Image processing device, terminal device, program, and printing system

Abstract

Provided is an image processing device comprising a storage unit, a communication unit communicably connected to a terminal device, an image processing unit that executes image processing including printing, and a control unit that controls the image processing unit on the basis of the communications made by the communication unit, wherein, in a state in which an operation screen of an operation application for executing image processing is displayed on the terminal device, when a printing operation with respect to a first file stored in the terminal device is received from a user via the operation application and a second file that is the same as the first file has not been stored in the storage unit the control unit, the communication unit receives, from the terminal device, print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing, whereby the control unit causes the image processing unit to execute printing. When a second file has been stored in the storage unit, the communication unit receives, from the terminal device, a print instruction for instructing printing of the second file instead of receiving the print data, whereby the control unit causes the image processing unit to execute printing.

Description

Image processing device, terminal device, program, and printing system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, a terminal device, a program, and a printing system.

[0002] Image processing devices such as printers generally have a display unit that displays images containing various information. The display unit of an image processing device has a lower resolution, a lower refresh rate, and / or a smaller size than the display units of terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals. Therefore, image processing devices often have lower operability than terminal devices.

[0003] In recent years, printing systems have been realized in which an operation screen of an image processing device is displayed on a terminal device, and the terminal device operates the image processing device via wireless communication between the image processing device and the terminal device. Such image processing devices may be configured to have a small display unit that is small enough to display a two-dimensional code. Alternatively, such image processing devices may be configured without a display unit (panel-less).

[0004] JP 2021-9467 A JP 2021-22123 A

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image processing device including a storage unit, a communication unit communicatively connected to a terminal device in which one or more files are stored, an image processing unit configured to perform image processing including printing, and a control unit configured to control the image processing unit based on communication with the communication unit. When a print operation is received from a user via the operation application for a first file stored on the terminal device while an operation screen of the operation application for performing the image processing is displayed on the terminal device, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit causes the image processing unit to execute printing by receiving print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device via the communication unit. If the second file is stored in the storage unit, the control unit causes the image processing unit to execute printing by receiving a print instruction from the terminal device instructing the user to print the second file instead of receiving the print data.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device includes a storage unit for storing one or more files, a communication unit communicably connected to an image processing device that performs image processing including printing, a display unit that displays an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device, an operation unit that accepts an operation on the operation screen to print a file selected by a user from the one or more files, and a control unit that controls communication with the image processing device via the communication unit and executes the operation application. When the operation screen is displayed on the display unit and the control unit accepts a print operation from a user via the operation application for a first file stored in the storage unit, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored on the image processing device, the control unit causes the image processing device to print the first file by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing and transmitting print data to the image processing device via the communication unit, and if the second file is stored on the image processing device, the control unit causes the image processing device to print the second file by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device via the communication unit instead of transmitting the print data.

[0007] A program according to a third aspect of the present disclosure causes a terminal device to execute the following steps: saving one or more files in a memory unit; communicating with an image processing device that performs image processing including printing; displaying an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device; accepting on the operation screen an operation to print a file selected by a user from the one or more files; when a print operation is accepted from the user via the operation application for a first file stored in the memory unit while the operation screen is displayed, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored on the image processing device side, causing the image processing device to print by transmitting print data obtained by converting the first file to a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device; and if the second file is stored on the image processing device side, causing the image processing device to print by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device instructing the image processing device to print the second file instead of transmitting the print data.

[0008] A printing system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes the image processing device according to the first aspect and the terminal device according to the second aspect.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of an image processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment mechanism by which a terminal device according to an embodiment is leaned against an image processing device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment mechanism by which a terminal device according to an embodiment is held vertically on an image processing device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment mechanism by which a terminal device according to an embodiment is held horizontally on an image processing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a folder created individually for each user in an image processing device by a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen display in a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen display in a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen display in a terminal device according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of a terminal device relating to an operation application according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of a terminal device relating to an operation application according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of a terminal device relating to an operation application according to an embodiment;

[0010] A printing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0011] (1) Overview of the Embodiments Assume that a user operates an image processing device to print a file stored in a terminal device. Each time such printing is performed, the terminal device converts the file to be printed into a data format suitable for printing, generates print data, and transmits the print data to the image processing device. Therefore, for example, if the communication bandwidth between the terminal device and the image processing device is narrow, the transfer time of the print data becomes long, and it takes a long time to complete printing, which reduces user convenience.

[0012] The present embodiment provides a printing system that can improve user convenience.

[0013] The image processing device according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit, a communication unit communicably connected to a terminal device in which one or more files are stored, an image processing unit that performs image processing including printing, and a control unit that controls the image processing unit based on communication with the communication unit. When the control unit receives a print operation from a user via the operation application for a first file stored in the terminal device while an operation screen of the operation application for performing the image processing is displayed on the terminal device, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit causes the image processing unit to print by receiving print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device via the communication unit. If the second file is stored in the storage unit, the control unit causes the image processing unit to print by receiving a print instruction from the terminal device instructing the user to print the second file instead of receiving the print data.

[0014] A terminal device according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit for storing one or more files, a communication unit communicably connected to an image processing device that performs image processing including printing, a display unit that displays an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device, an operation unit that accepts an operation on the operation screen to print a file selected by a user from the one or more files, and a control unit that controls communication with the image processing device via the communication unit and executes the operation application. When the control unit accepts a print operation from a user via the operation application for a first file stored in the storage unit while the operation screen is displayed on the display unit, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored on the image processing device, the control unit causes the image processing device to print by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing and transmitting print data to the image processing device via the communication unit, and if the second file is stored on the image processing device, the control unit causes the image processing device to print by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device via the communication unit, instead of transmitting the print data.

[0015] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image processing device can accept a print operation via an operation application, thereby improving operability. Furthermore, if a file identical to the file to be printed selected by the user is stored on the image processing device, the image processing device transmits a print instruction to print the file to the image processing device instead of transmitting print data. This reduces the time required to complete printing compared to transmitting print data, thereby improving user convenience. The terminal device can accept a print operation via an operation application, thereby improving operability. Furthermore, if a file identical to the file to be printed selected by the user is stored on the image processing device, the terminal device transmits a print instruction to print the file to the image processing device instead of transmitting print data. This reduces the time required to complete printing compared to transmitting print data, thereby improving user convenience.

[0016] (2) System Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system 1 according to this embodiment. The printing system 1 has a terminal device 100 and an image processing device 200. In the illustrated example, there is only one terminal device 100, but the number of terminal devices 100 may be two or more.

[0017] The terminal device 100 is a device that performs wireless communication. The terminal device 100 may be a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook computer (PC). In this embodiment, the terminal device 100 is a mobile terminal that moves with the user. However, the terminal device 100 may also be an operation terminal that is dedicated to operating the image processing device 200.

[0018] The image processing device 200 is a device that performs image processing including printing. The image processing device 200 may be a printer, a copier, a fax machine, or a multifunction device having these functions. In this embodiment, the image processing device 200 has a function of performing wireless communication.

[0019] In this embodiment, the image processing device 200 is a panel-less image processing device that does not have a display unit for displaying an image. Alternatively, the image processing device 200 may have a minimum small display unit for displaying a two-dimensional code.

[0020] The terminal device 100 executes an operation application (also referred to as an "operation app" or a "printer operation application") for operating the image processing device 200. The terminal device 100 executing the operation app displays an operation screen of the image processing device 200. The operation screen includes a connection screen used when connecting to the image processing device 200, a menu screen used after connecting to the image processing device 200, a selection screen for selecting a target for image processing, and the like. On the menu screen, operation buttons for instructing the execution of image processing may be displayed for each type of image processing.

[0021] The terminal device 100 operates the image processing device 200 by communicating with the image processing device 200. In this embodiment, the terminal device 100 establishes a direct wireless communication connection with the image processing device 200 and performs direct wireless communication with the image processing device 200. Such direct wireless communication may be an ad hoc mode (also referred to as an "access point mode") of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication system. In this case, the image processing device 200 functions as a wireless LAN access point. The wireless LAN communication system may be a system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The wireless LAN communication system is sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may establish an indirect wireless communication connection with the image processing device 200 via an access point and perform indirect wireless communication with the image processing device 200.

[0022] The direct wireless communication may be wireless communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark, hereinafter also referred to as "BT") or near field communication (NFC).

[0023] The terminal device 100 may be physically connected to the image processing device 200, for example, mechanically or electrically. For example, the terminal device 100 may communicate with the image processing device 200 using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) system. Such USB communication (also referred to as "USB communication") is an example of wired communication. However, wired communication is not limited to USB communication and may be communication using other wired communication standards. As will be described in detail later, the terminal device 100 can be mechanically fixed and connected to the image processing device 200. When the terminal device 100 is mechanically connected to the image processing device 200, the terminal device 100 may automatically launch an operation application. When the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 are mechanically connected to each other, the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 may automatically start a synchronization process. The synchronization process will be described in detail later.

[0024] (3) Example of the Configuration of the Terminal Device FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0025] The terminal device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a display unit 102, an operation unit 103, a control unit 105, and a storage unit 106. The communication unit 101, the display unit 102, the operation unit 103, the control unit 105, and the storage unit 106 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus 110. An interface may be interposed between the bus 110 and each unit. The terminal device 100 may further include a battery, a camera, and the like. The communication unit 101, the display unit 102, the operation unit 103, the control unit 105, and the storage unit 106 are housed in a housing 150 of the terminal device 100.

[0026] The communication unit 101 communicates with the image processing device 200. The communication unit 101 includes at least one of a wireless LAN communication unit 101a (first communication unit), a BT / NFC communication unit 101b (second communication unit), and a USB communication unit 101c. The wireless LAN communication unit 101a performs wireless communication with the image processing device 200 using a wireless LAN communication method. The BT / NFC communication unit 101b performs wireless communication with the image processing device 200 using a BT method and / or an NFC method. The USB communication unit 101c performs communication with the image processing device 200 using a USB method. Note that the terminal device 100 may further include a public network communication unit that performs communication via a public network. The public network may include a cellular communication network. The public network communication unit may be a cellular communication unit.

[0027] The display unit 102 displays an image under the control of the control unit 105. The operation unit 103 accepts user operations (user inputs). At least a portion of the operation unit 103 may be integrated with the display unit 102 to form a touch panel display unit 104. At least a portion of the operation unit 103 may be formed as one or more physical buttons. The display unit 102 is formed by a liquid crystal display unit or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display unit. The touch panel that forms the operation unit 103 detects the position of a touch operation on the display unit 102 and outputs the detection result.

[0028] The control unit 105 includes one or more processors and controls the entire terminal device 100. The control unit 105 executes various processes by running programs stored in the storage unit 106. The programs include an operation application for operating the image processing device 200. The control unit 105 controls the operations of the communication unit 101, the display unit 102, the operation unit 103, and the storage unit 106. The control unit 105 may include a logic circuit or the like configured to perform only certain operations. The operations of the terminal device 100 described above and below may be operations controlled by the control unit 105.

[0029] The storage unit 106 includes various types of memories, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an auxiliary storage device. The combination of the control unit 105 and the storage unit 106 may be regarded as a computer. The programs executed by the control unit 105 are stored in the ROM of the storage unit 106 and / or the auxiliary storage device, for example.

[0030] 2 is merely a schematic diagram. For example, the control unit 105 and the storage unit 106 may be provided in a distributed manner. For example, a processor included in each unit (a control unit that controls each unit from another perspective) and a higher-level processor (a higher-level control unit that controls the control unit of each unit) may be provided. In such a case, the control unit 105 may be regarded as a higher-level control unit, or as a combination of the control unit of each unit and the higher-level control unit.

[0031] In the terminal device 100 configured in this manner, the storage unit 106 stores one or more files. The files may be image files, text files, or audio files. The storage unit 106 may include a removable storage medium such as a memory card. The storage unit 106 may also include local storage (e.g., NAS (Network Attached Storage)) provided on a LAN.

[0032] The communication unit 101 is communicatively connected to the image processing device 200. Being communicatively connected may mean that at least one of the wireless LAN communication unit 101a, the BT / NFC communication unit 101b, and the USB communication unit 101c has established a communication connection with the image processing device 200. The display unit 102 displays an operation screen for operating the image processing device 200. For example, the control unit 105 executes an operation app to control the communication unit 101 to establish a connection with the image processing device 200 and to control the display unit 102 to display the operation screen. The operation unit 103 accepts an operation on the operation screen to print a file selected by a user from among files stored in the storage unit 106.

[0033] If the image processing device 200 does not have a file identical to the selected file, the control unit 105 converts the file into a data format suitable for printing and controls the communication unit 101 to transmit the resulting print data to the image processing device 200. The print data generated in this manner is also referred to as a print job. The data format suitable for printing is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, PCL (Printer Command Language).

[0034] On the other hand, if the same file as the file selected by the user is stored on the image processing device 200 side, the control unit 105 controls the communication unit 101 to send a print instruction to print the file to the image processing device 200 instead of sending print data (print job). Such a print instruction requires a much smaller amount of data than print data.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the control unit 203 receives a print operation from a user for a first file stored in the storage unit 106 while the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism of the image processing device 200 (i.e., while the terminal device 100 is mechanically connected to the image processing device 200), the control unit 203 performs the following control. Specifically, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored on the image processing device 200 side, the control unit 203 converts the first file into a data format suitable for printing, obtains print data, and transmits the resulting print data to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101 (e.g., the USB communication unit 101c), thereby causing the image processing device 200 to execute printing. On the other hand, if a second file identical to the first file is stored on the image processing device 200 side, the control unit 203 causes the image processing device 200 to execute printing by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101, instead of transmitting print data, instructing the image processing device 200 to print the second file.

[0036] The control unit 105 may detect that the terminal device 100 is attached to the image processing device 200 in response to the BT / NFC communication unit 101b or the USB communication unit 101c receiving a signal from the image processing device 200. Alternatively, a sensor (for example, a sensor provided in a connection terminal) for detecting that the terminal device 100 is attached to the image processing device 200 may be separately provided, and the control unit 105 may detect that the terminal device 100 is attached to the image processing device 200 using the sensor.

[0037] In this embodiment, in response to the operation unit 103 accepting an operation to print a file selected by a user, the control unit 105 controls the communication unit 101 to transmit identification information indicating the selected file to the image processing device 200. The identification information may be any information for identifying the file, such as a file name. The identification information may also include file attribute information, such as a file format or file properties. The communication unit 101 receives a notification from the image processing device 200 indicating whether a file identical to the selected file is stored on the image processing device 200. Based on the notification, the control unit 105 determines whether a file identical to the selected file is stored on the image processing device 200. This allows the control unit 105 to appropriately determine whether a file identical to the selected file is stored on the image processing device 200.

[0038] In this embodiment, the operation unit 103 accepts a user operation on an operation screen for synchronizing one or more files stored in the storage unit 106 with the image processing device 200. The control unit 105 performs synchronization processing by transmitting the one or more files and a save request therefor to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101. This allows the files stored in the storage unit 106 to be synchronized, making it easier to save the files stored in the storage unit 106 in advance on the image processing device 200 side. Note that when performing synchronization processing, it may be necessary to transmit a large number of files to the image processing device 200. For this reason, it is preferable to perform synchronization processing while the wireless LAN communication unit 101a or the USB communication unit 101c is connected to the image processing device 200.

[0039] In this embodiment, the save request includes a user identifier for identifying the user, and is a request to save the one or more files in a folder created individually for each user on the image processing device 200 side. This allows the user to save their own files in their own dedicated folder provided on the image processing device 200 side. Since other users cannot access their own dedicated folder, security can be improved and privacy can be protected.

[0040] The communication unit 101 may include a wireless LAN communication unit 101a, which is a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication, and a BT / NFC communication unit 101b, which is an example of a second communication unit that performs predetermined wireless communication with a narrower bandwidth than wireless LAN communication. The control unit 105 may control the wireless LAN communication unit 101a to transmit print data to the image processing device 200 and the BT / NFC communication unit 101b to transmit a print instruction to the image processing device 200. This allows an appropriate communication method to be used depending on the content to be transmitted. For example, even if the wireless LAN communication unit 101a is unavailable, the print instruction can be transmitted to the image processing device 200 via the BT / NFC communication unit 101b. Note that the print data may also be transmitted via the USB communication unit 101c. If the wireless LAN communication unit 101a or the USB communication unit 101c is available, the print instruction may be sent to the image processing apparatus 200 via the wireless LAN communication unit 101a or the USB communication unit 101c.

[0041] (4) Example of the Configuration of the Image Processing Apparatus FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image processing apparatus 200 according to this embodiment.

[0042] The image processing device 200 includes a communication unit 201, an image processing unit 202, a control unit 203, and a storage unit 204. The communication unit 201, the image processing unit 202, the control unit 203, and the storage unit 204 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus 210. An interface may be interposed between the bus 210 and each unit. The communication unit 201, the image processing unit 202, the control unit 203, and the storage unit 204 are housed in a housing 250 of the image processing device 200.

[0043] The communication unit 201 communicates with the terminal device 100. The communication unit 201 includes at least one of a wireless LAN communication unit 201a (first communication unit), a BT / NFC communication unit 201b (second communication unit), and a USB communication unit 201c. The wireless LAN communication unit 201a performs wireless communication with the terminal device 100 using the wireless LAN communication method. The BT / NFC communication unit 201b performs wireless communication with the terminal device 100 using the BT method and / or the NFC method. The USB communication unit 201c performs communication with the terminal device 100 using the USB method.

[0044] The image processing unit 202 performs image processing, including printing. For example, the image processing unit 202 includes a printing unit 202a, a scanner unit 202b, and a public network communication unit 202c. For example, image processing types include "printing," "copying," "scanning," and "faxing (facsimile)." Here, "copying" is a function in which the printing unit 202a prints image data obtained by scanning an original document using the scanner unit 202b onto paper. "Printing" is a function in which the printing unit 202a prints an image based on data received by the communication unit 201 from the terminal device 100 or an image based on data stored in a recording medium (not shown) connected to the image processing device 200. "Scanning" is a function in which the scanner unit 202b saves image data obtained by scanning an original document. The save destination may be, for example, an auxiliary storage device (or, from another perspective, non-volatile memory) included in the storage unit 204 or a storage medium connected to the image processing device 200. "FAX" refers to a function in which the public network communication unit 202c prints image data received from an external source via a telephone line using the printing unit 202a, and a function in which the public network communication unit 202c transmits image data obtained by scanning an original document using the scanner unit 202b to an external source via a telephone line. Note that an "image" may contain only text. "Image data" may be in various formats, such as vector format or raster format. For convenience, in the description of this embodiment, a strict distinction between "image" and "image data" may not be made. The format of "image data" may be appropriately converted during image processing. For example, the image data may be different when stored in the image processing device 200 and when image processing (e.g., printing or faxing) is performed.

[0045] The printing unit 202a performs printing under the control of the control unit 203. For example, the printing unit 202a prints on paper loaded in a paper feed tray and ejects the printed paper to a paper output tray. The printing unit 202a may have only one paper feed tray or multiple paper feed trays. From another perspective, the printing unit 202a may have a function for selecting the size of paper. The printing unit 202a may be configured to be capable of color (as well as monochrome and grayscale) printing, or may be configured to be capable of only grayscale (and monochrome) printing, or may be configured to be capable of only monochrome printing. Furthermore, for example, the printing unit 202a may be an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, a thermal printer that prints by heating thermal paper or an ink ribbon, or an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a laser printer) that transfers toner attached to a photosensitive body irradiated with light. Also, for example, the printing unit 202a may be a line printer whose head has a length spanning the width of the paper (a direction intersecting the paper transport direction), or may be a serial printer whose head moves in the width direction of the paper.

[0046] The scanner unit 202b performs scanning under the control of the control unit 203. The scanner unit 202b captures (scans) an image of a document set on a document table or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) using an imaging device that moves along a document glass, and generates image data.

[0047] The public network communication unit 202c performs image data communication via a public network under the control of the control unit 203. The public network includes a telephone network and / or the Internet. The public network communication unit 202c may communicate with a file server, a mail server, and / or a web server. The communication may be wired communication or may include wireless communication.

[0048] The control unit 203 includes one or more processors and controls the entire image processing device 200. For example, the control unit 203 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 204. In this embodiment, the control unit 203 controls the communication unit 201, the image processing unit 202, and the storage unit 204. Note that the control unit 203 may include a logic circuit or the like configured to perform only certain operations. The operations of the image processing device 200 described above and below may be operations controlled by the control unit 203.

[0049] The storage unit 204 includes various types of memory, such as a ROM, a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device. The combination of the control unit 203 and the storage unit 204 may be considered as a computer. The programs executed by the control unit 203 are stored, for example, in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 204. The storage unit 106 may include a removable storage medium such as a memory card. The storage unit 204 may include local storage (for example, a NAS) provided on a LAN.

[0050] 3 is merely a schematic diagram. For example, the control unit 203 and the storage unit 204 may be provided in a distributed manner. For example, a processor included in each unit (from another perspective, a control unit that controls each unit) and a higher-level processor (a higher-level control unit that controls the control unit of each unit) may be provided. In such a case, the control unit 203 may be regarded as a higher-level control unit, or as a combination of the control unit of each unit and the higher-level control unit.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the image processing device 200 according to this embodiment.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 4 , the image processing device 200 has a paper feed tray 26, a paper output tray 27, a platen cover 28, and a platen 29. Paper sheets set in the paper feed tray 26 are transported one by one to the printing unit 202a (see FIG. 3 ), where they are printed, and the sheets are output from the platen tray 27. The platen cover 28 can be opened upward using an end of the platen 29 as a fulcrum. Paper sheets are placed on the platen 29 with the platen cover 28 open, and scanning is performed with the platen cover 28 open or closed. The operation panel 22 is provided at a corner on the top side of the image processing device 200. The operation panel 22 is provided with an attachment mechanism 221 for attaching the terminal device 100 to a housing 250 of the image processing device 200. By attaching the terminal device 100 to the attachment mechanism 221, the terminal device 100 is mechanically connected to the image processing device 200. For example, the terminal device 100 may be leaned against the attachment mechanism 221, and various operations related to the image processing device 200 from the user may be received by the terminal device 100.

[0053] An attachment mechanism 221 may be provided on an edge of the operation panel 22. For example, the attachment mechanism 221 is formed by cutting out a portion of the edge of the operation panel 22. The attachment mechanism 221 may be provided as a location for leaning the terminal device 100 against. By leaning the terminal device 100 against the attachment mechanism 221 and connecting the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 via a wired medium or a wireless medium, it becomes possible to display an execution screen of an operation application on the terminal device 100. This makes it possible to use the terminal device 100 as an operation screen for the image processing device 200 even if the image processing device 200 does not have a configuration for displaying an operation screen.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting mechanism 221 that allows the terminal device 100 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment to be leaned against the image processing device 200 (see FIG. 1).

[0055] In the example of FIG. 5 , an NFC antenna 221a is embedded in the attachment mechanism 221. As a result, when the terminal device 100 equipped with an NFC function is placed against the attachment mechanism 221, the terminal device 100 can communicate with the image processing device 200 via the NFC antenna 221a. Therefore, communication between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 is enabled via the NFC antenna 221a, making it possible to display an execution screen of a printer operation application on the terminal device 100. Furthermore, information (such as an SSID) required to establish a wireless LAN communication connection may be transmitted and received between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 via the NFC antenna 221a. Thereafter, the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 may establish a wireless LAN communication connection, enabling the terminal device 100 to display an execution screen of a printer operation application via wireless LAN communication. Furthermore, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) antenna may be embedded in the attachment mechanism 221. In this case, once the terminal device 100 equipped with a Bluetooth antenna is placed against the mounting mechanism 221 and pairing is performed, various signals may be transmitted and received between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200. This may enable the terminal device 100 to display an execution screen of a printer operation application via Bluetooth communication.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting mechanism 221 in which the terminal device 100 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment is held vertically on the image processing device 200 (see FIG. 1).

[0057] In the example of FIG. 6 , the terminal device 100 is placed vertically in the attachment mechanism 221, and the connection terminal 221d is inserted into the bottom of the terminal device 100 and electrically connected, and is then held by the holding units 221b and 221c. Specifically, the holding unit 221b holds the upper and lower sides of the left edge of the terminal device 100 from the left side of the attachment mechanism 221, preventing, for example, the volume adjustment button from being pressed. The holding unit 221c holds the upper and lower sides of the right edge of the terminal device 100 from the right side of the attachment mechanism 221, preventing, for example, the power button from being pressed. Note that the holding units 221b and 221c may be rotated 90 degrees to hold the terminal device 100 in a horizontal position. In this case, the connection terminal 221d itself may also be rotated 90 degrees, and the cord at the end of the connection terminal 221d may be extended.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting mechanism 221 in which the terminal device 100 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment is held horizontally on the image processing device 200 (see FIG. 1).

[0059] 7 , the terminal device 100 is placed horizontally on the attachment mechanism 221, and is held by the holding portions 221e and 221f in a state in which the connection terminal 221d is inserted into the lower portion of the terminal device 100 and electrically connected. Specifically, the holding portion 221f holds the upper and lower sides of the left edge of the terminal device 100. The holding portion 221e also holds the rear side of the holding portion 221f.

[0060] As described above, by attaching the terminal device 100 to the attachment mechanism 221, a wireless communication connection can be established via the NFC antenna 221a, or a communication connection can be established by a mechanical connection via the connection terminal 221d. While the attachment mechanism 221 is provided on the edge of the operation panel 22 in the above example, the present invention is not limited thereto. The attachment mechanism 221 may be provided on the housing 250 of the image processing device 200, for example, on the top panel, side panel, or front surface of the housing 250. Furthermore, while the attachment mechanism 221 is provided by cutting out a portion of the operation panel 22, the present invention is not limited thereto. The attachment mechanism 221 may be provided as a recess in the housing 250, in which the terminal device 100 is attached, or as a base on which the terminal device 100 is leaned.

[0061] The control unit 203 may detect that the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221 in response to the BT / NFC communication unit 201b or the USB communication unit 201c receiving a signal from the terminal device 100. Alternatively, a sensor (for example, a sensor provided on a connection terminal) for detecting that the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221 may be separately provided, and the control unit 203 may detect that the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221 using the sensor.

[0062] In the image processing device 200 configured as described above, the communication unit 201 is communicably connected to the terminal device 100. The image processing unit 202 performs image processing, including printing. The control unit 203 controls the image processing unit 202 based on communication from the communication unit 201. If the storage unit 204 does not store a file identical to a file selected by a user of the terminal device 100 from among files stored on the terminal device 100 side, the communication unit 201 receives print data from the terminal device 100 obtained by converting the selected file into a data format suitable for printing. On the other hand, if the storage unit 204 stores a file identical to the selected file, the communication unit 201 receives a print instruction from the terminal device 100 instructing the user to print the selected file instead of receiving print data. When the communication unit 201 receives the print data, the control unit 203 controls the image processing unit 202 to print using the print data (i.e., execute a print job). When the communication unit 201 receives a print instruction, the control unit 203 retrieves a file identical to the selected file from the memory unit 204, converts the retrieved file into print data (print job), and controls the image processing unit 202 to print using the print data.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the control unit 203 receives a print operation from a user for a first file stored in the terminal device 100 while the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, the control unit 203 performs the following control. Specifically, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 (printing unit 202a) to execute printing when the communication unit 201 (for example, the BT / NFC communication unit 201b or the USB communication unit 201c) receives print data from the terminal device 100 obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing. On the other hand, if a second file identical to the first file is stored in the memory unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 (printing unit 202a) to execute printing by having the communication unit 201 (e.g., the BT / NFC communication unit 201b or the USB communication unit 201c) receive a print instruction from the terminal device 100 to print the second file instead of receiving print data.

[0064] That is, when the control unit 203 receives a print operation of the target file from the user of the terminal device 100 while the terminal device 100 is attached to the housing 250, the control unit 203 performs the following control. Specifically, when the control unit 203 receives a print operation of the target file from the user of the terminal device 100 while the terminal device 100 is attached to the housing 250 of the image processing device 200, the control unit 203 performs the following control. Specifically, when the target file is stored in the terminal device 100, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 to execute printing by having the communication unit 201 receive print data obtained by converting the target file into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device 100. On the other hand, when the target file is stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 to execute printing by receiving a print instruction from the terminal device 100 instructing the image processing unit 202 to print the target file instead of receiving print data.

[0065] Furthermore, the communication unit 201 receives identification information indicating the selected file from the terminal device 100. The control unit 203 generates a notification indicating whether or not a file identical to the selected file is stored in the storage unit 204 based on the identification information, and controls the communication unit 201 to transmit the notification to the terminal device 100. Note that if a file identical to the selected file is stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 may immediately start a print process using the file. In this case, the identification information indicating the selected file may be considered to be a print instruction instructing printing of the file.

[0066] In this embodiment, the communication unit 201 receives a request to save one or more files from the terminal device 100. The control unit 203 performs synchronization processing by saving, in the storage unit 204, files that have not yet been saved from the one or more files based on the save request. In other words, the control unit 203 does not save all of the files received from the terminal device 100 in the storage unit 204, but saves only files that correspond to differences in the files in the storage unit 204. This allows the storage capacity of the storage unit 204 to be saved.

[0067] The control unit 203 may start the synchronization process when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221. That is, the control unit 203 may automatically start the synchronization process when the terminal device 100 is mechanically connected to the image processing device 200, even without a user operation indicating the start of the synchronization process. This allows files that are saved in the terminal device 100 but not saved in the image processing device 200 to be saved in the image processing device 200 when the terminal device 100 is mechanically connected to the image processing device 200, thereby enabling automatic synchronization of files between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200. The control unit 203 may stop the synchronization process when the terminal device 100 is detached from the attachment mechanism 221. That is, the control unit 203 may automatically stop the synchronization process when the mechanical connection between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 is released, even without a user operation indicating the stop of the synchronization process. Here, even if the control unit 203 stops the synchronization process, the control unit 203 may cause the communication unit 201 to maintain wireless communication with the terminal device 100.

[0068] Alternatively, when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, the control unit 203 may cause the terminal device 100 to display a message inquiring whether or not synchronization processing is possible via the communication unit 201. In this case, the control unit 203 starts synchronization processing based on the terminal device 100 receiving a user operation indicating that synchronization processing is to be started.

[0069] In this embodiment, the control unit 203 may manage folders created individually for each user, as shown in FIG. 8 . A save request from the terminal device 100 may include a user identifier for identifying the user. The control unit 203 stores the file in the storage unit 204 in association with the folder of the user indicated by the user identifier. This allows each file to be stored in a separate folder for each corresponding user. Even if the control unit 203 receives a request from another user to view a folder of a certain user, the control unit 203 rejects the request or prevents the contents of the folder from being disclosed.

[0070] As described above, the communication unit 201 includes a wireless LAN communication unit 201a corresponding to a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication, and a BT / NFC communication unit 201b that is an example of a second communication unit that performs predetermined wireless communication with a narrower bandwidth than wireless LAN communication. The wireless LAN communication unit 201a receives print data from the terminal device 100. The BT / NFC communication unit 201b receives a print instruction from the terminal device 100. The print data may be received from the terminal device 100 via the USB communication unit 201c. If the wireless LAN communication unit 201a or the USB communication unit 201c is available, the print instruction may be received from the terminal device 100 via the wireless LAN communication unit 201a or the USB communication unit 201c.

[0071] (5) System Operation Example An operation example of the printing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an operation example of the printing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0072] In step S101, the terminal device 100 launches an operation app used to operate the image processing device 200 in response to a user operation. Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may automatically launch the operation app without any user operation in response to the terminal device 100 being attached to the attachment mechanism 221 of the image processing device 200. Here, the terminal device 100 displays an operation screen (a printer selection screen in the illustrated example) such as that shown in (1) of Fig. 10 on the display unit 102.

[0073] In step S102, the terminal device 100 receives from the user an operation to select the image processing device 200 to connect to. For example, the terminal device 100 receives from the user an operation to select the printer "PR1" shown in (1) of Fig. 10. Alternatively, when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221 of the image processing device 200, the terminal device 100 may automatically select the image processing device 200 to connect to by receiving type (model) information from the image processing device 200.

[0074] In step S103, the terminal device 100 establishes a communication connection with the selected image processing device 200. Here, the terminal device 100 displays a menu screen as shown in (2) of FIG. 10 on the display unit 102 as an operation screen. The terminal device 100 may acquire information indicating the type (model) of the connected image processing device 200 from the image processing device 200 and display a menu screen optimized for the type on the display unit 102. For example, the terminal device 100 may store information correlating the type with a menu screen and use the information to display an optimal menu screen on the display unit 102. Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may acquire menu screen data from the connected image processing device 200 and use the data to display an optimal menu screen on the display unit 102. The menu screen has buttons for each type of image processing. In the illustrated example, the menu screen has a "Copy" button, a "Scan" button, a "Print" button, and a "Fax" button. In this embodiment, the menu screen further includes a "File" synchronization button. When the user selects (operates) the "File" synchronization button on the terminal device 100, the operation screen transitions to a selection screen for selecting files to be synchronized. Here, the explanation will proceed assuming that the user selects (operates) the "Print" button and accepts an operation to print a file in the terminal device 100.

[0075] In step S104, the terminal device 100 accepts an operation from the user to select a file to be printed from among the files stored therein. Here, the terminal device 100 displays a file selection screen as shown in (3) of FIG. 11 on the display unit 102 as an operation screen. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that an image file with the file name "Abc3.jpg" has been selected. The terminal device 100 then displays a print setting screen as shown in (4) of FIG. 11 on the display unit 102 as an operation screen. On the print setting screen, for example, the size, paper, and number of copies can be selected. When the "Execute" button on the print setting screen is operated, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0076] In step S105, the terminal device 100 transmits the identification information of the file selected in step S104 to the image processing device 200. Note that the terminal device 100 may transmit the identification information of the file to the image processing device 200 when the file to be printed is selected on the file selection screen, before the "Execute" button is operated.

[0077] In step S106, the image processing device 200 compares the identification information received from the terminal device 100 with each file stored in its own memory unit 204, and confirms whether the file to be printed has already been stored in the memory unit 204.

[0078] In step S107 , the image processing device 200 generates a notification indicating the result of the check in step S106 , and transmits the notification to the terminal device 100 .

[0079] In step S108, the terminal device 100 determines, based on the notification, whether the file to be printed has already been saved on the image processing device 200 side.

[0080] If it is determined that the file to be printed has not been saved on the image processing device 200 side (step S108: NO), in step S109, the terminal device 100 generates print data from the file to be printed saved in itself. Then, in step S112, the generated print data is sent to the image processing device 200. In this case, in step S113, the image processing device 200 executes printing using the print data from the terminal device 100.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined that the file to be printed has already been saved on the image processing device 200 side (step S108: YES), then in step S110, the terminal device 100 sends a print instruction to the image processing device 200. The print instruction may include identification information of the file to be printed. In this case, in step S111, the image processing device 200 generates print data from the file to be printed that is saved in itself. Then, in step S113, the image processing device 200 executes printing using the print data that it has generated itself.

[0082] In this manner, according to this embodiment, when a file to be printed is stored on the image processing device, the terminal device 100 transmits a print instruction to the image processing device to print the file, instead of transmitting print data. This reduces the time required to complete printing compared to transmitting print data, and improves user convenience.

[0083] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the terminal device 100 for selecting files to be synchronized. In the example shown, multiple files can be selected as files to be synchronized together in folder units, such as a "Photo" folder, a "Text" folder, and an "Other" folder. The terminal device 100 identifies each file belonging to the folder selected by the user as a file to be synchronized.

[0084] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen, which is an operation screen displayed on the terminal device 100 when an error occurs on the image processing device 200 side. The illustrated example shows an error screen when there is no paper. The error screen includes a "Details" button for displaying details of the error and a "How to deal with" button for displaying how to deal with the error.

[0085] 14 is a diagram showing an example of synchronization processing between the image processing device 200 and the terminal device 100. Here, an operation example of performing synchronization processing when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221 of the image processing device 200 will be described.

[0086] In step S151, the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221. When the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, the attachment of the terminal device 100 is detected by, for example, a sensor provided in the connection terminal.

[0087] In step S152, the terminal device 100 transmits attachment information of the terminal device 100 to the image processing device 200. The attachment information of the terminal device 100 may include identification information of the terminal device 100 and / or identification information of the user, and may also include communication-related information for establishing a communication connection. The image processing device 200 receives the attachment information of the terminal device 100. As a result, the image processing device 200 establishes a communication connection by attaching the terminal device 100 (step S153).

[0088] In step S154, when the terminal device 100 establishes a communication connection with the image processing device 200 by being attached, it displays a synchronization execution inquiry screen on the display unit 102 based on the communication with the image processing device 200, and accepts user operations for synchronization on the operation screen (inquiry screen).

[0089] If a user operation for synchronization is received on the operation screen (step S155: YES), in step S156, the terminal device 100 determines that there is a command to execute synchronization, and transmits a file and a save request signal to the image processing device 200. On the other hand, if the terminal device 100 receives a user operation for not executing synchronization on the operation screen (step S155: NO), it determines that there is no command to execute synchronization, and does not execute synchronization processing.

[0090] In step S157, the image processing device 200 executes synchronization processing when it receives the file and the save request signal from the terminal device 100. In this way, when the terminal device 100 establishes a communication connection by being attached to the image processing device 200, the terminal device 100 displays a query about synchronization processing on the display unit 102, thereby making it less likely that the user will forget to synchronize the file saved in the terminal device 100 with the image processing device 200.

[0091] In step S158 , after executing the synchronization process, the image processing device 200 transmits synchronization process completion information to the terminal device 100 .

[0092] In step S159, when the terminal device 100 receives the information indicating the completion of the synchronization process, the terminal device 100 displays a screen indicating that the synchronization process with the image processing device 200 has been completed on the display unit 102. This allows the user to easily recognize that the synchronization process with the image processing device 200 has been completed.

[0093] Although an example in which a synchronization execution inquiry screen is displayed on the display unit 102 of the terminal device 100 has been shown, an operation screen may be displayed in which files to be synchronized are displayed and the files can be selected.

[0094] 14 shows an example in which the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, and after the attachment of the terminal device 100 to the image processing device 200 is established, a query about whether synchronization is possible is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the terminal device 100 is attached to the image processing device 200, the terminal device 100 may perform synchronization processing by transmitting a file and a save request to the image processing device 200 without displaying a synchronization execution query screen on the display unit 102. In other words, the image processing device 200 may start synchronization processing when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221. This makes it less likely that the user will forget to synchronize files saved in the terminal device 100 with the image processing device 200.

[0095] Note that the synchronization process may be stopped if the terminal device 100 is detached from the image processing device 200 while a file in the terminal device 100 is being synchronized with the image processing device 200. Furthermore, even if the terminal device 100 is detached from the image processing device 200, the communication connection (wireless connection) between the image processing device 200 and the terminal device 100 may be maintained.

[0096] (6) First Modification Example FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a first modification example of the operation according to the above-described embodiment.

[0097] In this modified example, the image processing device 200 is communicably connected to a plurality of terminal devices 100 (terminal devices 100A to 100D in the illustrated example). Each of the plurality of terminal devices 100 may be connected to the image processing device 200 via direct wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, or may be mechanically and electrically connected via wired communication such as a USB system. Furthermore, one of the plurality of terminal devices 100 may be attached to the attachment mechanism 221 of the image processing device 200.

[0098] When multiple terminal devices 100 are connected to the image processing device 200 so that they can communicate with each other, the multiple terminal devices 100 can perform synchronization processing. As shown in Fig. 8, the image processing device 200 has folders created individually for each user in the storage unit 204. Each terminal device 100 (each user) can save their own files in their own dedicated folders by sending a file, a user identifier, and a save request to the image processing device 200 in response to the synchronization processing.

[0099] Furthermore, the image processing device 200 may stop synchronization processing of one of the multiple terminal devices 100 depending on the status of image processing of the other terminal devices 100. For example, when the terminal devices 100A and 100B are communicably connected to the image processing device 200 and the terminal device 100A is performing synchronization processing with the image processing device 200, if the image processing device 200 starts image processing such as printing by the terminal device 100B, the synchronization processing of the terminal device 100A may be stopped. In other words, when the image processing unit 202 of one of the multiple terminal devices 100 starts image processing, the image processing device 200 (control unit 203) may stop synchronization processing with the other terminal devices 100 of the multiple terminal devices 100. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the load on the image processing device 200.

[0100] Furthermore, in the image processing device 200, the communication unit 201 can communicate simultaneously with a plurality of terminal devices 100. The control unit 203 performs synchronization processing individually with each of the plurality of terminal devices 100. Since synchronization processing places a large load on the image processing device 200, the image processing device 200 (control unit 203) performs synchronization processing individually with each of the plurality of terminal devices 100, thereby preventing synchronization processing from being performed simultaneously with a plurality of terminal devices 100 and suppressing an increase in the load on the image processing device 200.

[0101] Here, in the image processing device 200, the communication unit 201 may include a USB communication unit 201c (wired communication unit) that performs wired communication with one of the multiple terminal devices 100 that is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, and a wireless LAN communication unit 201a (wireless communication unit) that performs wireless communication with other terminal devices 100 among the multiple terminal devices 100. The control unit 203 may perform synchronization processing with one terminal device 100 via the USB communication unit 201c (wired communication unit). In other words, the image processing device 200 (control unit 203) may perform synchronization processing only with one of the multiple terminal devices 100 that is connected to the USB communication unit 201c (wired communication unit). This allows for faster and more stable communication than wireless communication, making it possible to execute synchronization processing smoothly and quickly.

[0102] (7) Second Modification FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second modification of the operation according to the above embodiment.

[0103] In this modified example, in the terminal device 100, the control unit 105 uses the communication unit 101 to acquire a file stored on the image processing device 200 side and processes the acquired file to generate an edited file. Then, the control unit 105 controls the communication unit 101 to transmit print data obtained by converting the edited file into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device 200.

[0104] Meanwhile, in the image processing device 200, the control unit 203 controls the communication unit 201 to transmit a file stored on the image processing device 200 side to the terminal device 100. The communication unit 201 processes the file and converts it into a data format suitable for printing, and receives print data from the terminal device 100.

[0105] 16, in step S201, the image processing device 200 transmits a file to the terminal device 100. For example, the image processing device 200 transmits a file generated by scanning (a scan file) to the terminal device 100.

[0106] In step S202, the terminal device 100 processes the file from the image processing device 200 in response to a user operation. For example, the terminal device 100 draws an object (a line or a figure) on the scan file and generates a processed file.

[0107] In step S203, the terminal device 100 generates print data (print job) from the generated processed file.

[0108] In step S204 , the terminal device 100 transmits the generated print data to the image processing device 200 .

[0109] In step S205 , the image processing device 200 executes printing using the print data from the terminal device 100 .

[0110] (8) Third Modification FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third modification of the operation according to the above embodiment.

[0111] In this modified example, the control unit 105 in the terminal device 100 uses the communication unit 101 to acquire a file stored on the image processing device 200 side, processes the acquired file to generate processed data representing the processing details, and controls the communication unit 101 to transmit the processed data to the image processing device 200. That is, in this modified example, the terminal device 100 does not transmit print data to the image processing device 200, but transmits the processing details performed on the terminal device 100 side to the image processing device 200. For example, the terminal device 100 transmits data of objects (lines and shapes) drawn in the scan file to the image processing device 200 as processed data. This significantly reduces the amount of data to be transmitted to the image processing device 200 compared to the first modified example described above.

[0112] In this modified example, in image processing device 200, control unit 203 controls communication unit 201 to transmit a file stored on image processing device 200 to terminal device 100. Communication unit 201 receives processing data from terminal device 100 that indicates the processing performed on the file on terminal device 100. Control unit 203 applies the processing data to the file to generate a processed file, converts the processed file into print data, and controls image processing unit 202 to print using the print data. That is, in this modified example, print data (print job) is generated on the image processing device 200 side.

[0113] 17, in step S301, the image processing device 200 transmits a file to the terminal device 100. For example, the image processing device 200 transmits a file generated by scanning (a scan file) to the terminal device 100.

[0114] In step S302, the terminal device 100 processes the file from the image processing device 200 in response to a user operation. For example, the terminal device 100 draws an object (a line or a figure) on the scan file and generates a processed file.

[0115] In step S303, the terminal device 100 extracts (generates) data of an object corresponding to the edited portion included in the edited file as edited data.

[0116] In step S304 , the terminal device 100 transmits the generated processed data to the image processing device 200 .

[0117] In step S305, the image processing device 200 applies the processing data from the terminal device 100 to the file (scan file). Specifically, the image processing device 200 superimposes an object indicated by the processing data on the file to generate a processed file.

[0118] In step S306, the image processing apparatus 200 generates print data (print job) from the processed file generated in step S305.

[0119] In step S307, the image processing apparatus 200 executes printing using the print data generated in step S306.

[0120] (9) Operations Related to Operation Applications The operations of the printing system 1 will be described below, focusing on the operation applications executed by the terminal device 100.

[0121] (9.1) Operation of the Image Processing Device First, the operation of the image processing device 200 related to the operation application will be described.

[0122] As shown in Figure 3, the image processing device 200 has a memory unit 204, a communication unit 201 that is communicatively connected to the terminal device 100 in which one or more files are stored, an image processing unit 202 that performs image processing including printing, and a control unit 203 that controls the image processing unit 202 based on communication from the communication unit 201.

[0123] When the control unit 203 receives a print operation from the user via the operation application for a first file stored in the terminal device 100 while an operation screen of the operation application for executing image processing is displayed on the terminal device 100, the control unit 203 performs the following operation. Specifically, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 to execute printing by having the communication unit 201 receive print data from the terminal device 100 that is obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing. On the other hand, if the second file is stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 to execute printing by having the communication unit 201 receive a print instruction from the terminal device 100 that instructs the printing of the second file instead of receiving print data.

[0124] The communication unit 201 may transmit information to the terminal device 100 for displaying on the operation screen whether or not the second file is stored in the storage unit 204. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the control unit 203 performs the check in step S106 and controls the communication unit 201 to transmit information indicating whether or not the second file is stored in the storage unit 204 to the terminal device 100 in step S107. Based on the information in step S107, the terminal device 100 may display on the operation screen whether or not the second file is stored in the storage unit 204. This allows the user of the terminal device 100 to know whether or not the second file is stored in the image processing device 200.

[0125] When the second file is stored in the storage unit 204, the communication unit 201 may transmit to the terminal device 100 information for displaying, on the operation screen, the printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed. For example, when the second file is stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 reads, from the storage unit 204, the printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed, and controls the communication unit 201 to transmit the printed setting conditions to the terminal device 100 in step S107 of Fig. 9. This allows the terminal device 100 to change the print setting conditions in the operation application to the printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed.

[0126] When the terminal device 100 receives a function check operation from a user to check whether the image processing device 200 has a predetermined function, the communication unit 201 may transmit information to the terminal device 100 to display the result of the function check on the operation screen. The predetermined function is the function of the image processing device 200 according to the above-described embodiment. When the image processing device 200 has the predetermined function and the second file is not stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 to execute printing by having the communication unit 201 receive print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device 100. On the other hand, when the second file is stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 203 causes the image processing unit 202 to execute printing by having the communication unit 201 receive a print instruction from the terminal device 100 instructing the second file to be printed, instead of receiving print data.

[0127] For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , after the image processing device 200 and the terminal device 100 establish a communication connection in step S103, the control unit 203 inquires of the image processing device 200 whether the terminal device 100 has a predetermined function. When the terminal device 100 receives a notification that the predetermined function is available, the control unit 203 displays information indicating that the predetermined function is available on the operation screen. By having the terminal device 100 check whether the predetermined function is available before exchanging files and displaying the confirmation result on the terminal device's operation screen, the user can easily confirm whether printing using the function is being performed. Furthermore, the communication volume between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 can be reduced compared to when sending files from the terminal device 100 without checking the function. Note that the confirmation result does not necessarily have to be displayed on the operation screen of the terminal device 100. Note that, if the function is available, the confirmation result display is not limited to information such as "The function is available," but may also include a prompt to select the file to be printed, such as "Please select the file to print." As a display of the confirmation result, if the function is not available, information such as "function not available" may be displayed, or the information may not be displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100.

[0128] As described above, the image processing device 200 may include a housing 250 in which the storage unit 204, the communication unit 201, the image processing unit 202, and the control unit 203 are provided, and an attachment mechanism unit 221 that attaches the terminal device 100 to the housing 250. The communication unit 201 may transmit information for automatically launching an operation application to the terminal device 100 when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221 in step S151 and a communication connection is established in step S153, the control unit 203 controls the communication unit 201 to transmit a launch signal for automatically launching the operation application to the terminal device 100. This can save the user the trouble of manually launching the operation application.

[0129] Furthermore, when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, the communication unit 201 may transmit information to the terminal device 100 for displaying on the operation screen that the terminal device 100 is attached. The information may be the activation signal described above, or may be information that is continuously transmitted to the terminal device 100 while the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221. The information may include information about the image processing device 200 (e.g., ID, model name, etc.). When the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, the terminal device 100 may display on the operation screen information about the image processing device 200 (e.g., ID, model name, etc.) in addition to the fact that the terminal device 100 is attached.

[0130] The communication unit 201 may transmit information to the terminal device 100 for displaying files stored in the storage unit 204 on the operation screen. For example, when the communication unit 201 receives a file viewing request from the terminal device 100, the control unit 203 controls the communication unit 201 to acquire information (e.g., ID, thumbnail image) of the files stored in the storage unit 204 and transmit the information to the terminal device 100. This allows the terminal device 100 to display (e.g., display a list of) the files stored in the image processing device 200 on the operation screen.

[0131] The control unit 203 may cause the image processing unit 202 to execute printing when the communication unit 201 receives print data obtained by converting the first file edited via the operation application into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device 100. This allows the first file edited via the operation application to be printed.

[0132] (9.2) Operation of the Terminal Device Next, the operation of the terminal device 100 related to the operation application will be described. However, the overlapping description of the operation of the image processing device 200 described above will be omitted.

[0133] As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 100 has a memory unit 106 in which one or more files are saved, a communication unit 101 that is communicatively connected to an image processing device 200 that performs image processing including printing, a display unit 102 that displays an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device 200, an operation unit 103 that accepts operations on the operation screen for printing a file selected by a user from one or more files, and a control unit 105 that controls communication with the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101 and executes the operation application.

[0134] When the control unit 105 receives a print operation from the user via an operation application for a first file stored in the storage unit 106 while the operation screen is displayed on the display unit 102, the control unit 105 performs the following operation. Specifically, if a second file identical to the first file is not stored on the image processing device 200 side, the control unit 105 causes the image processing device 200 to execute printing by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing and transmitting the resulting print data to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101. On the other hand, if the second file is stored on the image processing device 200 side, the control unit 105 causes the image processing device 200 to execute printing by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101, instructing the image processing device 200 to print the second file, instead of transmitting the print data.

[0135] The communication unit 101 may receive information regarding whether the second file is stored in the image processing device 200 from the image processing device 200. The control unit 105 may cause the display unit 102 to display on the operation screen whether the second file is stored in the image processing device 200.

[0136] When the second file is stored in the image processing device 200, the communication unit 101 may receive, from the image processing device 200, information about the printed setting conditions when the second file was previously printed. The control unit 105 may cause the display unit 102 to display the printed setting conditions on the operation screen based on the information. Furthermore, when the second file is stored in the image processing device 200, the control unit 105 may change the print setting conditions in the operation application to the printed setting conditions.

[0137] The operation unit 103 may accept a function check operation from a user to check whether the image processing device 200 has a predetermined function. The communication unit 101 may receive information from the image processing device 200 for displaying the result of the function check on an operation screen. If the image processing device 200 has the predetermined function and the second file is not stored in the image processing device 200, the control unit 105 may cause the image processing device 200 to execute printing by transmitting print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101. On the other hand, if the second file is stored in the image processing device 200, the control unit 105 may cause the image processing device 200 to execute printing by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101, instead of transmitting the print data.

[0138] The control unit 105 may automatically start the operation application when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism unit 221 of the image processing device 200 .

[0139] When the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221, the control unit 105 may cause the display unit 102 to display on the operation screen that the terminal device 100 is attached.

[0140] The communication unit 101 may receive information for displaying a file stored in the image processing device 200 on the operation screen from the image processing device 200. The control unit 105 may cause the display unit 102 to display the file stored in the image processing device 200 on the operation screen based on the information.

[0141] The control unit 105 may cause the image processing device 200 to perform printing by transmitting the print data obtained by converting the first file edited via the operation application into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 101.

[0142] (9.3) Screen Display Examples of the Terminal Device Next, a screen display example of the terminal device 100 relating to the operation application will be described.

[0143] 18 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen (operation screen) of an operation application on the terminal device 100. In the illustrated example, the terminal device 100 is a smartphone, and the operation screen is displayed on a touch panel display unit 104 having a display unit 102 and an operation unit 103.

[0144] In the example of Fig. 18, the operation screen has a display area R1 that displays information about the image processing device 200, and function buttons (B1 to B4) that are provided for each type of image processing. The display area R1 is an area that displays at least one piece of information from the product number, model name, and communication status (e.g., online or offline) of the image processing device 200. However, the operation screen does not necessarily have to have the display area R1. In addition, in the illustrated example, the function buttons (B1 to B4) correspond to document printing, photo printing, copying, and scanning, and the type of image processing is displayed in text, but may also be displayed using graphics (icons).

[0145] FIG. 19 shows a screen display when the "Photo Print" function button B2 in FIG. 18 is selected. FIG. 19(a) is a screen for selecting a device in which a file to be printed is stored. In the illustrated example, the screen display allows selection of either a device (terminal device 100) or a printer (image processing device 200). Photos stored in the cloud may also be selected. When "Device Photos" is selected, the screen display shown in FIG. 19(b) appears. FIG. 19(b) shows a thumbnail display screen displaying a list of images stored in the device. In the illustrated example, a search bar for searching for images (photos) is provided at the top of this screen. Also, thumbnails of the images are displayed, making it easy to confirm the contents of the images. The list of device photos may also be displayed as a list of image titles (IDs), etc.

[0146] When any image is selected in FIG. 19(b), the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20(a) is an example of a screen display when an image stored in the image processing device 200 is selected. FIG. 20(b) is an example of a screen display when an image not stored in the image processing device 200 is selected. In this way, the display allows the user to know whether the image selected for printing is stored in the image processing device 200. In the illustrated example, the screen includes a thumbnail of the image to be printed and buttons corresponding to each operation command ("Print," "Cancel," "Print Settings"). In the illustrated example, whether the image to be printed is stored in the image processing device 200 is displayed in text, but this is not limited to this, and various methods can be used, such as checking the image to be printed.

[0147] When an image stored in the image processing device 200 is selected in FIG. 19( b), the screen shown in FIG. 21( a) may be displayed. This screen differs from FIG. 20( a) in that a button corresponding to the "Printed Settings" command is included. The "Printed Settings" command prints the image to be printed using the printing conditions used when the image was previously printed (i.e., reuses the previous print settings). This saves the user the trouble of specifying printing conditions each time the same image is printed. Furthermore, when "Print Settings" in FIG. 21( a) is selected, the screen shown in FIG. 21( b) may be displayed. This screen is a screen for specifying printing conditions (print detail setting screen), but the print settings reflect the print settings used when the image was previously printed. For example, while the paper size is normally set to A3, if the image to be printed was previously printed using A4 paper size, the paper size may be set to A4. Note that, although FIG. 21A shows an example in which print settings applied to an image to be printed are reused as "printed settings," they do not have to be associated with the image to be printed. For example, a "previous print" command may be used to print according to the previous print settings. Furthermore, the print setting details screen in FIG. 21B may include a display (icon) indicating that print settings corresponding to past printing (including the previous print settings) are reflected, and may include a cancel display to cancel print settings corresponding to past printing.

[0148] 19A, when "Printer Photos" is selected, the terminal device 100 may display files stored inside the image processing device 200. For example, if the image processing device 200 manages image files by folder, any one of multiple folders may be selectable. The terminal device 100 displays each image file in the selected folder. This allows the user to refer to the files (folders) stored in the image processing device 200 using an operation application.

[0149] 22 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the operation screen of the terminal device 100 when the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221 of the image processing device 200. When the terminal device 100 is attached to the attachment mechanism 221 of the image processing device 200, an operation application installed in the terminal device 100 is started and the operation screen is displayed. Then, on the display screen (operation screen) of the terminal device 100, information indicating that the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 are connected (a character string in the illustrated example, but an icon or the like may also be displayed). This allows the user to easily check the connection status between the terminal device 100 and the image processing device 200 by checking the display screen of the terminal device 100.

[0150] FIG. 23 illustrates another example of the operation screen display. The screen illustrated in FIG. 23(a) differs from FIG. 20(b) in that it includes a button corresponding to "Edit." Selecting this button transitions to the screen illustrated in FIG. 23(b). The screen illustrated in FIG. 23(b) includes a thumbnail of an image (photo) and buttons for "Crop & Rotate," "Adjust," and "Filter." These buttons are used to select a type of image editing (processing). Selecting one of the buttons enables the corresponding image editing (processing). The screen may also include image editing functions such as zooming in, zooming out, and contrast adjustment. Because the image can be edited via the operation application, the terminal device 100 can generate print data from the edited image and transmit it to the image processing device 200. This allows image data to be easily processed without using an image editing device (such as a PC) other than the terminal device 100. Note that when transitioning from the screen illustrated in FIG. 23(a) to the screen illustrated in FIG. 23(b), the image (image data to be printed) may be enlarged. This facilitates processing within the operation application.

[0151] (10) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiments, "printing" may include 3D printing. That is, the image processing device 200 may have a 3D printing function. For example, the printing unit 202a may be a 3D printer that forms a three-dimensional object using resin and / or metal powder, etc.

[0152] The operational flows in the above-described embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order according to the order shown in the flow diagrams. For example, the steps in the operations may be executed in an order different from that shown in the flow diagrams, or may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, some of the steps in the operations may be deleted, or additional steps may be added to the process.

[0153] A program may be provided that causes a computer (image processing device 200, terminal device 100) to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiments. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, the program can be installed on a computer (information processing device). Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0154] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on." Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "depending only on" and "depending at least in part on." Furthermore, the terms "include," "comprise," and variations thereof do not mean including only the listed items, but may mean including only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term "or," as used in this disclosure, is not intended to mean an exclusive or. Furthermore, any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in some way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0155] The above describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0156] (11) Additional Notes Additional notes will be given regarding the features of the above-described embodiment.

[0157] Supplementary Note 1 An image processing device comprising: a storage unit; a communication unit communicably connected to a terminal device in which one or more files are saved; an image processing unit that performs image processing including printing; and a control unit that controls the image processing unit based on communication from the communication unit, wherein when the control unit receives a print operation from a user via the operation application for a first file saved in the terminal device while an operation screen of the operation application for saving the image processing is displayed on the terminal device, if a second file identical to the first file is not saved in the storage unit, the communication unit receives print data from the terminal device obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing, thereby causing the image processing unit to save the first file; and if the second file is saved in the storage unit, the communication unit receives a print instruction from the terminal device instructing the image processing unit to print the second file instead of receiving the print data, thereby causing the image processing unit to save the second file.

[0158] Supplementary Note 2: The image processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the communication unit transmits, to the terminal device, information for displaying on the operation screen whether or not the second file is saved in the storage unit.

[0159] Supplementary Note 3: The image processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein, when the second file is stored in the storage unit, the communication unit transmits to the terminal device information for displaying, on the operation screen, printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed.

[0160] Supplementary Note 4: The image processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein, when the second file is stored in the storage unit, the communication unit transmits to the terminal device information for changing the print setting conditions in the operation application to the printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed.

[0161] Supplementary Note 5: The communication unit transmits information to the terminal device that has received a function check operation from a user to check whether the image processing device has a predetermined function, for displaying the result of the function check on the operation screen of the terminal device; and the control unit, when the image processing device has the predetermined function, causes the image processing unit to execute printing by receiving print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device via the communication unit if the second file is not stored in the storage unit; and causes the image processing unit to execute printing by receiving a print instruction from the terminal device instructing to print the second file instead of receiving the print data if the second file is stored in the storage unit. An image processing device as described in any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0162] Supplementary Note 6: The image processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising: a housing in which the storage unit, the communication unit, the image processing unit, and the control unit are provided; and an attachment mechanism that attaches the terminal device to the housing.

[0163] Supplementary Note 7: The image processing device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the communication unit transmits, to the terminal device, information for automatically starting the operation application when the terminal device is attached to the attachment mechanism.

[0164] Supplementary Note 8: The image processing device according to Supplementary Note 6 or 7, wherein the communication unit transmits, to the terminal device, information for displaying on the operation screen that the terminal device is attached, when the terminal device is attached to the attachment mechanism unit.

[0165] Supplementary Note 9: The image processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the communication unit transmits, to the terminal device, information for displaying a file stored in the storage unit on the operation screen.

[0166] Supplementary Note 10: The image processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the control unit causes the image processing unit to execute printing when the communication unit receives print data from the terminal device, the print data being obtained by converting the first file edited via the operation application into a data format suitable for printing.

[0167] Supplementary Note 11 A terminal device comprising: a storage unit in which one or more files are saved; a communication unit communicably connected to an image processing device that performs image processing including printing; a display unit that displays an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device; an operation unit that accepts, on the operation screen, an operation for printing a file selected by a user from among the one or more files; and a control unit that controls communication with the image processing device via the communication unit and executes the operation application, wherein, when the operation screen is displayed on the display unit and the control unit accepts a print operation from the user via the operation application for a first file saved in the storage unit, if a second file identical to the first file is not saved on the image processing device side, the control unit causes the image processing device to print by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing and transmitting print data obtained by the conversion to the image processing device via the communication unit, and if the second file is saved on the image processing device side, the control unit causes the image processing device to print by transmitting a print instruction instructing the image processing device to print the second file instead of sending the print data.

[0168] Supplementary Note 12: The terminal device described in Supplementary Note 11, wherein the communication unit receives information from the image processing device regarding whether or not the second file is stored in the image processing device, and the control unit causes the display unit to display on the operation screen whether or not the second file is stored in the image processing device.

[0169] Supplementary Note 13: The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 11 or 12, wherein, when the second file is stored in the image processing device, the communication unit receives from the image processing device information relating to printed setting conditions when the second file was previously printed, and the control unit causes the display unit to display the printed setting conditions on the operation screen.

[0170] Supplementary Note 14: The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the control unit changes the print setting conditions in the operation application to the printed setting conditions when the second file is stored in the image processing device.

[0171] Supplementary Note 15: The terminal device described in any of Supplementary Notes 11 to 14, wherein the operation unit receives from the user a function check operation to check whether the image processing device has a specified function; the communication unit receives from the image processing device information for displaying the result of the function check on the operation screen; and the control unit, when the image processing device has the specified function, causes the image processing device to print by transmitting print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device via the communication unit if the second file is not saved in the image processing device; and causes the image processing device to print by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device via the communication unit instructing the image processing device to print the second file instead of sending the print data if the second file is saved in the image processing device.

[0172] Supplementary Note 16: The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 15, wherein the control unit automatically starts the operation application when the terminal device is attached to an attachment mechanism of the image processing device.

[0173] Supplementary Note 17: The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 16, wherein the control unit, when the terminal device is attached to an attachment mechanism of the image processing device, causes the display unit to display on the operation screen that the terminal device is attached.

[0174] Supplementary Note 18: The terminal device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17, wherein the communication unit receives information for displaying a file stored in the image processing device on the operation screen from the image processing device, and the control unit causes the display unit to display the file stored in the image processing device on the operation screen.

[0175] Supplementary Note 19: The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 18, wherein the control unit causes the image processing device to execute printing by transmitting print data obtained by converting the first file edited via the operation application into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device via the communication unit.

[0176] Supplementary Note 20 A program that causes a terminal device to execute the following steps: saving one or more files in a storage unit; communicating with an image processing device that performs image processing including printing; displaying an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device; accepting on the operation screen an operation to print a file selected by a user from the one or more files; and when a print operation is accepted from the user via the operation application for a first file saved in the storage unit while the operation screen is displayed on the display unit, if a second file identical to the first file is not saved on the image processing device side, converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing and sending the resulting print data to the image processing device, thereby causing the image processing device to print; and if the second file is saved on the image processing device side, sending a print instruction to the image processing device that instructs the image processing device to print the second file instead of sending the print data, thereby causing the image processing device to print.

[0177] Supplementary Note 21: A printing system comprising: the image processing device according to Supplementary Note 1; and the terminal device according to Supplementary Note 11.

[0178] 1: Printing system 22: Operation panel 26: Paper feed tray 27: Paper output tray 28: Document table cover 29: Document table 100: Terminal device 101: Communication unit 101a: Wireless LAN communication unit 101b: NFC communication unit 101c: USB communication unit 102: Display unit 103: Operation unit 104: Touch panel display unit 105: Control unit 106: Storage unit 110: Bus 150: Housing 200: Image processing device 201: Communication unit 201a: Wireless LAN communication unit 201b: NFC communication unit 201c: USB communication unit 202: Image processing unit 202a: Printing unit 202b: Scanner unit 202c: Public network communication unit 203 : Control unit 204 : Storage unit 210 : Bus 221 : Attachment mechanism unit 221a : NFC antenna 221b : Hold unit 221c : Hold unit 221d : Connection terminal 221e : Hold unit 221f : Hold unit 250 : Housing

Claims

1. An image processing device comprising: a storage unit; a communication unit communicably connected to a terminal device in which one or more files are saved; an image processing unit that performs image processing including printing; and a control unit that controls the image processing unit based on communication from the communication unit, wherein when the control unit receives a print operation from a user via the operation application for a first file saved in the terminal device while an operation screen of the operation application for saving the image processing is displayed on the terminal device, if a second file identical to the first file is not saved in the storage unit, the communication unit receives print data from the terminal device obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing, thereby causing the image processing unit to save the first file; and if the second file is saved in the storage unit, the communication unit receives a print instruction from the terminal device instructing the printing of the second file instead of receiving the print data, thereby causing the image processing unit to save the second file.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits to the terminal device information for displaying on the operation screen whether or not the second file is stored in the storage unit.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits to the terminal device, when the second file is stored in the memory unit, information for displaying on the operation screen the printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed.

4. The image processing device described in claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits information to the terminal device to change the print setting conditions in the operation application to the printed setting conditions used when the second file was previously printed, when the second file is stored in the memory unit.

5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits information to the terminal device that has received a function check operation from a user to check whether the image processing device has a specified function, for displaying the results of the function check on the operation screen; and the control unit, when the image processing device has the specified function, causes the image processing unit to execute printing by receiving print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing from the terminal device via the communication unit if the second file is not stored in the memory unit; and when the second file is stored in the memory unit, causes the image processing unit to execute printing by receiving a print instruction from the terminal device instructing the printing of the second file instead of receiving the print data.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing in which the memory unit, the communication unit, the image processing unit, and the control unit are provided; and a mounting mechanism for mounting the terminal device to the housing.

7. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein the communication unit transmits information for automatically starting the operation application to the terminal device when the terminal device is attached to the attachment mechanism unit.

8. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein the communication unit transmits information to the terminal device for displaying on the operation screen that the terminal device is attached when the terminal device is attached to the attachment mechanism unit.

9. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits to the terminal device information for displaying a file stored in the storage unit on the operation screen.

10. The image processing device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the image processing unit to execute printing when the communication unit receives print data from the terminal device, the print data being obtained by converting the first file edited via the operation application into a data format suitable for printing.

11. A terminal device comprising: a storage unit in which one or more files are saved; a communication unit communicably connected to an image processing device that performs image processing including printing; a display unit that displays an operation screen of an operation application for operating said image processing device; an operation unit that accepts, on said operation screen, an operation to print a file selected by a user from said one or more files; and a control unit that controls communication with said image processing device via said communication unit and executes said operation application, wherein, when said control unit accepts a print operation from a user via said operation application for a first file saved in said storage unit while said operation screen is displayed on said display unit, if a second file identical to said first file is not saved on said image processing device side, said control unit causes said image processing device to print by converting said first file into a data format suitable for printing and sending the resulting print data to said image processing device via said communication unit; and if said second file is saved on said image processing device side, instead of sending the print data, causes said image processing device to print by sending a print instruction to said image processing device via said communication unit instructing it to print the second file, thereby causing said image processing device to print.

12. The terminal device described in claim 11, wherein the communication unit receives information from the image processing device regarding whether or not the second file is stored in the image processing device, and the control unit causes the display unit to display on the operation screen whether or not the second file is stored in the image processing device.

13. The terminal device described in claim 11, wherein, when the second file is stored in the image processing device, the communication unit receives information from the image processing device regarding the printed setting conditions when the second file was previously printed, and the control unit causes the display unit to display the printed setting conditions on the operation screen.

14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit changes the print setting conditions in the operation application to the printed setting conditions when the second file is saved in the image processing device.

15. The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the operation unit receives from the user a function check operation to check whether the image processing device has a specified function, the communication unit receives from the image processing device information for displaying the results of the function check on the operation screen, and the control unit, when the image processing device has the specified function, causes the image processing device to print by transmitting print data obtained by converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device via the communication unit if the second file is not stored in the image processing device, and causes the image processing device to print by transmitting a print instruction to the image processing device via the communication unit instructing the image processing device to print the second file instead of sending the print data if the second file is stored in the image processing device.

16. The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit automatically starts the operation application when the terminal device is attached to a mounting mechanism of the image processing device.

17. The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit, when the terminal device is attached to the attachment mechanism of the image processing device, causes the display unit to display on the operation screen that the terminal device is attached.

18. The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the communication unit receives information from the image processing device for displaying a file stored in the image processing device on the operation screen, and the control unit causes the display unit to display the file stored in the image processing device on the operation screen.

19. The terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit causes the image processing device to execute printing by transmitting print data obtained by converting the first file edited via the operation application into a data format suitable for printing to the image processing device via the communication unit.

20. A program that causes a terminal device to execute the following steps: saving one or more files in a storage unit; communicating with an image processing device that performs image processing including printing; displaying an operation screen of an operation application for operating the image processing device; accepting on the operation screen an operation to print a file selected by a user from the one or more files; when a print operation is accepted from the user via the operation application for a first file saved in the storage unit while the operation screen is displayed, if a second file identical to the first file is not saved on the image processing device side, converting the first file into a data format suitable for printing and sending the resulting print data to the image processing device, thereby causing the image processing device to print; and if the second file is saved on the image processing device side, sending a print instruction to the image processing device instructing it to print the second file instead of sending the print data, thereby causing the image processing device to print.

21. A printing system comprising the image processing device according to claim 1 and the terminal device according to claim 11.

Images