Image processing system

Abstract

The image forming apparatus will be able to execute a print job when a mobile device approaches it. [Solution] The image processing system comprises an information processing device and an image forming device, wherein the information processing device includes an acquisition means for acquiring information from a mobile terminal and a transmission means for transmitting a print job to the image forming device with the mobile terminal information attached, and the image forming device includes a receiving means for receiving a print job to which the mobile terminal information attached is attached from the information processing device, a measuring means for measuring the distance between the image forming device and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with the mobile terminal corresponding to the mobile terminal information, and an execution means for executing the print job if the distance between the image forming device and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, their processing methods, and programs.

Background Art

[0002] When a user who has sent a print job approaches an image forming apparatus while carrying a mobile terminal having various wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, etc.), it is expected that the image forming apparatus detects the approach of the mobile terminal and starts printing.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that detects the approach of a mobile terminal and prepares for printing. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, a user gives a print instruction from a terminal device, and thereby receives a print job sent from the terminal device to the image forming apparatus via a network.

[0004] When transmitting a print job to an image forming apparatus, the terminal device performs short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal, and creates and transmits a print job with the identification information of the mobile terminal obtained thereby to the image forming apparatus.

[0005] After receiving the print job, when the image forming apparatus detects that it has received radio waves of a predetermined intensity or more from the mobile terminal having the given identification information, it starts print preparation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus prepares for printing when the strength of the radio waves emitted by the mobile terminal exceeds a predetermined strength. Therefore, if there is an obstacle between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus, the strength of the radio waves reaching the image forming apparatus weakens, and the preparation for printing does not start. In addition, the radio wave strength detected by the image forming apparatus changes depending on how the user is carrying the mobile terminal (for example, holding it in their hand or putting it in a bag). Furthermore, if the user is wearing the mobile terminal, the user themselves may become an obstacle to the radio waves.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to enable an image forming apparatus to execute a print job when a mobile device approaches the image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image processing system comprises an information processing device and an image forming device, wherein the information processing device includes an acquisition means for acquiring information from a mobile terminal and a transmission means for transmitting a print job to the image forming device with the mobile terminal information attached, and the image forming device includes a receiving means for receiving a print job to which the mobile terminal information attached is attached from the information processing device, a measuring means for measuring the distance between the image forming device and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with the mobile terminal corresponding to the mobile terminal information, and an execution means for executing the print job if the distance between the image forming device and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when a mobile device approaches the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can execute a print job. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image processing system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of a mobile device's hardware configuration. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a computer. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram of a distance measurement method for measuring the distance between an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a method for a computer to acquire information of a mobile terminal. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a computer. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a computer displaying information of a mobile terminal. [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a computer. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a data list stored in a database server. [Figure 13A] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a BLE advertisement packet transmitted from a computer. [Figure 13B] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a BLE data packet transmitted from a computer. [Figure 13C] It is a diagram showing the packet specification used in UWB distance measurement. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image processing system.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the best mode for implementing this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a printing processing apparatus will be used as an example of an image processing apparatus for explanation, but it does not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiment are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0013] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0014] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system includes a mobile terminal 101, a wireless LAN terminal 102, an image forming apparatus 104, and a computer 105.

[0015] In FIG. 1, 101 is a mobile terminal capable of wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and BLE, and UWB communication. 104 is an image forming apparatus, which may have a printer function, as well as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax transmission function, and the like.

[0016] 103 is a LAN (Local Area Network) to which the mobile terminal 101, the wireless LAN terminal 102, the image forming apparatus 104, and the computer 105 are connected, and the connected devices communicate with each other via the LAN 103 to exchange information.

[0017] 102 is a wireless LAN terminal. The wireless LAN terminal 102 is a parent device of a wireless LAN having a general network router function, and provides a wireless LAN via Wi-Fi in a home or an office. Also, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 101 is connected to the LAN 103 via the wireless LAN terminal 102 by enabling the Wi-Fi function. When the mobile terminal 101 enters the wireless LAN area provided by the wireless LAN terminal 102, it can automatically participate in the network of the LAN 103 using the preset authentication information.

[0018] 105 is a computer capable of performing various operations. In this embodiment, it communicates with the mobile terminal 101 to acquire information of the mobile terminal 101, and transmits a print job with the acquired information to the image forming apparatus 104 via the LAN 103.

[0019] 108 and 109 are wireless signals transmitted and received by the mobile terminal 101 and the computer 105 using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). A wireless personal area network (WPAN) can be formed between devices where these wireless signals reach each other.

[0020] 121 and 122 are UWB (Ultra Wide Band) wireless signals transmitted and received by the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 104. A WPAN (wireless personal area network) can be formed between the devices where these wireless signals reach each other.

[0021] <Mobile device hardware configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 101 in Figure 1. The mobile terminal 101 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet, and may be running an operating system for the terminal and programs that control calls and data communication.

[0022] Each hardware component is connected to the system bus 201. The ROM 203 stores the operating system (OS) and applications that control calls and data communication in the mobile terminal 101, and is executed by the CPU 202.

[0023] Applications that control data communication include email software and web browsers.

[0024] RAM204 is memory for executing programs and is the work memory area where applications execute programs. RAM204 also serves as temporary memory for data that applications must temporarily save when executing programs. Storage device 209 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various operating mode settings and operation logs that need to be retained even after the mobile terminal 101 is restarted.

[0025] The network controller 205 controls the wireless LAN communication unit 211 for joining the LAN 103 network via the wireless LAN terminal 102, and the mobile phone data communication unit 212 for joining the network provided by the mobile carrier. The network controller 205 also controls the BLE communication unit 213 for forming a WPAN (Wide Wide Band Area) between surrounding computer devices where BLE wireless signals reach each other. Furthermore, the network controller 205 controls communication by the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication unit 218 for forming a WPAN for distance measurement and data communication between surrounding devices where UWB (Ultra Wide Band) wireless signals reach each other.

[0026] Generally, when a device is able to join a wireless LAN network, the network controller 205 prioritizes the wireless LAN connection. If the mobile terminal 101 moves out of the wireless LAN network area, it is exclusively controlled to join the wireless communication network provided by the mobile carrier. However, in BLE and UWB communication, the communication function can be controlled independently to achieve the purpose of communication.

[0027] The voice control unit 206 is used, for example, when a calling application is launched and the user is making a call. The microphone / speaker 214 handles the input and output of voice data, and the voice control unit 206 acts as an intermediary between that voice data and the voice data control program.

[0028] The display control unit 207 controls the information output on the display 215 of the mobile terminal 101. The input control unit 208 controls the information instructed by the user via the buttons or touch panel 216 of the mobile terminal 101. Using these voice control unit 206, display control unit 207, and input control unit 208, applications running on the mobile terminal 101 provide the user with network communication information and various information about the mobile terminal 101.

[0029] The position detection control unit 210 acquires location information of the mobile terminal 101 from the GPS sensor 217 and provides it to the operating system. The direction detection control unit 219 acquires direction information of the mobile terminal 101 from the gyro sensor 221 and provides it to the operating system. The acceleration detection control unit 220 acquires acceleration information of the mobile terminal 101 from the acceleration sensor 222 and provides it to the operating system. These controls are managed by the operating system running on the CPU 202.

[0030] The digital camera 223 can capture still images and videos. The captured still images and videos are stored in the storage device 209 via the image data acquisition unit 224.

[0031] <Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 that constitutes the image processing system shown in Figure 1.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 104 includes an operation unit 140 for the user to perform various operations, a scanner unit 10 that reads image information according to instructions from the operation unit 140, and a printer unit 20 that prints image data onto paper. The scanner unit 10 includes a CPU that controls the scanner unit 10, and illumination lamps and scanning mirrors (not shown) for reading the original document.

[0033] The printer unit 20 includes a CPU for controlling the printer unit 20, and a photosensitive drum and fuser (not shown) for image formation and fixing.

[0034] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 104 includes a scanner unit 10, a printer unit 20, a LAN 103, and a controller 1200 that comprehensively controls communication with external information devices connected via a wireless LAN terminal 102, etc.

[0035] <Controller configuration of image forming apparatus> Figure 3 will be used to explain the internal workings of the controller 1200 in detail.

[0036] The controller 1200 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 1271, a BLE communication unit 1272, and a UWB communication unit 1273 that enable wireless communication with an external mobile terminal 101.

[0037] The controller 1200 also has a raster image processor (RIP) 1260 that converts the PDL code contained in the print job received from the computer 105 via the LAN 103 into a bitmap image.

[0038] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has a scanner image processing unit 1280 that performs correction, processing, and editing on image data input from the scanner unit 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the controller 1200 includes a printer image processing unit 1290 that performs correction, resolution conversion, etc., on the image data output (printed) by the printer unit 20, and an image rotation unit 1230 that rotates the image data.

[0040] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has an image compression unit 1240 that performs compression and decompression processing on multi-level image data using JPEG, and on binary image data using JBIG, MMR, or MH.

[0041] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has a device I / F 1220 that connects the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 to the controller 1200 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. In addition, the controller 1200 has an image bus 2008 that connects these to each other and transfers image data at high speed.

[0042] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has a CPU 1201 as a control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 104.

[0043] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has RAM 1202, which is both a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 1201 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

[0044] Furthermore, the controller 1200 outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140 via the operation unit I / F 1206.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit I / F 1206 has the role of transmitting information entered by the user using the image forming apparatus 104 from the control unit 140 to the CPU 1201.

[0046] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has a network unit 1210 that is connected to the LAN 103 and performs communication (sending and receiving) with a print server and other computer terminals on the LAN 103 (not shown).

[0047] Furthermore, the controller 1200 has a modem unit 1211 that is connected to the public telephone line 3001 and performs data communication (transmission and reception) with an external facsimile device (not shown).

[0048] The controller 1200 also includes a ROM 1203 that stores the boot program executed by the CPU 1201, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 1204 that stores system software, image data, software counter values, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the controller 1200 includes an internal communication interface 1208 that communicates with the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20, respectively, and a system bus 1207 that connects them to each other.

[0050] The controller 1200 includes an ImageBusI / F1205 which functions as a bus bridge connecting the system bus 1207 and the image bus 2008 and converting the data structure.

[0051] The controller 1200 records and manages the history of print and copy jobs, including the user name, number of copies, color printing, and other output attribute information, as job log information in the HDD 1204 or RAM 1202.

[0052] <Overall computer configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of computer 105, which constitutes the image processing system shown in Figure 1.

[0053] The internal workings of computer 105 will be explained below using Figure 4.

[0054] Computer 105 has an operation interface 405 for acquiring various user instructions. A mouse 406 and a keyboard 407 are connected to the operation interface 405 as means for the user to input information, and the information and instructions entered by the user via the mouse 406 and keyboard 407 are transmitted to the CPU 401 via the operation interface 405.

[0055] Furthermore, the computer 105 has a display interface 408 for displaying information to the user, and displays various information processed by the computer 105 on a display 409 connected to the display interface 408.

[0056] Furthermore, the computer 105 has a Wi-Fi communication unit 413 and a BLE communication unit 414 that enable wireless communication with the mobile terminal 101. The computer 105 also has an NFC interface 410 for near-field communication, and an NFC reader 411 is connected to the NFC interface 410. Near-field communication with the mobile terminal 101 can be performed by bringing the mobile terminal 101 close enough to touch the NFC reader 411.

[0057] Furthermore, the computer 105 has a CPU 401 as a control unit that comprehensively controls the computer 105.

[0058] RAM 402 is the system work memory for the operation of the CPU 401, and it is also a memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display 409 via the display I / F 408, and for temporarily storing print jobs to be sent to the image forming apparatus 104.

[0059] Furthermore, the computer 105 is connected to the LAN 103 via the Network I / F 412, and print jobs generated by the computer 105 are sent to the image forming apparatus 104 via the LAN 103.

[0060] ROM403 stores the boot program executed by CPU401, and computer105 starts operating by reading the specified program from ROM403 at startup. The hard disk drive (HDD)404 is a storage device that stores system software, image data, software counter values, etc.

[0061] <Sequence> Figure 5 shows a sequence diagram in an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, from the computer 105 to the transmission of a print job to the image forming apparatus 104. The operations shown in Figure 5 are executed by the CPU 401 of the computer 105. The computer 105 is an example of an information processing device. The processing method of the computer 105 will be described below.

[0062] In step S501, the computer 105 determines whether a print command has been issued by the user. If no print command has been issued by the user, the computer 105 repeats step S501 and waits for a print command to be issued by the user.

[0063] When the user issues a print command in step S501, the computer 105 communicates with the user's mobile terminal 101 and obtains information from the mobile terminal 101.

[0064] In this embodiment, the information acquired by the computer 105 from the mobile terminal 101 is the TAG ID of the mobile terminal, which is necessary for the image forming apparatus 104 to perform UWB communication with the mobile terminal 101.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an example of how to obtain the TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 by performing BLE communication between the computer 105 and the mobile terminal 101.

[0066] In step S502, the computer 105 performs advertisement communication with the mobile terminal 101 using the BLE method.

[0067] In step S503, the computer 105 sends an advertisement packet to the mobile terminal 101.

[0068] In step S504, when the mobile terminal 101 receives the advertised packet, it sends a BLE pairing request to the computer 105.

[0069] In step S505, when the computer 105 receives a pairing request from the mobile terminal 101, it performs pairing to establish an authentication connection for data communication with the mobile terminal 101.

[0070] In step S506, the computer 105 and the mobile terminal 101 communicate with each other using GATT.

[0071] In step S507, the computer 105 obtains information necessary for UWB communication between the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 from the mobile terminal 101 via GATT communication. The computer 105 and the mobile terminal 101 exchange information with each other. The information exchanged includes the data structure and operation method of the computer 105 as a BLE device, and is defined as a profile. In this embodiment, in step S507, the computer 105 obtains (receives) the TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 from the mobile terminal 101 via BLE wireless communication. The TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 is an example of information of the mobile terminal 101. Specifically, in this GATT communication, the computer 105 obtains the TAG ID unique to the UWB communication unit 218 of the mobile terminal 101.

[0072] In step S508, when computer 105 obtains the TAG ID of the mobile terminal via BLE communication, it generates a print job to which the TAG ID of mobile terminal 101 obtained in step S507 is attached.

[0073] In step S509, the computer 105 sends a print job to the image forming apparatus 104, to which the TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 generated in step S508 is assigned.

[0074] <TAG ID> A TAG ID is information consisting of at least the PANID, the source and destination addresses of the packet, and a uniquely assigned IEEE 802-compliant address that can specifically identify the wireless terminal. Here, PANID is an abbreviation for Personal Area Network ID, and is an ID used to identify the partner in UWB communication as defined in IEEE 802.15.4z. It may also include information indicating a UWB communication-compatible device in a broad sense.

[0075] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 104 measures the distance to the mobile terminal 101 using UWB communication. However, the computer 105 acquires the TAG ID information for UWB communication and assigns it to the print job. Therefore, the computer 105 does not need to have the function to perform UWB communication; in this embodiment, the computer 105 acquires the TAG ID by performing BLE communication with the mobile terminal 101.

[0076] The following describes how computer 105 obtains the TAG ID via BLE communication.

[0077] <BLEアドバタイズパケット> Figure 13A shows an example of the configuration of a BLE advertisement packet transmitted from computer 105 in step S502 of Figure 1.

[0078] Computer 105 transmits BLE advertisement packets in several formats, but here it transmits advertisement packets in the AirPrint Bluetooth Beacon format developed by Apple. BLE advertisement packets are radio beacon data broadcast as so-called beacon signals, transmitted at intervals of several milliseconds to several seconds.

[0079] First, the beginning of a BLE advertisement packet consists of a 1-byte Preamble 9001, which is used by the BLE radio element to determine the timing of signal reading. Next, there is a 4-byte Access Address 9002, which inserts a value to indicate that it is a BLE advertisement packet. Then, the actual data area consists of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) 9005, which can be up to 39 bytes. However, since 2 bytes of the PDU 9005 are consumed as the Header 9003 and 6 bytes as the Advertiser's address 9004, the remaining 31 bytes are used to make up the actual data, the Advertiser's Data 9007.

[0080] As an example of Advertiser’s Data9007, the format of the Air Print Bluetooth Beacon will be described with reference to FIG. 13A. First, the Header9008, which is a common value for the Air Print Bluetooth Beacon, is composed of 9 bytes. Next, the Connection Information9009, which indicates information such as whether the image forming apparatus 104 that transmits the IP address format and the advertisement packet is a printer or a print server, is composed of 1 byte. Next, the Server or Resource Path9010, which indicates the printer ID information determined by the server, is composed of 2 bytes. Next, the Port number Port9011 is composed of 2 bytes. Next, the IP address (IP v4 Address or IP v6 Address)9012 is composed of 16 bytes. Finally, the TxPower9013, which indicates the signal strength emitted by the beacon, is composed of 1 byte. At the end of the BLE advertisement packet, the CRC9006 for error detection is composed of 3 bytes, and thus the entire advertisement packet is constituted.

[0081] <BLE GATT Communication> FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a configuration example of a BLE data packet transmitted and received in the GATT communication performed between the computer 105 and the mobile terminal 101 in step S506 of FIG. 1.

[0082] Note that the same numbers are described for the parts having the same configuration as the advertisement packet shown in FIG. 13A in FIG. 13B.

[0083] The beginning of a BLE data packet consists of a 1-byte Preamble 9001, which the BLE wireless element uses to time the signal reading. Next, there is a 4-byte Access Address 9002, which represents the communication partner. Then, there is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) 9014, which constitutes the actual data area. The length of the PDU 9014 varies depending on the Bluetooth version; it is specified as a maximum of 27 bytes for Bluetooth 4.1 and a maximum of 251 bytes for 4.2. In this embodiment, the PDU 9014 will be described as being composed of a maximum of 251 bytes.

[0084] PDU9014 consumes 2 bytes at the beginning as Header9003 and 4 bytes at the end as the Message Integrity Check field used in encrypted packets, so the actual data is composed of the remaining maximum of 251 bytes.

[0085] The end of a BLE data packet consists of 3 bytes of CRC9006 for error detection, and this completes the entire data packet.

[0086] In step S507, the acquisition of the TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 101 to the computer 105 via the data packet described above.

[0087] Figure 6 shows a sequence diagram in the image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, from the time the image forming apparatus 104 receives a print job until it executes the print job.

[0088] The operation shown in Figure 6 is performed by the CPU 1201 of the image forming apparatus 104. The processing method of the image forming apparatus 104 will be described below.

[0089] In step S601, the image forming apparatus 104 receives the print job sent from the computer 105 in step S509.

[0090] In step S602, the image forming apparatus 104 determines whether information of the mobile terminal (represented by the TAG ID of UWB communication in this embodiment) is given by referring to the print job. If, according to step S602, information of the mobile terminal is given to the print job, the process proceeds to step S603. If information of the mobile terminal is not given to the print job, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 ends.

[0091] In step S603, the image forming apparatus 104 extracts the TAG ID, which is the information of the mobile terminal, from the print job.

[0092] In step S604, the image forming apparatus 104 measures the distance between the image forming apparatus 104 and the mobile terminal 101 by performing UWB communication with the mobile terminal 101 corresponding to the TAG ID extracted in step S603. In this embodiment, the measurement of the distance between the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 performed in step S604 is performed using UWB communication with the image forming apparatus 104 as an anchor and the mobile terminal 101 as a TAG.

[0093] In step S605, the image forming apparatus 104, which is an anchor, transmits a ranging signal transmission request to the mobile terminal 101, which is a TAG, by UWB communication.

[0094] In step S606, the mobile terminal 101 transmits a ranging signal to the image forming apparatus 104 in response to the ranging signal transmission request in step S605.

[0095] <UWB Ranging Method> Hereinafter, a method for measuring distance using UWB communication will be described.

[0096] Figure 7 shows a distance measurement method using UWB applied in the first embodiment of the present invention. This distance measurement method is a method for measuring the distance between a TAG and an Anchor, as defined in the IEEE 802.15.4 group. Specifically, the distance is measured by calculating the frame arrival time (ToA: Time Of Arrival) per unit distance based on the speed at which radio waves propagate through space.

[0097] Figure 7 shows the distance measurement method of Two-Way Rangening (TWR), which transmits frames bidirectionally between Anchor 701 and TAG 702. In TWR, ANCHOR701 is primarily responsible for distance measurement, and TAG702 is the object of measurement.

[0098] When measuring the distance to TAG702, Anchor701 issues a POLL frame (distance measurement request data) 703 to TAG702. Upon receiving the POLL frame 703, TAG702 recognizes that it is addressed to it and, after a predetermined time (Treply) has elapsed from the moment of receipt, sends a RESP frame (distance measurement response data) 704 to Anchor701. This RESP frame 704 has a Treply value attached to it.

[0099] Upon receiving the RESP frame 704, Anchor 701 calculates the ToA (Time to Arrive) required for the transmission of the POLL frame 703 and the RESP frame 704 using the time (Tround) from the issuance of the POLL frame 703 to the reception of the RESP frame 704, and the Treply value contained in the RESP frame 704. Finally, using this ToA and the propagation speed of radio waves (speed of light), Anchor 701 performs a calculation to determine the distance to TAG 702.

[0100] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 104 and the mobile terminal 101 each include a UWB communication control unit that can correspond to either the role of the TAG702 or the Anchor701 in the ranging method using TWR described above. Specifically, there are the UWB communication unit 218 in FIG. 2 and the UWB communication unit 1273 in FIG. 3. In response to each request, by transmitting and receiving each of the above-described frames and performing calculation processing, distance measurement between the own device and the ranging target is mutually possible.

[0101] As described above, the method of measuring the distance between the Anchor701 and the TAG702 has been described using FIG. 7. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the POLL frame 703 corresponds to the ranging signal transmission request (S605) in FIG. 6, and the RESP frame 704 corresponds to the ranging signal (S606).

[0102] <UWB ranging packet> FIG. 13C is a diagram showing the specifications of a packet used in UWB ranging in the first embodiment of the present invention. The specifications of the packet related to UWB ranging are defined as the structure of the UWB frame 900 in the physical layer and the data link layer (MAC) in a general communication protocol stack.

[0103] The UWB frame 900 is composed of fields of "SYNC" that holds a preamble for synchronization between the transmitting and receiving devices, "SFD" that holds a value indicating the boundary between the preamble and the PHY header, "PHR" 901, and "PHY payload" 902.

[0104] "PHR" 901 is a field that holds the PHY header, and "PHY payload" 902 is a field that holds the PHY payload.

[0105] The "PHR" 901 further includes a "Ranging" 903 field that holds a flag identifying whether or not the frame was issued for distance measurement. For example, in a distance measurement request packet transmitted by the image forming apparatus 104 to perform distance measurement, the flag in the "Ranging" 903 of the frame structure is set to "1".

[0106] Furthermore, the "PHY payload" 902, as shown in Figure 13C, consists of "MHR" 909, "MAC payload", and "MAC footer".

[0107] "MHR" 909 is a field that holds the MAC header and includes fields 904-908, as shown in Figure 13C.

[0108] Field 904 is the "FrameControl" field, which indicates the frame format used for controlling frames at the data link layer (MAC). Field 905 is the "Destination PAN Identifer" field, which indicates the destination PANID of the packet. Field 906 is the "DestinationAddress" field, which indicates the address of the packet destination.

[0109] Field 907 is the "SourcePANIdentifier" field, which indicates the packet source PANID. Field 908 is the "SourceAddress" field, which indicates the packet source address.

[0110] Device-specific information is set as the PANID and address information held in these fields 904-908.

[0111] In the image forming apparatus 104 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the PANID and address information are set in fields 905 and 906 based on the TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 acquired in GATT communication (S506) in the sequence shown in Figure 5.

[0112] At this time, the mobile terminal 101 analyzes the "Ranging" field 903 of the frame that makes up the received distance measurement request packet, as well as fields 905-908 that indicate the PANID and address of the packet's source and destination. It then creates a frame with time information required for analyzing the frame and processing the response added as the Treply value explained in Figure 7, and sends a distance measurement response packet to the image forming apparatus 104.

[0113] In step S604 of Figure 6, the distance between the image forming apparatus 104 and the mobile terminal 101 is measured. In step S607, the image forming apparatus 104 determines whether the measured distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0114] In step S607, if the measured distance is greater than a predetermined distance (the distance is long = the mobile terminal is not within the predetermined area), the image forming apparatus 104 returns to step S604 after a predetermined time has elapsed and measures the distance to the mobile terminal 101 again. Through the above operations, the image forming apparatus 104 repeats steps S604 and S607 until the distance to the mobile terminal 101 is less than or equal to the predetermined distance (the mobile terminal 101 is within the predetermined area).

[0115] In step S607, if the measured distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the process proceeds to step S608.

[0116] In step S608, the image forming apparatus 104 determines that the mobile terminal 101 has entered a predetermined area and executes the print job received in step S601.

[0117] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 104 determines in step S602 that a TAG ID for UWB communication has not been assigned to the print job, in this embodiment, it will terminate its operation without performing printing.

[0118] In the explanation of Figure 5, BLE communication is used as a means to obtain information from the mobile terminal 101 (representing the TAG ID in this embodiment) that the computer 105 assigns to the print job, as shown in steps S502 to S507. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to obtain information by near-field communication (NFC). In that case, near-field communication is performed by placing the mobile terminal 101 on the NFC reader 411 of the computer 105, and the TAG ID of the mobile terminal 101 is obtained.

[0119] Furthermore, it is conceivable that information could be transmitted using a QR code (registered trademark) as a means of obtaining information from the mobile terminal 101 that the computer 105 assigns to the print job.

[0120] Figure 8 shows an example of how computer 105 obtains the TAG ID of mobile terminal 101 using a QR code. In Figure 8, information for accessing computer 105 (IP address, email address, URL, etc.) is encoded and displayed as a QR code 801 on the display 409 of computer 105. The QR code 801 is photographed by the digital camera 223 of mobile terminal 101 and stored in the storage device 209 of mobile terminal 101. Then, the CPU 202 decodes it and extracts the original information (information for accessing computer 105) to communicate with computer 105.

[0121] In this embodiment, as an example, communication between the computer 105 and the mobile terminal 101 is performed using a wireless LAN or the like.

[0122] Furthermore, if the computer 105 has a means of acquiring QR information (webcam or QR reader), it displays a QR code with embedded TAG ID information on the display 215 of the mobile terminal 101. The displayed QR code can also be read by a webcam or QR reader to send TAG ID information to the computer 105. The computer 105 acquires the information (TAG ID) of the mobile terminal 101 by reading the QR code containing the information (TAG ID) of the mobile terminal 101.

[0123] Furthermore, "executing the received print job" in step S608 of Figure 6 does not only refer to the operation of recording the print result on recording paper and outputting it from the printer unit 20. For example, the operation of expanding the PDL code included in the print job into a bitmap image in the raster image processor (RIP) 1260, and the operation of correction and resolution conversion of the image data by the printer image processing unit 1290 are also included in the execution of the print job. Similarly, the operation of rotating the image data by the image rotation unit 1230 is also included in the execution of the print job.

[0124] Furthermore, transitioning the image forming apparatus 104 from a power-saving state to an operating state as preparation for printing from the printer unit 20 is also included in the execution of the print job described in step S608.

[0125] As described above, in this embodiment, when the computer 105 generates a print job, it assigns the TAG ID of the user's mobile terminal 101 and sends it to the image forming apparatus 104. Upon receiving the print job, the image forming apparatus 104 uses the assigned TAG ID to measure the distance to the mobile terminal 101 that has the TAG ID assigned to the print job using UWB communication. If the measurement results indicate that the distance between the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 is less than or equal to a predetermined distance (i.e., within a predetermined range of the image forming apparatus 104), the image forming apparatus 104 executes the print job. Thus, the image forming apparatus 104 can execute the print job when the user who sent the print job approaches the image forming apparatus 104.

[0126] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment shown in Figure 5, an example was described in which BLE communication is performed between the computer 105 and the mobile terminal 101 to obtain the TAG ID of the mobile terminal. However, if there are multiple mobile terminals capable of BLE communication around the computer 105, it is necessary to select the mobile terminal indicated by the TAG ID to be assigned to the print job from among the multiple TAG IDs obtained.

[0127] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a user's mobile device is selected from a plurality of mobile devices, and the TAG ID of the selected mobile device is assigned to a print job before transmission. Note that if the same operations as in Figure 5 are performed in Figure 9, the same step numbers as in Figure 5 are indicated.

[0128] In Figure 9, if computer 105 performs BLE-based advertising communication in step S502 and receives pairing requests from multiple mobile terminals in step S505, computer 105 performs GATT communication with all the mobile terminals that made pairing requests and obtains the TAG ID of each mobile terminal.

[0129] Subsequently, in step S901, the computer 105 determines whether it obtained TAG IDs from multiple mobile terminals in step S507. If it obtained TAG IDs from multiple mobile terminals, the process proceeds to step S902; if it obtained TAG IDs from only one mobile terminal, the process proceeds to step S508.

[0130] In step S902, the computer 105 controls the display 409 to display the acquired TAG IDs or information representing multiple mobile terminals. The computer 105 also controls the display to show a selection screen for selecting the information of one mobile terminal from among the information of multiple mobile terminals, as shown in Figure 10.

[0131] In step S903, the user determines the TAG ID of the information terminal to be assigned to the print job by selecting the information of one desired mobile terminal (the terminal the user is carrying) from among multiple TAG IDs or information of multiple mobile terminals displayed on the selection screen on the display 409.

[0132] In step S508, computer 105 generates a print job assigned to the TAG ID selected in step S903. If a TAG ID is obtained from a mobile terminal, computer 105 generates a print job assigned to that TAG ID.

[0133] In step S509, the computer 105 sends the print job generated in step S508 to the image forming apparatus 104.

[0134] Furthermore, if only one mobile device obtains a TAG ID in step S901, the system will determine that the obtained TAG ID is the TAG ID of the mobile device being used by the user, and will assign the TAG ID obtained in step S509 to the print job.

[0135] Figure 10 shows an example where, in steps S502 to S507 of Figure 9, information from multiple mobile terminals is acquired, and in step S902, the information from each mobile terminal is displayed on the display 409. In Figure 10, as an example, the information from three mobile terminals 1001, 1002, and 1003 is displayed on the display 409 of the computer 105.

[0136] In Figure 10, the TAG ID of each mobile device is shown as the information of the mobile device to be displayed. However, the information displayed on the display 409 is not limited to the TAG ID, as long as it is information that has a unique relationship with the mobile device.

[0137] Furthermore, the method by which the user selects a mobile terminal as shown in step S903 in Figure 10 is performed, for example, by using the mouse 406 to select one of the areas on the display 409 where the information 1001, 1002, and 1003 for each mobile terminal is displayed.

[0138] With the above configuration, if there are multiple mobile terminals within the BLE communication range of the computer 105, the user can select a desired mobile terminal from among them and assign the TAG ID of the selected mobile terminal to the print job. As a result, the image forming apparatus 104 can execute the print job when the mobile terminal selected by the user who sent the print job approaches the image forming apparatus 104.

[0139] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment shown in Figure 5 and the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, the computer 105 obtained information (TAG ID) of the mobile terminal by communicating with the mobile terminal. The third embodiment shows a method for obtaining information (TAG ID) of the mobile terminal without communicating with the mobile terminal.

[0140] Figure 14 shows an example configuration of an image processing system according to the third embodiment.

[0141] In Figure 14, 106 is a database server, which stores a data list that links each user's account for logging into computer 105 with the TAG ID of the user's mobile device.

[0142] The database server 106 is connected to LAN 103 and can be accessed from computer 105 via LAN 103.

[0143] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the third embodiment will be described below using Figure 11. Note that if the same operation as in Figure 5 is performed in Figure 11, the same step numbers as in Figure 5 will be used.

[0144] In Figure 11, when a print command is issued in step S501, in step S1101, computer 105 retrieves the account information of the user logged into computer 105 and sends the retrieved user account information to database server 106. User account information is an example of user information.

[0145] In step S1102, the database server 106 receives user count information sent from computer 105.

[0146] In step S1103, the database server 106 refers to the data list within the database server 106 and obtains the TAG ID corresponding to the user account information received in step S1102 from the data list.

[0147] In step S1104, the database server 106 sends the TAG ID obtained in step S1103 to the computer 105 as the TAG ID of the user's mobile terminal.

[0148] In step S1105, computer 105 receives the TAG ID sent from database server 106.

[0149] In step S508, the computer 105 generates a print job to which the TAG ID received in step S1105 is assigned.

[0150] In step S509, the computer 105 sends the print job generated in step S508 to the image forming apparatus 104.

[0151] Figure 12 shows an example of a data list stored in the database server 106. In data list 1291 shown in Figure 12, the account "Taro" is associated with the mobile device TAG ID "aaa". Similarly, in data list 1292, the account "Hanako" is associated with the mobile device TAG ID "bbb". Similarly, in data list 1293, the account "Jun" is associated with the mobile device TAG ID "ccc".

[0152] This section describes a scenario where, for example, a user is logged into computer 105 with the account "Hanako," with data lists 1291-1293 in Figure 12 stored in the database server 106.

[0153] In step S1101 of Figure 11, computer 105 retrieves the account name "Hanako," which is the user logged into computer 105, and sends it to the database server 106.

[0154] In step S1102, the database server 106 receives the account "Hanako" sent from computer 105, and in step S1103, it checks whether the acquired account exists in the data list.

[0155] If the received account exists in the data list of the database server 106, the TAG ID information listed in the data list (in Figure 12, "bbb") is retrieved and sent to the computer 105.

[0156] Through the above operations, by referring to the data list in the database server 106, computer 105 can obtain the TAG ID of the corresponding mobile terminal from the account of the user logged into computer 105 and assign it to the print job.

[0157] According to the first to third embodiments described above, when a user approaches the image forming apparatus 104 with the mobile terminal 101, the image forming apparatus 104 executes the corresponding print job when it approaches the desired distance. Distance measurement using UWB communication can be performed with an accuracy of several centimeters, and the presence of obstacles between the communicating devices does not affect the distance measurement. Therefore, in order to measure the distance between the mobile terminal 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 using UWB communication, identification information (TAG ID) necessary for identifying the communication destination for UWB communication is assigned to the print job.

[0158] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0159] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0160] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Item 1) Information processing equipment and It has an image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing device is A means of acquiring information from a mobile device, The system includes a transmission means for transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus, to which information from the aforementioned mobile terminal is attached. The image forming apparatus is Receiving means for receiving a print job to which information of the aforementioned mobile terminal is attached from the information processing device, A measuring means for measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal, When the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the execution means for executing the print job and An image processing system characterized by having the following features. (Item 2) The image processing system according to item 1, characterized in that the information of the mobile terminal is a TAG ID. (Item 3) The image processing system according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information from the mobile terminal via wireless communication. (Item 4) The image processing system according to item 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information from the mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication. (Item 5) The image processing system according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information of the mobile terminal by reading a QR code containing information of the mobile terminal. (Item 6) The acquisition means further includes a control means that controls the acquisition means to display a selection screen for selecting the information of one mobile device from among the information of multiple mobile devices when the acquisition means acquires information from multiple mobile devices. The image processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmission means transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus to which information of the mobile terminal selected on the selection screen has been added. (Item 7) The image processing system according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the acquisition means transmits user information to a database server and receives information of a mobile terminal corresponding to the user information from the database server. (Item 8) An image forming apparatus, A receiving means for receiving a print job with information from a mobile device attached, A measuring means for measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal, When the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the execution means for executing the print job and An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features. (Item 9) A means of acquiring information from a mobile device, A transmission means for transmitting a print job to an image forming apparatus, to which the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal is attached. An information processing device characterized by having the following features. (Item 10) Information processing equipment and A processing method for an image processing system having an image forming apparatus, The information processing device performs an acquisition step of acquiring information from a mobile terminal, The information processing device transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus, which includes the information of the mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus receives a print job to which information of the mobile terminal is attached from the information processing device in a receiving step, The image forming apparatus performs UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the mobile terminal, thereby measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus performs the execution step of executing the print job when the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. A processing method for an image processing system, characterized by having the following features. (Item 11) A processing method for an image forming apparatus, A receiving step that receives a print job with mobile device information attached, A measurement step of measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal, If the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the execution step of executing the print job is performed. A processing method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features. (Item 12) The acquisition step for obtaining information from a mobile device, A transmission step of sending a print job to an image forming apparatus to which the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal has been added. A processing method for an information processing device characterized by having the following features. (Item 13) A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus as described in item 8, or as an information processing apparatus as described in item 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 101 Mobile devices 102 Wireless LAN Terminal 104 Image forming apparatus 105 Computers

Claims

1. Information processing device and It has an image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing device is A means of acquiring information from a mobile device, The system includes a transmission means for transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus, to which information from the aforementioned mobile terminal is attached. The image forming apparatus is Receiving means for receiving a print job to which information of the aforementioned mobile terminal is attached from the information processing device, A measuring means for measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal, When the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the execution means for executing the print job and An image processing system characterized by having the following features.

2. The image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information of the mobile terminal is a TAG ID.

3. The image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information from the mobile terminal via wireless communication.

4. The image processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information from the mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication.

5. The image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information of the mobile terminal by reading a QR code containing information of the mobile terminal.

6. The acquisition means further includes a control means that controls the acquisition means to display a selection screen for selecting the information of one mobile device from among the information of multiple mobile devices when the acquisition means acquires information from multiple mobile devices. The image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus, to which information of the mobile terminal selected on the selection screen is attached.

7. The image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means transmits user information to a database server and receives information of a mobile terminal corresponding to the user information from the database server.

8. An image forming apparatus, A receiving means for receiving a print job with information from a mobile device attached, A measuring means for measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal, When the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the execution means for executing the print job and An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

9. A means of acquiring information from a mobile device, A transmission means for transmitting a print job to an image forming apparatus, to which the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal is attached. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

10. Information processing device and A processing method for an image processing system having an image forming apparatus, The information processing device performs an acquisition step of acquiring information from a mobile terminal, The information processing device transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus, which includes the information of the mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus receives a print job to which information of the mobile terminal is attached from the information processing device in a receiving step, The image forming apparatus performs UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the mobile terminal, thereby measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus performs the execution step of executing the print job when the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. A processing method for an image processing system, characterized by having the following features.

11. A processing method for an image forming apparatus, A receiving step that receives a print job with mobile device information attached, A measurement step of measuring the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal by performing UWB communication with a mobile terminal corresponding to the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal, If the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, the execution step of executing the print job is performed. A processing method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

12. The acquisition step for obtaining information from a mobile device, A transmission step of sending a print job to an image forming apparatus to which the information of the aforementioned mobile terminal has been added. A processing method for an information processing device characterized by having the following features.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus described in claim 8, or the information processing apparatus described in claim 9.

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