Image processing system and image processing method

Abstract

To provide an image processing system and an image processing method that suitably process private printing by user terminals, depending on whether a remote terminal and an image processing device are remotely connected.SOLUTION: In an image processing system, an image processing device 300 is remotely connected to a remote terminal. A user terminal 500 includes a user terminal transmitting unit 70. The user terminal transmitting unit transmits an execution request for private printing. A device receiving unit 52 of the image processing device receives the execution request. A status determination unit 56 determines whether the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal in response to the execution request and outputs connection information indicating a determination result. A device transmitting unit 58 transmits the connection information. The user terminal further includes a user terminal receiving unit 72 and a processing unit 74. The user terminal receiving unit receives the connection information, and the processing unit processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing system. and image processing method Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote connection system that uses a telephone number to connect the computer and electronic device via SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), thereby operating the electronic device from the computer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-11564 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the remote connection system, while the electronic device is being remotely controlled from the computer, the user cannot perform private printing from the user's computer. Patent Document 1 does not disclose any processing that is performed while the electronic device is being remotely controlled from the computer.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system in which private printing by a user terminal is suitably processed depending on whether the remote terminal and the image processing apparatus are remotely connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, ,beforeAn image processing system remotely connected to the remote terminal, wherein the user terminal includes a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a request to execute private printing, and the image processing device includes: a device receiving unit that receives the execution request; a status determination unit that determines whether the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal in response to the execution request and outputs connection information indicating the determination result; and a device transmitting unit that transmits the connection information, and the user terminal further includes a user terminal receiving unit that receives the connection information and a processing unit that processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information. An image processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, wherein the image processing device is an image processing system remotely connected to the remote terminal, wherein the user terminal includes a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a request to execute private printing, the image processing device includes a device receiving unit that receives the execution request, the user terminal includes a user terminal receiving unit that receives the connection information, and when the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal, the image processing system does not process the execution of private printing. An image processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing method in an image processing system comprising a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, wherein the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal, wherein the user terminal sends a request to execute private printing to the image processing device, the image processing device determines whether the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal in response to the execution request received from the user terminal, and outputs connection information indicating the determination result to the user terminal, and the user terminal processes the execution of private printing based on the connection information received from the image processing device. An image processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing method in an image processing system comprising a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, wherein the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal, wherein the user terminal sends a request to execute private printing to the image processing device, the image processing device receives the execution request from the user terminal, and the user terminal does not process the execution of private printing when the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Original Clearly According to this, private printing by a user terminal is suitably processed depending on whether or not the remote terminal and the image processing apparatus are remotely connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a sequence chart showing information processing by the image processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a sequence chart showing information processing by the image processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a sequence chart showing information processing by an image processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence chart showing information processing by an image processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7]5 is a flowchart showing information processing by the image processing system according to the first to third embodiments. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing information processing by the image processing system according to the first to third embodiments. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing information processing by the image processing system according to the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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 designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] An image processing system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the first embodiment described in 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 device 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 device 300. The remote terminal 100 is operated by a serviceman of the service company. The remote terminal 100 maintains the image processing device 300 by being remotely connected to the image processing device 300. Examples of the remote terminal 100 include a desktop 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 to the image processing device 300. An example of the server 200 is a desktop personal computer.

[0014] The image processing device 300 scans an original or forms an image on a sheet, and further transmits and receives image signals to and from an external terminal. Examples of the image processing device 300 include an image forming device, an MFP (Multi Function Printer), a facsimile, 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 Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

[0016] In the following description, the server 200 may be the cloud 400. Furthermore, the cloud 400 may include the server 200. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the description of the server 200 will be given assuming that it can also be applied to the cloud 400.

[0017] The user terminal 500 is, for example, an in-house computer belonging to the same user as the image processing device 300. The user terminal 500 can instruct the image processing device 300 to perform private printing. Private printing is a function that forms an image represented by the image data on a sheet when a password attached to the image data sent from the user terminal 500 matches a password entered by the user in the image processing device 300.

[0018] The remote terminal 100, the server 200, the image processing device 300, and the cloud 400 are connected to one another via a 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 device 300 is an in-house LAN (Local Area Network).

[0019] Next, a specific example of the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. 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 device 300, and a user terminal 500.

[0021] The remote terminal 100 includes a terminal transmitter 10 , a terminal display 12 , a terminal receiver 14 and a control unit 18 functioning as a terminal setting unit 16 .

[0022] The terminal transmitting unit 10 transmits a remote connection request. The remote connection request refers to transmitting a signal to the server 200 requesting a line connection between the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 so that the remote terminal 100 can perform maintenance work on the image processing device 300. An example of the terminal transmitting 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 device 300. An example of the terminal display unit 12 is a display. The display may have a touch sensor.

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

[0025] The control unit 18 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. 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, for example, the ROM is executed by the processor. The terminal setting unit 16 sets a remote screen.

[0026] The 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 receiving unit 34, and a connection unit 36.

[0027] The control unit 31 includes a processor, RAM, ROM, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU, MPU, or ASIC. The control unit 31 functions as an installation unit 30, a registration unit 32, a server setting unit 38, and a relay unit 40 by the processor executing a control program stored in, for example, the ROM. The installation unit 30 downloads and installs software that enables the remote terminal 100 to perform maintenance work on the image processing device 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 the storage unit. The registration unit 32 also registers the address of the remote terminal 100 and the address of the image processing device 300.

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

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

[0031] The server setting unit 38 transmits remote screen information to each of the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 based on a remote connection request from the remote terminal 100. That is, during maintenance work, the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 share the same remote screen.

[0032] The server setting unit 38 further synchronizes or links 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, which will be described later.

[0033] A serviceman from the service company performs maintenance work on the image processing device 300 using the remote terminal 100. The remote screen displayed on the terminal display unit 12 of the remote terminal 100 and the remote screen displayed on the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300 are synchronized or linked, so that the user can visually check the status of the maintenance work on the remote screen displayed on the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300.

[0034] The relay unit 40 relays, to the image processing device 300, information on changes to the settings transmitted from the terminal transmitting unit 10 of the remote terminal 100 during maintenance work on the remote terminal 100.

[0035] The image processing device 300 includes a device display unit 50, a device receiving unit 52, a control unit 53 functioning as a device setting unit 54, a status determination unit 56, and a matching unit 60, a device transmitting unit 58, and an image forming unit 62.

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

[0037] The device receiving unit 52 receives a request to execute private printing sent from the terminal transmitting unit 10 of the remote terminal 100 via the server 200. The device receiving unit 52 receives remote screen information. The device receiving unit 52 receives information on changes to settings relayed by the relay unit 40 of the server 200. An example of the device receiving unit 52 is a codec.

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

[0039] In response to a request to execute private printing, the status determination unit 56 determines whether the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, and outputs connection information indicating the determination result. If the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, the connection information indicates that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected. If the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are not remotely connected, the connection information indicates that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are not remotely connected.

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

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

[0042] The user terminal 500 includes a user terminal transmitter 70 , a user terminal receiver 72 , a control unit 75 functioning as a processor 74 , and a user terminal display 76 .

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

[0044] The user terminal transmitting unit 70 transmits a request to execute private printing. The user issues a command to execute private printing using an interface such as a keyboard. An example of the user terminal transmitting unit 70 is a codec.

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

[0046] The control unit 75 includes a processor, RAM, ROM, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU, MPU, or ASIC. The control unit 75 functions as the processing unit 74 when a control program stored in, for example, the ROM is executed by the 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 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, an example of information processing by the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in addition to FIGS.

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

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

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

[0052] The image processing device 300 includes a device receiving unit 52, a status determination unit 56, and a device sending unit 58. The device receiving unit 52 receives a request to execute private printing. The status determination unit 56 determines whether the image processing device 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100, and outputs connection information indicating the determination result. The device sending unit 58 sends 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 connection information. The processing unit 74 processes execution of private printing based on the connection information.

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

[0055] 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 device 300, and the server 200 in chronological order.

[0057] 3, (1) the terminal transmission unit 10 transmits a remote connection request to the image processing device 300 to the server 200. Specifically, when a user discovers a problem with the image processing device 300 and requests a service company to perform maintenance, the service company transmits a remote connection request from the terminal transmission 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) Based on the response from the image processing device 300, the connection unit 36 ​​of the server 200 remotely connects the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300.

[0060] (4) 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 based on the remote connection request.

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

[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 a remote screen. While the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected and the remote screen is displayed on the device display unit 50, the device setting unit 54 may prohibit the user from inputting instructions to the device display unit 50. This is to prevent problems from occurring during maintenance work on 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 a remote screen. With the above steps, 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 explained in Fig. 3, after the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, the information processing shown in Fig. 4 is performed following (I) shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows in chronological order the information processing when the user terminal 500 makes a request to the image processing device 300 to execute private printing in the first embodiment.

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

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

[0071] (14) The state determination unit 56 of the image processing device 300 determines whether the image processing device 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100 or not.

[0072] (15) The device transmission unit 58 of the image processing device 300 transmits to the user terminal 500 connection information indicating whether or not a remote connection is in progress.

[0073] (16) The user terminal receiving unit 72 of the user terminal 500 receives connection information. That is, if the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote connection is in progress. If the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are not remotely connected, the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote connection is not in progress.

[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 receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, 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 performed appropriately without being hindered by private printing.

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

[0077] In addition, when the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are not remotely connected, the processing unit 74 processes the data so that private printing is performed appropriately, as described in the second embodiment.

[0078] According to the first embodiment, private printing by the user terminal 500 is suitably processed depending on whether the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected or not.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, execution of private printing is put on hold while the image processing device 300 and the remote terminal 100 are remotely connected, so the user can wait to execute private printing until the remote connection is disconnected.

[0080] (Second embodiment) Next, an image processing system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 in addition to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. 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 device transmission unit 58 of the image processing device 300 transmits connection information indicating that the image processing device 300 and the remote terminal 100 are not remotely connected.

[0082] In the user terminal 500, when the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives connection information indicating that the image processing device 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 device 300 includes a device display unit 50, a matching unit 60, and an image forming unit 62. When the device receiving unit 52 receives a password and image data, the device display unit 50 displays a password entry screen. The matching unit 60 matches the password and outputs matching information indicating the matching result. When the matching information indicates that the password is authenticated, the image forming unit 62 forms an image based on the image data on a sheet.

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

[0087] (21) The state determination unit 56 of the image processing device 300 determines whether the image processing device 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100 or not.

[0088] (22) The device transmission unit 58 of the image processing device 300 transmits to the user terminal 500 connection information indicating whether or not a remote connection is in progress.

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

[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 the password information and the image information. The password information and the image information are linked to the address of the user terminal 500.

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

[0093] (27) The device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300 displays a password entry screen. The user who has instructed private printing from the user terminal 500 enters a password on the password entry screen displayed on the device display unit 50 of the image processing device 300 in order to have the image processing device 300 execute private printing.

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

[0095] (29) When the 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 device receiving unit 52.

[0096] The image forming section 62 includes an exposure section, a development section, and a transfer section, and may further include a fixing section and a discharge section.

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

[0098] (Third embodiment) Next, an image processing system 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 in addition to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. 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 status determination unit 56 of the image processing device 300 determines whether an error has occurred in the image processing device 300, and outputs error information if an error has occurred. The device transmission unit 58 transmits the error information. The processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 deletes the private printing execution request when the user terminal reception unit receives the connection information and error information.

[0100] In the third embodiment, as explained in Fig. 3, after the remote terminal 100 and the image processing device 300 are remotely connected, the information processing shown in Fig. 6 is performed following (III) shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows in chronological order the information processing in the third embodiment when the image processing device 300 is remotely connected to the remote terminal 100 and an error has occurred in the image processing device 300.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6, (25) the user terminal transmitting unit 70 of the user terminal 500 makes a request to execute private printing.

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

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

[0104] (28) The device transmission unit 58 of the image processing device 300 transmits to the user terminal 500 connection information indicating whether or not a remote connection is in progress and error information indicating whether or not an error has occurred in the image processing device 300.

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

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

[0107] An example of an error in the image processing device 300 is an error indicating that the sheet in the image processing device 300 is empty.

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

[0109] If the error is resolved by, for example, replenishing sheets in the image processing device 300, the status determination unit 56 outputs error resolution information. The device transmission unit 58 further transmits the error resolution information. When the user terminal reception unit 72 receives the error resolution information, the processing unit 74 of the user terminal 500 may suspend the execution of the deleted private printing, as described in the first embodiment.

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

[0111] According to the third embodiment, the user can know that an error has occurred in the image processing device 300. Furthermore, even after the error is resolved, the user can know that private printing execution is on hold because the image processing device 300 and the remote terminal 100 are still remotely connected, and that private printing cannot be performed until the remote connection is disconnected.

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

[0113] 7 to 9, the flowchart includes steps S10 to S60. Specifically, the steps are as follows.

[0114] 7, the terminal transmitting unit 10 transmits a remote connection request, and the process proceeds to step S12.

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

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

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

[0118] In step S18, the terminal receiving unit 14 and the device receiving unit 52 receive the 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 transmitting unit 70 issues a request to execute private printing, and 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.

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

[0124] If the answer is YES in step S28, the device transmission unit 58 transmits connection information indicating that a remote connection is in progress in step S30, and the process proceeds to step S32.

[0125] In step S32, the state determination unit 56 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the image processing device 300. If an error has occurred (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S34. If an error has not occurred (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S42.

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

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

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

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

[0130] Next, if the determination in step S32 is No, in step S42, the processing unit 74 performs processing to suspend execution of private printing based on the connection information, and the processing proceeds to step S44.

[0131] In step S44, user terminal display unit 76 displays a message indicating that execution of private printing is on hold. Then, processing proceeds to step S28, where status determination unit 56 determines whether image processing device 300 is remotely connected.

[0132] Next, if the result of step S28 is No, the device transmitting unit 58 transmits connection information indicating that a remote connection is not in progress in step S46 shown in Fig. 9. The process proceeds to step S48.

[0133] In step S48, the user terminal receiving unit 72 receives the connection information, and the process proceeds to step S50.

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

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

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

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

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

[0139] In step S60, the image forming unit 62 forms an image on the sheet, and the process then 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 embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate 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. An image processing system comprising a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, the image processing device being remotely connected to the remote terminal, the user terminal includes a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a request to execute private printing; The image processing device includes: a device receiving unit that receives the execution request; a status determination unit that determines whether the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal in response to the execution request, and outputs connection information indicating the determination result; a device transmission unit that transmits the connection information, The user terminal: a user terminal receiving unit for receiving the connection information; an image processing system further including: a processing unit that performs processing to execute private printing only when the connection information indicates that the image processing device and the remote terminal are not remotely connected.

2. An image processing system comprising a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, the image processing device being remotely connected to the remote terminal, the user terminal includes a user terminal transmitting unit that transmits a request to execute private printing; The image processing device includes: a device receiving unit that receives the execution request; The user terminal: The image processing system does not execute private printing when the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal, and executes processing to execute private printing when the image processing device is not remotely connected to the remote terminal.

3. In the user terminal, the user terminal transmitting unit transmits a password and image data 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 image processing device includes: a device display unit that displays a password entry screen when the device receiving unit receives the password and the image data; a verification unit that compares the password received by the device receiving unit with a password entered by a user on the password entry screen, and outputs verification information indicating the result of the comparison; 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data on a sheet when the verification information indicates that the password is authenticated.

4. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein 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.

5. The user terminal: Further comprising a display unit, 5. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein, when the image processing apparatus and the remote terminal are remotely connected, the display unit displays a message indicating that private printing will not be performed.

6. The state determination unit further determines whether an error has occurred in the image processing device, If the error occurs, output error information; The device transmitter further transmits the error information; 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit erases the request to execute private printing when the user terminal receiving unit receives the connection information and the error information indicating that the image processing device and the remote terminal are remotely connected.

7. the state determination unit further outputs error resolution information when the error is resolved; The device transmitter further transmits the error resolution information; The image processing system of claim 6, wherein when the user terminal receiving unit receives the error resolution information, the processing unit suspends execution of the erased private printing 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.

8. An image processing method in an image processing system comprising a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, the image processing device being remotely connected to the remote terminal, comprising: The user terminal transmits a request to execute private printing to the image processing device, In the image processing device, in response to the execution request received from the user terminal, it is determined whether the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal, and connection information indicating the determination result is output to the user terminal; The image processing method includes, in the user terminal, processing to execute private printing only when the connection information indicates that the image processing apparatus and the remote terminal are not remotely connected.

9. An image processing method in an image processing system comprising a remote terminal, a user terminal, and an image processing device, the image processing device being remotely connected to the remote terminal, comprising: The user terminal transmits a request to execute private printing to the image processing device, The image processing device receives the execution request from the user terminal; In the image processing method, when the image processing device is remotely connected to the remote terminal, the user terminal does not perform private printing, and when the image processing device is not remotely connected to the remote terminal, the user terminal performs private printing.

Images