Information processing apparatus and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing program and an information processing apparatus that can efficiently search for an information processing apparatus having a camera function.SOLUTION: In an embodiment, an information processing program causes a computer of an information communication device communicating with one or more information processing apparatuses to execute: a procedure to acquire instrument information output from an information processing apparatus; a procedure to generate a first instrument list on the basis of first information on the information processing apparatus and second information on a photographing device corresponding to the information processing apparatus, which are included in the instrument information; and a procedure to output the first instrument list to a display of the information processing apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing program and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A search service has been proposed that allows an information communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, to search for an information processing device, such as an MFP (digital multi-functional peripheral), that is capable of printing, scanning, or other operations when the information communication device searches for the information processing device. A device list displayed as a search result includes device information, such as the name, IP (Internet Protocol) address, and installation location of the information processing device. Conventionally, when using such a search service to search for an information processing device with a camera function, the device list only displays the device information, without including information about the camera function. In this situation, when there are multiple compatible information processing devices, it is even more difficult to find an information processing device with a camera function that meets the user's desired conditions. Therefore, a mechanism is needed that allows an efficient search for an information processing device with a camera function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-135570 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing program and an information processing device that can efficiently search for an information processing device having a camera function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing program causes a computer of an information communication device that communicates with one or more information processing devices to execute the following procedures: acquiring device information output from the information processing device; generating a first device list based on first information about the information processing device and second information about the imaging device corresponding to the information processing device, which are included in the device information; and outputting the first device list to a display unit of the information communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management data record stored in a management file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the main parts of the processor of the mobile terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device list screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information setting screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device list screen displayed on a mobile terminal after the extraction process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of the processor of the MFP in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment illustrates an MFP as one type of information processing device and a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user as one type of information communication device.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes one or more MFPs 10, one or more mobile terminals 20, and a management server 30. A communication network 2 connects the MFPs 10 and the management server 30 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the Internet is used as part of the communication network 2. The mobile terminals 20 are capable of wireless communication with an access point 40. The access point 40 relays communication between each device connected to the communication network 2, i.e., the MFPs 10 and the management server 30, and the mobile terminals 20. The management server 30 provides device information to each mobile terminal 20. The device information will be described in detail later. In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the management server 30 stores the device information output by the MFP 10, and the management server 30 outputs the device information to the mobile terminal 20 in response to an inquiry from the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 generates and displays a first device list and a second device list based on the device information. The first device list and the second device list will be described in detail later. In this way, the information processing system 1 is a system that enables a user to use the mobile terminal 20 to search for the MFP 10 .

[0009] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the MFP 10 includes a scanner 11, a printer 12, a control system 13, an operation panel 14, a camera 15, an external interface 16, and a communication interface 17. The scanner 11, the printer 12, the operation panel 14, the camera 15, the external interface 16, and the communication interface 17 are connected to the control system 13.

[0010] The scanner 11 is a device that optically reads an image of a document and converts it into image data in response to an operational instruction from the control system 13. The scanner 11 outputs the read image data of the document to the control system 13.

[0011] The printer 12 prints an image based on image data supplied from the control system 13 onto paper under various printing conditions specified by the control system 13. Printers using various image forming methods can be used as the printer 12. For example, the printer 12 may be an electrophotographic printer, an inkjet printer, a thermal transfer printer, or the like.

[0012] The control system 13 comprehensively controls the operations of each part, such as the scanner 11, printer 12, operation panel 14, camera 15, external interface 16, and communication interface 17. The control system 13 includes a processor 131, a RAM (random-access memory) 132, a ROM (read-only memory) 133, a data memory 134, an image memory 135, an image processing unit 136, and a clock 137.

[0013] The processor 131 executes processes such as calculations and controls in accordance with a program. The processor 131 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). The processor 131 executes various processes based on a program stored in the ROM 133 or the data memory 134.

[0014] The RAM 132 is a working memory. The RAM 132 is, for example, a volatile memory. The ROM 133 is a program memory. The ROM 133 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten.

[0015] The data memory 134 stores control data, control programs, setting information, etc. The data memory 134 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0016] The image memory 135 is configured with a hard disk drive, a page memory, etc. The image memory 135 stores image data output from the scanner 11 or image data input via the communication interface 17. The image processing unit 136 executes various image processing operations based on programs stored in the ROM 133 or the data memory 134.

[0017] The clock 137 functions as a time information source for the MFP 10. The processor 131 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 137.

[0018] The operation panel 14 is a user interface. The operation panel 14 includes an input device 141 and a display device 142. The input device 141 is, for example, a button, a keyboard, a keypad, or a touchpad. The display device 142 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display.

[0019] The camera 15 is an imaging device built into the MFP 10. The camera 15 operates as a still image or video image capturing device. The camera 15 is an example of a capturing device compatible with the MFP 10.

[0020] The external interface 16 is an interface for connecting an external device, and can be configured as an interface conforming to a general-purpose standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0021] The communication interface 17 performs data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0022] The data memory 134 stores first information related to the MFP 10. The first information related to the MFP 10 includes first device identification information and print-related information. The first device identification information includes, for example, the device name, IP address, and installation location. The installation location is the location where the MFP 10 is installed. The print-related information includes, for example, the print method, print color, print paper size, double-sided / single-sided printing, whether or not a finisher is included, print speed, and whether or not a security function is included. The data memory 134 also stores second information provided by the camera 15. The second information is information about the camera 15 and includes second device identification information and imaging-related information. The second device identification information includes, for example, the manufacturer name of the camera 15. The imaging-related information includes camera functions. The camera functions include, for example, human detection, face recognition, body temperature measurement, 360-degree photography, certificate, audio recording, video recording, AI (Artificial Intelligence) mask authentication, night mode, and linked camera. The certificate function is used, for example, when taking a photo to be attached to a certificate. The audio recording function is used, for example, when recording audio while operating the MFP 10. The video recording function is used, for example, when recording audio while operating the MFP 10. The AI ​​mask authentication function is used, for example, when performing face recognition while wearing a mask. The night mode function is used, for example, when monitoring security at night. The linked camera function is used, for example, when checking the status of the camera 15 of another MFP 10. The device information may be stored in the memory of an external device with which the MFP 10 can communicate, or may be provided in the memory of a server device with which the MFP 10 can communicate via the communication interface 17.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of mobile terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 3, mobile terminal 20 includes processor 21, built-in memory 22, external memory 23, touch panel 24, wireless unit 25, and system transmission path 26. Mobile terminal 20 connects processor 21, built-in memory 22, external memory 23, touch panel 24, and wireless unit 25 to system transmission path 26 directly or via a signal input / output circuit. Thus, mobile terminal 20 configures a computer with processor 21, built-in memory 22, external memory 23, and system transmission path 26 connecting them.

[0024] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the mobile terminal 20 in accordance with an operating system and application programs. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0025] The built-in memory 22 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The built-in memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 stores data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by the processor 21 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0026] The external memory 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 23. The external memory 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 21.

[0027] The touch panel 24 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the mobile terminal 20. The touch panel 24 is an example of a display unit of the mobile terminal 20.

[0028] The wireless unit 25 transmits and receives data wirelessly to and from the access point 40 in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

[0029] A search application program for using a search service is downloaded to the mobile terminal 20. The search service is a service that enables the mobile terminal 20 to search for an MFP 10 that can support printing, scanning, or the like when the mobile terminal 20 executes the execution on the MFP 10. The search application program will be referred to as a search program below. The search program is an example of an information processing program. The search program is stored in the external memory 23. Note that the method for downloading the search program to the external memory 23 is not particularly limited. The search program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and downloaded to the external memory 23. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device. The search program may also be stored in the internal memory 22.

[0030] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server 30. The management server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a communication interface 34, and a system transmission path 35. The system transmission path 35 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The management server 30 connects the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the communication interface 34 to the system transmission path 35. In the management server 30, a computer is configured by the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 35 that connects them.

[0031] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the management server 30 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0032] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes of the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0034] The communication interface 34 is connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 34 performs data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0035] The management server 30 uses a part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 33 as an area for the management file 331 .

[0036] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331. As shown in Fig. 5, the management data record 3311 includes device information, i.e., first information about the MFP 10 and second information about the camera 15. The first information about the MFP 10 is the device name, IP address, installation location, and printing-related information. The second information about the camera 15 is identification information and photography-related information. The identification information is second device identification information. Note that the management data record 3311 is not limited to the data items described above.

[0037] Before starting operation of information processing system 1 according to an embodiment, processor 131 of MFP 10 transmits device information stored in data memory 134 to management server 30 at regular intervals, provided that MFP 10 is connected to communication network 2. This allows processor 31 to recognize that MFP 10 is capable of supporting the search service. The regular interval can be set in any way. Upon receiving the device information, processor 31 updates management file 331 based on the device information. Specifically, if there is a management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, processor 31 updates the device information included in management data record 3311 to the received device information. If there is no management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, processor 31 adds management data record 3311 to management file 331. In other words, management data record 3311 of MFP 10 that can support the search service is saved in management file 331.

[0038] 6 is a flowchart showing the main control procedure executed by processor 21 of mobile terminal 20 in accordance with the search program. The operation of information processing system 1 will be explained below using these flowcharts. Note that the operation explained below is an example. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results are obtained.

[0039] When the user starts the search program installed in the mobile terminal 20, the processor 21 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0040] The processor 21 displays the home screen 100 (see FIG. 7) on the touch panel 24 in ACT1.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a home screen 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the home screen 100 includes a message inquiring the user about using the search service, an OK button 101 for instructing the user to use the search service, and a CANCEL button 102 for instructing the user not to use the search service. Note that the content and image of the text data displayed in Fig. 7 are examples.

[0042] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. In ACT2, processor 21 waits for OK button 101 to be pressed on home screen 100 via touch panel 24. If OK button 101 is not pressed, that is, if CANCEL button 102 is pressed, processor 21 proceeds to NO in ACT2 and ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0043] If the OK button 101 is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in ACT2, and the process moves to ACT3.

[0044] The processor 21 queries the management server 30 about MFPs 10 that are compatible with the search service as ACT3. In response to this query, the management server 30 transmits a management file 331 to the mobile terminal 20. The processor 21 then receives the management file 331 as ACT4. The external memory 23 stores the management file 331.

[0045] As ACT5, the processor 21 generates the device list screen 200 (see FIG. 8) as the first device list based on the management data record 3311 saved in the management file 331. As ACT6, the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display the device list screen 200.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device list screen 200. The device list screen 200 is a screen that displays, in list form, device information of MFPs 10 that are compatible with the search service. As shown in FIG. 8, the device list screen 200 includes a device list and a filter button 201. The device list is a list in which device information is displayed row by row. In the case of FIG. 8, the device information includes the device name, IP address, and installation location as first information about the MFP 10, and camera functions as second information about the camera 15. The filter button 201 is a button for calling up an information setting screen. The information setting screen will be explained in detail later. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 8 is an example.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. In ACT 7, the processor 21 waits for input of the filter button 201. If the filter button 201 is not input, the processor 21 goes through NO in ACT 7 and ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0048] If the filter button 201 is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in ACT7 and the process proceeds to ACT8.

[0049] The processor 21 displays the information setting screen 300 (see FIG. 9) on the touch panel 24 as ACT8.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information setting screen 300. The information setting screen 300 contains information for a user to specify search conditions related to the MFP 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the information setting screen 300 includes items 301 for specifying search conditions, a filter execution button 302, and a back button 303. The items 301 include, for example, printing method, printing color, printing paper size, double-sided / single-sided printing, presence or absence of a finisher, printing speed, presence or absence of a security function, presence or absence of a camera function, and camera function. In other words, the search conditions are search conditions for narrowing down a predetermined number of target MFPs 10 from multiple MFPs 10 compatible with the search service. When a user inputs each search condition in the items 301, the search condition is selected and displayed. The selection display may be made distinguishable from other conditions, for example, by surrounding the search condition with a frame or by using a different color for the text of the search condition. The filter execution button 302 is a button for instructing whether or not to execute extraction processing for MFPs 10 that match the search conditions entered by the user. When instructing to execute extraction processing, the user sets the filter execution button 302 to ON. When instructing not to execute extraction processing, the user sets the filter execution button 302 to OFF. The back button 303 is a button for instructing to return to the device list screen 200. Note that the content of the text data displayed in Fig. 9 is an example.

[0051] When the user inputs search conditions on the information setting screen 300 via the touch panel 24 and turns on the filter execution button 302, the external memory 23 stores the search conditions on the information setting screen 300.

[0052] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. The processor 21 waits for the back button 303 to be pressed in ACT9. If the back button 303 is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in ACT9 and the process transitions to ACT5. That is, the processor 21 generates the post-extraction process device list screen 400 (see FIG. 10 ) as the second device list based on the search conditions of the information setting screen 300 stored in the external memory 23 and the management data record 3311 saved in the management file 331. The processor 21 then displays the device list screen 400 on the touch panel 24. In this way, the processor 21 executes the processes of ACT5 to ACT9 in the same manner as described above.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device list screen 400 after the extraction process. FIG. 10 shows the device list screen 400 when the user specifies an MFP 10 with a camera function as a search condition on the information setting screen 300 and the processor 21 executes the extraction process. The device list screen 400 after the extraction process displays MFPs 10 with a camera function that are compatible with the search service. As shown in FIG. 10, the device list screen 400, which is an example of a second device list, includes first information in a first display format related to the MFP 10 and second information in a second display format related to the camera 15. The first information in the first display format related to the MFP 10 includes the device name, IP address, installation location, etc. of the MFP 10. The second information in the second display format related to the camera 15 includes the camera function, etc. For example, the device list screen 400 includes information in a first display format in a first display color such as black and information in a second display format in a second display color such as red. The user can select an MFP 10 via the device list screen 400 by focusing on information related to the camera 15 narrowed down by the search condition. The content of the text data displayed in FIG. 10 is an example.

[0054] As is clear from the above explanation, the search program as an information processing program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 20, which communicates with one or more MFPs 10, to execute the following steps: a procedure of acquiring device information output from the MFP 10 (ACT4); a procedure of generating a first device list based on first information about the MFP 10 and second information about the camera 15 corresponding to the MFP 10, which are included in the device information (ACT5); and a procedure of outputting the first device list to the touch panel 24 of the mobile terminal 20 (ACT6).

[0055] Therefore, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 generates the device list screen 200 based on the management data records 3311 stored in the management file 331 received from the management server 30, and displays the device list screen 200 on the touch panel 24. The device list screen 200 includes device information, that is, first information about the MFP 10 and second information about the camera 15. This makes it possible to efficiently search for MFPs 10 that have a camera function.

[0056] The search program further causes the computer of the mobile terminal 20 to execute the following steps: a procedure (ACT8) of outputting information for specifying search conditions related to the MFP 10 to the touch panel 24; a procedure (ACT5) of generating a second device list based on the first information, the second information, and the search conditions; and a procedure (ACT6) of outputting the second device list to the touch panel 24 of the mobile terminal 20. The search conditions also include conditions related to the camera 15, such as the presence or absence of the camera 15 and its camera functions.

[0057] Therefore, processor 21 causes touch panel 24 to display information setting screen 300 for specifying search conditions related to MFP 10. The user can specify an MFP 10 with a camera function as a search condition, or an MFP 10 with a camera that realizes a predetermined function as a search condition, thereby enabling a search for an MFP 10 that meets the user's desired conditions. The predetermined functions are camera functions such as human detection, face recognition, body temperature measurement, 360-degree photography, certificates, audio and video recording, AI mask recognition, night mode, and linked camera. Furthermore, processor 21 generates device list screen 400 after extraction processing based on the search conditions of information setting screen 300 and management data record 3311 saved in management file 331, and displays it on touch panel 24. This makes it possible to easily find MFP 10 having a camera function that meets the user's desired conditions.

[0058] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the MFP 10 has the built-in camera 15. In the first embodiment, the camera 15 is built-in. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , a camera 15 is connected to an external interface 16 of an MFP 10. That is, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the camera 15 is not built into the MFP 10. Note that in the drawings and the following description of the second embodiment, the same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the description of the same elements may be omitted. Incidentally, FIGS. 1 and 3 to 10 used in the description of the first embodiment are also common to the second embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of MFP 10 in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, external interface 16 is connected to camera 15 and acquires second information provided by camera 15. A general-purpose camera can be used as camera 15.

[0061] Data memory 134 stores first information related to MFP 10. The first information related to MFP 10 includes first device identification information and printing-related information. Data memory 134 also stores second information acquired by external interface 16. The second information is information related to camera 15 and includes second device identification information and photography-related information. Note that the first information related to MFP 10 and the second information related to camera 15 may be saved in the memory of an external device with which MFP 10 can communicate, or may be provided in the memory of a server device with which MFP 10 can communicate via communication interface 17.

[0062] 12 is a flowchart showing the main control procedure executed by processor 131 of MFP 10 in accordance with a search program in the second embodiment. Note that the content of the operation described below is an example. As long as similar results can be obtained, the operation procedure and content are not particularly limited.

[0063] When camera 15 is connected to MFP 10 and camera 15 is powered on, processor 131 of MFP 10 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 12. That is, processor 131 waits for camera 15 to be connected as ACT11.

[0064] If the camera 15 is connected, the processor 131 proceeds to YES in ACT11 and the process moves to ACT12.

[0065] Processor 131, as ACT12, outputs an ON signal to camera 15 via external interface 16 to request second information about camera 15. This ON signal causes camera 15 to output the second information about camera 15 to MFP 10. External interface 16 receives the second information about camera 15 provided by camera 15.

[0066] The processor 131 acquires second information about the camera 15 as ACT 13. The data memory 134 stores the acquired second information about the camera 15.

[0067] On the condition that MFP 10 is connected to communication network 2 as ACT 14, processor 131 generates device information based on first information about MFP 10 stored in data memory 134 and second information about camera 15 received via external interface 16 at regular time intervals, and transmits the device information to management server 30. For example, processor 131 generates device information based on first device identification information and printing-related information included in the first information, and second device identification information and photography-related information included in the second information. This allows management server 30 to recognize that MFP 10 is capable of supporting the search service. The regular time interval can be set arbitrarily. With this, processor 131 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12.

[0068] Processor 31 of management server 30 that has received the device information updates management file 331 based on the device information. Specifically, if there is a management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, processor 31 updates the device information included in management data record 3311 to the received device information. If there is no management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, processor 31 adds management data record 3311 to management file 331. In other words, management data record 3311 of MFP 10 that can support the search service is saved in management file 331.

[0069] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when camera 15 is connected to MFP 10 via external interface 16, processor 131 acquires second information about camera 15 output from camera 15. Processor 131 transmits first information about MFP 10 and second information about camera 15, i.e., device information, to management server 30. Therefore, even when a general-purpose camera 15 is connected to MFP 10, it is possible to efficiently search for MFPs 10 that have a camera function, just as in the case where camera 15 is built into MFP 10.

[0070] Although the embodiments of the information processing program and the information communication device have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the MFP 10 is an example of an information processing device, but the information processing device may be, for example, a copier, a printer, or the like.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, the search conditions on the information setting screen 300 include the presence or absence of a camera function. For example, the search conditions may include more detailed conditions such as the presence or absence of a camera function, such as the presence or absence of human detection or face authentication.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the management server 30 provides device information to each mobile terminal 20. However, the MFP 10 may also function as the management server 30. For example, the processor 131 of the MFP 10 generates device information based on first information about the MFP 10 stored in the data memory 134 and second information about the camera 15 provided by the camera 15. For example, the processor 131 generates device information based on first device identification information and printing-related information included in the first information and second device identification information and photography-related information included in the second information. The first information is first device information about the MFP 10, and the second information is second device information about the camera 15. That is, the processor 131 generates third device information from the first device information and the second device information. In response to a device information request from the mobile terminal 20, the communication interface 17 outputs the third device information as if it were the device information of the MFP 10. In this case, existing technology such as zero-configuration technology can be used. For example, when an OK button 101 is input via the touch panel 24 on the home screen 100, the processor 131 of one or more MFPs 10 that are compatible with the search service transmits the third device information directly to the mobile terminal 20. The external memory 23 stores the third device information from each MFP 10. The external memory 23 may store a management file 331. When the external memory 23 stores the management file 331, the processor 21 updates the management file 331 based on the received third device information. The processor 21 may then generate the device list screen 200 based on the management data record 3311 saved in the management file 331.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the camera 15 is illustrated as being built into the MFP 10. In the second embodiment, the camera 15 is illustrated as being connected to the external interface 16 of the MFP 10. The camera 15 may be connected to the MFP 10 via wireless communication. In this case, for example, one or more cameras 15 may be installed in positions where they can capture images of the MFP 10 and the user operating the MFP 10.

[0075] In this embodiment, the entity that executes the operation is, for example, a computer-related entity such as hardware, a composite of hardware and software, software, and running software. The entity that executes the operation is, for example, a process, an object, an executable file, a thread, and a program executed on a processor, but is not limited to these. For example, an information and communication device or an application executed thereon may be the entity that executes the operation. A process or a thread may act as multiple entities that execute the operation. The entities that execute the operation may be located within one information and communication device, or may be distributed among multiple information and communication devices. The functions described above may be pre-installed in the device, or may be downloaded to the device from a network, or may be stored on a recording medium and installed in the device. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a disk ROM or memory card, as long as it is a non-transitory recording medium that can store a program and is readable by the device. Furthermore, such pre-installed or downloaded functions may be realized in cooperation with the device's internal operating system (OS).

[0076] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1...information processing system, 2...communication network, 10...MFP, 11...scanner, 12...printer, 13...control system, 14...operation panel, 15...camera, 16...external interface, 17, 34...communication interface, 20...mobile terminal, 21, 31, 131...processor, 22...built-in memory, 23...external memory, 24...touch panel, 25...wireless unit, 26, 35...system transmission path, 30...management server, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage device, 40...access point, 132...RAM, 133...ROM, 134...data memory, 135...image memory, 136...image processing unit, 137...clock, 141...input device, 142...display device, 331...management file, 3311...management data record.

Claims

1. A computer of an information communication device that communicates with one or more information processing devices, a step of acquiring device information output from the information processing device; generating a first device list based on first information about the information processing device and second information about an image capturing device corresponding to the information processing device, both of which are included in the device information; a step of outputting the first device list to a display unit of the information communication device; An information processing program for executing the above.

2. The computer, a step of outputting information for specifying search conditions related to the information processing device to a display unit of the information communication device; generating a second device list based on the first information, the second information, and the search conditions; outputting the second device list to the display unit of the information communication device; 2. The information processing program according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. the search conditions include conditions related to the imaging device; 3. The information processing program according to claim 2.

4. 4. The information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the second device list includes information in a first display format related to the information processing device and information in a second display format related to the image capturing device.

5. a memory that stores first information including first device identification information and print-related information; a processor that acquires second information including second device identification information and photography-related information provided by a corresponding photography device, and generates device information based on the first device identification information and the print-related information included in the first information and the photography-related information included in the second information; a communication interface for outputting the device information; An information processing device comprising:

Images