Image processing device, method of controlling image processing device, and control program

Abstract

To provide an image processing device on which a connection with a communication terminal is less likely to be disconnected against the user's intention, a method of controlling an image processing device and a control program.SOLUTION: An image processing device 10 comprises a body 101, a first communication unit 191, a second communication unit 192, and a communication control unit 171. The body 101 has image processing functions. The first communication unit 191 is incorporated in the body 101 and performs wireless communication with a communication terminal 20 in a first communication scheme, thereby transmitting data between the body 101 and the communication terminal 20. The second communication unit 192 is incorporated in the body 101 and performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 in a second communication scheme. When the distance from the body 101 to the communication terminal 20 determined using the wireless communication between the second communication unit 192 and the communication terminal 20 exceeds a disconnection distance, the communication control unit 171 disconnects the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] As related art, an image processing apparatus (MFP) having a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) function is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) function is one of the wireless LAN standards, and information processing apparatuses equipped with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) function are connected to each other by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) without using a wireless LAN router.

[0003] When an application is operated on the communication terminal within a preset time after the image processing apparatus according to the related art is connected to the communication terminal (external device) by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), the connection by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) is extended. On the other hand, when an application is not operated on the communication terminal within a preset time after the image processing apparatus is connected to the communication terminal by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), the connection by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) is disconnected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of the related art described above, since the connection between the image processing apparatus and the communication terminal is disconnected only because the application is not operated for a while, the connection with the communication terminal may be disconnected contrary to the user's intention, which may result in poor usability.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device in which a connection with a communication terminal is unlikely to be cut off against the user's will, and a control method and control program for the image processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body, a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a communication control unit. The main body has an image processing function. The first communication unit is mounted on the main body and transmits data between the main body and the communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal using a first communication method. The second communication unit is mounted on the main body and transmits wirelessly with the communication terminal using a second communication method. The communication control unit disconnects the connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal determined using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance.

[0008] A control method for an image processing device according to another aspect of the present invention is used in an image processing device including a main body, a first communication unit, and a second communication unit, and includes disconnecting a connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal determined using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance. The main body has an image processing function. The first communication unit is mounted on the main body and transmits data between the main body and the communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal using a first communication method. The second communication unit is mounted on the main body and transmits wireless communication with the communication terminal using a second communication method.

[0009] A control program according to another aspect of the present invention is used in an image processing device having a main body, a first communication unit, and a second communication unit, and causes one or more processors to execute the following: disconnecting the connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal determined using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance. The main body has an image processing function. The first communication unit is mounted on the main body and transmits data between the main body and the communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal using a first communication method. The second communication unit is mounted on the main body and transmits wireless communication with the communication terminal using a second communication method. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing device, a control method for an image processing device, and a control program for the image processing device, in which a connection with a communication terminal is unlikely to be disconnected against the user's will. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication state between the image processing device according to the first embodiment and a communication terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall configuration of image processing device First, the overall configuration of an image processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] The image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a scanning function for acquiring image data from an original, a printing function for forming an image based on image data, a facsimile function, and a copy function. The image processing device 10 only needs to have an image processing function including at least one of a function for forming an image and a function for acquiring image data, and may be a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copy machine, or the like.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the image processing device 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, a control device 17, a first communication unit 191, and a second communication unit 192. The automatic document feeder 11 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and is therefore written as "ADF" in Fig. 1 and will also be referred to as "ADF11" in the following description. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the image processing device 10 includes a main body 101. The ADF11, the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 13, the paper feed unit 14, the display unit 15, the operation unit 16, the control device 17, the first communication unit 191, and the second communication unit 192 are provided in the main body 101.

[0016] The ADF 11 transports an original document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 includes an original document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, an original document pressing unit, and a paper ejection unit.

[0017] The image reading unit 12 reads an image from a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading unit 12 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

[0018] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on image data output from the image reading unit 12. The image forming unit 13 also forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from an information processing device external to the image processing device 10, such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 13 has four image forming units corresponding to four colors, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming unit 13 may be configured to form an image on a sheet by an image forming method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method, for example.

[0019] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet using toner as a developer. When the image forming unit 13 forms an image by an inkjet method, ink (another example of a developer) is supplied instead of toner. Examples of toner supplied to the image forming unit 13 include toner of multiple colors, such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). After the image is formed in the image forming unit 13, the sheet is discharged (supplied) to an extension device or the like for post-processing.

[0020] The paper feed unit 14 supplies a sheet to the image forming unit 13. The paper feed unit 14 has a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, a sheet transport path, a plurality of transport rollers, etc. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 14. The sheet supplied to the image forming unit 13 is paper as an example, but is not limited to paper and may be, for example, a resin film, etc.

[0021] The display unit 15 is a user interface for presenting (displaying) information to a user in the image processing device 10. The display unit 15 displays various information in response to a control instruction from the control device 17. As an example in the present embodiment, the display unit 15 includes a liquid crystal display, and displays a display screen including various information on the liquid crystal display.

[0022] The operation unit 16 is, for example, a user interface for accepting operation input by a user to a display screen displayed on the display unit 15. The operation unit 16 accepts various operations by a user, for example, by outputting an electrical signal according to the user's operation. As an example in this embodiment, the operation unit 16 has a switch, a touch panel, or the like.

[0023] Furthermore, the image processing device 10 may include, in addition to or instead of the display unit 15 and the operation unit 16, for example, an audio output unit and an audio input unit, etc., as a user interface.

[0024] The control device 17 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and performs overall control of the image processing device 10. In the image processing device 10, the one or more processors execute programs to realize the functions of the control device 17. As an example, in this embodiment, the control device 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0025] The program may be pre-recorded in one or more memories, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by recording it in a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer system, such as a memory card or an optical disk. The one or more processors are composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit. Furthermore, the computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The control device 17 may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that comprehensively controls the image processing device 10.

[0026] Both the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192 are interfaces configured to be capable of communicating with the communication terminal 20 (see FIG. 1). In this disclosure, "capable of communication" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a communication network or a repeater, etc., by an appropriate communication method of wireless communication or wired communication. Examples of communication networks include the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), public telephone lines, mobile phone lines, packet lines, wireless LANs, etc. In this disclosure, "wireless communication" refers to communication using radio waves or light as a medium, and includes communication using wired communication as part of the communication path.

[0027] The first communication unit 191 is mounted on the main body 101, and transmits data between the main body 101 and the communication terminal 20 by performing wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 in a first communication method. This allows the image processing device 10 to communicate (wirelessly communicate) between the main body 101 and the communication terminal 20 and transmit and receive data without connecting the main body 101 and the communication terminal 20 by a wired connection such as a cable.

[0028] The second communication unit 192 is mounted on the main body 101 and performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 in a second communication method. The second communication method is a communication method different from the first communication method. This allows the image processing device 10 to perform communication (wireless communication) between the main body 101 and the communication terminal 20 and transmit and receive data using not only the first communication unit 191 but also the second communication unit 192, without connecting the main body 101 and the communication terminal 20 by a wired connection such as a cable.

[0029] In short, the image processing device 10 includes the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192, and is therefore capable of wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 by two different communication methods, namely, the first communication method and the second communication method. Each of the first communication method and the second communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a low-power radio that does not require a license (specified low-power radio).

[0030] In the present embodiment, as an example, the first communication method is short-distance wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi (registered trademark) using a frequency band of 5 GHz, 60 GHz, or 2.4 GHz, and the second communication method is short-distance wireless communication conforming to Bluetooth (registered trademark) using a frequency band of 2.4 GHz. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first communication method is a communication method with higher power consumption and faster communication speed than the second communication method. In other words, when both the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192 are operated, the power consumption of the first communication unit 191 is higher than the power consumption of the second communication unit 192, but the first communication unit 191 can transmit data faster than the second communication unit 192.

[0031] The communication terminal 20 is configured as a general-purpose portable information processing terminal (mobile terminal) such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop computer. The communication terminal 20 is capable of communicating with the image processing device 10. Dedicated application software (program) is installed in the communication terminal 20, and by starting this application software, the communication terminal 20 is capable of transmitting various data to and from the image processing device 10.

[0032] Here, the communication terminal 20 has a terminal-side first communication section 21 and a terminal-side second communication section 22 so as to be able to communicate with both the first communication section 191 and the second communication section 192 of the image processing device 10.

[0033] The terminal-side first communication unit 21 is configured to be able to communicate with the first communication unit 191. That is, the terminal-side first communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 191 of the image processing device 10 in a first communication method (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) in this embodiment).

[0034] The terminal-side second communication unit 22 is configured to be able to communicate with the second communication unit 192. That is, the terminal-side second communication unit 22 performs wireless communication with the second communication unit 192 of the image processing device 10 in a second communication method (Bluetooth (registered trademark) in this embodiment).

[0035] Moreover, the image processing device 10 further includes a storage unit, a power supply unit, etc. The storage unit includes one or more non-volatile memories, and stores information such as control programs for causing the control device 17 to execute various processes in advance.

[0036] [2] Details of the first and second communication units Next, the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192 will be described in more detail.

[0037] As described above, the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 by including the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192. Therefore, the image processing device 10 can communicate with the communication terminal 20 located in the same house as the image processing device 10 without a wired connection, and can form (print) an image on a sheet based on image data received from the communication terminal 20. The image processing device 10 can also transmit image data of an image read by the image reading unit 12 to the communication terminal 20.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first communication unit 191 is made up of a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module, while the second communication unit 192 is made up of a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module.

[0039] Here, in terms of communication speed, data transmission such as image data between the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 is performed using the first communication unit 191. That is, since the first communication method (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) in this embodiment) is a communication method with a faster communication speed than the second communication method (Bluetooth (registered trademark) in this embodiment), the first communication unit 191 is used instead of the second communication unit 192 for data transmission between the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20.

[0040] In particular, the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment has a function of Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Therefore, the image processing device 10 itself becomes a host of the first communication method, and the image processing device 10 can directly communicate with the communication terminal 20 (the terminal side first communication unit 21) at the first communication unit 191 without going through a router or an access point. However, since the image processing device 10 becomes a host in Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), the first communication unit 191 actively outputs radio waves, and power consumption is larger than when receiving radio waves.

[0041] Then, in a state where the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 (the terminal-side first communication unit 21) are connected, the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 can transmit (transmit) data by the first communication method. Here, "connection" means setting a logical communication path (connection or logical link) between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20. In other words, only when a logical communication path between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is established, can the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 transmit data by the first communication method.

[0042] On the other hand, the wireless communication of the second communication method (Bluetooth (registered trademark) in this embodiment) by the second communication unit 192 is not used for transmitting data between the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20, but is used for the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 to recognize each other. That is, in the image processing device 10, by receiving, by the second communication unit 192, radio waves (beacons) that the communication terminal 20 transmits periodically or irregularly from the terminal-side second communication unit 22, it is possible to specify the approximate distance to the communication terminal 20.

[0043] Specifically, when the image processing device 10 receives radio waves from the communication terminal 20 (terminal side second communication unit 22) at the second communication unit 192, it can estimate the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 based on the received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the radio waves. That is, there is a correlation between the received signal strength at the second communication unit 192 and the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20. Basically, the shorter (closer) the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is, the stronger the received signal strength is, and the longer (farther) the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is, the weaker the received signal strength is.

[0044] Therefore, if the reception signal strength of the radio wave received by the second communication unit 192 from the communication terminal 20 is equal to or greater than a certain threshold, it can be said that the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is equal to or less than a certain distance. On the other hand, if the reception signal strength of the radio wave received by the second communication unit 192 from the communication terminal 20 is smaller than a certain threshold, it can be said that the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is greater than the certain distance. Therefore, the image processing device 10 can use the second communication unit 192 to find the communication terminal 20 that is present within a certain distance from the main body 101.

[0045] [3] Configuration of the control device Next, each of the functional units included in the control device 17 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0046] The control device 17 is electrically connected to each part of the image processing device 10, and is capable of, for example, controlling the image forming unit 13 to form a desired image on a sheet, and controlling the image reading unit 12 to read an image from a sheet. As described above, the control device 17 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and therefore executes a control method for the image processing device 10 that controls each part of the image processing device 10 by executing a control program recorded in the memory with one or more processors.

[0047] 1, the control device 17 has a communication control unit 171, a setting processing unit 172, a first control unit 181, and a second control unit 182. That is, the image processing device 10 has the communication control unit 171, the setting processing unit 172, the first control unit 181, and the second control unit 182 as functions of the control device 17.

[0048] The communication control unit 171 executes a communication control process for controlling the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192. In this embodiment, the first control unit 181 is electrically connected to the first communication unit 191, and the second control unit 182 is electrically connected to the second communication unit 192. Thus, the communication control unit 171 controls the first communication unit 191 via the first control unit 181, and controls the second communication unit 192 via the second control unit 182.

[0049] The setting processing unit 172 executes a setting process for setting a disconnection distance in response to a user operation. The "disconnection distance" in the present disclosure is a threshold value set for the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20, and is set as the minimum distance for establishing a connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 (terminal side first communication unit 21). In other words, when the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 exceeds the disconnection distance, the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 (terminal side first communication unit 21) is disconnected (i.e., the logical communication path is opened).

[0050] As an example in this embodiment, the user performs an operation to set the cutting distance using the display unit 15 and the operation unit 16. That is, the user can set the cutting distance to an arbitrary distance by operating the operation unit 16 while a cutting distance setting menu screen is displayed on the display unit 15.

[0051] The first control unit 181 is a controller that controls the first communication unit 191. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first control unit 181 is formed of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller.

[0052] The second control unit 182 is a controller that controls the second communication unit 192. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second control unit 182 is formed of a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) controller.

[0053] [4] Operation of image processing device Next, the operation of the image processing device 10, that is, the control method of the image processing device 10, will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0054] An image processing device (MFP) having a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) function is known as a technology related to this type of image processing device 10. The Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) function is one of the wireless LAN standards, and connects information processing devices equipped with a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) function to each other via Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) without using a wireless LAN router.

[0055] The image processing device according to the related art extends the connection via Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) when an application is operated on the communication terminal before a preset time has elapsed since the image processing device was connected to the communication terminal via Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). On the other hand, the image processing device disconnects the connection via Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) when an application is not operated on the communication terminal before a preset time has elapsed since the image processing device was connected to the communication terminal via Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

[0056] In the configuration of the related art described above, the image processing device disconnects from the communication terminal if the application is not operated for a period of time, which can result in the user being unwilling to disconnect from the communication terminal, resulting in poor usability.

[0057] In contrast, in this embodiment, the configuration described below realizes an image processing device 10, a control method and a control program for the image processing device 10, in which the connection with the communication terminal 20 is unlikely to be cut off against the user's will.

[0058] That is, the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 101, a first communication unit 191, a second communication unit 192, and a communication control unit 171. The main body 101 has an image processing function. The first communication unit 191 is mounted on the main body 101, and transmits data between the main body 101 and the communication terminal 20 by performing wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 in a first communication method. The second communication unit 192 is mounted on the main body 101, and performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 in a second communication method. The communication control unit 171 disconnects the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 when the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20, which is determined using wireless communication between the second communication unit 192 and the communication terminal 20, exceeds a disconnection distance.

[0059] In short, as described above, the image processing device 10 uses the wireless communication of the second communication method by the second communication unit 192 to specify the (approximate) distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20. Then, when the specified distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 exceeds the disconnection distance as a threshold, the communication control unit 171 controls the first communication unit 191 to disconnect the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20.

[0060] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is determined by wireless communication between the second communication unit 192 and the communication terminal 20 using the second communication path (logical communication path) P2.

[0061] 3, when the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is within the disconnection distance, a first communication path (logical communication path) P1 between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is set (established), and the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 are in a connected state. In this state, the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 are able to transmit data by the first communication method (Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) in this embodiment).

[0062] 3, when the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 exceeds the disconnection distance, the first communication path (logical communication path) P1 between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is deleted, and the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is disconnected. In this state, the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 cannot transmit data using the first communication method.

[0063] In this way, the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment uses communication between the second communication unit 192 and the communication terminal 20 to determine whether or not a connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is required. Then, when the communication terminal 20 gradually moves away from the main body 101 and exceeds the disconnection distance, the image processing device 10 performs control to disconnect the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20, as it determines that further connection is unnecessary.

[0064] Usually, data transmission between the image processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20 is required when the communication terminal 20 is within a certain distance from the main body 101, for example, when the communication terminal 20 is in the same room as the image processing device 10, and data transmission between the communication terminal 20 located far away from the main body 101 and the image processing device 10 is rarely performed. Therefore, when the image processing device 10 detects, using the communication between the second communication unit 192 and the communication terminal 20, that the communication terminal 20 has moved to a distance exceeding a preset disconnection distance, even if the image processing device 10 disconnects the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20, the connection with the communication terminal 20 is rarely disconnected against the user's intention. As a result, it is possible to realize the image processing device 10, the control method and the control program for the image processing device 10, in which the connection with the communication terminal 20 is unlikely to be disconnected against the user's intention.

[0065] Moreover, in this embodiment, as described above, the first communication method is a communication method that consumes more power and has a faster communication speed than the second communication method. Therefore, even if wireless communication of the first communication method is used for data transmission, when the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 exceeds the disconnection distance, the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is disconnected, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption required for communication of the image processing device 10.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the distance (from main body 101 to communication terminal 20) exceeds the disconnection distance, communication control unit 171 stops the power supply to first communication unit 191. That is, by turning off the power of the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module serving as first communication unit 191, the connection between first communication unit 191 and communication terminal 20 is disconnected. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption in first communication unit 191, and to further reduce power consumption.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the distance (from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20) exceeds the disconnection distance, the communication control unit 171 stops the power supply not only to the first communication unit 191 but also to the first control unit 181. In other words, by also turning off the power supply to the USB controller serving as the first control unit 181, it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0068] Furthermore, when the distance (from main body 101 to communication terminal 20) becomes equal to or less than the connection distance, communication control unit 171 connects first communication unit 191 to communication terminal 20. The "connection distance" in the present disclosure is a threshold value set for the distance from main body 101 to communication terminal 20, and is set as the maximum distance for establishing a connection between first communication unit 191 and communication terminal 20 (terminal side first communication unit 21). In other words, when the distance from main body 101 to communication terminal 20 becomes equal to or less than the connection distance, first communication unit 191 and communication terminal 20 (terminal side first communication unit 21) are automatically connected.

[0069] As a result, for example, after the communication terminal 20 moves away from the main body 101 and the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is disconnected, when the communication terminal 20 approaches within a connection distance of the main body 101, the communication terminal 20 and the first communication unit 191 are automatically reconnected. This eliminates the need to connect the communication terminal 20 and the first communication unit 191, and by disconnecting the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 depending on the distance, it is possible to realize a more user-friendly image processing device 10 while keeping power consumption low.

[0070] Furthermore, in a state where the connection between first communication unit 191 and communication terminal 20 is cut off, power supply to first communication unit 191 and first control unit 181 is stopped. Therefore, when the distance (from main body 101 to communication terminal 20) becomes equal to or shorter than the connection distance, communication control unit 171 starts (resumes) power supply to first communication unit 191 and first control unit 181.

[0071] In this embodiment, the connection distance is assumed to be equal to the disconnection distance. Therefore, when the distance (from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20) exceeds the disconnection distance (=connection distance), the communication control unit 171 disconnects the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20, and when the distance becomes equal to or less than the disconnection distance (=connection distance), the communication control unit 171 connects the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20.

[0072] However, this is not limiting, and the connection distance may be set separately from the disconnection distance. In this case, it is preferable that the setting processing unit 172 can also set the connection distance according to a user's operation. In this case, the setting processing unit 172 may set the connection distance in conjunction with the disconnection distance, or may set the connection distance separately from the disconnection distance.

[0073] Incidentally, in the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment, the main body 101 has a plurality of operation modes including a normal mode and an energy saving mode. The energy saving mode (sleep mode) is a mode in which the power consumption of the main body 101 can be reduced compared to the normal mode. Specifically, in the energy saving mode, the control device 17 outputs a control signal (sleep signal) to the power supply device and switches the state of power supply from the power supply device.

[0074] In this embodiment, only when the operation mode of main body 101 is in the power saving mode, the above-mentioned function of communication control unit 171 (function of disconnecting / resuming the connection between first communication unit 191 and communication terminal 20) is enabled. In other words, when the operation mode of main body 101 is in the normal mode, the above-mentioned function of communication control unit 171 is disabled, and communication by second communication unit 192 is not performed.

[0075] As a result, it is possible to thoroughly reduce the power consumption of the image processing device 10 in the energy saving mode.

[0076] An example of the operation of the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Here, steps S1, S2, etc. in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 each indicate the number of a processing procedure (step) executed by the image processing device 10.

[0077] <Step S1> In step S1, the operation mode of the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 is switched from normal mode to energy saving mode. When the image processing device 10 enters the energy saving mode, power supply to each unit of the main body 101 is stopped, and power consumption in the main body 101 is kept low.

[0078] <Steps S2 and S3> In step S2, the communication control unit 171 of the control device 17 receives a beacon transmitted periodically or irregularly from the communication terminal 20 (terminal side second communication unit 22 of the communication terminal 20) using the second communication unit 192. In step S3, the communication control unit 171 compares the received signal strength (RSSI) of the beacon received by the second communication unit 192 with a threshold corresponding to the disconnection distance. If the received signal strength is smaller than the threshold (S3: Yes), the communication control unit 171 determines that the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is larger (farther) than the disconnection distance, and shifts the process to step S4. On the other hand, if the received signal strength is equal to or greater than the threshold (S3: No), the communication control unit 171 determines that the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is equal to or less than the disconnection distance, and shifts the process to step S2.

[0079] <Steps S4 and S5> In step S4, the communication control section 171 of the control device 17 stops the power supply to the first communication section 191 and the first control section 181, and turns off the power supply to the first communication section 191 and the first control section 181. As a result, the communication control section 171 cuts off the connection between the first communication section 191 and the communication terminal 20 (S5). However, at this time, the power supply to the second communication section 192 and the second control section 182 is left on, and the second communication section 192 is used to monitor the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20.

[0080] <Steps S6 and S7> In step S6, the communication control unit 171 of the control device 17 receives a beacon transmitted periodically or irregularly from the communication terminal 20 (the terminal-side second communication unit 22 of the communication terminal 20) using the second communication unit 192. In step S7, the communication control unit 171 compares the received signal strength (RSSI) of the beacon received by the second communication unit 192 with a threshold corresponding to the disconnection distance. If the received signal strength is equal to or greater than the threshold (S7: Yes), the communication control unit 171 determines that the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is equal to or less than the disconnection distance (=connection distance), and shifts the process to step S8. On the other hand, if the received signal strength is smaller than the threshold (S7: No), the communication control unit 171 determines that the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is greater (farther) than the disconnection distance (=connection distance), and shifts the process to step S6.

[0081] <Steps S8 and S9> In step S8, the communication control unit 171 of the control device 17 resumes the power supply to the first communication unit 191 and the first control unit 181, and turns on the power of the first communication unit 191 and the first control unit 181. As a result, the communication control unit 171 resumes the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 (S9).

[0082] The above-described procedure is merely an example, and the order of the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 may be changed as appropriate.

[0083] Incidentally, the connection destination of the first communication unit 191 is not limited to the communication terminal 20, and the first communication unit 191 may connect to, for example, an access point. In this case, if the power of the first communication unit 191 is turned on while the power of the first control unit 181 is turned off, the first communication unit 191 can receive a signal from the access point even in a state in which the connection between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is cut off. In other words, the first communication unit 191 can continue communication with the access point by normal Wi-Fi (registered trademark) while suppressing power consumption by stopping communication with the communication terminal 20 by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

[0084] [5] Variations A plurality of components included in the image processing device 10 may be distributed across a plurality of housings. For example, the communication control unit 171 may be provided separately from the first communication unit 191 and the second communication unit 192.

[0085] Furthermore, the communication between the first communication unit 191 and the communication terminal 20 is not limited to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Similarly, the first communication method is not limited to Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the second communication method is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0086] Moreover, it is not essential that the above-mentioned function of communication control unit 171 (function of disconnecting / resuming the connection between first communication unit 191 and communication terminal 20) is enabled only when the operation mode of main body 101 is in the power saving mode. For example, when the operation mode of main body 101 is in the normal mode, the above-mentioned function of communication control unit 171 may be enabled.

[0087] Furthermore, the method for identifying the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 is not limited to the method using the received signal strength of the radio waves received by the second communication unit 192 from the communication terminal 20. For example, the second communication unit 192 may output radio waves periodically or irregularly, and the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20 may be identified using the received signal strength at the communication terminal 20 (terminal-side second communication unit 22) that receives the radio waves. In this case, the communication terminal 20 (terminal-side second communication unit 22) may transmit a signal indicating the received signal strength or a signal indicating the distance identified from the received signal strength to the second communication unit 192, thereby enabling the image processing device 10 to identify the distance from the main body 101 to the communication terminal 20.

[0088] [Appendix to the invention] The following will provide an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0089] <Appendix 1> A main body having an image processing function; a first communication unit that is mounted in the main body and transmits data between the main body and a communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first communication method; a second communication unit mounted in the main body and configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication terminal in a second communication method; and a communication control unit that disconnects the connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal specified using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance. Image processing device.

[0090] <Appendix 2> When the distance exceeds the disconnection distance, the communication control unit stops power supply to the first communication unit. 2. An image processing device as described in claim 1.

[0091] <Appendix 3> the communication control unit connects the first communication unit and the communication terminal when the distance becomes equal to or less than a connection distance. 3. An image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0092] <Appendix 4> A setting processing unit that sets the cutting distance in response to a user operation is further provided. 4. The image processing device according to claim 1,

[0093] <Appendix 5> The first communication method is a communication method having a higher power consumption and a higher communication speed than the second communication method. 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Image processing device 20 Communication terminals 101 Main unit 171 Communication Control Unit 172 Setting processing section 191 First Communications Department 192 2nd Communications Department

Claims

1. A main body having an image processing function; a first communication unit that is mounted on the main body and that transmits data between the main body and a communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first communication method; a second communication unit mounted in the main body and configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication terminal in a second communication method; and a communication control unit that disconnects the connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal specified using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance. Image processing device.

2. When the distance exceeds the disconnection distance, the communication control unit stops power supply to the first communication unit. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the communication control unit connects the first communication unit and the communication terminal when the distance becomes equal to or less than a connection distance; 3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A setting processing unit that sets the cutting distance in response to a user operation is further provided.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first communication method is a communication method having a higher power consumption and a higher communication speed than the second communication method.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A main body having an image processing function; a first communication unit that is mounted on the main body and that transmits data between the main body and a communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first communication method; a second communication unit that is mounted on the main body and that wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal in a second communication method; disconnecting the connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal specified using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance. A method for controlling an image processing device.

7. A main body having an image processing function; a first communication unit that is mounted on the main body and that transmits data between the main body and a communication terminal by wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first communication method; a second communication unit that is mounted on the main body and that wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal in a second communication method; disconnecting the connection between the first communication unit and the communication terminal when a distance from the main body to the communication terminal specified using wireless communication between the second communication unit and the communication terminal exceeds a disconnection distance; A control program for causing one or more processors to execute the above.

Images