Image forming apparatus, terminal apparatus, and information transmission method

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus, a terminal apparatus, and an information transmission method, which can improve user convenience when a part or all of an operation image of the image forming apparatus is displayed and operated from the terminal apparatus via a network. An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a communication unit (14), a display unit (12) for displaying an operation image, a transmission processing unit (10a), and a reception processing unit (10b). The transmission processing unit (10a) transmits display information obtained on the basis of the operation image displayed on the display unit (12) to the terminal device (2) via the communication unit (14). A reception processing unit (10b) receives, from a terminal device (2) via a communication unit (14), first information relating to a communication time necessary for the terminal device (2) to acquire display information. As display information, the transmission processing unit (10a) transmits, to the terminal device (2), image information obtained on the basis of image quality information relating to the image quality corresponding to the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and an information transmission method. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a remote control panel for a function of displaying via a network an operation unit of an image forming apparatus is disclosed, and a system for stably and highly speedily performing animation transmission in the remote control panel without depending on the line speed of a public line and the geographical conditions of the line is disclosed.

[0003] However, in the remote control panel, regardless of the network structure, there is a case where the speed until the display of the remote control panel is switched is slow, resulting in a reduction in convenience. In addition, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is not a technology that can solve the above problems.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that shortens the time required for switching the display of an operation image when a part or all of the operation image of an image forming apparatus is displayed and operated from a terminal device via a network to improve user convenience.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-220075 Summary of the Invention

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a communication unit; a display unit that displays an operation image; a transmission processing unit that transmits display information obtained based on the operation image displayed on the display unit to a terminal device via the communication unit; and a reception processing unit that receives, via the communication unit, first information related to a communication time required for communication for the terminal device to acquire the display information. As the display information, the transmission processing unit transmits image information obtained based on image quality information related to an image quality corresponding to the first information to the terminal device.

[0007] A terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an operation unit; a communication unit; a reception processing unit that receives, via the communication unit, display information obtained based on an operation image displayed on an image forming device side display unit that is an image forming device, from the image forming device; a display unit that displays a remote operation image based on the display information received by the reception processing unit; a storage unit that stores a communication time required for communication for obtaining the display information from the image forming device; a transmission processing unit that transmits, via the communication unit, first information related to the communication time to the image forming device as the display information, and the reception processing unit receives, from the image forming device, image information obtained based on image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information, and the display unit displays the remote operation image based on the image information.

[0008] In an information transmission method according to one aspect of the present invention, a transmission process is executed, where the transmission process is a process of transmitting, via the communication unit, display information obtained based on the operation image displayed on the display unit to a terminal device by an image forming device having a communication unit and a display unit that displays an operation image, and a reception process is executed, where the reception process is a process of receiving, via the communication unit, from the terminal device, first information related to a communication time required for the terminal device to obtain the display information by the image forming device, and in the transmission process, image information obtained based on image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information is transmitted to the terminal device as the display information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A block diagram showing a structural example of an image forming system including an image forming device and a terminal device according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 For Figure 1 A flowchart for explaining a processing example of a terminal device in an image forming system.

[0011] Figure 3 For Figure 1 A flowchart for explaining a processing example of an image forming device in an image forming system.

[0012] Figure 4 For Figure 1 A flowchart for explaining a processing example in the case of obtaining an operation image with the highest image quality level in a terminal device of an image forming system.

[0013] Figure 5For explaining a processing example in the case of obtaining an operation image with the lowest image quality level in a terminal device of an image forming system in Figure 1 A flowchart for explaining a processing example in the case of obtaining an operation image with the lowest image quality level in a terminal device of an image forming system in

[0014] Figure 6 For showing an example of a remote operation image displayed on a terminal device in a processing example in Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an example of a remote operation image displayed on a terminal device in a processing example in

[0015] Figure 7 For showing an example of a remote operation image displayed on a terminal device in Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an example of a remote operation image with a medium image quality level displayed on a terminal device in an image forming system in

[0016] Figure 8 For showing an example of a remote operation image displayed on a terminal device in a processing example in Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an example of a remote operation image displayed on a terminal device in a processing example in

[0017] Figure 9 For showing an example of the communication data size, communication time, and percentage of performance improvement in the case where a remote operation image in Figure 1 in an image forming system in Figures 6 to 8 is transmitted. A diagram showing an example of the communication data size, communication time, and percentage of performance improvement in the case where a remote operation image in

[0018] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram showing another structural example of an image forming system including the image forming device and the terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each drawing is merely an illustration for explaining the embodiments of the present invention. Further, not all of the structural elements described in the embodiments of the present invention are necessarily essential structural elements of the present invention.

[0021] Embodiment

[0022] Using Figure 1 to explain an image forming system including the image forming device and the terminal device according to the embodiment. Figure 1 A block diagram showing a structural example of the image forming system.

[0023] As Figure 1As shown, the image forming system (hereinafter referred to as "this system") 100 according to this embodiment can include an image forming apparatus 1, a terminal apparatus 2, a reception server apparatus 3, and a base server apparatus 4. The terminal apparatus 2 can be connected to the reception server apparatus 3 via a network N. In addition, the reception server apparatus 3 can be connected to the base server apparatus 4 via the network N. In addition, the base server apparatus 4 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network N. Hereinafter, a case where this system 100 adopts such a network structure example will be described.

[0024] In addition, although the same network N is used in Figure 1 to represent the network connecting between the respective apparatuses for simplifying the description, different networks can be used to connect between a part or all of the apparatuses, etc., and the connection method of each apparatus is not limited thereto. In addition, this system 100 can also adopt a network structure other than the above network structure example. For example, as long as this system 100 includes the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 connected to the image forming apparatus via the network N, it can also be configured not to include the reception server apparatus 3 and the base server apparatus 4. In addition, this system 100 can be a system in which the functions of the reception server apparatus 3 and the base server apparatus 4 are mounted on the same server apparatus, or can be a system including three or more distributed server apparatuses having further functions. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to be configured to communicate with the terminal apparatus 2 via at least one information processing apparatus such as at least one server apparatus. In this case, the terminal apparatus 2 becomes a structure that communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 via at least one information processing apparatus such as at least one server apparatus.

[0025] This system is a system that adopts a method in which the operation image of the image forming apparatus 1 can be operated from the terminal apparatus 2. Thus, the operation image provided from the image forming apparatus 1 to the terminal apparatus 2, or the provision of the operation image can also be referred to as a remote control panel or the like. The reception server apparatus 3 can be configured as a server apparatus that provides reception processing of operations from the terminal apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatus 2. The base server apparatus 4 can be configured as a server apparatus that provides processing for operating the operation image of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the operations received by the reception server apparatus 3 to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0026] Outline structure of the image forming apparatus 1

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the image forming apparatus 1 can include a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a printing unit 15.

[0028] The control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 can also be referred to as a controller and implements overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. Although the detailed content of the control unit 10 will be described later, it can include a transmission processing unit 10a and a reception processing unit 10b.

[0029] The control unit 10 can be configured, for example, to include an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like. The control unit 10 can also be configured as an SoC (System on a Chip). From these examples, it can also be seen that the control unit 10 can be structured to store control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 10 can also be structured to store control programs as a circuit structure like an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or can be configured as a dedicated circuit. The transmission processing unit 10a and the reception processing unit 10b can be installed as the above-mentioned programs. The above-mentioned programs can include programs for implementing the functions of the transmission processing unit 10a and the reception processing unit 10b while working in cooperation with the storage unit 11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, and the communication unit 14. Alternatively, the above-mentioned programs can include programs for implementing the functions of the transmission processing unit 10a and the reception processing unit 10b while working in cooperation with the storage unit 11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the printing unit 15.

[0030] The storage unit 11 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. A part of the memory included in the control unit 10 can also be regarded as the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 can also be regarded as a part of the control unit 10.

[0031] The display unit 12 is a part for displaying information. As the information, the display unit 12 can display an operation image as a user interface (UI) image. This operation image can be pre-stored in the storage unit 11. The display unit 12 is constituted by a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, for example. The display unit 12 can also be structured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0032] The operation unit 13 is a part that receives operations and inputs performed by the user, and thus can also be referred to as an operation reception unit. The operation unit 13 can include a touch panel or a touch sensor mounted on the display unit 12. In this case, by the user performing a touch operation on the operation image displayed on the display unit 12, the operation unit 13 can receive an operation corresponding to the area where the touch operation is performed. The display unit 12 that displays the operation image and the operation unit 13 including a touch panel or a touch sensor mounted on the display unit 12 can form the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the operation unit 13 can, for example, also include a physical button group. A part of the physical button group can also be configured to receive operations on the operation image. Of course, a part or all of the physical button group can also be configured to receive operations independent of the operation image.

[0033] The communication unit 14 can be one or more communication interfaces for the image forming apparatus 1 to perform communication with a plurality of external devices in a wired or wireless manner according to a predetermined communication protocol including a predetermined communication standard. The external device is, for example, a device having a communication function such as a personal computer (PC), a server device, a smart phone, a tablet type terminal, etc. In the above network structure example, in the case of performing communication related to processing related to the operation image, the external device includes the base server device 4.

[0034] The communication unit 14 can send display information for causing the terminal device 2 to display the operation image to the terminal device 2 via the base server device 4 and the reception server device 3. In addition, the display information can also be the operation image itself. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish the operation image for causing the display unit 12 to display, the operation image for causing the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2 to display based on the display information is referred to as a remote operation image. In addition, the communication unit 14 can receive an operation event received by the terminal device 2 from the terminal device 2 via the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4.

[0035] In addition, the communication unit 14 can receive a print target file from an external device. The external device that sends the print target file can be an external device other than the terminal device 2. However, the communication unit 14 can also be configured to be able to receive the print target file directly from the terminal device 2 or via the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4.

[0036] The printing unit 15 performs printing on a medium based on, for example, a print target file received via the communication unit 14 from a terminal device other than the terminal device 2 or from the terminal device 2, or a print target file obtained by image reading performed by a scanner (not shown). Thus, an image represented by the print target file is formed on the medium. The printing method in the printing unit 15 is not limited, and various printing methods such as an inkjet printing method and a laser printing method can be applied, for example. The image forming apparatus 1 can be called an inkjet printer when the inkjet printing method is adopted, and can be called a laser printer when the laser printing method is adopted.

[0037] Schematic structure of the terminal device 2

[0038] The terminal device 2 can be a device having a communication function such as a smart phone, a tablet-type terminal, or a PC. The terminal device 2 is not limited to a portable type, and can also be a stationary type device. As Figure 1 illustrated, the terminal device 2 can include a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0039] The control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 can also be called a controller and performs overall control of the terminal device 2. Although the detailed content of the control unit 20 will be described later, it can include a reception processing unit 20a, a transmission processing unit 20b, and a decision unit 20c.

[0040] The control unit 20 can be configured, for example, to include arithmetic processing devices such as a CPU and a GPU, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs and parameters. The control unit 20 can also be configured as a SoC. From these examples, it can also be seen that the control unit 20 can be configured to store control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 20 can also be configured to store control programs as a circuit structure like an FPGA, or can be configured as a dedicated circuit. The reception processing unit 20a and the transmission processing unit 20b, or the reception processing unit 20a, the transmission processing unit 20b, and the decision unit 20c can be installed as the above programs. The above programs can be programs for realizing the functions of the reception processing unit 20a and the transmission processing unit 20b, or the functions of the reception processing unit 20a, the transmission processing unit 20b, and the decision unit 20c while working in cooperation with the storage unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the communication unit 24.

[0041] The storage unit 21 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memories. A part of the memory included in the control unit 20 can also be regarded as the storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 can also be regarded as a part of the control unit 20.

[0042] The display unit 22 is a part for displaying information, and is constituted by, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 22 can also be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0043] The operation unit 23 is a part for receiving operations and inputs performed by the user, and can also be referred to as an operation reception unit. The operation unit 23 can be implemented by, for example, any one or more of a physical button, a touch panel or a touch sensor mounted on the display unit 12, a pointing device, and a keyboard. In a configuration where the operation unit 23 includes a touch panel or a touch sensor, it can be referred to as an operation panel of the terminal device 2 including the display unit 12 and the touch panel.

[0044] The communication unit 24 can be configured as one or more communication interfaces for the terminal device 2 to perform communication with one or more external devices in a wired or wireless manner according to a predetermined communication protocol including a predetermined communication standard. In the above network configuration example, the external device in the case of performing communication related to processing related to the operation image will include the reception server device 3.

[0045] The communication unit 24 can receive display information for causing the terminal device 2 to display a remote operation image from the image forming device 1 via the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4. As described above, the display information can also be the remote operation image itself. In addition, the communication unit 24 can send an operation event received by the operation unit 23 to the image forming device 1 via the base server device 4 and the reception server device 3.

[0046] In addition, the communication unit 24 can also be configured to be able to directly send a print target file to the image forming device 1 or send it to the image forming device 1 via the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4.

[0047] Outline structures of the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4

[0048] Although the details of the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4 are omitted, the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4 can each be configured as a server computer having functions of receiving operations and managing at least a remote control panel. Although not shown, any server computer can include a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit.

[0049] The control unit can be configured, for example, to include arithmetic processing devices such as a CPU and a GPU, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like. The control unit can also be configured as an SoC. From these examples, it can also be seen that the control unit can be configured to store the control program in an executable state. However, the control unit can also be configured to store the control program as a circuit structure like an FPGA, or can be configured as a dedicated circuit.

[0050] The control unit of the reception server device 3 receives display information from the image forming device 1 via the base server device 4 and transmits the display information to the terminal device 2. In addition, the control unit of the reception server device 3 receives an operation event from the terminal device 2 and transmits the operation event to the image forming device 1 via the base server device 4. The control unit of the reception server device 3 can install functions related to the transmission and reception of such information, for example, as a program.

[0051] The control unit of the base server device 4 receives display information from the image forming device 1 and transmits the display information to the terminal device 2 via the reception server device 3. In addition, the control unit of the base server device 4 receives an operation event from the terminal device 2 via the reception server device 3 and transmits the operation event to the image forming device 1. The control unit of the base server device 4 can install functions related to the transmission and reception of these information, for example, as a program.

[0052] The above communication unit can be configured as one or more communication interfaces for a server computer to communicate with one or more external devices in a wired or wireless manner according to a predetermined communication protocol including a predetermined communication standard. In the above network structure example, the communication unit in the reception server device 3 can communicate with the terminal device 2 and the base server device 4 as external devices. In the above network structure example, the communication unit in the base server device 4 can communicate with the image forming device 1 and the reception server device as external devices.

[0053] The above storage unit is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. A part of the memory included in the above control unit can also be regarded as this storage unit. In other words, the storage unit in the server computer can also be regarded as a part of the control unit in the server computer.

[0054] In the above example of the network structure, the storage unit in the acceptance server device 3 stores information for managing communication with the base server device 4, information for managing communication with a specific terminal device 2, and the like. By managing communication with the specific terminal device 2, access to the acceptance server device 3 from a terminal device that is not stored, that is, an unregistered terminal device, can be restricted.

[0055] In the above example of the network structure, the storage unit in the base server device 4 stores information for managing communication with the acceptance server device 3, device information of a specific image forming device 1, and information for managing communication with the image forming device 1, and the like. By managing communication with the specific image forming device 1, access to the acceptance server device 3 from an image forming device that is not stored, that is, an unregistered image forming device, can be restricted.

[0056] The specific structure of this system 100

[0057] Details of the control unit 10 of the image forming device 1 will be described together with details of the terminal device 2. In this system 100, as a schematic process, the terminal device 2 accesses the acceptance server device 3 to receive display information obtained based on an operation image displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming device 1, and based on this display information, causes the display unit 22 to display a remote operation image. Moreover, a user operation on the remote operation image is accepted by the operation unit 23 of the terminal device 2, and an operation event indicating the user operation is sent to the acceptance server device 3. The acceptance server device 3 sends the operation event to the image forming device 1 via the base server device 4. The image forming device 1 accepts the operation of the operation image based on the received operation event, and thus the operation image and the remote operation image can be changed by transitioning to the next operation image, the next remote operation image, and the like.

[0058] First, an example of the structure on the image forming device 1 side will be described. As described above, the control unit 10 of the image forming device 1 can include a transmission processing unit 10a and a reception processing unit 10b.

[0059] The transmission processing unit 10a transmits the display information obtained based on the operation image displayed on the display unit 12 to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 14. In the above network structure example, the transmission of such display information by the transmission processing unit 10a is executed via the basic server device 4 and the reception server device 3. Since the display information is the information for displaying on the screen of the display unit 12, it can also be called screen information. In addition, in the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2, for example, the display information can be displayed using a web browser or the like. In this case, the display information can also be called web screen information. As shown in this example, the transmission processing unit 10a can also transmit the display information as the information for displaying on the browser of the terminal device 2.

[0060] The reception processing unit 10b receives, via the communication unit 14, from the terminal device 2 the first information related to the communication time required for the communication for the terminal device 2 to obtain the display information. Although it will be described later, this first information is used for generating or selecting the display information for displaying the remote operation image. In the above network structure example, the reception of such first information by the reception processing unit 10b is executed via the reception server device 3 and the basic server device 4. In addition, since the reception processing unit 10b obtains the first information from the terminal device 2, it can also be called an acquisition processing unit.

[0061] In addition, the reception processing unit 10b can also be configured to receive, via the communication unit 14, from the terminal device 2 the operation events received by the terminal device 2. In the above network structure example, the reception of such operation events by the reception processing unit 10b is executed via the reception server device 3 and the basic server device 4. This operation event is an event indicating the operation received via the operation image displayed based on the display information transmitted to the terminal device 2.

[0062] The image forming apparatus 1, through the transmission of the display information and the reception of the operation events realized by the transmission processing unit 10a and the reception processing unit 10b, has the function of remotely providing an operation panel to the terminal device 2, that is, has the function of providing a remote control panel. However, the operation of the operation image generated by the operation event is not necessary in the present embodiment. In the present system 100, the system other than the processing related to the above operation is a system for remotely monitoring the operation image displayed on the display unit 12 in the function of the remote control panel.

[0063] The transmission processing unit 10a in the present embodiment further has the following characteristics. That is, as display information, the transmission processing unit 10a transmits image information obtained based on the image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information to the terminal device 2. An example of the process in which the transmission processing unit 10a transmits the image information as display information to the terminal device 2 will be described later. Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as the image information transmission process.

[0064] By implementing the reception of the first information and the transmission of the display information as a response thereto, which are realized by the transmission processing unit 10a and the reception processing unit 10b, the image forming apparatus 1 can reply to the display information corresponding to the first information and cause the terminal device 2 to display the remote operation image obtained based on the display information.

[0065] The image information transmission process will be described. When the reception processing unit 10b receives the first information, the transmission processing unit 10a can detect the first information and execute the image information transmission process. Alternatively, as the first information, the reception processing unit 10b can also be configured to receive information including a request related to the image quality information from the terminal device 2 in advance. In this case, when the reception processing unit 10b receives the first information including a request related to the image quality information, the transmission processing unit 10a can execute the image information transmission process as a response to the request.

[0066] The image information to be transmitted by the transmission processing unit 10a is information obtained based on the image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information. Moreover, this image information can be set as information stored as a remote operation image in the storage unit 11, or information generated from the remote operation image, or information generated from the operation image stored in the storage unit 11 for display on the display unit 12. That is, the transmission processing unit 10a can generate or select image information for causing the terminal device 2 to display the remote operation image based on the image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information.

[0067] As described above, the first information is information related to the communication time, and may also include the communication time itself. That is to say, the reception processing unit 10b may also be configured to receive from the terminal device 2 information that includes the communication time as the first information. In this case, as the image information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 10a may transmit to the terminal device 2 the image information generated or selected based on the image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the received communication time. In addition, if a correspondence relationship between the communication time and the image information has been established in advance, as the image information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 10a can also transmit to the terminal device 2 the image information generated or selected corresponding to the communication time.

[0068] Alternatively, the first information may also be information that includes the image quality information determined based on the communication time. That is to say, as the first information, the reception processing unit 10b may also be configured to receive from the terminal device 2 information that includes the image quality information determined based on the communication time on the terminal device 2 side. In this case, as the image information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 10a may transmit to the terminal device 2 the image information generated or selected based on the received image quality information.

[0069] Next, a structural example on the terminal device 2 side will be described. As described above, the control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 can include a reception processing unit 20a and a transmission processing unit 20b.

[0070] The reception processing unit 20a receives from the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 24 the display information obtained based on the operation image displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1. In the above-described network structure example, the reception of such display information by the reception processing unit 20a is performed via the base server device 4 and the acceptance server device 3. In addition, since the reception processing unit 20a obtains the display information from the image forming apparatus 1, it can also be referred to as an acquisition processing unit.

[0071] Moreover, the display unit 22 displays the remote operation image based on the display information received by the reception processing unit 20a. In addition, as described above, in the display unit 22, the display information can be displayed using, for example, a Web browser or the like. As shown in this example, the reception processing unit 20a may also receive the display information as information for displaying the browser of the terminal device 2.

[0072] In addition, the transmission processing unit 20b can also be configured to transmit the operation event received by the operation unit 23 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 24. In the above network structure example, the transmission of such an operation event by the transmission processing unit 20b is executed via the reception server apparatus 3 and the base server apparatus 4. As such an operation event, for example, an event of a click operation or a touch operation on the operation image displayed on the display unit 22 realized by an indicating device can be cited. In addition, hereinafter, the indicating device will be referred to as a mouse, and the operation realized by the mouse will be referred to as a mouse operation for description purposes.

[0073] The terminal device 2 becomes equipped with the function of remotely enjoying the provision of the operation panel from the image forming apparatus 1 through the reception of such display information and the transmission of operation events realized by the reception processing unit 20a and the transmission processing unit 20b, that is, becomes equipped with the function of enjoying a remote control panel. However, as described above, the operation of the operation image generated by the operation event is not essential in the present embodiment.

[0074] The transmission processing unit 20b and the reception processing unit 20a in the present embodiment further have the following characteristics. That is, the transmission processing unit 20b transmits the above-described first information related to the communication time to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 24. Therefore, the storage unit 21 stores the above-described communication time in advance. As described above, this communication time is the time required for the communication for acquiring the display information from the image forming apparatus 1, and in fact, the reception processing unit 20a can attempt to acquire the display information, and calculate this communication time based on the communication start time and the communication end time at this time. An example of the process of the transmission processing unit 20b transmitting the first information to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described later. Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as the first information transmission process.

[0075] As the display information, the reception processing unit 20a receives the image information obtained based on the image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information from the image forming apparatus 1. The display unit 22 displays the remote operation image based on the image information received in such a manner. Of course, the reception of the image information realized by the reception processing unit 20a is also executed via the communication unit 24. In the above network structure example, the reception of such image information by the reception processing unit 20a is also executed via the base server apparatus 4 and the reception server apparatus 3.

[0076] The terminal device 2 can display a remote operation image obtained based on display information corresponding to the first information on the display unit 22 by performing the transmission of such first information implemented by the transmission processing unit 20b and the reception of image information as a response thereto.

[0077] The first information transmission processing will be described. In a configuration where the reception processing unit 10b in the image forming apparatus 1 detects the first information when receiving the first information and executes the image information transmission processing, the first information transmission processing only needs to be a process of transmitting only the information related to the communication time as the first information. Alternatively, as the first information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 20b can also be configured to transmit information including a request related to the image quality information to the image forming apparatus 1 as the first information in advance. In this case, when the reception processing unit 10b in the image forming apparatus 1 receives the first information including the request related to the image quality information, the transmission processing unit 10a executes the image information transmission processing as a response to the request.

[0078] As described above, the first information is information related to the communication time and may also include the communication time itself. That is, as the first information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 20b can also be configured to transmit information including the communication time to the image forming apparatus 1 as the first information. In this case, as the image information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 10a of the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the image information generated or selected based on the image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the received communication time to the terminal device 2. Further, the reception processing unit 20a receives the image information, and the display unit 22 displays the remote operation image based on the image information. In addition, if the image forming apparatus 1 has previously established a correspondence between the communication time and the image information, as the image information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 10a of the image forming apparatus 1 can also transmit the image information generated or selected corresponding to the communication time to the terminal device 2. Further, the reception processing unit 20a receives the image information, and the display unit 22 displays the remote operation image based on the image information.

[0079] Alternatively, the first information may be information including the image quality information determined based on the communication time. To make such a determination, the control unit 20 only needs to include a determination unit 20c. The determination unit 20c only needs to determine the image quality information based on the communication time stored in the storage unit 21. Further, as the first information transmission processing, the transmission processing unit 20b only needs to transmit information including the image quality information to the image forming apparatus 1 as the first information.

[0080] Processing example of the system 100

[0081] As described above, the structures of the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 have been explained. Next, a specific example will be given to explain the process of changing the remote operation image according to the first information in the above structure.

[0082] The reception processing unit 20a in the terminal apparatus 2 can be configured such that, when the communication time is longer than a predetermined time, it receives image information with lower image quality from the image forming apparatus 1 compared to the case where the communication time is equal to or less than the predetermined time. When observed from the image forming apparatus 1 side, the transmission processing unit 10a can be configured such that, when the communication time is longer than the above predetermined time, it transmits image information with lower image quality to the terminal apparatus 2 compared to the case where the communication time is equal to or less than the above predetermined time.

[0083] Such a determination process using the above predetermined time as a threshold can be executed either on the terminal apparatus 2 side or on the image forming apparatus 1 side. For example, it is only necessary to cause the determination unit 20c to execute the determination process using the predetermined time as a threshold, and cause the transmission processing unit 20b to transmit the first information to the image forming apparatus 1 side based on the determination result. Alternatively, the determination process using the predetermined time as a threshold can also be executed by the transmission processing unit 10a of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0084] By adopting such a determination process in the present system 100, when the time required to obtain image information from the image forming apparatus exceeds the predetermined time, the image quality of the remote operation image displayed on the display unit 22 can be automatically reduced. As a result, the present system 100 can reduce the communication data volume to implement efficient communication.

[0085] Regarding the processing flow of the terminal apparatus 2 accompanied by such a determination process, use Figure 2 will be used for explanation. Figure 2 FIG. is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the terminal apparatus 2 in the present system 100. Figure 2 The processing example shows an example of an update process in which the terminal apparatus 2 periodically updates a remote operation image related to an operation image displayed by the image forming apparatus 1. Here, an example is given in which the image information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 is a remote operation image to be displayed on a browser that can be displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal apparatus 2.

[0086] As this update process, the terminal apparatus 2 performs a loop process (steps S21s, S21e) on the processes shown in steps S22 to S29 at a certain cycle. This cycle is not limited, but for example, it can be set at intervals of 0.3 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

[0087] In this loop process, first, the determination unit 20c reads the communication time required for acquiring the previous image information from the storage unit 22, sets the predetermined time as a threshold value, and determines whether the communication time has exceeded the threshold value (step S22).

[0088] In the case of YES in step S22, the determination unit 20c determines the image quality level requested to the image forming apparatus 1 side as a speed-priority level (step S23). The predetermined time only needs to be determined in advance as, for example, 0.5 seconds or the like. In this case, when it takes longer than 0.5 seconds to acquire an image, it is regarded as an environment with a slow communication speed, and thus the process of step S23 can be executed. Here, the speed-priority level can be set to a level that prioritizes the communication speed and allows a reduction in the image quality of the remotely operated image. For example, in the case where the image quality level can be changed in increments of 1 from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 10, the speed-priority level only needs to be determined in advance as, for example, an image quality level of 3 or the like. Thus, in the case of a slow communication speed environment, by reducing the image quality of the remotely operated image and reducing its data size, the communication time associated therewith can be reduced to implement efficient communication.

[0089] On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S22, the determination unit 20c determines the image quality level requested to the image forming apparatus 1 side as a quality-priority level (step S24). Here, the quality-priority level can be set to a level that prioritizes the image quality of the remotely operated image and allows a decrease in the communication speed. For example, in the above example where the image quality level can be changed from 1 to 10, the quality-priority level only needs to be determined in advance as an image quality level of 10 or the like.

[0090] After the process of step S23 or after the process of step S24, the reception processing unit 20a or the transmission processing unit 20b records the communication start time in the storage unit 22 (step S25). In step S25, for example, the communication start time can be recorded in advance as a variable on the browser. The communication start time recorded in step S25 can be used to obtain the time required for acquiring the remotely operated image, that is, the communication time.

[0091] Next, the transmission processing unit 20b starts communication (step S26) of transmitting, as first information, information requesting acquisition of an image in a state where image quality information is specified as a parameter to the image forming apparatus 1. This communication is communication for acquiring an image implemented with the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the image quality information here can be exemplified by the above-described image quality levels. Therefore, in step S26, it can be set and transmitted in such a manner that the image quality level determined in step S23 or step S24 is included as at least one parameter of the first information. In addition, the order of step S25 and step S26 is not limited.

[0092] Next, the reception processing unit 20a determines whether there is a response from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S27). This response becomes, for example, a reply to a remotely operated image. When the determination in step S27 is negative, the response is awaited.

[0093] When the determination in step S27 is affirmative, the reception processing unit 20a records the communication end time in the storage unit 22 (step S28). In step S28, for example, the communication end time can be recorded in advance as a variable on the browser. The communication end time recorded in step S28 can be used to obtain the time required for acquisition of the remotely operated image, that is, the communication time. This communication time is stored in advance in the storage unit 21 together with the communication start time recorded in step S25, and thus can be referred to at the time of determination in step S22.

[0094] After step S28, the reception processing unit 20a causes the remotely operated image acquired by the response to be displayed on the browser (step S29). In addition, the order of step S28 and step S29 is not limited.

[0095] As described in Figure 2 , in order for the terminal device 2 to display changes in the operation image of the image forming apparatus 1 as remotely operated images in real time even when there is no operation by the user, image updates can be periodically performed in the background. Moreover, since the communication time taken for such periodic image update processing is also recorded, determination processing based on this communication time can be performed.

[0096] In addition, the communication time can also be pre-recorded as the communication time in the case of remotely operating an image for which a pre-determined image quality level is requested, etc., or the communication time in the case of remotely operating an image within a pre-determined data volume or range of data volumes. The pre-determined image quality level can also refer to the highest image quality level. Alternatively, in the determination process of determining the communication time as a threshold value, the threshold value can also be changed according to the image quality level or according to the data volume. Alternatively, the communication time can also be calculated as the communication time per unit data volume, and the threshold value can be fixed in advance. In addition, although the communication time has been described on the premise that it is the time required for one communication, statistical values such as the average value of a predetermined number of times or the maximum value of a predetermined number of times can also be used.

[0097] Next, the process flow of the image forming apparatus 1 that is executed corresponding to the process of the terminal apparatus 2 as described above will be described using Figure 3 for illustration. Figure 3 It is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present system 100.

[0098] First, the reception processing unit 10b of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether there is communication from the terminal apparatus 2 (step S31). In the case where there is no communication, it waits for communication. In the case where there is communication, that is, in the case where the result in step S31 is yes, the reception processing unit 10b analyzes the communication content (step S32). In this analysis, it also includes the extraction of the image quality level included in the above-described first information.

[0099] The transmission processing unit 10a receives the analysis result and designates the image quality level of the remotely operated image to be transmitted to the terminal apparatus 2 (step S33). Next, the transmission processing unit 10a generates a remotely operated image of the designated image quality level (step S34). In addition, as described above, in step S34, it is also possible to select a remotely operated image corresponding to the image quality level from among a group of pre-stored images. And, the transmission processing unit 10a generates communication content including the generated remotely operated image (step S35). Then, the transmission processing unit 10a transmits the generated communication content to the terminal apparatus 2 (step S36). After step S36, it returns to step S31 and waits for the next communication from the terminal apparatus 2.

[0100] In addition, in Figure 2 and Figure 3In this case, only an example in which the determination process is executed on the side of the terminal device 2 is listed. On the other hand, in the case where the determination process is implemented on the side of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, when analyzing the communication content in step S32, it is only necessary to determine whether the communication time is longer than the threshold value based on the first information related to the communication time. Moreover, it is only necessary to specify the image quality level based on the determination result in step S33.

[0101] Next, Figures 4 to 8 is used, and an overall processing example related to the update of the remote operation image in the system 100 is described while listing examples of the remote operation image. Figure 4 FIG. is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the case of a remote operation image having the highest image quality level obtained in the terminal device 2 of the system 100. Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the case of a remote operation image having the lowest image quality level obtained in the terminal device 2 of the system 100. In addition, Figure 6 is for showing in Figure 4 a schematic diagram of an example of the highest image quality level remote operation image displayed on the terminal device 2 in the processing example. Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an example of a medium image quality level remote operation image displayed on the terminal device 2 in the system 100.

[0102] Figure 8 is for showing in Figure 5 a schematic diagram of an example of the lowest image quality level remote operation image displayed on the terminal device 2 in the processing example.

[0103] First, by receiving the provision of the remote control panel, the terminal device 2 reads the communication time at the time of receiving the provision from the storage unit 22 (step S41). This communication time can be set to the previous communication time in advance, for example, but initially it can be set to the default value.

[0104] Next, the terminal device 2 sets the image quality level based on this communication time and requests the reception server device 3 to obtain the remote operation image (step S42). In Figure 4 an example is listed in which the communication time is shorter than the predetermined time and the image quality level is set to 10. Therefore, in the request in step S42, as a result, a request is made to obtain the remote operation image 60H of the highest image quality level 10 as the remote operation image. The remote operation image 60H will be described later. Figure 6 The remote operation image 60H will be described later.

[0105] The receiving server device 3 that has received the request for obtaining the remote operation image transmits the request to the base server device 4 (step S43). The base server device 4 that has received the request transmits the request to the image forming device 1 (step S44).

[0106] The image forming device 1 generates a remote operation image for the terminal device 2 according to the image quality level 10, and transmits the remote operation image to the base server device 4 (step S45). In this example, a remote operation image 60H corresponding to the image quality level 10 is generated. The base server device 4 that has received the image information transmits the communication content including the remote operation image 60H to the receiving server device 3 (step S46). The receiving server device 3 that has received the communication content transmits the communication content to the terminal device 2 (step S47).

[0107] The terminal device 2 displays the remote operation image 60H based on the received communication content (step S48). When a certain remote operation image is displayed at the time point of step S41, in step S48, it is updated to the remote operation image 60H.

[0108] The remote operation image 60H can include a background image 62H including a gradient pattern 62pH. In addition, the remote operation image 60H can include an icon group 61 showing various functions such as copying and scanning in the image forming device 1. The icon group can include, for example, an icon 61a for the copying function. In addition, when the remote operation image 60H is not the home page image, it can include a home page button 63 for returning to the home page image. In addition, the remote operation image 60H can also have a button 64 for transitioning to an operation image representing a printing task and the current state of the image forming device 1, a button 65 for performing an interruption process, a button 66 for selecting a medium tray, and an information bar 67 for displaying various information. Of course, the example of the remote operation image 60H is not limited to this, and other buttons can also be displayed. Even if it is an image that does not include some or all of the illustrated buttons or icons, as long as it is an operation image. In addition, in Figure 6 it, an example is given in which, in the remote operation image 60H, the mouse pointer 68 is displayed at a predetermined position, for example, and mouse operations can be performed.

[0109] Then, the terminal device 2 records the communication time t1 required until this update (step S49). In addition, the order of steps S48 and S49 is not limited. By repeating the above-described processing, the image quality level of the remote operation image displayed on the display unit 22 can be changed according to the communication time read in step S41.

[0110] For example, when the image quality level is set to the speed - priority image quality level 3 as in step S23 as a result of the determination in step S22 of Figure 2 , the remote operation image 60M of Figure 7 is displayed. In addition, two or more thresholds may be set in advance, and when the communication time is short, the remote operation image 60L with the lowest image quality level 1 can also be displayed as the remote operation image of Figure 8 . In this case, as shown by Figure 5 , the same processing as steps S41 - S49 of Figure 4 is executed (steps S51 - S59), but in step S52, a request is made to obtain the remote operation image with the image quality level set to 1. In this case, the communication time t2 recorded in step S59 is shorter than the above - mentioned communication time t1.

[0111] In addition, the remote operation image 60M can include the background image 62M including the gradient pattern 62p, and other targets can be the same as those of the remote operation image 60H. The remote operation image 60L can include the background image 62L including the gradient pattern 62pL, and other targets can be the same as those of the remote operation image 60H. In Figures 6 to 8 , it can be seen that the resolution of the gradient patterns 62pH, 62pM, 62pL decreases in this order.

[0112] Here, although an example of changing only the background image according to the image quality level is given, the resolution of the icon can also be changed. In addition, although the change in the resolution of the gradient pattern is used to illustrate the change in the image quality level of the background image, changes related to other visual effects can also be adopted. In addition, the resolution of the icon, the resolution of the gradient pattern of the background image, other visual effects, etc. can also be determined in advance corresponding to the first information as parameters of the image quality level.

[0113] In addition, when an operation event is sent from the terminal device 2 to the image forming device 1 side, the remote operation image corresponding to the operation event is also updated. In this case, the update of the remote operation image described in Figures 4 to 8 can also be applied in the same way.

[0114] Effects of this Embodiment

[0115] According to the present embodiment, when a part or all of the operation image of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed and operated via a network from the terminal device 2, the time required for switching the display of the remote operation image can be shortened regardless of the network structure, thereby improving user convenience. This is because, in the present embodiment, the amount of data of the remote operation image is changed according to the communication time, enabling efficient communication. In addition, as described above, since the operation event can be transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the image forming apparatus 1 side, it can be said that the response speed to such an operation event, that is, the response speed to the operation of the remote control panel, can also be improved.

[0116] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even in a network environment with a slow communication speed, such as when the communication path between the terminal device 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 is physically far from each other, the display switching speed of the remote control panel for user operations can be improved. In particular, according to the present embodiment, without incurring hardware costs such as enhancing the server device and communication line, the display switching speed of the remote control panel for user operations can be improved only by changing the programs of the terminal device 2 and the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, since the administrator or the like can also determine in advance what kind of image quality level is set for the lowest image quality level, it is also possible to provide only a remote operation image with an image quality level that can minimally ensure visual confirmation on the image forming apparatus 1 side.

[0117] Next, the results of experiments conducted based on a predetermined system environment are shown. As the above-mentioned predetermined system environment, experiments were conducted in an environment where the communication path between the terminal device 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 is a very long communication path passing through an overseas reception server device 3 and a base server device 4 from Japan. Figure 9 To show an example of the communication data size, communication time, and performance improvement percentage when the remote operation image of Figures 6 to 8 is transmitted in the present system 100. Here, the performance improvement percentage refers to the percentage increase in the frame rate.

[0118] As a result, as Figure 9 shown, with respect to the remote operation image 60H with the image quality level 10 set as the default, for example, a 10% performance improvement can be seen in the remote operation image 60M with the image quality level 3. In addition, with respect to the remote operation image 60H, a 12% performance improvement can be seen in the remote operation image 60L with the image quality level 1. Thus, in the present system 100, even in an environment with a slow communication speed, it is possible to ensure visual confirmation of the remote operation image and increase the frame rate of the remote control panel by about 10 - 12% without incurring hardware costs.

[0119] Next, the application scenarios of the present system 100 will be described, and the cases where the above-described effects are beneficial effects will be described. The provision of the remote control panel can be used, for example, by an operator located at a relatively far distance from the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of such an operator include an IT (Information Technology) manager or service personnel, a dealer engineer, etc. These operators can perform troubleshooting or training for end users without having to go to the site where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. For example, as scenarios for using the remote control panel, the following scenarios (1) and (2) can be envisioned.

[0120] (1) The IT manager within the company where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed uses the terminal device 2 and directly accesses the image forming apparatus 1 from within the same intranet and uses it.

[0121] (2) Service personnel or dealer engineers outside the company where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed use the terminal device 2 and access the image forming apparatus 1 via the reception server device 3 and the base server device 4 and use it.

[0122] In the present embodiment, in either of the scenarios (1) and (2) like this, the operator can comfortably and quickly perform processing by using the present system 100 with a relatively fast display switching speed of the remote control panel.

[0123] Other network configuration examples of the image forming system

[0124] Use Figure 10 Next, other configuration examples of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 10 It is a schematic block diagram showing other configuration examples of the image forming system including the image forming apparatus and the terminal device according to the present embodiment.

[0125] The image forming system according to the present embodiment can be configured as an image forming system 100A having a network configuration example as shown. The image forming system 100A connects the terminal device 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 using a LAN (Local Area Network), and connects a communication control device 5 such as a router to the LAN. The LAN can be, for example, the LAN of a company or the like where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. The communication control device 5 is a device that controls communication between devices within the LAN and the network N. In the network N1, server devices 6 such as a reception server device 3 and a base server device 4 are connected, for example. Of course, the network configuration applicable in the present embodiment is not limited to the network configuration exemplified by Figure 10 and Figure 1 and Figure 10 shown.

[0126] (Other modified examples)

[0127] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist. For example, the image forming apparatus applied to the image forming system according to the present embodiment can be widely applied to copiers, facsimile machines, multifunction machines having these functions, etc., as can be understood from remote operation images such as Figures 6 to 8 .

[0128] In addition, each device provided in the image forming system according to the above-described embodiments can have, for example, the following hardware configuration. Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device.

[0129] Figure 11 The device 1000 shown can include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 can include, for example, a communication interface required according to the device, or an interface with sensors, input / output devices, etc.

[0130] The processor 1001 can be, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) also known as a microprocessor, etc. The processor 1001 can also include multiple processors. The memory 1002 is constituted by a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, for example. The functions in each device are realized by the processor 1001 reading a program stored in the memory 1002 and executing the program while exchanging required information via the interface 1003.

[0131] In addition, the above program includes a set of commands (or software code) that, when read by a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program can also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. As non-limiting examples, the computer-readable medium or the tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. In addition, as non-limiting examples, the computer-readable medium or the tangible storage medium includes CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Blu-ray disc, or other optical disc storage, cassette tapes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program can also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As non-limiting examples, the transitory computer-readable medium or the communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described above according to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the structures of the above embodiments, and of course includes various deformations, corrections, and combinations that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention claimed in the claims of this application.

[0133] Symbol Explanation

[0134] 1... Image forming apparatus; 2... Terminal device; 3... Reception server device; 4... Basic server device; 5... Communication control device; 6... Server device; 10... Control unit; 10a... Transmission processing unit; 10b... Reception processing unit; 11... Storage unit; 12... Display unit; 13... Operation unit; 14... Communication unit; 15... Printing unit; 20... Control unit; 20a... Reception processing unit; 20b... Transmission processing unit; 20c... Decision unit; 21... Storage unit; 22... Display unit; 23... Operation unit; 24... Communication unit; 60H, 60M, 60L... Remote operation images; 61... Icon group; 61a... Icon for copy function; 62H, 62M, 62L... Background images; 62pH, 62pM, 62pL... Gradient patterns; 63... Home button; 64, 65, 66... Buttons; 67... Information bar; 68... Pointer; 1000... Device; 1001... Processor; 1002... Memory; 1003... Interface; N... Network; N1... Network.

Claims

1. An image forming device comprising: Ministry of Communications; A display unit that displays an operation image; a transmission processing unit that transmits display information obtained based on the operation image displayed on the display unit to a terminal device via the communication unit; a reception processing unit that receives first information related to a communication time required for communication for the terminal device to acquire the display information from the terminal device via the communication unit, The transmission processing unit transmits, as the display information, image information obtained based on image quality information related to the image quality corresponding to the first information to the terminal device.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reception processing unit receives information including a request related to the image quality information as the first information from the terminal device.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The reception processing unit receives information including the communication time as the first information from the terminal device.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The reception processing unit receives, as the first information, information including the image quality information determined based on the communication time from the terminal device.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The transmission processing unit transmits, to the terminal device, the image information having a lower image quality than when the communication time is less than the predetermined time, when the communication time is longer than a predetermined time.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The transmission processing unit transmits the display information as information to be displayed on a browser of the terminal device.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication unit communicates with the terminal device via at least one information processing device.

8. A terminal device comprising: Operations Department; Ministry of Communications; a reception processing unit that receives display information obtained based on an operation image displayed on an image forming apparatus side display unit as a display unit of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus via the communication unit; a display unit that displays a remote operation image based on the display information received by the reception processing unit; a storage unit that stores a communication time required for communication for acquiring the display information from the image forming device; a transmission processing unit that transmits first information related to the communication time to the image forming device via the communication unit, The reception processing unit receives, as the display information, image information obtained based on image quality information related to image quality corresponding to the first information from the image forming device, The display unit displays the remote operation image based on the image information.

9. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein: The transmission processing unit transmits information including a request related to the image quality information as the first information to the image forming apparatus.

10. The terminal device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The transmission processing unit transmits information including the communication time as the first information to the image forming apparatus.

11. The terminal device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: A determination unit is provided, wherein the determination unit determines the image quality information based on the communication time, The transmission processing unit transmits information including the image quality information as the first information to the image forming apparatus.

12. The terminal device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: When the communication time is longer than a predetermined time, the reception processing unit receives, from the image forming apparatus, the image information having a lower image quality than when the communication time is less than the predetermined time.

13. The terminal device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The reception processing unit receives the display information as information to be displayed by a browser of the terminal device.

14. The terminal device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatus via at least one information processing apparatus.

15. A method for sending information, wherein: executing a sending process in which an image forming device including a communication unit and a display unit for displaying an operation image sends display information obtained based on the operation image displayed on the display unit to a terminal device via the communication unit, executing a reception process in which the image forming apparatus receives first information related to a communication time required for the terminal apparatus to acquire the display information from the terminal apparatus via the communication unit, In the transmission process, image information obtained based on image quality information related to image quality corresponding to the first information is transmitted to the terminal device as the display information.

Images