JP2004348372A - Remote control device and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately carry out remote control of an image formation apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A remote control device 1 and copying machines 2A, 2B and 2C as an image formation apparatus are connected communicatively via a communication network 3. In the remote control device 1, each of copying machines 2A, 2B and 2C acquires functional information that shows executable function, and the copying machine which fulfills the functional information and can execute the function which an operator requires is made to execute the function. Moreover, the copying machine which the operator chooses is made to execute the function which fulfills the above functional information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote operation device for remotely operating an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been an image forming apparatus that records image data obtained by scanning an image on a document on a recording medium such as recording paper and outputs the image data. When directly operating an image forming apparatus, a configuration in which each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be operated on a common operation screen according to the setting content of each user has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In recent years, with the networking of offices and the like, a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a personal computer that remotely operates the image forming apparatus are connected to a network, and each of the image forming apparatuses is remotely controlled by an operation input of the personal computer. A configuration for operation is considered (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
Also, the image data input device, output device, and operation device are connected to a network, and the input device scans an image according to the operation input of the operation device, sends the scanned image data to the output device, and outputs the image data to the output device. A configuration for outputting information as an image has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-306204 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-281195
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2000-357072 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with the configuration described in Patent Literature 1, the image forming apparatus cannot be remotely operated. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Literature 2, the image forming apparatus can be remotely operated, but since a plurality of image forming apparatuses are separately operated, operability cannot be improved. For example, even when trying to output the same image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, it is necessary to input an output operation to each of the image forming apparatuses one by one, which may complicate the operation and increase the operation time. there were.
[0007]
Further, when outputting image information by a predetermined function in a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the user must separately check whether or not the image forming apparatus of the operation destination has the predetermined function. There is a risk that function comparison for each device may be difficult.
[0008]
Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 3, the input device and the output device can be remotely operated. However, since image data is transmitted from the input device to the output device, if there are a plurality of output devices, a plurality of all The image information must be transmitted to the output device, and the processing load on the input device may be increased.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to appropriately operate an image forming apparatus remotely. More specifically, remote operation of a plurality of image forming apparatuses is performed simultaneously. Another object is to distribute image data scanned from an image forming apparatus to be image-scanned to a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be output on a remote apparatus side.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote operation apparatus for operating a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a communication network.
A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication network;
An operation unit that receives an operation input for operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Function information indicating an executable function of each of the image forming apparatuses is received via the communication unit, operation input information input from the operation unit is obtained, and various types of information based on the function information and the operation input information are obtained. A control unit that transmits the function execution instruction information to the image forming apparatus to be operated via the communication unit.
[0011]
According to the first aspect, execution instruction information of various functions based on function information indicating a function executable by each image forming apparatus and operation input information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be operated. Therefore, a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be remotely operated at the same time, and an appropriate function that satisfies the function information can be executed by the image forming apparatus to be operated.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation device according to the first aspect,
A display unit for displaying the operation input information satisfying the function information is provided.
[0013]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the operation input information satisfying the function information is displayed, the operator can appropriately re-input the operation input information while referring to the operation input information satisfying the function information.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation device according to the first or second aspect,
The control unit sets the image forming apparatus capable of executing the function of the operation input information as the operation target image forming apparatus based on the operation input information indicating the function requested to be executed and the function information, The execution instruction information of the function requested to be executed is transmitted to the operation-target image forming apparatus via the communication unit.
[0015]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the execution instruction information of the function requested to be executed by the operation input is transmitted to the image forming apparatus of the operation target capable of executing the function, the function input by the operation is appropriately applied. Image forming apparatus.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation device according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The control unit sets a function that can be executed by the image forming apparatus to be operated as a function to be executed based on the operation input information indicating the image forming apparatus to be operated and the function information; The execution instruction information of the function is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be operated via the communication unit.
[0017]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the execution instruction information of the function executable by the operation-target image forming apparatus input by the operation is transmitted to the operation-target image forming apparatus, the operation-input image forming apparatus is transmitted. Can perform an appropriate function.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The control unit converts the execution instruction information into a function execution format of the operation target image forming apparatus, and transmits the execution instruction information of the function execution format to the operation target image forming apparatus via the communication unit. It is characterized by transmitting.
[0019]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the execution instruction information in the function execution format is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be operated, the image forming apparatus converts the execution instruction information into the function execution format. This is unnecessary, so that the processing load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote operation apparatus for operating a plurality of image forming apparatuses having an image scanning function and an image output function via a communication network,
A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication network;
An operation unit that receives an operation input for operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Image scan instruction information is sent to the image forming apparatus to be scanned through the communication unit based on selection information of the image forming apparatus to be image scanned and a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be output from the operation unit. Transmitting image output instruction information to the image forming apparatus of the image output target via the communication unit, and receiving image data scanned from the image forming apparatus of the image scan target via the communication unit. A control unit for transmitting the image data to the plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the image is to be output.
[0021]
According to the invention described in claim 6, an image forming apparatus to be scanned and a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be image output are selectively inputted, and image scan instruction information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be scanned, and Image output instruction information is transmitted to an image forming apparatus to be output, image data scanned from the image forming apparatus to be scanned is received, and the image data is transmitted to a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be output. Therefore, by transmitting the scanned image data to the remote operation device by the image forming apparatus to be scanned, the burden of transmitting the image data to the plurality of image forming apparatuses to be output can be reduced. Copies can be properly remote controlled.
[0022]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation device according to the sixth aspect,
The control unit converts the image scan instruction information into a function execution format of the image forming apparatus of the image scan target, and converts the image scan instruction information of the function execution format of the image scan target via the communication unit. The image output instruction information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image output instruction information is converted into a function execution format of the image forming apparatus of each of the image output targets. The image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to which the image is to be output.
[0023]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the document image scan instruction information and the image output instruction information in the function execution format are transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be scanned and the image to be output. A process and a configuration for converting the scan instruction information and the image output instruction information execution instruction information into a function execution format become unnecessary, and the processing load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 8 is
A remote operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image forming system comprising: the remote operation device; and the plurality of image forming devices remotely operated via the communication network.
[0025]
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to configure the remote operation device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a plurality of image forming apparatuses remotely operated by the remote operation device.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, first and second embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof will be sequentially described in detail. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
[0027]
(First Embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the features of the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the remote operation device 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a remote operation device 1 for remotely operating a copying machine, and copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C as image forming apparatuses. Are connected by communication. In the present embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the remote operation target is a copying machine, but the image forming apparatus may have at least an image output function.
[0029]
The communication network 3 is, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), but is not limited thereto. The communication network 3 may include a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the like, and may include a telephone line network, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). A) a network, a broadband communication network, a dedicated line, a mobile communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV (Cable Television) line, an optical communication line, a wireless communication line, and an Internet service provider for connecting them. .
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 2, the remote operation device 1 includes a CPU 11 that centrally controls each unit, an operation unit 12 that receives an input of an operator, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores data, and a display unit 14 that displays display data. And a storage unit 15 for storing data, and a communication unit 16 connected to the communication network 3 and communicating with devices on the communication network 3, and each unit is connected by a bus 17.
[0031]
The CPU 11 expands a designated program from the various programs stored in the storage unit 15 into a work area of the RAM 13 and executes various controls in cooperation with the program on the RAM 13. The control unit 111 is the subject of various controls in this configuration. Here, the control unit 111 has been described as being provided as software, but may be provided as hardware.
[0032]
The operation unit 12 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and includes a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 12 outputs to the CPU 11 a signal indicating that the operator has pressed the keyboard and a position signal of the pointing device. The display unit 14 includes a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the like, and performs screen display according to a display signal from the CPU 11.
[0033]
The storage unit 15 has a recording medium (not shown) in which various programs, various data, and the like are stored or writable in advance, and the recording medium is a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor. And a recording medium readable by the CPU 11. The recording medium includes a fixed type such as a fixed hard disk or a removable type such as a CD + RW, a DVD-RAM, a memory card, a portable hard disk, and a high-density information recording medium using a blue laser. .
In particular, a remote operation program for remotely operating the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C is stored in the storage unit 15 in advance.
[0034]
The communication unit 16 includes a network card, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), a router, and the like for performing communication with an external device via the communication network 3.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C includes a CPU 21 that centrally controls each unit, an operation unit 22 that receives an input of an operator, a RAM 23 that temporarily stores data, and a display data. A display unit 24 for displaying, a storage unit 25 for storing data, a communication unit 26 connected to the communication network 3 to communicate with devices on the communication network 3, a scanner unit 27 for scanning an image on a document, An image output unit 28 for recording an image on a medium is provided, and each unit is connected by a bus 29.
[0036]
Of the components of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C, each component having the same name as each component of the remote operation device 1 generally has the same configuration as each component of the remote operation device 1. Therefore, parts different from the respective parts of the remote operation device 1 will be mainly described.
[0037]
The CPU 21 develops a designated program from various programs stored in the storage unit 25 in a work area of the RAM 23, and executes various controls in cooperation with the program on the RAM 23. The control unit 211 is the subject of various controls in this configuration.
[0038]
The storage unit 25 stores image data received from the communication unit 26, image data scanned by the scanner unit 27, and the like in a readable and writable manner. The storage unit 25 stores a function execution program for executing a function in advance.
The operation unit 22 includes a keypad provided with numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like. The operation unit 22 outputs to the CPU 21 a press signal pressed by the operator on the keypad. The display unit 24 is configured by an LCD or the like, and performs screen display according to a display signal from the CPU 21. Further, the operation unit 22 may be configured as a touch panel integrally with the display unit 24.
[0039]
The scanner unit 27 includes a light source, an image sensor such as a CCD, and a scanning mechanism. The scanner unit 27 reflects light from the light source onto the document, scans the document with the scanning mechanism, scans the reflected light with the image sensor, and scans the document. The electrical signal is digitized, converted into image data, and output. Further, the scanner unit 27 is not limited to such a reflection type scanner, but may be a transmission type scanner.
[0040]
The image output unit 28 forms and outputs an image of image data on a recording medium such as a recording paper or an OHP sheet by a laser type, an ink jet type, a dot impact type, a thermal transfer type, or the like.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a remote operation process executed in the remote operation device 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a function execution process executed in the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C. FIG. 6 shows an input screen 41 displayed on the display unit 14 of the remote operation device 1. FIG. 7 shows a device display screen 42 displayed on the display unit 14.
[0042]
First, a remote operation process executed by the remote operation device 1 will be described. In the remote operation device 1, for example, triggered by input of an instruction to start execution of remote operation processing from the operation unit 12, the remote operation program stored in the storage unit 15 is read out by the CPU 11 and expanded in the RAM 13. The remote operation processing is executed by cooperation of the remote operation program and the CPU 11. The remote operation process is a process of causing the copiers 2A, 2B, and 2C to execute various functions by selecting a function or an apparatus by remote operation. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the subject of the processing is the control unit 111.
[0043]
First, function information indicating a function executable in each copying machine is received from each of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 16 (step S11). Next, an input screen is displayed on the display unit 14, and a mode selection instruction is input by the operator via the operation unit 12 (step S12).
[0044]
The mode includes a function selection mode for selecting a function to be executed in the copying machine, and a device selection mode for selecting a copying machine to output an image. The input screen displayed in step S12 is, for example, the input screen 41 shown in FIG. 6, and when a function selection button 411 or a device selection button 412 on the screen is pressed down with a mouse click or the like, a function selection mode or a device selection mode is selected. Mode is selected.
[0045]
Then, it is determined whether the function selection mode or the device selection mode is selected in step S12 (step S13). When the function selection mode is selected (step S13; function selection mode), a function to be executed is input by the operator via the operation unit 12 (step S14). For example, in the function selection unit 413 of the input screen 41 shown in FIG. 6, settings such as paper direction, stapling, image forming surface, copy density, magnification, and paper size relating to copying are set and input as functions to be executed. The function is not limited to the copying function, and may include various functions related to image scanning, image output (printing), and the like.
[0046]
Then, the function input in step S14 is compared with the function information executable in each of copying machines 2A, 2B and 2C acquired in step S11, and the copying machine capable of executing the function input in step S14 is determined. The extracted copier is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S15).
[0047]
For example, on the device display screen 42 shown in FIG. 7, the functions input in step S14 are displayed as a list on the function display unit 421, and copiers that can execute the functions are displayed on the copier display unit 422. In the copying machine display section 422 of FIG. 7, the case where the copying machine 2A is extracted is displayed. The copy machines 2B and 2C indicate that they were not extracted by reverse display.
[0048]
Then, various operations are input by the operator via the operation unit 12 corresponding to the extracted copying machine (step S16). For example, on the device display screen 42 shown in FIG. 7, the identification information of the copier to be executed, the number of image formations, and the start or cancel of the function execution are input from the device display unit 422 and the input unit 423.
[0049]
When the device selection mode is selected (step S13; device selection mode), the identification information of the copying machine whose function is to be executed is input by the operator via the operation unit 12 (step S17). For example, in the device selection unit 414 of the input screen 41 shown in FIG. 6, the copying machine 2A is set and input as a device to execute a function. One or more copiers may be selected.
[0050]
Then, the function executable by the copying machine of the identification information of the copying machine input in step S17 is obtained from the function information obtained in step S11, and the function is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S18). Then, various operations are input by the operator via the operation unit 12 in accordance with the extracted functions (step S19). For example, selection information of a function to be executed, the number of image formations, and start or cancellation of image formation execution are input.
[0051]
If the function to be executed is copying or scanning during the operation input in step S16 or S19, the operator sets the document on the scanner unit 27 of the copying machine to be executed. When the function to be executed is printing, for example, the image data is stored in the storage unit 25 of the copying machine at the image output destination.
[0052]
Then, in the operation input in step S16 or S19, it is determined whether a function execution or a cancellation is input (step S20). When cancel is input (step S20; cancel), the process proceeds to step S11. When the function execution is input (step S20; execution), ticket data corresponding to the copier of the same selected copier identification information is created from the information of the selected and input function (step S21).
[0053]
The ticket data is input job information described in a format executed in each copying machine. By using the ticket data generated from each selected function, it is possible to omit the processing and configuration for converting information on the function to be executed, which is transmitted from the remote operation device, into ticket data before executing the function, on the copying machine side.
[0054]
Then, the ticket data created in step S21 is transmitted to the copying machine corresponding to the copying machine identification information of the function execution target input in step S16 or S17 via the communication unit 16 and the communication network 3 (step S22). ), The remote operation process ends.
[0055]
Next, a function execution process executed by the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C will be described. The function execution program stored in the storage unit 25 by the CPU 21 is triggered by the start of reception of the ticket data transmitted from the remote operation device 1 via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 26 in the copier to be executed. Is read and expanded in the RAM 23, and the function execution program is executed by the CPU 21 in cooperation with the function execution program. The function execution process is a process of executing a function in a copying machine to be executed, based on the ticket data transmitted from the remote operation device 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the subject of the processing is the control unit 211.
[0056]
First, corresponding to step S22 of the remote operation processing, the ticket data transmitted from the remote operation device 1 is received via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 26 (step S31). Then, based on the received ticket data, a function is executed by the image output unit 28 (step S32), and the function execution process is terminated.
[0057]
If the function to be executed is copy in step S32, the document image set in the scanner unit 27 is scanned in the copying machine to be executed, and the scanned image data is output to the recording medium by the image output unit 28. An image is formed. If the function to be executed is a scan, the document image set on the scanner unit 27 is scanned in the copying machine to be executed, and the scanned image data is stored in the storage unit 25. When the function to be executed is printing, the image data stored in the storage unit 25 is read, and the read image data is image-formed on a recording medium by the image output unit 28.
[0058]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the remote operation device satisfies the function information and executes the function requested to be executed based on the function information indicating the executable function of each copying machine and the operation input function. Is generated and transmitted to a copier to be operated that can execute the function, so that the copier can be remotely operated so that an appropriate function is executed by an appropriate copier. .
[0059]
Further, the remote operation device satisfies the function information of the copy machine to be operated based on the function information indicating the executable function of each copy machine and the identification information of the copy machine whose operation has been input, and determines the function requested to be executed. Since the ticket data to be executed is transmitted to the copier to be operated, the copier can be remotely operated so that the copier to which the operation is input performs an appropriate function.
[0060]
In addition, since a copying machine or a function that satisfies the function information is displayed, the operator can perform an operation input while referring to the copying machine or the function. Further, since the ticket data described in the function execution format of the operation target copying machine is transmitted to the operation target copying machine, the process and configuration for converting the function execution instruction information into the function execution format on the copying machine side are not included. This is unnecessary, and the processing load on the copying machine can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.
[0061]
(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a tandem operation process executed in the remote operation device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a copy execution process executed in the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C. FIG. 10 shows a device display screen 44 displayed on the display unit 14.
[0062]
The device configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The storage unit 15 of the remote operation device 1 stores a tandem operation program. A copy execution program is stored in each storage unit 25 of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C.
[0063]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a tandem operation process executed by the remote operation device 1 will be described. In the remote operation device 1, for example, triggered by input of a tandem operation process execution start instruction from the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 reads the tandem operation program stored in the storage unit 15 and expands the tandem operation program in the RAM 13. The tandem operation program is executed in cooperation with the CPU 11 by the tandem operation program. In the tandem operation process, one of the copiers 2A, 2B, and 2C scans a document image (inputs image data) by a remote operation of the remote operation device 1, and scans the image of the same image data. The output is performed by a plurality of other units (here, two units). Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the subject of the processing is the control unit 111.
[0064]
First, function information indicating a function executable in each copying machine is received from each of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 16 (step S41). Next, an input screen is displayed on the display unit 14, and a copier for image scanning and a plurality of copiers for image data output are selected from the copiers 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the copier is identified. Information is input by the operator via the operation unit 12 (Step S42).
[0065]
In the input screen displayed in step S42, for example, a selection button for each of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C is displayed for an image scanning target and an image data output target, respectively. Is pressed when the user selects the image data output target copying machine selection button.
[0066]
Then, the functions to be executed on the copying machines to be scanned and output are input by the operator via the operation unit 12 (step S43). For example, the function information received in step S41 is displayed on the display unit 14, and a function to be executed by the copying machine is input with reference to the function information. Next, an apparatus display screen is displayed on the display unit 14, and selection identification information of a copying machine to be image-scanned and a plurality of copying machines to be output of image data among the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C is executed. The function is displayed (step S44). In step S44, for example, the device display screen 44 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, the functions input in step S43 are displayed as a list on the function display unit 441, and the master (image scan target) input in step S42 is displayed. The copying machine and the slave (image output target) copying machine are displayed on the device display unit 442.
[0067]
Then, various operations are input by the operator via the operation unit 12 corresponding to the copying machine to be scanned and the plurality of copying machines to be image output (step S45). For example, on the device display screen 44 shown in FIG. 10, the number of images to be formed and the start or cancel of copying are input from the input unit 443. Also, during the operation input in step S45, the original is set on the scanner unit 27 of the copying machine to be scanned.
[0068]
Then, in the operation input of step S45, it is determined whether copying execution or cancellation has been input (step S46). If cancel is input (step S46; cancel), the process moves to step S41. When the execution of copying is input (step S46; execution), ticket data corresponding to the copying machine of the same input identification information of the copying machine is created from information of the selected and input function (step S47). ). That is, ticket data corresponding to each of the image scanning target and the image output target copying machine is created.
[0069]
Then, the ticket data created in step S47 is transmitted via the communication unit 16 and the communication network 3 to each of the image scanning target and image output target copying machines based on the identification information of the selected copying machine. (Step S48).
[0070]
Then, it is determined whether or not reception of the scanned image data has been started from the copying machine to be image-scanned via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 16 (step S49). If the reception of the image data has not been started (step S49; NO), the process proceeds to step S49. When the reception of the image data is started (Step S49; YES), the scanned image data is received via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 16 from the copying machine to be scanned (Step S50).
[0071]
Then, the image data received in step S50 is distributed to a plurality of copying machines as image output targets via the communication unit 16 and the communication network 3 based on the selected identification information of the copying machine (step S51), and the tandem is performed. The operation processing ends.
[0072]
Next, a copy execution process executed by the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C will be described. In the copying machine to be subjected to the image scan and the image to be output, the reception of the ticket data transmitted from the remote operation device 1 via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 26 as a trigger causes the CPU 21 to store the ticket data in the storage unit 25. The copied execution program is read out and expanded in the RAM 23, and the copy execution program is executed in cooperation with the CPU 21. The copy execution process is a process of executing a function in a copying machine to be subjected to image scanning and an image output target based on the ticket data transmitted from the remote operation device 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the subject of the processing is the control unit 211.
[0073]
First, corresponding to step S48 of the tandem operation process, the ticket data transmitted from the remote operation device 1 is received via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 26 (step S61). Then, it is determined whether or not the received ticket data is related to the scan (step S62). If the ticket data is related to scanning (step S62; YES), the image of the document set in the scanner unit 27 is scanned and acquired as image data based on the ticket data received in step S61 (step S61). S63).
[0074]
Then, the image data acquired in step S63 is transmitted to the remote operation device 1 via the communication unit 26 and the communication network 3 (step S64), and the copy execution processing ends. Step S64 corresponds to step S50 of the tandem operation process.
[0075]
If the ticket data is not related to scanning (step S62; NO), the ticket data is related to image output, and corresponding to step S51 of the tandem operation process, the image data distributed from the remote operation device 1 is transmitted to the communication network. It is determined whether the reception has been started via the communication unit 3 and the communication unit 26 (step S65).
[0076]
If image data reception has not been started (step S65; NO), the process proceeds to step S65. When the reception of the image data is started (Step S65; YES), the image data distributed from the remote operation device 1 is received via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 26 (Step S66). Then, based on the ticket data received in step S61, the image data received in step S66 is image-formed on the recording medium by the image output unit 28 (step S67), and the copy execution processing ends.
[0077]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the copier to be scanned and the plurality of copiers to be image-outputted are selected and input by the remote operation device, and the ticket data of the image scan instruction is transmitted to the copier to be scanned. The ticket data of the image output instruction is transmitted to the image output target copying machine, the image data scanned from the image scanning target copying machine is received, and the image data is transmitted to a plurality of image output target copying machines. I do. For this reason, the copier of the image scanning target transmits the scanned image data to the remote operation device, so that the copying of the copier can be appropriately performed so that the burden of transmitting the image data to the plurality of copiers of the image output target can be reduced. Can be operated remotely.
[0078]
(Modification)
Next, a modification of the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 200 according to the present modification.
[0079]
The image forming systems 100 according to the first and second embodiments include one remote operation device 1 and a plurality (three) of copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C that are communicatively connected via a communication network 3. Configuration. The image forming system 200 of the present modification includes a plurality (two) of remote operation devices 1A, 1B and a plurality (three) of copying machines 2A, 2B, 2C, and is communicatively connected via a communication network 31. Configuration.
[0080]
Each of the remote operation devices 1A and 1B has the same configuration as the remote operation device 1. Further, the number of remote operation devices may be a predetermined number of three or more. The number of copying machines may be a predetermined number other than three. However, when corresponding to the second embodiment, it is necessary to provide one copier for image scanning and a plurality of copiers for image output.
[0081]
The description in each of the embodiments described above is an example of the preferred image forming systems 100 and 200 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect, execution instruction information of various functions based on function information indicating a function executable by each image forming apparatus and operation input information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be operated. Therefore, a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be remotely operated at the same time, and an appropriate function that satisfies the function information can be executed by the image forming apparatus to be operated.
[0083]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the operation input information satisfying the function information is displayed, the operator can appropriately re-input the operation input information while referring to the operation input information satisfying the function information.
[0084]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the execution instruction information of the function requested to be executed by the operation input is transmitted to the image forming apparatus of the operation target capable of executing the function, the function input by the operation is appropriately applied. Image forming apparatus.
[0085]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the execution instruction information of the function executable by the operation-target image forming apparatus input by the operation is transmitted to the operation-target image forming apparatus, the operation-input image forming apparatus is transmitted. Can perform an appropriate function.
[0086]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the execution instruction information in the function execution format is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be operated, the image forming apparatus converts the execution instruction information into the function execution format. This is unnecessary, so that the processing load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.
[0087]
According to the invention described in claim 6, an image forming apparatus to be scanned and a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be image output are selectively inputted, and image scan instruction information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be scanned, and Image output instruction information is transmitted to an image forming apparatus to be output, image data scanned from the image forming apparatus to be scanned is received, and the image data is transmitted to a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be output. Therefore, by transmitting the scanned image data to the remote operation device by the image forming apparatus to be scanned, the burden of transmitting the image data to the plurality of image forming apparatuses to be output can be reduced. Copies can be properly remote controlled.
[0088]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the document image scan instruction information and the image output instruction information in the function execution format are transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be scanned and the image to be output. A process and a configuration for converting the scan instruction information and the image output instruction information execution instruction information into a function execution format become unnecessary, and the processing load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.
[0089]
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to configure the remote operation device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a plurality of image forming apparatuses remotely operated by the remote operation device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the remote operation device 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a remote operation process executed in the remote operation device 1.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a function execution process executed in the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C.
FIG. 6 shows an input screen 41 displayed on the display unit 14 of the remote operation device 1.
FIG. 7 shows a device display screen 42 displayed on the display unit 14.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a tandem operation process executed in the remote operation device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing copy execution processing executed in the copying machines 2A, 2B, and 2C.
FIG. 10 shows a device display screen 44 displayed on the display unit 14.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 200 according to a modified example of the first and second embodiments.
[Explanation of symbols]
100, 200: Image forming system
1, 1A, 1B ... remote operation device
2A, 2B, 2C: Copy machine
11, 21, ... CPU
111, 211 ... control unit
12,22 ... RAM
13, 23 ... operation unit
14, 24 ... display unit
15, 25 ... storage unit
16, 26 ... Communication unit
17,28… Bus
27 ... Scanner section
28 ... Image output unit

Claims (8)

In a remote operation device that operates a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a communication network,
A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication network;
An operation unit that receives an operation input for operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Function information indicating an executable function of each of the image forming apparatuses is received through the communication unit, operation input information input from the operation unit is obtained, and various types of information based on the function information and the operation input information are obtained. A control unit for transmitting function execution instruction information to the image forming apparatus to be operated via the communication unit. The remote operation device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the operation input information that satisfies the function information. The control unit sets the image forming apparatus capable of executing the function of the operation input information as the operation target image forming apparatus based on the operation input information indicating the function requested to be executed and the function information, The remote operation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution instruction information of the function requested to be executed is transmitted to the operation target image forming apparatus via the communication unit. The control unit sets a function that can be executed by the image forming apparatus to be operated as a function to be executed based on the operation input information indicating the image forming apparatus to be operated and the function information; The remote operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein execution instruction information of the function is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be operated via the communication unit. The control unit converts the execution instruction information into a function execution format of the operation target image forming apparatus, and transmits the execution instruction information of the function execution format to the operation target image forming apparatus via the communication unit. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the remote control device transmits the data. In a remote operation device that operates a plurality of image forming apparatuses having an image scanning function and an image output function via a communication network,
A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication network;
An operation unit that receives an operation input for operating the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Image scan instruction information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to be scanned through the communication unit based on selection information of the image forming apparatus to be scanned and the plurality of image forming apparatuses to be outputted from the operation unit. Transmitting image output instruction information to the image forming apparatus of the image output target via the communication unit, and receiving image data scanned from the image forming apparatus of the image scan target via the communication unit. A control unit for transmitting the image data to the plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the image is to be output. The control unit converts the image scan instruction information into a function execution format of the image forming apparatus of the image scan target, and converts the image scan instruction information of the function execution format of the image scan target via the communication unit. The image output instruction information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image output instruction information is converted into a function execution format of the image forming apparatus of each of the image output targets. The remote operation device according to claim 6, wherein the remote operation device transmits the image data to an image forming apparatus to which an image is to be output. A remote operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image forming system comprising: the remote operation device; and the plurality of image forming devices that are remotely operated via the communication network.

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