U.S. patent application number 15/926012 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-29 for non-transitory computer-readable medium and portable terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Norihiko ASAI.
Application Number | 20180341447 15/926012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64401589 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180341447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ASAI; Norihiko |
November 29, 2018 |
NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM AND PORTABLE TERMINAL
Abstract
A portable terminal has a memory having a program stored thereon
and readably by a computer. The program causes the portable
terminal to perform deciding an image forming apparatus enabling to
execute a first operation as a first designated apparatus which
executes the first operation in accordance with predetermined
decision criteria, deciding an image forming apparatus designated
by a user of the portable terminal as a second designated apparatus
which executes a second operation different from the first
operation, receiving a designation of designating at least one of
the first operation and the second operation, transmitting first
instruction information that instructs to execute the first
operation to the first designated apparatus when the first
operation is designated in the designation, and transmitting second
instruction information that instructs to execute the second
operation to the second designated apparatus when the second
operation is designated in the designation.
Inventors: |
ASAI; Norihiko; (Tajimi-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
64401589 |
Appl. No.: |
15/926012 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1292 20130101;
H04N 1/00474 20130101; H04N 2201/0075 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; H04N 1/00 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; G06F 3/1285
20130101; H04N 1/00307 20130101; H04N 2201/0096 20130101; G06F
3/1226 20130101; H04N 1/00424 20130101; H04N 2201/0044 20130101;
G06F 3/1241 20130101; H04N 1/00204 20130101; H04N 1/32037 20130101;
H04N 2201/0039 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101; H04N 1/00413
20130101; H04N 1/32096 20130101; G06F 3/1291 20130101; G06F 3/1231
20130101; H04N 1/32005 20130101; H04N 1/00973 20130101; H04N
1/32776 20130101; H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N 1/00811 20130101;
H04N 1/32773 20130101; H04N 1/2338 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 26, 2017 |
JP |
2017-104565 |
Claims
1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a program
stored thereon and readably by a computer of a portable terminal
comprising a communication interface and a user interface, the
program, when executed by the computer, causes the portable
terminal to perform: deciding an image forming apparatus, that
enables to execute a first operation, to be a first designated
apparatus for executing the first operation out of a plurality of
image forming apparatuses capable of performing communication
through the communication interface in accordance with
predetermined decision criteria; deciding an image forming
apparatus, that is designated by a user of the portable terminal,
to be a second designated apparatus for executing a second
operation different from the first operation out of the plurality
of image forming apparatuses capable of performing communication
through the communication interface; receiving an operation
designation of designating at least one of the first operation and
the second operation, through the user interface; transmitting
first instruction information that instructs to execute the first
operation, to the first designated apparatus through the
communication interface, when the first operation is designated in
the operation designation, and transmitting second instruction
information that instructs to execute the second operation, to the
second designated apparatus through the communication interface,
when the second operation is designated in the operation
designation.
2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
1, wherein the program further causes the portable terminal to
perform displaying, on a display of the portable terminal, a first
object, a second object, and a switching object on that a character
string indicating the second designated apparatus is described, in
response to the deciding of the first designated apparatus and the
deciding of the second designated apparatus, prior to the receiving
of the operation designation, and wherein the program causes the
portable terminal to perform: the transmitting of the first
instruction information when the first object is designated in the
operation designation, the transmitting of the second instruction
information when the second object is designated in the operation
designation, and the deciding of the second designated apparatus
when the switching object is designated in the operation
designation.
3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
2, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform in
the displaying: displaying the first object and the second object
in a common display aspect when the first designated apparatus and
the second designated apparatus are the same, and displaying the
first object and the second object in each different display aspect
when the first designated apparatus and the second designated
apparatus are different from each other.
4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
2, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform, in
the displaying, displaying the first object on the display in a
case where the first designated apparatus is already decided in the
deciding of the first designated apparatus, and wherein the program
causes the portable terminal not to perform, in the displaying,
displaying the first object on the display in a case where the
first designated apparatus is not decided in the deciding of the
first designated apparatus.
5. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
1, wherein the first operation is an image processing, in that
neither physical input nor output of an image to be processed in
the first designated apparatus is required, and the second
operation is an image processing, in that at least one of physical
input and output of an image to be processed in the second
designated apparatus is required.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
5, wherein the program further causes the portable terminal to
perform when the first operation including transmission of image
data to an external apparatus is designated in the operation
designation: transmitting generation instruction information that
instructs to execute the second operation of generating the image
data indicating a physically input image, to the second designated
apparatus through the communication interface; receiving the image
data generated by the second operation in the second designated
apparatus in accordance with the generation instruction
information, as a response to the generation instruction
information, from the second designated apparatus through the
communication interface; and the transmitting of the first
instruction information that instructs to execute the first
operation of transmitting the image data received in the receiving
of the image data to the external apparatus, to the first
designated apparatus through the communication interface.
7. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
5, wherein the program further causes the portable terminal to
perform when the first operation, including reception of image data
from an external apparatus is designated in the operation
designation: the transmitting of the first instruction information
that instructs to execute the first operation of transmitting the
image data received from the external apparatus, to the first
designated apparatus through the communication interface; receiving
the image data, as a response to the first instruction information,
from the first designated apparatus through the communication
interface; receiving an image data designation of designating one
of the image data received from the first designated apparatus,
through the user interface; and transmitting output instruction
information that instructs to execute the second operation of
physically outputting an image indicated by the image data
designated in the image data designation, to the second designated
apparatus through the communication interface.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
5, wherein the first operation is a FAX transmission operation of
FAX-transmitting image data to an external apparatus through a FAX
line connected to the image forming apparatus or a FAX reception
operation of FAX-receiving the image data from the external
apparatus through the FAX line, and wherein the program further
causes the portable terminal to perform: detecting an image forming
apparatus connected to the FAX line out of the plurality of image
forming apparatuses capable of performing communication through the
communication interface; and deciding one of the image forming
apparatuses detected in the detecting of the image forming
apparatus connected to the FAX line, to be the first designated
apparatus.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform,
when only one image forming apparatus is detected in the detecting
of the image forming apparatus connected to the FAX line, deciding
the detected image forming apparatus to be the first designated
apparatus in the deciding of the first designated apparatus.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform when
plural image forming apparatuses are detected in the detecting of
the image forming apparatus connected to the FAX line: determining
whether the FAX lines connected to each of the plural image forming
apparatuses detected are the same or not; deciding the first
designated apparatus in accordance with a first decision criterion
that is one of the decision criteria when it is determined that the
FAX lines are the same; and deciding the first designated apparatus
in accordance with a second decision criterion that is one of the
decision criteria when it is determined that the FAX lines are
different.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
10, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform,
when it is determined that the FAX lines are the same, deciding an
image forming apparatus that conforms to a predetermined condition
to be the first designated apparatus, out of the plural image
forming apparatuses detected in the detecting of the image forming
apparatus connected to the FAX line.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
10, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform,
when it is determined that the FAX lines are different, deciding an
image forming apparatus that is designated through the user
interface to be the first designated apparatus, out of the plural
image forming apparatuses detected in the detecting of the image
forming apparatus connected to the FAX line.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein the second operation is a scanning operation of reading
an image recorded on a document to generate the image data, and
wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform when
the FAX transmission operation is designated in the operation
designation: transmitting scan instruction information that
instructs to execute the scanning operation to the second
designated apparatus through the communication interface; receiving
the image data generated by the scanning operation in the second
designated apparatus in accordance with the scan instruction
information, as a response to the scan instruction information,
from the second designated apparatus through the communication
interface; and the transmitting of the first instruction
information that is FAX transmission instruction information that
instructs to execute the FAX transmission operation of the image
data received from the second designated apparatus, to the first
designated apparatus through the communication interface.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
13, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform,
when the plural image forming apparatuses are detected in the
detecting of the image forming apparatus connected to the FAX line,
storing the first designated apparatus in association with an
alternative apparatus ID and an alternative line ID in a memory of
the portable terminal, the alternative apparatus ID being to
identify an alternative apparatus different from the first
designated apparatus out of the plural image forming apparatuses,
and the alternative line ID being to identify a FAX line connected
to the alternative apparatus, and wherein the program causes the
portable terminal to perform: determining whether the FAX
transmission operation instructed in the first designated apparatus
is normally terminated; determining whether the alternative line ID
of the FAX line different from the FAX line connected to the first
designated apparatus is stored in the memory when it is determined
that the FAX transmission operation is abnormally terminated
because the FAX line connected to the first designated apparatus is
in use; and transmitting the first instruction information to the
alternative apparatus identified with the alternative apparatus ID
associated with the alternative line ID, through the communication
interface, when it is determined that the alternative line ID is
stored in the memory.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
13, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform,
when the plural image forming apparatuses are detected in the
detecting of the image forming apparatus connected to the FAX line,
storing the first designated apparatus in association with an
alternative apparatus ID and an alternative line ID in a memory of
the portable terminal, the alternative apparatus ID being to
identify an alternative apparatus different from the first
designated apparatus out of the plural image forming apparatuses,
and the alternative line ID being to identify a FAX line connected
to the alternative apparatus, and wherein the program causes the
portable terminal to perform: determining whether the FAX
transmission operation instructed in the first designated apparatus
is normally terminated; determining whether the alternative line ID
of the FAX line, that is the same as the FAX line connected to the
first designated apparatus, is stored in the memory when it is
determined that the FAX transmission operation is abnormally
terminated because the first designated apparatus is operating; and
transmitting the first instruction information to the alternative
apparatus identified with the alternative apparatus ID associated
with the alternative line ID, through the communication interface,
when it is determined that the alternative line ID is stored in the
memory.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein the second operation is a printing operation of
recording an image indicated by the image data on a sheet, and
wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform when
the FAX reception operation is designated in the operation
designation: transmitting, as the first instruction information,
transmission instruction information that instructs to transmit the
image data that the first designated apparatus FAX-receives in the
FAX reception operation, to the first designated apparatus through
the communication interface; receiving the image data, as a
response to the transmission instruction information, from the
first designated apparatus through the communication interface;
receiving an image data designation of designating one of the image
data received from the first designated apparatus, through the user
interface; and transmitting print instruction information that
instructs to execute the printing operation for the image data
designated in the image data designation , to the second designated
apparatus through the communication interface.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
16, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform,
when the plural image forming apparatuses are detected in the
detecting of the image forming apparatus connected to the FAX line,
storing the first designated apparatus in association with an
alternative apparatus ID and an alternative line ID in a memory of
the portable terminal, the alternative apparatus ID being to
identify an alternative apparatus different from the first
designated apparatus out of the plural image forming apparatuses,
and the alternative line ID being to identify a FAX line connected
to the alternative apparatus, and wherein the program causes the
portable terminal to perform when the FAX reception is designated
in the operation designation: determining whether the alternative
line ID of the FAX line, that is the same as the FAX line connected
to the first designated apparatus, is stored in the memory;
receiving the image data, that is FAX-received by the alternative
apparatus identified with the alternative apparatus ID associated
with the alternative line ID, from the alternative apparatus
through the communication interface, when it is determined that the
alternative line ID is stored in the memory; and the receiving of
the image data designation of designating one of the image data
received from the first designated apparatus and the alternative
apparatus, through the user interface.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein the second operation is a printing operation of
recording an image indicated by the image data on a sheet, and
wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform when a
transmission operation of transmitting result information
indicating a result of the FAX transmission operation is designated
in the operation designation: transmitting, as the first
instruction information, transmission instruction information that
instructs to transmit the result information to the first
designated apparatus through the communication interface; receiving
the result information as a response to the transmission
instruction information from the first designated apparatus through
the communication interface; and transmitting print instruction
information that instructs the printing operation for the result
information received from the first designated apparatus, to the
second designated apparatus through the communication
interface.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
1, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform
detecting an image forming apparatus that enables to execute the
second operation out of the plurality of image forming apparatuses
capable of performing communication through the communication
interface, wherein, the program causes the portable terminal to
perform when the image forming apparatus that enables to execute
the second operation is detected: receiving an apparatus
designation of designating one of the detected image forming
apparatuses, through the user interface; and the deciding of the
second designated apparatus to be the image forming apparatus
designated in the apparatus designation, and wherein, the program
causes the portable terminal to perform when the image forming
apparatus that enables to execute the second operation is not
detected: determining whether the first designated apparatus is
already decided; and deciding the first designated apparatus to be
the second designated apparatus when it is determined that the
first designated apparatus is already decided.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
1, wherein the program causes the portable terminal to perform the
deciding of the second designated apparatus to be an image forming
apparatus that is present in a range of near-field wireless
communication by a near-field communication interface of the
portable terminal.
21. A portable terminal comprising: a communication interface; a
user interface, and a controller, wherein the controller is
executable with instructions which, when executed, cause the
controller to perform: deciding an image forming apparatus, that
enables to execute a first operation, to be a first designated
apparatus for executing the first operation out of a plurality of
image forming apparatuses capable of performing communication
through the communication interface in accordance with
predetermined decision criteria; deciding an image forming
apparatus, that is designated by a user of the portable terminal,
to be a second designated apparatus for executing a second
operation different from the first operation out of the plurality
of image forming apparatuses capable of performing communication
through the communication interface; receiving an operation
designation of designating at least one of the first operation and
the second operation, through the user interface; transmitting
first instruction information that instructs to execute the first
operation, to the first designated apparatus through the
communication interface, when the first operation is designated in
the operation designation; and transmitting second instruction
information that instructs to execute the second operation, to the
second designated apparatus through the communication interface,
when the second operation is designated in the operation
designation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2017-104565 filed on May 26, 2017, the entire
subject-matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a non-transitory
computer-readable medium having a program that enables an image
forming apparatus to execute an image forming operation, and a
portable terminal having a computer that enables to execute the
program.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There has been disclosed a terminal program of a portable
terminal for enabling an image processing apparatus, which can
perform communication through a communication network, to execute
an image forming operation. More specifically, the related-art
terminal program is configured to receive a user operation of
designating a desired image forming apparatus and an image forming
operation, and to enable the designated image forming apparatus to
execute the designated image forming operation.
[0004] Recently, in home, small offices and the like, an
environment in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses is
connected to a communication network increases. Also, most of the
recent image forming apparatuses are so-called "complex machines"
capable of executing a plurality of image forming operations. For
this reason, as the number of the image forming apparatuses to be
connected to the communication network increases or the number of
the image forming operations, which can be executed by the image
forming apparatus, increases, a user operation of designating an
image forming apparatus for executing a desired image forming
operation becomes troublesome.
SUMMARY
[0005] The specification discloses a non-transitory
computer-readable mediumhaving a program that enables to
appropriately decide an image forming apparatus for executing each
of image forming operations by a simple user operation, and the
portable terminal having a computer that enables to execute the
program.
[0006] One illustrative aspect provides a non-transitory
computer-readable medium having a program stored thereon and
readably by a computer of a portable terminal comprising a
communication interface and a user interface, the program, when
executed by the computer, causes the portable terminal to
perform:
[0007] deciding an image forming apparatus, that enables to execute
a first operation, to be a first designated apparatus for executing
the first operation out of a plurality of image forming apparatuses
capable of performing communication through the communication
interface in accordance with predetermined decision criteria;
[0008] deciding an image forming apparatus, that is designated by a
user of the portable terminal, to be a second designated apparatus
for executing a second operation different from the first operation
out of the plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of
performing communication through the communication interface;
[0009] receiving an operation designation of designating at least
one of the first operation and the second operation, through the
user interface;
[0010] transmitting first instruction information that instructs to
execute the first operation, to the first designated apparatus
through the communication interface, when the first operation is
designated in the operation designation; and
[0011] transmitting second instruction information that instructs
to execute the second operation, to the second designated apparatus
through the communication interface, when the second operation is
designated in the operation designation.
[0012] The aspect provides a portable terminal having:
[0013] a communication interface;
[0014] a user interface; and
[0015] a controller,
[0016] wherein the controller is executable with instructions
which, when executed, cause the controller to perform:
[0017] deciding an image forming apparatus, that enables to execute
a first operation, to be a first designated apparatus for executing
the first operation out of a plurality of image forming apparatuses
capable of performing communication through the communication
interface in accordance with predetermined decision criteria;
[0018] deciding an image forming apparatus, that is designated by a
user of the portable terminal, to be a second designated apparatus
for executing a second operation different from the first operation
out of the plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of
performing communication through the communication interface;
[0019] receiving an operation designation of designating at least
one of the first operation and the second operation, through the
user interface;
[0020] transmitting first instruction information that instructs to
execute the first operation, to the first designated apparatus
through the communication interface, when the first operation is
designated in the operation designation; and
[0021] transmitting second instruction information that instructs
to execute the second operation, to the second designated apparatus
through the communication interface, when the second operation is
designated in the operation designation.
[0022] According to the above configuration of the non-transitory
computer-readable medium and the portable terminal, the image
forming apparatus conforming to the predetermined decision criteria
is decided to be the first designated apparatus, and the image
forming apparatus designated by the user of the portable terminal
is decided to be the second designated apparatus. That is, it is
possible to reduce a user's burden on the decision of the first
designated apparatus, and it is possible to decide an image forming
apparatus convenient for the user to be the second designated
apparatus. As a result, it is possible to appropriately decide the
image forming apparatus for executing each of the image forming
operations by the simple user operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an MFP, and FIG. 2B is a block
diagram of a portable terminal.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of main processing.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of FAX apparatus selection
processing.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of device selection processing.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of FAX reception processing.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of FAX transmission processing.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of FAX instruction processing.
[0031] FIG. 9A depicts an example of a main screen on a display at
a state where a designated apparatus has not been designated yet,
and FIG. 9B depicts an example of a FAX selection screen on the
display.
[0032] FIG. 10A depicts an example of a device selection screen on
the display, and FIG. 10B depicts an example of the main screen on
the display when a designated FAX apparatus and a designated
apparatus are different from each other.
[0033] FIG. 11A depicts an example of a data selection screen on
the display, and FIG. 11B depicts an example of a preview screen on
the display.
[0034] FIG. 12A depicts an example of a preparation instruction
screen on the display, and FIG. 12B depicts an example of a
destination selection screen on the display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Hereinafter, an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the
meantime, the illustrative embodiment to be described later is just
an example of the present disclosure, and the illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure can be appropriately changed
without changing the gist of the present disclosure. For example,
an execution sequence of each processing to be described later can
be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present
disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system 100 in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1
includes multifunction peripheral products (MFPs) 10A, 10B, 10C
which may also be collectively referred to as "MFP 10" in the
below, and a portable terminal 50. The MFP 10 and the portable
terminal 50 are configured to perform communication with each other
via a communication network 101. The communication network 101 may
be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN or a combination thereof, for
example. Alternatively, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 may
also be connected by a USB cable or the like.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2A, the MFP 10 mainly has a printer 11, a
scanner 12, a FAX I/F 13, a display 23, an input I/F 24, a
communication I/F 25, a CPU 31, a memory 32 and a communication bus
33. The respective constitutional elements configuring the MFP 10
are connected to each other through the communication bus 33. The
MFP 10 is an example of the image processing apparatus configured
to execute image forming operations. In the meantime, the MFPs 10A,
10B, 10C may be configured to execute at least one image processing
operation. Also, the image processing operations that can be
executed by the MFPs 10A, 10B, 10C may be different.
[0038] The printer 11 is hardware configured to execute a printing
operation of recording an image to be expressed by image data onto
a sheet. In the illustrative embodiment, the inkjet-type printer 11
configured to eject ink to record an image is exemplified. However,
the recording method of the printer 11 may be an
electrophotographic method or the like. The scanner 12 is hardware
configured to execute a scanning operation of reading an image
recorded on a document and generating image data (hereinafter,
referred to as "scan data").
[0039] The printing operation is an image processing operation in
which a physical output (i.e., a recording to a sheet) of an image
to be processed is required. The scanning operation is an image
processing operation in which a physical input (i.e., a reading of
a document having an image recorded thereon) of an image to be
processed is required. The image processing operation in which at
least one of the physical input and output of the image to be
processed is required is an example of the second operation. That
is, the second operation indicates an image processing operation in
which a user should perform an operation in the vicinity of the MFP
10 so as to check a result of the operation (i.e., to collect a
sheet having an image recorded thereon) or to complete the
operation (i.e., to set a document having an image recorded
thereon). In the meantime, the specific examples of the second
operation are not limited thereto. For example, the second
operation may be a displaying an image to be processed on the
display, and the like.
[0040] The FAX I/F 13 is hardware configured to execute a FAX
transmission operation of FAX-transmitting image data to an
external apparatus in accordance with a FAX protocol and a FAX
reception operation of FAX-receiving image data from an external
apparatus in accordance with the FAX protocol. More specifically, a
modular jack of a FAX line can be detachably mounted to the FAX I/F
13. The FAX I/F 13 is configured to FAX-transmit or FAX-receive the
image data through the connected FAX line. A telephone line that is
provided by a telephone communication carrier such as NTT is an
example of the FAX line.
[0041] The FAX transmission operation is an image processing
operation of electrically outputting (i.e., transmission through
the FAX line) the image data to the external apparatus. The FAX
reception operation is an image processing operation of
electrically inputting (i.e., receiving through the FAX line) the
image data from the external apparatus. Hereinafter, the FAX
transmission operation and the FAX reception operation may also be
collectively referred to as "FAX operation". Also, the MFP 10
having the FAX I/F 13 may also be referred to as "FAX
apparatus".
[0042] The image processing operation in which at least one of the
electrical input and output of the image to be processed is
required and neither of the physical input nor output of the image
to be processed is required is an example of the first operation.
That is, the first operation indicates an image processing
operation in which a user is not necessarily required to perform an
operation in the vicinity of the MFP 10 so as to check a result of
the operation or to complete the operation. In the meantime, the
specific examples of the first operation are not limited thereto.
For example, the first operation may be an upload of transmitting
the image data to the external apparatus through the communication
network 101, a download of receiving the image data from the
external apparatus through the communication network 101, and the
like.
[0043] A FAX number is set for the FAX line. A phone number that is
set by the telephone communication carrier is an example of the FAX
number. The FAX number is an example of the line ID for identifying
the FAX line connected to the FAX I/F 13. In the meantime, one FAX
line may be branched by a divider, for example, and may be
connected to each FAX I/F 13 of the plurality of MFPs 10. That is,
the FAX I/Fs 13 of the plurality of MFPs 10 may be connected with
the FAX lines identified by the same FAX number or may be connected
with the FAX lines identified by the different FAX numbers.
[0044] The display 23 is a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL
display or the like, and has a display surface for displaying a
variety of information.
[0045] The user I/F 24 is an interface configured to receive an
input operation. Specifically, the user I/F 24 has buttons and is
configured to output a variety of operation signals associated with
the pushed buttons to the CPU 31. Also, the user I/F 24 may have a
touch sensor having a film shape and superimposed on the display
surface of the display 23. An operation of designating an object
displayed on the display surface of the display 23 and an operation
of inputting a character string or a number string are examples of
the input operation. The "object" includes a character string, an
icon, a button, a link, a radio button, a check box, a pull-down
menu and the like displayed on the display 23, for example.
[0046] The user I/F 24 implemented as a touch sensor is configured
to output position information indicative of a position on the
display surface touched by a user of the portable terminal 50.
Meanwhile, in the specification, the "touch" includes all
operations of bringing an input medium into contact with the
display surface. Also, although the input medium is not in contact
with the display surface, "hover" or "floating touch" of bringing
the input medium close to a position at which a distance between
the input medium and the display surface is very small may be
included in the concept of the "touch." Also, the input medium may
be a user's finger, a touch pen or the like. An input operation of
tapping a position of an object displayed on the display 23 is an
example of the designation of designating the object operated by
the user. Hereinafter, the designation of designating the object
may be simply referred to as "designation of the object",
"designation operation for the object", and the like.
[0047] The communication I/F 25 is an interface capable of
performing communication with an external apparatus through the
communication network 101. That is, the MFP 10 is configured to
transmit a variety of information to the external apparatus through
the communication I/F 25 and to receive a variety of information
from the external apparatus through the communication I/F 25.
Although a specific communication protocol of the communication I/F
25 is not particularly limited, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be
adopted, for example. Also, when the MFP 10 and the portable
terminal 50 are connected to each other by a USB cable, the
communication I/F 25 may be a USB interface to which the USB cable
can be detachably mounted.
[0048] The CPU 31 is configured to control overall operations of
the MFP 10. The CPU 31 is configured to read out and execute a
variety of programs (which will be described later) from the memory
32, based on a variety of information input through the user I/F 24
and a variety of information received from the external apparatus
through the communication I/F 25. The CPU 31 and the memory 32
configure an example of the controller.
[0049] In the memory 32, an OS 34 and an apparatus program 35 are
stored. The apparatus program 35 may be a single program or a set
of a plurality of programs. Also, in the memory 32, data or
information necessary to execute the apparatus program 35 is
stored. The memory 32 is configured by a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an
HDD, a portable storage medium such as a USB memory to be
detachably mounted to the MFP 10, a buffer of the CPU 31 or a
combination thereof, for example.
[0050] The memory 32 may be a computer-readable storage medium. The
computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. The
non-transitory medium includes a recording medium such as a CD-ROM
and a DVD-ROM as well as the above-described media. Also, the
non-transitory medium is a tangible medium. In the meantime, an
electric signal for carrying a program to be downloaded from a
server or the like on the Internet is a computer-readable signal
medium, which is a kind of the computer-readable medium, but is not
included in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
This also applies to the memory 62 of the portable terminal 50,
which will be described later.
[0051] An MIB (abbreviation of Management Information Base) of the
memory 32 stores apparatus information shown in FIG. 1. The
apparatus information includes an apparatus ID (for example, a MAC
address, a model name and the like) for identifying the MFP 10, an
operation ID for identifying an image processing operation that can
be executed by the MFP 10, and a FAX number set for the FAX I/F 13.
Meanwhile, in the apparatus information of the MFP 10A with no FAX
I/F 13, the FAX number is not included. The FAX number may be input
through the user I/F 24 or may be acquired from a switching
equipment (not shown) through the FAX line connected to the FAX I/F
13, for example. Also, the apparatus information may include a
station ID indicative of a name of an organization (for example, a
company) in which the MFP 10 is equipped, in addition to or instead
of the FAX number.
[0052] In the example of FIG. 1, the MFP 10A is identified with an
apparatus ID "MFP-A", and can execute a printing operation and a
scanning operation identified with operation IDs "print" and
"scan". Also, the MFP 10B is identified with an apparatus ID
"MFP-B", can execute a printing operation, a scanning operation,
and a FAX operation identified with operation IDs "print", "scan"
and "FAX", and is connected to a FAX line for which a FAX number
"xx-xxxx-xxxx" is set. Also, the MFP 10C is identified with an
apparatus ID "MFP-C", can execute a printing operation and a FAX
operation identified with operation IDs "print" and "FAX", and is
connected to a FAX line for which a FAX number "yy-yyyy-yyyy" is
set.
[0053] Also, although not shown, the memory 32 of each of the MFPs
10B, 10C that can execute the FAX transmission operation can store
therein a FAX number list. The FAX number list may include a
plurality of FAX numbers. The FAX numbers to be included in the FAX
number list are to identify external apparatuses that can be
destinations of the FAX transmission in the FAX transmission
operation. In the FAX number list, a FAX number input through the
user I/F 54, for example, is registered.
[0054] Also, although not shown, the memory 32 of each of the MFPs
10B, 10C that can execute the FAX reception operation can store
therein FAX data. The FAX data is image data that is FAX-received
from an external apparatus in the FAX reception operation. The FAX
reception operation is automatically executed at timing at which a
call is received through the FAX line connected to the FAX I/F 13,
for example, and does not require a trigger such as a user
instruction through the user I/F 24 or the like. The apparatus
program 35 is configured to store the FAX data, which is received
through the FAX I/F 13 in the FAX reception operation, in the
memory 32.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2B, the portable terminal 50 mainly has a
display 53, a user I/F 54, a communication I/F 55, a CPU 61, a
memory 62 and a communication bus 63. Since the display 53, the
user I/F 54, the communication I/F 55, the CPU 61, the memory 62
and the communication bus 63 included in the portable terminal 50
have the similar configurations to the display 23, the user I/F 24,
the communication I/F 25, the CPU 31, the memory 32 and the
communication bus 33 included in the MFP 10, the descriptions
thereof are omitted. The CPU 61 and the memory 62 configure an
example of the controller.
[0056] The portable terminal 50 is a portable phone, a smart phone,
a tablet terminal, or the like, for example. More specifically, the
display 53 of the portable terminal 50 preferably has a display
screen size of 12 inch or less, and more preferably 8 inch or less.
Also, the user I/F 54 of the portable terminal 50 is preferably a
touch sensor superimposed on the display surface of the display 53.
In the memory 62, an OS 64 and a terminal program 65 are
stored.
[0057] Also, although not shown, the memory 62 can store therein
FAX apparatus information and designated apparatus information. The
FAX apparatus information is apparatus information stored in the
MIB of the MFP 10 (hereinafter, referred to as "designated FAX
apparatus") selected in FAX apparatus selection processing, which
will be described later. The designated apparatus information is
apparatus information stored in the MIB of the MFP 10 (hereinafter,
referred to as "designated apparatus") selected in device selection
processing, which will be described later. In the meantime, the
designated FAX apparatus and the designated apparatus may be the
same MFP 10 or may be the different MFPs 10. The designated FAX
apparatus is an example of the first designated apparatus, and the
designated apparatus is an example of the second designated
apparatus.
[0058] Also, although not shown, the memory 62 can store therein a
FAX apparatus list. The FAX apparatus list is apparatus information
stored in the MIB of a FAX apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as
"alternative apparatus"), which is different from the designated
FAX apparatus, of FAX apparatuses detected in S31, which will be
described later. That is, the FAX apparatus list can include one or
more apparatus information. The apparatus ID of the apparatus
information registered in the FAX apparatus list is an example of
the alternative apparatus ID, and the FAX number is an example of
the alternative line ID.
[0059] Also, although not shown, the memory 62 may be provided with
a data folder. In the data folder, photograph data, document data,
presentation data, table calculation data and the like may be
stored. The diverse data stored in the data folder is data that can
be a target of the printing operation.
[Operations of System 100]
[0060] The operations of the system 100 of the illustrative
embodiment are described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. Meanwhile,
it is assumed that the FAX apparatus information and the designated
apparatus information have not been stored in the memory 62 and the
apparatus information has not been registered in the FAX apparatus
list, upon start of main processing of FIG. 3.
[0061] A flowchart of the specification basically indicates
processing that is to be executed by the CPUs 31, 61 in accordance
with commands described in the program. That is, in the below
descriptions, the processing of "determination", "extraction",
"selection", "calculation", "decision", "specifying",
"acquisition", "reception", "control" and the like indicates the
processing of the CPUs 31, 61. The processing that is to be
executed by the CPUs 31, 61 includes hardware controls through the
OSs 34, 64, too. In the meantime, "acquisition" is used as a
concept in which request is not necessarily required. That is, the
processing in which data is received without the CPU 61 requesting
the same is also included in the concept that "the CPU 61 acquires
data". Also, in the specification, "data" is expressed by a bit
string that can be read by a computer. The data having
substantially the same meaning and the different formats is handled
as the same data. This also applies to the "information" of the
specification.
[0062] First, the terminal program 65 displays a main screen shown
in FIG. 9A on the display 53 (S11). The main screen includes
operation icons 111, 112, 113, 114, and a switching icon 115. The
terminal program 65 receives an input operation on the main screen
through the user I/F 54 (S12 to S15). The processing of S11 is an
example of the display processing, and the processing of S12 to S15
is an example of the first reception processing.
[0063] The operation icon 111 is an example of the second object
corresponding to the printing operation, the operation icon 112 is
an example of the second object corresponding to the scanning
operation, the operation icon 113 is an example of the first object
corresponding to the FAX reception operation, and the operation
icon 114 is an example of the first object corresponding to the FAX
transmission operation. The switching icon 115 is an example of the
switching object corresponding to the instruction to switch the
designated apparatus. The main screen that is displayed when the
designated apparatus information has not been stored in the memory
62 includes all the operation icons 111 to 114, and the switching
icon 115 on which a character string "not selected" indicating that
the designated apparatus has not been designated is described.
Also, in this case, a background color of the operation icons 111
to 114 is a normal color (for example, white).
[0064] Then, when a designation of the switching icon 115 is
received through the user I/F 54 (S12: Yes), the terminal program
65 determines whether the FAX apparatus information is stored in
the memory 62 (S16). When it is determined that the FAX apparatus
information is not stored in the memory 62 (S16: No), the terminal
program 65 executes FAX apparatus selection processing (S17). The
FAX apparatus selection processing is processing of selecting a
designated FAX apparatus in accordance with predetermined decision
criteria. The FAX apparatus selection processing is described in
detail with reference to FIG. 4.
[0065] First, the terminal program 65 detects the MFP 10, which can
perform communication with the portable terminal 50 and of which
the FAX I/F 13 is connected to the FAX line, in the communication
network 101 (S31). The terminal program 65 broadcasts first
response request information to the communication network 101
through the communication I/F 55, for example. The first response
request information is information for requesting the MFP 10, of
which the FAX I/F 13 is connected to the FAX line, to transmit the
apparatus information. Then, the terminal program 65 receives the
apparatus information transmitted from the MFPs 10B, 10C through
the communication I/F 55, as a response to the first response
request information. That is, the terminal program 65 detects the
MFPs 10B, 10C, which are transmission sources of the apparatus
information, as the MFP 10 which can perform communication and the
FAX line is connected thereto. In the meantime, as the method of
detecting the MFP 10 which can perform communication and the FAX
line is connected thereto, the other well-known methods can also be
adopted. The processing of S31 is an example of the first detection
processing.
[0066] Then, the terminal program 65 determines the number of the
FAX apparatuses detected in S31 (in other words, the number of the
apparatus information received in S31) (S32). In the example of
FIG. 1, the FAX apparatuses are two. On the other hand, when it is
determined that the FAX apparatus has not been detected (S32: 0),
the terminal program 65 ends the FAX apparatus selection processing
without executing the processing of S33 to S39. Also, when it is
determined that only one FAX apparatus has been detected (S32: 1),
the terminal program 65 stores, in the memory 62, the apparatus
information received in S31, as the FAX apparatus information
(S33), and ends the FAX apparatus selection processing. The
processing of S33 is an example of the first decision
processing.
[0067] Like the example of FIG. 1, when it is determined that the
plurality of FAX apparatuses has been detected (S32: plural), the
terminal program 65 registers all the apparatus information
received in S31, in the FAX apparatus list (S34). That is, in the
example of FIG. 1, the apparatus information of the MFPs 10B, 10C
is registered in the FAX apparatus list. The processing of S34 is
an example of the storing processing. Then, the terminal program 65
determines whether the FAX numbers included in the plurality of
apparatus information received in S31 are the same (S35). The
processing of S35 is an example of the first determination
processing of determining whether the FAX lines connected to the
plurality of MFPs 10B, 10C detected in S31 are the same. In the
example of FIG. 1, the MFPs 10B, 10C are connected with the
different FAX lines.
[0068] The method of determining whether the FAX lines connected to
the MFPs 10B, 10C detected in S31 are the same in S35 is not
limited to the above example. As another example, the system 100
may include a server in which the apparatus ID of the FAX apparatus
connected to the communication network 101 is stored in association
with the FAX number of the FAX line connected to the FAX apparatus.
The apparatus ID and FAX number stored in the server are set by a
manager of the system 100, for example. The terminal program 65
transmits inquiry information, each of which includes the apparatus
ID of each of the plurality of apparatus information received in
S31, to the server through the communication I/F 55. Then, the
terminal program 65 receives, as a response to each of the
plurality of transmitted inquiry information, the FAX number
corresponding to the apparatus ID included in the inquiry
information, through the communication I/F 55. Then, the terminal
program 65 may determine whether the plurality of FAX numbers
received from the server is the same.
[0069] On the other hand, when it is determined that the FAX lines
connected to the MFPs 10B, 10C are the same (S35: Yes), the
terminal program 65 stores, in the memory 62, the apparatus
information of the MFP 10B, which has the highest specification, of
the MFPs 10B, 10C detected in S31, as the FAX apparatus information
(S36). Also, the terminal program 65 deletes the apparatus
information of the MFP 10B registered in the FAX apparatus list in
S34, from the FAX apparatus list. The processing of S36 is an
example of the first decision processing of deciding, as the
designated FAX apparatus, the MFP 10B for which the terminal
program 65 has determined that it conforms to the predetermined
condition of the highest specification. Also, the decision
criterion of S36 is an example of the first decision criterion.
[0070] In the meantime, the specification of the MFP 10 may be
determined by the number of the executable image forming
operations, for example. In this case, the MFP 10B that can execute
the printing operation, the scanning operation, the FAX
transmission operation and the FAX reception operation is
determined to have the higher specification than the MFP 10C that
can execute the printing operation, the FAX transmission operation
and the FAX reception operation. However, the specific method of
determining the high-and-low level of the specification is not
limited to the above example. For example, the high-and-low level
of the specification may be determined by determining whether an
image can be recorded on an A3 sheet, whether a color image can be
recorded on a sheet, or a combination thereof.
[0071] On the other hand, when it is determined that the FAX lines
connected to the MFPs 10B, 10C are different (S35: No), like the
example of FIG. 1, the terminal program 65 displays a FAX selection
screen shown in FIG. 9B on the display 53 (S37). In the example of
FIG. 1, the terminal program 65 displays, on the display 53, a FAX
selection screen including FAX icons 121, 122 corresponding to the
MFPs 10B, 10C detected in S31. Each of the FAX icons 121, 122 is
described thereon with the apparatus ID and the FAX number included
in the apparatus information of the corresponding MFP 10. Then, the
terminal program 65 receives an input operation on the FAX
selection screen, through the user I/F 54 (S38).
[0072] Then, when it is determined that a designation of the FAX
icon 121, for example, is received through the user I/F 54 (S38:
Yes), the terminal program 65 stores, in the memory 62, the
apparatus information of the MFP 10B corresponding to the
designated FAX icon 121, as the FAX apparatus information (S39).
Also, the terminal program 65 deletes the apparatus information of
the MFP 10B registered in the FAX list in S34, from the FAX
apparatus list. The processing of S39 is an example of the first
decision processing of deciding the MFP 10 designated through the
user I/F 54, as the designated FAX apparatus. Also, the decision
criterion in S39 is an example of the second decision
criterion.
[0073] Returning to FIG. 3, the terminal program 65 executes device
selection processing (S18). On the other hand, when it is
determined that the FAX apparatus information has been already
stored in the memory 62 (S16: Yes), the terminal program 65
executes the device selection processing without executing the FAX
apparatus selection processing. The device selection processing is
processing of selecting a designated apparatus in accordance with a
user's instruction. The device selection processing is described in
detail with reference to FIG. 5.
[0074] First, the terminal program 65 detects the MFP 10 that can
perform communication with the portable terminal 50, in the
communication network 101 (S41). The terminal program 65 broadcasts
second response request information to the communication network
101 through the communication I/F 55, for example. The second
response request information is information for requesting the MFP
10 having received the second response request information to
transmit the apparatus information. Then, the terminal program 65
receives the apparatus information transmitted from the MFPs 10A,
10B, 10C, as a response to the second response request information,
through the communication I/F 55. That is, the terminal program 65
detects the MFPs 10A, 10B, 10C, which are transmission sources of
the apparatus information, as the MFP 10 which can perform
communication. In the meantime, as the method of detecting the MFP
10 which can perform communication, the other well-known methods
can also be adopted. The processing of S41 is an example of the
second detection processing.
[0075] Then, the terminal program 65 determines whether the MFP 10
has been detected in S41 (in other words, whether the apparatus
information has been received in S41) (S42). In the example of FIG.
1, the MFPs 10A, 10B, 10C are detected. On the other hand, when it
is determined that the MFP 10 has not been detected in S41 (S42:
0), the terminal program 65 determines whether the FAX apparatus
information is stored in the memory 62 (S43). The processing of S43
is an example of the sixth determination processing.
[0076] Then, when it is determined that the FAX apparatus
information is stored in the memory 62 (S43: Yes), the terminal
program 65 copies the FAX apparatus information stored in the
memory 62, and stores the same in the memory 62, as the designated
apparatus information (S44). The processing of S44 is an example of
the second decision processing of deciding the designated FAX
apparatus, as the designated apparatus. Then, the terminal program
65 decides a background color of the operation icons 113, 114 of
the main screen to be displayed, as a normal color (S45), and ends
the device selection processing. On the other hand, when it is
determined that the FAX apparatus information is not stored in the
memory 62 (S43: No), the terminal program 65 ends the device
selection processing without executing the processing of S44 to
S45.
[0077] On the other hand, when it is determined that one or more
MFPs 10 have been detected in S41 (S42: one or more), the terminal
program 65 displays a device selection screen shown in FIG. 10A on
the display 53 (S46). In the example of FIG. 1, the terminal
program 65 displays, on the display 53, the device selection screen
including device icons 131, 132, 133 corresponding to the MFPs 10A,
10B, 10C detected in S41. Each of the device icons 131 to 133 are
described thereon with the apparatus ID included in the apparatus
information of the corresponding MFP 10. Then, the terminal program
65 receives an input operation on the device selection screen,
through the user I/F 54 (S47). The processing of S47 is an example
of the fourth reception processing.
[0078] Then, when a designation of the device icon 131, for
example, is received through the user I/F 54 (S47: Yes), the
terminal program 65 stores, in the memory 62, the apparatus
information of the MFP 10A corresponding to the designated device
icon 131, as the designated apparatus information (S48). On the
other hand, when the designated apparatus information has been
already stored in the memory 62, the terminal program 65 overwrites
the designated apparatus information with the new designated
apparatus information. The processing of S48 is an example of the
second decision processing of deciding the MFP 10 designated by the
user, as the designated apparatus. That is, the tapping of the
device icon 131 is an example of the designation of the MFP 10A
through the user I/F 54.
[0079] Then, the terminal program 65 determines whether the FAX
apparatus information is stored in the memory 62 (S49). When it is
determined that the FAX apparatus information is not stored in the
memory 62 (S49: No), the terminal program 65 ends the device
selection processing without executing the processing of S50 to
S52. On the other hand, when it is determined that the FAX
apparatus information is stored in the memory 62 (S49: Yes), the
terminal program 65 determines whether the FAX apparatus
information stored in the memory 62 is the same as the apparatus ID
of the designated apparatus information (i.e., whether the
designated FAX apparatus is the same as the designated apparatus)
(S50).
[0080] When it is determined that the designated FAX apparatus is
the same as the designated apparatus (S50: Yes), the terminal
program 65 decides the background color of the operation icons 113,
114 of the main screen to be displayed, as a normal color (S51),
and ends the device selection processing. On the other hand, when
it is determined that the designated FAX apparatus is different
from the designated apparatus (S50: No), the terminal program 65
decides the background color of the operation icons 113, 114 of the
main screen to be displayed, as a special color (for example, gray)
(S52), and ends the device selection processing.
[0081] Returning to FIG. 3, the terminal program 65 displays a main
screen shown in FIG. 10B on the display 53 (S11). FIG. 10B depicts
a display example of the main screen that is displayed when the MFP
10B is decided as the designated FAX apparatus and the MFP 10A is
decided the designated apparatus. That is, the main screen shown in
FIG. 10B is different from the main screen shown in FIG. 9A, in
that the background color of the operation icons 113, 114 is the
special color and the apparatus ID "MFP-A" of the designated
apparatus is described on the switching icon 115.
[0082] In the meantime, the background color of the operation icons
111, 112 is always the normal color. That is, when the designated
FAX apparatus and the designated apparatus are the same, the
terminal program 65 displays the operation icons 111 to 114 in a
common display aspect. On the other hand, when the designated FAX
apparatus and the designated apparatus are different from each
other, the terminal program 65 displays the operation icons 111,
112 and the operation icons 113, 114 in different display aspects.
However, the specific method of displaying the operation icons 111
to 114 in the different display aspects is not limited to the
method of changing the background color. As another example, the
terminal program 65 may add a batch image, which indicates that the
designated FAX apparatus and the designated apparatus are different
from each other, to the operation icons 113, 114.
[0083] Then, when a designation of the operation icon 113 shown in
FIG. 10B is received through the user I/F 54 (S13: Yes), the
terminal program 65 executes FAX reception processing (S19). The
tapping of the operation icon 113 is an example of the designation
of the FAX reception operation. The FAX reception processing is
processing of enabling the designated apparatus to execute the
printing operation for the FAX data FAX-received through the FAX
line (hereinafter, referred to as "designated FAX line") connected
to the designated FAX apparatus. The FAX reception processing is
described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.
[0084] First, the terminal program 65 transmits transmission
instruction information to the MFP 10B indicated by the FAX
apparatus information, through the communication I/F 55 (S61). The
transmission instruction information is an example of the first
instruction information that instructs transmission of the FAX data
received in the FAX reception operation. The processing of S61 is
an example of the first instruction processing. In the meantime,
although not shown, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10B
receives the transmission instruction information from the portable
terminal 50 through the communication I/F 25. Then, the apparatus
program 35 reads out the FAX data stored in the memory 32. Then,
the apparatus program 35 transmits the read FAX data to the
portable terminal 50, as a response to the transmission instruction
information, through the communication I/F 25.
[0085] Then, the terminal program 65 receives the FAX data, as a
response to the transmission instruction information, from the MFP
10B through the communication I/F 55. This processing is an example
of the second receiving processing. Then, the terminal program 65
temporarily stores the FAX data received in S61 in the memory 62,
in association with the apparatus ID "MFP-B" of the designated FAX
apparatus. Then, the terminal program 65 determines whether the
apparatus information including the alternative FAX number, which
is the same as the designated FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxxx", is
registered in the FAX apparatus list (S62). The processing of S62
is an example of the fifth determination processing. In the example
of FIG. 1, in the FAX apparatus list, the apparatus information
including the alternative FAX number, which is the same as the
designated FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxxx", is not registered.
[0086] On the other hand, when it is determined that the apparatus
information including the alternative FAX number, which is the same
as the designated FAX number, is registered in the FAX apparatus
list (S62: Yes), the terminal program 65 receives the FAX data from
the alternative apparatus indicated by the apparatus information
(S63). The processing of S63 is an example of the third receiving
processing, and the specific processing content thereof is common
to the processing of S61. Then, the terminal program 65 temporarily
stores the FAX data received in S63 in the memory 62, in
association with the alternative apparatus ID for identifying the
alternative apparatus. On the other hand, like the example of FIG.
1, when it is determined that the apparatus information including
the alternative FAX number, which is the same as the designated FAX
number, is not registered in the FAX apparatus list (S62: No), the
terminal program 65 executes processing of S64 and thereafter,
without executing the processing of S63.
[0087] Then, the terminal program 65 displays a data selection
screen shown in FIG. 11A on the display 53 (S64). The data
selection screen includes data icons 141, 142, 143 corresponding to
the FAX data received in S61 and S63. In the FAX data, the
apparatus ID associated with the FAX data, and a character string
(for example, a file name, date and time of FAX reception, and the
like) for identifying the FAX data are described. That is, FIG. 11A
depicts an example of the data selection screen that is displayed
when the FAX data A, B is received from the MFP 10B, which is the
designated FAX apparatus, and the FAX data C is received from the
MFP 10C, which is the alternative apparatus. Then, the terminal
program 65 receives an input operation on the data selection
screen, through the user I/F 54 (S65). The processing of S65 is an
example of the third reception processing.
[0088] Then, when a designation of the data icon 142, for example,
is received through the user I/F 54 (S65: Yes), the terminal
program 65 displays a preview screen shown in FIG. 11B on the
display 53 (S66). The preview screen includes a preview image 151
and a [print] icon 152. The preview image 151 is an image
indicating a state where an image expressed by the FAX data B
corresponding to the designated data icon 142 is recorded on a
sheet. Then, the terminal program 65 receives an input operation on
the preview screen, through the user I/F 54 (S67).
[0089] Then, when a designation of the [print] icon 152 is received
through the user I/F 54 (S67: Yes), the terminal program 65
transmits print instruction information to the MFP 10A indicated by
the designated apparatus information, through the communication I/F
55 (S68). The print instruction information is information that
instructs execution of the printing operation for the designated
FAX data. The print instruction information includes the FAX data B
corresponding to the data icon 142, for example. The processing of
S68 is an example of the output instruction processing and the
print instruction processing, and the print instruction information
is an example of the output instruction information.
[0090] In the meantime, although not shown, the apparatus program
35 of the MFP 10A receives the print instruction information from
the portable terminal 50, through the communication I/F 25. Then,
the apparatus program 35 enables the printer 11 to execute the
printing operation in accordance with the received print
instruction information. That is, the printer 11 records an image,
which is expressed by the FAX data B included in the print
instruction information, on a sheet. Then, the user of the portable
terminal 50 may come back to the MFP 10A so as to collect the sheet
on which the image expressed by the FAX data B is recorded.
[0091] Returning to FIG. 3, when a designation of the operation
icon 114 shown in FIG. 10B is received through the user I/F 54
(S14: Yes), the terminal program 65 executes FAX transmission
processing (S20). The tapping of the operation icon 114 is an
example of the designation of the FAX transmission operation. The
FAX transmission processing is processing of enabling the
designated FAX apparatus to execute the FAX transmission operation.
The FAX transmission processing is described in detail with
reference to FIG. 7.
[0092] First, the terminal program 65 displays a preparation
instruction screen shown in FIG. 12A on the display 53 (S71). The
preparation instruction screen includes a message "Please set a
document on "MFP-A" and push [start].", and a [start] icon 160. The
apparatus ID "MFP-A" included in the message is the apparatus ID
included in the designated apparatus information. Then, the
terminal program 65 receives an input operation on the preparation
instruction screen, through the user I/F 54 (S72). The user seeing
the preparation instruction screen may set a document having an
image to be FAX-transmitted on the scanner 12 of the MFP 10A, and
then tap the [start] icon 160 of the preparation instruction
screen.
[0093] Then, when a designation of the [start] icon 160 is received
through the user I/F 54 (S72: Yes), the terminal program 65
transmits scan instruction information to the MFP 10A indicated by
the designated apparatus information, through the communication I/F
55 (S73). The scan instruction information is information that
instructs execution of the scanning operation. The processing of
S73 is an example of the generation instruction processing and the
scan instruction processing, and the scan instruction information
is an example of the generation instruction information.
[0094] In the meantime, although not shown, the apparatus program
35 of the MFP 10A receives the scan instruction information from
the portable terminal 50, through the communication I/F 25. Then,
the apparatus program 35 enables the scanner 12 to execute the
scanning operation in accordance with the received scan instruction
information. That is, the scanner 12 reads an image recorded on the
document set on a contact glass or ADF, and generates scan data.
Then, the apparatus program 35 transmits the scan data generated by
the scanner 12 to the portable terminal 50 through the
communication I/F 25, as a response to the scan instruction
information.
[0095] Then, the terminal program 65 receives the scan data, as a
response to the scan instruction information, from the MFP 10A
through the communication I/F 55 (S74: Yes). Then, the terminal
program 65 temporarily stores the received scan data in the memory
62. The processing of S74 is an example of the first receiving
processing.
[0096] Then, the terminal program 65 acquires the FAX number list
from the MFP 10B indicated by the FAX apparatus information (S75).
More specifically, the terminal program 65 transmits list request
information to the MFP 10B, through the communication I/F 55. Then,
the terminal program 65 receives the FAX number list stored in the
memory 32 of the MFP 10B, as a response to the list request
information, from the MFP 10B through the communication I/F 55.
[0097] Then, the terminal program 65 displays a destination
selection screen shown in FIG. 12B on the display 53 (S76). The
destination selection screen includes destination icons 171, 172,
173, 174 corresponding to the FAX numbers included in the FAX
number list received in S75. Each of the destination icons 171 to
174 is described thereon with the corresponding FAX number. Then,
the terminal program 65 receives an input operation on the
destination selection screen, through the user I/F 54 (S77).
[0098] Then, when a designation of the destination icon 173, for
example, is received through the user I/F 54 (S77: Yes), the
terminal program 65 temporarily stores the FAX number
"cc-cccc-cccc" corresponding to the designated destination icon
173, in the memory 62. Then, the terminal program 65 executes FAX
instruction processing (S78). The FAX instruction processing is
processing of instructing the FAX apparatus to execute the FAX
transmission operation. The FAX instruction processing is described
in detail with reference to FIG. 8.
[0099] First, the terminal program 65 transmits FAX transmission
instruction information to the MFP 10B indicated by the FAX
apparatus information, through the communication I/F 55 (S81). The
FAX transmission instruction information is an example of the first
instruction information that instructs execution of the FAX
transmission operation. The FAX transmission instruction
information includes the scan data received in S74 and the FAX
number "cc-cccc-cccc" corresponding to the destination icon 173
designated in S77. The processing of S81 is an example of the first
instruction processing. Then, the terminal program 65 stands by
until result information, which indicates a result of the FAX
transmission operation executed in accordance with the FAX
transmission instruction information, is received (S82).
[0100] In the meantime, although not shown, the apparatus program
35 of the MFP 10B receives the FAX transmission instruction
information from the portable terminal 50, through the
communication I/F 25. Then, the apparatus program 35 enables the
FAX I/F 13 to execute the FAX transmission operation in accordance
with the received FAX transmission instruction information. That
is, the FAX I/F 13 FAX-transmits the scan data included in the FAX
transmission instruction information to the external apparatus,
which is identified with the FAX number "cc-cccc-cccc" included in
the FAX transmission instruction information.
[0101] When the FAX transmission operation is normally completed,
the apparatus program 35 transmits result information "completion"
to the portable terminal 50, through the communication I/F 55.
Also, when the other data is being transmitted or received (i.e.,
"during use", "during call") through the FAX line connected to the
FAX I/F 13 at timing at which the FAX transmission instruction
information is received, the apparatus program 35 transmits the
result information "line BUSY" to the portable terminal 50, through
the communication I/F 55. Also, when the printer 11, the scanner
12, and the FAX I/F 13 are executing the other image forming
operations at timing at which the FAX transmission instruction
information is received, the apparatus program 35 transmits result
information "apparatus BUSY" to the portable terminal 50, through
the communication I/F 55. Also, the apparatus program 35 may store,
in the memory 62, the result information transmitted to the
portable terminal 50.
[0102] Then, the terminal program 65 determines the content of the
result information received from the MFP 10B through the
communication I/F 55 (S82). The processing of S82 is an example of
the second determination processing. When it is determined that the
result information "completion" has been received (S82:
completion), the terminal program 65 ends the FAX instruction
processing.
[0103] Also, when it is determined that the result information
"line BUSY" has been received (S82: BUSY), the terminal program 65
determines whether the apparatus information, which includes the
alternative FAX number different from the FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxxx"
of the FAX apparatus information, is registered in the FAX
apparatus list (S83). The processing of S83 is an example of the
third determination processing. In the example of FIG. 1, in the
FAX apparatus list, the apparatus information, which includes the
alternative FAX number "yy-yyyy-yyyy" different from the FAX number
"xx-xxxx-xxxx", is registered.
[0104] When it is determined that the apparatus information
including the alternative FAX number "yy-yyyy-yyyy" is registered
in the FAX apparatus list (S83: Yes), like the example of FIG. 1,
the terminal program 65 transmits the FAX transmission instruction
information to the MFP 10C, which is identified with the
alternative apparatus ID "MFP-C" included in the apparatus
information, through the communication I/F 55 (S84), and executes
the processing of S82 and thereafter. The processing of S84 is an
example of the first alternative instruction processing.
[0105] On the other hand, when it is determined that the apparatus
information including the alternative FAX number different from the
FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxxx" is not registered in the FAX apparatus
list (S83: No), the terminal program 65 displays an error screen
(not shown) for notifying the line BUSY state on the display 53
(S85), and ends the FAX instruction processing.
[0106] Also, when it is determined that the result information
"apparatus BUSY" has been received (S82: apparatus BUSY), the
terminal program 65 determines whether the apparatus information,
which includes the same alternative FAX number as the FAX number
"xx-xxxx-xxx" of the FAX apparatus information and the alternative
apparatus ID different from the apparatus ID "MFP-B" of the FAX
apparatus information, is registered in the FAX apparatus list
(S86). The processing of S86 is an example of the fourth
determination processing. In the example of FIG. 1, in the FAX
apparatus list, the apparatus information, which includes the same
alternative FAX number as the FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxx" and the
alternative apparatus ID different from the apparatus ID "MFP-B" of
the FAX apparatus information, is not registered.
[0107] When it is determined that the apparatus information, which
includes the alternative FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxxx" and the
alternative apparatus ID "MFP-C", is registered in the FAX
apparatus list (S86: Yes), the terminal program 65 transmits the
FAX transmission instruction information to the MFP 10C, which is
identified with the alternative apparatus ID "MFP-C" included in
the apparatus information, through the communication I/F 55 (S87),
and executes the processing of S82 and thereafter. The processing
of S87 is an example of the second alternative instruction
processing.
[0108] On the other hand, when it is determined that the apparatus
information, which includes the same alternative FAX number as the
FAX number "xx-xxxx-xxx" of the FAX apparatus information and the
alternative apparatus ID different from the apparatus ID "MFP-B" of
the FAX apparatus information, is not registered in the FAX
apparatus list (S86: No), like the example of FIG. 1, the terminal
program 65 displays an error screen (not shown) for notifying the
apparatus BUSY state on the display 53 (S88), and ends the FAX
instruction processing.
[0109] Returning to FIG. 3, when a designation of the operation
icon 111 is received through the user I/F 54 (S15: Yes), the
terminal program 65 executes print processing (S21). Although the
print processing is not shown, the terminal program 65 receives a
designation of designating, as the designated data, one of the
plurality of data stored in the data folder of the memory 62,
through the user I/F 54. Then, the terminal program 65 transmits
the print instruction information for the designated data to the
MFP 10A indicated by the designated apparatus information, through
the communication I/F 55. The processing of the MFP 10A having
received the print instruction information is common to the
description of the processing of S68. The processing of S21 is an
example of the second instruction processing, and the print
instruction information is an example of the second instruction
information.
[0110] Also, when a designation of the operation icon 112 is
received through the user I/F 54 (S15: Yes), the terminal program
65 executes scan processing (S21). Although the scan processing is
not shown, the terminal program 65 transmits the scan instruction
information to the MFP 10A indicated by the designated apparatus
information, through the communication I/F 55. Then, the terminal
program 65 receives the scan data, as a response to the scan
instruction information, from the MFP 10A through the communication
I/F 55. The processing of the MFP 10A having received the scan
instruction information is common to the description of the
processing of S73 and S74. The processing of S21 is an example of
the second instruction processing, and the scan instruction
information is an example of the second instruction
information.
[Technical Effects of Illustrative Embodiment]
[0111] According to the above illustrative embodiment, the MFP 10
conforming to the predetermined decision criteria is decided as the
designated FAX apparatus, and the MFP 10 designated by the user is
decided as the designated apparatus. That is, the user's burden on
the decision of the designated FAX apparatus is reduced, and the
MFP 10 convenient for the user can be decided as the designated
apparatus. As a result, it is possible to appropriately decide the
MFP 10 for executing each of the plurality of image forming
operations by the simple user operation.
[0112] In the meantime, it is thought that while the user of the
portable terminal 50 is aware through which FAX line (i.e., through
which FAX number) the FAX operation is to be executed, the user is
less aware which of the MFPs 10 is enabled to execute the FAX
operation. Therefore, like the above illustrative embodiment, it is
preferable to decide the designated FAX apparatus by the
appropriate method, depending on the number of the MFPs 10 detected
in S31 and whether the FAX lines are the same.
[0113] As an example, when the number of the MFPs 10 detected in
S31 is one, the detected MFP 10 is preferably decided as the
designated FAX apparatus. In the meantime, in S31, the MFP 10
having the FAX I/F 13 is not simply detected but the MFP 10 of
which the FAX I/F 13 is connected with the FAX line is detected.
Therefore, it is possible to decide, as the designated FAX
apparatus, the MFP 10 that is ready to execute the FAX operation.
The detection condition in S31 is not limited to the above example,
and the MFP 10 having the FAX I/F 13 may be detected.
[0114] As another example, when the plurality of MFPs 10B, 10C
detected in S13 is connected to the same FAX line, the terminal
program 65 preferably automatically decides the designated FAX
apparatus. Thereby, the user's operation of deciding the designated
FAX apparatus is omitted. However, the specific example of the
first decision criterion in S36 is not limited to the condition
"the MFP 10 having the highest specification". As another example,
the MFP 10 by which the FAX transmission operation has been most
performed during a predetermined time period, the MFP 10 by which
the second operation (i.e., the printing operation, the scanning
operation) has been least performed during a predetermined time
period, or the like may be decided as the designated FAX
apparatus.
[0115] As another example, when the plurality of MFPs 10B, 10C
detected in S13 is connected to the different FAX lines, the user
preferably manually decides the designated FAX apparatus. Thereby,
the user can execute the FAX operation by using the desired FAX
number. However, the specific example of the second decision
criterion in S39 is not limited to the condition "the user's
selection through the user I/F 54". For example, when the two MFPs
10 connected to the first FAX line and the three MFPs 10 connected
to the second FAX line are detected in S31, the designated FAX
apparatus may be decided by a following sequence.
[0116] As an example, the terminal program 65 may narrow down the
two MFPs 10 connected to the first FAX line to one in accordance
with the first decision criterion, and narrow down the three MFPs
10 connected to the second FAX line to one in accordance with the
first decision criterion. Then, the terminal program 65 may receive
a designation of designating one of the narrowed MFPs 10, through
the user I/F 54. Then, the terminal program 65 may decide the MFP
10 designated through the user I/F 54, as the designated FAX
apparatus.
[0117] As another example, the terminal program 65 may receive a
designation of designating one of the first FAX line and the second
FAX line, through the user I/F 54. When the first FAX line is
designated, for example, the terminal program 65 may decide one of
the two MFPs 10 connected to the first FAX line, as the designated
FAX apparatus, in accordance with the first decision criterion.
Like this example, when the MFPs 10 connected to the different FAX
lines are detected, the designated FAX apparatus is decided by
combining the first decision criterion and the second decision
criterion, so that the desired MFP 10 is decided as the designated
FAX apparatus with the small operation burden.
[0118] In the meantime, the timing at which the FAX apparatus
selection processing is executed is not limited to the timing of
S17. As another example, the terminal program 65 may execute the
FAX apparatus selection processing upon activation of the terminal
program 65, or may execute the FAX apparatus selection processing
immediately before displaying the main screen.
[0119] In the meantime, it is naturally thought that the user of
the portable terminal 50 wants to decide, as the designated
apparatus for executing the second operation, the MFP 10 convenient
for the user, such as the MFP 10 equipped in the vicinity of a seat
of the user, the MFP 10 equipped on a passage where the user
frequently passes, or the like. Therefore, when the user is
permitted to designate the designated apparatus through the user
I/F 54, it is possible to enable the MFP 10 convenient for the user
to execute the second operation. However, the interface (I/F) for
designating the designated apparatus is not limited to the user I/F
54.
[0120] As another example, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50
may include a near-field communication I/F capable of executing
performing near-field wireless communication. The near-field
wireless communication indicates wireless communication of which a
communication range is relatively short (for example, several
centimeters to several meters), as compared to Wi-Fi. That is, the
near-field communication I/F can perform wireless communication
only with a partner apparatus that is present in the communication
range of the near-field wireless communication. The specific
example of the near-field wireless communication is not
particularly limited. For example, NFC, TransferJet (Trademark),
Bluetooth (Trademark) or the like may be adopted. The terminal
program 65 may be configured to decide, as the designated
apparatus, the MFP 10 that is present in the communication range of
the near-field wireless communication by the near-field
communication I/F. Thereby, the user of the portable terminal 50
can designate, as the designated apparatus, the desired MFP 10
simply by touching the portable terminal 50 to the corresponding
MFP 10.
[0121] In the meantime, the timing at which the designated
apparatus is decided by the above method is not limited to the
timing of S18. As an example, the terminal program 65 may display a
message "Please touch the portable terminal to the MFP that is to
be enabled to execute the printing operation" on the display 53
immediately before S68, decide, as the designated apparatus, the
MFP 10 that is present in the communication range of the near-field
communication I/F, during the display of the message, and transmit
the print instruction information to the decided designated
apparatus. As another example, the terminal program 65 may further
display the above message on the preparation instruction screen in
S71, decide, as the designated apparatus, the MFP 10 that is
present in the communication range of the near-field communication
I/F, in S72, instead of tapping the [start] icon 160, and transmit
the scan instruction information to the decided designated
apparatus.
[0122] Also, according to the above illustrative embodiment, when
the document is set on the designated apparatus convenient for the
user, the designated apparatus can enable the designated FAX
apparatus to execute the FAX transmission operation for the image
data generated in the scanning operation. Thereby, it is not
necessary for the user to move to the designated FAX apparatus so
as to set the document thereon. Also, according to the above
illustrative embodiment, the apparatus information of the FAX
apparatus detected in S31 is registered in the FAX apparatus list,
so that it is possible to enable the alternative apparatus to
alternatively execute the FAX transmission operation, in
correspondence to the cause of the abnormal termination of the FAX
transmission operation.
[0123] Also, according to the above illustrative embodiment, it is
possible to enable the designated apparatus convenient for the user
to execute the printing operation for the FAX data FAX-received by
the designated FAX apparatus. Thereby, it is not necessary for the
user to move to the designated FAX apparatus so as to collect the
sheet having the image recorded thereon. Also, the apparatus
information of the FAX apparatus detected in S31 is registered in
the FAX apparatus list, so that it is possible to enable the user
to select the desired image data from all the FAX data
FAX-transmitted to the same FAX line.
[0124] In the meantime, the terminal program 65 may receive only
the data ID of the FAX data stored in the FAX apparatus, in S61 and
S63. The terminal program 65 may receive the FAX data, which is
identified with the data ID corresponding to the data icon
designated in S65, from the FAX apparatus through the communication
I/F 55.
[0125] Also, the processing of S62 and S63 can be applied to the
case where the FAX number list is acquired in S75 of FIG. 7. That
is, the terminal program 65 may further receive the FAX number list
from the alternative apparatus connected to the same FAX line as
the designated FAX apparatus, through the communication I/F 55. The
terminal program 65 may enable the user to designate the desired
FAX number from the FAX numbers received from the designated FAX
apparatus and the alternative apparatus.
[0126] Also, the processing of FIG. 6 is not limited to the
printing operation for the FAX data received by the FAX reception
operation. As another example, the terminal program 65 may receive
the result information stored in the designated FAX apparatus in
S61 and S63 of FIG. 6, and enable the designated apparatus to
execute the printing operation for the result information
designated in S65. The processing of receiving the result
information is an example of the fourth receiving processing. That
is, the processing of FIG. 6 can be applied to the processing of
outputting a communication management report of the designated FAX
apparatus to the designated apparatus, too.
[0127] Also, according to the above illustrative embodiment, since
the switching icon 115 is described thereon with the apparatus ID
of the designated apparatus, it is possible to enable the user to
recognize which of the MFPs 10 is designated as the designated
apparatus. Also, it is possible to enable the user to recognize
whether the designated FAX apparatus and the designated apparatus
are the same by the display aspect of the operation icons 113, 114.
Also, the terminal program 65 may display the operation icons 113,
114 on the main screen when the FAX apparatus information is stored
in the memory 62 (i.e., when the designated FAX apparatus has been
already decided), and may not display the operation icons 113, 114
on the main screen when the FAX apparatus information is not stored
in the memory 62 (i.e., when the designated FAX apparatus has not
been decided yet). Thereby, it is possible to enable the user to
recognize whether the designated FAX apparatus has been
decided.
[0128] Also, in the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 of the
above illustrative embodiment, the diverse programs stored in the
memories 32, 62 are executed by the CPUs 31, 61, so that the
respective processing to be executed by the controller of the
present disclosure is implemented. However, the configuration of
the controller is not limited thereto and some or all of the
controller may be implemented by the hardware such as an integrated
circuit and the like.
[0129] Also, the present disclosure can be implemented as not only
the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 but also a program
configured to enable the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to
execute the processing. The program may be provided with being
recorded in a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory
recording medium may include a memory mounted on a server that can
be connected to the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 through the
communication network 101, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM and
the like. The program stored in the memory of the server may be
transmitted through the communication network 101 such as the
Internet, as information or signal indicative of the program.
* * * * *