Image forming system, original document arrangement setting method and non transitory recording medium that records an original document arrangement setting program

A relative position identification portion is included that identifies a relative position of a personal digital assistant with respect to an image forming apparatus. The relative position identification portion acquires the relative position of the image forming apparatus and the personal digital assistant, displays, on the display portion of the personal digital assistant, an image that shows the position and the direction of the image forming apparatus seen from a user who carries the personal digital assistant and an image of the position and the direction of an original document which is arranged in the reading portion of the image forming apparatus and which is seen from the user and thereafter transmits, to the image forming apparatus, setting information based on an input operation of the operator.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-236794 filed on Dec. 6, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet, an original document arrangement setting method of performing an original document arrangement setting on the image forming apparatus and non transitory recording medium that records an original document arrangement setting program.

A multifunctional peripheral is known into which the functions of a printer, a copying machine, a scanner, a facsimile machine, e-mail and the like are integrated. For example, there is a conventional multifunctional peripheral in which communication is performed with a memory card possessed by a user so as to identify the user, and in which thus the angle of the operation panel of the multifunctional peripheral is automatically adjusted so as to be an appropriate angle for the user.

In a conventional multifunctional peripheral, it is assumed that the user stands in front of the operation panel in the multifunctional peripheral so as to operate the operation panel, and when the user is present in an place other than the front surface of the multifunctional peripheral, the operation panel does not have an appropriate angle for the user, with the result that the operability may be unsatisfactory. In a case where an original document is read in a copying machine or a facsimile machine, though it is necessary to read the original document, when the user is not present in front of the front surface, the original document is easily placed in a wrong position and in a wrong direction, with the result that it is likely that the reading is not accurately performed or that the user is confused.

SUMMARY

An image forming system according to the present disclosure includes an image forming apparatus that includes a reading portion which reads an image of an original document set on an original document stage and a personal digital assistant that includes a display portion which can display information. In at least one of the image forming apparatus and the personal digital assistant, a relative position identification portion is included that identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant with respect to the image forming apparatus. The personal digital assistant displays, on the display portion, an image that shows the position and the direction of the original document stage and an image that shows the arrangement position and the direction of the original document on the original document stage from the personal digital assistant whose relative position is identified. The personal digital assistant receives an input operation of a user on the personal digital assistant and transmits, to the image forming apparatus, information for setting the position and the direction in which the original document is set on the original document stage.

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the description of embodiments given below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to drawings. Individual elements such as configurations and arrangements described in the present embodiment do not limit the scope of the disclosure and are simply examples for the description.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of an image forming system which includes a multifunctional peripheral and a personal digital assistant according to the present disclosure.FIG. 2is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of the multifunctional peripheral included in the image forming system ofFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1, the image forming system Sys includes the multifunctional peripheral100and the personal digital assistant200which is wirelessly connected to the multifunctional peripheral100.

The multifunctional peripheral100is, for example, a multifunctional peripheral which has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function and a facsimile function. However, there is no limitation to this configuration, and an image forming apparatus which has at least a scanner function (original document reading function) can be widely adopted.

The personal digital assistant200is, for example, a information terminal, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, which includes a touch operation portion which serves both as a display portion81and an operation portion82and an image sensing portion83. The personal digital assistant200is not limited to this configuration, and a personal digital assistant which includes a display portion and an image sensing portion can be widely adopted.

As shown inFIG. 1, in the multifunctional peripheral100, a control portion1(main control substrate), a print portion2and a storage portion3are included. The multifunctional peripheral100includes an image reading portion4, an original document transport portion5and an operation panel6. As shown inFIG. 2, in the multifunctional peripheral100, the image reading portion4is arranged above the print portion2, and the original document transport portion5is arranged above the image reading portion4.

The control portion1performs the overall control of the multifunctional peripheral100. The control portion1includes a CPU11. In the multifunctional peripheral100, the storage portion3is also included which includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, an HDD or a flash ROM and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage portion3stores programs and data on the control. The control portion1utilizes the programs and the data in the storage portion3so as to control the individual portions. The control portion1controls scanning, printing, transmission and the storage of image data which are performed for jobs such as copying and transmission.

In the control portion1, an image processing portion12is included which performs image processing based on image data output from the image reading portion4, image data transmitted through a communication portion7from a computer300, a server400, a facsimile device500and the like, furthermore, image data obtained by the image sensing of the image sensing portion83in the personal digital assistant200and the like. The image processing portion12reads the details of an image included in the image data. For example, when the image data is photograph data, the image processing portion12can distinguish the shapes, the colors and the like of objects included in the image which is shot.

The control portion1also includes a relative position identification portion13that identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200(in other words, a user) with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100based on the details of the image which is sensed in the image sensing portion83of the personal digital assistant200and which is then processed in the image processing portion12. The operations of the image processing portion12and the relative position identification portion13will be described later.

The operation panel6includes a display panel61, a touch panel62and hard keys63. The touch panel62is used for detecting the touch position of the user. The control portion1recognizes, based on the output of the touch panel62, one of operation images such as keys and buttons displayed on the display panel61which is operated. The hard keys63include a start key for providing an instruction to start the performance of a job and a numeric keypad for inputting numbers. The control portion1displays, on the display panel61, the state of the operation panel6, various types of messages and a setting screen. The operation panel6receives setting operations on the touch panel62and the hard keys63for the jobs such as the scanning and the copying.

The print portion2includes a paper feed portion2a, a transport portion2b, an image formation portion2c, a fixing portion2dand a sheet ejection portion2e. The paper feed portion2asupplies a sheet. The transport portion2btransports the sheet and ejects the printed sheet to the outside of the print portion2. The image formation portion2cforms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image to the transported sheet. The fixing portion2dfixes the transferred toner image to the sheet. The control portion1controls the operation of the print portion2.

As shown inFIG. 2, the paper feed portion2aincludes a plurality of paper feed cassettes21. In the paper feed cassettes21, sheets are stored. The sheets stored in the individual paper feed cassettes21differ from each other in at least one of the size and the direction thereof. The control portion1selects, based on an instruction from the user, the size, the direction and the like of the sheet which are appropriate. Then, the control portion1selects the paper feed cassette21in which the appropriate sheet is stored. Then, the paper feed portion2afeeds out, according to an instruction from the control portion1, the sheet from the selected paper feed cassette21. As shown inFIG. 2, the paper feed cassettes21can be pulled out forward (inFIG. 2, toward the front of the plane of the figure) from the side of the multifunctional peripheral100, and grip portions211are exposed to the front surface.

As shown inFIG. 2, an ejection tray22is arranged in a gap provided between the print portion2and the original document transport portion5, and the sheet to which the image is fixed in the fixing portion2dis ejected by the sheet ejection portion2eto the ejection tray22. The ejection tray22has an opening221in the right side of the multifunctional peripheral100.

The image reading portion4reads, based on the control of the control portion1, the image of the original document fitted to the upper surface of the housing of the image reading portion4so as to generate the image data. As shown inFIG. 2, the image reading portion4includes contact glass41(original document stage) on which the original document is placed. The image reading portion4further includes: an original document holding cover42which holds the original document placed on the contact glass41and which is freely opened and closed; and a reading mechanism43which reads the images of the original document placed on the contact glass41and the original document transported to the contact glass41.

The original document transport portion5transports, based on the control of the control portion1, the original document to the contact glass41of the image reading portion4. The original document transport portion5includes an original document placement stage51on which the original document is placed, an original document ejection portion52to which the original document whose image has been read is ejected and an original document transport mechanism53(seeFIG. 2). The original document transport mechanism53includes a paper feed roller, a transport roller and the like which are not illustrated. The original document transport mechanism53feeds out the original documents placed on the original document placement stage51one by one by the drive of the paper feed roller and the transport roller, and transports it to the contact glass41. The original document transported to the contact glass41is read by the reading mechanism43, and is thereafter ejected to the original document ejection portion52.

The original document transport portion5further includes a hinge (unillustrated) on the back side of the plane ofFIG. 2. The original document transport portion5is turned about the hinge such that the front thereof is moved close to or away from the contact glass41. The front side of the original document transport portion5is moved upward so as to open the upper surface of the contact glass41, and thus the user can place the original document on the upper surface of the contact glass41. In a state where the original document is placed on the upper surface of the contact glass41, the front of the original document transport portion5is moved close to the contact glass41. In this way, the original document can be pressed to the contact glass41, and thus the image reading portion4can accurately read the original document.

In the multifunctional peripheral100, the original document transported by the original document transport portion5or the original document placed on the contact glass41is optically read by the image reading portion4, and thus the image data is generated. The image data generated by the image reading portion4is stored in the internal storage portion3or a computer which is connected through a network or the like.

The multifunctional peripheral100includes the communication portion7. The communication portion7has a configuration capable of performing wireless communication, and is connected to the personal digital assistant200through a wireless line. The communication portion7is connected to the computer300such as a PC, the server400, the facsimile device500and the like such that the communication portion7can communicate with them through a wired and/or wireless network, a public line and the like. When the computer300, the server400and the facsimile device500are wirelessly connected to the communication portion7, these devices and the personal digital assistant200may be connected on the same wireless network. Only the personal digital assistant200may be connected to the communication portion7through a wireless communication line whose protocol is different from the other devices.

As shown inFIG. 1, the personal digital assistant200includes a control portion8, the display portion81, the operation portion82, the image sensing portion83, a storage portion84and a wireless connection portion85. The control portion8performs the overall control of the personal digital assistant200. The control portion8includes a CPU. In the personal digital assistant200, the storage portion84is also included which includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, an HDD or a flash ROM and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage portion84stores programs and data on the control. The control portion8utilizes the programs and the data in the storage portion84so as to control the individual portions.

The display portion81displays the state of the personal digital assistant200, various types of information stored in the storage portion84, the image data obtained by the image sensing of the image sensing portion83and the like. Although here, as the display portion81, a display portion using a liquid crystal panel can be illustrated, there is no limitation to such a configuration. As the operation portion82, a touch input device can be mentioned in which keys and buttons displayed on the display portion81are touched such that the operations are recognized. In addition to the touch input device, hard keys such as push buttons may be included.

The image sensing portion83includes an image sensing element, a lens and the like (all of which are unillustrated), and senses an image of (shoots) a subject based on an operation performed by the user. In the image forming system Sys according to the present disclosure, the image sensing portion83senses an image of the multifunctional peripheral100. Then, the image sensing data is transmitted to the multifunctional peripheral100and is subjected to image processing in the image processing portion12, and thereafter the relative position identification portion13identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100. The relative position identification portion13may identify the relative position of the multifunctional peripheral100with respect to the personal digital assistant200.

The wireless connection portion85is connected to the communication portion7of the multifunctional peripheral100, and transmits and receives data to and from the communication portion7. The wireless connection portion85may be directly and wirelessly connected to the communication portion7or may be connected through a device such as a wireless hub. When the wireless connection portion85is connected through the device such as the wireless hub, the wireless connection portion85may be connected through the same network as the computer300, the server400and the facsimile device500described above. In the present embodiment, the wireless connection portion85and the communication portion7are connected by the utilization of short-range wireless communication, and for example, it is assumed that when the personal digital assistant200is moved close to the multifunctional peripheral100, the connection is automatically started.

(Identification of Relative Position of Personal Digital Assistant200)

A method of identifying the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100will be described.

FIG. 3is a flowchart showing the flow of the identification of a relative position. As shown inFIG. 3, the control portion1of the multifunctional peripheral100confirms whether or not the communication portion7is connected to the wireless connection portion85of the personal digital assistant200(step S101). In the following description, the connection of the communication portion7of the multifunctional peripheral100and the wireless connection portion85of the personal digital assistant200may be simply referred to as the connection of the multifunctional peripheral100and the personal digital assistant200.

When the multifunctional peripheral100and the personal digital assistant200are not connected (no in step S101), the control portion1determines that the personal digital assistant200is not present near the multifunctional peripheral100. Then, the control portion1repeats the confirmation of the connection (in other words, step S101) until the connection of the multifunctional peripheral100and the personal digital assistant200is detected.

When the communication portion7confirms the connection to the wireless connection portion85of the personal digital assistant200(yes in step S101), the control portion1acquires the individual identification ID of the personal digital assistant200(step S102). Then, the control portion1confirms with the personal digital assistant200of the acquired individual identification ID whether or not a confirmation as to whether or not it is necessary to identify the relative position has been performed for a predetermined time (for example, a time from a few minutes before now until now) (step S103). In this way, it is possible to reduce the frequency of the confirmation as to whether or not it is necessary to identify the relative position with respect to the same personal digital assistant200, and thus it is possible to reduce the annoyance of the user. When the confirmation as to whether or not it is necessary to identify the relative position has been performed (yes in step S103), the control portion1repeats the confirmation of the connection of the multifunctional peripheral100and the personal digital assistant200(in other words, step S101).

When the confirmation as to whether or not it is necessary to identify the relative position has not been performed for the predetermined time (no in step S103), the control portion1confirms with the personal digital assistant200of the acquired individual identification ID whether or not the relative position is identified (step S104). When a confirmation from the control portion1is sent, the control portion8of the personal digital assistant200displays, on the display portion81, a question screen for the user as shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a diagram showing the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200. As shown inFIG. 4, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, a message401such as “Will you identify the relative position?”, an OK button M1, and a cancel button M2are displayed. It is assumed that in the personal digital assistant200, a function (for example, an application) capable of displaying the message from the multifunctional peripheral100is included.

When the cancel button M2is operated by the user (no in step S104), the control portion1associates the individual identification ID of the personal digital assistant200to which the confirmation is transmitted with the time at which the confirmation is transmitted, and stores the information thereof in the storage portion3(step S105). Then, the control portion1returns to the confirmation of the connection to the personal digital assistant200(the process returns to step S101).

When the OK button M1is operated by the user (yes in step S104), the control portion1determines that the user selects the identification of the relative position. Then, the control portion1includes an instruction to the personal digital assistant200to produce a display for prompting the user to shoot the multifunctional peripheral100with the image sensing portion83of the personal digital assistant200(step S106). As shown inFIG. 5, as the display for prompting the user to shoot the multifunctional peripheral100with the image sensing portion83of the personal digital assistant200, for example, a display of a message402such as “Shoot multifunctional peripheral to transmit data.” can be mentioned.

The control portion1confirms whether or not the image sensing data of the multifunctional peripheral100is transmitted from the personal digital assistant200(step S107). When the transmission of the image sensing data is not confirmed (no in step S107), the control portion1repeats the confirmation of the transmission of the image sensing data until the image sensing data is confirmed (step S107). When the transmitted image sensing data is confirmed (yes in step S107), the control portion1performs image processing on the image sensing data with the image processing portion12so as to identify the sensed multifunctional peripheral100within the image sensing data (step S108).

The control portion1confirms whether or not the image processing portion12has been able to identify the multifunctional peripheral100within the image sensing data (step S109). When the control portion1has not been able to confirm the multifunctional peripheral100(no in step S109), the control portion100performs the process again from the transmission of the instruction of the image sensing (step S106). When the process is performed again, for example, as with a message420such as “Since the multifunctional peripheral has not been able to be identified, shoot the multifunctional peripheral again.” shown inFIG. 15which will be described later, the user may be prompted to perform the process again.

When the multifunctional peripheral100has been able to be identified within the image sensing data (yes in step S109), the control portion1starts up the relative position identification portion13so as to identify, from the sensed image of the identified multifunctional peripheral100, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100(step S110). The details of steps of identifying the relative position will be described later.

In this way, the image forming system Sys identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200, that is, the user with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100. Then, the control portion1of the multifunctional peripheral100associates the position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100with the ID for identifying the personal digital assistant200, and stores the information thereof in the storage portion3(step S111).

A method of identifying the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100will then be described using a specific example. The method of identifying the relative position which will be described below is an example.FIG. 6is a flowchart showing a procedure for identifying the relative position.FIG. 7is a schematic diagram when an image of the multifunctional peripheral100is sensed from the right side.FIG. 8is a schematic diagram when an image of the multifunctional peripheral100is sensed from the left side. For a diagram of an image which is sensed from the front surface, seeFIG. 2.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the front surface, the right surface and the left surface of the multifunctional peripheral100are shot such that the shapes and the configurations thereof differ from each other. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, in the image sensed from the front surface, the grip portions211of the paper feed cassettes21are appeared. As shown inFIG. 7, in the image sensed from the right side, the opening221of the ejection tray22is appeared. Furthermore, in the image sensed from the left side, characteristic portions such as the grip portion211and the opening221are not appeared. The grip portion211is the characteristic portion which identifies the front surface of the multifunctional peripheral100, and the opening221is the characteristic portion which identifies the right surface of the multifunctional peripheral100.

The relative position identification portion13of the multifunctional peripheral100identifies, from the image of the multifunctional peripheral100identified by the image processing portion12, based on whether or not the characteristic portion as described above is present, an angle of view in which the image sensing data is sensed, and identifies, from the angle of view, the position in which the image sensing is performed with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100, that is, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100. Although in the present embodiment, the image processing portion12and the relative position identification portion13are described separately, they may actually be integral.

A procedure, based on what has been described above, for identifying the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100and displaying the relative position on the display portion of the personal digital assistant200will be described. The flowchart ofFIG. 6shows the details of the processing in step S110of the flowchart shown inFIG. 3, and is included in the processing shown inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 6, the relative position identification portion13confirms whether or not the grip portion211is appeared in the image of the multifunctional peripheral100(step S1101). When the grip portion211is appeared (yes in step S1101), the grip portion211is the identification portion for the front surface, and thus the relative position identification portion13identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100as the front side of the multifunctional peripheral100(step S1102).

When the grip portion211is not appeared in the image of the multifunctional peripheral100(no in step S1101), the relative position identification portion13confirms whether or not the opening221of the ejection tray22is appeared in the image of the multifunctional peripheral100(step S1103). When the opening221is appeared in the image of the multifunctional peripheral100(yes in step S1103), the opening221is the identification portion for the right surface, and thus the relative position identification portion13identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100as the right side of the multifunctional peripheral100(step S1104). When the opening221is not appeared (no in step S1103), the identification portion is not included in the image of the multifunctional peripheral100, and thus the relative position identification portion13identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100as the left side of the multifunctional peripheral100(step S1105).

As described above, the image processing portion12and the relative position identification portion13in the control portion1are utilized, and thus the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified. Although in the identification of the relative position described above, the front side, the right side and the left side of the multifunctional peripheral100are identified, there is no limitation to this configuration, and processing for identifying the back side of the multifunctional peripheral100may be performed. In this case, the left surface or the back surface of the multifunctional peripheral100preferably has any characteristic portion. The surfaces described above may be determined by the outside shape of the multifunctional peripheral100. In this case, the characteristic portion is the outside shape of the multifunctional peripheral100. Although for the distinguishment of the characteristic portions described above, a method in which the image data of the multifunctional peripheral100stored in the storage portion3of the multifunctional peripheral100is checked can be mentioned, there is no limitation to this method.

In the image forming system Sys, based on information on the relative position of the personal digital assistant200identified by the multifunctional peripheral100with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100, the position and the direction of the contact glass41and the position and the direction of the original document set on the contact glass41seen from the user (who carries the identified personal digital assistant200) can be displayed in the personal digital assistant200. A procedure for displaying, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, the positions and the directions of the contact glass41and the original document set on the contact glass41will be described below.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying, on the display portion of the personal digital assistant, the multifunctional peripheral and the original document seen from the user.

As shown inFIG. 9, whether or not an input operation for displaying the images of the multifunctional peripheral100and the original document seen from the user is performed on the personal digital assistant200is confirmed (step S112). Although the procedure for the image display is described separately from the procedure for the relative position (as shown inFIG. 3), the procedure for the image display may actually be performed after the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified. When the procedure for the image display is directly performed, the procedure for the image display may be performed with the omission of the storage of the position information (step S111inFIG. 3).

When the input operation for displaying the images of the positions and the directions of the contact glass41and the original document seen from the user is not performed on the personal digital assistant200(no in step S112), the confirmation of the input operation (step S112) is repeated. When the input operation is not performed or when the input operation is not performed for a certain period, it is assumed that the display is not performed, and thus the processing may be completed.

When the input operation for displaying the images of the positions and the directions of the contact glass41and the original document seen from the user is performed on the personal digital assistant200(yes in step S112), the control portion1receives information indicating that the input operation is received in the personal digital assistant200. Then, the control portion1calls for, from the storage portion3, the information on the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100(step S113). Then, based on the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100, the information on the position and the direction of the contact glass41and the information on the position and the direction of the original document set on the contact glass41when seen from the user carrying the personal digital assistant200are transmitted to the personal digital assistant200(step S114). The control portion8of the personal digital assistant200generates, from the information on the position and the direction of the contact glass41and the information on the position and the direction of the original document set on the contact glass41seen from the user, the images displayed on the display portion81(step S115). The generated images are displayed on the display portion81(step S116).

Although in the present embodiment, the control portion8of the personal digital assistant200generates the images displayed on the display portion81, there is no limitation to this configuration. For example, images in which the multifunctional peripheral100and the original document are combined are previously prepared, and based on the information on the positions and the directions of the multifunctional peripheral100and the original document seen from the user, these images may be called for and displayed. Although the images displayed on the display portion81are generated in the personal digital assistant200, there is no limitation to this configuration. Based on the relative positions of the multifunctional peripheral100and the user, the control portion1may generate images and transmit the images to the personal digital assistant200together with information on the positions.

Then, after the images are displayed on the display portion81, the control portion8of the personal digital assistant200confirms whether or not an input operation such as the selection, the confirmation or the like of a setting is performed by the user (step S117). As the selection and the confirmation of the setting, for example, a determination (selection) as to whether or not the position, the direction and the like of the contact glass41displayed in the personal digital assistant200are accurate, the confirmation of the position and the direction in which the original document is set on the contact glass41and the like can be mentioned. However, there is no limitation to this configuration. When the input operation is not performed (no in step S117), the control portion8waits until the input operation is performed (repeats step S117). When the input operation is not performed or when the input operation is not performed for a certain period, the processing itself may be completed.

When the input operation is performed (yes in step S117), the control portion8of the personal digital assistant200transmits, to the multifunctional peripheral100, information on the selection and/or the confirmation of the setting performed by the user (step S118). The control portion1of the multifunctional peripheral100performs processing based on the transmitted information.

As described above, from the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100, the image of the position and the direction of the contact glass41and the image of the position and the direction of the original document set on the contact glass41seen from the user can be displayed on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200. Then, the user confirms the images displayed on the display portion81, operates the personal digital assistant200and thereby can operate the multifunctional peripheral100. A configuration may be adopted in which on the personal digital assistant200, the same operation as on the operation panel6can be performed.

When as in the present embodiment, on the image data which is sensed, image processing is performed in the image processing portion12of the multifunctional peripheral100, and thus the relative position is identified in the relative position identification portion13, the information (image data) on the characteristic portions can be stored in the storage portion3of the multifunctional peripheral100. For example, when the user of the personal digital assistant200works in a plurality of offices, in the individual offices, different multifunctional peripherals100may be used. Even in this case, information on all the characteristic portions in the multifunctional peripherals100does not need to be stored in the storage portion84of the personal digital assistant200.

Image data displayed on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200will then be described with reference to drawings.FIG. 10shows image data which is displayed on the display portion when the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is the front side.FIG. 11shows image data which is displayed on the display portion when the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is the right side.FIG. 12shows image data which is displayed on the display portion when the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is the left side. The generation of the image displayed on the display portion81is assumed to be performed in the control portion8of the personal digital assistant200.FIGS. 10 to 12show the state where the image is displayed on the display portion81.

In the storage portion84, a schematic image411of the contact glass41, a schematic image413of a horizontally long original document and a schematic image414of a vertically long original document are stored. As shown inFIG. 10and the like, the schematic image411of the contact glass41is rectangular. Both the schematic image413of the horizontally long original document and the schematic image414of the vertically long original document are rectangular. Here, with respect to the vertically long original document and the horizontally long original document, when the original document is rotated such that the characters thereof are in the vertically right direction, the original document which has a long vertical side when seen from the user is assumed to be the vertically long original document, and the original document which has a long horizontal side is assumed to be the horizontally long original document.

When it is determined that the personal digital assistant200is in front of the multifunctional peripheral100, the control portion8calls for, from the storage portion84, the schematic image411of the contact glass41and arranges it such that the back side is the upper side, that is, that the schematic image411is horizontally long. Then, the control portion1generates image data Dp1in which the schematic image413of the horizontally long original document is arranged so as to be brought into close contact with the upper left corner of the schematic image411of the contact glass41. The image data Dp1is a plan view showing the position and the direction of the contact glass41and the position and the direction of the original document seen from the personal digital assistant200whose relative position with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified.

In the schematic image413of the horizontally long original document, a character image such as “ABC” is included, and the direction of the original document is specified by the character image. When as shown inFIG. 10, the personal digital assistant200is in front of the multifunctional peripheral100, the horizontally long original document is arranged such that the upper portion of the character image is directed upward.

Then, image data Dp2is produced in which the schematic image411of the contact glass41and the schematic image414of the vertically long original document are combined. As in the horizontally long original document, in the schematic image414of the vertically long original document, a character image such as “ABC” is included. Then, the schematic image414of the vertically long original document is brought into close contact with the upper left corner of the schematic image411of the contact glass41, and is arranged such that the upper portion of the character image is directed leftward.

The control portion8prepares the two types of image data Dp1and Dp2described above and displays the image data Dp1and Dp2in an upper portion of the display portion81. Although inFIG. 10, the image data Dp1and the image data Dp2are displayed so as to be aligned laterally in the upper portion of the display portion81, they may be displayed so as to be aligned vertically on the display portion81. Although the image data Dp1and the image data Dp2are displayed simultaneously, there is no limitation to this display. For example, the image data Dp1and the image data Dp2may be displayed so as to be switched at regular time intervals.

In the display portion81, below the portion where the image data Dp1is displayed, a setting key412ais displayed. The setting key412ais a setting key which is operated when the image data Dp1is selected. The setting key412ais operated, and thus the image data Dp1is selected. In other words, the setting key412ais operated, and thus a setting is selected in which the user is in front of the multifunctional peripheral100and in which the horizontally long original document is set on the contact glass41. In order for the position and the direction of the original document to be more accurate, a message403of “Upper side is back” is displayed so as to overlap the setting key412a.

In the display portion81, below the portion where the image data Dp2is displayed, a setting key412bis displayed. The setting key412bis a setting key which is operated when the image data Dp2is selected. The setting key412bis operated, and thus the image data Dp2is selected. In other words, the setting key412bis operated, and thus a setting is selected in which the user is in front of the multifunctional peripheral100and in which the vertically long original document is set on the contact glass41. In order for the position and the direction of the original document to be more accurate, a message404of “Upper side is left” is displayed so as to overlap the setting key412b. On the display portion81, below the setting key412aand the setting key412b, the OK button M1and the cancel button M2are also displayed.

After the selection of the setting key412aor the setting key412b, the OK button M1is operated, and thus information on the direction of the original document is transmitted from the personal digital assistant200to the multifunctional peripheral100. After the selection of the setting key412aor the setting key412b, the cancel button M2is operated, and thus the setting is cancelled such that the process returns to the selection. Furthermore, in a state where neither the setting key412anor the setting key412bis selected, the cancel button M2is operated, and thus the setting itself is stopped (cancelled).

Here, the OK button M1, the cancel button M2, the setting key412aand the setting key412bare so-called touch keys, and a finger of the user, a touch pen or the like is brought into contact therewith such that the input operation is received. As described above, in the image forming system Sys according to the present disclosure, based on the position of the user with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100, the position and the direction in which the original document is set on the contact glass41are indicated to the user. Then, after the user sets the original document, the input operation on the setting key displayed in the personal digital assistant200is received, and thus the position and the direction in which the original document is set on the contact glass41can be set for the control portion1.

Although in the present embodiment, the example is described where the arrangement position of the original document on the contact glass41is the same and where the direction of the original document is different, there is no limitation to this example. For example, an image in which the position of the original document on the contact glass41is different, an image in which the direction of the original document is different and the like are combined, with the result that a larger number of images may be displayed. Instead of the images, only characters such as “Upper left and leftward direction” may be displayed. Moreover, so-called highlighting in which the color of the background is changed at the time of selection without provision of the setting keys is performed, and thus a determination may be made such as by the operation of the OK button M1or double clicking.

Although inFIG. 10, the example where the user is in front of the multifunctional peripheral100is described, similar displays are produced when the user is on the right side of the multifunctional peripheral (seeFIG. 11) and when the user is on the left side of the multifunctional peripheral (seeFIG. 12).

The display portion81shown inFIG. 11shows a case where the personal digital assistant200is on the right side of the multifunctional peripheral100. When the personal digital assistant200is on the right side of the multifunctional peripheral100, the front surface of the multifunctional peripheral100appears on the left side when seen from the user. Hence, the control portion8arranges, in image data Dp3and Dp4, the front surface of the schematic image411of the contact glass41on the left side, that is, arranges the schematic image411such that the schematic image411is vertically long.

Since the image data Dp3is image data which shows the state where the horizontally long original document is placed, the schematic image413of the horizontally long original document is displayed such that the upper portion of the character image thereof is directed rightward and that the schematic image413is brought into close contact with the upper right corner of the schematic image411of the contact glass41. Since the image data Dp4is image data which shows the state where the vertically long original document is placed, the schematic image414of the vertically long original document is displayed such that the upper portion of the character image thereof is directed upward and that the schematic image414is brought into close contact with the upper right corner of the schematic image411of the contact glass41.

In the display portion81, below the portion where the image data Dp3is displayed, a setting key412cis displayed. The setting key412cis a setting key which is operated when the image data Dp3is selected. In order for the position and the direction of the original document to be more accurate, a message405of “Upper side is right” is displayed so as to overlap the setting key412c.

In the display portion81, below the portion where the image data Dp4is displayed, a setting key412dis displayed. The setting key412dis a setting key which is operated when the image data Dp4is selected. In order for the position and the direction of the original document to be more accurate, a message406of “Upper side is back” is displayed so as to overlap the setting key412d. On the display portion81shown inFIG. 11, below the setting keys412cand412d, the OK button M1and the cancel button M2are also displayed.

An operation when the setting key412cand the setting key412dare operated and an operation method are substantially the same as the operation of the setting key412aand the setting key412bexcept that the image data to be selected is different, and thus the details thereof are omitted.

The display portion81shown inFIG. 12shows a case where the personal digital assistant200is on the left side of the multifunctional peripheral100. When the personal digital assistant200is on the left side of the multifunctional peripheral100, the front surface of the multifunctional peripheral100appears on the right side when seen from the user. Hence, the control portion8arranges, in image data Dp5and Dp6, the front surface of the schematic image411of the contact glass41on the left side, that is, arranges the schematic image411such that the schematic image411is vertically long.

Since the image data Dp5is image data which shows the state where the horizontally long original document is placed, the schematic image413of the horizontally long original document is displayed such that the upper portion of the character image thereof is directed leftward and that the schematic image413is brought into close contact with the lower left corner of the schematic image411of the contact glass41. Since the image data Dp6is image data which shows the state where the vertically long original document is placed, the schematic image414of the vertically long original document is displayed such that the upper portion of the character image thereof is directed downward and that the schematic image414is brought into close contact with the lower left corner of the schematic image411of the contact glass41.

In the display portion81, below the portion where the image data Dp5is displayed, a setting key412eis displayed. The setting key412eis a setting key which is operated when the image data Dp5is selected. In order for the position and the direction of the original document to be more accurate, a message407of “Upper side is left” is displayed so as to overlap the setting key412e.

In the display portion81, below the portion where the image data Dp6is displayed, a setting key412fis displayed. The setting key412fis a setting key which is operated when the image data Dp6is selected. In order for the position and the direction of the original document to be more accurate, a message408of “Upper side is front” is displayed so as to overlap the setting key412f. On the display portion81shown inFIG. 12, below the setting key412eand the setting key412f, the OK button M1and the cancel button M2are also displayed.

An operation when the setting key412eand the setting key412fare operated and an operation method are substantially the same as the operation of the setting key412aand the setting key412bexcept that the image data to be selected is different, and thus the details thereof are omitted.

The image data Dp1to Dp6generated as described above is displayed on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, and thus the user can accurately confirm the position and the direction of the original document set on the contact glass41. The input operation for the setting keys412ato412fis performed, and thus it is possible to complete the setting for the arrangement position and the direction of the original document. In this way, it is possible to intuitively recognize the arrangement position and the direction of the original document with respect to the contact glass41, and it is also possible to easily and accurately make the setting for the direction of the original document which is placed.

As described above, in the image forming system Sys, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, the position and the direction of the contact glass41and the position and the direction of the original document set on the control portion1seen from the user are displayed, and thus it is unlikely that the user sets the original document in a wrong position and in a wrong direction. It is also possible to intuitively select the direction in which the original document is set, and thus it is possible to reduce the inputting of a wrong setting (here, the setting for the position and the direction of the original document).

Although in the present embodiment, the schematic image411of the contact glass41and the schematic images413and414of the original document are previously stored in the storage portion84, and they are combined so as to generate the image data Dp1to Dp6, there is no limitation to this configuration. For example, the image data Dp1to Dp6may be previously stored, and based on information from the multifunctional peripheral100, the image data may be selected. An image may be generated or selected in the control portion1of the multifunctional peripheral100, transmitted to the personal digital assistant200and displayed in the personal digital assistant200. In this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of information stored in the personal digital assistant200.

Although in the description of the present embodiment, the image data Dp1to Dp6indicates the position and the direction of the original document, there is no limitation to this configuration. For example, information such as the size of the original document which can be printed and colorization (color printing, gray scale printing) may be included. When as described above, a plurality of pieces of information are included in the image data, information may differ depending on the multifunctional peripheral100. In this case, the image data is also generated in the multifunctional peripheral100(the control portion1), and is transmitted to the personal digital assistant200, and thus it is possible to reduce the processing in the personal digital assistant200.

In the present embodiment, in the front surface and the right surface of the multifunctional peripheral100, the characteristic portions are individually included, and the characteristic portions are distinguished by the image processing. However, depending on the surrounding environment or the like, it may be difficult to distinguish the characteristic portions. Hence, a configuration may be adopted in which in the front surface, the right surface and the left surface, different signs (for example, a number, a character, a star mark, a circle mark and a rhombus mark) are individually and previously included, and in which based on information on at least one of the type, the shape and the size of the signs, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified. On the individual surfaces, a plurality of signs are attached, and thus even when furniture or a person overlaps the signs, it is possible to reliably identify the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100. As the item for identifying the surfaces, there is no limitation to the sign. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the color for each of the surfaces is changed, and in which the color is distinguished such that the surface is identified.

In the present embodiment, in the front surface and the right surface of the multifunctional peripheral100, the characteristic portions are individually included, and the characteristic portions are distinguished by the image processing. Then, by the characteristic portions in the image sensing data displayed in the multifunctional peripheral100, the front surface and the right surface are identified, and by the fact that there is no characteristic portion, the left surface is identified. Depending on the position in which image sensing is performed by the personal digital assistant200, the multifunctional peripheral100in the image sensing data may include a plurality of characteristic portions. In such a case, the shape and the size of the characteristic portions are distinguished by image processing, and thus it is possible to identify the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100. Here, the surrounding of the multifunctional peripheral100is divided into the front surface, the right surface and the left surface for each of areas, and in which area the characteristic portion is included is distinguished. Then, image data may be generated by identifying the surface in the area. A configuration may be adopted in which the angle of the position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the center portion of the multifunctional peripheral100(the contact glass41) is identified, and in which image data corresponding to the angle is produced.

Second Embodiment

Another example of the image forming system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings.FIG. 13is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of the example of the image forming system which includes the multifunctional peripheral and the personal digital assistant according to the present disclosure. Although the image forming system Sys2shown inFIG. 13differs from the image forming system Sys shown inFIG. 1in that an image processing portion86and a relative position identification portion87are included in the personal digital assistant200, the other points are the same as each other and the substantially same portions are identified with the same symbols.

As shown inFIG. 13, in the personal digital assistant200, the image processing portion86and the relative position identification portion87are included. The operations of the image processing portion86and the relative position identification portion87are equivalent to those of the image processing portion12and the relative position identification portion13included in the multifunctional peripheral100of the first embodiment, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified in the image processing portion86and the relative position identification portion87of the personal digital assistant200. A procedure for identifying the position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100will be described with reference to drawings.FIG. 14is a flowchart showing the procedure for identifying the relative position.

As shown inFIG. 14, based on the fact that the operation portion82is operated by the user, the control portion8acquires the image sensing data of the multifunctional peripheral100whose relative position is to be identified (step S201). In other words, the user senses an image of the multifunctional peripheral100with the personal digital assistant200, and thereafter the image sensing data is acquired. The control portion8acquires, from a server on the Internet or the like, information (such as image information and shapes) on the characteristic portions of the multifunctional peripheral100(step S202). When the multifunctional peripheral100has the information on the characteristic portions, the personal digital assistant200may be connected to the multifunctional peripheral100so as to directly acquire the information from the multifunctional peripheral100. Alternatively, when the information on the characteristic portions of the multifunctional peripheral100has already been in the storage portion84of the personal digital assistant200, the step of acquiring the information on the characteristic portions (step S202) can be omitted.

Then, the control portion8performs, in the image processing portion86, image processing on the image sensing data so as to identify, within the image sensing data, the multifunctional peripheral100whose image is sensed (step S203). The control portion8confirms whether or not the image processing portion86has been able to identify the multifunctional peripheral100within the image sensing data (step S204). When the multifunctional peripheral100has not been able to be confirmed (no in step S204), the multifunctional peripheral100transmits an instruction of the image sensing (step S205). When the image sensing is performed again, as shown inFIG. 15, a message420such as “Since the multifunctional peripheral has not been able to be identified, shoot the multifunctional peripheral again.” is displayed. Then, after a certain period of time, the mode may be switched to an image sensing mode (camera mode). After the transmission of the instruction of the image sensing, the process returns to the acquisition of the image sensing data (step S201).

When the multifunctional peripheral100has been able to be identified within the image sensing data (yes in step S204), the control portion8starts up the relative position identification portion87so as to identify, from the sensed image of the identified multifunctional peripheral100, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100(step S206). In step S206, the processing shown in the flow ofFIG. 6may be performed or processing as described in variation 1 or 2 of the first embodiment may be performed.

Based on information on the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100, image data (the image data Dp1to Dp6shown inFIGS. 10 to 12) indicating the positions of the contact glass41and the original document in the multifunctional peripheral100is generated (step S207) and is stored in the storage portion84(step S208). Since the generation of the image data is the same as in the first embodiment, it will be omitted.

Then, when an input operation for displaying the contact glass41and the original document is performed on the personal digital assistant200, the control portion8generates, according to the operation, the image showing the positions of the contact glass41and the original document seen from the user, displays the image and transmits, according to the input operation, information on the operation to the multifunctional peripheral100.

Since in the image forming system Sys2of the present embodiment, the image of the multifunctional peripheral100is sensed with timing desired by the user, whether or not it is necessary to identify the position is not confirmed when it is not necessary to do so, with the result that it is possible to prevent the annoyance of the user. It is also possible to reduce the number of times the multifunctional peripheral100and the personal digital assistant200communicate with each other, and thus it is possible to reduce the time necessary for the processing.

Although in the first and second embodiments, as the information on the characteristic portions of the multifunctional peripheral100, the information which is previously stored is used, there is no limitation to this configuration. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the image sensing portion83of the personal digital assistant200is utilized to sense the images of the individual surfaces of the multifunctional peripheral100, and in which the image sensing data thereof is stored in the storage portion3or the storage portion84as the information on the characteristic portions for characterizing the individual surfaces. In this way, it is also possible to identify the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100in which information on characteristic portions is not prepared. When only with the personal digital assistant200, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified, the connection to the multifunctional peripheral100, the connection to the Internet and the like are not necessary.

The display of the position and the direction of the original document may be performed or may not be performed based on the selection of the user. After the display of the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100(the contact glass41), based on an instruction of the user or the like, in addition to the image data displayed on the display portion81, the position and the direction of the original document may be displayed.

Third Embodiment

In the embodiments described above, the image of the multifunctional peripheral100is sensed by the image sensing portion83included in the personal digital assistant200, and based on the image sensing data thereof, the position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified. On the other hand, it may be possible for the user to easily recognize the position of the user with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100. Even in such a case, the user may be confused about the place and the direction in which the original document is set or the user may set the original document in a wrong direction.

Hence, in a third embodiment, the user operates the personal digital assistant200so as to perform processing for inputting the position of the user with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100.FIG. 16is an operation screen which is displayed on the display portion of the personal digital assistant when the user inputs the position with respect to the multifunctional peripheral. The personal digital assistant200has the same configuration as the personal digital assistant shown inFIG. 13, and in other words, the personal digital assistant200includes the relative position identification portion87.

The display portion81shown inFIG. 16is a plan view, and the schematic image411of the contact glass41is displayed in the center portion. The schematic image411of the contact glass41is rectangular, and on the four sides, the displays of “front side”, “right side”, “left side” and “back side” are produced. In the display portion81, the portions corresponding to the individual surfaces are divided into regions Ar1to Ar4. The user confirms the display portion81, and taps one of the regions Ar1to Ar4corresponding to a position that is most suitable for the position in which the user stands with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100so as to input the position. For example, when the user determines that the user is in the front of the multifunctional peripheral100(the contact glass41), the user taps the region Ar1so as to identify the front side of the multifunctional peripheral100(the contact glass41) as the relative position. The relative position identification portion87identifies, based on one of the regions Ar1to Ar4which is input, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100.

Thereafter, as shown inFIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the images in which the schematic image411of the contact glass41, the schematic image413of the horizontally long original document and the schematic image414of the vertically long original document are combined are generated, and are displayed on the display portion81. Here, the setting keys412ato412fare also displayed together with the messages on the direction of the original document.

As described above, by the operation of the user, the information on the position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the multifunctional peripheral100is identified, and thus the image processing is not necessary. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the time necessary for the processing, and even with the personal digital assistant200whose processing ability is low, it is possible to produce the display described above.

Fourth Embodiment

In the embodiments described above, the relative position identification portion13and the relative position identification portion87serving as computation circuits are included. However, in a case where there is a room for the computation ability of the control portion1or the control portion8, the relative position identification portion13or the relative position identification portion87may be a program which is recorded in the storage portion3or the storage portion84and which is operated by a processing portion (processor) in the control portion1or the control portion8.

An example of the image forming system according to the present disclosure is an image forming system Sys including: an image forming apparatus100that includes a reading portion4which reads an image formed in an original document; and a personal digital assistant200that includes a display portion which can display information. Here, in at least one of the image forming apparatus100and the personal digital assistant200, a relative position identification portion13,87is included that identifies the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100, the relative position identification portion13,87acquires the relative position of the image forming apparatus100and the personal digital assistant200, the personal digital assistant200displays, on the display portion81, an image that shows the position and the direction of the image forming apparatus100and an image that shows the arrangement position and the direction of the original document in the image forming apparatus seen from a user and the personal digital assistant200receives an input operation of the user on the personal digital assistant200and transmits, to the image forming apparatus100, information for setting the position and the direction in which the original document is arranged in the image forming apparatus100.

In the configuration described above, the user can accurately grasp the position with respect to the image forming apparatus, and also can set the original document in the right position and the right direction. The personal digital assistant200in which the position of the original document on the original document stage41is confirmed is operated, and thus it is possible to perform a setting for setting the original document on the original document stage41, with the result that the convenience of the user can be enhanced. In other words, the user can intuitively recognize the arrangement position of the original document and simply make the setting for setting the original document.

In the configuration described above, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, the images of a plurality of the image forming apparatuses Dp1to Dp6in which at least one of the arrangement position and the direction of the original document is different are displayed so as to be aligned, and the images of a plurality of setting keys412ato412fwhich are included so as to select any one of the displays of a plurality of original documents are displayed. In this configuration, since the user can easily select the position and the direction of the original document, the operation becomes simple, with the result that it is unlikely that a mistake is made in the direction and the setting in which the original document is set.

In the configuration described above, the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200may also serve as a contact-type input portion.

In the configuration described above, the relative position identification portion13,87identifies, based on an image shot by the personal digital assistant200, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100. In this configuration, the user only senses an image of the image forming apparatus, and thus with the simple operation, it is possible to identify the relative position of the personal digital assistant with respect to the image forming apparatus.

In the configuration described above, the relative position identification portion87may identify, based on the input operation of the user on the personal digital assistant200, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100. In this way, it is possible to simplify the processing, and thus even when the processing ability of the personal digital assistant200is low, it is possible to accurately identify the relative position of the personal digital assistant with respect to the image forming apparatus.

An example of an original document arrangement setting method according to the present disclosure is an original document arrangement setting method in which in the configuration described above, the image forming apparatus100including the image reading portion4which reads the image formed in the original document and the personal digital assistant200including the display portion81that can display information are connected, and in which the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100and the position and the direction of the original document are indicated to the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200. The original document arrangement setting method includes: a relative position identification step of identifying, based on the information for identifying the relative position, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100; a position display step of displaying, based on information on the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, an image that shows the position and the direction of the image forming apparatus100and an image that shows the arrangement position and the direction of the original document in the image forming apparatus100seen from the user; and a setting information transmission step of transmitting, based on an input operation of the user on the personal digital assistant200, to the image forming apparatus100, information for setting the position and the direction in which the original document is arranged in the image forming apparatus100.

In the configuration described above, in the position display step, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant200, the images of a plurality of the image forming apparatuses100in which at least one of the arrangement position and the direction of the original document is different may be displayed so as to be aligned, and the images of a plurality of setting keys412ato412fwhich are included so as to select any one of the displays of a plurality of original documents may be displayed, and in an original document setting step, an input operation for selecting any one of the setting keys412ato412fmay be received.

In the configuration described above, in the relative position identification step, the acquisition of the image sensing data in which an image of the image forming apparatus100is sensed in the personal digital assistant200may be included, the characteristic portions of the image forming apparatus100whose image is sensed may be extracted by image processing on the image sensing data and based on at least one of the shape and the size of the characteristic portions, processing for identifying the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100may be performed.

In the configuration described above, the information for identifying the relative position may be information based on the input operation of the user on the personal digital assistant200.

An example of a relative position notification program according to the present disclosure is an original document arrangement setting program which connects together the image forming apparatus100including the image reading portion4which reads the image formed in the original document and the personal digital assistant200including the display portion81that can display information and which is operated based on an input on the personal digital assistant200. The original document arrangement setting program has the function of acquiring information for identifying the relative position, identifying, based on the information for identifying the relative position, the relative position of the personal digital assistant200with respect to the image forming apparatus100and thereafter displaying, based on information on the relative position of the personal digital assistant100with respect to the image forming apparatus100, on the display portion81of the personal digital assistant100, an image that shows the position and the direction of the image forming apparatus100and an image that shows the arrangement position and the direction of the original document seen from the user and transmitting, based on the input operation of the user on the personal digital assistant200, to the image forming apparatus, information for setting the position and the direction of the original document arranged in the image forming apparatus100.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be added and practiced without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

The present disclosure can be utilized for a system which uses a personal digital assistant such as a tablet PC or a smart phone so as to operate an image forming apparatus.