Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which can more smoothly perform connection and cooperation with a terminal device.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 100 comprises: a data transmission / reception unit 166 which is connected to a terminal device 20 and receives from the terminal device 20 a MAC address being information unique to the terminal device 20; a storage unit 184 which stores the MAC address received by the data transmission / reception unit 166; and a determination unit 182 which compares the MAC address received by the data transmission / reception unit 166 with the MAC address stored in the storage unit 184 to determine whether the received MAC address is stored in the storage unit 184. When the determination unit 182 determines that the received MAC address is not stored in the storage unit 184, the image formation apparatus performs guide processing of guiding the work content in the terminal device 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of printing documents and the like on paper and connected to a terminal device, a control method thereof, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices such as copiers, facsimile machines, and printers are sometimes used by connecting them to multiple terminal devices such as personal computers via a network. Each user creates a document using their own personal computer, and sends data from the terminal device to the image forming device and issues a print instruction, which causes the image forming device to print the document on paper.

[0003] In this way, in order for the image forming device and the terminal device to work together, it is necessary to download software such as a printer driver to the terminal device so that they can work together. It is also desirable to download information useful to users, such as manuals on how to operate the image forming device and how to operate the terminal device when using the image forming device, to the terminal device so that the users can easily use it. These are generally provided by the manufacturer of the image forming device, and the users use them by operating the terminal device themselves and downloading them from a specified site.

[0004] However, for example, in a company, when multiple employees use an image forming apparatus using their own terminal devices, some of the employees who use the image forming apparatus have little knowledge about how to use the maintenance services provided by the image forming apparatus manufacturer, such as how to download the necessary software, and many of them do not understand the need for downloading. Therefore, for example, in a company, a person (administrator) is assigned to understand the use of the image forming apparatus and manage the system consisting of the image forming apparatus and the terminal device, and when a new terminal device is installed in addition to the image forming apparatus, the administrator downloads the necessary software for the terminal device, sets up the terminal device so that the image forming apparatus and the terminal device work together, and when a malfunction occurs, the administrator responds and repairs the malfunction. This allows each user to use the image forming apparatus without having knowledge about the use of the image forming apparatus.

[0005] However, if the administrator is required to perform all the management tasks for linking the image forming apparatus and the terminal device, problems such as a large burden on the administrator will arise. Generally, the administrator is responsible for other tasks in addition to the task of linking the image forming apparatus and the terminal device, and performs this management task while also performing other tasks, which may cause problems with tasks other than the management task.

[0006] In addition, companies that do not have a manager have to use maintenance services from image forming device manufacturers, etc., which can lead to high maintenance service fees. In addition, such maintenance services may not be able to respond quickly, which can be problematic in terms of efficiency.

[0007] Here, for example, when replacing an information processing device such as an MFP with a new one, or replacing an information processing device that is already in use, various techniques have been disclosed for saving setting value data, which is device information of the information processing device before replacement, and using the setting value data to perform new settings (for example, Patent Document 1). This eliminates the need to manually input new setting value data into the information processing device, and allows efficient setting work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-225820 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, from the viewpoint of security, it is preferable that software such as a printer driver to be downloaded to a terminal device in order to link the image forming device with a terminal device, and information useful to the user such as a manual on how to operate the device, etc., be downloaded to the terminal device manually by a user or an administrator. However, when performing these tasks manually, the problems described above arise. In other words, such tasks are difficult for users who have little knowledge about the need for downloading software, etc., and if the administrator were to perform all of these tasks, the burden on the administrator would be too great. In addition, when using a maintenance service provided by an image forming device manufacturer, etc., there are problems such as an increase in maintenance service fees and a decrease in efficiency.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and an image forming system that can more smoothly connect to and work in conjunction with a terminal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: Multiple devices including a management terminal operated by an administrator a recognition information receiving means connected to a terminal device and receiving, from the terminal device, recognition information which is information unique to the terminal device; a storage means for storing the recognition information received by the recognition information receiving means; and a determination means for comparing the recognition information received by the recognition information receiving means with the recognition information stored in the storage means to determine whether the received recognition information is stored in the storage means. a management information transmitting means for transmitting management information to the management terminal device, If the determination means determines that the received recognition information is not stored in the storage means, The management information instructing the terminal device to provide a guide to the operation content of the terminal device is transmitted by the management transmission means to the management terminal device. The present invention is characterized in that a guidance process is performed to guide the user to the work content on the terminal device.

[0012] In this way, the image forming device determines the presence of a terminal device corresponding to the unstored recognition information based on the recognition information, which is unique information of the terminal device, and performs a guidance process to guide the user to the work content of the terminal device. As a result, when a new terminal device is connected to the image forming device, the work content is guided, so that the user can easily recognize the necessary work and perform the work efficiently.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned image forming device may be provided with a display means, and if the determination means determines that the received recognition information is not stored in the storage means, the guidance process may be performed by the display means displaying the work content.

[0014] As a result, when a new additional terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the work content is displayed on the display means of the image forming apparatus, so that the user can easily recognize the required work by recognizing the display means, and can perform the work efficiently.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned image forming apparatus may be provided with a management transmission means for transmitting management information to a management terminal device among the terminal devices, and if the determination means determines that the received recognition information is not stored in the storage means, the management transmission means may transmit the work content as the management information to the management terminal device, thereby performing the guidance process.

[0016] As a result, when a new terminal device is connected to an image forming device, the work details are sent to the management terminal device, so that the administrator, who is the user of the management terminal device, can easily recognize that a new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device and can easily recognize the necessary work, thereby enabling the work to be performed efficiently.

[0017] In addition, the above-mentioned image forming apparatus may be provided with an instruction signal sending means for sending an instruction signal to the terminal device, and when the determination means determines that the received recognition information is not stored in the storage means, the guidance process may be performed by sending the work content as the instruction signal to the terminal device corresponding to the recognition information not stored in the storage means.

[0018] This allows the user of a terminal device that has been newly connected to the image forming apparatus to recognize the content of the work, easily recognize the necessary work, and perform the work efficiently.

[0019] In addition, an image forming system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: Multiple devices including a management terminal operated by an administrator An image forming system including a terminal device and an image forming device connected to the terminal device and linked with the terminal device, wherein when the terminal device is newly connected to the image forming device, The image forming apparatus includes: The image forming apparatus detects that a new terminal device has been connected to the image forming apparatus based on identification information that is unique to the terminal device, and The image forming apparatus detects that the terminal device is connected to the image forming apparatus, and transmits management information to the management terminal device, the management information instructing the terminal device to guide the user to perform the work on the new terminal device. The present invention is characterized by the above.

[0020] In this way, according to the image forming system, the connection of a new terminal device to the image forming device is detected based on the identification information, which is information unique to the terminal device, and the operation content of the new terminal device is guided. In this way, when a new terminal device is connected to the image forming device, the operation content of the new terminal device is guided, so that the user can easily recognize the necessary operations and perform the operations efficiently.

[0021] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming system, when a new terminal device is additionally connected to the image forming device, the image forming device may detect that the new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device based on recognition information, which is information unique to each of the terminal devices, and the image forming device that has detected that the new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device may provide guidance on the work content.

[0022] As a result, when a new terminal device is connected to the image forming device, the image forming device will guide the user on the details of the work to be done, allowing the user to easily recognize the necessary work and perform the work efficiently.

[0023] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming system, when a new terminal device is additionally connected to the image forming device, the image forming device detects that the new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device based on recognition information, which is information unique to each of the terminal devices, and the image forming device that has detected that the new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device may send management information to a management terminal device among the terminal devices, instructing the device to provide guidance on the work content.

[0024] As a result, when a new terminal device is connected to the image forming device, the image forming device instructs the management terminal device to provide information on the work to be done, so that the administrator, who is the user of the management terminal device, can easily recognize that a new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device and can easily recognize the necessary work, allowing the administrator to perform the work efficiently.

[0025] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming system, when a new terminal device is additionally connected to the image forming device, the image forming device detects that the new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device based on recognition information, which is information unique to each of the terminal devices, and the image forming device that has detected that the new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device transmits an instruction signal to the terminal device newly connected to the image forming device, instructing it to provide guidance on the work content, and the terminal device newly connected to the image forming device that has received the instruction signal may provide guidance on the work content.

[0026] As a result, when a new terminal device is connected to an image forming device, the terminal device newly connected to the image forming device guides the user of the terminal device newly connected to the image forming device to understand the work content, and can easily recognize the necessary work and perform the work efficiently.

[0027] Further, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: Multiple devices including a management terminal operated by an administrator A method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a terminal device, comprising: a step of receiving, from the terminal device, identification information that is information unique to the terminal device; , written a step of comparing the received recognition information with the recognition information stored in the storage device to determine whether the received recognition information is stored; and if it is determined that the received recognition information is not stored, Transmitting management information to the management terminal device, the management information instructing the terminal device to provide information on the work to be done on the terminal device and if it is determined that the received recognition information has not been stored, storing the received recognition information.

[0028] In this way, according to the control method of the image forming device, the image forming device determines whether the recognition information, which is unique information of the terminal device, is stored, thereby determining the presence of a newly connected terminal device, informing the user of the work content of the terminal device, and controlling to store the recognition information of the terminal device. As a result, when a new terminal device is connected to the image forming device, the work content is provided, so that the user can easily recognize the necessary work and perform the work efficiently. Also, since the recognition information of the terminal device is stored, the work content will not be provided from the next time onwards. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and an image forming system that can more smoothly connect to and cooperate with a terminal device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of a display image on the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 500 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of terminal devices 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), and a server 200 which is an external Web server. The terminal devices 20 are, for example, personal computers, and a plurality of users use the terminal devices 20 to perform tasks such as creating documents. The plurality of terminal devices 20, that is, the terminal devices 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and the image forming apparatus 100, are connected to each other via a network NW to form a LAN (Local Area Network). The terminal device 20a is a terminal device 20 used by an administrator of the LAN, and is a management terminal device. The administrator of the LAN, unlike the users of the other terminal devices 20, has the authority to perform settings in the LAN, for example, and manages the LAN. The image forming apparatus 100 is set to be the administrator's terminal device 20a. That is, the terminal device 20a is set in the image forming apparatus 100 as a management terminal device.

[0034] Here, in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to each of the four terminal apparatuses 20, the terminal apparatus 20a, the terminal apparatus 20b, the terminal apparatus 20c, and the terminal apparatus 20d, via the network NW. However, the number of the terminal apparatuses 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to four, and may be one or a number other than four. The terminal apparatus 20 may be a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone. The terminal apparatus 20 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network NW and may cause the image forming apparatus 100 to perform a task such as printing.

[0035] A user creates a document or the like using the terminal device 20, and sends an instruction from the terminal device 20 to the image forming device 100 to have the image forming device 100 print the created document. At this time, an electronic file which is print data for the document or the like is sent from the terminal device 20 to the image forming device 100, and the image forming device 100 executes printing based on the electronic file. Note that the user may create an electronic file using a device other than the terminal device 20 that is not connected to the network NW, and send the created electronic file from the terminal device 20 to the image forming device 100 to execute printing.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 100 and the terminal apparatus 20 are also connected to the server 200 via a network NW. The server 200 is connected to the terminal apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 100 via the network NW, and can transmit and receive data to and from each of the terminal apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 100. The server 200 can also transmit and receive data individually to and from each of the terminal apparatuses 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in the terminal apparatus 20. The server 200 is operated, for example, by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 100, and the server 200 can be used to download software and the like required for using the image forming apparatus 100, and to obtain information useful for using the image forming apparatus 100, such as an operation manual.

[0037] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic external configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 and a document reading device 120. The image forming apparatus main body 110 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 and a document reading device 120.

[0040] The document reading device 120 is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 110, and includes a document placement table 121, a document reading section 122, and an automatic document feeder 123. The document reading device 120 reads an image of a document placed on the document placement table 121 by the document reading section 122, or reads an image of a document automatically fed by the automatic document feeder 123 by the document reading section 122, and transmits image data of the read document to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The document reading device 120 discharges the document transported by the automatic document feeder 123 and read by the document reading section 122 to a document discharge tray 123a.

[0041] The image forming apparatus main body 110 has a sheet storage section 111, a sheet conveying section 112, an image forming section 113, a sheet discharge section 114, and an operation section 115. The image forming apparatus main body 110 stores paper, which is a recording sheet such as recording paper, in the sheet storage section 111, conveys the paper stored in the sheet storage section 111 by the sheet conveying section 112, forms a color image or a monochrome image on the paper conveyed by the sheet conveying section 112 by the image forming section 113 based on image data transmitted from the document reading device 120 or an external device, and discharges the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming section 113 to a sheet discharge tray 114a in the sheet discharge section 114. The image forming section 113 can also print a document or the like on the paper based on an electronic file, which is print data transmitted from an external device.

[0042] The sheet storage unit 111 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes, each of which stores different types of paper. For example, different sizes of paper, such as A4 size paper and A3 size paper, unused paper, and paper with one side already used, so-called backing paper, are stored separately in the plurality of paper feed cassettes.

[0043] The operation unit 115 includes a display unit 161 and is provided with an operation unit 165. The display unit 161 is a touch panel display that not only displays images related to operations, but also allows input by touching the screen of the display unit 161. The display unit 161 can also display previews of documents and images to be printed. The display unit 161 can also display messages and notices to the user. For example, when the user goes to pick up paper (printed paper) on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 114a, or when the user goes near the image forming apparatus 100 to make a copy of a document, the user recognizes the display on the display unit 161 and responds to the display. Although not shown, an operation unit such as a soft keyboard is arranged on the operation unit 165, and the user can operate the image forming apparatus 100 using the operation unit 165.

[0044] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 180 and a data transmitting / receiving unit (recognition information receiving means, instruction signal transmitting means) 166 as shown in FIG.

[0045] The data transmission / reception unit 166 transmits and receives data to and from the outside of the image forming apparatus 100. The data transmission / reception unit 166 transmits and receives data to and from the outside, for example, by receiving a work instruction such as a print instruction from the terminal device 20, downloading software required for operation from the server 200, and transmitting a notification signal to the terminal device 20 when a problem occurs. In addition, the data transmission / reception unit 166 receives a MAC address (recognition information) that is information unique to each terminal device 20 from each terminal device 20, as will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the data transmission / reception unit 166 transmits a signal to the terminal device 20 to instruct the terminal device 20 to perform an operation to guide the user to download software for enabling the terminal device 20 to cooperate with the image forming apparatus 100, an operation manual for the image forming apparatus 100, and the like. The data transmission / reception unit 166 may also send an e-mail to each terminal device 20.

[0046] The control unit 180 includes a processing unit 181 consisting of a microcomputer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a judgment unit (judgment means) 182, and a memory unit (storage means) 184 including a memory device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a data-rewritable non-volatile memory.

[0047] The processing unit 181 controls the operation of various components by loading a control program stored in advance in the ROM of the storage unit 184 onto the RAM of the storage unit 184 and executing it. The RAM of the storage unit 184 provides the processing unit 181 with an area as a work area for working and an image memory for storing image data. The storage unit 184 also stores MAC addresses, which are information unique to each of the terminal devices 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network NW. Here, the MAC address is a number given to a network device such as a personal computer, and in principle, there is no duplication for each device. In other words, the terminal devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are given different MAC addresses. The MAC addresses of each of these terminal devices 20 are collected by the image forming apparatus 100 and stored in the storage unit 184 when each terminal device 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network NW and accesses the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when the terminal device 20 transmits a signal such as a print instruction to the image forming device 100, the MAC address of the terminal device 20 is also transmitted to the image forming device 100. Note that, if there is information unique to each terminal device 20 other than the MAC address, that information may be used.

[0048] The determination unit 182 compares the MAC address of each terminal device 20 stored in the storage unit 184 with the MAC address of the terminal device 20 received by the data transmission / reception unit 166, and determines whether a terminal device 20 having a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to detect a terminal device 20 that has been connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the first time. When the determination unit 182 determines that the MAC address of the terminal device 20 received by the data transmission / reception unit 166 is not stored in the storage unit 184 (when a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 is detected), it sends an instruction to the processing unit 181.

[0049] When the processing unit 181 receives an instruction from the judgment unit 182 that a MAC address not stored in the memory unit 184 has been detected, the processing unit 181 causes the data transmission / reception unit 166 to transmit an instruction signal to the terminal device 20 corresponding to the MAC address to instruct the terminal device 20 to provide information about the work required for the image forming device 100 to cooperate with the terminal device 20 (guidance processing).

[0050] The instruction signal transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the terminal apparatus 20 specifically instructs the display device of the terminal apparatus 20 to display a message urging the downloading of a printer driver, etc., required for linking with the image forming apparatus 100, and the downloading of a manual, etc., regarding the operation method of the image forming apparatus 100. The terminal apparatus 20, which has received the instruction signal from the image forming apparatus 100, displays such information on its display device, although this is not shown.

[0051] Here, when a user logs in to the LAN in the image forming system 500 using the terminal device 20, the user opens a login screen for inputting a login name and password required for logging in, and inputs the login name and password. This allows the user to use the image forming apparatus 100 using the terminal device 20. This login screen will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, display image 21 of the login screen has fields for inputting a "login name" and a "password". Furthermore, support information area 22 at the bottom of display image 21 has a "support information" field, which displays a link to a site for downloading an instruction manual, which is an operation manual for image forming apparatus 100, and software such as a printer driver that is required to use image forming apparatus 100 through terminal device 20.

[0053] For example, when the user operates to select the display of "Go to viewing site" of "Instruction manual" in the support information area 22, the user can be connected to a site for downloading operation manuals such as instruction manuals. Also, when the user operates to select the display of "Go to download site" of "Printer driver / software download" in the support information area 22, the user can be connected to a site for downloading software such as a printer driver. From these sites, the user can download printer drivers and the like required for linking with the image forming apparatus 100 in the terminal apparatus 20, and operation manuals and the like relating to the operation method of the image forming apparatus 100 to the terminal apparatus 20. Specifically, these can be downloaded from the server 200. By downloading the printer drivers and the like to the terminal apparatus 20, the user can use the image forming apparatus 100 through the terminal apparatus 20. Also, the user can obtain (download) operation manuals and the like for checking the details of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. In order to connect the terminal apparatus 20 to the image forming apparatus 100 and use it, it is preferable to perform such operations first.

[0054] For example, when a user connects the terminal device 20 to the LAN of the image forming system 500 for the first time, that is, when the user connects to the image forming device 100 via the network NW for the first time and accesses the terminal device 20 for input or the like, the image forming device 100 transmits the instruction signal to the terminal device 20. When the user operates the terminal device 20 to open a login screen and display the display image 21, the terminal device 20 that has received the instruction signal displays the support information area 22 in a different color from other displays so that the support information area 22 stands out in the display image 21, thereby emphasizing the support information area 22. In addition to displaying the support information area 22 in a different color, the support information area 22 may be displayed by blinking, for example. In addition, the display image 21 may display a message instructing the user to download a printer driver or the like or to obtain an operation manual or the like.

[0055] As a result, a user who uses a terminal device 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the first time will recognize the need to download a printer driver, etc., and obtain an operation manual, etc., and will carry out these tasks. This eliminates the need for the administrator to instruct the user to download a printer driver, etc., and obtain an operation manual, etc., or for the administrator to download these items to the terminal device 20 in advance on behalf of the user. This eliminates the need for the user of a terminal device 20 that has been newly added to the image forming system 500 to carry out these tasks, reducing the burden on the administrator. Furthermore, the user can use the image forming apparatus 100 smoothly.

[0056] Next, the control operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming system 500 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In the image forming apparatus 100, when an input is received from the terminal device 20 and the MAC address of each terminal device 20 is received (step S11), the MAC address stored in the storage unit 184 is compared with the received MAC address (step S12). If the comparison result shows that the received MAC address is stored in the storage unit 184 (step S13: YES), the operation is terminated. If the comparison result shows that the received MAC address is not stored in the storage unit 184 (step S13: NO), an instruction signal is sent to the terminal device 20 corresponding to the unstored MAC address (the received MAC address) to inform it of the work content (step S14). Then, the MAC address is stored in the storage unit 184 (step S15), and the operation is terminated.

[0059] The first embodiment has been described above. As described above, when a terminal device 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the first time, the terminal device 20 is detected based on the MAC address of the terminal device 20, and an instruction is given to the terminal device 20 to guide the user to the necessary work. The terminal device 20 that receives the instruction guides the user to the necessary work by highlighting the necessary work, etc., so that the user can recognize the necessary work. This allows the user of the terminal device 20 to perform the work smoothly and reduces the burden on the administrator, so that the work can be performed efficiently.

[0060] Second embodiment An image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description of the same points as those in the image forming system 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same parts.

[0061] In the image forming system 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the processing unit 181 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives an instruction from the determination unit 182 that a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 has been detected, the processing unit 181 transmits an instruction signal to the data transmission / reception unit 166 to instruct the terminal apparatus 20 corresponding to the MAC address to provide information on the work required for linking with the image forming apparatus 100. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 181 receives an instruction from the determination unit 182 that a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 has been detected, and causes the display unit 161 to display information on the work required for linking with the image forming apparatus 100 and the terminal apparatus 20 (information processing). In other respects, the image forming system 500 according to the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0062] The display on the display unit 161 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The determination unit 182 compares the MAC address of each terminal device 20 stored in the storage unit 184 with the MAC address of the terminal device 20 received by the data transmission / reception unit 166 to determine whether a terminal device 20 having a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, and sends an instruction to the processing unit 181 when a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 is detected. The processing unit 181 that has received the instruction instructs the display unit 161 to display the information shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, the information is displayed to confirm that a new terminal device 20 has been additionally connected, and to guide the image forming apparatus 100 and the terminal device 20 to cooperate with each other.

[0064] Furthermore, by displaying a QR code (registered trademark) and a URL on display unit 161, the user can browse a site for downloading software and the like required for using image forming apparatus 100 with terminal device 20, such as an instruction manual serving as an operation manual for image forming apparatus 100 provided by server 200, and a printer driver, using the QR code and URL, and can download the software and obtain the operation manual. The QR code can be read and used by a smartphone or the like.

[0065] Next, a control operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming system 500 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] 7 differs from the flowchart showing an example of the control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 5 in that step S14 is replaced with step S24. In the second embodiment, as a result of comparing the MAC address stored in storage unit 184 with the received MAC address (step S12), if the received MAC address is not stored in storage unit 184 (step S13: NO), display unit 161 displays a message informing the user of the work content (step S24), stores the MAC address in storage unit 184 (step S15), and ends the operation. Other than this, the process is similar to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The second embodiment has been described above. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 detects the terminal device 20 connected for the first time based on the MAC address of the terminal device 20, and displays a display on the display unit 161 to guide the user to the necessary work. As a result, the user of the terminal device 20 connected for the first time can recognize the necessary work by recognizing the display on the display unit 161. In addition, even if the user of the terminal device 20 connected for the first time recognizes the display on the display unit 161, the user of the terminal device 20 connected for the first time can be prompted to perform the necessary work by recognizing the display on the display unit 161. Therefore, the user of the terminal device 20 can smoothly perform the work, and the burden on the administrator can be reduced, and the work can be performed efficiently.

[0068] Third embodiment An image forming system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description of the same points as those in the image forming system 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0069] In the image forming system 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the processing unit 181 of the image forming device 100 receives an instruction from the determination unit 182 that a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 has been detected, the processing unit 181 transmits an instruction signal to the data transmission / reception unit 166 to instruct the terminal device 20 corresponding to the MAC address to inform the terminal device 20 of the work content for linking with the image forming device 100. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 181 receives an instruction from the determination unit 182 that a MAC address not stored in the storage unit 184 has been detected, and transmits an e-mail (information for management) to the data transmission / reception unit (transmission means for management) 166 to inform the terminal device 20a, which is a management terminal device, of the work content for linking with the image forming device 100 (information processing). In other respects, the image forming system 500 according to the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0070] The content of the e-mail sent to the terminal device 20a may be, for example, a notice that the terminal device 20 has been newly added to the LAN in the image forming system 500, and a message encouraging the terminal device 20 to newly download, for example, an instruction manual which is an operating manual for the image forming device 100, and software such as a printer driver, which is necessary for the terminal device 20 to use the image forming device 100.

[0071] Next, a control operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming system 500 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] 8 differs from the flowchart showing an example of the control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 5 in that step S14 is replaced with step S34. In the third embodiment, as a result of comparing the MAC address stored in storage unit 184 with the received MAC address (step S12), if the received MAC address is not stored in storage unit 184 (step S13: NO), an e-mail informing the management terminal device of the work content is sent (step S34), and this MAC address is stored in storage unit 184 (step S15), and the operation is terminated. Other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description will be omitted.

[0073] The third embodiment has been described above. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 detects the terminal device 20 connected for the first time based on the MAC address of the terminal device 20, and transmits an e-mail to the terminal device 20a, which is a management terminal device, to inform the user of the necessary work. This allows the administrator to recognize that there is a newly added and connected terminal device 20, and to recognize the necessary work. In addition, if the user of the terminal device 20 connected for the first time has not performed the necessary work, this e-mail can be forwarded to the user of the terminal device 20 connected for the first time, thereby urging the user of the terminal device 20 connected for the first time to perform the necessary work. This allows the user of the terminal device 20 to perform the work smoothly, reduces the burden on the administrator, and allows the work to be performed efficiently.

[0074] In the above third embodiment, when the terminal device 20 is connected for the first time, the image forming device 100 detects the terminal device 20 based on the MAC address of the terminal device 20 and sends an e-mail to the terminal device 20a. However, when the administrator opens the login screen on the terminal device 20a, a message may be displayed informing the administrator that the terminal device 20 has been newly added to the LAN in the image forming system 500 and encouraging the user to download software, etc. required for using the image forming device 100 by the terminal device 20.

[0075] (Other embodiments) Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, these embodiments may be carried out separately, or selected embodiments may be combined, or all of the embodiments may be carried out.

[0076] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 may be a smartphone or the like other than a personal computer. The server 200 may switch the display of links, etc., depending on the terminal device 20 accessed. For example, depending on the screen resolution width of the terminal device 20 accessed, it may be determined whether the terminal device 20 is a smartphone or a personal computer, and if the terminal device 20 is a smartphone, a link to a mobile app may be displayed, and if the terminal device 20 is a personal computer, a link to a printer driver may be displayed.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms. Therefore, the embodiment is merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as being limited. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and is not limited in any way by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 20 Terminal Equipment 21 Display images 22 Support Information Area 100 Image forming device 110 Image forming apparatus main body 111 Seat storage section 112 Sheet transport section 113 Image forming section 114 Sheet ejection section 114a Sheet ejection tray 115 Operation section 120 Document reader 121 Document stand 122 Document reading section 123 Automatic document feeder 123a Document output tray 165 Operation section 161 Display section 180 Control Unit 181 Processing section 184 Memory section 182 Judgment Department 166 Data transmission and reception unit 200 Servers 500 Image forming system NW Network

Claims

1. A system that is connected to a plurality of terminal devices including a management terminal device operated by an administrator, an identification information receiving means for receiving identification information, which is information unique to the terminal device, from the terminal device; a storage means for storing the recognition information received by the recognition information receiving means; a determination means for comparing the recognition information received by the recognition information receiving means with the recognition information stored in the storage means to determine whether the received recognition information is stored in the storage means; a management information transmitting means for transmitting management information to the management terminal device, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the received recognition information is not stored in the storage means, the management transmission means transmits the management information to the management terminal device, instructing the terminal device to provide guidance on the work content to be performed, thereby performing a guidance process to provide guidance on the work content to be performed on the terminal device.

2. An image forming system comprising a plurality of terminal devices including a management terminal device operated by an administrator, and an image forming device connected to the terminal devices and linked with the terminal devices, When the terminal device is newly connected to the image forming device, the image forming device detects that the new terminal device is connected to the image forming device based on recognition information that is unique to the terminal device; An image forming system characterized in that, when the image forming device detects that a new terminal device has been connected to the image forming device, the image forming device sends management information to the management terminal device instructing the management terminal device to provide guidance on the work content to be done on the new terminal device.

3. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a plurality of terminal devices including a management terminal device operated by an administrator, comprising: receiving, from the terminal device, identification information that is information unique to the terminal device; comparing the received identification information with stored identification information to determine whether the received identification information has been stored; a step of transmitting, when it is determined that the received recognition information is not stored, management information to the management terminal device, instructing the terminal device to provide information on the work content to be performed on the terminal device; and if it is determined that the received recognition information has not been stored, storing the received recognition information.

Images