Remote control device, image forming device, and image forming system

Abstract

To prevent an image formation device that a user wants to use next from being used by another user when the user wants to continuously use the plurality of different image formation devices.SOLUTION: A remote control panel 11 for remotely controlling an image formation device 1 comprises: a control input unit 13 which sets whether or not to restrict connection between the image formation device 1 and another remote control panel 11; and a control unit 45 which restricts connection between the image formation device 1 and the another remote control panel 11 before making the image formation device 1 form an image when the restrictions on connection between the image formation device 1 and the another remote control panel 11 are set by the control input unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system that can be remotely controlled. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology called a remote user interface (hereinafter referred to as "remote UI") has emerged that connects a user terminal, such as a laptop or tablet, to an image forming apparatus, allowing the user to operate the image forming apparatus from a remote location using the user terminal. With a remote UI, an operation screen created by a controller of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the screen of the user terminal via a network. When a server is present between the image forming apparatus and the user terminal, the operation screen created by the server is displayed on the user terminal, and operations entered on the operation screen of the user terminal are converted into commands and sent to the image forming apparatus, enabling the image forming apparatus to be operated from a remote location.

[0003] Furthermore, the operation unit of a user terminal utilizing Remote UI technology may not be a dedicated operation unit for connecting to a single specific image forming device, but may be used to connect to multiple image forming devices. In particular, with Remote UIs for large multifunction printers used in commercial printing, print jobs can take a long time to execute, and multiple different image forming devices may be used consecutively. When using multiple different image forming devices consecutively, the user must finish operating one image forming device before connecting to the next image forming device.

[0004] In this situation, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that locks the operation unit of a device to prevent other users from operating the device while the device is in use. Patent Document 1 makes it possible to prevent other users from accessing the device while it is being operated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-076925 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, when a user uses a plurality of different image forming apparatuses in succession, there is a possibility that the image forming apparatus that the user wants to use next may be used by another user first.

[0007] To provide a remote control device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that can prevent another user from using the next image forming device that a user wants to use in advance when the user wants to use a plurality of different image forming devices consecutively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A remote control device according to the present invention is a remote control device for remotely controlling an image forming device, and includes: a setting unit that sets whether or not to restrict a connection between the image forming device and another remote control device other than the remote control device; and a control unit that, when the setting unit sets that restricting the connection between the image forming device and the other remote control device, restricts the connection between the image forming device and the other remote control device before causing the image forming device to form an image. the control unit executes a process for connecting to the image forming apparatus when the connection to the image forming apparatus is possible. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a user wishes to use a plurality of different image forming apparatuses in succession, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus that the user wishes to use next from being used by another user first. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an interrupt operation of the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a request to unlock the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention is received. [Figure 11] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for connecting a remote control device and an image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication between a locked image forming apparatus and a remote control apparatus in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for unlocking a locked image forming apparatus from an administrator PC in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a connection management method between an image forming apparatus and a remote operation panel in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is time to use the image forming apparatus; [Figure 16]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display screen when the number of image forming apparatuses that can be locked by the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention is limited. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Configuration of image forming system> The configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0013] The image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a remote control panel 11, a server 84, an administrator's PC 89, and an access point 90. The server 84 and the administrator's PC 89 are information processing devices.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 1 can be wirelessly connected to the remote control panel 11, the server 84, and the administrator's PC 89 via an access point 90.

[0015] The remote control panel 11 is a remote control device that can be wirelessly connected to the server 84, the administrator PC 89, and the image forming apparatus 1 via the access point 90. The remote control panel 11 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 1 at startup or when returning from power saving mode. When the remote control panel 11 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 1, it displays an image of the screen data stored in the internal storage device.

[0016] The remote control panel 11 displays the operation content or displays a display for selecting the image forming device to be operated, and communicates with the image forming device 1 via the access point 90 according to the operation instructions input by the user. The remote control panel 11 is not connected to the image forming device 1 or the like by a cable, so the user can freely carry it around.

[0017] The server 84 can be wirelessly connected to the remote control panel 11 and the image forming apparatus 1 via an access point 90.

[0018] The administrator PC 89 can be wirelessly connected to the remote operation panel 11 and the image forming device 1 via the access point 90. The administrator PC 89 transmits a print job to the image forming device 1 selected by the user via the remote operation panel 11.

[0019] The access point 90 can be connected wirelessly to the remote control panel 11, the image forming apparatus 1, the server 84, and the administrator's PC 89.

[0020] In the image forming system 100 having the above configuration, the technology for directly connecting the image forming apparatus 1, the remote control panel 11, the server 84, and the administrator PC 89 is a wireless LAN communication format called the WiFi Direct method. In addition, the Miracast technology, which is a display transmission technology that applies the WiFi Direct method, is used in mobile phones, displays, and projectors.

[0021] Although the image forming device 1 and the administrator PC 89 are connected wirelessly to the access point 90, this is not limiting and they may also be connected to the access point 90 via a wired connection via a LAN hub that can be connected to the access point 90.

[0022] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0023] Here, the image forming apparatus 1 is exemplified as a multifunction peripheral having various functions such as a copy function, a scan function, and a print function. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 has a main body power switch 2, a tower-type lamp 4, a display unit 5, a post-processing unit 6, an outlet 20, a DC power supply 21, a power control unit 23, a reading unit 24, a print processing unit 25, and a control unit 27.

[0024] The main body power switch 2 is a switch for turning on or off the power of the image forming apparatus 1, and is a seesaw or tactile switch.

[0025] The tower-type lamp 4 has a shape that allows good visibility from a distance and enables remote monitoring of the status of the image forming apparatus 1. The tower-type lamp 4 notifies the user by means of the lamp that printing is in progress or that printing has stopped due to an error.

[0026] The display unit 5 can simply display whether printing is in progress or has stopped due to an error. The simple display indicating that printing has stopped due to an error is, for example, an error code.

[0027] The post-processing unit 6 optionally performs processes such as bookbinding or stapling on the printed matter generated by the print processing unit 25.

[0028] The outlet 20 can be connected to a power source such as a commercial power source (not shown).

[0029] When AC power is supplied from the outlet 20, the DC power supply 21 converts the AC power into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the power supply control unit 23.

[0030] The power supply control unit 23 controls the power of the image forming apparatus 1. DC power is supplied to the power supply control unit 23 from the DC power supply 21. When the main body power switch 2 is turned on, the power supply control unit 23 supplies the power supplied from the DC power supply 21 to the control unit 27, and supplies power to the tower-type lamp 4, the display unit 5, the post-processing unit 6, the reading unit 24, and the print processing unit 25 according to instructions from the CPU 28 of the control unit 27.

[0031] When the main body power switch 2 is turned off, the power supply control unit 23 notifies the CPU 28 of the control unit 27, and stops the power supply to the tower-type lamp 4, the display unit 5, the post-processing unit 6, the reading unit 24, and the print processing unit 25 in response to an instruction from the CPU 28. Even if the main body power switch 2 is not turned off, the power supply control unit 23 can stop the power supply to the tower-type lamp 4, the display unit 5, the post-processing unit 6, the reading unit 24, and the print processing unit 25 and turn off the main body power switch 2 in response to an instruction from the CPU 28.

[0032] Here, the main body power switch 2 is turned off by instruction from the CPU 28 when, for example, an abnormality occurs, or when an instruction to turn off the power is received from the user via the network control IC (hereinafter referred to as "NIC") 32.

[0033] The reading unit 24 reads the document and generates image data of the read document. The reading unit 24 outputs the generated image data to the CPU 28 of the control unit 27.

[0034] The print processing unit 25 executes print processing to generate a printed matter under the control of the CPU 28. The print processing unit 25 conveys the generated printed matter to the post-processing unit 6.

[0035] The control unit 27, which serves as a second control unit, controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 27 includes a CPU 28, a ROM 29, a RAM 30, a storage 31, a NIC 32, and a remote operation panel connection unit 34.

[0036] The CPU 28 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 while using the RAM 30 by reading and executing a startup program stored in the ROM 29 in accordance with a user instruction input from the NIC 32. The CPU 28 controls the print processing unit 25 to execute a print process based on the print data input from the NIC 32 or the image data input from the reading unit 24 in accordance with a print instruction input from the NIC 32.

[0037] The CPU 28 reads image data of an image to be displayed on the remote operation panel 11 from the storage 31 and controls transmission of the read image data to the remote operation panel 11 via the remote operation panel connection unit 34. The CPU 28 performs command communication via the remote operation panel connection unit 34 to send and receive operation contents to and from the remote operation panel 11.

[0038] The CPU 28 performs power control such as turning the power of the image forming apparatus 1 on or off or setting the power saving mode. Here, the power saving mode is a mode in which unnecessary power supply to the reading unit 24, the print processing unit 25, or the post-processing unit 26 is stopped when the reading unit 24, the print processing unit 25, or the post-processing unit 26 is not in use, for example. A detailed description of the power saving mode will be omitted.

[0039] The ROM 29 stores a boot program for the image forming apparatus 1, information about various settings, and the like.

[0040] The RAM 30 is used for temporary data storage.

[0041] The storage 31 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and is used to store various data. The data stored in the storage 31 is, for example, image data of images to be displayed on the remote operation panel 11, data to be printed, etc.

[0042] The NIC 32 as a receiving unit is connected to the LAN 33 and receives print instructions or print data for the image forming apparatus 1 via the LAN 33. The NIC 32 outputs the received print instructions or print data for the image forming apparatus 1 to the CPU 28. The NIC 32 receives user instructions, such as changing the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 or turning off the power, via the LAN 33 from a PC, tablet, or the like located away from the image forming apparatus 1. The NIC 32 outputs the received user instructions to the CPU 28. The connection between the NIC 32 and the LAN 33 may be wired or wireless.

[0043] In the control unit 27 having the above configuration, the NIC 32 and the remote operation panel connection unit 34 may be shared. In this case, however, the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11 cannot be connected using the WiFi Direct method. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11 are connected via a normal network, and print data, command communication, and image data for the screen displayed on the remote operation panel 11 are communicated via the same route.

[0044] The remote operation panel connection unit 34 performs wireless communication with the remote operation panel 11 under the control of the CPU 28. Under the control of the CPU 28, the remote operation panel connection unit 34 transmits image data of images to be displayed on the remote operation panel 11 to the remote operation panel 11, and also performs command communication with the remote operation panel 11. Note that the connection unit for command communication and the connection unit for communication of image data of images on the display screen do not necessarily have to be shared by the remote operation panel connection unit 34, and may be separated into two connection units.

[0045] By providing the image forming device 1 with the NIC 32 and the remote control panel connection unit 34, the response of the screen display can be made faster and the time required to receive print data can be reduced compared to when the NIC 32 and the remote control panel connection unit 34 are shared.

[0046] <Configuration of the remote control panel> The configuration of the remote control panel 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0047] The remote control panel 11 has an operation panel power switch 12, an operation input unit 13, a status display unit 14, an operation sound generating unit 15, a charging input unit 41, a battery 42, a power supply control unit 43, a control unit 45, and a display unit 51.

[0048] The operation panel power switch 12 turns the power of the remote operation panel 11 on or off.

[0049] The operation input unit 13 as a setting unit is connected to the CPU 46 of the control unit 45 via an interface (not shown), and is a touch panel or the like through which an operation instruction is input by a user. The operation input unit 13 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the input coordinates of the user to the controller 50.

[0050] The status display unit 14 is connected to the CPU 46 of the control unit 45 via an interface (not shown), and notifies the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1 or the remote control panel 11 by means of an LED or the like.

[0051] The operation sound generating unit 15 is connected to the CPU 46 of the control unit 45 via an interface (not shown), and is a speaker or the like that generates sounds in accordance with user operations on the operation input unit 13 .

[0052] The charging input section 41 is connected to an external charger (not shown).

[0053] The battery 42 stores power supplied from a charger via a charging input section 41 .

[0054] The power supply control unit 43 performs power supply control to supply the power stored in the battery 42 to each unit of the remote operation panel 11 under the control of the CPU 46 of the control unit 45 .

[0055] The control unit 45 as a first control unit controls the overall operation of the remote control panel 11. The control unit 45 includes a CPU 46, a NIC 47, a RAM 48, a ROM 49, and a controller 50.

[0056] The CPU 46 controls the operation of the remote control panel 11 using the RAM 48 based on the boot program and various setting information stored in the ROM 49 .

[0057] The CPU 46 performs control to stop image output and power supply to the display unit 51. Specifically, the CPU 46 performs the above control when there is no input to the remote operation panel 11 for a certain period of time, when the user instructs transition to the power saving mode, or when the operation panel power switch 12 is pressed and it is determined that this is an instruction to transition to the power saving mode. When the CPU 46 detects a user input based on an electrical signal input from the controller 50, it controls the power supply control unit 43 to return from the power saving mode to the normal power mode.

[0058] When the mode is changed to the normal power mode, the CPU 46 controls the display unit 51 to display an image based on image data stored in the ROM 49 .

[0059] The NIC 47 as a receiving unit performs control when connecting to the image forming apparatus 1 or when connecting to the access point 90 via the LAN 33 .

[0060] The RAM 48 temporarily stores data and the like as the CPU 46 executes the programs. Here, the above data includes image data of an image to be displayed on the display unit 51, which is received from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0061] ROM 49 stores in advance a startup program for image forming apparatus 1, various setting information, and image data of images to be displayed on operation input unit 13 when not connected to image forming apparatus 1. Here, the image data is, for example, data output to display on display unit 51 a selection screen for selecting whether to connect to image forming apparatus 1 or lock image forming apparatus 1, or a list of connectable image forming apparatuses 1, etc.

[0062] The controller 50 determines the input coordinates of the user on the operation input unit 13 based on the electrical signal input from the operation input unit 13, and outputs an electrical signal according to the determination result to the CPU .

[0063] The display unit 51 is, for example, an LCD, and is connected to the CPU 46 of the control unit 45 via an interface (not shown). Under the control of the CPU 46, the display unit 51 switches between displaying an image of image data stored in the ROM 49 or an image of image data received via the NIC 47. Note that the image displayed on the display unit 51 is not limited to being switched by the CPU 46, but may also be switched by an external selector for switching output images.

[0064] <Remote control device operation> The operation of the remote control panel 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0065] 7, Fig. 7(a) is a screen waiting for a user instruction, Fig. 7(b) is a screen waiting for selection of the image forming apparatus 1 to be locked, Fig. 7(c) is a screen for setting the lock time, Fig. 7(d) is a screen displayed when the connection process is completed, and Fig. 7(e) is a screen displayed when a connection denial message is received.

[0066] The operation shown in FIG. 6 is started when the operation panel power switch 12 of the remote operation panel 11 is turned on.

[0067] First, the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to display a screen such as that shown in Fig. 7(a) on the operation input unit 13 based on image data stored in the ROM 49. Then, the CPU 46 determines whether or not an instruction to connect to the image forming apparatus 1 has been input from the operation input unit 13 via the controller 50 (S1).

[0068] Next, if an instruction to connect to the image forming apparatus 1 has not been input (step S1: no), the CPU 46 determines whether or not a lock instruction has been input from the operation input unit 13 via the controller 50 (S2). Here, locking refers to restricting the connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and remote control panels 11 other than the specific remote control panel 11 by the specific remote control panel 11 before image formation in which the specific remote control panel 11 causes the image forming apparatus 1 to form an image.

[0069] If the lock instruction has not been input (step S2: no), the CPU 46 returns to the operation of step S1.

[0070] On the other hand, when a lock instruction is input from the controller 50 (step S2: yes), the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to display a screen as shown in Fig. 7(b) on the operation input unit 13 based on the image data stored in the ROM 49. Specifically, when "lock" is selected on the screen shown in Fig. 7(a) displayed on the operation input unit 13, the CPU 46 determines that a lock instruction has been input by receiving an electrical signal from the controller 50 indicating that "lock" has been selected. Then, the CPU 46 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 to be locked has been selected (S3).

[0071] If the image forming apparatus 1 to be locked has not been selected (step S3: no), the CPU 46 repeats the process of step S3 and waits until the image forming apparatus 1 to be locked is selected.

[0072] On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 to be locked is selected (step S3: yes), the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to display a screen as shown in FIG. 7(c) on the operation input unit 13 based on the image data stored in the ROM 49. Specifically, the CPU 46 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 to be locked has been selected by inputting information on the image forming apparatuses 1-1 to 1-10 selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7(b) displayed on the operation input unit 13 from the controller 50. Then, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the setting of the locking conditions has been completed (S4). Here, the locking conditions include the locking time (hereinafter referred to as the "locking time"), the number of image forming apparatuses 1 to be locked, etc.

[0073] If the setting of the locking conditions has not been completed (step S4: no), the CPU 46 repeats the process of step S4 and waits for the setting of the locking conditions.

[0074] On the other hand, when the setting of the lock conditions is completed (step S4: yes), the CPU 46 sends a lock instruction to the selected image forming apparatus 1 to be locked via the NIC 47 and LAN 33 (S5), and then returns to the operation of step S1.

[0075] Here, the lock instruction refers to an instruction from a specific remote control panel 11 to the image forming apparatus 1 to restrict connection with any device other than the other remote control panels 11. Specifically, when "Setting Complete" is selected on the screen shown in Fig. 7(c) displayed on the operation input unit 13, the CPU 46 determines that the setting of the lock conditions is complete when an electrical signal indicating the completion of the setting of the lock conditions is input from the controller 50. For example, the CPU 46 transmits the lock instruction including information about its own device, such as an IP address.

[0076] In the operation of step S3, the CPU 46 may select a user to lock instead of selecting the image forming apparatus 1 to lock. In this case, the CPU 46 transmits a lock instruction including user information of the user who uses the remote operation panel 11.

[0077] The processing from step S2 to step S5 described above is processing for restricting the connection of other remote control panels 11 to the next image forming device 1 to be used in advance when the remote control panel 11 is connected to and used with multiple image forming devices 1 in succession.

[0078] Furthermore, in the operation of step S1, if an instruction to connect to the image forming apparatus 1 is input (step S1: yes), the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to display a screen such as that shown in Fig. 7(b) based on the image data stored in the ROM 49. Then, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 to be connected has been selected (S6).

[0079] If the image forming device 1 to be connected has not been selected (step S6: no), the CPU 46 repeats the operation of step S6 and waits until an image forming device 1 is selected.

[0080] On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 to be connected is selected (step S6: yes), the CPU 46 transmits a connection request to the selected image forming apparatus 1 to be connected via the NIC 47 and LAN 33 (S7). Specifically, the CPU 46 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 to be connected has been selected by inputting information on the image forming apparatuses 1-1 to 1-10 selected on the screen shown in Fig. 7(b) displayed on the operation input unit 13 from the controller 50.

[0081] Next, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the response signal input via the LAN 33 and the NIC 47 from the image forming apparatus 1 that sent the connection request indicates permission for connection (S8).

[0082] Specifically, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the connection is permitted using the serial number or user information of the remote operation panel 11. For example, a response signal associating information indicating whether or not the connection is permitted with the serial number or user information is input to the CPU 46. Then, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the serial number or user information associated with the connection permission in the input response signal is the serial number or user information of the CPU 46's own device.

[0083] If the input response signal indicates permission for connection (S8: yes), the CPU 46 performs connection processing (S9). For example, if the serial number or user information associated with permission for connection in the input response signal is the serial number or user information of the CPU 46's own device, the CPU 46 determines that the input response signal indicates permission for connection.

[0084] Next, the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to display a screen as shown in Fig. 7(d) on the operation input unit 13 based on the image data stored in the ROM 49. Then, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the connection process has been completed (S10).

[0085] If the connection process has not been completed (S10: no), the CPU 46 repeats the operation of step S10 and waits for the connection process to be completed.

[0086] On the other hand, if the connection process has ended (S10: yes), the CPU 46 returns to the operation of step S1. Specifically, based on the electrical signal input from the controller 50, the CPU 46 determines that the connection process has ended if no operation is performed for a certain period of time after "Disconnect" is selected on the screen shown in Fig. 7(d) displayed on the operation input unit 13.

[0087] Furthermore, in the operation of step S8, if the input response signal indicates that connection is not possible (S8: no), the CPU 46 displays a message indicating that connection is not possible (S11). Specifically, the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to display a screen such as that shown in FIG. 7(e) on the operation input unit 13 based on the image data stored in the ROM 49.

[0088] Next, the CPU 46 determines whether or not to request unlocking (S12).

[0089] If the CPU 46 does not request unlocking (S12: no), the CPU 46 returns to the operation of step S1.

[0090] On the other hand, if a request for unlocking is to be made (S12: yes), the CPU 46 transmits the unlock request to the image forming apparatus 1 for which unlocking is to be requested via the NIC 47 and LAN 33 (S13). Specifically, when "Unlock Request" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7(e) displayed on the operation input unit 13, the CPU 46 determines that an unlocking request is to be made when an electrical signal indicating that unlocking has been requested is input from the controller 50. The unlock request is transmitted to the other remote operation panel 11 that issued the lock instruction via the image forming apparatus 1 for which unlocking is to be requested. Then, the CPU 46 returns to the operation of step S1 thereafter.

[0091] <Operation of image forming device> The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0092] The operation shown in FIG. 8 starts when the main body power switch 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0093] First, the CPU 28 determines whether or not a connection request has been made from the remote control panel 11 (S21).

[0094] If there is no connection request (step S21: no), the CPU 28 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a locked state (S22). Here, the locked state refers to a state in which a connection with another remote operation panel 11 is restricted by an instruction from the remote operation panel 11 and connection with another remote operation panel 11 is not possible.

[0095] If the image forming apparatus 1 is in a locked state (step S22: yes), the CPU 28 determines whether an unlocking condition is met (S23). The unlocking condition here is that the image forming apparatus 1 has received an unlocking request from the remote operation panel 11 or the administrator PC 89 that sent the lock instruction, or that a set lock time has elapsed.

[0096] If the unlocking conditions are met (step S23: yes), the CPU 28 performs the unlocking process (S24). At this time, the CPU 28 may notify the remote operation panel 11 that the lock will be released (transmit a release notice). Here, the release notice that notifies that the lock will be released notifies that connection is possible.

[0097] Next, the CPU 28 determines whether or not a lock instruction has been received from the remote control panel 11 via the LAN 33 and the NIC 32 (S25).

[0098] If the CPU 28 has not received a lock instruction (S25: no), the CPU 28 returns to the operation of step S21.

[0099] On the other hand, if the state is not locked in the operation of step S22 (step S22: no), the CPU 28 skips to the operation of step S25.

[0100] Furthermore, in the operation of step S23, if the unlocking condition is not satisfied (step S23: no), the CPU 28 skips to the operation of step S25.

[0101] Furthermore, in the operation of step S25, if a lock instruction has been received (step S25: yes), the CPU 28 performs lock processing (S26) and then returns to the processing of step S21. Here, the lock processing is processing in which, when a connection request is received from the remote operation panel 11 in the image forming apparatus 1, conditions are set for determining whether the remote operation panel 11 is connectable or not. For example, in the lock processing, the CPU 28 performs settings such that it can determine whether the remote operation panel 11 is connectable or not using the IP address or serial number of the UI.

[0102] Furthermore, in the operation of step S21, if there is a connection request (S21: yes), CPU 28 determines whether or not connection with the remote operation panel 11 that sent the connection request is OK (S27). Specifically, in the locked state, CPU 28 requests information from the remote operation panel 11 that sent the connection request to determine whether or not the remote operation panel 11 is OK to connect to. Then, based on the transmitted information, CPU 28 determines whether or not connection with the remote operation panel 11 that sent the connection request is OK. The information is the IP address or serial number of the UI, etc.

[0103] If the remote control panel 11 is OK to connect (step S27: yes), the CPU 28 performs connection processing with the OK to connect remote control panel 11, starts transmitting image data of the image to be displayed on the remote control panel 11 (S28), and then terminates operation.

[0104] On the other hand, if the remote control panel 11 is not connectable (step S27: no), the CPU 28 notifies the remote control panel 11 that has requested the connection that it is not available for use (S29).

[0105] Next, the CPU 28 notifies the lock source of the remote control panel 11 that issued the lock instruction that it has received the connection request (S30), and then returns to the operation of step S21.

[0106] <Interrupt processing> The interrupt process in the remote control panel 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0107] In FIG. 10, FIG. 10(a) is a screen indicating that a connection request has been made, and FIG. 10(b) is a screen indicating that the lock has been released.

[0108] Here, the interrupt process is executed when the remote control panel 11 that issued the lock instruction is notified (request notification) by the image forming apparatus 1 that there has been a connection request from another remote control panel 11. Alternatively, the interrupt process is executed when the remote control panel 11 that issued the lock instruction is notified by the image forming apparatus 1 that the lock time set by the remote control panel 11 has elapsed and the lock has been released.

[0109] The interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 starts when the operation panel power switch 12 of the remote operation panel 11 is turned on.

[0110] First, the CPU 46 determines whether an interrupt has been received (S41). Specifically, the CPU 46 determines whether a notification that a connection request has been made from another remote operation panel 11 has been received from the image forming apparatus 1, or whether a notification that a set lock time has elapsed and the lock has been released has been received from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0111] If there is no interrupt reception (step S41: no), the CPU 46 repeats the process of step S41 and waits until there is an interrupt reception.

[0112] On the other hand, if an interrupt is received (step S41: yes), the CPU 46 determines whether or not a connection request has been received from a remote control panel 11 other than the remote control panel 11 that issued the lock instruction (S42).

[0113] When the CPU 46 receives a connection request from another remote operation panel 11 (S42: yes), it controls the controller 50 to display a screen as shown in FIG. 10(a) on the operation input unit 13 based on image data stored in the ROM 49. For example, the screen in FIG. 10(a) includes buttons for "Permit Unlock," "Reject Unlock," and "Back." The operation input unit 13 also displays a screen that allows the user to select whether to permit unlocking or to return and continue working. The CPU 46 then determines whether to permit the connection request from the other remote operation panel 11 (S43).

[0114] The above display is performed by switching the image data stored in ROM 49. However, the above display is not limited to this, and an interrupt image may be superimposed on the image of the image data received by processing the image data received from image forming apparatus 1. The above display may also be performed by receiving input coordinates, controlling whether or not to permit an interrupt request, and inserting interrupt information into the image data received from image forming apparatus 1. When the above display is performed by switching the image data stored in ROM 49, the display can be performed more easily than when an interrupt image is superimposed on the image of the image data and when interrupt information is inserted into the image data.

[0115] When the CPU 46 permits a connection request from another remote operation panel 11 (step S43: yes), the CPU 46 performs unlock request processing (S44) and then ends the interrupt processing. Here, the unlock request processing is processing for transmitting a restriction release request to the image forming apparatus 1 that issued the lock instruction. Specifically, when "Unlock permitted" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 10(a), the CPU 46 determines to permit the connection request when an electrical signal indicating that unlocking is permitted is input from the controller 50.

[0116] On the other hand, if the CPU 46 does not permit a connection request from another remote control panel 11 (step S43: no), the CPU 46 ends the interrupt process.

[0117] Furthermore, if the CPU 46 has not received a connection request in the processing of step S42 (step S42: no), it determines that it has received an unlock notification from the image forming apparatus 1 that the lock has been released. Then, the CPU 46 controls the controller 50 to cause the operation input unit 13 to display an unlock message based on the image data stored in the ROM 49 (S45). The CPU 46 causes the operation input unit 13 to display an unlock message, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(b). Note that the screen shown in FIG. 10(b) does not display the cause of the unlock message, but a timeout, unlocking by an administrator, or the like may be added to the display in accordance with the cause of the unlock message.

[0118] Next, the CPU 46 determines whether or not there is another lock request (S46).

[0119] If there is a request to re-lock the image forming apparatus 1 (step S46: yes), the CPU 46 transmits a request to re-lock the image forming apparatus 1 that has been unlocked via the NIC 47 and LAN 33 (S47). Specifically, when "request re-lock" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 10(b), the CPU 46 determines that there is a request to re-lock the image forming apparatus 1 when an electrical signal indicating a request to re-lock the image forming apparatus 1 is input from the controller 50. At this time, the CPU 46 may control the controller 50 to display a screen such as that shown in FIG. 7(c) on the operation input unit 13 based on image data stored in the ROM 49. Then, the CPU 46 ends the interrupt process thereafter.

[0120] On the other hand, if there is no further lock request (step 46: no), the CPU 46 ends the interrupt process.

[0121] In the above interrupt processing, the interrupt factors are limited to receiving a connection request and unlocking, but this is not limiting, and if there are interrupt factors other than receiving a connection request and unlocking, the determination processing may be increased for each interrupt factor.

[0122] <Communication processing> The communication processing in the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote control panel 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0123] First, the communication process when the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11 are connected will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. The communication process shown in Fig. 11 shows a case where the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11 are connectable.

[0124] The communication process shown in Figure 11 starts when the CPU 46 of the remote control panel 11 receives an instruction to select the image forming device 1 selected by the user and an instruction to connect to the selected image forming device 1 from the operation input unit 13.

[0125] First, under the control of the CPU 46, the NIC 47 of the remote operation panel 11 transmits a connection request signal to the access point 90 via the LAN 33, requesting connection to the image forming apparatus 1 selected by the user (S51).

[0126] Next, the access point 90 transmits the connection request signal received from the NIC 47 to the NIC 32 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the LAN 33 (S52). The CPU 28 determines whether or not connection is possible based on the connection request signal input from the NIC 32.

[0127] Next, based on the determination result by CPU 28, NIC 32 transmits a connection possibility signal notifying whether connection is possible or not to access point 90 via LAN 33 (S53). At this time, if connection is possible, NIC 32 transmits a connection possibility signal including information about remote operation panel connection unit 34. The information about remote operation panel connection unit 34 is, for example, an IP address.

[0128] Next, the access point 90 transmits the connection availability signal received from the NIC 32 to the NIC 47 (S54).

[0129] Next, when the CPU 46 receives a connection availability signal notifying that connection is possible via the NIC 47, the CPU 46 executes a connection sequence with the remote operation panel connection unit 34 of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the NIC 47 transmits a negotiation request to the remote operation panel connection unit 34 (S55).

[0130] Next, if there is no problem with the received negotiation request, the remote operation panel connection unit 34 transmits a response signal to the NIC 47 (S56). Communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11 is established when the NIC 47 receives the response signal.

[0131] Next, the NIC 47 and the remote operation panel connection unit 34 exchange information on communication conditions such as communication speed and image compression rate (S57 and S58), whereby the CPU 46 and the CPU 28 each perform settings according to the communication conditions.

[0132] Next, when the remote control panel connection unit 34 is ready for communication, it transmits an image signal to the NIC 47 (S59).

[0133] Next, the NIC 47 outputs the image signal received from the remote operation panel connection unit 34 to the CPU 46. Then, the CPU 46 controls the image to be switched from the image of the image data stored in the ROM 49 to the image of the image signal input from the NIC 47 and displayed on the operation input unit 13.

[0134] Next, under the control of the CPU 46, the NIC 47 transmits the coordinate information of the operation input unit 13 operated by the user and the information on the status of the remote operation panel 11 to the remote operation panel connection unit 34 (S60). Then, the remote operation panel connection unit 34 outputs the information on the status of the remote operation panel 11 received from the NIC 47 to the CPU 28. Furthermore, the CPU 28 takes action in response to the received information on the status of the remote operation panel 11, and controls the remote operation panel connection unit 34 to appropriately change and transmit the image information to be transmitted.

[0135] Next, under the control of the CPU 28, the remote control panel connection unit 34 appropriately modifies the image information and transmits it to the NIC 47 (S61).

[0136] In addition, the remote operation panel connection unit 34 transmits to the NIC 47 a command to light up or blink the LED of the status display unit 54, or a command to turn on / off the sound output from the operation sound generation unit 15 (S62).

[0137] In the above communication process, the remote control panel 11 connects to the image forming device 1 when it receives a connection possibility signal notifying that a connection is possible, but it may also send a connection request directly to the image forming device 1 without performing the processes of steps S51 to S54.

[0138] In this case, the remote operation panel 11 transmits a connection request to the image forming apparatus 1 based on the information of the remote operation panel connection unit 34 stored in the ROM 49. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection request, it determines whether or not the connection is possible, and if it determines that the connection is possible, it starts the processing from step S55 onwards. Furthermore, because the remote operation panel 11 does not perform the processing from steps S51 to S54, it cannot determine in advance that it cannot connect to the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the remote operation panel 11 independently determines that it cannot connect to the image forming apparatus 1 because it was unable to connect to it, and displays on the operation input unit 13 that the connection is not possible.

[0139] Note that the remote operation panel 11 may not determine that connection to the image forming apparatus 1 is not possible, but may simply display that connection is not possible on the operation input unit 13. In this case, the user determines that connection to the image forming apparatus 1 is not possible based on the display on the operation input unit 13.

[0140] Next, a communication process when a connection request is made from the remote operation panel 11-1 to the image forming apparatus 1 in a situation where the remote operation panel 11-2 has locked the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0141] First, the NIC 47 of the remote operation panel 11-1 transmits a connection request to the image forming apparatus 1 to the access point 90 (S71).

[0142] Next, the access point 90 transmits the connection request received from the NIC 47 of the remote operation panel 11-1 to the image forming apparatus 1 (S72).

[0143] Next, the remote operation panel connection unit 34 of the image forming apparatus 1 is locked by the remote operation panel 11-2, and therefore transmits a signal indicating that connection is not possible to the access point 90 (S73).

[0144] Next, the access point 90 transmits the signal received from the remote operation panel connection unit 34 indicating that connection is not possible to the remote operation panel 11-1 (S74).

[0145] Next, the remote control panel connection unit 34 transmits a signal indicating that a connection request has been made to the access point 90 (S75).

[0146] Next, the access point 90 transmits a signal indicating that a connection request has been received from the remote operation panel connection unit 34 to the remote operation panel 11-2 (S76). Note that the processing of steps S75 and S76 may be performed only when an unlock request is received from the remote operation panel 11-1.

[0147] Next, when the CPU 46 of the remote control panel 11-2 selects to permit unlocking, the NIC 47 transmits a signal indicating that unlocking is permitted to the access point 90 (S77).

[0148] Next, the access point 90 transmits the signal indicating permission to unlock, received from the NIC 47 of the remote operation panel 11-2, to the image forming apparatus 1 (S78).

[0149] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 releases the lock and transmits a signal indicating that the lock has been released to the access point 90 via the remote operation panel connector 34 (S79).

[0150] Next, the access point 90 transmits the signal received from the remote operation panel connection unit 34 indicating that the lock has been released to the remote operation panel 11-1 (S80).

[0151] After that, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a connection request from the remote operation panel 11-1, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the communication process shown in FIG.

[0152] In this way, the remote control panel connection unit 34 of the image forming apparatus 1 will not connect to the remote control panel 11-1 until connection with the remote control panel 11-1 becomes possible, and will not transmit image data of the image to be displayed on the remote control panel 11-1.

[0153] When the remote control panel connection unit 34 releases the lock due to a timeout after the lock time has elapsed, it transmits a signal notifying that the lock has been released in the processing of steps S75 and S76 instead of a signal indicating that a connection request has been made.

[0154] When the remote operation panel 11-2 requests locking again, the NIC 47 transmits a signal indicating the lock request to the image forming apparatus 1 via the access point 90. The image forming apparatus 1 then performs the locking process and transmits a signal indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 has been locked to the remote operation panel 11-2 via the access point 90.

[0155] Next, a communication process when the image forming apparatus 1 locked by the remote control panel 11 is unlocked by the administrator PC 89 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0156] First, the administrator PC 89 transmits a request to unlock the image forming apparatus 1 to the access point 90 (S91).

[0157] Next, the access point 90 transmits the unlock request received from the administrator PC 89 to the image forming apparatus 1 (S92).

[0158] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 performs an unlocking process to release the lock, and transmits a signal to the access point 90 notifying the administrator PC 89 that the unlocking process has been completed (S93).

[0159] Next, the access point 90 transmits a signal to the administrator PC 89 notifying that the unlocking process has been completed (S94).

[0160] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits a signal indicating that the remote operation panel 11 that transmitted the lock instruction has been unlocked to the access point 90 from the remote operation panel connection unit 34 (S95).

[0161] Next, the access point 90 transmits the signal received from the remote operation panel connection unit 34 indicating that the lock has been released to the remote operation panel 11 (S96).

[0162] In this way, the lock can be set and released not only by the remote control panel 11 but also by the administrator PC 89.

[0163] <Time schedule management> The management of the time schedule in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0164] In the above communication processing, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not a connection can be established between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11, but the server 84 or the administrator PC 89 may determine whether or not a connection can be established and may restrict the connection if the determination result indicates that a connection is not possible. In this case, the server 84 or the administrator PC 89 may transmit information necessary for a connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11 to the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 11, and initiate a connection between the remote operation panel 11 and the image forming apparatus 1. When the server 84 or the administrator PC 89 manages the connection status, it can be managed according to a time schedule shown as an example in FIG. 14.

[0165] 14 illustrates an environment in which five image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5 are used by four users 1 to 4. Each of the users 1 to 4 has a remote control panel 11. Each of the users 1 to 4 makes reservations for the image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5 according to a time schedule divided into four time slots.

[0166] Each of the users 1 to 4 uses the server 84 or the administrator PC 89 to determine whether or not connection to each of the image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5 is possible, and depending on the determination result, connects to and uses the image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5. Furthermore, the image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5 that the users 1 to 4 plan to use are controlled so that users 1 to 4 other than the users 1 to 4 who plan to use them cannot connect to them.

[0167] In this way, in an environment where the use of image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5 is managed, for example, user 1 can newly reserve a usage period A, and user 2 can newly reserve a usage period B starting from the current time. In the example of Fig. 14, a usage time is set, but in cases where the end time cannot be guaranteed simply by the connection between image forming devices 1-1 to 1-5 and remote operation panel 11, such as in the case of continuous use or printing, the start time may be limited to the current time.

[0168] When the reserved usage period arrives, the server 84 or the administrator PC 89 may communicate with the target remote operation panel 11 and display a selection screen shown in Fig. 15 on the operation input unit 13 of the remote operation panel 11 to prompt the user whether or not to initiate a connection. The reason for displaying the selection screen shown in Fig. 15 is that if multiple image forming apparatuses 1-1 to 1-5 are reserved for the same time, as in the case of user 1 in the time schedule shown in Fig. 14, switching the connection may interrupt the work. Note that if multiple image forming apparatuses 1-1 to 1-5 cannot be reserved, the connection may be automatically switched between the image forming apparatuses 1-1 to 1-5 without displaying the selection screen shown in Fig. 15.

[0169] In this way, by making it possible to lock an image forming device 1 that is not connected, it is possible to prevent other users from using the image forming device 1 that is not connected, and it is possible to make it possible to use different image forming devices 1 continuously.

[0170] Furthermore, the remote operation panel 11 may limit the number of image forming apparatuses 1 that can be locked by one remote operation panel 11. In this case, the remote operation panel 11 may cause the operation input unit 13 to display a display that allows the user to check "connection," "lock," and "lock status" as shown in FIG. 16(a).

[0171] When "Lock Status" is selected in the display of Fig. 16(a), the remote operation panel 11 may display the target image forming apparatus 1, the lock time until unlocking, an unlock button, and the remaining number of lockable devices on the operation input unit 13, as shown in Fig. 16(b). In this case, if the upper limit of the lockable number of devices has been locked, the display of "Lock" may be grayed out, as shown in Fig. 16(c), so that "Lock" cannot be selected.

[0172] In this way, by limiting the number of devices that can be locked and preventing unnecessary locking, multiple users can select an image forming device 1 that can be used efficiently and use the image forming device 1 continuously.

[0173] In this embodiment, when it is set to restrict the connection between the image forming device 1 and other remote control panels 11, the connection between the image forming device 1 and other remote control panels 11 is restricted. This prevents a user who wants to use multiple different image forming devices 1 consecutively from using the next image forming device 1 before another user does.

[0174] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1. Image forming device 11 Remote control panel 13 Operation input section 23 Power supply control unit 25 Print processing unit 26 Post-processing section 27 Control Unit 28 CPU 29 ROM 30 RAM 31 Storage 32 NIC 33 LAN 34 Remote control panel connection 45 Control Unit 46 CPU 47 NIC 48 RAM 49 ROM 50 Controllers 84 servers 89 Administrator PC 90 Access Points 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. A remote control device for remotely controlling an image forming apparatus, a setting unit that sets whether or not to restrict a connection between the image forming apparatus and a remote control device other than the remote control device; a control unit that, when the setting unit has set to restrict the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control device, restricts the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control device before causing the image forming apparatus to form an image; and The control unit If connection with the image forming apparatus is possible, a connection process with the image forming apparatus is executed. A remote control device characterized by:

2. The setting unit setting a lock time for restricting connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control device; The control unit a request to the image forming apparatus to restrict connection with the other remote control apparatus during the lock time set by the setting unit; 2. The remote control device according to claim 1.

3. The setting unit setting the number of the image forming apparatuses for which connection with the other remote control apparatuses is to be limited; The control unit requesting the number of image forming apparatuses set by the setting unit to restrict connection with the other remote control apparatus; 3. The remote control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit requesting the image forming apparatus, which is restricted from connecting to the image forming apparatus, to lift the restriction on the connection to the image forming apparatus; 4. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a remote control unit.

5. The control unit restricting the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control apparatus based on user information; 5. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a remote control unit.

6. The control unit restricting the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control apparatus based on the information of the image forming apparatus itself; 6. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a remote control unit.

7. a receiving unit for receiving a release notification from the image forming apparatus for releasing the restriction on connection with the other remote control apparatus; The control unit When the receiving unit receives the release notification, the image forming apparatus is requested to re-restrict the connection with the other remote control apparatus.

7. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a remote control unit.

8. a receiving unit for receiving a request notification from the image forming apparatus that a connection request has been received from the other remote control apparatus; The setting unit When the receiving unit receives the request notification, it is set whether or not to release the restriction on the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control apparatus; The control unit When the setting unit sets the restriction on the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control apparatus to be lifted, the setting unit requests the image forming apparatus to lift the restriction on the connection with the other remote control apparatus.

7. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a remote control unit.

9. An image forming apparatus that is remotely controlled by a specific remote control device, a receiving unit that receives, from the specific remote control device, an instruction to restrict connection with other remote control devices other than the specific remote control device; a control unit that, when the receiving unit receives the instruction, restricts connection with the other remote control devices before image formation in accordance with the instruction from the specific remote control device; and The receiving unit receiving a connection request requesting a connection; The control unit When the connection with the other remote control device is restricted, when the receiving unit receives the connection request, control is performed according to a determination result of whether the source of the connection request is the specific remote control device. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

10. The control unit When the determination result indicates that the remote control device is the specific remote control device, the control is performed to start a connection process with the specific remote control device.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9,

11. The control unit When the determination result indicates that the remote control device is not the specific remote control device, the control is performed to notify the connection request source that connection is not possible.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. The control unit When the determination result is that the remote control device is not the specific remote control device, the control is performed to notify the specific remote control device that the connection request has been received.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. The receiving unit receiving a restriction release request from the specific remote control device to request release of connection with the specific remote control device; The control unit When the determination result indicates that the remote control device is not the specific remote control device, and the reception unit receives the restriction release request, the restriction on the connection with the other remote control device is released.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

14. The control unit When the restriction on the connection with the other remote control device is lifted, the connection request source is notified that the connection is possible.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. an image forming apparatus; a remote control device for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus; An image forming system having: The remote control device is a setting unit that sets whether or not to restrict a connection between the image forming apparatus and another remote control device; and a first control unit that, when the setting unit has set that the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control device is restricted, restricts the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control device before causing the image forming apparatus to form an image; Equipped with The setting unit setting a lock time for restricting connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control device; The first control unit a request to the image forming apparatus to restrict connection with the other remote control apparatus during the lock time set by the setting unit; An image forming system comprising:

16. Determining whether or not connection between the image forming apparatus and the remote control apparatus is possible, and restricting or limiting the connection. an information processing device that performs the release; 16. The image forming system according to claim 15.

17. the image forming apparatus, When the lock time has elapsed, the restriction on the connection with the other remote control device is lifted.

17. The image forming system according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The remote control device is a display unit that displays a message indicating that connection is not possible when connection to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the connection request cannot be made; 18. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the image forming system is a printer.

19. The first control unit If a connection cannot be established with the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the connection request, the image forming apparatus is determined to be unconnectable.

19. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the image forming system is a printer.

20. The setting unit setting the number of the image forming apparatuses for which connection with the other remote control apparatuses is to be limited; The first control unit requesting the number of image forming apparatuses set by the setting unit to restrict connection with the other remote control apparatus; 20. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the image forming system is a printer.

21. the image forming apparatus, a receiving unit that receives a connection request that requests a connection; a second control unit that, when the connection with the other remote control device is restricted, determines whether or not a connection with the connection request source is possible when the connection request is received by the receiving unit, and performs a connection process with the connection request source when it is determined that the connection with the connection request source is possible; 21. The image forming system according to claim 15, further comprising:

22. The remote control device is making a restriction release request to release the restriction on the connection between the image forming apparatus and the other remote control apparatus; 22. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the image forming system is a printer.

Images