User terminal and control program

Abstract

To provide an image processing system, a user terminal, and a control program in which private printing performed by a user terminal is appropriately processed according to whether a remote terminal and an image processing apparatus are remotely connected.SOLUTION: In an image processing system, an image processing apparatus 300 is remotely connected with a remote terminal 100. A user terminal transmission unit of a user terminal 500 transmits a request for executing private printing. An apparatus receiving unit of the image processing apparatus receives the execution request, a state determination unit determines whether the image processing apparatus is remotely connected with the remote terminal in response to the execution request and outputs connection information indicating a result of the determination, and an apparatus transmission unit transmits the connection information. A user terminal receiving unit of the user terminal receives the connection information, and a processing unit processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to User Terminal and Control Program .

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote connection system that operates an electronic device from a computer by connecting the computer and the electronic device via SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) using a telephone number.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in a remote connection system, while remotely operating an electronic device from a computer, the user cannot execute private printing from the user's computer. Patent Document 1 does not disclose the processing during remote operation of an electronic device from a computer.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system in which private printing by a user terminal is preferably processed according to whether a remote terminal and an image processing apparatus are remotely connected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, User Terminal is a user terminal transmission unit that transmits a request to execute private printing to a remote terminal which is part of an image processing system together with an image processing apparatus and is connected to the image processing apparatus user terminal wherein the and the connection information in the image processing apparatus to indicating the result of determination as to whether or not the image processing apparatus is remotely connected to a remote terminal, which is performed in response to the execution request in the image processing apparatus send, and the from the image processing apparatusIt includes a user terminal receiving unit that receives, and a processing unit that processes the execution of the private printing based on the connection information. A user terminal according to an aspect of the present invention is a user terminal that is part of an image processing system together with a remote terminal and an image processing apparatus, is connected to the image processing apparatus, and includes a user terminal transmission unit that transmits a request for execution of private printing to the image processing apparatus, and a processing unit that does not process the execution of private printing when the image processing apparatus is remotely connected to the remote terminal. A user terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a user terminal transmission unit that transmits a request for execution of private printing to the image processing apparatus, a user terminal reception unit that receives connection information indicating the result of determination as to whether or not the image processing apparatus is remotely connected to a remote terminal, which is performed in response to the execution request in the image processing apparatus, from the image processing apparatus, and does not process the execution of private printing when the image processing apparatus is remotely connected to the remote terminal. A control program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a processor provided in a user terminal including a user terminal transmission unit that transmits a request for execution of private printing to the image processing apparatus, and a user terminal reception unit that receives connection information indicating the result of determination as to whether or not the image processing apparatus is remotely connected to a remote terminal, which is performed in response to the execution request in the image processing apparatus, from the image processing apparatus, to function as a processing unit that does not process the execution of private printing when the image processing apparatus is remotely connected to the remote terminal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] This inv Apparently According to this, depending on whether the remote terminal and the image processing apparatus are remotely connected or not, the private printing by the user terminal is preferably processed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 can be applied to all embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes a remote terminal 100, a server 200, an image processing apparatus 300, a cloud 400, and a user terminal 500.

[0012] The remote terminal 100 belongs to a service company that performs maintenance on the image processing apparatus 300. The remote terminal 100 is operated by a service technician of the service company. The remote terminal 100 remotely connects to the image processing apparatus 300 to perform maintenance on the image processing apparatus 300. Examples of the remote terminal 100 include a desktop personal computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet.

[0013] The server 200 receives a remote connection request from the remote terminal 100 and remotely connects the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300. An example of the server 200 is a desktop personal computer.

[0014] The image processing apparatus 300 scans a document or forms an image on a sheet, and further transmits and receives an image signal to and from an external terminal. Examples of the image processing apparatus 300 include an image forming apparatus, an MFP (Multi Function Printer), a facsimile machine, or a scanner.

[0015] The cloud 400 is a service that provides computer resources to users via the Internet. Examples of the cloud 400 include SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).

[0016] In the following description, the server 200 may be the cloud 400. Also, the cloud 400 may include the server 200. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the description of the server 200 will be described as being applicable to the cloud 400 as well.

[0017] The user terminal 500 is, for example, an in-house computer belonging to the same user as the image processing apparatus 300. The user terminal 500 can instruct the image processing apparatus 300 to perform private printing. Private printing is a function in which an image indicated by the image data is formed on a sheet when a password attached to the image data transmitted from the user terminal 500 is matched with a password input by the user on the image processing apparatus 300.

[0018] The remote terminal 100, the server 200, the image processing apparatus 300, and the cloud 400 are connected to each other via the line L. The line L is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The line L is not limited to a wireless line or a wired line. An example of the line L connecting the user terminal 500 and the image processing apparatus 300 is an in-house LAN (Local Area Network).

[0019] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a specific embodiment of the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing system 1 includes a remote terminal 100, a server 200, an image processing apparatus 300, and a user terminal 500.

[0021] The remote terminal 100 includes a terminal transmission unit 10, a terminal display unit 12, a terminal reception unit 14, and a control unit 18 that functions as a terminal setting unit 16.

[0022] The terminal transmission unit 10 transmits a remote connection request. The remote connection request refers to transmitting a signal to the server 200 that requests a line connection between the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 so that the remote terminal 100 can perform maintenance work on the image processing apparatus 300. An example of the terminal transmission unit 10 is a codec (CODEC: CODER / DECODER).

[0023] The terminal display unit 12 displays a remote screen. The remote screen is a screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 12 when the remote terminal 100 performs maintenance work on the image processing apparatus 300. An example of the terminal display unit 12 is a display. The display may have a touch sensor.

[0024] The terminal reception unit 14 receives remote screen information. An example of the terminal reception unit 14 is a codec.

[0025] The control unit 18 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 18 functions as the terminal setting unit 16 when a control program stored in the ROM, for example, is executed by the above processor. The terminal setting unit 16 sets the remote screen.

[0026] Server 200 includes a control unit 31 that functions as an installation unit 30, a registration unit 32, a server setting unit 38, and a relay unit 40, a server reception unit 34, and a connection unit 36.

[0027] The control unit 31 includes a processor, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or an ASIC. The control unit 31 functions as the installation unit 30, the registration unit 32, the server setting unit 38, and the relay unit 40 when a control program stored in the ROM, for example, is executed by the processor. The installation unit 30 downloads and installs software for the remote terminal 100 to perform maintenance work on the image processing apparatus 300. The installation unit 30 installs the software downloaded to the registration unit 32 as an executable file.

[0028] The registration unit 32 registers software for performing maintenance work. The registration unit 32 stores the software in a storage unit. The registration unit 32 further registers the address of the remote terminal 100 and the address of the image processing apparatus 300.

[0029] The server reception unit 34 receives a remote connection request transmitted from the terminal transmission unit 10 of the remote terminal 100. An example of the server reception unit 34 is a codec.

[0030] The connection unit 36 line-connects the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300. An example of the connection unit 36 is a modem (MODEM: MODULATOR / DEMODULATOR).

[0031] Based on the remote connection request of the remote terminal 100, the server setting unit 38 transmits remote screen information to the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300, respectively. That is, in the maintenance work, the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 share the same remote screen.

[0032] The server setting unit 38 further synchronizes or interlocks the remote screen displayed on the terminal display unit 12 of the remote terminal 100 with the remote screen displayed on the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300 described later.

[0033] A service technician of a service company performs maintenance work on the image processing device 300 using the remote terminal 100. By synchronizing or interlocking the remote screen displayed on the terminal display unit 12 of the remote terminal 100 with the remote screen displayed on the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300, the user can visually observe the state of the maintenance work on the remote screen displayed on the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300.

[0034] In the maintenance work of the remote terminal 100, the relay unit 40 relays the change information of the setting items transmitted from the terminal transmission unit 10 of the remote terminal 100 to the image processing device 300.

[0035] The image processing device 300 includes a device display unit 50, a device reception unit 52, a device setting unit 54, a state determination unit 56, a control unit 53 that functions as a collation unit 60, a device transmission unit 58, and an image forming unit 62.

[0036] The device display unit 50 displays a remote screen. An example of the device display unit 50 is a display. The display may have a touch sensor. 6

[0037] The device reception unit 52 receives a private printing execution request transmitted from the terminal transmission unit 10 of the remote terminal 100 via the server 200. The device reception unit 52 receives remote screen information. The device reception unit 52 receives the change information of the setting items relayed by the relay unit 40 of the server 200. An example of the device reception unit 52 is a codec.

[0038] The control unit 53 includes a processor, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or an ASIC, etc. The control unit 53 functions as a device setting unit 54, a state determination unit 56, and a verification unit 60 when a control program stored in the ROM, for example, is executed by the above-mentioned processor. The device setting unit 54 sets a remote screen based on the remote screen information. The device setting unit 54 changes the settings of the image processing apparatus 300 based on the change information of the setting items received by the device reception unit 52.

[0039] The state determination unit 56 determines whether the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are remotely connected in response to a request for executing private printing, and outputs connection information indicating the determination result. When the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are remotely connected, the connection information indicates that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are remotely connected. When the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are not remotely connected, the connection information indicates that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are not remotely connected.

[0040] The device transmission unit 58 transmits the connection information. An example of the device transmission unit 58 is a codec.

[0041] The verification unit 60 and the image forming unit 62 will be described later.

[0042] The user terminal 500 includes a user terminal transmission unit 70, a user terminal reception unit 72, a control unit 75 that functions as a processing unit 74, and a user terminal display unit 76.

[0043] The user terminal 500 instructs the image processing apparatus 300 to perform private printing.

[0044] The user terminal transmission unit 70 transmits a request for executing private printing. The user instructs the execution of private printing using an interface such as a keyboard. An example of the user terminal transmission unit 70 is a codec.

[0045] The user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information. An example of the user terminal receiving unit 72 is a codec.

[0046] The control unit 75 includes a processor, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or an ASIC, etc. The control unit 75 functions as a processing unit 74 when a control program stored in, for example, the ROM is executed by the above processor. The processing unit 74 processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information.

[0047] The user terminal display unit 76 displays a message indicating that the execution of private printing is on hold. An example of the user terminal display unit 76 is a display. The display may have a touch sensor.

[0048] Next, in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2, with further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the image processing system 1 includes a remote terminal 100, a server 200, an image processing apparatus 300, and a user terminal 500.

[0050] In the image processing system 1, the image processing apparatus 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100 when the remote terminal 100 performs maintenance work on the image processing apparatus 300.

[0051] The user terminal 500 includes a user terminal transmitting unit 70. The user terminal transmitting unit 70 transmits a request for executing private printing.

[0052] The image processing apparatus 300 includes a device receiving unit 52, a state determination unit 56, and a device transmitting unit 58. The device receiving unit 52 receives a request for executing private printing. The state determination unit 56 determines whether the image processing apparatus 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100, and outputs connection information indicating the determination result. The device transmitting unit 58 transmits the connection information.

[0053] The user terminal 500 further includes a user terminal receiving unit 72 and a processing unit 74. The user terminal receiving unit 72 receives the connection information. The processing unit 74 processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information.

[0054] Also, in the first embodiment, when the user terminal receiving unit 72 of the user terminal 500 receives connection information indicating that the image processing apparatus 300 and the remote terminal 100 are remotely connected, the processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 suspends the execution of private printing.

[0055] FIGS. 3 and 4 are sequence charts showing information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information processing in each of the remote terminal 100, the image processing apparatus 300, and the server 200 in chronological order.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, (1) the terminal transmitting unit 10 of the remote terminal 100 transmits a remote connection request to the image processing apparatus 300 to the server 200. Specifically, when the user discovers a problem with the image processing apparatus 300 and requests maintenance from the service company, the service company transmits a remote connection request from the terminal transmitting unit 10 of the remote terminal 100.

[0058] (2) The server receiving unit 34 of the server 200 receives the remote connection request.

[0059] (3) The connection unit 36 of the server 200 remotely connects the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 based on a reply from the image processing apparatus 300.

[0060] (4) Based on the remote connection request, the server setting unit 38 of the server 200 transmits remote screen information to the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300.

[0061] (5) Based on the remote connection request, the server setting unit 38 of the server 200 transmits remote screen information to the terminal display unit 12 of the remote terminal 100.

[0062] (6) The device receiving unit 52 of the image processing device 300 receives the remote screen information.

[0063] (7) The device setting unit 54 of the image processing device 300 sets the remote screen.

[0064] (8) The device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300 displays the remote screen. While the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected and the remote screen is being displayed on the device display unit 50, the device setting unit 54 may prohibit the user from making an instruction input to the device display unit 50. This is to prevent any malfunction in the maintenance work of the image processing device 300 by the remote terminal 100.

[0065] (9) The terminal receiving unit 14 of the remote terminal 100 receives the remote screen information.

[0066] (10) The terminal setting unit 16 of the remote terminal 100 sets the remote screen.

[0067] (11) The terminal display unit 12 of the remote terminal 100 displays the remote screen. Thus, the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, and the remote screen is displayed on the terminal display unit 12 of the remote terminal 100 and the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300, respectively.

[0068] Next, as described with reference to FIG. 3, after the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are remotely connected, subsequent to (I) shown in FIG. 3, the information processing shown in FIG. 4 is performed. FIG. 4 shows, in chronological order, the information processing when the user terminal 500 makes a request to execute private printing to the image processing apparatus 300 in the first embodiment.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, (12) the user terminal transmitter 70 of the user terminal 500 makes a request to execute private printing.

[0070] (13) The apparatus receiver 52 of the image processing apparatus 300 receives the request to execute private printing.

[0071] (14) The state determination unit 56 of the image processing apparatus 300 determines whether the image processing apparatus 300 is in a remote connection with the remote terminal 100.

[0072] (15) The apparatus transmitter 58 of the image processing apparatus 300 transmits connection information indicating whether it is in a remote connection to the user terminal 500.

[0073] (16) The user terminal receiver 72 of the user terminal 500 receives the connection information. That is, when the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are in a remote connection, the user terminal receiver 72 receives connection information indicating that they are in a remote connection. When the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are not in a remote connection, the user terminal receiver 72 receives connection information indicating that they are not in a remote connection.

[0074] (17) The processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 suspends the execution of private printing based on the connection information. That is, when the user terminal receiver 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are in a remote connection, the processing unit 74 suspends the execution of private printing.

[0075] By suspending the execution of private printing, maintenance work by the remote terminal 100 can be suitably executed without being hindered by private printing.

[0076] (18) The user terminal display unit 76 of the user terminal 500 displays a message indicating that the execution of private printing is suspended.

[0077] When the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are not in a remote connection, as described in the second embodiment, the processing unit 74 performs processing so that private printing is suitably executed.

[0078] According to the first embodiment, private printing by the user terminal 500 is suitably processed according to whether the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are in a remote connection.

[0079] Also, according to the first embodiment, since the execution of private printing is suspended while the image processing apparatus 300 and the remote terminal 100 are in a remote connection, the user can wait for the execution of private printing until the remote connection is disconnected.

[0080] (Second Embodiment) Next, in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3, referring to FIG. 5, the image processing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0081] In the second embodiment, the apparatus transmission unit 58 of the image processing apparatus 300 transmits connection information indicating that the image processing apparatus 300 and the remote terminal 100 are not in a remote connection.

[0082] At the user terminal 500, when the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the image processing apparatus 300 and the remote terminal 100 are not remotely connected, the user terminal transmitting unit 70 transmits a password and image data.

[0083] The image processing apparatus 300 includes a device display unit 50, a verification unit 60, and an image forming unit 62. When the device receiving unit 52 of the device display unit 50 receives a password and image data, the device display unit 50 displays a password input screen. The verification unit 60 verifies the password and outputs verification information indicating the verification result. When the verification information indicates that the password has been authenticated, the image forming unit 62 forms an image based on the image data on a sheet.

[0084] In the second embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, after the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are remotely connected, subsequent to (II) shown in FIG. 3, the information processing shown in FIG. 5 is performed. FIG. 5 shows, in chronological order, the information processing when the user terminal 500 makes a request to execute private printing to the image processing apparatus 300 in the second embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 5, (19) the user terminal transmitting unit 70 of the user terminal 500 makes a request to execute private printing.

[0086] (20) The device receiving unit 52 of the image processing apparatus 300 receives the request to execute private printing.

[0087] (21) The state determination unit 56 of the image processing apparatus 300 determines whether the image processing apparatus 300 is in a remote connection with the remote terminal 100.

[0088] (22) The device transmitting unit 58 of the image processing apparatus 300 transmits connection information indicating whether it is in a remote connection to the user terminal 500.

[0089] (23) The user terminal receiving unit 72 of the user terminal 500 receives connection information. That is, in the second embodiment, since the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are not in a remote connection, the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that they are not in a remote connection.

[0090] (24) The processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information.

[0091] (25) The user terminal transmitting unit 70 of the user terminal 500 transmits password information and image information. The password information and the image information are associated with the address of the user terminal 500.

[0092] (26) The apparatus receiving unit 52 of the image processing apparatus 300 receives the password information and the image information.

[0093] (27) The apparatus display unit 50 of the image processing apparatus 300 displays a password input screen. The user who instructed private printing from the user terminal 500 inputs a password from the password input screen displayed on the apparatus display unit 50 of the image processing apparatus 300 in order to cause the image processing apparatus 300 to execute private printing.

[0094] (28) The verification unit 60 of the image processing apparatus 300 verifies the password. That is, the verification unit 60 verifies the password received by the apparatus receiving unit 52 and the password input on the password input screen, and outputs authentication information indicating that authentication has been performed or non - authentication information indicating that authentication has not been performed.

[0095] (29) When authentication information indicating that the password has been authenticated is output, the image forming unit 62 forms an image on a sheet based on the image information received by the apparatus receiving unit 52.

[0096] The image forming unit 62 includes an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit, and may further include a fixing unit and a discharging unit.

[0097] According to the second embodiment, private printing is executed while the image processing apparatus 300 and the remote terminal 100 are not remotely connected.

[0098] (Third Embodiment) Next, in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3, referring to FIG. 6, the image processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0099] In the third embodiment, the state determination unit 56 of the image processing apparatus 300 determines whether an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300, and outputs error information if an error has occurred. The device transmission unit 58 transmits the error information. When the connection information and the error information are received by the user terminal receiving unit, the processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 cancels the execution request for private printing.

[0100] In the third embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, after the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are remotely connected, following (III) shown in FIG. 3, the information processing shown in FIG. 6 is performed. FIG. 6 shows, in chronological order, information processing in the case where the image processing apparatus 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100 and an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300 in the third embodiment.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6, (25) the user terminal transmission unit 70 of the user terminal 500 issues an execution request for private printing.

[0102] (26) The device receiving unit 52 of the image processing apparatus 300 receives the execution request for private printing.

[0103] (27) The state determination unit 56 of the image processing apparatus 300 determines whether the image processing apparatus 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100. The state determination unit 56 further determines whether an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300.

[0104] (28) The device transmission unit 58 of the image processing apparatus 300 transmits connection information indicating whether a remote connection is in progress and error information indicating whether an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300 to the user terminal 500.

[0105] (29) The user terminal receiving unit 72 of the user terminal 500 receives the connection information and the error information. That is, when the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 are in a remote connection, the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote connection is in progress. Further, when an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300, the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives error information indicating that an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300.

[0106] (30) The processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 deletes the execution request for private printing based on the connection information and the error information. That is, by deleting the execution request for private printing, not only maintenance work by the remote terminal 100 but also an error in the image processing apparatus 300 renders private printing impossible.

[0107] As an example of an error in the image processing apparatus 300, it indicates that the sheet of the image processing apparatus 300 is in an empty state.

[0108] (31) The user terminal display unit 76 of the user terminal 500 may display that the execution request for private printing has been deleted.

[0109] Note that when the error is resolved, such as when the sheet is replenished in the image processing apparatus 300, the state determination unit 56 outputs error resolution information. The device transmission unit 58 further transmits the error resolution information. When the processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 receives the error resolution information by the user terminal receiving unit 72, as described in the first embodiment, it may hold the execution of the deleted private printing.

[0110] Furthermore, when the remote connection between the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300 is disconnected, as described in the second embodiment, the processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 may execute private printing.

[0111] According to the third embodiment, the user can know that an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300. Furthermore, even after the error is resolved, since the image processing apparatus 300 and the remote terminal 100 are remotely connected, the execution of private printing is suspended, and it can be known that private printing cannot be performed until the remote connection is disconnected.

[0112] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the first to third embodiments will be described. FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the first to third embodiments.

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the flowchart includes steps S10 to S60. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0114] In step S10 shown in FIG. 7, the terminal transmission unit 10 transmits a remote connection request. The process proceeds to step S12.

[0115] In step S12, the server reception unit 34 receives the remote connection request. The process proceeds to step S14.

[0116] In step S14, the connection unit 36 remotely connects the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300. The process proceeds to step S16.

[0117] In step S16, the server setting unit 38 transmits remote screen information to the remote terminal 100 and the image processing apparatus 300. The process proceeds to step S18.

[0118] In step S18, the terminal receiving unit 14 and the device receiving unit 52 receive remote screen information. The process proceeds to step S20.

[0119] In step S20, the terminal setting unit 16 and the device setting unit 54 set the remote screen. The process proceeds to step S22.

[0120] In step S22, the terminal display unit 12 and the device display unit 50 display the remote screen. The process proceeds to step S24.

[0121] In step S24, the user terminal transmission unit 70 makes a request to execute private printing. The process proceeds to step S26.

[0122] In step S26, the device receiving unit 52 receives the request to execute private printing. The process proceeds to step S28 shown in FIG. 8.

[0123] In step S28 shown in FIG. 8, the state determination unit 56 determines whether the image processing apparatus 300 is in a remote connection. If it is in a remote connection (Yes in step S28), the process proceeds to step S30. If it is not in a remote connection (No in step S28), the process proceeds to step S46 shown in FIG. 9.

[0124] If Yes in step S28, in step S30, the device transmission unit 58 transmits connection information indicating that it is in a remote connection. The process proceeds to step S32.

[0125] In step S32, the state determination unit 56 determines whether an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 300. If an error has occurred (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S34. If no error has occurred (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0126] If the answer is Yes in step S32, in step S34, the device transmitter 58 transmits error information indicating that an error has occurred in the image processing device 300. The process proceeds to step S36.

[0127] In step S36, the user terminal receiver 25 receives connection information and error information. The process proceeds to step S38.

[0128] In step S38, the processing unit 74 deletes the execution request for private printing. The process proceeds to step S40.

[0129] In step S40, the user terminal display unit 76 displays a message indicating that the execution request for private printing has been deleted. Then, the process ends.

[0130] Next, if the answer is No in step S32, in step S42, the processing unit 74 holds the execution of private printing based on the connection information. The process proceeds to step S44.

[0131] In step S44, the user terminal display unit 76 displays a message indicating that the execution of private printing is on hold. Then, the process proceeds to step S28, and the status determination unit 56 continues to determine whether the image processing device 300 is in a remote connection.

[0132] Next, if the answer is No in step S28, in step S46 shown in FIG. 9, the device transmitter 58 transmits connection information indicating that it is not in a remote connection. The process proceeds to step S48.

[0133] In step S48, the user terminal receiver 72 receives the connection information. The process proceeds to step S50.

[0134] In step S50, the processing unit 74 processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information. The process proceeds to step S52.

[0135] In step S52, the user terminal transmitter 70 transmits password information and image information. The process proceeds to step S54.

[0136] In step S54, the device receiver 52 receives the password information and the image information. The process proceeds to step S56.

[0137] In step S56, the device display unit 50 displays a password input screen. The process proceeds to step S58.

[0138] In step S58, the verification unit 60 verifies the password. The process proceeds to step S60.

[0139] In step S60, the image forming unit 62 forms an image on the sheet. Then, the process ends.

[0140] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. The drawings schematically show each component mainly for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, or number of each illustrated component is different from the actual one for convenience in drawing creation. Also, the materials, shapes, or dimensions of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention. Industrial Applicability

[0141] The present invention can be used in the field of image processing systems.

Claims

1. A user terminal that is part of an image processing system together with a remote terminal and an image processing device and is connected to the image processing device, a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a request for execution of private printing to the image processing device; a user terminal receiving unit that receives, from the image processing device, connection information indicating a result of a determination made in response to the execution request in the image processing device as to whether the image processing device is remotely connected to a remote terminal; a processing unit that processes execution of the private printing based on the connection information, the user terminal transmitting unit transmits a password and image data to the image processing device when the user terminal receiving unit receives the connection information indicating that the image processing device and the remote terminal are not remotely connected; The processing unit suspends execution of the private printing when the user terminal receiving unit receives the connection information indicating that the image processing device and the remote terminal are remotely connected.

2. Further comprising a display unit, The user terminal according to claim 1 , wherein, when the image processing apparatus and the remote terminal are remotely connected, the display unit displays that private printing will not be performed.

3. The user terminal of claim 1, wherein the processing unit erases the request to execute private printing when the user terminal receiving unit receives the connection information indicating that the image processing device and the remote terminal are remotely connected and the error information indicating that an error has occurred in the image processing device.

4. The user terminal of claim 3, wherein the processing unit suspends execution of the erased private printing when the user terminal receiving unit receives the error resolution information indicating that the error has been resolved, until the user terminal receiving unit receives information indicating that the remote connection between the image processing device and the remote terminal has been disconnected.

5. a processor provided in a user terminal including a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a request to execute private printing to an image processing device, and a user terminal receiving unit that receives connection information from the image processing device, the connection information indicating a result of a determination made in the image processing device in response to the execution request as to whether the image processing device is remotely connected to a remote terminal; a processing unit that does not process execution of private printing when the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal; A control program that causes the user terminal receiving unit to function as a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a password and image data to the image processing device when the user terminal receiving unit receives the connection information indicating that the image processing device and the remote terminal are not remotely connected.

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