid sending the print data to multiple qualified image forming devices at the same time.

[0093] In another exemplary scenario, the communication device and the image forming device are sold separately as independent devices, and before leaving the factory, no device information of the image forming device is stored in the communication device. When the user performs a printing operation, the communication device is inserted into the image forming device to write the device information. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the communication device pairing process provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ,like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device pairing process includes the following steps:

[0094] S701. A communication device is inserted into an image forming device.

[0095] S702: Is it the original model of the communication device?

[0096] If yes, execute S703; if no, execute S704.

[0097] S703. The panel of the image forming device prompts the user: the communication device is connected.

[0098] Execute S705.

[0099] S704. The panel of the image forming device prompts the user: illegal devices cannot be paired.

[0100] S705: Whether to perform pairing.

[0101] If pairing is selected, execute S706.

[0102] S706. The panel of the image forming device prompts the user: the communication device pairing is complete.

[0103] Next, through Figure 8 The communication device pairing process is further described in detail. Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the communication device pairing process provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 2 .like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device pairing process includes the following steps:

[0104] S801: Whether to enter the communication device pairing interface.

[0105] If yes, execute S802; if no, execute S801.

[0106] S802: Read configuration information of the communication device.

[0107] The configuration information includes information such as the manufacturer information, transmission distance, transmission speed, and applicable models of the communication device. The configuration information is stored in a storage unit of the communication device. The image forming device and the communication device communicate based on a customized protocol. The image forming device reads the configuration information of the communication device through the customized protocol, and compares the read configuration information with the preset configuration information to determine whether the communication device is a customized accessory. The image forming device presets the configuration information of the communication device that supports pairing.

[0108] For example, the image forming device reads the instruction: AA 55 01 0B 0B

[0109] The communication device returns: 55 AA 01 01 05 11 55 0B 0B. The meaning of the command is: 55 AA refers to the return information frame; 01 represents the 01 command; 01 represents the manufacturer; 05 represents the model; 11 represents the transmission distance, etc.

[0110] By comparing the information returned by the communication device, it can be preliminarily determined whether the communication device is a standard accessory of the manufacturer.

[0111] S803: Is it a customized accessory?

[0112] If yes, execute S804; if no, prompt that pairing fails.

[0113] S804, write the security code & pairing code of the image forming device.

[0114] The security code & pairing code are randomly generated based on the device information, and writing the security code & pairing code into the communication device can be regarded as writing the device information into the communication device.

[0115] Encrypt the security code and pairing code into the communication device according to the customized protocol to improve information security.

[0116] For example, the factory can set the function conversion to perform certain encrypted information processing to achieve a certain security protection. The write instruction is: AA 55 02 05 05 0B 0B. After the internal conversion of the communication device, the received information may be BB 66 0011 22 CC CC, and the encrypted information is stored in the storage unit.

[0117] S805, write configuration verification.

[0118] The image forming device reads the encrypted information based on the customized protocol and decrypts it to determine whether the decrypted information is consistent with the written security code & pairing code. If the verification is successful, it will prompt that the pairing is successful; if the verification fails, it will prompt that the pairing fails.

[0119] The above exemplary scenarios show that the communication device can obtain device information in a variety of ways, such as obtaining through the second communication protocol broadcast, obtaining through a customized protocol, and factory preset. In some embodiments, the first communication unit is further configured to obtain device information from the image processing device through the first communication protocol and store it in the storage unit.

[0120] For example, the communication device is inserted into the image processing device, and the two devices can also communicate via the USB communication protocol, including obtaining device information of the image processing device via the USB communication protocol and storing it in the storage unit.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, the first communication protocol has stable and high-speed data transmission capabilities. Device information is obtained from the image processing device through the first communication protocol and the device information is stored, ensuring that the device information can be quickly and accurately transmitted from the image processing device to the first communication unit.

[0122] In some embodiments, the storage unit is also configured to store device information; the second communication unit is also configured to establish a connection with the image forming device when it searches for the image forming device corresponding to the device information through the second communication protocol. Only after the authentication information is correct can the communication device send the print data point-to-point to the image forming device.

[0123] For example, by Fig. 9 This embodiment is described. Fig. 9 The following is a schematic diagram of the communication device pairing connection process provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the code connection process includes the following steps:

[0124] S901. A communication device is inserted into an information processing device.

[0125] S902: The image forming device establishes an initial connection with the communication device.

[0126] For example, pairing and connecting via Bluetooth or WI-FI will not be described here.

[0127] S903: Whether the user selects a secure connection in the image forming device settings.

[0128] For example, to further enhance the security connection level, the user selects a secure connection in the image forming device settings. If the secure connection is selected, S904 is executed, and if the secure connection is not selected, S907 is executed.

[0129] S904: The image forming device randomly generates a PIN code.

[0130] PIN is the authentication information, which is displayed on the display interface of the image forming device in the form of a pop-up window.

[0131] S905. Is the PIN code correct?

[0132] The user enters the PIN code for verification at the image forming device. If the PIN code verification is successful, S906 is executed; if the verification fails, S907 is executed.

[0133] S906: The image forming device is connected to the communication device and can transmit print data.

[0134] S907. Connection failed. Print data cannot be transmitted.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device sends the print data to the image forming device under the premise that the authentication information is correct, thereby ensuring that the user's print data is not stolen by others after cracking the network. The point-to-point connection has high security, which can ensure that the print data is not copied by others, thereby ensuring the security of the transmitted print data.

[0136] Optionally, the communication device also includes a detection unit. After the communication device is powered by the information processing device, the detection unit is configured to detect the device information of the storage unit. When it is detected that the device information is not stored in the storage unit, the detection result will be reported through the information processing device. For example, a prompt such as "The communication device has not been paired, please pair it first" will be popped up on the information processing device.

[0137] In some embodiments, the storage unit is also configured to create a storage path in response to a storage path creation signal; the storage path is represented in character form; the communication device also includes: a parameter determination unit for determining image formation parameters based on the storage path; and a second communication unit is also configured to send the image formation parameters to the image forming device via a second communication protocol.

[0138] For example, insert a communication device into an information processing device, the communication device is identified as a USB flash drive, and is displayed as PRINT (G:). Click to enter PRINT (G:). Under the storage path of PRINT (G:), any folder creation can be supported, and the folder name can contain print settings, such as single-sided / double-sided, black and white / color, A3 / A4, etc. For example, the created storage path is: G:\PRINT\A4 black and white, and the print data (files to be printed) are placed in the A4 black and white folder, that is, all files to be printed in the A4 black and white folder are expected to be printed with the A4 black and white settings. This embodiment is suitable for when there are many files to be printed, and files with the same print specifications can be placed in the same folder for batch printing of the same specifications, such as Fig.10 As shown in (a), the A4 black and white folder contains multiple files to be printed. All files in the folder will be printed according to the A4 black and white print settings.

[0139] The parameter determination unit can determine the image formation parameters according to the storage path, which can also be understood as determining the image formation parameters by identifying the keywords of the folder name. Taking G:\PRINT\A4 black and white as an example, the image formation parameters are determined to be A4 black and white.

[0140] The second communication unit sends the image forming parameters (A4 black and white) and the print data to the image forming device, and the image forming device prints the print data according to the A4 black and white print settings.

[0141] The embodiment of the present application automatically extracts image formation parameters from a storage path, improves processing efficiency and accuracy, sends the image formation parameters to an image forming device for printing processing, simplifies the print setting process, improves convenience, and enhances user experience.

[0142] Optionally, the parameter determination unit is further configured to determine the image forming parameters by identifying a keyword of the file name. It can be understood that the print setting can also be implemented by changing the file name.

[0143] like Fig.10 As shown in (b), the names of the four files carry keywords for print settings. For example, the first file name is A4 horizontal color, which determines the image formation parameter to be A4 horizontal color. The second file name is Design Drawing of XXXX (A3 horizontal color), which determines the image formation parameter to be A3 horizontal color. The third file name is Reading Notes (B5 black and white), which determines the image formation parameter to be B5 black and white. The fourth file name is Introduction to XXXX (A4 color), which determines the image formation parameter to be A4 color.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second communication unit is further configured to receive scan data from the image forming device through a second communication protocol; and the storage unit is further configured to store the scan data.

[0145] For example, the communication device is inserted into the information processing device, and after the communication device establishes a wireless connection with the image forming device, the scanned data is received through the second communication protocol and stored in the storage unit. Scanning a document requires the user to operate near the image forming device. After scanning the document to be scanned, the image forming device will detect whether the communication device is in a connected state, such as Fig.11 As shown, if it is in the connected state, a pop-up window will appear on the control panel to ask the user whether to transfer the scanned file to the communication device, for example, "Scanning completed, detecting that there is currently a communication device connected to this machine, do you want to transfer the file to the communication device?" If the user selects yes, the scanned file is sent to the second communication unit through the second communication protocol and stored in the storage unit.

[0146] Optionally, if the image forming device detects the presence of multiple communication devices around it, it can select at least one communication device on the control panel interface for targeted scanning and data transmission. For example, the MAC address, serial number and other unique identification information of the communication device can be displayed through the folder name corresponding to the communication device on the information processing device side, or informed to the user through internal documents.

[0147] The above embodiment describes the implementation method of the communication device. Fig.12 The image formation control method will be described.

[0148] Fig.12 A flow chart of an image forming control method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the image formation control method is applied to a communication device, and the image formation control method includes:

[0149] S1201. Receive print data from an information processing device via a first communication protocol.

[0150] For example, the user drags the file to be printed from the information processing device directly into the print folder corresponding to the communication device. This process implements receiving the print data from the information processing device through the first communication protocol.

[0151] S1202: Store print data.

[0152] The communication device can be regarded as a USB disk with storage function, which can store print data.

[0153] S1203 . Forward the print data to the paired image forming device for processing through the second communication protocol.

[0154] For example, a connection is established between the communication device and the image forming device via the Bluetooth protocol, and the print data is forwarded to the paired image forming device via the Bluetooth protocol.

[0155] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the print data, the communication device forwards it to the paired image forming device through wireless communication, so that the print data transmission can be completed without installing a driver, which is highly convenient and easy to use, thereby improving the user experience. In addition, compared with the related art, in which the information processing device and the image forming device must be connected to a wide area network or a local area network, the implementation of the embodiment of the present application does not rely on the network environment, further reflecting the advantages of good ease of use and high convenience.

[0156] In some embodiments, the image formation control method further includes: determining an image forming device corresponding to the device information based on a second communication protocol and stored device information; storing authentication information of the image forming device; and sending print data to the image forming device based on the authentication information and the second communication protocol.

[0157] For example, taking Bluetooth communication as an example, the image forming device will normally emit a Bluetooth beacon, that is, it will periodically send out its own device information through Bluetooth broadcasting. After the communication device is connected to the information processing device, it will perform a search. When the surrounding device information that meets the conditions is found (that is, the image forming device that is consistent with the stored device information is found), the image forming device corresponding to the device information will perform a Bluetooth pairing connection, receive and store the authentication information of the image forming device.

[0158] The communication device sends a message carrying the authentication information and print data via Bluetooth broadcast, and the image forming device only receives the message with the same authentication information as its authentication information to complete sending the print data to the image forming device through the second communication protocol according to the authentication information.

[0159] In an embodiment of the present application, a corresponding image forming device is accurately searched through device information, authentication information of the image forming device is stored, and when print data is sent to the image forming device according to the authentication information, the security of print data transmission is improved.

[0160] In some embodiments, the image formation control method further includes: acquiring device information from the image processing device through the first communication protocol, and storing the device information.

[0161] For example, the communication device is inserted into the image processing device, and the two devices can also communicate via the USB communication protocol, including obtaining and storing device information of the image processing device via the USB communication protocol.

[0162] In the embodiment of the present application, the first communication protocol has stable and high-speed data transmission capabilities. Device information is obtained from the image processing device through the first communication protocol, and the device information is stored, ensuring that the device information can be quickly and accurately transmitted from the image processing device to the communication device.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the image formation control method further includes: creating a storage path in response to a storage path creation signal, wherein the storage path is represented in character form; determining image formation parameters according to the storage path; and sending the image formation parameters to the image forming device via a second communication protocol.

[0164] In one example, a communication device is inserted into an information processing device. The communication device is identified as a USB flash drive and displayed as PRINT (G:). Click to enter PRINT (G:). Under the storage path of PRINT (G:), any folder or file can be created. For example, the created storage path is: G:\PRINT\A4 black and white, and the print data (file to be printed) is placed in the A4 black and white folder, that is, all files to be printed in the A4 black and white folder are expected to be printed in A4 black and white settings. This embodiment is suitable for when there are many files to be printed, and files with the same printing specifications can be placed in the same folder for batch printing of the same specifications. Correspondingly, the image formation parameters are determined to be A4 black and white, and the image formation parameters (A4 black and white) and the print data are sent to the image forming device through the second communication protocol. The image forming device prints the print data according to the A4 black and white print settings.

[0165] In another example, multiple storage paths can be pre-created in the communication device. When the user needs a certain print setting, he can just drag the print file into the corresponding storage path (folder), such as Fig.10 As shown in (c), under the PRINT (G:) path, multiple folders are created, for example, A3 landscape color, A3 portrait color, A4 landscape color, A4 landscape black and white, A4 portrait color, and A4 portrait black and white. Each folder is named after a different print setting, and the image formation parameters are determined by identifying the keyword of the folder name.

[0166] The embodiment of the present application automatically extracts image formation parameters from a storage path, improves processing efficiency and accuracy, sends the image formation parameters to an image forming device for printing processing, simplifies the print setting process, improves convenience, and enhances user experience.

[0167] In some embodiments, a txt file, such as a.txt, can also be created under the G:\PRINT path of the communication device. The txt file stores print settings (such as single-sided / double-sided, black and white / color, A3 / A4, etc.). The file to be printed is placed under the G:\PRINT path, and the file to be printed and a.txt are sent to the image forming device at the same time through the second communication protocol. The image forming device parses the txt file, obtains image formation parameters, and prints according to the image formation parameters.

[0168] In some embodiments, default print settings can also be set on the control panel of the image forming device, that is, when the print data is forwarded from the communication device to the image forming device, if there is no special description (for example, the name of the folder or file in the storage path of the communication device does not contain the keyword of the print setting, and no txt file containing the print setting is set), printing is performed according to the default print setting, such as Fig.13 As shown, the control panel can be used to set the printed page size, orientation, color, image resolution, etc.

[0169] The present application provides an image forming system, including an image forming device and a communication device, wherein an information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device; wherein:

[0170] A communication device configured to execute the image formation control method as described in the above embodiment;

[0171] The image forming apparatus is configured to perform an image forming process based on print data and image forming parameters.

[0172] For example, the communication device and the image forming device transmit the files to be printed and the image forming parameters in real time. The image forming device parses and judges the files to be printed. For files that cannot be parsed, the control panel will prompt the user that the parsing failed and inform the supported file types; for files that can be parsed, the image forming device will print the file according to the image forming parameters.

[0173] Fig.14 As shown in the schematic diagram of receiving print data provided by the communication device of the exemplary embodiment of the present application, Fig.14 As shown in (a), the parseable file is dragged from the information processing device into the "A4 Portrait Black and White" folder of the communication device, and the image forming device parses the file and prints it according to the "A4 Portrait Black and White" print setting.

[0174] like Fig.14 As shown in (b), if you drag the unparseable file (such as xxxx application) from the information processing device to the folder of the communication device, the image forming device will report an error message on the panel that the file cannot be parsed, such as Fig.15 The image forming device control panel interface diagram provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 3 As shown, the control panel prompts "File parsing failed, please confirm the file type, supported: PDF\Word..., please consult customer service or official website for details", and informs the user through a sound device such as a buzzer or speaker, and sends back a file report to inform the user that the file cannot be parsed. For example, the file report name is "xxxx file parsing failed".

[0175] It should be noted that for details not disclosed in the image forming system embodiment of the present application, please refer to the method embodiment of the present application.

[0176] The image forming system in this embodiment can execute the technical solution shown in the above method embodiment, and its implementation principle and beneficial effects are similar, which will not be repeated here.

[0177] In summary, this application has at least the following advantages:

[0178] 1. After receiving the print data, the communication device forwards it to the paired image forming device via wireless communication, so that the print data transmission can be completed without installing a driver, which is highly convenient and easy to use, thereby improving the user experience. In addition, compared with the related art where the information processing device and the image forming device must be connected to a wide area network or a local area network, the implementation of the embodiment of the present application does not rely on the network environment, further reflecting the advantages of good ease of use and high convenience.

[0179] 2. There is no need to pre-install the driver on the information processing device. Users can also quickly send print data to the image forming device for temporary printing, realizing driver-free printing. In addition, for users, it can be used as a regular connection method to plug the communication device into the USB port of the information processing device for a long time, realizing the scenario of ready-to-use and working, without opening the driver or opening the file before printing, which is more convenient and improves the user experience.

[0180] 3. Compared with the USB flash drive printing method, this application provides users with editing operations for printing data through information processing equipment.

[0181] 4. The device information of the paired image forming device is stored in a storage unit, and the corresponding image forming device is accurately searched according to the device information. The authentication information of the image forming device is stored in the storage unit, and when the print data is subsequently sent to the image forming device according to the authentication information, the security of the print data transmission is improved.

[0182] 5. Automatically extract image formation parameters from the storage path to improve processing efficiency and accuracy, send the image formation parameters to the image forming device for printing processing, simplify the print setting process, improve convenience, and enhance user experience.

[0183] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.16 As shown, the electronic device 160 provided in this embodiment includes: at least one processor 161 and a memory 162. Optionally, the device 160 also includes a communication component 163. The processor 161, the memory 162 and the communication component 163 are connected via a bus 164.

[0184] In a specific implementation process, at least one processor 161 executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 162, so that at least one processor 161 executes the above method.

[0185] The specific implementation process of the processor 161 can be found in the above method embodiment, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, so this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0186] In the above embodiments, it should be understood that the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the invention can be directly implemented as a hardware processor, or can be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0187] The memory may include a high-speed memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), and may also include a non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage.

[0188] The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, the bus in the drawings of this application is not limited to only one bus or one type of bus.

[0189] The present application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the above method when executed by a processor.

[0190] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When a processor executes the computer-executable instructions, the above method is implemented.

[0191] The above-mentioned readable storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk. The readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer.

[0192] An exemplary readable storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the readable storage medium and write information to the readable storage medium. Of course, the readable storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the readable storage medium can be located in an application specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuits, referred to as: ASIC). Of course, the processor and the readable storage medium can also exist in the device as discrete components.

[0193] The division of units is only a logical function division, and there may be other divisions in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0194] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0195] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0196] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods of each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk, etc. Various media that can store program codes.

[0197] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of implementing the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments are executed; and the aforementioned storage medium includes: ROM, RAM, disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0198] Finally, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present invention after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present invention, which follow the general principles of the present invention and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art not disclosed by the present invention, are not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the drawings, and may be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: The information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device, and the communication device includes: a first communication unit configured to receive print data from the information processing device via a first communication protocol; a storage unit configured to store the print data; The second communication unit is configured to forward the print data to the paired image forming device for processing through a second communication protocol.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that The print data is not subjected to format conversion by the information processing device and the communication device.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The transmission rate of the first communication protocol is higher than the transmission rate of the second communication protocol.

4. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The storage unit is also configured to store device information; the second communication unit is also configured to store the authentication information of the image forming device in the storage unit when searching for the image forming device corresponding to the device information through the second communication protocol, so as to send the print data to the image forming device through the second communication protocol according to the authentication information.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that The first communication unit is further configured to obtain the device information from the image processing device through a first communication protocol and store the obtained device information in the storage unit.

6. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The storage unit is further configured to, in response to a storage path creation signal, create a storage path, wherein the storage path is represented in a character form; The communication device further comprises: a parameter determination unit, configured to determine image formation parameters according to the storage path; The second communication unit is further configured to send the image forming parameters to the image forming device through the second communication protocol.

7. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second communication unit is further configured to receive scan data from the image forming device through the second communication protocol; and the storage unit is further configured to store the scan data.

8. An image formation control method, characterized in that: Applied to the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the image formation control method comprises: receiving print data from the information processing device via the first communication protocol; storing the printing data; The print data is forwarded to the paired image forming device for processing via the second communication protocol.

9. The image formation control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes: determining an image forming device corresponding to the device information according to the second communication protocol and the stored device information; storing authentication information of the image forming device; The print data is sent to the image forming device according to the authentication information and the second communication protocol.

10. The image formation control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: The device information is acquired from the image processing device through the first communication protocol, and the device information is stored.

11. The image formation control method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: Also includes: In response to a storage path creation signal, create a storage path, wherein the storage path is represented in character form; determining image formation parameters according to the storage path; The image forming parameters are sent to the image forming device through the second communication protocol.

12. An image forming system, characterized in that: It includes an image forming device and a communication device, and an information processing device is connected to the communication device to provide power to the communication device; wherein, The communication device is configured to execute the image formation control method according to claims 8 to 11; The image forming device is configured to perform an image forming process according to the print data and the image forming parameters.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor; The memory is used to store computer-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which are used to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11 when executed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program, which implements the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11 when being executed.

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