Image forming system and method of setting image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming system and a setting method of an image forming apparatus capable of inputting setting information by an operation part of an external device excellent in operability and easily and efficiently setting the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an external apparatus 50. The image forming controller 32 causes the image forming device 12 to form a first image indicating identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 10 on a recording medium P. The second image reading unit 52 reads the first image formed on the recording medium P. The operation unit 53 receives an operation input which is an input of setting information according to the identification information corresponding to the first image. The display control unit 61 causes the display unit 51 to display the second image indicating the input setting information. The first image reader 11 reads the second image displayed on the display 51. The controller 31 controls the image forming apparatus 10 based on the setting information corresponding to the second image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and a setting method for an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The method for authenticating a user in a peripheral device described in Patent Document 1 includes the steps of receiving a login request from the user, sending a request to a social networking service to authenticate the user's social networking service account, receiving the user's social networking service account information from the social networking service, determining whether the user is authorized to access the peripheral device based on the user's social networking service account information, and permitting the user to access the peripheral device if the determination determines that the user is authorized to access the peripheral device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,203,825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Compared to high-end MFPs with touch panels, low-end multifunction peripherals (MFPs) only have an LCD panel and a T9 numeric keypad, or may not have a panel at all. When setting up such MFPs, users must manually enter authentication information using the T9 numeric keypad to set up a username and password. MFPs without a display panel require users to go through a lengthy process. Entering information using a T9 numeric keypad is extremely inconvenient in today's world where such layouts are not common, and is therefore prone to errors.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an image forming system and a method for setting an image forming device that allow setting information to be input using an operation unit of an external device that is easy to operate, and that allows the image forming device to be set up simply and efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming system of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and an external device. The image forming apparatus has an image forming unit, an image formation control unit, a first image reading unit, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming control unit controls the image forming unit. The first image reading unit reads an image. The external device has a second image reading unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a display control unit. The second image reading unit reads an image. The operation unit accepts operation input. The display unit displays the image. The display control unit controls the display unit. The image forming control unit causes the image forming unit to form a first image indicating identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus on the recording medium. The second image reading unit reads the first image formed on the recording medium. The operation unit accepts the operation input, which is input of setting information according to the identification information corresponding to the first image. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a second image indicating the input setting information. The first image reading unit reads the second image displayed on the display unit, and the control unit controls the image forming apparatus based on the setting information corresponding to the second image.

[0007] The setting method for an image forming apparatus of the present invention is a setting method for setting setting information for an image forming apparatus by an external device. The image forming apparatus has an image forming unit, an image formation control unit, and a first image reading unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The image formation control unit controls the image forming unit. The first image reading unit reads an image. The external device has a second image reading unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a display control unit. The second image reading unit reads an image. The operation unit accepts operation input. The display unit displays an image. The display control unit controls the display unit. The setting method includes a step in which the image forming control unit causes the image forming unit to form a first image on the recording medium, the first image indicating identification information that identifies the image forming device; a step in which the second image reading unit reads the first image formed on the recording medium; a step in which the operation unit accepts the operation input, which is an input of the setting information corresponding to the identification information corresponding to the first image; a step in which the display control unit displays a second image indicating the input setting information on the display unit; and a step in which the first image reading unit reads the second image displayed on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, setting information can be input using an operation unit of an external device that is easy to operate, and the image forming apparatus can be set simply and efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the image forming system 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a first stage of the setting procedure for the image forming apparatus 10 by the image forming system 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the second stage of the setting procedure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the third stage of the setting procedure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the fourth stage of the setting procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] 1 Overall configuration of image forming system 1 First, a configuration of an image forming system 1 that can set setting information for an image forming apparatus 10 by an external device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an external apparatus 50. The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a copier, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral having a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a network communication function.

[0013] Some low-end multifunction printers have only an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel and a T9 layout numeric keypad as the operation display unit. Other models have no LCD panel and only a numeric keypad. This contrasts with high-end multifunction printers with touch panels, and there is a big difference in operability.

[0014] When setting up a user name and password for these low-end MFPs, users must go through lengthy and cumbersome steps, such as manually entering authentication information using a T9 layout numeric keypad. This manual entry is extremely inconvenient and prone to operational errors.

[0015] In the present invention, setting information can be input not through the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 10 itself but through the operation unit of an external device which has better operability, making it possible to set up the image forming apparatus 10 simply and efficiently.

[0016] 2. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a first image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation display unit 23, a FAX communication unit 24, a network communication unit 25, a storage unit 28, and a control unit 31. Hereinafter, the network communication unit 25 may be referred to as the NW communication unit 25.

[0017] The first image reading unit 11 reads an image. The image includes text such as letters and symbols. The first image reading unit 11 has a document table 11a. The first image reading unit 11 reads an image formed on a document placed on the document table 11a and generates read data. Specifically, the first image reading unit 11 is configured with a document image scanning device (scanner) and the like. Note that the object to be read by the first image reading unit 11 is not limited to a document, as long as it can be placed on the document table 11a.

[0018] The image forming unit 12 forms an image on a recording medium P. For example, the image forming unit 12 forms an image on the recording medium P based on the read data. Examples of the recording medium P include, but are not limited to, printer paper and OHP (Overhead Projector) film. For example, forming an image on printer paper means printing the image on the printer paper.

[0019] The operation display unit 23 is used to allow the user U to operate the image forming apparatus 10. The operation display unit 23 includes a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22.

[0020] The display unit 21 displays various states of the image forming apparatus 10. Examples of the display unit 21 include, but are not limited to, a lamp or an 8-segment display. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is assumed to be a low-end multifunction peripheral, and therefore only devices capable of such simple displays are shown as examples. However, this does not mean that the display unit 21 is exclusive of displays such as an LCD or ELD (Electro Luminescent Display) with a touch panel function.

[0021] The operation unit 22 accepts operations from the user U. Examples of the operation unit 22 include, but are not limited to, physical buttons and a keyboard. In this embodiment, the display unit 21 and a part of the operation unit 22 may be integrated. A touch panel is not excluded as an example of the operation unit 22.

[0022] The FAX communication unit 24 transmits or receives FAX images. Specifically, the FAX communication unit 24 transmits and receives image data and the like to and from other image forming devices and facsimile devices (neither of which are shown) via a network. The received FAX images are printed on a recording medium P by the image forming unit 12. The FAX images are also written as read data into a storage area of ​​the storage unit 28.

[0023] The NW communication unit 25 is capable of communicating with electronic devices equipped with communication devices that use the same communication method (protocol). Specifically, the NW communication unit 25 communicates with other electronic devices via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The NW communication unit 25 is, for example, a communication interface equipped with a communication module such as a LAN board.

[0024] The storage unit 28 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 28 may include a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The storage unit 28 stores various data and a control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The control program is executed by the control unit 31. The image read by the first image reading unit 11 is written as read data to a predetermined data area of ​​the storage unit 28.

[0025] The control unit 31 is a hardware circuit configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 31 controls the operation of each operating unit of the image forming apparatus 10 by having the processor read and execute a control program stored in the storage unit 28.

[0026] The control unit 31 has an image formation control unit 32 and a password generation unit 33. The image formation control unit 32 controls the image forming unit 12. The image formation control unit 32 and the password generation unit 33 will be described in detail later.

[0027] 3. Configuration of External Device 50 As shown in Fig. 1, the external device 50 includes a display unit 51, a second image reading unit 52, an operation unit 53, a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 60. Examples of the external device 50 include, but are not limited to, a smartphone or a tablet. Most of the hardware configuration is similar to that of a typical smartphone or tablet, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted. Below, only the main characteristic parts will be described.

[0028] The display unit 51 displays an image. Examples of the display unit 51 include, but are not limited to, an LCD or an ELD. The display unit 51 may be a touch panel that allows touch operations, and may also serve as the operation unit 53.

[0029] The second image reading unit 52 reads images. In addition to the normal function of taking photos and videos, the second image reading unit 52 has a function of reading two-dimensional code images such as QR codes (registered trademark; notes omitted below). The second image reading unit 52 may be, for example, a built-in camera, but is not limited to this.

[0030] The operation unit 53 receives operation inputs. Examples of the operation unit 53 include, but are not limited to, buttons, a keyboard, and a touch panel that allows touch operations.

[0031] After completing the settings of the image forming apparatus 10, the communication unit 54 performs wireless communication with the NW communication unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 10. Examples of wireless communication include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark; notes omitted below), and mobile communication.

[0032] (Configuration of claim 1) The control unit 60 includes a display control unit 61. The display control unit 61 controls the display unit 51.

[0033] 4. Basic Setting Procedure of Image Forming Apparatus 10 by Image Forming System 1 Next, a basic setup procedure for the image forming apparatus 10 by the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 are explanatory diagrams respectively showing the first to fourth stages of the setup procedure for the image forming apparatus 10 by the image forming system 1. It is assumed that a dedicated application (app) for assisting the user U in setting up the image forming apparatus 10 has been installed and activated in the external device 50.

[0034] 4.1 Phase 1 When the image forming apparatus 10 is first powered on, the control unit 31 initializes each operating unit of the image forming apparatus 10. However, immediately after this initialization, access to the Internet, for example, is not yet permitted.

[0035] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the image formation control unit 32 causes the image forming unit 12 to form a first image indicating identification information for identifying the image forming device 10 on the recording medium P. That is, the first image is printed on the recording medium P, such as printer paper. An example of the first image is a two-dimensional code image Q1, but is not limited to this. This two-dimensional code image Q1 may include, for example, model information of the image forming device 10 and a one-time password.

[0036] It is preferable that not only the two-dimensional code image Q1 but also an operating method showing the setting procedure be printed on the recording medium P. This is because the user U does not have to take the trouble of referring to an instruction manual.

[0037] 4.2 Stage 2 The second image reading unit 52 reads the first image formed on the recording medium P. For example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 3, a user U causes the second image reading unit 52 of the external device 50 to read the two-dimensional code image Q1 printed on the recording medium P. The external device 50 preferably decodes the read two-dimensional code image Q1 and displays the setting procedure corresponding to the model information on the display unit 51.

[0038] The setting procedure includes all setting items required for initial setup, such as default settings for various functions of the external device 50, network settings (especially security settings for Wi-Fi, etc.), and the like.

[0039] 4.3 Stage 3 The operation unit 53 accepts an operation input, which is an input of setting information according to the identification information corresponding to the first image. For example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 4, an input screen for setting information is displayed on the display unit 51, and the external device 50 accepts the operation input of setting information by the user U. When the input of all setting information is completed, the dedicated application generates a second image showing the input setting information.

[0040] The display control unit 61 causes the display unit 51 to display a second image indicating the input setting information. For example, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, a two-dimensional code image Q2 is displayed on the display unit 51. It is preferable that a message indicating the next operation is displayed below the two-dimensional code image Q2. This message may, for example, instruct the user to scan using the platen 11a of the image forming device 10 and then press the start button included in the operation unit 22.

[0041] 4.4 Stage 4 After reading the message displayed on the display unit 51, the user U places the external device 50 with the display unit 51 facing downwards and in close contact with the document table 11a of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 5, and then starts scanning by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0042] The first image reading unit 11 reads the second image displayed on the display unit 51. For example, the first image reading unit 11 reads the two-dimensional code image Q2 displayed on the display unit 51.

[0043] The control unit 31 decodes the two-dimensional code image Q2 read by the first image reading unit 11 to obtain the necessary setting information.

[0044] The control unit 31 controls the image forming apparatus 10 based on the setting information corresponding to the second image.

[0045] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by the operation unit 53 of the external device 50, not by the operation unit 53 of the image forming apparatus 10 itself, based on the setting information input according to the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the setting information can be input by the operation unit 53 of the external device 50, which has excellent operability, and therefore the setting of the image forming apparatus 10 can be performed simply and efficiently.

[0046] 5. Details of the setup procedure and supplementary information The identification information includes model identification information that identifies the model of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by the operation unit 53 of the external device 50 based on the setting information input according to the model identification information of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, since the setting information can be input by the operation unit 53 of the external device 50, which has excellent operability, it is possible to easily and efficiently perform appropriate settings according to the model of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0047] As described above, the control unit 31 has the password generation unit 33. The password generation unit 33 generates a one-time password. Therefore, the image formation control unit 32 may cause the image formation unit 12 to form a first image on the recording medium P that shows the one-time password together with the identification information. Therefore, the one-time password is used together with the identification information. As a result, security regarding the settings of the image forming device 10 can be improved.

[0048] The image formation control unit 32 may convert the identification information and the one-time password into a two-dimensional code image Q1 and cause the image forming unit 12 to form the two-dimensional code image Q1 as the first image on the recording medium P. Therefore, the identification information and the one-time password are formed as a two-dimensional code on the recording medium P. As a result, the reading accuracy by the second image reading unit 52 is improved because the two-dimensional code has an error correction function.

[0049] Furthermore, the display control unit 61 may cause the display unit 51 to display the setting procedure information after the second image reading unit 52 reads the first image formed on the recording medium P. Therefore, the setting procedure information of the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the external device 50. As a result, it becomes possible to input the setting information simply and appropriately.

[0050] The display control unit 61 may cause the display unit 51 to display a second image showing the input setting information and the one-time password corresponding to the first image read by the second image reading unit 52. In this case, if the one-time password corresponding to the second image read by the first image reading unit 11 matches the one-time password generated by the password generating unit 33, the control unit 31 controls the image forming device 10 based on the setting information corresponding to the second image. Therefore, the image forming device 10 is controlled based on the read setting information only when authentication is performed using the one-time password. As a result, security regarding the settings of the image forming device 10 can be significantly improved.

[0051] The display control unit 61 may convert the setting information and the one-time password into a two-dimensional code image Q2 and display the two-dimensional code image Q2 as the second image on the display unit 51. Therefore, the setting information and the one-time password are displayed as a two-dimensional code on the display unit 51. As a result, the reading accuracy of the first image reading unit 11 is improved because the two-dimensional code has an error correction function.

[0052] 6. Method of Setting Image Forming Apparatus 10 by Image Forming System 1 Next, a setting method for setting the setting information of the image forming apparatus 10 by the external device 50 in the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the main processing by the image forming system 1.

[0053] In step S1, the image formation control unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the image forming unit 12 to form on the recording medium P a first image showing identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 10.

[0054] In step S2, the second image reading unit 52 of the external device 50 reads the first image formed on the recording medium P.

[0055] In step S3, the operation unit 53 of the external device 50 accepts an operation input that is an input of setting information according to the identification information corresponding to the first image.

[0056] In step S4, the display control unit 61 of the external device 50 causes the display unit 51 to display a second image showing the input setting information.

[0057] In step S5, the first image reading unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 reads the second image displayed on the display unit 51.

[0058] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by the operation unit 53 of the external device 50, not by the operation unit 53 of the image forming apparatus 10 itself, based on the setting information input according to the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the setting information can be input by the operation unit 53 of the external device 50, which has excellent operability, and therefore the setting of the image forming apparatus 10 can be performed simply and efficiently.

[0059] 7. Modifications For example, if the display unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 is an LCD or ELD and has a resolution sufficient to display the two-dimensional code image Q1, the two-dimensional code image Q1 may be displayed on the display unit 21. In this case, the displayed two-dimensional code image Q1 may be read by the second image reading unit 52 of the external device 50.

[0060] For example, if the one-time password corresponding to the second image read by the first image reading unit 11 does not match the one-time password generated by the password generating unit 33, it is preferable that the control unit 31 of the image forming device 10 display a warning on the display unit 21. Examples of warning displays include, but are not limited to, visual warnings such as a flashing lamp or an error code on an 8-segment display. For example, if the image forming device 10 is configured to output sound or audio, an audio warning such as an alarm sound or an error message may also be used. These visual and audio warnings may be combined as appropriate.

[0061] When such a visual or audible warning is displayed, for example, the user U first presses a predetermined button (for example, a button other than the cancel button) included in the operation unit 22. Then, the user U must re-enter the one-time password using a dedicated application on the external device 50, and generate a new two-dimensional code image Q2 to display on the display unit 51.

[0062] The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. While the above description focuses on the reservation of a "conference" in order to clarify the gist of the invention, similar applications are possible for the preparation time for work reservations, etc. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not bound by the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The contents of the present disclosure can be used for display devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Image forming system 10 Image forming device 11 First image reading unit 12 Image forming unit 21 Display section 22 Control section 23 Operation display section 24 Fax Communication Department 25 Network Communications Department 28 Memory section 31 Control Unit 32 Image formation control unit 33 Password generation section 50 External device 51 Display section 52 Second image reading unit 53 Operation section 54 Communications Department 55 Storage section 60 Control Unit 61 Display control unit

Claims

1. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an external device, the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; an image forming control unit that controls the image forming unit; a first image reading unit that reads an image; Control unit and and The external device is a second image reading unit that reads an image; an operation unit that accepts operation input; a display unit for displaying an image; a display control unit that controls the display unit; and the image forming control unit causes the image forming unit to form, on the recording medium, a first image showing identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus; the second image reading unit reads the first image formed on the recording medium; the operation unit accepts the operation input, which is input of setting information according to the identification information corresponding to the first image; the display control unit causes the display unit to display a second image indicating the input setting information; the first image reading unit reads the second image displayed on the display unit; The control unit controls the image forming apparatus based on the setting information corresponding to the second image.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information includes model identification information for identifying a model of the image forming apparatus.

3. the image forming apparatus further includes a password generating unit that generates a one-time password; 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming control unit causes the image forming unit to form the first image showing the one-time password together with the identification information on the recording medium.

4. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image forming control unit converts the identification information and the one-time password into a two-dimensional code image, and causes the image forming unit to form the two-dimensional code image on the recording medium as the first image.

5. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display setting procedure information after the second image reading unit reads the first image formed on the recording medium.

6. the display control unit causes the display unit to display the second image indicating the input setting information and the one-time password corresponding to the first image read by the second image reading unit; The image forming system of claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the image forming device based on the setting information corresponding to the second image when the one-time password corresponding to the second image read by the first image reading unit matches the one-time password generated by the password generation unit.

7. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the display control unit converts the setting information and the one-time password into a two-dimensional code image, and causes the display unit to display the two-dimensional code image as the second image.

8. A setting method for setting setting information of an image forming apparatus by an external device, comprising: the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; an image forming control unit that controls the image forming unit; a first image reading unit that reads an image; and The external device is a second image reading unit that reads an image; an operation unit that accepts operation input; a display unit for displaying an image; a display control unit that controls the display unit; and a step of causing the image forming control unit to form, on the recording medium, a first image showing identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus by the image forming unit; a step in which the second image reading unit reads the first image formed on the recording medium; a step of receiving the operation input by the operation unit, the operation input being an input of the setting information according to the identification information corresponding to the first image; a step of causing the display control unit to display a second image indicating the input setting information on the display unit; a step in which the first image reading unit reads the second image displayed on the display unit; Including how to set it up.

Images