Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus comprising a remote control unit that has simplified complex operations.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet and comprises a remote control unit that can be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus through radio communication and operates the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The remote control unit has: a first input unit for making a transition to a bulk operation mode for collectively operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a second input unit for inputting common operating instructions to the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and a controller that makes a transition to the bulk operation mode through the first input unit, and collectively transmits the common operation instructions input through the second input unit to the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected through the radio communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), and a remote control unit that operates the image forming apparatus via wireless communication. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technology has been proposed that uses a remote control unit that operates an image forming apparatus via wireless communication. Patent Document 1 describes a technology that enables the remote control unit to be connected to multiple image forming apparatuses. In Patent Document 1, one image forming apparatus can be selected from the multiple connectable image forming apparatuses and can be operated via wireless communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-110758 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a user wishes to execute a common operation on multiple image forming devices, the operation is complicated. Specifically, the operator must switch between the operation screens of the image forming devices to be operated one by one and execute the operation on each image forming device.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a remote control unit that simplifies complicated operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A representative configuration of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus being connectable to a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus via wireless communication, and including a remote control unit that operates the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the remote control unit having a first input unit for transitioning to a collective operation mode for collectively operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a second input unit for inputting a common operation instruction for the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a controller that transitions to the collective operation mode through the first input unit and collectively transmits the common operation instruction input through the second input unit to the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via the wireless communication. and when there is an image forming apparatus to which another remote control unit is connected among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the controller notifies a user to confirm whether or not to transmit the common operation instruction to the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, common operations can be transmitted to a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a batch, thereby simplifying complicated operations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views of a remote control panel. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a remote control panel. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a network including a remote control panel and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a touch panel of a remote control panel with coordinate display. [Figure 8] 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display of the remote control panel. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing a control process in which the remote control panel in the first embodiment determines an operation target. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process in which the remote control panel in the second embodiment determines an operation target. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a control process in which the remote control panel in the third embodiment determines an operation target. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0010] Example 1 <Image forming device> An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an image forming system incorporating the image forming apparatus.

[0011] 1, the image forming system A is composed of an image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a sheet S, and a processing apparatus 16 that performs processes such as stapling, punching, and bookbinding on the sheet S on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 1. Also, on the top of the image forming apparatus 1, a reader 14 is provided that optically reads an image of a document placed on a glass surface (not shown) and converts it into image data.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a seesaw-type or tactile-type main body power switch 18 for switching the main power on and off. The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a display panel 17 that notifies a user of the status of the image forming apparatus, such as when image formation processing is in progress, when stopped due to an error, or when in standby mode, by displaying lamps and error codes. The display panel 17 allows another user to give minimum operational instructions even when a remote control panel 50, which will be described later, is taken out of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a tower-type lamp 19 that notifies a user at a remote location of the status of the image forming apparatus by turning the light source on, off, or blinking.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a panel mounting section 10 to which a remote control panel 50 (remote control section) is detachably mounted. The remote control panel 50 will be described later.

[0014] 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 15 that forms an image on a sheet S. The image forming unit 15 includes photosensitive drums 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, charging devices 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, and developing devices 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K. The image forming unit 15 also includes primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, laser scanner units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, an intermediate transfer belt 6, a secondary transfer roller 7, a secondary transfer opposing roller 8, and the like.

[0015] When an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1, an image formation job is first input to the main body control unit 20 (see FIG. 4). As a result, a sheet S stored in either one of the sheet cassettes 11a or 11b is sent to a secondary transfer unit formed by the secondary transfer roller 7 and the secondary transfer opposing roller 8.

[0016] Meanwhile, in the image forming unit 15, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y is charged by the charging device 2Y. After that, the laser scanner unit 3Y irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y with laser light in accordance with image data of the document read by the reader 14 or image data transmitted from an external device (not shown) via a network, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y.

[0017] Next, yellow toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y by the developing device 4Y, forming a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6 by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 5Y.

[0018] By a similar process, magenta, cyan and black toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 9M, 9C and 9K. Then, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C and 5K, these toner images are transferred and superimposed on the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 6. As a result, a full-color toner image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0019] Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 6 rotates, thereby sending the full-color toner image to a secondary transfer section. Then, in the secondary transfer section, a secondary transfer bias is applied to a secondary transfer roller 7, thereby transferring the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed by a conveyor belt 12 to a fixing device 13. Then, in the fixing device 13, the toner image is fixed to the sheet S by heating and pressurizing.

[0020] Next, the sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed is sent to the processing device 16. If the user has specified a process such as stapling, punching, or bookbinding, the sheet S sent to the processing device 16 is subjected to the specified process and then discharged to the discharge tray 16a. If the user has not specified a process, the sheet S sent to the processing device 16 is discharged directly to the discharge tray 16b without being processed.

[0021] <Remote control panel> The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a remote operation panel 50 (remote operation unit) that is detachably attached to the panel mounting unit 10 (mounting unit). The remote operation panel 50 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 by being attached to the panel mounting unit 10. Specifically, when the remote operation panel 50 is attached to the panel mounting unit 10, a charging connector 55 (FIG. 3) of the remote operation panel 50 is electrically connected to a power supply connector 10a (FIG. 4) of the panel mounting unit 10. This causes the image forming apparatus 1 to detect the connection of the remote operation panel 50, and the image forming apparatus 1 charges a battery 67 (FIG. 5) of the remote operation panel 50. The remote operation panel 50 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 by wireless communication and is not connected by a cable, so that the user can carry it alone. The remote operation panel 50 can wirelessly communicate with the image forming apparatus 1, so that the image forming apparatus 1 can be operated at a position away from the image forming apparatus 1 (within a range where wireless communication is possible) by detaching it from the panel mounting unit 10. Further, the remote control panel 50 can operate connected devices such as the processing device 16 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0022] Note that, here, the remote control panel 50 (remote control unit) is illustrated as being detachable from the image forming apparatus 1, but it may not be detachable from the image forming apparatus, but may be provided separately from the image forming apparatus and used to operate the image forming apparatus via wireless communication.

[0023] 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic perspective views of the remote control panel 50. As shown in Fig. 3(a) and 3(b), the remote control panel 50 has a speaker unit 53 that outputs sound, a status display unit 54 that notifies the status of the remote control panel 50 by turning on, off, or blinking, and a power switch 57 that switches the power of the remote control panel 50 on and off. Here, the status display unit 54 is configured with an LED, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0024] The remote control panel 50 also has a touch panel display 51 (operation display section) that integrates a display section capable of displaying an image received from the image forming apparatus 1 and an operation section (touch panel 52 in FIG. 5) that detects touch operations by the user. The user can perform inputs by touching with a finger keys (input section, buttons) displayed on the display 51 to perform settings related to image formation, such as the number of images to be formed and the size of the sheet S, and settings related to image reading, such as the size of the document.

[0025] <System configuration of image forming apparatus> Next, the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0026] 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body control unit 20 having a CPU 21, a memory 22, and a timer 23. A storage device 24, a reader 14, an image forming unit 15, a processing device 16, a display panel 17, and the like are connected to the main body control unit 20. The main body control unit 20 (CPU 21) controls the operation of each of the connected units.

[0027] The reader 14 reads the document and generates image data. The image forming unit 15 executes image forming processing to form an image on a sheet based on the image data. The processing device 16 performs processing such as stapling, punching, and binding on the printed matter such as the sheet on which the image forming processing has been performed.

[0028] The storage device 24 stores various programs 25 related to the control of the image forming apparatus 1, various display images, print data, and the like. Here, the various programs 25 stored in the storage device 24 are a group of software that the main body control unit 20 operates to perform various processes. The various display images stored in the storage device 24 are display images (image data) and the like to be displayed on the remote operation panel 50. Examples of the display images to be displayed on the remote operation panel 50 include the display images shown in Figs. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d), which will be described later.

[0029] The CPU 21 reads out and executes the program 25 stored in the storage device 24. The CPU 21 also reads out a display image to be displayed on the remote operation panel 50 from the storage device 24 and transmits it to the remote operation panel 50. The memory 22 temporarily stores data associated with the CPU 21 executing the program 25. That is, the CPU 21 controls the reader 14, the image forming unit 15, the processing device 16, etc. connected to the main body control unit 20 while using the memory 22 as a working area based on the program 25 stored in the storage device 24, and executes processing such as forming an image on a sheet. For example, the CPU 21 performs image processing on the image data read from the document by the reader 14 based on the program 25. The CPU 21 stores the image data generated in this way in the storage device 24 and transfers it to the image forming unit 15 to execute image formation processing.

[0030] The timer 23 is for measuring time when the main body control unit 20 performs various processes. For example, the main body control unit 20 determines whether to transition the image forming apparatus 1 from the standby mode to a sleep mode that consumes less power than the standby mode, depending on the count value of the timer 23.

[0031] The main body control unit 20 is also connected to a panel connection unit 30 that connects with the remote operation panel 50. The panel connection unit 30 has a power supply connector 10a, and is equipped with a panel mounting unit 10 to which the remote operation panel 50 is connected, and a wireless communication unit 31 that performs wireless communication between the panel mounting unit 10 and the remote operation panel 50. A charging connector 55 of the remote operation panel 50 is connected to the power supply connector 10a of the panel mounting unit 10. The main body control unit 20 can detect that the power supply connector 10a of the panel mounting unit 10 is connected to the charging connector 55 of the remote operation panel 50. When the main body control unit 20 detects the connection, it supplies power to the remote operation panel 50 from a power supply device 28 described later via the connection between the power supply connector 10a and the charging connector 55.

[0032] The wireless communication unit 31 has a main body command communication unit 32 and a main body image transmission unit 33. The CPU 21 reads out a display image stored in the storage device 24 and transmits it to the remote operation panel 50 via the main body image transmission unit 33 of the wireless communication unit 31. The CPU 21 also generates instructions for the remote operation panel 50 and transmits the instructions to the remote operation panel 50 via the main body command communication unit 32. The CPU 21 also receives notifications and instructions generated by the remote operation panel 50 via the main body command communication unit 32. Note that, although the main body command communication unit 32 and the main body image transmission unit 33 are configured separately in this embodiment, they may be configured to be integrated into a single communication line.

[0033] A power supply device 28 is also connected to the main body control unit 20. The power supply device 28 receives power from a commercial power source via an outlet plug 27, converts the power into power used by each device, and supplies the power to each device. Specifically, the power supply device 28 first supplies power to the main body control unit 20 when the main body power switch 18 is switched from off to on. Thereafter, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the reader 14, the image forming unit 15, the processing device 16, the display panel 17, the remote operation panel 50 mounted on the panel mounting unit 10, the wireless communication unit 31, the storage device 24, and the like, based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20.

[0034] Furthermore, when the main body power switch 18 is turned off, the power supply device 28 stops the power supply based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20 (CPU 21). Even if the main body power switch 18 is not turned off, the power supply device 28 can stop the power supply based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20 (CPU 21) and turn off the main body power switch 18. Scenario for turning off the main body power switch 18 based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20 (CPU 21) is, for example, when an abnormality occurs or when an instruction to turn off the power is received from the user. In this way, the main body control unit 20 can switch the power supply to each device on and off.

[0035] <Various power modes of image forming devices> The image forming apparatus 1 can be transitioned between a standby mode (first power mode) and a sleep mode (second power mode) which consumes less power than the standby mode, and the main body control unit 20 (CPU 21) performs control to reduce power consumption.

[0036] When the image forming apparatus is in standby mode, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the main body control unit 20. After that, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the reader 14, the image forming unit 15, the processing device 16, the display panel 17, and the panel connection unit 30 based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20. When the remote operation panel 50 is mounted on the panel mounting unit 10, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the remote operation panel 50 mounted on the panel mounting unit 10. Even in standby mode, the power supply device 28 supplies power to devices to be used based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20, but does not supply power to devices not to be used. For example, when a user selects image reading, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the reader 14, but does not supply power to the image forming unit 15 or the processing device 16.

[0037] When the image forming apparatus is not used, the image forming apparatus is shifted from the standby mode to the sleep mode. Here, the case where the image forming apparatus is not used is, for example, when the image forming apparatus has not been used for a certain period of time, or when an instruction to shift to the sleep mode is received from a user through the remote operation panel 50. When the image forming apparatus is shifted from the standby mode to the sleep mode, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the panel connection unit 30 based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20. However, the power supply device 28 stops supplying power to the reader 14, the image forming unit 15, the processing device 16, and the display panel 17, which were supplied with power during the standby mode, based on an instruction from the main body control unit 20. Note that, when the remote operation panel 50 is attached to the panel mounting unit 10, the power supply device 28 supplies power to the remote operation panel 50 attached to the panel mounting unit 10.

[0038] When an input from a user is detected in the sleep mode, the image forming apparatus 1 is returned from the sleep mode to the standby mode. For example, when an instruction to return from the sleep mode is received from the user through the remote operation panel 50, the image forming apparatus is returned from the sleep mode to the standby mode.

[0039] <Remote control panel system configuration> Next, the system configuration of the remote control panel 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the remote control panel 50.

[0040] 5, the remote control panel 50 includes a panel control unit 60 having a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a timer 64. The timer 64 measures time when the panel control unit 60 performs various processes.

[0041] The ROM 62 (storage unit) stores data such as various programs related to the control of the remote operation panel 50. The CPU 61 performs various arithmetic processing based on the control programs stored in the ROM 62. The RAM 63 temporarily stores data. In other words, the CPU 61 (controller) controls the display 51, speaker unit 53, status display unit 54, etc. connected to the panel control unit 60 based on the control programs stored in the ROM 62, using the RAM 63 as a working area.

[0042] The ROM 62 is a storage unit that stores information related to control, which will be described later. The ROM 62 stores information related to control in addition to various programs related to the control of the remote operation panel 50. The information related to control includes information on the establishment of a connection with the image forming apparatus and information acquired from the image forming apparatus. The information acquired from the image forming apparatus includes information on the status of the image forming apparatus, such as standby mode, sleep mode, and error detection, and count information such as the number of printed sheets.

[0043] The remote control panel 50 also includes a main body connection unit 70 for connection with the image forming apparatus 1. The main body connection unit 70 includes a charging connector 55 connected to the power supply connector 10a of the image forming apparatus 1, and a wireless communication unit 71 for wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1.

[0044] The wireless communication unit 71 has a panel command communication unit 72 connected to the CPU 61, and a panel image receiving unit 73 connected to the display 51. The CPU 61 generates instructions and notifications for the image forming apparatus 1, and transmits them to the main body command communication unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 1 via an antenna (not shown) of the panel command communication unit 72. The CPU 61 also receives instructions and information transmitted from the main body command communication unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the panel command communication unit 72.

[0045] The panel image receiving unit 73 receives image data sent from the main body image transmitting unit 33 of the image forming apparatus 1 via an antenna (not shown), and converts the image data into image data to be displayed on the display 51. In this embodiment, the main body connection unit 70 is composed of the panel command communication unit 72 and the panel image receiving unit 73, but they may be combined into a single communication line.

[0046] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 71 performs wireless communication by Wi-Fi Direct communication, which is a communication form that directly connects the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50, through the wireless communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 1. Miracast, which is a display transmission technology that applies the Wi-Fi Direct communication method, is used in, for example, mobile phones, displays, projectors, etc. Note that the communication form that directly connects the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 may be configured to perform wireless communication by other methods such as Bluetooth or NFC instead of wireless communication by Wi-Fi.

[0047] The display 51 is a display unit capable of displaying information previously stored in the ROM 62 (storage unit) or information received from the image forming apparatus via the wireless communication unit 71. Therefore, the CPU 61 switches between outputting an image held by the remote operation panel 50 and outputting an image received via the wireless communication unit 71 as an image to be output to the display 51. Here, the "information previously stored" in the ROM 62 is, for example, the model number and name of each POD machine. Generally, a user may purchase the image forming system A by first purchasing the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 as a set. In this case, the model number and name of the image forming apparatus 1 to be purchased as a set are previously registered in the ROM 62 of the remote operation panel 50. The model number and name may be registered in the ROM 62 before the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 are shipped from the factory or when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in the user's workplace or the like. After the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in the user's workplace or the like, a serviceman may register the model number and name of the image forming apparatus 1 in the ROM 62. Of course, these registration tasks may be performed by the user himself.

[0048] The above-mentioned registration work may be performed while using the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the remote operation panel 50 can search for an image forming apparatus 1 that can be wirelessly connected. The model number, name, IP address, etc. of the searched image forming apparatus 1 are displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50. The user compares the model number and name of the image forming apparatus 1 that the user knows with the model number and name displayed on the display 51, and if they match, performs the registration work by touching the display 51, etc.

[0049] 6, the remote operation panel 50 can operate a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1B, 1C including the image forming apparatus 1 via wireless communication. Therefore, the remote operation panel 50 also performs the operation of additionally registering the model numbers and names of the second and subsequent image forming apparatuses 1B, 1C in the ROM 62 in the above-mentioned procedure.

[0050] Display 51 is a touch panel type display (operation display unit) in which the display unit and touch panel 52, which is an operation unit that detects touch operations from the user, are integrated. Touch panel 52 is arranged on top of display 51, and the user operates display 51 by touching display 51 with his / her finger through touch panel 52. Display 51 displays a screen to the user through touch panel 52.

[0051] Here, when a user operates the touch panel 52, the CPU 61 of the remote operation panel 50 transmits operation information of the touch panel 52 as coordinate information to the image forming apparatus 1. This will be described below. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing coordinate display on the touch panel 52 of the remote operation panel 50. As shown in Fig. 7, the touch panel 52 is divided into n parts in the X direction and m parts in the Y direction. The number of divisions depends on the type of touch panel, etc., but in the resistive touch panel of this embodiment, it is divided into 2048 parts in the X direction and 1024 parts in the Y direction.

[0052] Coordinates are expressed as (X, Y) based on the origin (0, 0) according to the distance from the origin. For example, position P shown in FIG. 7 is located at a position 1024 away from the origin in the X direction and 512 away in the Y direction, and is expressed as coordinates (1024, 512). The coordinate data is transmitted from the touch panel 52 (see FIG. 5) to the CPU 61 of the remote operation panel 50, and is transmitted from the panel command communication unit 72 to the image forming apparatus 1 in response to an instruction from the CPU 61. In this embodiment, the communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 is 8 bits long, and the numerical value of the coordinate data is divided by 8 before being transmitted. That is, if the coordinate is (1024, 512), it is replaced with (128, 64) and transmitted.

[0053] The remote operation panel 50 includes a panel power supply unit 66. The panel power supply unit 66 includes a battery 67 and a power supply generating unit 68, and is connected to the panel control unit 60. The battery 67 is the main power supply for the remote operation panel 50, and is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery. When the charging connector 55 of the remote operation panel 50 is connected to the power supply connector 10a of the image forming apparatus 1, power is supplied from the power supply device 28 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the battery 67, and the battery 67 is charged. The power supply generating unit 68 adjusts the power of the battery 67 to a voltage that can be used by each of the above-mentioned components of the remote operation panel 50. When the power switch 57 is switched from off to on, the power adjusted by the power supply generating unit 68 is supplied to the panel control unit 60, the display 51, the speaker unit 53, the status display unit 54, and the main body connection unit 70.

[0054] The remote operation panel 50 also includes a key operation input unit 56 in addition to the touch panel display 51, which is an operation display unit. The key operation input unit 56 is a hard key provided in an area of ​​the remote operation panel 50 other than the display 51. The key operation input unit 56 has a power switch 57 as a hard key for switching the power of the remote operation panel 50 on and off. Here, the power switch 57 is shown as an example of a hard key included in the key operation input unit 56, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0055] <Operate multiple image forming devices simultaneously using a remote control panel> The remote control panel 50 can collectively issue common operation instructions to the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C via wireless communication. The remote control panel 50 will now be described.

[0056] The remote operation panel 50 converts user operation instructions into commands and transmits them to the wirelessly connected image forming device. The timing for transmitting a command from the remote operation panel 50 to the image forming device is when a valid operation is performed by the user, but when the user operation is invalid or there is no input, the remote operation panel 50 does not transmit a command to the image forming device.

[0057] The valid operation is an operation on the remote operation panel 50 that is intentionally performed by the user, and is a user operation for operating the image forming apparatus, such as touch panel input to coordinates on the screen where soft keys are displayed, or hard key input. The invalid operation is an operation that is not intended by the user, such as accidentally touching the touch panel 52 while carrying the device. For example, it is a user operation that does not operate the image forming apparatus, such as touch panel input to coordinates where no soft keys are displayed, or numeric keypad input in a state where numeric input is not required. The panel control unit 60 of the remote operation panel 50 judges whether the operation is valid or invalid.

[0058] In this embodiment, the timing at which a command is sent from the remote operation panel to the image forming apparatus is when a valid operation is performed by the user, but the timing may be more limited, such as when a job execution command is received, when the start button is pressed, when a hard key is operated, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, when the remote operation panel 50 is connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the panel control unit 60 controls switching of the image forming apparatus to communicate with. The control of switching of the image forming apparatus to communicate with by the panel control unit 60 will be described.

[0060] When the remote operation panel 50 is connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C, the remote operation panel 50 becomes a group owner, and a Wi-Fi Direct communication network is formed from the remote operation panel 50 to each image forming apparatus. The connection between the remote operation panel 50 and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C is one-to-many, but the communication is one-to-one. Therefore, even if the remote operation panel 50 is wirelessly connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C, for example, while the remote operation panel 50 is communicating with the image forming apparatus 1, communication with the image forming apparatus 1B and the image forming apparatus 1C is not performed. When a command is transmitted from the remote operation panel 50 in a lump, strictly speaking, the commands are not transmitted simultaneously, but are transmitted sequentially, such as transmitting a command to the image forming apparatus 1, then transmitting a command to the image forming apparatus 1B, and then transmitting a command to the image forming apparatus 1C. That is, the CPU 61 (controller) switches the image forming apparatus with which it communicates and transmits a common operation instruction for the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C to each of the multiple image forming apparatuses in turn. As described above, according to this embodiment, since the user does not need to switch between the image forming apparatuses, it appears to the user that an operation instruction has been sent to the multiple image forming apparatuses 1 all at once.

[0061] In the remote operation panel 50, information acquisition of the image forming apparatuses connected to the Wi-Fi Direct communication network is performed while communication with the image forming apparatus to be operated is not being performed. Information acquisition commands are sequentially transmitted in the background from the remote operation panel 50 to each image forming apparatus that is not the object of operation, and the remote operation panel 50 acquires information of each image forming apparatus that is not the object of operation. Since information is updated in the background, the user does not need to be particularly aware of it.

[0062] Here, the information that the remote operation panel 50 obtains from the image forming apparatus includes information on whether or not the image forming apparatus is to be a target of collective operation. Specifically, the information includes the state of the image forming apparatus, such as standby, job in progress, sleeping, error occurring, or already in a common operation state, and information on whether other remote operation panels are connected. Note that the sleep state (sleeping) is often set in stages, and it is possible to set the image forming apparatus to a state in which signal exchange is possible even in the sleep state. In this case, the image forming apparatus will not go out of sleep simply by receiving a signal to obtain information. However, depending on the settings, it may be in a state in which communication is not possible, in which case it is preferable to exclude the image forming apparatus from the targets of collective operation.

[0063] Furthermore, the acquisition of information from an image forming apparatus is not limited to the case where an information acquisition command is transmitted from the remote operation panel 50. It also includes the case where the remote operation panel receives information transmitted from the connected image forming apparatus and acquires the information even if no information acquisition command is transmitted from the remote operation panel. For example, when another remote operation panel is connected to an image forming apparatus to which the remote operation panel 50 is connected, it is also possible to acquire information by receiving a notification from that image forming apparatus.

[0064] In addition, the acquisition of information on the image forming apparatus is not limited to background information acquisition. For example, when a batch operation is performed from a remote operation panel, a command for acquiring information on the apparatus status may be sent to acquire information on the apparatus status to check whether the status has changed since the most recent acquisition of the apparatus information from the remote operation panel.

[0065] <Screen displayed on the remote control panel> As described above, the remote control panel 50 is capable of operating a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1B and 1C including the image forming apparatus 1 via wireless communication (FIG. 6). FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d) are examples of screens displayed on the display 51 of the remote control panel 50.

[0066] The remote control panel 50 is connected to the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C via wireless communication. Here, wireless communication is performed by a communication form (Wi-Fi direct communication) that directly connects the remote control panel and the image forming apparatuses. The remote control panel 50 individually operates one of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C connected wirelessly. This is called an individual operation mode. Therefore, information indicating the image forming apparatus that is the main operation target is displayed on the screen so that the user can know which image forming apparatus is currently being operated among the multiple image forming apparatuses wirelessly connected to the remote control panel 50. For example, the screen shown in FIG. 8(a) displays "Main body A" as information indicating the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 6) that is the main operation target. The screen shown in FIG. 8(b) displays "Main body B" as information indicating the image forming apparatus 1B (FIG. 6) that is the main operation target.

[0067] The screens shown in Fig. 8(a), Fig. 8(b), and Fig. 8(c) displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50 are screens displayed in the individual operation mode. In the screens shown in Fig. 8(a), Fig. 8(b), and Fig. 8(c) displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50, buttons 81, 82, and 83 are buttons for inputting operation instructions to each image forming device. Specifically, button 81 is a button for inputting an operation instruction for Copy to the image forming device. Button 82 is a button for inputting an operation instruction for Print to the image forming device. Button 83 is a button for inputting an operation instruction for Scan to the image forming device. Also, button 84 is a button for inputting information regarding the setting of the image forming device.

[0068] The remote operation panel 50 also collectively operates the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C that are wirelessly connected. This is called a collective operation mode. For this reason, the remote operation panel 50 has a first input unit for switching to the collective operation mode for collectively operating the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C. The remote operation panel 50 also has a second input unit for inputting a common operation instruction for the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C.

[0069] 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), the main body switching button 85 functions as the first input section. Here, by pressing and holding the main body switching button 85, the screen transitions from the individual operation mode screen (FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c)) to the collective operation mode screen (FIG. 8(d)).

[0070] In addition, the screens shown in Fig. 8(a), Fig. 8(b), Fig. 8(c), and Fig. 8(d) display information on the number of image forming apparatuses wirelessly connected to the remote operation panel 50. This information is displayed in a portion that functions as a selection button 86 for selecting the image forming apparatus to be operated. By touching this selection button 86, the connected image forming apparatuses are displayed in a list. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8(c), "Main body A" indicating the image forming apparatus 1, "Main body B" indicating the image forming apparatus 1B, "Main body C" indicating the image forming apparatus 1C, and "ALL" indicating all of the multiple image forming apparatuses are displayed in a list. By selecting one of "Main body A", "Main body B", and "Main body C" from the selection button 86 and touching the main body switching button 85, it is possible to switch to a screen for individually operating any one of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C (individual operation mode). Also, by selecting "ALL" from the selection button 86 and touching the main body switching button 85, it is possible to switch to a screen for collectively operating the multiple image forming apparatuses (collectively operation mode). In this way, it is possible to make the selection button 86 and the main body switching button 85 function as the first input section described above.

[0071] Furthermore, the method of switching the image forming apparatus to be operated is not limited to the method of operating the main body switching button 85 or the method of selecting from a list using the selection button 86. For example, it may be a method of switching the screens shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d) by a flick operation.

[0072] The screen shown in Fig. 8(d) displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50 is a screen displayed in the batch operation mode. In the screen shown in Fig. 8(d) displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50, buttons 87, 88, and 89 are buttons (second input section) for inputting a common operation instruction to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Specifically, the button 87 is a button for inputting an operation instruction of a shutdown command (Shutdown) for turning off the power supply of the image forming apparatus. The button 88 is a button for inputting an operation instruction of a sleep transition command (Sleep in) for transitioning the image forming apparatus to a sleep mode with low power consumption. The button 89 is a button for inputting an operation instruction of a sleep return command (Sleep out) for returning the image forming apparatus from the sleep mode.

[0073] Note that buttons 87, 88, and 89 are also displayed on the screens shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c). However, the screens shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) are screens displayed in the individual operation mode. Therefore, buttons 87, 88, and 89 displayed on the screens shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) do not function as the second input unit described above, but function as operation instructions for one image forming apparatus that is the target of operation.

[0074] Also, a button functioning as a first input unit for switching to a collective operation mode for operating a plurality of image forming apparatuses collectively, and a button functioning as a second input unit for inputting a common operation instruction for a plurality of image forming apparatuses have been exemplified. That is, the remote operation panel 50 has been exemplified as having a configuration in which the first input unit and the second input unit are displayed on the display 51 (operation display unit). However, this is not limited thereto. For example, there may be a button for transmitting a command to all connected image forming apparatuses, regardless of the image forming apparatus to be operated. That is, a single button (input unit) having the functions of both the first input unit and the second input unit may be displayed on the screen displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50.

[0075] <Common operation instructions for the batch operation mode> Next, a description will be given of the control for determining the image forming apparatus to be operated by the remote operation panel 50. Fig. 9 is a flowchart for determining the operation target, which is executed by the CPU 61 (controller) of the remote operation panel 50 in the first embodiment.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the CPU 61 (controller) transitions to a collective operation mode and transmits a common input operation instruction to the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C that are wirelessly connected in a collective manner.

[0077] When the remote operation panel 50 is operated by a user, the CPU 61 determines whether the command is a target of the collective operation (S401). The target command of the collective operation is a common operation instruction that the CPU 61 transmits to the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C. In this case, the target command of the collective operation is a shutdown command, a sleep transition command, or a sleep recovery command for the image forming apparatuses. For example, the CPU 61 detects a touch operation of any of the buttons 87, 88, and 89 on the screen displayed on the display of the remote operation panel 50, and determines that the command is a target of the collective operation (shutdown command, sleep transition command, or sleep recovery command).

[0078] Commands that can be subjected to the batch operation include a shutdown command, a sleep transition command, a sleep return command for the image forming apparatus, as well as a counter information acquisition command and an error log acquisition command.

[0079] Here, the counter information is information on how many sheets have been printed by the image forming device. The image forming device stores the total number of sheets printed since the first printing was performed by the user after it was shipped from the factory. The information on the number of sheets printed may be stored in a memory of the image forming device, or may be stored in a storage area outside the image forming device via a server. In this way, the number of sheets printed in color and the number of sheets printed in monochrome are stored in the memory of the image forming device or in a memory outside the image forming device as a job execution history. When the user instructs the execution of a counter information acquisition command on the remote operation panel 50, the above-mentioned counter information can be acquired and displayed on the remote operation panel 50.

[0080] An error log is a history of errors that have occurred in the image forming apparatus. If a paper jam occurs, that fact is stored as error information in the memory of the image forming apparatus. When a user issues an instruction to execute an error log acquisition command on the remote operation panel 50, the above-mentioned error log can be acquired and displayed on the remote operation panel 50. By acquiring the error log in this way, it is possible to check when and what kind of error occurred and how it was resolved.

[0081] If the command is a target command for a batch operation (Yes in S401), the CPU 61 judges whether the remote operation panel 50 is in the batch operation mode (S402). If the remote operation panel 50 is in the batch operation mode (Yes in S402), the CPU 61 transmits the command input by the user to all of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C connected wirelessly as a common operation instruction in a batch (S403). Then, if a batch operation instruction has been issued, the operation response determination flow ends.

[0082] On the other hand, if the command is not for a collective operation target (No in S401) or if the remote operation panel 50 is not in the collective operation mode (No in S402), the CPU 61 determines that the mode is individual operation mode. If it is determined that the mode is individual operation mode, the CPU 61 transmits the command only to one image forming apparatus that is the main operation target among the multiple image forming apparatuses connected to the remote operation panel 50 (S404). Then, if an individual operation instruction is performed, the operation response determination flow ends.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, common operation instructions can be sent collectively to a plurality of image forming apparatuses from one remote operation panel 50, thereby simplifying complicated operations.

[0084] Example 2 Next, a description will be given of a control for determining an image forming apparatus to be operated by the remote operation panel 50 in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart for determining an operation target, which is executed by the CPU 61 (controller) of the remote operation panel 50 in the second embodiment.

[0085] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus including the remote control panel is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0086] In the second embodiment, when there is an image forming apparatus among the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C to which another remote operation panel is connected, the CPU 61 (controller) notifies the user to confirm whether or not to send the common operation instruction to that image forming apparatus.

[0087] When the remote control panel 50 is operated by the user, the CPU 61 judges whether the command is a target of the collective operation (S501). The target commands of the collective operation are as described in the above embodiment.

[0088] If the command is a target command for a collective operation (Yes in S501), the CPU 61 judges whether the remote operation panel 50 is in the collective operation mode (S502). If the remote operation panel 50 is in the collective operation mode (Yes in S502), the CPU 61 judges whether the image forming apparatus that is the target of the collective operation has another remote operation panel connected thereto (S503).

[0089] If another remote operation panel is connected to the image forming apparatus that is the target of the collective operation (Yes in S503), the user is notified to confirm whether or not to execute the collective operation on the corresponding image forming apparatus (S504). For example, a confirmation screen for asking whether or not to execute the collective operation on the corresponding image forming apparatus is displayed on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50, and an input is requested from the user.

[0090] If the user instructs not to perform the collective operation on the relevant device (Yes in S505), the CPU 61 transmits the command input by the user as a common operation instruction to all image forming devices that are the target of the collective operation, excluding the relevant device, all at once (S506).

[0091] On the other hand, if another remote operation panel is not connected to the image forming apparatus that is the target of the collective operation (No in S503), or if there is an instruction from the user to also target the relevant apparatus for the collective operation (No in S503), the CPU 61 transmits the command input by the user as a common operation instruction to all the image forming apparatuses that are the target of the collective operation in a batch (S507). Then, if a collective operation instruction is given, the operation target determination flow ends.

[0092] On the other hand, if the command is not a target command for collective operation (No in S501) or if the remote operation panel is not in collective operation mode (No in S502), the CPU 61 determines that the mode is individual operation mode. If it is determined that the mode is individual operation mode, the CPU 61 transmits the command only to one image forming apparatus that is the main operation target among the multiple image forming apparatuses connected to the remote operation panel 50 (S508). Then, if an individual operation instruction is given, the operation target determination flow ends.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, a common operation instruction can be collectively transmitted to a plurality of image forming apparatuses from one remote operation panel 50, thereby simplifying complicated operations. Furthermore, the user can select whether or not to transmit a common operation instruction to an image forming apparatus connected to another remote operation panel.

[0094] Example 3 Next, a description will be given of a control for determining an image forming apparatus to be operated by the remote operation panel 50 in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart for determining an operation target, which is executed by the CPU 61 (controller) of the remote operation panel 50 in the third embodiment.

[0095] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus including the remote control panel is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0096] In the third embodiment, the CPU 61 (controller) does not send the common operation instruction to an image forming apparatus to which another remote operation panel is connected among the multiple image forming apparatuses 1, 1B, and 1C, but sends the common operation instruction to the other image forming apparatuses.

[0097] When the remote control panel 50 is operated by the user, the CPU 61 judges whether the command is a target of the collective operation (S601). The target commands of the collective operation are as described in the above embodiment.

[0098] If the command is a target command for a collective operation (Yes in S601), the CPU 61 judges whether the remote operation panel 50 is in the collective operation mode (S602). If the remote operation panel 50 is in the collective operation mode (Yes in S602), the CPU 61 judges whether the image forming apparatus that is the target of the collective operation has another remote operation panel connected thereto (S603).

[0099] If another remote operation panel is connected to the image forming apparatus that is the target of the collective operation (Yes in S603), the CPU 61 judges whether to execute the collective operation on the image forming apparatus (S604). It is assumed here that the exclusion conditions from the collective operation targets are preset. This setting is stored in the ROM 62 of the remote operation panel 50, and the CPU 60 performs control based on the information stored in the ROM 62.

[0100] If the corresponding device is set not to perform collective operation (Y in S604), the CPU 61 transmits the command input by the user as a common operation instruction to all image forming devices subject to collective operation except for the corresponding image forming device in a batch (S605). Then, if a collective operation instruction is performed, the operation target determination flow ends.

[0101] On the other hand, if another remote operation panel is not connected to the image forming apparatus that is the target of the collective operation (No in S603), or if the relevant apparatus is also set as a target of the collective operation (No in S604), the CPU 61 transmits the command input by the user as a common operation instruction to all the image forming apparatuses that are the target of the collective operation in a batch (S606). Then, when a collective operation instruction is issued, the operation target determination flow ends.

[0102] On the other hand, if the command is not a target command for collective operation (No in S601) or if the remote operation panel is not in collective operation mode (No in S602), the CPU 61 determines that the mode is individual operation mode. If it is determined that the mode is individual operation mode, the CPU 61 transmits the command only to one image forming apparatus that is the main operation target among the multiple image forming apparatuses connected to the remote operation panel 50 (S607). Then, if an individual operation instruction is given, the operation target determination flow ends.

[0103] In this embodiment, the condition for excluding an image forming device from a group of objects is, for example, an image forming device to which another remote control panel is connected, but the condition is not limited to this and may be set appropriately. For example, the condition for excluding an image forming device from a group of objects may be an image forming device that is already in a common operation state.

[0104] As described above, according to this embodiment, a common operation instruction can be sent to a plurality of image forming apparatuses collectively from one remote operation panel 50, simplifying complicated operations. Furthermore, an image forming apparatus connected to another remote operation panel can be excluded from the collective operation targets and a common operation instruction can be sent to the image forming apparatuses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Image forming device 20...Main unit control section 21...CPU 22…Memory 23 ... Timer 24...Storage device 30 ... Panel connection 31,71 … Radio communication section 50...Remote control panel 51 ... Display 52 ... Touch panel 57 ... Power switch 60 ... Panel control unit 61...CPU 62...ROM 63...RAM 64 ... Timer 67 ... Battery 70 …Main unit connection part 81,82,83,84 …Buttons 85 ... Body switching button 86 …Select button 87,88,89 …Buttons

Claims

1. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a remote control unit that is connectable to a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus via wireless communication and that operates the plurality of image forming apparatuses; The remote control unit includes: a first input unit for switching to a collective operation mode for collectively operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a second input unit for inputting a common operation instruction for the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a controller that transitions to the collective operation mode through the first input unit and collectively transmits the common operation instruction input through the second input unit to the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via the wireless communication, the controller, when there is an image forming apparatus to which another remote control unit is connected among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, notifies a user to confirm whether or not to transmit the common operation instruction to the corresponding image forming apparatus; 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a remote control unit that is connectable to a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus via wireless communication and that operates the plurality of image forming apparatuses; The remote control unit includes: a first input unit for switching to a collective operation mode for collectively operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a second input unit for inputting a common operation instruction for the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a controller that transitions to the collective operation mode through the first input unit and collectively transmits the common operation instruction input through the second input unit to the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via the wireless communication, the controller does not transmit the common operation instruction to an image forming apparatus to which another remote control unit is connected among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and transmits the common operation instruction to the other image forming apparatuses.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

3. The remote control unit includes: an operation display unit that displays an input unit and detects a touch operation on the input unit; the operation display unit displays the first input unit and the second input unit, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

4. when the operation instruction input through the second input unit is to be transmitted as a common operation instruction to the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the controller transmits the operation instruction to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in sequence.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

5. the common operation instruction transmitted by the controller is a shutdown instruction to turn off a power supply of the image forming apparatus; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. the common operation instruction transmitted by the controller is a sleep transition instruction for transitioning the image forming apparatus to a second power mode that consumes less power than a first power mode; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

7. the common operation instruction transmitted by the controller is a sleep return instruction for returning the image forming apparatus from a second power mode that consumes less power than a first power mode; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

8. the common operation instruction transmitted by the controller is a command to acquire counter information of an image forming apparatus; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

9. the common operation instruction transmitted by the controller is an instruction to acquire an error log of an image forming apparatus; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

Images