Information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing program and an information processor capable of efficiently searching for an information processor having a camera function.SOLUTION: In one embodiment, an information processing program is included in a procedure for obtaining equipment information output from an information processor to a computer of an information communication device that communicates with one or more information processing devices. On the basis of first information on the information processor and second information on an imaging device corresponding to the information processor, a procedure for generating a first device list and a procedure for outputting the first device list to a display unit of an information communication device are executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing program and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A search service has been proposed that allows an information communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, to search for an information processing device, such as an MFP (digital multi-functional peripheral), that is capable of printing, scanning, or other operations when the information communication device searches for the information processing device. A device list displayed as a search result includes device information, such as the name, IP (Internet Protocol) address, and installation location of the information processing device. Conventionally, when using such a search service to search for an information processing device with a camera function, the device list only displays the device information, without including information about the camera function. In this situation, when there are multiple compatible information processing devices, it is even more difficult to find an information processing device with a camera function that meets the user's desired conditions. Therefore, a mechanism is needed that allows an efficient search for an information processing device with a camera function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-135570 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing program and an information processing device that can efficiently search for an information processing device having a camera function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing program causes a computer of an information communication device that communicates with one or more information processing devices to perform a procedure of acquiring device information output from the information processing device, a first piece of information regarding the information processing device included in the device information, and a second piece of information regarding the information processing device Built-in based on the second piece of information regarding the imaging device, to perform a procedure of generating a first device list, and a procedure of outputting the first device list to a display unit of the information communication device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of management data records stored in a management file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device list screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information setting screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device list screen after extraction processing displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor of an MFP in the second embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, an MFP is exemplified as one aspect of an information processing apparatus, and a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user is exemplified as one aspect of an information communication apparatus.

[0008] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes one or more MFPs 10, one or more mobile terminals 20, and a management server 30. A communication network 2 connects the MFP 10 and the management server 30 via wired or wireless. For example, the Internet is used as a part of the communication network 2. The mobile terminal 20 enables wireless communication with an access point 40. The access point 40 relays communication between each device connected to the communication network 2, that is, the MFP 10 and the management server 30, and the mobile terminal 20. The management server 30 provides device information to each mobile terminal 20. The device information will be described in detail later. In the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the management server 30 stores the device information output from the MFP 10, and the management server 30 outputs the device information to the mobile terminal 20 in response to an inquiry from the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 generates and displays a first device list and a second device list based on the device information. The first device list and the second device list will be described in detail later. In this way, the information processing system 1 is a system that enables a user to search for the MFP 10 using the mobile terminal 20.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes a scanner 11, a printer 12, a control system 13, an operation panel 14, a camera 15, an external interface 16, and a communication interface 17. The scanner 11, the printer 12, the operation panel 14, the camera 15, the external interface 16, and the communication interface 17 are connected to the control system 13.

[0010] Scanner 11 is a device that optically reads an image of a document according to an operation instruction from the control system 13 and converts it into image data. Scanner 11 outputs the read image data of the document to the control system 13.

[0011] Printer 12 prints an image based on the image data supplied from the control system 13 under various printing conditions specified by the control system 13 on a sheet of paper. As the printer 12, printers of various image forming methods can be applied. For example, the printer 12 may be an electrophotographic printer, or may be an inkjet printer, a thermal transfer printer, or the like.

[0012] Control system 13 comprehensively controls the operations of each part such as scanner 11, printer 12, operation panel 14, camera 15, external interface 16, and communication interface 17. Control system 13 includes a processor 131, a RAM (random-access memory) 132, a ROM (read-only memory) 133, a data memory 134, an image memory 135, an image processing unit 136, and a clock 137.

[0013] Processor 131 executes processes such as arithmetic operations and control according to a program. Processor 131 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). Processor 131 executes various processes based on a program stored in ROM 133 or data memory 134.

[0014] RAM 132 is a working memory. RAM 132 is, for example, a volatile memory. ROM 133 is a program memory. ROM 133 is, for example, a non-rewritable non-volatile memory.

[0015] Data memory 134 stores control data, control programs, setting information, and the like. Data memory 134 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0016] The image memory 135 is composed of a hard disk drive, a page memory, etc. The image memory 135 stores the image data output from the scanner 11 or the image data input via the communication interface 17. The image processing unit 136 executes various image processes based on the programs stored in the ROM 133 or the data memory 134.

[0017] The clock 137 functions as a time information source for the MFP 10. The processor 131 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 137.

[0018] The operation panel 14 is a user interface. The operation panel 14 includes an input device 141 and a display device 142. The input device 141 is, for example, a button, a keyboard, a keypad, or a touch pad. The display device 142 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display.

[0019] The camera 15 is an imaging device built into the MFP 10. The camera 15 operates as a still image or video shooting device. The camera 15 is an example of a shooting device corresponding to the MFP 10.

[0020] The external interface 16 is an interface for connecting external devices. The external interface 16 can be configured as an interface conforming to a general standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0021] The communication interface 17 performs data communication according to a communication protocol with other devices connected via the communication network 2.

[0022] The data memory 134 stores the first information regarding the MFP 10. The first information regarding the MFP 10 includes the first device identification information and printing-related information. The first device identification information includes, for example, the device name, IP address, and installation location. The installation location is the location where the MFP 10 is installed. The printing-related information includes, for example, the printing method, printing color, paper size for printing, double-sided / single-sided printing, presence or absence of a finisher, printing speed, and presence or absence of a security function. Also, the data memory 134 stores the second information provided from the camera 15. The second information is information regarding the camera 15 and includes the second device identification information and shooting-related information. The second device identification information includes, for example, the manufacturer name of the camera 15. The shooting-related information includes camera functions. The camera functions include, for example, person detection, face authentication, body temperature measurement, 360-degree shooting, certificate, recording, video recording, AI (Artificial Intelligence) mask authentication, night mode, linked camera, etc. The certificate function is used, for example, when taking a photo to be pasted on a certificate. The recording function is used, for example, when recording while operating the MFP 10. The video recording function is used, for example, when recording while operating the MFP 10. The AI mask authentication function is used, for example, when performing face authentication while wearing a mask. The night mode function is used, for example, when monitoring night-time security. The linked camera function is used, for example, when checking the status of the camera 15 of another MFP 10. Note that the device information may be stored in the memory of an external device with which the MFP 10 can communicate, or may be provided in the memory of a server device that can communicate via the communication interface 17.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal 20. As shown in Figure 3, the mobile terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a built-in memory 22, an external memory 23, a touch panel 24, a wireless unit 25, and a system transmission path 26. The mobile terminal 20 connects the processor 21, the built-in memory 22, the external memory 23, the touch panel 24, and the wireless unit 25 to the system transmission path 26 directly or via a signal input / output circuit. Thus, the mobile terminal 20 constitutes a computer by the processor 21, the built-in memory 22, and the external memory 23, and the system transmission path 26 that connects them.

[0024] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 21 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the mobile terminal 20 according to an operating system and an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0025] The built-in memory 22 corresponds to the main memory part of the above computer. The built-in memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 stores data necessary for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. Further, the built-in memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0026] The external memory 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 23. The external memory 23 stores data used when the processor 21 performs various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 21, etc.

[0027] The touch panel 24 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device of the mobile terminal 20. The touch panel 24 is an example of the display unit of the mobile terminal 20.

[0028] The wireless unit 25 transmits or receives data wirelessly according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol with the access point 40.

[0029] A search application program for using a search service is downloaded to the mobile terminal 20. The search service is a service that enables the mobile terminal 20 to search for an MFP 10 capable of executing printing, scanning, etc. with respect to the MFP 10. The search application program is hereinafter referred to as a search program. The search program is an example of an information processing program. The search program is stored in the external memory 23. Note that the method of downloading the search program to the external memory 23 is not particularly limited. The search program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and downloaded to the external memory 23. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc., and is readable by the device. Also, the search program may be stored in the built-in memory 22.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server 30. The management server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a communication interface 34, and a system transmission path 35. The system transmission path 35 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The management server 30 connects the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the communication interface 34 to the system transmission path 35. In the management server 30, a computer is configured by the processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 35 connecting them.

[0031] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the management server 30 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0032] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, the main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program. The main memory 32 may store data necessary for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 to perform various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31 etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may store the above application program.

[0034] The communication interface 34 is connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 34 performs data communication according to a communication protocol with other devices connected via the communication network 2.

[0035] The management server 30 designates a part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage device 33 as the area of the management file 331.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331. As shown in FIG. 5, the management data record 3311 includes first information regarding device information, i.e., the MFP 10, and second information regarding the camera 15. The first information regarding the MFP 10 is device name, IP address, installation location, and print-related information. The second information regarding the camera 15 is identification information and photographing-related information. The identification information is the second device identification information. Note that the management data record 3311 is not limited to the data of the above-described items.

[0037] Before starting the operation of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment, on the condition that the MFP 10 is connected to the communication network 2, the processor 131 of the MFP 10 transmits the device information stored in the data memory 134 to the management server 30 at regular intervals. Thereby, the processor 31 recognizes that the MFP 10 is capable of supporting the search service. How to set the regular interval is arbitrary. The processor 31 that has received the device information updates the management file 331 based on the device information. Specifically, when there exists a management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, the processor 31 updates the device information included in the management data record 3311 with the received device information. When there does not exist a management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, the processor 31 adds the management data record 3311 to the management file 331. That is, the management file 331 stores the management data record 3311 of the MFP 10 capable of supporting the search service.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main control procedure executed by the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 according to the search program. Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described using these flowcharts. Note that the operations described below are examples. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as the same result can be obtained.

[0039] When the user launches the search program installed on the mobile terminal 20, the processor 21 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0040] As ACT1, the processor 21 causes the home screen 100 (see FIG. 7) to be displayed on the touch panel 24.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the home screen 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the home screen 100 includes a message asking the user to use the search service, an OK button 101 for instructing the use of the search service, and a CANCEL button 102 for instructing not to use the search service. Note that the content and image of the text data displayed in FIG. 7 are examples.

[0042] Returning to the description of FIG. 6. As ACT2, the processor 21 waits on the home screen 100 for the OK button 101 to be input via the touch panel 24. If the OK button 101 is not input, that is, if the CANCEL button 102 is input, the processor 21 goes through NO in ACT2 and ends the information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0043] If the OK button 101 is input, the processor 21 goes through YES in ACT2 and the process transitions to ACT3.

[0044] The processor 21 inquires of the management server 30 about the MFP 10 capable of supporting the search service as ACT3. In response to this inquiry, the management server 30 transmits the management file 331 to the mobile terminal 20. Then, the processor 21 receives the management file 331 as ACT4. The external memory 23 stores the management file 331.

[0045] The processor 21 generates a device list screen 200 (see FIG. 8) as the first device list based on the management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331 as ACT5. The processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display the device list screen 200 as ACT6.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the device list screen 200. The device list screen 200 is a screen that displays the device information of the MFP 10 capable of supporting the search service in a list format. As shown in FIG. 8, the device list screen 200 includes a device list and a filter button 201. The device list is a list that displays device information for each row. In the case of FIG. 8, the device information includes the device name, IP address, and installation location as the first information regarding the MFP 10, and the camera function as the second information regarding the camera 15. The filter button 201 is a button for calling up an information setting screen. The information setting screen will be described in detail later. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 8 is an example.

[0047] Return to the description of FIG. 6. The processor 21 waits for the filter button 201 to be input as ACT7. If the filter button 201 is not input, the processor 21 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 via NO of ACT7.

[0048] When the filter button 201 is input, the processor 21 passes through YES of ACT7, and the process transitions to ACT8.

[0049] The processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display an information setting screen 300 (see FIG. 9) as ACT8.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information setting screen 300. The information setting screen 300 is information for the user to specify search conditions regarding the MFP 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the information setting screen 300 includes an item 301 for specifying search conditions, a filter execution button 302, and a return button 303. The item 301 includes, for example, printing method, printing color, paper size for printing, double-sided / single-sided printing, presence / absence of a finisher, printing speed, presence / absence of a security function, presence / absence of a camera function, and a camera function. That is, the search condition is a search condition for narrowing down a predetermined number of MFPs 10 from a plurality of MFPs 10 that can support the search service. When the user inputs each search condition of the item 301, the search condition is selected and displayed. The selection display may be a display that can be distinguished from other conditions, for example, by surrounding the search condition with a frame or changing the character color of the search condition. The filter execution button 302 is a button for instructing whether to execute the extraction process of the MFPs 10 corresponding to the search conditions input by the user. When instructing the execution of the extraction process, the user sets the filter execution button 302 to ON. When not instructing the execution of the extraction process, the user sets the filter execution button 302 to OFF. The return button 303 is a button for instructing to return to the device list screen 200. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 9 is an example.

[0051] When the user inputs search conditions via the touch panel 24 on the information setting screen 300 and sets the filter execution button 302 to ON, the external memory 23 stores the search conditions of the information setting screen 300.

[0052] Return to the description of FIG. 6. The processor 21 waits for the input of the return button 303 which returns as ACT9. When the return button 303 is input, the processor 21 goes through YES of ACT9, and the process transitions to ACT5. That is, the processor 21 generates the device list screen 400 (see FIG. 10) after the extraction process as the second device list based on the search conditions of the information setting screen 300 stored in the external memory 23 and the management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331. Then the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display the device list screen 400. In this way, the processor 21 executes the processes of ACT5 to ACT9 in the same manner as described above.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the device list screen 400 after the extraction process. FIG. 10 is the device list screen 400 when the user designates the MFP10 having the camera function as a search condition on the information setting screen 300 and the processor 21 executes the extraction process. The device list screen 400 after the extraction process displays the MFP10 having the camera function capable of corresponding to the search service. As shown in FIG. 10, the device list screen 400 which is an example of the second device list includes the first information in the first display format regarding the MFP10 and the second information in the second display format regarding the camera 15. The first information in the first display format regarding the MFP10 is the device name, IP address, installation location, etc. of the MFP10. The second information in the second display format regarding the camera 15 is the camera function, etc. For example, the device list screen 400 includes the information in the first display format in the first display color such as black and the information in the second display format in the second display color such as red. The user can select the MFP10 by paying attention to the information regarding the camera 15 narrowed down by the search conditions via the device list screen 400. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 10 is an example.

[0054] As is clear from the above description, the search program as an information processing program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 20 that communicates with one or more MFPs 10 to execute a procedure (ACT4) for acquiring device information output from the MFP 10, a procedure (ACT5) for generating a first device list based on the first information regarding the MFP 10 and the second information regarding the camera 15 corresponding to the MFP 10 included in the device information, and a procedure (ACT6) for outputting the first device list to the touch panel 24 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0055] Therefore, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 generates the device list screen 200 based on the management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331 received from the management server 30, and causes the touch panel 24 to display the device list screen 200. The device list screen 200 includes device information, that is, the first information regarding the MFP 10 and the second information regarding the camera 15. For this reason, the MFP 10 having a camera function can be efficiently searched.

[0056] The search program further causes the computer of the mobile terminal 20 to execute a procedure (ACT8) for outputting information for specifying search conditions regarding the MFP 10 to the touch panel 24, a procedure (ACT5) for generating a second device list based on the first information, the second information, and the search conditions, and a procedure (ACT6) for outputting the second device list to the touch panel 24 of the mobile terminal 20. The search conditions include conditions regarding the camera 15, for example, the presence or absence of the camera 15 and camera functions.

[0057] Therefore, the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display an information setting screen 300 for specifying search conditions regarding the MFP 10. Since the user can specify the MFP 10 having a camera function as a search condition and can also specify the MFP 10 having a camera that realizes a predetermined function as a search condition, it is possible to search for the MFP 10 suitable for the user's desired conditions. The predetermined function is a camera function such as human detection, face authentication, body temperature measurement, 360-degree shooting, document, recording, video recording, AI mask authentication, night mode, and linked camera. Furthermore, the processor 21 generates a device list screen 400 after extraction processing based on the search conditions of the information setting screen 300 and the management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331, and displays it on the touch panel 24. Therefore, the MFP 10 having a camera function suitable for the user's desired conditions can be easily found.

[0058] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12.

[0059] In the first embodiment, it was explained that the camera 15 is built in the MFP 10. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the camera 15 is connected to the external interface 16 of the MFP 10. That is, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the camera 15 is not built in the MFP 10. In each drawing according to the second embodiment and its description below, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same elements may be omitted. Incidentally, FIGS. 1, 3 to 10 used in the description of the first embodiment are also common in the second embodiment, so the description here is omitted.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 10 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the external interface 16 connects the camera 15 and acquires the second information provided from the camera 15. As the camera 15, a general-purpose camera can be used.

[0061] The data memory 134 stores the first information regarding the MFP 10. The first information regarding the MFP 10 includes the first device identification information and print-related information. Further, the data memory 134 stores the second information acquired by the external interface 16. The second information is information regarding the camera 15 and includes the second device identification information and photographing-related information. Note that the first information regarding the MFP 10 and the second information regarding the camera 15 may be stored in the memory of an external device with which the MFP 10 can communicate, or may be provided in the memory of a server device that can communicate via the communication interface 17.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main control procedure executed by the processor 131 of the MFP 10 according to the search program in the second embodiment. Note that the content of the operations described below is an example. The operation procedures and content are not particularly limited as long as the same results can be obtained.

[0063] When the camera 15 is connected to the MFP 10 and the power of the camera 15 is turned on, the processor 131 of the MFP 10 starts the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12. That is, the processor 131 waits for the camera 15 to be connected as ACT11.

[0064] When the camera 15 is connected, the processor 131 goes through YES of ACT11, and the process transitions to ACT12.

[0065] As ACT12, the processor 131 outputs, via the external interface 16, a turn-on signal for requesting the second information regarding the camera 15 from the camera 15. By this turn-on signal, the camera 15 outputs the second information regarding the camera 15 to the MFP 10. The external interface 16 receives the second information regarding the camera 15 provided from the camera 15.

[0066] As ACT13, the processor 131 acquires the second information regarding the camera 15. The data memory 134 stores the acquired second information regarding the camera 15.

[0067] On the condition that the MFP 10 is connected to the communication network 2 as ACT14, the processor 131 generates device information at regular intervals based on the first information regarding the MFP 10 stored in the data memory 134 and the second information regarding the camera 15 received by the external interface 16, and transmits the device information to the management server 30. For example, the processor 131 generates device information based on the first device identification information and print-related information included in the first information, and the second device identification information and shooting-related information included in the second information. Thereby, the management server 30 recognizes that the MFP 10 is capable of supporting the search service. How to set the regular interval is arbitrary. With the above, the processor 131 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12.

[0068] The processor 31 of the management server 30 that has received the device information updates the management file 331 based on the device information. Specifically, when there is a management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, the processor 31 updates the device information included in the management data record 3311 with the received device information. When there is no management data record 3311 in which the device name included in the device information is described, the processor 31 adds the management data record 3311 to the management file 331. That is, the management file 331 stores the management data record 3311 of the MFP 10 capable of supporting the search service.

[0069] Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the camera 15 is connected to the MFP 10 via the external interface 16, the processor 131 acquires the second information regarding the camera 15 output from the camera 15. The processor 131 transmits the first information regarding the MFP 10 and the second information regarding the camera 15, that is, the device information, to the management server 30. Therefore, even when a general-purpose camera 15 is connected to the MFP 10, it is possible to efficiently search for the MFP 10 having a camera function in the same manner as when the camera 15 is built in the MFP 10.

[0070] The embodiments of the information processing program and the information communication device have been described above, but such embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the MFP 10 was exemplified as an example of an information processing device. The information processing device may be, for example, a copying machine, a printer, or the like.

[0072] In the above embodiment, it was exemplified that the search condition of the information setting screen 300 includes the presence or absence of a camera function. For example, the search condition may include the presence or absence of a more detailed camera function. For example, the presence or absence of person detection, the presence or absence of face authentication, and the like.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the management server 30 has been exemplified as providing device information to each mobile terminal 20. However, the MFP 10 may play the role of the management server 30. For example, the processor 131 of the MFP 10 generates device information based on the first information regarding the MFP 10 stored in the data memory 134 and the second information regarding the camera 15 provided from the camera 15. For example, the processor 131 generates device information based on the first device identification information and print-related information included in the first information, and the second device identification information and photographing-related information included in the second information. The first information is the first device information regarding the MFP 10, and the second information is the second device information regarding the camera 15. That is, the processor 131 generates the third device information from the first device information and the second device information. The communication interface 17 outputs the third device information as if it were the device information of the MFP 10 in response to a request for device information from the mobile terminal 20. In this case, an existing technology such as the zero-configuration technology can be used. For example, when the OK button 101 is input via the touch panel 24 on the home screen 100, the processor 131 of one or more MFPs 10 capable of supporting the search service directly transmits the third device information to the mobile terminal 20. The external memory 23 stores the third device information from each MFP 10. The external memory 23 may store the management file 331. When the external memory 23 stores the management file 331, the processor 21 updates the management file 331 based on the received third device information. Then, the processor 21 may generate the device list screen 200 based on the management data record 3311 stored in the management file 331.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the camera 15 has been exemplified as being built in the MFP 10. In the second embodiment, the camera 15 has been exemplified as being connected to the external interface 16 of the MFP 10. The camera 15 may be connected to the MFP 10 by wireless communication. In this case, for example, one or more cameras 15 may be installed at a position where the MFP 10 and the user operating the MFP 10 can be imaged.

[0075] Note that the entity that executes the operations in this embodiment is, for example, an entity related to a computer, such as hardware, a composite of hardware and software, software, and running software. The entity that executes the operations is, for example, a process, an object, an executable file, a thread, and a program that are executed on a processor, but is not limited thereto. For example, an information communication device or an application executed thereon may be the entity that executes the operations. A plurality of entities that execute the operations may be assigned to a process or a thread. The entity that executes the operations may be within one information communication device or may be distributed among a plurality of information communication devices. The functions described above may be pre-recorded inside the device, or the same functions may be downloaded from a network to the device, or an installation package storing the same functions on a recording medium may be installed in the device. As long as the recording medium can store a program such as a disk ROM or a memory card and is a non-transitory recording medium readable by the device, its form may be any form. Further, the functions obtained in advance by installation or download in this way may cooperate with the OS (Operating System) inside the device to realize the functions.

[0076] In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope. Incidentally, the description of the claims of the present application at the time of filing is appended below. [Appendix 1] (1) In a computer of an information communication device that communicates with one or more information processing devices, a procedure for acquiring device information output from the information processing device; a procedure for generating a first device list based on first information regarding the information processing device and second information regarding a photographing device corresponding to the information processing device, both of which are included in the device information; a procedure for outputting the first device list to a display unit of the information communication device An information processing program for causing the above to be executed. [Appendix 2] (2) In the computer, a procedure for outputting, to a display unit of the information communication device, information for designating a search condition regarding the information processing device; a procedure for generating a second device list based on the first information, the second information, and the search condition; a procedure for outputting the second device list to the display unit of the information communication device The information processing program according to Appendix 1, for further causing the above to be executed. [Appendix 3] (3) The search condition includes a condition regarding the photographing device. The information processing program according to Appendix 2. [Appendix 4] (4) The second device list includes information in a first display format regarding the information processing device and information in a second display format regarding the photographing device. The information processing program according to Appendix 3. [Appendix 5] An information processing device comprising: a memory that stores first information including first device identification information and print-related information; a processor that acquires second information including second device identification information and photographing-related information provided from a corresponding photographing device, and generates device information based on the first device identification information and the print-related information included in the first information, and the photographing-related information included in the second information; a communication interface that outputs the device information. ​

Explanation of Symbols

[0077] 1... Information processing system, 2... Communication network, 10... MFP, 11... Scanner, 12... Printer, 13... Control system, 14... Operation panel, 15... Camera, 16... External interface, 17, 34... Communication interface, 20... Mobile terminal, 21, 31, 131... Processor, 22... Built-in memory, 23... External memory, 24... Touch panel, 25... Wireless unit, 26, 35... System transmission path, 30... Management server, 32... Main memory, 33... Auxiliary storage device, 40... Access point, 132... RAM, 133... ROM, 134... Data memory, 135... Image memory, 136... Image processing unit, 137... Clock, 141... Input device, 142... Display device, 331... Management file, 3311... Management data record.

Claims

1. In a computer of an information communication device that communicates with an information processing device having a value of 1 or more, a procedure for acquiring device information output from the information processing device, a procedure for generating a first device list based on first information regarding the information processing device and second information regarding a photographing device incorporated in the information processing device, which are included in the device information, a procedure for outputting the first device list to a display unit of the information communication device An information processing program for causing the above to be executed.

2. In the computer, a procedure for outputting information for specifying a search condition regarding the information processing device to a display unit of the information communication device, a procedure for generating a second device list based on the first information, the second information, and the search condition, a procedure for outputting the second device list to the display unit of the information communication device The information processing program according to claim 1, for further causing the above to be executed.

3. The search condition includes a condition regarding the photographing device, The information processing program according to claim 2.

4. The second device list includes information in a first display format regarding the information processing device and information in a second display format regarding the photographing device. The information processing program according to claim 3.

5. The second information includes a camera function. The information processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images