Image forming system

Abstract

This reduces the burden of setup work required for image forming equipment before shipment. [Solution] The image forming system comprises an image forming apparatus for forming an image, and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus transmits location information indicating the current location of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus sets the location indicated by the location information received from the information processing apparatus as the destination of the image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] The destination of the image forming apparatus varies. The settings of the image forming apparatus change according to the destination. The destination of the image forming apparatus for Japan is set to Japan. The destination of the image forming apparatus for the United States is set to the United States (see paragraph 0023 of Patent Document 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When there are a plurality of countries (including regions) that can be the destination of the image forming apparatus, before shipping the image forming apparatus, the manufacturer performs an operation of setting the destination (this operation is one of the setup operations). As a result, the setup operations performed on the image forming apparatus before shipping increase, and the burden on the operator becomes large.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming system capable of reducing the burden on the setup operations performed on the image forming apparatus before shipping.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image forming system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image forming apparatus for forming an image, and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus transmits location information indicating the current location of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus sets the location indicated by the location information received from the information processing apparatus as the destination of the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The configuration of the present invention reduces the burden of setup work performed on the image forming apparatus before shipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a selection screen displayed by an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the processing flow performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes an image forming system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 of this embodiment comprises an image forming apparatus 1 and an information processing apparatus 2.

[0011] Image forming apparatus 1 forms images. Image forming apparatus 1 prints images onto sheets (recording media) such as paper and cloth. Image forming apparatus 1 is a production machine and is used for commercial printing. Image forming apparatus 1 is delivered to various countries and regions.

[0012] Image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction printer (MFP). Image forming apparatus 1 may also be a printer. Furthermore, the printing method of image forming apparatus 1 may be an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP control unit 11. The MFP control unit 11 includes processing circuits such as a CPU. The MFP control unit 11 performs processing related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 1. The MFP control unit 11 also controls printing by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP storage unit 12. The MFP storage unit 12 includes ROM and RAM, etc. The MFP storage unit 12 also includes storage such as an HDD and an SSD. The MFP storage unit 12 stores various types of information. For example, the information stored in the MFP storage unit 12 includes setting information (such as language data) for configuring the image forming apparatus 1 according to the destination.

[0015] The MFP storage unit 12 is connected to the MFP control unit 11. The MFP control unit 11 reads information from the MFP storage unit 12 and writes information to the MFP storage unit 12.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP operation unit 13. The MFP operation unit 13 is an operation panel with a touchscreen. The MFP operation unit 13 displays software buttons and messages. The MFP operation unit 13 receives operations from the user of the image forming apparatus 1. By operating the MFP operation unit 13, settings related to printing by the image forming apparatus 1 (such as the number of prints, the number of copies, the sheet size, and the print resolution) can be made.

[0017] The MFP operation unit 13 is connected to the MFP control unit 11. The MFP control unit 11 controls the display operation of the MFP operation unit 13. The MFP control unit 11 also detects operations performed on the MFP operation unit 13.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP communication unit 14. The MFP communication unit 14 is a communication interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to a communication network NT such as a LAN and the Internet. The MFP communication unit 14 includes a communication circuit, a communication memory, a communication connector, and the like.

[0019] The MFP communication unit 14 is connected to the MFP control unit 11. The MFP control unit 11 accesses the communication network NT via the MFP communication unit 14. Thereby, the MFP control unit 11 can communicate with an external device connected to the communication network NT. The MFP control unit 11 transmits and receives information to and from the external device.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10. The printing unit 10 forms an image and prints the image on a sheet.

[0021] When the printing method of the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet method, the printing unit 10 includes at least an ink head. The inkjet printing unit 10 prints an image on a sheet using ink. That is, the inkjet printing unit 10 ejects ink toward the sheet and attaches the ink to the sheet.

[0022] When the printing method of the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic method, the printing unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, an exposure device, a transfer roller, and the like. The electrophotographic printing unit 10 prints an image on a sheet using toner. That is, the electrophotographic printing unit 10 forms an electrostatic latent image and transfers the toner image obtained by developing the electrostatic latent image to the sheet.

[0023] Although not shown, a sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 may be installed in the image forming apparatus 1, or an image reading device for reading a document and generating document image data may be installed. Further, a post-processing device for performing post-processing such as punching, stapling, and sorting on the printed sheet may be installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0024] Information processing device 2 is a personal computer (PC). Information processing device 2 may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Information processing device 2 can be any communication device capable of communicating with external devices. Note that while information processing device 2 is used by the user of image forming apparatus 1, it is not provided to the user by the manufacturer of image forming apparatus 1. Information processing device 2 is prepared by the user.

[0025] The information processing device 2 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 1. By connecting the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2 in a communicative manner, the information processing device 2 can be used to perform system settings and print settings on the image forming apparatus 1.

[0026] The information processing device 2 includes a PC control unit 21. The PC control unit 21 includes processing circuits such as a CPU. The PC control unit 21 controls the information processing device 2. The PC control unit 21 performs various processes related to said control.

[0027] The information processing device 2 includes a PC memory unit 22. The PC memory unit 22 includes ROM and RAM, etc. The PC memory unit 22 also includes storage such as an HDD and an SSD. The PC memory unit 22 stores various types of information.

[0028] The PC memory unit 22 is connected to the PC control unit 21. The PC control unit 21 reads information from the PC memory unit 22 and writes information to the PC memory unit 22.

[0029] The information processing device 2 includes a PC operation unit 23. The information processing device 2, as the PC operation unit 23, includes, for example, a display device and an input device. The display device is, for example, an LCD. The input device is, for example, a hardware keyboard and a pointing device. The display device displays information. The input device accepts operations from the user.

[0030] The PC operation unit 23 is connected to the PC control unit 21. The PC control unit 21 controls the display operation of the PC operation unit 23. The PC control unit 21 also detects operations performed on the PC operation unit 23.

[0031] The information processing device 2 includes a PC communication unit 24. The PC communication unit 24 is a communication interface for connecting the information processing device 2 to the communication network NT. The PC communication unit 24 includes a communication circuit, a communication memory, and a communication connector.

[0032] The PC communication unit 24 is connected to the PC control unit 21, which accesses the communication network NT via the PC communication unit 24. This allows the PC control unit 21 to communicate with external devices connected to the communication network NT. The PC control unit 21 sends and receives information with these external devices.

[0033] The information processing device 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication network NT, enabling communication between them. This allows the PC control unit 21 to send and receive information with the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2 may be directly connected without using the communication network NT. For example, short-range wireless communication may be used between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2, or the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2 may be connected by a wired connection.

[0034] Here, an application 20 (hereinafter abbreviated as "app 20") that enables the transmission and reception of various types of information with the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on the information processing device 2. The PC storage unit 22 stores the app 20. The app 20 is created by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1 and provided to the user of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0035] By installing application 20 on information processing device 2 and launching application 20 on information processing device 2, command data related to system settings and print settings can be sent from information processing device 2 to image forming apparatus 1, for example. Furthermore, information regarding the status of image forming apparatus 1 (such as remaining sheet quantity and colorant quantity) can be obtained from image forming apparatus 1 and displayed on information processing device 2. Data formats such as XJDF are used for information exchange between image forming apparatus 1 and application 20 (in other words, information processing device 2 with application 20 installed).

[0036] <Setting the destination> In this embodiment, the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 can be changed according to the destination. One example of a setting that can be changed according to the destination is the language setting. Another example is the setting for how the sheet size is displayed. The settings listed here are just examples; there may be other settings that can be changed according to the destination.

[0037] For example, in order to configure the image forming apparatus 1 according to the destination, it is conceivable to configure the destination before shipping the image forming apparatus 1. However, this would increase the workload of the setup work required for the image forming apparatus 1 before shipment.

[0038] To resolve this inconvenience, in this embodiment, the destination is set by the user after the image forming apparatus 1 has been shipped (delivered). In other words, in this embodiment, the destination is not set before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. This reduces the burden of setup work that must be performed on the image forming apparatus 1 before shipment.

[0039] To allow the user to set the destination for the image forming apparatus 1, it is preferable to install application 20 on the information processing device 2. By installing application 20 on the information processing device 2 and operating the information processing device 2, the image forming apparatus 1 can be made to automatically set the destination.

[0040] First, referring to Figure 2, we will explain the process related to setting the destination that is performed in the information processing device 2. For example, by launching application 20 in the information processing device 2, the application home screen (not shown) is displayed on the PC operation unit 23. Then, when an operation is performed to select an item related to setting the destination from the menu on the application home screen, the flow shown in Figure 2 starts.

[0041] In step #1, the PC control unit 21 recognizes the current location of the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the PC control unit 21 recognizes the location where the image forming apparatus 1 is currently installed. Typically, the information processing device 2 is installed in the same building as the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the current location of the information processing device 2 corresponds to the current location of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0042] For example, information indicating the current location of the image forming apparatus 1 is input by the user to the information processing device 2. In this case, the PC control unit 21 displays a selection screen SS, as shown in Figure 3, on the PC operation unit 23. In other words, the PC control unit 21 displays a predetermined number of destinations as options on the PC operation unit 23. The PC control unit 21 then causes the PC operation unit 23 to accept the selection operation. At this time, the PC operation unit 23 accepts from the user the operation of selecting one of the multiple destinations displayed as options on the selection screen SS.

[0043] In Figure 3, for convenience, multiple destinations are represented by a series of letters (AAA, BBB, CCC, and DDD). AAA, BBB, CCC, and DDD are country names (including regional names), respectively. Note that the selection screen SS shown in Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram, and the layout of the selection screen SS can be changed as desired.

[0044] When the selection screen SS is displayed, the user selects the current location of the image forming apparatus 1 (in other words, the user's current location) from among several destination options. For example, if the current location of the image forming apparatus 1 is Japan, "Japan" is selected from among the multiple destination options displayed on the selection screen SS.

[0045] Thus, on the selection screen SS, the operation to select the current position of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed as a selection operation. That is, here, the PC control unit 21 causes the PC operation unit 23 to receive input information indicating the current position of the image forming apparatus 1. The PC control unit 21 recognizes the position indicated by the information entered by the user (i.e., the destination selected in the selection operation) as the current position of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0046] In addition, other processes may be performed to recognize the current location of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, since the current location of the information processing device 2 corresponds to the current location of the image forming apparatus 1, the information processing device 2 may be configured to recognize the location determined based on the IP address used when the information processing device 2 connects to the internet as the current location of the image forming apparatus 1. In this configuration, when the application 20 is launched on the information processing device 2, the PC control unit 21 automatically recognizes the current location of the information processing device 2, determined based on the IP address of the information processing device 2, as the current location of the image forming apparatus 1 without receiving any operation from the user.

[0047] In step #2, the PC control unit 21 transmits location information indicating the current position of the image forming apparatus 1, which was recognized in the processing of step #1, to the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the PC control unit 21 transmits information indicating the destination selected in the selection operation on the selection screen SS as location information to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0048] When application 20 is launched on the information processing device 2, the PC control unit 21 performs a process to establish communication with the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, at this time, the PC control unit 21 sends connection request information, including a connection request command, to the image forming apparatus 1. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection request information, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a process to establish communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2.

[0049] In this configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive location information by including location information in the connection request information. Therefore, when transmitting connection request information to the image forming apparatus 1, the PC control unit 21 includes location information in the connection request information.

[0050] In step #3, the PC control unit 21 determines whether or not it has received a connection completion notification from the image forming apparatus 1. If communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 is established, the image forming apparatus 1 sends a connection completion notification to the information processing apparatus 2 indicating that communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 has been established. On the other hand, if communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 cannot be established, the image forming apparatus 1 sends an error notification to the information processing apparatus 2 indicating that communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 could not be established.

[0051] In step #3, if the PC control unit 21 determines that it has received a connection completion notification from the image forming apparatus 1, the process proceeds to step #4. In other words, once communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 is established, the process proceeds to step #4.

[0052] If the process proceeds to step #4, the PC control unit 21 determines whether or not it has received a destination setting completion notification (abbreviated as "setting completion notification" in the flowchart) from the image forming apparatus 1. Once the destination setting is completed in the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 sends a destination setting completion notification to the information processing device 2 indicating that the destination setting has been successfully completed. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 is unable to set the destination, the image forming apparatus 1 sends an error notification to the information processing device 2 indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 was unable to set the destination.

[0053] In step #4, if the PC control unit 21 determines that it has received a notification from the image forming apparatus 1 that the destination setting is complete, the process proceeds to step #5. In other words, once the destination setting is successfully completed in the image forming apparatus 1, the process proceeds to step #5.

[0054] If the process proceeds to step #5, the PC control unit 21 completes the processing related to setting the destination on the information processing device 2. This allows the information processing device 2 to configure the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the information processing device 2 can configure settings for printing by the image forming apparatus 1, such as the number of prints, the number of copies, the sheet size, and the print resolution. In addition, the status of the image forming apparatus 1 can be displayed on the information processing device 2.

[0055] In step #3, if the PC control unit 21 determines that it has not received a connection completion notification from the image forming apparatus 1, it proceeds to step #6. In other words, if the PC control unit 21 determines that it has received an error notification from the image forming apparatus 1, it proceeds to step #6.

[0056] Furthermore, if the PC control unit 21 determines in step #4 that it has not received a destination setting completion notification from the image forming apparatus 1, it proceeds to step #6. In other words, if the PC control unit 21 determines that it has received an error notification from the image forming apparatus 1, it proceeds to step #6.

[0057] If the process proceeds to step #6, the PC control unit 21 will issue an error notification. For example, if the process proceeds from step #3, the PC control unit 21 will display an error message on the PC operation unit 23 indicating that communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 could not be established. Also, if the process proceeds from step #4, the PC control unit 21 will display an error message on the PC operation unit 23 indicating that the destination could not be set in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0058] Next, referring to Figure 4, the process related to setting the destination performed in the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives location information from the information processing device 2, the flow shown in Figure 4 starts. In other words, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives connection request information from the information processing device 2, the flow shown in Figure 4 starts.

[0059] In step #11, the MFP control unit 11 performs a process to establish communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2. If communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 is established as a result, the process proceeds to step #12. If the process proceeds to step #12, the MFP control unit 11 sends a connection completion notification to the information processing apparatus 2 indicating that communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 has been established.

[0060] In step #13, the MFP control unit 11 sets the destination of the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the MFP control unit 11 acquires location information included in the connection request information received from the information processing device 2, and sets the location (i.e., country and region) indicated by the acquired location information as the destination of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0061] If the location information received from the image forming apparatus 1 indicates Japan, the MFP control unit 11 sets "Japan" as the destination for the image forming apparatus 1 from among a predetermined list of destinations. Similarly, if the location information received from the image forming apparatus 1 indicates the United States, the MFP control unit 11 sets "United States" as the destination for the image forming apparatus 1 from among a predetermined list of destinations. After the destination is set, the image forming apparatus 1 performs various settings based on the country and region set as the destination.

[0062] For example, the MFP memory unit 12 stores multiple types of language data in advance. This language data is used for displaying characters on the MFP operation unit 13. The MFP control unit 11 controls the display operation of the MFP operation unit 13 using the language data corresponding to the destination of the image forming apparatus 1. If the destination is Japan, the MFP control unit 11 uses Japanese language data. If the destination is the United States, the MFP control unit 11 uses English language data.

[0063] In step #14, the MFP control unit 11 determines whether the destination setting for the image forming apparatus 1 has been successfully completed. If the destination setting has been successfully completed, the process proceeds to step #15. In step #15, the MFP control unit 11 sends a destination setting completion notification (abbreviated as "setting completion notification" in the flowchart) to the information processing device 2. Subsequently, the information processing device 2 sends various information, such as commands related to printing, to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 then operates based on the information received from the information processing device 2.

[0064] If communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 cannot be established (if the answer is No in step #11), the process proceeds to step #16. Also, if the destination setting of the image forming apparatus 1 is not completed successfully (if the answer is No in step #14), the process proceeds to step #16. In step #16, the MFP control unit 11 notifies the information processing apparatus 2 of the error.

[0065] In this embodiment, the destination of the image forming apparatus 1 can be set by the user after the image forming apparatus 1 has been shipped. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the location indicated by the location information received from the information processing device 2 as its destination. This reduces the setup work that needs to be performed before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. In other words, it is not necessary to set the destination before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. As a result, the workload associated with the setup work performed on the image forming apparatus 1 before shipment can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives location information from the information processing device 2, it automatically sets the location indicated by the location information as the destination for the image forming apparatus 1 without requiring any operation from the user. In this configuration, the user does not need to perform any setting operations related to setting the destination for the image forming apparatus 1 (MFP operation unit 13), thus reducing the burden on the user. The only additional operation that the user needs to perform regarding setting the destination for the image forming apparatus 1 is to input location information into the information processing device 2.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the information processing device 2 transmits connection request information to the image forming apparatus 1, it includes location information in the connection request information. This allows the destination setting of the image forming apparatus 1 to be completed when communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2 is established.

[0068] However, this is not limited to this. For example, after communication is established between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2, and a notification to that effect is sent from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 2, the information processing apparatus 2 may receive input for location information to be sent to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if communication with the information processing device 2 cannot be established, the image forming apparatus 1 does not set the destination based on location information. That is, in the flowchart of Figure 4, if the answer in step #11 is No, the process proceeds to step #16. If the command received by the image forming apparatus 1 from the information processing device 2 is an invalid command, communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing device 2 will not be established. Therefore, in this case, the destination is not set, and the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to notify the information processing device 2 of the error.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 2 displays a predetermined number of destinations as options, accepts a selection operation from the user to select one of the destinations, and transmits information indicating the selected destination as location information to the image forming apparatus 1. With this configuration, the user only needs to select one of the destinations, so the burden on the user is minimal.

[0071] In some cases, users may not install application 20 on the information processing device 2. In this case, the MFP operation unit 13 accepts a selection operation from the user to choose one of several destinations.

[0072] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Image forming apparatus 2. Information Processing Device 100 Image Forming Systems

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image, The image forming apparatus comprises an information processing device capable of communicating with the aforementioned image forming apparatus, The information processing device transmits position information indicating the current position of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is an image forming system that sets the location indicated by the location information received from the information processing device as the destination of the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the image forming apparatus receives the location information from the information processing device, the image forming apparatus automatically sets the location indicated by the location information as the destination of the image forming apparatus without accepting any operation from the user.

3. The image forming apparatus, upon receiving connection request information including a connection request command from the information processing device, performs a process to establish communication with the information processing device. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the information processing device transmits the connection request information to the image forming apparatus, the information processing device includes the position information in the connection request information.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when communication with the information processing device cannot be established, the image forming apparatus does not set a destination based on the location information.

5. The aforementioned information processing device is A selection of predetermined destinations is displayed as an option. The user is asked to select one of the aforementioned multiple destination options. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein information indicating the destination selected in the selection operation is transmitted to the image forming apparatus as location information.

Images