Image forming apparatus, control method and system

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus and the like capable of improving operability during remote operation. An image forming apparatus that can be remotely operated by an information processing apparatus including a first display unit that displays a first operation image as a remote operation image, the image forming apparatus including: a second display unit that displays a second operation image as a remote operation image; a display unit that displays a second operation image as an image for operating the image forming apparatus; a communication unit that communicates with the information processing device; a display storage unit for expanding the first operation image; and a control section that transmits the first operation image to the information processing apparatus when a resolution of the first display section is higher than a resolution of the second display section, the first operation image including the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a system. Background Technology

[0002] Historically, the following remote operating systems have been known.

[0003] A remote operating system that uses other network-connected devices (such as information processing devices or portable information terminals) to remotely operate devices located in a remote location (such as multifunction printers or information processing devices).

[0004] There are known remote operating systems that have an information processing device and a portable information terminal, and the portable information terminal receives image information displayed on the display screen of the information processing device and displays it on the display screen of the portable information terminal (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-245095). Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a remote operating system, when a multifunction printer is remotely operated from another device, the remote operation application running on that device typically displays the same operation screen as the multifunction printer's control panel on the other device's monitor. However, when the multifunction printer's control panel is small and the displayed screen is designed for a small control panel, simply displaying the same screen as the multifunction printer's control panel on the other device's monitor as a single remote control panel can lead to frequent screen switching due to the limited amount of information displayed, resulting in cumbersome operation.

[0006] Furthermore, in the remote operating system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-245095, the display screen size of the portable information terminal receiving screen information is smaller than the display screen size of the information processing device being remotely operated. The remote operating system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-245095 aims to improve operability in such situations, but it does not consider the case where the display screen size of the portable information terminal receiving screen information is larger than the display screen size of the information processing device being remotely operated.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus, etc., that improves operability during remote operation.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that can be remotely operated by an information processing device. The information processing device has a first display unit that displays a first operation image as an image for remote operation. The image forming apparatus further includes: a second display unit that displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image for operating the image forming apparatus; a communication unit that communicates with the information processing device; a display storage unit that expands the first operation image; and a control unit that transmits the first operation image to the information processing device when the resolution of the first display unit is higher than the resolution of the second display unit. The first operation image includes the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a control method for an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus can be remotely operated by an information processing device having a first display unit and has a second display unit. The first display unit displays a first operation image as an image for remote operation, and the second display unit displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image for operating the image forming apparatus. The control method includes the following steps: communicating with the information processing device; unfolding the first operation image; and when the resolution of the first display unit is higher than the resolution of the second display unit, sending the first operation image to the information processing device, wherein the first operation image includes the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a system comprising an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of remotely operating the image forming apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises: a first communication unit that receives a first operation image as a remote operation image for remotely operating the image forming apparatus; a first display unit that displays the first operation image; and a processing unit that remotely operates the image forming apparatus using the first operation image. The image forming apparatus comprises: a second display unit that displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image for operating the image forming apparatus; a second communication unit that communicates with the information processing apparatus; a display storage unit that expands the first operation image; and a control unit that, when the resolution of the first display unit is higher than the resolution of the second display unit, sends the first operation image to the information processing apparatus, wherein the first operation image includes the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

[0011] The image forming apparatus and the like disclosed herein can improve operability during remote operation. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the system involved in the implementation method.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the MFP involved in the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the PC involved in the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 4 This diagram shows an example of screen data displayed in the storage unit.

[0016] Figure 5 This is an example of an image displayed on the display unit of an MFP for actual machine operation.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on the PC's display.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on the PC's display.

[0019] Figure 8 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on the PC's display.

[0020] Figure 9 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on the PC's display.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram illustrating the control method of the system involved in the implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the system involved in the implementation method.

[0024] System 100 includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 and a PC (Personal Computer) 201. The MFP 101 and PC 201 are connected via a network 301 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and can communicate with each other. The MFP 101 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The PC 201 is an example of an information processing apparatus.

[0025] The MFP101 has multiple functions (modes) such as scanning, printing, copying, and faxing of original documents. The MFP101 receives print jobs from the PC201, which contain print data including text and images of the printable object and print settings information, and performs printing based on the print data contained in the print job.

[0026] For example, the PC201 creates print data containing documents, tables, images, and print settings information, and sends a print job containing the created print data to the MFP101. The PC201 has a remote operation application installed, which allows the MFP101 to be operated remotely.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the MFP involved in the implementation method.

[0028] The MFP101 includes a control unit 111, a reading unit 121, a display operation unit 131, a printing unit 141, a communication unit 151, a storage unit 161, and a display storage unit 171.

[0029] The control unit 111 controls the MFP101 for scanning, printing, copying, etc. The control unit 111 is implemented, for example, by a processor such as one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), or by one or more logic circuits (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0030] The reading unit 121 reads the original placed on the original table (not shown) of the MFP101 or the original transport device (not shown), and generates image data of the read original.

[0031] The display operation unit 131 displays various information and receives operation input from the user. The display operation unit 131 may be, for example, a touch panel. The display operation unit 131 includes a display unit 132 and an input unit 133. The display unit 132 performs various displays according to the display control signals from the control unit 111. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electroluminescent) display. The resolution of the display unit 132 is lower than the resolution of the display unit 231 of the PC 201 described later. The resolution of the display unit 132 may be, for example, 480 pixels × 360 pixels. The input unit 133 may be, for example, a position input device that detects the coordinates of the contact position of a finger or stylus in the input unit 133 and outputs the detected coordinates to the control unit 111. Alternatively, the input unit 133 may also be a hardware button such as an operation button.

[0032] The printing unit 141 prints text and images on a recording medium such as paper supplied from the paper supply unit (not shown) based on the printing data included in the print job received from the PC 201 via the communication unit 151 or the printing data stored in the storage unit 161.

[0033] The communication unit 151 communicates with the PC 201 under the control of the control unit 111 and performs data conversion accompanying the communication. The communication unit 151 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface, specifically such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication interface.

[0034] Storage unit 161 stores various programs and data required for the operation of MFP101. Storage unit 161 may be composed of one or more storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0035] The display storage unit 171 stores data of the images displayed on the display unit 132 and the display unit 231 of the PC 201 (described later) during remote operation. In this embodiment, since the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher than that of the display unit 132, and the resolution of the remote operation image displayed by the PC 201 is higher than that of the operation image displayed by the display unit 132, the capacity (area) of the display storage unit 171 is larger than the capacity required to expand the operation image displayed by the display unit 132. Specifically, the capacity of the display storage unit 171 is the size of the remote operation image displayed by the PC 201 that can be expanded.

[0036] For example, during remote operation, the control unit 111 reads the remote operation image from the display storage unit 171 and sends it to the PC 201 via the communication unit 151. The PC 201 then displays the remote operation image on the display unit 231. Alternatively, for example, when the control unit 111 displays an operation screen on the display unit 132, it uses the screen data (actual operation image) of the operation screen displayed in the display storage unit 171 to display the actual operation image as the operation screen on the display unit 132. It should be noted that the design of the remote operation image displayed by the PC 201 includes the operation screen displayed on the display unit 132, and a portion of the remote operation image displayed in the display storage unit 171 is the actual operation image displayed on the display unit 132. The display storage unit 171 may be composed of one or more storage devices such as RAM.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the display storage unit 171 and the storage unit 161 are provided separately, but the storage unit 161 may also include the display storage unit 171, and the storage unit 161 may also function as the display storage unit 171. Furthermore, the display operation unit 131 may also include the display storage unit 171.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the PC involved in the implementation method.

[0039] PC201 includes a processing unit 211, a storage unit 221, a display unit 231, an input unit 241, and a communication unit 251.

[0040] The processing unit 211 controls the PC 201. The processing unit 211 is implemented by, for example, one or more processors such as CPUs. The processing unit 211 communicates with the MFP 101 by executing a remote operation application and remotely operates the MFP 101.

[0041] Storage unit 221 stores various programs and data required for the operation of PC 201. Storage unit 221 stores remote operation applications for remotely operating MFP 101. Storage unit 221 may be composed of one or more storage devices such as RAM, HDD, SSD or ROM.

[0042] Display unit 231 performs various displays. Display unit 231 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The resolution of display unit 231 is higher than that of display unit 132 of MFP101. The resolution of display unit 231 is, for example, 1920 pixels × 1080 pixels.

[0043] The input unit 241 receives operation input and various information input from the user. The input unit 241 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touchpad.

[0044] The communication unit 251 communicates with the MFP101 under the control of the processing unit 211 and performs data conversion accompanying the communication. The communication unit 251 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface, specifically such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication interface.

[0045] When remotely operating the MFP101, the processing unit 211 reads and executes the remote operation application from the storage unit 221, thereby communicating with the MFP101. The communication unit 251 receives the remote operation image from the MFP101, and the processing unit 211 displays the remote operation image on the display unit 231. The processing unit 211 uses the remote operation image to remotely operate the MFP101.

[0046] Figure 4 This diagram shows an example of screen data displayed in the storage unit.

[0047] The display storage unit 171 contains an operation image (a physical operation image corresponding to the image forming apparatus operation image) corresponding to the second operation image displayed on the display unit 132 of the MFP101, and a remote operation image corresponding to the first operation image displayed on the PC201 during remote operation. Specifically, the remote operation image 411 is displayed in the area 401 indicated by the solid line in the display storage unit 171. In addition, the physical operation image 412 is a part of the remote operation image 411, and the image in the area 402 indicated by the dashed line is the physical operation image 412. Figure 4 The actual operation image 412 is the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​setting screen. It should be noted that the image of the area corresponding to the third operation image within area 401, excluding area 402, is an image included in the remote operation image 411 when the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher than the resolution of the display unit 132. It is an image based on an actual operation image that is different from the actual operation image 412 of area 402.

[0048] Next, the display of the display unit 132 of the MFP101 will be explained.

[0049] Figure 5 This is an example of an image displayed on the display unit of an MFP (Multi-Functional Photonics) for actual machine operation. Specifically, Figure 5 The display unit 132 of the MFP101 shows the SSID setting screen. When the display unit 132 is displaying, the control unit 111 reads the screen data (operational image 412) displayed in area 402 from the display storage unit 171, and displays the operation image 412 on the display unit 132. That is, a portion of the remote operation image 411 displayed in the display storage unit 171 is captured and displayed on the display unit 132. Thus, the display unit 132 displays... Figure 5 The image 412 shown on the left is for actual operation. The image 412 includes an edit box 501 for inputting the SSID (Service Set Identifier).

[0050] When the user touches the edit box 501 to input the SSID, the control unit 111 unfolds the actual operation image 413 of the QWERTY keyboard in the area 402 of the display storage unit 171 and displays it on the display unit 132. Figure 5 Image 413 for actual machine operation is shown on the right.

[0051] The user inputs the SSID via the keyboard in the operation image 413. The operation image 413 also includes an OK button 502 for confirming the input SSID and a Cancel button 503 for canceling the input. When the user touches the OK button 502 or the Cancel button 503 to confirm or cancel the input SSID, the control unit 111 expands the operation image 412 into area 402 of the display storage unit 171 and displays it on the display unit 132. Figure 5 Image 412 for actual machine operation shown on the left.

[0052] Thus, the image displayed on the display unit 132 switches to the actual operation image 413 when the user touches the edit box 501 of the actual operation image 412, and switches to the actual operation image 412 when the user touches the OK button 502 or the cancel button 503 of the actual operation image 413.

[0053] Next, the display on the display unit 231 of PC201 during remote operation will be explained.

[0054] Figure 6 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on a PC's monitor. Specifically, Figure 6 This is an example of the SSID settings screen.

[0055] When remotely operating the MFP101, the processing unit 211 first reads and executes the remote operation application from the storage unit 221, sends a connection request to the MFP101, and establishes a connection with the MFP101. The processing unit 211 sends the resolution of the display unit 231 to the MFP101, and the control unit 111 compares the resolution of the display unit 231 with the resolution of the display unit 132 to determine which resolution is higher. As shown in the above embodiment, since the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher than the resolution of the display unit 132, the control unit 111 determines that the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher.

[0056] Since the resolution of the display unit 231 is determined to be higher than that of the display unit 132, the control unit 111 reads the remote operation image 411 displayed in area 401 of the display storage unit 171 and sends the remote operation image 411 to the PC 201 via the communication unit 151.

[0057] The communication unit 251 receives the remote operation image 411 from the MFP101, and the processing unit 211 displays the remote operation image 411 on the display unit 231. Thus, the display unit 231 displays, for example... Figure 6 The image shown is 411, which is the remote operation image of the SSID settings screen.

[0058] The remote operation image 411 includes an edit box 601 for inputting an SSID, a copy button 602 for switching to copy mode, a scan button 603 for switching to scan mode, a fax button 604 for switching to fax mode, a logout button 605 for logging out a logged-in user, and a QWERTY keyboard for text input. The copy button 602, scan button 603, and fax button 604 are examples of switches for different modes.

[0059] The user uses a mouse or stylus to input the SSID in the edit box 601 via the keyboard of the remote operation image 411. Because a keyboard is provided in the remote operation image 411, issues such as... will not occur during remote operation. Figure 5 The screen switching is described when directly operating the MFP101.

[0060] Furthermore, the remote operation image 411 includes a copy button 602, a scan button 603, a fax button 604, and a logout button 605, which are not present in the actual operation image 413. Therefore, the user can switch from the remote operation image 411 (which serves as the SSID) to an operation screen (copy mode, scan mode, or fax mode) for using other functions (copy, scan, or fax) by selecting the copy button 602, scan button 603, or fax button 604, without returning to the home screen or other screens. Additionally, the user can log out by selecting the logout button 605 from the remote operation image 411 (which serves as the SSID) without returning to the home screen or other screens.

[0061] Figure 7 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on a PC's monitor. Specifically, Figure 7 This is an example of the operation screen in copy mode.

[0062] When switching to copy mode during remote operation, the control unit 111 unfolds the remote operation image 701 of copy mode in area 401 of the display storage unit 171 and sends the remote operation image 701 to the PC 201. The communication unit 251 receives the remote operation image 701 from the MFP 101, and the processing unit 211 displays the remote operation image 701 on the display unit 231. Thus, the display unit 231 displays... Figure 7 The image shown is a remote operation image 701 of the operation screen in copy mode.

[0063] The remote operation image 701 includes a scan button 703, a fax button 704, an exit button 705, a paper selection button 711, a single-sided / double-sided copy selection button 712, a magnification setting button 713, an editing box 714, and a start button 715. Additionally, the remote operation image 701 also includes a numeric keypad for entering numbers in the editing box 714. The scan button 703 and fax button 704 are examples of switches for different modes. The control unit 111 changes the switch buttons displayed in the remote operation image 701 according to the currently set mode. Specifically, since the MFP 101 is currently set to copy mode and the operation screen for copy mode is displayed, a copy button for switching to copy mode is not provided in the remote operation image 701, as the necessity of selecting this button is low. It should be noted that a copy button can also be provided in the remote operation image 701; in this case, the copy button can be set to a grayed-out or unselectable state.

[0064] Additionally, since a logout button 705 is located in the upper right area of ​​the remote operation image 701, it is not present in the image 705. Figure 6 The logout button can be set in the lower area of ​​the remote operation image 411, as shown. It should be noted that the logout button can also be set in the lower area of ​​the remote operation image 701; in this case, the logout button can be grayed out or otherwise unselectable. Furthermore, when setting the logout button in the lower area of ​​the remote operation image 701, it can be displayed similarly to logout button 705, containing only an icon indicating logout. Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, a logout button containing an icon indicating logout and a string representing the username of the logged-in user can also be displayed.

[0065] It should be noted that in the display unit 132 of the MFP101, during copy mode, the actual operation image corresponding to the portion of area 721 enclosed by the dotted line in the remote operation image 701 is displayed as the actual operation screen. Additionally, when the editing frame 714 is touched, the numeric keypad is displayed on the display unit 132 as the actual operation screen. It should be noted that the actual operation screen displayed on the display unit 132, which includes the numeric keypad, does not include scan or fax buttons.

[0066] On the other hand, the remote operation image 701 is equipped with a scan button 703 and a fax button 704. Thus, during remote operation, the user does not need to return to the home screen or other screens that serve as mode switching screens, but can switch from copy mode to scan mode or fax mode by selecting the scan button 703 or the fax button 704.

[0067] Figure 8 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on a PC's monitor. Specifically, Figure 8This is an example of the operation screen in scanning mode.

[0068] When switching to scanning mode during remote operation, the control unit 111 unfolds the remote operation image 801 in scanning mode in area 401 of the display storage unit 171 and sends the remote operation image 801 to the PC 201. The communication unit 251 receives the remote operation image 801 from the MFP 101, and the processing unit 211 displays the remote operation image 801 on the display unit 231. Thus, the display unit 231 displays... Figure 8 The image shown is a remote operation image 801, which is the operation screen in scanning mode.

[0069] The remote operation image 801 includes a copy button 802, a fax button 804, an exit button 805, an original size selection button 811, a resolution selection button 812, an original type / density selection button 813, and a start button 815. Additionally, the remote operation image 801 also includes a QWERTY keyboard for text input.

[0070] The control unit 111 changes the switching button displayed in the remote operation image 801 according to the currently set mode. Specifically, since the MFP101 is currently set to scanning mode and the operation screen for scanning mode is displayed, there is no scan button for switching to scanning mode in the remote operation image 801, as the necessity of selecting this button is low. It should be noted that a scan button can also be set in the remote operation image 801, in which case the scan button can be set to a grayed-out or other unselectable state.

[0071] Additionally, since a logout button 805 is located in the upper right area of ​​the remote operation image 801, it is not present in the image 805. Figure 6 The logout button can be set in the lower area of ​​the remote operation image 411. It should be noted that the logout button can also be set in the lower area of ​​the remote operation image 801; in this case, the logout button can be grayed out or otherwise unselectable. Furthermore, when setting the logout button in the lower area of ​​the remote operation image 801, it can be displayed similarly to logout button 805, containing only an icon indicating logout, but... Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, a logout button can also be displayed, containing an icon indicating logout and a string representing the username of the logged-in user. The copy button 802 and fax button 804 are examples of toggle buttons that switch between multiple modes.

[0072] It should be noted that in the display unit 132 of the MFP101, during copying mode, the actual operation image corresponding to the area 821 enclosed by the dotted line in the remote operation image 801 is displayed as the actual operation screen. Additionally, when the mail destination display area before setting the mail destination is touched... Figure 8 When "hogeexample.com" is set as the mail destination, or when the destination addition button ("+" button) is set to the left of the logout button 805, a QWERTY keyboard is displayed on the display unit 132 as a screen for actual operation. It should be noted that the screen for actual operation, which includes a numeric keypad, displayed on the display unit 132 does not include a copy button or a fax button.

[0073] On the other hand, the remote operation image 801 is equipped with a copy button 802 and a fax button 804. Therefore, during remote operation, the user does not need to return to the home screen or other screens that serve as mode switching screens, but can switch from scanning mode to copy mode or fax mode by selecting the copy button 802 or the fax button 804.

[0074] Figure 9 This is an example of a remote operation image displayed on a PC's monitor. Specifically, Figure 9 This is an example of the operation screen in fax mode.

[0075] When switching to fax mode during remote operation, the control unit 111 unfolds the remote operation image 901 in fax mode in area 401 of the display storage unit 171 and sends the remote operation image 901 to the PC 201. The communication unit 251 receives the remote operation image 901 from the MFP 101, and the processing unit 211 displays the remote operation image 901 on the display unit 231. Thus, the display unit 231 displays... Figure 9 The image shown is a remote operation image 901, which is the operation screen in fax mode.

[0076] The remote operation image 901 includes a copy button 902, a scan button 903, a logout button 905, an address book button 911, a send history button 912, a direct input button 913, and a start button 915. Additionally, the remote operation image 901 also includes a fax numeric keypad for entering fax numbers.

[0077] The control unit 111 changes the switching button displayed in the remote operation image 901 according to the currently set mode. Specifically, since the MFP 101 is currently set to fax mode and the operation screen for fax mode is displayed, there is no fax button to switch to fax mode in the remote operation image 901, as the necessity of selecting this button is low. It should be noted that a fax button can also be set in the remote operation image 901, in which case the fax button can be set to a grayed-out or unselectable state. The copy button 902 and the scan button 903 are examples of switching buttons for switching between multiple modes.

[0078] It should be noted that in the display unit 132 of the MFP101, in fax mode, the actual operation image corresponding to the area 921 surrounded by the dotted line in the remote operation image 901 is displayed as the actual operation screen. Additionally, when the direct input button 913 is touched or the destination display area before setting the mail destination (…) is shown… Figure 9 When the destination is set to "01234567" or when the destination addition button ("+" button) is set at the top of the image, the fax numeric keypad is displayed on the display unit 132 as a screen for actual machine operation. It should be noted that the actual machine operation screen displayed on the display unit 132, which includes the fax numeric keypad, does not have a copy button, a scan button, or a logout button.

[0079] On the other hand, the remote operation image 901 includes a copy button 902, a scan button 903, and a logout button 905. Therefore, during remote operation, the user does not need to return to the home screen or other screens used for mode switching; they can switch from fax mode to copy mode or scan mode by selecting the copy button 902 or the scan button 903. Furthermore, in fax mode during remote operation, the user does not need to return to the home screen or other screens; they can log out by selecting the logout button 905.

[0080] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram illustrating the control method of the system involved in the implementation.

[0081] In step S1001, the control unit 111 displays a remote operation image, including the mode switching button and the logout button, in the display storage unit 171. Alternatively, the control unit 111 may display a portion of the remote operation image displayed in the display storage unit 171 as a physical operation image on the display unit 132. Alternatively, the control unit 111 may display only the physical operation image in the display storage unit 171. In this case, for example, if it is determined in subsequent step S1005 that the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher than the resolution of the display unit 132, the remote operation image including the mode switching button and the logout button is displayed in the display storage unit 171.

[0082] In step S1002, the processing unit 211 executes the remote operation application and sends a connection request to the MFP101 via the communication unit 251.

[0083] In step S1003, the communication unit 151 receives a connection request from the PC201, and the control unit 111 establishes a connection with the PC201.

[0084] In step S1004, the processing unit 211 sends information about the PC 201, including the resolution of the display unit 231, to the MFP 101 via the communication unit 251.

[0085] In step S1005, the communication unit 151 receives information from the PC 201, including information such as the resolution of the display unit 231, and the control unit 111 determines whether the resolution of the display unit 132 or the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher. As shown in the above embodiment, since the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher than the resolution of the display unit 132, it is determined that the resolution of the display unit 231 is higher. Since the resolution of the display unit 231 is determined to be higher, the control unit 111 sends the remote operation image displayed in the display storage unit 171 to the PC 201 via the communication unit 151. It should be noted that when it is determined that the resolution of the display unit 132 is higher or the resolutions of the display unit 132 and the display unit 231 are the same, the control unit 111 can send a portion of the remote operation image displayed in the display storage unit 171 (e.g., a physical operation image) to the PC 201 via the communication unit 151, so that the operation images displayed on the display unit 132 and the display unit 231 are the same.

[0086] In step S1006, the communication unit 251 receives a remote operation image, the processing unit 211 displays the remote operation image on the display unit 231, and uses the remote operation image to remotely operate the MFP101.

[0087] The control unit 111 operates the MFP101 according to the remote operation of the PC201, and performs actions such as unfolding a new remote operation image corresponding to the remote operation in the display storage unit 171 and sending the new remote operation image to the PC201. Thereafter, the remote operation and the transmission of the new remote operation image corresponding to the remote operation are repeated between the MFP101 and the PC201 until a transmission cut-off request is requested.

[0088] In step S1007, the processing unit 211 sends a remote operation cutoff request to the MFP101.

[0089] In step S1008, the communication unit 151 receives a cut-off request from the PC201, and the control unit 111 cuts off communication with the PC201.

[0090] For example, when a user operates the MFP101 via its display operation unit 131 and needs to switch from the currently used function to other modes such as copying, scanning, or faxing, they need to touch the button for switching to another mode. However, because the MFP101's display unit 132 has a low resolution, there is no space in the operation screen, including the keyboard, to display the button for switching to another mode, so the button is not always displayed. Therefore, when operating the MFP101 via the display operation unit 131, the user needs to perform operations such as returning to the home screen used for mode switching to switch to another mode. Additionally, the user also needs to perform operations such as returning to the home screen when logging out. The same applies when remote operation, where the same screen as the MFP101's display unit 132 is displayed on the PC 201's display unit 231.

[0091] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the PC201 always displays buttons for switching between modes such as copying, scanning, and faxing, along with the keyboard or numeric keypad, on the remote operation screen, so users can switch modes without having to return to the homepage. Furthermore, a logout button is always displayed on the remote operation screen, so users do not need to return to the homepage when logging out. Thus, the system according to this embodiment improves operability during remote operation.

[0092] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified. The above configuration can be replaced with substantially the same configuration, configuration that performs the same function or effect, or configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that can be remotely operated by an information processing device, the information processing device having a first display unit that displays a first operation image for remote operation, the image forming apparatus being characterized in that it comprises: The second display unit displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image for operating the image forming apparatus. The communication unit communicates with the information processing device; A display storage unit is used to expand the first operation image; as well as The control unit sends the first operation image to the information processing device when the resolution of the first display unit is higher than the resolution of the second display unit. The first operation image includes the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first operation image includes the second operation image and a third image based on the image forming apparatus operation image, which is different from the second operation image.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus has multiple modes. The control unit includes a switching button for switching the multiple modes in an image forming apparatus operation image that is different from the second operation image, as the third image.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit changes the switching button included in the image forming apparatus operation image, which is different from the second operation image, according to the currently executed mode among the multiple modes.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit includes the logout button used by the user in the image forming apparatus operation image, which is different from the second operation image, as the third image.

6. A control method for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus being remotely operated by an information processing device having a first display unit, and having a second display unit, wherein the first display unit displays a first operation image as an image for remote operation, and the second display unit displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Communicate with the information processing device; Expand the first operation image; When the resolution of the first display unit is higher than the resolution of the second display unit, the first operation image is sent to the information processing device, wherein the first operation image includes the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

7. A system comprising an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of remotely operating the image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The information processing device includes: A first communication unit receives a first operation image as a remote operation image, which is used to remotely operate the image forming apparatus. A first display unit is used to display the first operation image; as well as The processing unit remotely operates the image forming apparatus based on the first operation image. The image forming apparatus includes: The second display unit displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image, which is used to operate the image forming apparatus. A second communication unit is used to communicate with the information processing device; A display storage unit is used to expand the first operation image; as well as The control unit sends the first operation image to the information processing device when the resolution of the first display unit is higher than the resolution of the second display unit. The first operation image includes the second operation image as a part of the first operation image.

Images