Terminal device control method

Abstract

To provide a control method of a terminal device and a control program of a terminal device for suitably enhancing availability by applied to a portable terminal.SOLUTION: A control method of a portable terminal performing control to transmit printing data to an image formation device through a network includes: a step of acquiring status information on printing from the image formation device through the network; a determination step of comparing printing setting information of the image formation device on the printing data set in the portable terminal with status information acquired from the image formation device when transmitting the printing data through the network, and determining whether transmission of the printing data is possible or impossible due to the presence / absence of occurrence of mismatching between the printing setting information and the status information; a transmission step of transmitting the printing data to the image formation device when it is determined that the transmission is possible; and a notification step of notifying a user of an error without transmitting the printing data to the image formation device when it is determined that the transmission is impossible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a terminal device. law The present invention is suitable for application to mobile terminals, for example. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing system has been proposed that provides a simplified printing function in close proximity wireless communication using a printing device and a mobile terminal, whereby printing is performed on the printing device with print settings that match the orientation of the mobile terminal when it is held over the printing device and the movements of the mobile terminal when it is held over the printing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-168179 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such an information processing system, if there is a mismatch between the print settings set on the mobile terminal when instructing the printing device to execute printing and the print settings set on the printing device, a print error occurs on the printing device. This is because as long as communication between the mobile terminal and the printing device is established, it is possible to send print data from the mobile terminal to the printing device. If a print error occurs on the printing device, the printing device is monopolized until the print error is resolved, resulting in reduced availability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a method and apparatus for controlling a terminal device that can increase availability. law This is what we are trying to propose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve such problems, the control method of the terminal device of the present invention is a control method of a terminal device that controls the transmission of print information to a printing device via one or more types of communication means, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring device information related to printing from the printing device via any of the communication means, a determination step of comparing print setting information of the printing device related to the print information set in the terminal device with the device information acquired from the printing device when transmitting the print information via any of the communication means, and determining whether or not the print information can be transmitted depending on whether or not an inconsistency occurs between the print setting information and the device information, and if the determination is yes, Through Wi-Fi The method includes a sending step of sending the print information to the printing device, and a notifying step of notifying an error without sending the print information to the printing device if the determination is negative.

[0007] Furthermore, in a control program for a terminal device of the present invention, the control program for the terminal device controls the transmission of print information to a printing device via one or more types of communication means, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring device information related to printing from the printing device via any of the communication means by a predetermined acquisition step, and a determination step of comparing print setting information of the printing device related to the print information set in the terminal device with the device information acquired from the printing device when transmitting the print information via any of the communication means, and determining whether or not the print information can be transmitted by a predetermined determination step depending on whether or not an inconsistency has occurred between the print setting information and the device information, and if the determination is yes, Through Wi-Fi A transmission procedure is executed in which the printing information is transmitted to the printing device by a predetermined transmission means, and if the determination is negative, a notification procedure is executed in which the printing information is not transmitted to the printing device and an error is notified by a predetermined notification means.

[0008] The present invention prevents an error from occurring by not sending print data to a printing device when it is determined that an error will occur if printing is executed, thereby preventing the occurrence of an error and preventing the printing device from being monopolized for recovery from the error, thereby improving the availability of the printing device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a method for controlling a terminal device capable of increasing availability is provided. law This can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the mobile terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an application. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing registered image forming apparatus information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing print setting information. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing status information. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing collation definition information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer registration screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a print screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an NFC message screen. [Figure 12] The diagram shows the configuration of the print start error screens: (A) is a screen indicating that printing cannot be started, (B) is a screen indicating that settings are inconsistent, and (C) is a screen indicating that consumables are insufficient. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart showing a print processing procedure (1) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a print processing procedure (2) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a print setting information and status information matching process. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of print-related setting information. [Figure 18]13 is a flowchart showing a print processing procedure (1) according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a print processing procedure (2) according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1. First embodiment [1-1. Information processing system configuration] 1, an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a mobile terminal 2 and an image forming apparatus 3. The mobile terminal 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 are connected to each other via a network 4, which is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), and perform data communication between them.

[0013] [1-2. Configuration of mobile device] The mobile terminal 2 is a portable device such as a smartphone, that is, a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal 2 is composed of a control unit 5, a storage unit 6, a display operation unit 7, and a network interface (network I / F) 9. The control unit 5 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and reads a predetermined program from the storage unit 6 to centrally control the mobile terminal 2. The control unit 5 functions as an input control unit 10, a display control unit 11, an execution unit 12, and a communication control unit 13. The input control unit 10 recognizes settings of an application 15 input by a user through an operation input unit 7I. The display control unit 11 displays a screen of the application 15 on the display output unit 7D. The execution unit 12 executes the application 15, etc. The communication control unit 13 controls communication with the image forming apparatus 3 via the network interface 9.

[0014] The storage unit 6 is composed of a RAM (Read Only Memory), a ROM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores a control program 14, an application 15, parameters, etc. The control program 14 is a program for causing the control unit 5 to function as an input control unit 10, a display control unit 11, an execution unit 12, and a communication control unit 13. The application 15 is a program for creating data such as documents, and issuing print instructions to the image forming device 3.

[0015] The display operation unit 7 is configured, for example, by a touch panel, and is configured by an operation input unit 7I and a display output unit 7D. The operation input unit 7II accepts operation input from a user and sends the information to the input control unit 10 and the display control unit 11. The display output unit 7D outputs information to the user by displaying the information received from the display control unit 11 on the screen. The network interface 9 has a wireless connection means for Wi-Fi connection and a wireless connection means for NFC function, and is an interface that communicates with the image forming apparatus 3 via the network 4.

[0016] [1-3. Configuration of image forming device] The image forming device 3 is, for example, a printer using an electrophotographic method, and performs printing by forming an image on paper using a developer such as toner based on print data transmitted from the portable terminal 2, and also transmits its own option information and status to the portable terminal 2. Note that although only one image forming device 3 is illustrated in Fig. 1, multiple image forming devices 3 are actually installed.

[0017] The image forming device 3 is made up of a control unit 16, a storage unit 17, an operation input unit 18, a printing unit 19, and a network interface (network I / F) 20. The control unit 16 is made up of a CPU, and reads out a predetermined program from the storage unit 17 to centrally control the image forming device 3. The control unit 16 functions as a print control unit 21 and a communication control unit 22. The print control unit 21 controls the execution of printing for the printing unit 19. The communication control unit 22 controls communication with the mobile terminal 2 via the network interface 20.

[0018] The storage unit 17 is configured with RAM, ROM, etc., and stores programs and data used during printing. The operation input unit 18 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, and accepts operation input from the user. The printing unit 19 is a printer engine that actually executes printing. The network interface 20 has a wireless connection means for Wi-Fi connection and a wireless connection means for NFC function, and is an interface that communicates with the mobile terminal 2 via the network 4.

[0019] [1-4. Software configuration of mobile devices] As shown in FIG. 2 as an example of the mobile terminal 2, the mobile terminal 2 is configured as an Android terminal, for example. The mobile terminal 2, which is an Android terminal, is configured as an application 15, an application framework 26, a library 27, an Android runtime 28, and a Linux (registered trademark) kernel 29. The application 15 is a program that runs under the Android Operating System environment, and is basically created from source code written in Java language or the like. The application framework 26 provides functions required for application development (API (Application Programming Interface) for accessing the library 27). The application framework 26 is configured as an Activity Manager that manages activities, a Window Manager that manages windows, Content Providers that manage data sharing, a View System that manages a user interface, a Package Manager that manages installation, a Telephony Manager that manages telephone functions, a Resource Manager that manages resources, a Location Manager that manages location information, and a Notification Manager that manages an alert function. The library 27 is provided to realize a specific process, and examples of the library 27 include a Media Framework that supports audio and video operations, and a Surface Manager that supports the integration of graphics of multiple applications. The Android runtime 28 is configured as a Dalvik virtual machine and a Java core package. The Linux kernel29 is the core of the operating system and provides functions such as process management and memory management.

[0020] [1-5. Application configuration] An example of the configuration of the application 15 is shown in FIG. 3, and the application 15 is installed in the mobile terminal 2 for use.

[0021] [1-5-1. Control Unit Configuration] The control unit 31 corresponds to the control unit 5 (FIG. 1) and controls the entire application 15. The input control unit 33 corresponds to the input control unit 10 and recognizes settings of the application 15 input by the user. The display control unit 34 corresponds to the display control unit 11 and controls the screen display of the application 15. The execution unit 35 corresponds to the execution unit 12 and executes functions installed in the application 15. The communication control unit 36 ​​corresponds to the communication control unit 13 and controls communication with the image forming device 3.

[0022] [1-5-2. Memory configuration] The storage unit 32 corresponds to the storage unit 6 (FIG. 1), and stores information used by the application 15. The storage unit 32 stores registered image forming device information 37, print setting information 38, status information 39, and matching definition information 40.

[0023] [1-5-2-1. Configuration of registered image forming device information] 4, registered image forming device information 37 records a list of information about image forming devices 3 registered in application 15, and records information on printer name, IP address, MAC address, group, and status. The printer name of image forming device 3 is recorded in the printer name field. The IP address of image forming device 3 is recorded in the IP address field. The MAC address of image forming device 3 is recorded in the MAC address field.

[0024] In the same network environment, IP addresses will never match, and MAC addresses, which are identification numbers unique to each image forming device 3, will never match, so the same information will never be registered even though the image forming devices 3 are different. Similarly, information on both image forming devices 3 will never be registered even though the image forming devices 3 are the same.

[0025] The group records the group of image forming devices 3 set at the time of registration. This group is used to make it easier for the user to find the desired image forming device 3 from the list on the screen when using the image forming device 3 from the application 15, and can be determined by the user at the time of registration.

[0026] The status records the current status of the image forming device 3. Here, the "connected" status of Printer A indicates that Printer A is powered on and located near the portable terminal 2, and is therefore connected to the portable terminal 2 via Wi-Fi communication. Also, the "not connected" status of Printer B indicates that Printer B is not connected to the portable terminal 2 via Wi-Fi communication, and is at least either not powered on or not located near the portable terminal 2.

[0027] [1-5-2-2. Configuration of print setting information] As shown in Fig. 5, print setting information 38 is information designated by the user that indicates the settings with which the current print will be executed. When the user launches application 15 and selects various functions that can perform printing, print setting information 38 is stored by selecting print settings related to the current print on print screen 53 (Fig. 10) described later. For example, print setting information 38 has A5 as the paper size, tray 1 as the paper feed method, portrait as the print orientation, and color as the color setting. This indicates that the user wishes to execute the current print with print settings of A5 as the paper size, tray 1 as the paper feed method, portrait as the print orientation, and color as the color setting.

[0028] [1-5-2-3. Status information configuration] As shown in FIG. 6, the status information 39 is information such as the current status and options of the image forming device 3 to which the portable terminal 2 is about to instruct printing. When the portable terminal 2 instructs the image forming device 3 to print, the portable terminal 2 acquires and stores the status information 39 from the image forming device 3. The status information 39 includes setting information related to printing set in the image forming device 3 itself, information related to consumables such as the remaining amount of toner, and information related to installed options, regardless of whether the image forming device 3 is online or busy. Setting information related to printing is, for example, paper size, paper feed method, print orientation, color settings, etc. For example, the status information 39 indicates that the paper size is A4, the paper feed method is tray 1, the print orientation is portrait, and the color setting is color, and indicates the remaining amount of toner for each color.

[0029] [1-5-2-4. Configuration of verification definition information] As shown in FIG. 7, the matching definition information 40 is predefined with information for matching the print setting information 38 set by the application 15 with the status information 39 acquired from the image forming device 3, and information on the print setting, the image forming device setting, and the exclusion condition is recorded. The print setting defines items that can be specified by the application 15 and their setting values. For example, the matching definition information 40 provides A4, A5, and B5 as paper sizes, and monochrome and color as color settings. The image forming device setting defines setting items and states of the image forming device 3 corresponding to the print setting. For example, the matching definition information 40 provides a condition that the paper size must match the print setting, and that the color setting must have 10[%] or more of toner remaining. The exclusion condition defines a condition that can determine that matching is not necessary. In addition, the exclusion condition defines a content that allows the image forming device 3 to absorb the inconsistency in the settings even if printing is performed with the inconsistency occurring between the print setting information 38 and the status information 39. For example, in the comparison definition information 40, a condition is defined that the paper size is excluded when the paper feed method is automatic or the paper check function is OFF, and a condition is defined that the color setting is excluded when monochrome is selected and "Use generation with CMYK toner" is selected in the black generation function.

[0030] [1-6. Application screen configuration] [1-6-1. Main screen configuration] 8 shows a main screen 41 displayed on the display output unit 7D, which is an example of the application 15. On the main screen 41, a printer registration button 42, a camera shooting button 43, a file selection button 44, a scan button 45, an FAQ button 46, and a photo selection button 47 are arranged.

[0031] The printer registration button 42 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 registers information about the target image forming device 3 in the registered image forming device information 37 (FIG. 4). The camera capture button 43 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 captures an image of an object with a camera and saves or prints the data. The file selection button 44 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 displays files that it holds and prints a selected file. The scan button 45 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 makes a scan request to the image forming device 3. The FAQ button 46 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 displays an FAQ site of the company that provides the application 15. The photo selection button 47 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 displays photo data that it holds and prints a selected photo.

[0032] [1-6-2. Printer registration screen configuration] FIG. 9 shows a printer registration screen 48 displayed on the display output unit 7D when the printer registration button 42 is tapped on the main screen 41 (FIG. 8). The printer registration screen 48 has a search start button 49, a detailed conditions button 50, and a registered list 51 arranged thereon. The search start button 49 is a button that is tapped when the mobile terminal 2 searches for an image forming device 3 connected to the mobile terminal 2. The detailed conditions button 50 is a button that is tapped when detailed conditions for searching for an image forming device 3 by the search start button 49 are set. An example of a setting item of the detailed conditions button 50 is a timeout time for image forming device search. The registered list 51 is a list that displays image forming devices 3 that have already been registered on the mobile terminal 2, and displays the printer name, IP address, and status of the image forming device 3 that are read out from the registered image forming device information 37.

[0033] [1-6-3. Print screen configuration] 10 shows a print screen 53 when printing is performed on the image forming device 3 using the application 15. The print screen 53 is displayed on the display output unit 7D when the camera capture button 43, the file selection button 44, or the photo selection button 47 is tapped on the main screen 41 (FIG. 8) and then various functions that allow printing are selected.

[0034] The print screen 53 includes a paper size label 54, a paper size selection combo box 55, a paper feed method label 56, a paper feed method selection combo box 57, a print orientation label 58, a portrait print orientation selection radio button 59A, a landscape print orientation selection radio button 59B, a color setting label 60, a color setting color selection radio button 61A, a color setting monochrome selection radio button 61B, an OK button 62, and a cancel button 63. The paper size label 54 is a display field that indicates the selection of the paper size. The paper size selection combo box 55 is a selection field that allows the selection of the paper size, and A4, A5, B5, etc. can be selected. The paper feed method label 56 is a display field that indicates the selection of the paper feed method. The paper feed method selection combo box 57 is a selection field that allows the selection of the paper feed method, and Tray 1, Multi-purpose Tray, etc. can be selected. The print orientation label 58 is a display field that indicates the selection of the print orientation. The portrait print orientation radio button 59A is a selection field for selecting portrait printing. The landscape print orientation radio button 59B is a selection field for selecting landscape printing. The color setting label 60 is a display field that shows the color setting selection. The color setting color selection radio button 61A is a selection field for selecting color printing. The color setting monochrome selection radio button 61B is a selection field for selecting monochrome printing. The OK button 62 is a button that is tapped when instructing printing to be performed. The cancel button 63 is a button that is tapped when printing is canceled.

[0035] The contents set by the user on this print screen 53 are saved in print setting information 38 (FIG. 5). That is, when A5 is selected as the paper size, tray 1 as the paper feed method, portrait as the print orientation, and color as the color setting on print screen 53, the same contents are saved in print setting information 38.

[0036] [1-7. Printing process] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 2 uses an application 15 stored in the storage unit 6, and when the user holds the mobile terminal 2 over the image forming device 3, the mobile terminal 2 acquires information (network information and status information) of the image forming device 3 via the network interface 9, the network 4, and the network interface 20. Incidentally, the status information is always the latest information because it is written to the storage unit 17 every time an update is made in the image forming device 3.

[0037] The portable terminal 2 then compares the print setting information 38 (FIG. 3) set in the application 15 with the status information 39 (FIG. 3) acquired from the image forming device 3 and stored in the memory unit 32 to confirm whether or not printing is possible on the image forming device 3. If it is expected that printing cannot be performed immediately, an error notification is sent via the application 15 or the portable terminal 2, and the print data is not sent to the image forming device 3.

[0038] Specific processing procedures of the printing process by the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 13 and 14. The control unit 5 starts the printing process procedure RT1 by reading and executing the printing process program from the storage unit 6, and proceeds to step SP1. Also, it is assumed that the printer name and IP address have been registered in the registered image forming device information 37 before the printing process procedure RT1 is started.

[0039] In step SP1, the control unit 5 reads and starts the application 15 from the storage unit 6 based on the user's operation, displays the main screen 41 (FIG. 8) on the display output unit 7D, and proceeds to step SP2. In step SP2, when the camera shooting button 43, the file selection button 44, or the photo selection button 47 is tapped on the main screen 41 and predetermined data is selected as a print target, the control unit 5 displays the print screen 53 (FIG. 10) on the display output unit 7D, and proceeds to step SP3. In step SP3, when the print settings are selected on the print screen 53 by the user and the OK button 62 is tapped to instruct printing, the control unit 5 stores the print setting information 38 (FIG. 5) indicating the print settings in the storage unit 32, and proceeds to step SP4. Specifically, since A5 is selected as the paper size, Tray 1 as the paper feed method, portrait as the print orientation, and color as the color setting on the print screen 53, the control unit 5 saves the same contents in the print setting information 38 indicating the print settings.

[0040] In step SP4, the control unit 5 prompts the user to hold the portable terminal 2 over the image forming device 3 by displaying an NFC message screen 64 shown in Fig. 11 on the display output unit 7D, waits until the portable terminal 2 is held over the image forming device 3, and then proceeds to step SP5. This NFC message screen 64 has an NFC usage message field 65. The NFC usage message field 65 is a display field that shows a message encouraging the use of NFC.

[0041] In step SP5, the control unit 5 acquires, via Wi-Fi communication, network information, which is the IP address and MAC address of the image forming device 3, and status information from the image forming device 3 over which the mobile terminal 2 is held, i.e., connected via NFC communication, and stores the acquired status information as status information 39 in the memory unit 32, and then proceeds to step SP6.

[0042] In step SP6, the control unit 5 judges whether or not the network information and status information were acquired in step SP5 from the image forming apparatus 3. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the mobile terminal 2 was able to acquire the network information and status information from the image forming apparatus 3 with which NFC communication was performed via Wi-Fi communication, and the control unit 5 then proceeds to step SP7. In step SP7, the control unit 5 compares the IP address and MAC address, which are the acquired network information, with the IP address and MAC address registered in the registered image forming apparatus information 37 (FIG. 4), and proceeds to step SP9 (FIG. 14).

[0043] In step SP9, the control unit 5 judges whether the image forming device 3 that matches the acquired network information is registered in the registered image forming device information 37 based on the result of the comparison in step SP7. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the image forming device 3 that performed the NFC communication is registered in the mobile terminal 2, and the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP11. In step SP11, the control unit 5 judges whether the image forming device 3 that performed the NFC communication is in a printable state. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the image forming device 3 that performed the NFC communication is in a printable state, and the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP12. In step SP12, the control unit 5 executes the print setting information status information comparison process procedure SRT1 shown in FIG. 15 to compare the print setting information 38 specified by the application 15 with the status information 39 of the image forming device 3 acquired in step SP5, and proceeds to step SP14.

[0044] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP6 (FIG. 13), this indicates that the portable terminal 2 was unable to acquire network information and status information via Wi-Fi communication from the image forming device 3 with which NFC communication was performed, and in this case the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP8. In step SP8, the control unit 5 notifies the user by causing the display output unit 7D to display a connection error screen indicating that a connection impossible error has occurred that prevents connection to the image forming device 3, and then proceeds to step SP20 (FIG. 14), where the print processing procedure RT1 ends.

[0045] Furthermore, if a negative result is obtained in step SP9, this indicates that the image forming device 3 that performed NFC communication is not registered in the portable terminal 2, and in this case the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP10. In step SP10, the control unit 5 notifies the user by causing the display output unit 7D to display an unregistration error screen indicating that an unregistration error has occurred, in which the image forming device 3 is not registered in the application 15 of the portable terminal 2, and then proceeds to step SP20, where the print processing procedure RT1 ends.

[0046] Furthermore, if a negative result is obtained in step SP11, this indicates that the image forming device 3 that performed NFC communication is in a state where printing cannot be started, for example, because it is busy, and in this case the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP13. In step SP13, the control unit 5 notifies the user that the image forming device 3 cannot start printing by displaying a start not possible screen 66A shown in Fig. 12(A) on the display output unit 7D, and then proceeds to step SP20, where the print processing procedure RT1 ends.

[0047] The start not possible screen 66A has an error display field 67A and an OK button 72. The error display field 67A is a display field that shows an error that is currently occurring. The OK button 72 is a button that is tapped to close the start not possible screen 66A and cancel printing.

[0048] On the other hand, in step SP14, the control unit 5 determines, based on the result of the comparison in step SP12, whether there is no problem with the comparison result and the image forming device 3 is in a state where printing can be performed (i.e., whether there is no inconsistency between the print setting information 38 and the status information 39). If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that there is no problem with the comparison result and printing is possible, and in this case the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP19. In step SP19, the control unit 5 transmits the print data to the image forming device 3 by Wi-Fi communication, proceeds to step SP20, and ends the print processing procedure RT1.

[0049] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP14, this indicates that there is a problem with the collation result due to an inconsistency between the print setting information 38 and the status information 39, and the image forming device 3 is in a state where printing should not be performed, and in this case, the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP15. In step SP15, the control unit 5 displays either the setting inconsistency screen 66B shown in Fig. 12(B) or the consumable shortage screen 66C shown in Fig. 12(C) on the display output unit 7D, and proceeds to step SP16. The following describes a case where the control unit 5 displays the setting inconsistency screen 66B instead of the consumable shortage screen 66C on the display output unit 7D in step SP15, but the same processing is performed for the consumable shortage screen 66C as for the setting inconsistency screen 66B.

[0050] Specifically, for example, if the paper size is set to A5 in the print setting information 38, while the paper size of the paper stored in tray 1 specified as the paper feed method in the print setting information 38 is set to A4 in the status information 39, the control unit 5 will notify the user that there is an inconsistency (mismatch) between the print setting information 38 of the application 15 and the status information 39 of the image forming device 3 by displaying a setting mismatch screen 66B (Figure 12 (B)) on the display output unit 7D.

[0051] The setting mismatch screen 66B is displayed on the display output unit 7D when, for example, a setting value of the paper size in the print setting information 38 (i.e., a setting value of the paper size in the print setting of the mobile terminal 2) differs from a setting value of the paper size in the status information 39 (i.e., a setting value of the paper size in the setting of the image forming device 3). The setting mismatch screen 66B has an error display field 67B, a corresponding setting item display field 68B, a print setting change button 69B, a forced print button 70B, and a cancel button 71B arranged thereon. The error display field 67B is a display field indicating that a print error is expected to occur if printing is performed as is. The corresponding setting item display field 68B is a display field indicating the print setting of the mobile terminal 2 and the setting of the image forming device 3 with respect to the item causing the error. The print setting change button 69B is a button that is tapped when printing is performed by changing the print setting of the mobile terminal 2. The forced print button 70B is a button that is tapped when printing is performed with the current settings. The cancel button 71B is a button that is tapped when printing is canceled.

[0052] On the other hand, for example, if the color setting is set to color in the print setting information 38, but the status information 39 indicates that the remaining amount of at least one of the toners used in color printing is not 10% or more, the control unit 5 will display a consumable shortage screen 66C (Figure 15(C)) on the display output unit 7D, thereby notifying the user that there is an inconsistency (mismatch) between the print setting information of the application 15 and the status information of the image forming device 3.

[0053] The consumable shortage screen 66C is displayed on the display output unit 7D when the image forming device 3 is short of consumables such as toner cartridges and paper. The consumable shortage screen 66C has an error display field 67C, a corresponding setting item display field 68C, a print setting change button 69C, a forced print button 70B, and a cancel button 71C. The error display field 67C is a display field indicating that a print error is expected to occur if printing is performed as is. The corresponding setting item display field 68C is a display field indicating the setting value of the print setting of the portable terminal 2 for the item causing the error. The print setting change button 69C is a button that is tapped when printing is performed by changing the print setting of the portable terminal 2. The forced print button 70C is a button that is tapped when printing is performed with the current settings. The cancel button 71C is a button that is tapped when printing is canceled.

[0054] In step SP16 (FIG. 14), the control unit 5 determines whether or not the user has tapped the print setting change button 69B (FIG. 12(B)) to request changing the print settings on the application 15 side to resolve the setting inconsistency. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the user wishes to change the print settings and print, and the control unit 5 then proceeds to step SP17. In step SP17, the control unit 5 changes the setting values ​​in the print setting information 38 to be the same as those in the status information 39, thereby changing the print setting values ​​of the application 15, and proceeds to step SP19.

[0055] Specifically, when the control unit 5 determines in the print setting information status information comparison processing procedure SRT1 (FIG. 15) that the paper size is set to A5 in the print setting information 38 (FIG. 5), while the paper size of the paper stored in tray 1 specified as the paper feed method in the print setting information 38 is set to A4 in the status information 39, and therefore the paper feed method is not set to automatic or the paper check function is not set to OFF, and a setting inconsistency has occurred, the control unit 5 changes the paper size setting value in the print setting information 38 from A5 to A4 to match the paper size setting value in the status information 39.

[0056] In step SP19, the control unit 5 transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 3 by Wi-Fi communication, and then proceeds to step SP20, where the print processing procedure RT1 ends.

[0057] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP16, then the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP18. In step SP18, the control unit 5 determines whether or not a forced printing request has been made to execute printing with the current print settings without resolving the setting inconsistency by the user tapping the forced print button 70B (FIG. 12(B)). If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that although a setting inconsistency has occurred, the user wishes to continue printing without changing the print settings, and then the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP19. In step SP19, the control unit 5 transmits the print data to the image forming device 3 by Wi-Fi communication, proceeds to step SP20, and ends the print processing procedure RT1.

[0058] On the other hand, if the user wishes to cancel the print execution and taps the cancel button 71B (Figure 12 (B)), resulting in a negative result in step SP18, then the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP20 and ends the print processing procedure RT1.

[0059] [1-8. Print setting information and status information verification process] Next, the print setting information status information comparison processing procedure SRT1, which is executed in step SP12 in the print processing procedure RT1 to compare the print setting information 38 of the application 15 with the status information 39 of the image forming device 3, will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0060] In step SP21, the control unit 5 acquires the print setting information 38 specified by the application 15 from the storage unit 32, and proceeds to step SP22. In step SP22, the control unit 5 acquires items to be compared from the matching definition information 40 (FIG. 7), and proceeds to step SP23. Specifically, since A5 is set as the paper size and color is set as the color setting in the print setting information 38, the control unit 5 acquires A5 as the paper size in the print setting and color as the color setting from the matching definition information 40, as items to be compared.

[0061] In step SP23, the control unit 5 determines whether or not an exclusion condition exists for the item to be compared acquired in step SP22. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that an exclusion condition exists for the item to be compared, and the control unit 5 then proceeds to step SP24. In step SP24, the control unit 5 acquires the exclusion condition for the item to be compared from the comparison definition information 40, and proceeds to step SP25. Specifically, the control unit 5 acquires, as an exclusion condition for the A5 paper size, a condition that the paper is excluded when the paper feed method is automatic or the paper check function is OFF from the comparison definition information 40, but since nothing is defined as an exclusion condition for color in the color settings, no exclusion condition is acquired.

[0062] In step SP25, the control unit 5 refers to the three items in the comparison definition information 40, namely the print settings, the image forming device settings, and the exclusion conditions, and compares whether or not a setting inconsistency has occurred between the print setting information 38 and the status information 39. Then, the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP27, terminates the print setting information-status information comparison processing procedure SRT1, and proceeds to step SP14 in the print processing procedure RT1 (Figure 14).

[0063] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP23, this indicates that there is no exclusion condition in the item to be compared, and in this case the control unit 5 proceeds to step SP26. In step SP26, the control unit 5 refers to two items, the print settings and the image forming device settings, in the comparison definition information 40, but does not refer to the exclusion conditions, and compares whether or not a setting inconsistency has occurred between the print setting information 38 and the status information 39, proceeds to step SP27, ends the print setting information / status information comparison processing procedure SRT1, and proceeds to step SP14 in the print processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 14).

[0064] Specifically, the control unit 5 determines that a setting inconsistency has occurred when the paper size is set to A5 in the print setting information 38 (Figure 5), while the paper size of the paper stored in tray 1 specified as the paper feeding method in the print setting information 38 is set to A4 in the status information 39. This is because the paper feeding method is not set to automatic or the paper check function is not set to OFF.

[0065] [1-9. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, before transmitting print data to the image forming device 3, the portable terminal 2 acquires status information 39 from the image forming device 3 via Wi-Fi communication when the portable terminal 2 is held over the image forming device 3 to communicate with NFC, and determines whether or not an inconsistency has occurred between the print setting information 38 on the portable terminal 2 side and the status information 39 on the image forming device 3 side. If an inconsistency has occurred, the portable terminal 2 does not transmit the print data to the image forming device 3, and notifies the user that a print error will occur if the data is printed as is.

[0066] Therefore, the portable terminal 2 can determine whether printing is possible before sending the print data, and can prevent sending useless print data that is likely to be unprintable to the image forming device 3. This allows the portable terminal 2 to prevent a print error from occurring in the image forming device 3, and can prevent the image forming device 3 from being monopolized until the error recovery work of the image forming device 3 is completed, improving convenience not only for the user who prints from the portable terminal 2, but also for other users.

[0067] Furthermore, even when the user is unable to obtain a printed copy immediately, for example because another user's print data is currently being printed, the mobile terminal 2 can notify the user before sending the print data to the image forming device 3 that a printing error will occur if the print data continues as is and that printing will not be possible after all. This can prevent the user from having to wait until printing of the other user's print data is completed, resulting in the user being unable to print after all.

[0068] Furthermore, the portable terminal 2 can notify the user that normal printing cannot be performed with the current print settings, without making the user check the image forming device 3, using only the information displayed on the portable terminal 2.

[0069] Furthermore, after notifying the user that a print error has occurred, if the user taps either the Change Print Settings button 69B on the Settings Inconsistency screen 66B (FIG. 12(B)) or the Change Print Settings button 69C on the Consumables Shortage screen 66C (FIG. 12(C)), the portable terminal 2 changes the print settings on the portable terminal 2 side by updating the setting values ​​in the print setting information 38 to be the same as the status information 39. Therefore, the portable terminal 2 can resolve the print setting inconsistency and change the print settings on the portable terminal 2 side to a printable state by simply having the user perform a simple tap operation.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the control method for the mobile terminal 2 as a terminal device that controls the transmission of print data as print information to the image forming device 3 as a printing device via a network 4 as one or more types of communication means includes an acquisition step of acquiring status information as device information related to printing from the image forming device 3 via the network 4, a determination step of comparing print setting information 38 of the image forming device 3 related to the print data set in the mobile terminal 2 with status information 39 acquired from the image forming device 3 when transmitting the print data via the network 4, and determining whether or not the print data can be transmitted based on whether or not an inconsistency has occurred between the print setting information 38 and the status information 39, a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the image forming device 3 if the determination is yes, and a notification step of notifying an error without transmitting the print data to the image forming device 3 if the determination is no.

[0071] As a result, if the mobile terminal 2 determines that a print error will occur if printing is performed, it will not send the print data to the image forming device 3, thereby preventing a print error from occurring and preventing the image forming device 3 from being monopolized by recovery from the print error, thereby increasing the availability of the image forming device 3.

[0072] 2. Second embodiment [2-1. Information processing system configuration] As shown in FIG. 16, in which the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to those in FIG. 1, an information processing system 101 according to the second embodiment differs from the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has an image forming device 103 instead of the image forming device 3, but is otherwise configured in the same manner.

[0073] [2-2. Configuration of image forming device] Image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment differs from image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment in that it has storage unit 117 instead of storage unit 17, but otherwise has the same configuration. Storage unit 117 according to the second embodiment stores NFC information 80.

[0074] [2-2-1.NFC information configuration] The NFC information 80 stores information about the NFC board attached to the image forming apparatus 103, and includes network information and status information. For example, print-related setting information 82 shown in FIG. 17 is recorded in this NFC information 80. The print-related setting information 82 records information related to printing in the image forming apparatus 103 in a list, and does not record information for which the designation of the application 15 takes precedence. Examples of the information recorded here include paper settings for various trays and network settings for the image forming apparatus 103. The paper settings record the paper size, paper type, and paper thickness. The network settings record TCP / IP, IP address settings, IPv4 address, subnet mask, and gateway address.

[0075] [2-3. Printing process] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, in which steps corresponding to those in Figures 13 and 14 are given the same symbols, the printing processing procedure RT101 according to the second embodiment differs from the printing processing procedure RT1 according to the first embodiment in that it has step SP105 instead of step SP5, and steps SP31 and SP32 have been added, but is otherwise configured in the same way.

[0076] In steps SP1 to SP4, the control unit 5 performs the same processes as in the print processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 13), and then proceeds to step SP105. In step SP105, the control unit 5 reads out from the NFC information 80 the network information, which is the IP address and MAC address of the image forming device 103 over which the mobile terminal 2 is held, i.e., from the image forming device 103 connected by NFC communication, and acquires the network information and status information by NFC communication, stores the acquired status information as status information 39 in the storage unit 32, and proceeds to step SP31.

[0077] In step SP31, the control unit 5 transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus 103 by NFC communication to lock the print-related setting information 82 (FIG. 17) stored in the storage unit 117 of the image forming apparatus 103 so as not to accept any changes thereto, and proceeds to step SP6. When the instruction to lock the print-related setting information 82 so as not to accept any changes thereto is received from the portable terminal 2 by NFC communication, the control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 103 locks the print-related setting information 82 so as not to allow any changes to the settings, even if an instruction to change the contents of the print-related setting information 82 is received from outside.

[0078] In steps SP6 to SP19, the control unit 5 performs the same processes as in the print processing procedure RT1 (FIGS. 13 and 14), and proceeds to step SP32 (FIG. 19). In step SP32, the control unit 5 transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus 103 via Wi-Fi communication to unlock the print-related setting information 82 so that the setting changes can be accepted, and proceeds to step SP20, ending the print processing procedure RT101. When the instruction to unlock the print-related setting information 82 so that the setting changes can be accepted is received from the portable terminal 2 via Wi-Fi communication, the control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 103 unlocks the print-related setting information 82 so that the setting changes can be made when an instruction to change the contents of the print-related setting information 82 is received from outside.

[0079] [2-4. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, before executing the print setting information status information comparison processing procedure SRT1, the mobile terminal 2 locks the print-related setting information 82 of the image forming device 103 so that it cannot be changed, and after transmitting print data to the image forming device 103, it unlocks the print-related setting information 82 of the image forming device 103 so that it can be changed.

[0080] Therefore, while the mobile terminal 2 is comparing the printing setting information 38 with the status information 39, it is possible to make the printing-related setting information 82, which is a setting that affects printing in the image forming device 103, unable to be changed from the outside, and the value of the printing-related setting information 82 can be maintained until the comparison between the printing setting information 38 and the status information 39 is completed.

[0081] This prevents a situation in which a user other than the user operating the portable terminal 2 changes, for example, the network settings in the print-related setting information 82, causing communication between the portable terminal 2 and the image forming device 103 to be cut off and causing a print error, during the period from when the portable terminal 2 acquires the status information from the image forming device 103 to when the portable terminal 2 transmits the print data to the image forming device 103. In this way, the portable terminal 2 prevents the settings of the print-related setting information 82 of the image forming device 103 from being changed while the print setting information 38 is being compared with the status information 39 before the transmission of the print data, and ensures that printing is performed.

[0082] In addition, the information processing system 101 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0083] 3. Other embodiments In the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which when the portable terminal 2 is held over the image forming device 3 in step SP4 of the print processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 13), the portable terminal 2 acquires network information and status information from the image forming device 3 in step SP5. The present invention is not limited to this, and the portable terminal 2 may, for example, periodically acquire network information and status information from the image forming device 3 arranged near the portable terminal 2 before the portable terminal 2 is held over the image forming device 3. In short, it is sufficient for the portable terminal 2 to acquire network information and status information from the image forming device 3 before sending print data from the portable terminal 2 to the image forming device 3. The same is true in the second embodiment.

[0084] In the above-described first embodiment, when the forced print button 70B or 70C is selected on the setting mismatch screen 66B (FIG. 12(B)) or the consumable shortage screen 66C (FIG. 12(C)), for example, the image magnification may be forcibly changed or the tray to be used may be changed so that printing can be performed as much as possible with the print settings set on the image forming device 3 side. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, when the print setting change button 69B or 69C is selected on the setting mismatch screen 66B (FIG. 12(B)) or the consumable shortage screen 66C (FIG. 12(C)), the setting values ​​in the print setting information 38 are updated to be the same as those in the status information 39. The present invention is not limited to this, and the setting values ​​in the status information 39 may be updated to be the same as those in the print setting information 38. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, a case has been described in which communication is performed between the portable terminal 2, which is a portable device, and the image forming apparatus 3. The present invention is not limited to this, and communication may be performed between the image forming apparatus 3 and various other terminal devices, such as a personal computer, which is a stationary device. In that case, the terminal device, such as a personal computer, and the image forming apparatus 3 may be connected one-to-one to perform communication. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the case has been described where communication is performed between the portable terminal 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 by Wi-Fi communication or NFC communication, which is a type of short-range wireless communication. The present invention is not limited to this, and communication may be performed between the portable terminal 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 by various other communication methods, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wired LAN, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The same is true in the second embodiment.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which an error screen is displayed on the display output unit 7D in steps SP8, SP10, SP13, and SP15 in the print processing procedure RT1 (FIGS. 13 and 14) to notify the user that an error has occurred. The present invention is not limited to this, and the user may be notified that an error has occurred in various other ways, such as by vibrating the portable terminal 2 or by outputting an alarm sound from the portable terminal 2. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the case has been described where the matching definition information 40 (FIG. 7) is stored in the application 15 of the mobile terminal 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the matching definition information 40 may be stored in the storage unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 3. The same is true in the second embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the matching definition information 40 is not limited to the above-mentioned format, and may be in an INI file format or an XML file format that can be identified by various programs, and the point is that it is sufficient if it can be identified by both the application 15 and the image forming apparatus 3. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a case has been described in which changes to the print-related setting information 82 are locked while the print setting information 38 is being collated with the status information 39. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, various other functions may be locked to disable changes or operations, such as temporarily disallowing operations on the image forming apparatus 103 from other users in order to give top priority to one's own printing. In this case, which functions in the image forming apparatus 103 to lock may be set by either the application 15 or the image forming apparatus 103.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present invention extends to embodiments in which the above-mentioned embodiment and the other embodiments are combined in part or in whole in any manner, or embodiments in which a part is extracted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] The present invention can be used when printing data is sent from a mobile terminal to an image forming apparatus and printed by the image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, 101...information processing system, 2...mobile terminal, 3, 103...image forming apparatus, 4...network, 5...control unit, 6...storage unit, 7...display operation unit, 7I...operation input unit, 7D...display output unit, 9...network interface, 10...input control unit, 11...display control unit, 12...execution unit, 13...communication control unit, 14...control program, 15...application, 16...control unit, 17, 117...storage unit, 18...operation input unit, 19...printing unit, 20...network interface, 21...printing control unit, 22...communication control unit , 26...Application framework, 27...Library, 28...Android runtime, 29...Linux kernel, 31...Control unit, 32...Memory unit, 33...Input control unit, 34...Display control unit, 35...Execution unit, 36...Communication control unit, 37...Registered image forming device information, 38...Print setting information, 39...Status information, 40...Verification definition information, 41...Main screen, 42...Printer registration button, 43...Camera capture button, 44...File selection button, 45...Scan button, 46...FAQ button, 47...Photo selection button, 48... printer registration screen, 49... search start button, 50... detailed conditions button, 51... registered list, 53... print screen, 54... paper size label, 55... paper size selection combo box, 56... paper source label, 57... paper source selection combo box, 58... print orientation label, 59A... portrait print orientation selection radio button, 59B... landscape print orientation selection radio button, 60... color setting label, 61A... color setting color selection radio button, 61B... color setting monochrome selection radio button, 62... OK button, 63... ...Cancel button, 64...NFC message screen, 65...NFC usage message field, 66A...Cannot start screen, 66B...Settings inconsistency screen, 66C...Lack of consumables screen, 67A...Error display field, 72...OK button, 67B...Error display field, 68B...Corresponding setting item display field, 69B...Change print settings button, 70B...Force print button, 71B...Cancel button, 67C...Error display field, 68C...Corresponding setting item display field, 69C...Change print settings button, 70C...Force print button, 71C...Cancel button, 80...NFC information,82: Printing-related setting information.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a terminal device to transmit print information to a printing device via one or more types of communication means, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring printing-related device information from the printing device via any one of the communication means; a determination step of comparing print setting information of the printing device related to the print information set in the terminal device with the device information acquired from the printing device when transmitting the print information via any of the communication means, and determining whether or not the print information can be transmitted based on the presence or absence of an inconsistency between the print setting information and the device information; a transmitting step of transmitting the print information to the printing device if the determination is positive; a notification step of notifying the printing device of an error without transmitting the printing information to the printing device if the determination is negative; a setting information unchangeable instruction step of making setting information including at least the device information in the printing device unchangeable during the period from when the device information is acquired from the printing device in the acquisition step to when the printing information is transmitted to the printing device in the transmission step; A method for controlling a terminal device, comprising:

2. The communication means is a short-range wireless communication means, and the terminal device is a mobile terminal.

2. The method for controlling a terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The short-range wireless communication includes NFC, The determination step performs the determination when the mobile terminal and the printing device start communication via NFC.

3. The method for controlling a terminal device according to claim 2.

4. The short-range wireless communication further includes Wi-Fi; The acquiring step acquires the device information from the printing device via Wi-Fi before the determining step.

4. The method for controlling a terminal device according to claim 3.

5. The acquiring step acquires the device information from the printing device via NFC when the mobile terminal and the printing device start communication via NFC in the determining step.

4. The method for controlling a terminal device according to claim 3.

Images