Image forming apparatus includes an antenna to establishe wireless communicate with portable terminal and display panel for guiding user

An image forming apparatus for authenticating a portable terminal by near field wireless communication with the portable terminal includes an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet, and an operating portion configured to receive an operation by an operator. The operating portion includes a display panel capable of displaying information on image formation in response to authentication of the portable terminal and includes therein an antenna for establishing the near field wireless communication with the portable terminal. The display panel is capable of displaying a guide screen for guiding an operator so as to hold the portable terminal over the display panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine or a printer, capable of near field wireless communication with a portable terminal.

There are image forming apparatuses capable of the near field wireless communication represented by NFC (near field communication) as a communication type. In recent years, there are portable terminals, such as smartphones and tablets, provided with a reader/writer for the near field wireless communication, and a technique capable of executing various authentications from these portable terminals and capable of carrying out operation output operation of the image forming apparatus from the portable terminal has been spreading.

In an image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (JP-A) 2017-196747, a detecting portion for NFC is provided outside a touch panel (display panel) for receiving an operation of an operator such as an operating person or a service person. In the detecting portion, an antenna coil for carrying out NFC communication is provided. Further, in the detecting portion, a cross mark which is a target for holding the portable terminal over the detecting portion is printed on the detecting portion. In response to holding of the portable terminal over the detecting portion with the cross mark as a sign (target) by the operator, the image forming apparatus performs authentication of the operator.

Thus, in the case where a constitution in which the detecting portion is disposed outside of the display panel is employed, the operator holds the portable terminal over the display panel with the cross mark, as the sign, printed on the detecting portion. On the other hand, in the case where a constitution in which the antenna coil and the display panel are disposed so as to overlap with each other is employed, a position over which the operator holds the portable terminal is the display panel, but the display panel is a place where information on image formation such as a print condition is displayed, and therefore, the operator does not recognize the position over which the operator holds the portable terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for authenticating a portable terminal by near field wireless communication with the portable terminal, the image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; and an operating portion configured to receive an operation by an operator, wherein the operating portion includes a display panel capable of displaying information on image formation in response to authentication of the portable terminal and includes therein an antenna configured to establish the near field wireless communication with the portable terminal, and wherein the display panel is capable of displaying a guide screen for guiding an operator so as to hold the portable terminal over the display panel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as regards dimensions, materials, shapes and relative arrangement of constituent elements, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to those described below unless otherwise specified. Further, in the following embodiments, an “operating portion2” will be described as a portion incorporating a loop coil26(261,262,263,264).

FIG. 1is a schematic view showing a general structure of an image forming apparatus1in an embodiment 1. The image forming apparatus1is, for example, a multi-function machine having various functions such as a copying function, a reading function and a printing function. However, the image forming apparatus for carrying out the present invention is not limited to the copying machine, but for example, the image forming apparatus may also be a printer including no image reading apparatus152.

InFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus1includes an image forming until for forming an image on a sheet such as a recording sheet which is an object to be recorded, and includes an image reading apparatus152, provided above the image forming unit with respect to the vertical direction, for reading an image on a sheet such as an original to be read. The image forming apparatus1further includes the operating portion2through which an operator such as an operating person or a service person inputs information. The operating portion2includes a display panel73(described later) and a hardware key portion72(described later).

Here, in this embodiment, the operating portion2includes a display panel73and the hardware key portion72, but a constitution, which is so-called key-less constitution in which the hardware key portion72is not provided may also be employed. In the case of such a constitution, the operating portion2includes only the display panel73. The display panel73is a touch panel, and the operator inputs information by an operation such as a touch or a flick. Further, the display panel73is capable of displaying information on image formation to the operator. For example, when the operator prints an image on the sheet, information on a size thereof, the number of (printed) sheets and the like is displayed on the display panel73. Further, on the display panel73, the display panel73also displays a message to the effect that the image forming apparatus is during the image formation. For example, a message such as “During printing” corresponds to this message. These pieces of information relating to an image forming operation will be collectively referred to as “information on image formation”.

Although specifically described later, in response to authentication performed the operator by holding a portable terminal6over the display panel73, the display panel73displays the information on image formation. For example, it is assumed that the operator selects an image file, to be printed, in the portable terminal6. In that state, when the operator holds the portable terminal6over the display panel73, a screen for setting the number of printed sheets is displayed on the display panel73. This screen corresponds to a screen on which the information on image formation is to be displayed. When the operator inputs the number of printed sheets and presses down a start button, the image selected in the portable terminal6is printed in the selected (inputted) number of printed sheets.

In the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1, first, an image is inputted to the image forming apparatus1by the image reading apparatus152or an unshown image input means such as a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus1. Then, sheets to be recorded are fed one by one from an accommodating portion150provided at a lower portion of the image forming apparatus1, and the inputted image is transferred onto the sheet by an image forming portion158and then is outputted to an in-body sheet (paper) discharge space153. The image forming portion158is a generic term of portions, such as a photosensitive drum156, a developing device, a charger and an intermediary transfer belt, for forming the image.

For the image formation, various output conditions such as the number of outputted sheets and an image size are inputted from the operating portion2, and on the basis of such information, control of the image forming apparatus1is carried out. From the viewpoint of ease of the operation for the operator, the operating portion2is provided at an upper portion of the image forming apparatus1on a front (surface) side of the image forming apparatus1in many instances. Incidentally, a side where the operator stands as seen from the image forming apparatus1when the operator faces the image forming apparatus1for operating the image forming apparatus1is defined as the front side. With respect to the vertical direction, the operating portion2is provided above the accommodating portion150. Between the accommodating portion150and the in-body sheet discharge portion153, a front cover153constituting a front-side outer casing of the image forming apparatus1is provided. In the case where exchange of a drum cartridge (drum unit)157including the photosensitive drum156or exchange of a toner cartridge is carried out, the operator performs an exchange operation by opening this front cover151. The drum cartridge157or the toner cartridge is exchanged by being extracted from and inserted into the image forming apparatus1from the front side of the image forming apparatus1. That is, the front cover153is rotatable between a closed position where the front cover153closes an opening155for permitting passing of these cartridges and an open position where the front cover153opens the opening155, and these cartridges are exchanged when the front cover151is in the open position. When the front cover151is in the open position, the drum cartridge157and the toner cartridge is capable of being extracted from and inserted into the image forming apparatus1through the opening155. When the front cover151is moved to the open position. A part of the image forming portion158is exposed. The operating portion2is provided above the front cover151with respect to the vertical direction. Here, a side where the operating portion2is provided is the front (surface) side of the image forming apparatus1, and a side opposite from the front (surface) side is referred to as a rear (surface) side of the image forming apparatus1. Further, as seen from the front side of the image forming apparatus1, with respect to a widthwise direction perpendicular to a front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus1, one side is referred to as a right(-hand) side, and the other side is referred to as a left(-hand) side.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus1in this embodiment includes a human sensor160. The human sensor160is a sensor for detecting an object existing at a periphery of the image forming apparatus1. The human sensor160is used for detecting a human (the operator such as the operating person or the service person) approaching the image forming apparatus1. A signal outputted from the human sensor160is inputted to a CPU7of a controller3(FIG. 3) and is processed by the CPU7. The human sensor160includes an arcuate detection area at a front portion of the image forming apparatus1. The human sensor160detects the human in this detection area.

The human sensor160is an ultrasonic sensor which outputs a pulse wave of 40 kHz in a non-audible range and which receive reflected wave of the pulse wave reflected by the object (human). Incidentally, the human sensor160may also be a sensor other than the ultrasonic sensor if the sensor is capable of detecting the object (including the human). For example, an infrared transmitting/receiving module capable of confirming a change in distance between the sensor and the object every certain time similarly as in the case of the ultrasonic sensor or an infrared light-receiving sensor for receiving infrared radiation radiated from the human may also be used. Or, an electrostatic capacity sensor for measuring a distance between the sensor and the object on the basis of electrostatic capacity between the sensor and the object may also be used. Further, an infrared array sensor in which an infrared receiving portion is arranged in a line or a matrix, or a camera may also be used. Incidentally, these sensors may also be disposed so as to face upward in order to detect the human without being influenced by an obstacle such as a personal computer placed on a desk.

FIG. 2is a schematic view of the image forming apparatus1as seen from a right side of the image forming apparatus1. The operating portion2is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus2. Further, the operating portion2is provided so as to be inclined relative to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus1. For that reason, the operator such as the operating person or the service person is capable of operating the operating portion2easily.

The image forming apparatus1is capable of performing near field wireless communication with the portable terminal6. The near field wireless communication is called NFC (near field communication) and conforms to particularly a short-range (distance) wireless (radio) communication standard which is represented by ISO/IEC 18092, ISO/IEC 21481 or the like and in which a communication distance is 10 cm or less, and includes Felica (registered trademark) and Mifare (registered trademark). Further, herein, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is also regarded as one kind of the near field wireless communication. In this embodiment, as an example of the near field wireless communication, the form for performing the NFC will be described.

Further, the image forming apparatus1and the portable terminal6in this embodiment are also capable of performing normal wireless communication therebetween. The wireless communication referred to herein is wireless communication represented by Wi-Fi communication. Compared with the near field wireless communication such as the NFC, the wireless communication such as the Wi-Fi communication is wide in range of a communicatable area. Further, also regarding capacity of data capable of transmitting and receiving once, compared with the near field wireless communication such as the NFC, the wireless communication such as the Wi-Fi communication is large. In this embodiment, as an example of the normal wireless communication broader in communicatable range and higher in communication speed than the near field wireless communication, the form for performing the Wi-Fi communication will be described.

In order to establish the NFC between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1, the operating portion2of the image forming apparatus1is provided with an NFC tag portion4, and a wireless LAN communicating portion5is provided inside the main assembly of the image forming apparatus1. The NFC tag portion4and the wireless LAN communicating portion5are connected through on interface to the controller3for controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus1. The portable terminal6is, for example, a table terminal or a smartphone possessed by the operator. By using the portable terminal6, it is possible to perform the near field wireless communication and the normal wireless communication with the image forming apparatus1.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a hardware constitution of the image forming apparatus1in this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the image forming apparatus1includes the operating portion2, the controller3, the wireless LAN communicating portion5, a reading portion10, a print processing portion11and a storing portion13.

The operating portion2is provided with a constitution for displaying information to the operator and with a constitution for receiving an operation from the operator. The operating portion2includes a display portion2a(an example of the display panel), constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, for displaying various pieces of information. Further, the operating portion2includes an operation input portion2bfor detecting an operation through a touch panel or the like provided on the display portion2aand for permitting input of an operation instruction from a detection result thereof by the operator. Further, the operating portion2includes an operating panel microcomputer2dfor controlling the display portion2aand the operation input portion2band for communicating with the controller3. Further, the operating portion2includes an operation sound generating portion2cfor generating various operation sounds with the operation.

The display portion2ais capable of displaying an image on the liquid crystal panel by receiving image data from the controller3through a transfer line (not shown) for the image data. The NFC tag portion4performs the NFC on the basis of the NFC standard with an external device. By the NFC, input and output of the data are performed between the external device and the controller3. The NFC tag portion4is constituted by an IC for RFID (radio frequency identification) and operates as an NFC tag.

The controller3includes a CPV7, a memory8and a timer9, and controls operations of respective portions. The CPU7reads and executes a program14stored in a storing device13. The program14is a program for causing the controller3to execute various processes. The memory8stores temporary data with the execution of the various processes by the CPU7. The timer9is used for performing timing when the controller3executes the various processes.

The wireless LAN communicating portion5performs a wireless LAN communication process with the external device and performs data input and output carried out between the external device and the controller3. The wireless LAN communicating portion5in this embodiment performs processing of the wireless LAN communication on the basis of the wireless LAN standard. Specifically, in accordance with the wireless LAN standard, the wireless LAN communicating portion5performs sending (transmitting) and receiving processes of data packet.

Incidentally, the wireless LAN communicating portion5corresponds to a wireless LAN direct mode, and the wireless LAN communicating portion5operates as a wireless LAN access point (software access point). By this, it is possible to perform the wireless LAN communication with the external device without through an external wireless LAN access point.

The reading portion10is a processing portion for reading an original image and for generating image data. For example, the reading portion10includes an original feeding portion for feeding plurality of originals, stacked on an original stacking table, one by one from a topmost original, and includes an image data output portion for converting the read original image into image data and for outputting the image data.

The print processing portion11is a processing portion for outputting a print by executing a printing process on the basis of the image data. For example, the print processing portion11includes the image forming portion158for forming an image on the basis of the image data, a transfer portion for transferring a toner image (image), formed by the image forming portion158, onto a sheet, and a fixing portion for fixing the transferred toner image on the sheet. Further, the print processing portion11also includes a print conveying portion for discharging the print on which the toner image is printed, and the like portion.

The storing portion13is a storing device for storing various pieces of information. The storing portion13stores the above-described program14.

Although specifically described later, when the human sensor160detects the human, the human sensor160sends a signal to the CPU7so as to cause the image forming apparatus1to restore from a power saving mode to a normal mode.

FIG. 4is a block diagram specifically showing an example of a hardware constitution of the NFC tag portion4. An NFC tag controller21carries out control of respective portions of the NFC tag portion14and performs data input and output relative to the controller3through an interface.

A tag reading interrupting generating portion21ais constituted inside the NFC tag controller21, and by the NFC communication with the external device, the tag reading interruption generating portion21agenerates an interruption signal when reading of tag data from NFC tag data and writing of the tag data into the NFC tag data are performed. The tag reading interruption generating portion21aincludes an interruption signal output connected to the controller3.

The memory22stores data written as the NFC tag data from the controller3or the portable terminal6and is constituted by a non-volatile memory. Further, the data written in the memory22is capable of being read by the controller3.

An RF controller23performs modulation and demodulation processes of electromagnetic radiation for RF communication when the NFC with the external device is established.

An RF interface portion24performs electromagnetic coupling by being subjected to electromagnetic radiation when the NFC with the external device is performed, and performs receiving and sending processes of the electromagnetic radiation (electromagnetic wave).

An RF field detecting portion25detects an electromagnetic field (RF field) in a period in which the RF interface portion24is subjected to the electromagnetic radiation in the NFC with the external device. Specifically, the RF field detecting portion25detects electric power (energy) of the electromagnetic radiation. A detection output of the RF field detecting portion25is connected to the controller3.

A loop coil26is a coil for establishing the NFC. In this embodiment, the loop coil26is formed in a loop shape for performing electromagnetic coupling by being subjected to the electromagnetic radiation from the external device and then for establishing the communication by the electromagnetic radiation. Although specifically described later, the loop coil26is electrically connected to an unshown substrate, and the loop coil26referred to herein is a loop-shaped coil portion (an example of an antenna) excluding the substrate. In this embodiment, the NFC tag portion4performs the electromagnetic coupling by being subjected to the electromagnetic radiation from the external device and operates by receiving electric power supplied due to electromotive force generated by this electromagnetic coupling.

FIG. 5is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware constitution of the portable terminal6. A controller31controls the portable terminal6and is constituted by a CPU32and a memory33. The CPU32reads and executes various programs stored in a storing device (portion)35. The memory33stores temporary data and the like with execution of the programs by the CPU32.

An operating portion34is provided with a constitution for displaying information to the operator and with a constitution for receiving an operation from the operator. The operating portion34is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal panel and includes a display portion34a(an example of a display panel) for displaying various pieces of information. Further, the operating portion34detects an operation to a touch panel or the like provided on the display portion34aand includes an operation input portion34bfor inputting an operation instruction by the contact from a detection result thereof. Further, the operating portion34includes an operating panel microcomputer34dfor communicating with the controller31by controlling the display portion34aor the operation input portion34b. Further, the operating portion34includes an operation sound generating portion34cfor generating various operation sounds with operations.

An NFR_R/W portion36performs the NFC on the basis of the NFC standard, and thus performs data input and output carried out between the external device and the controller3.

A wireless LAN communicating portion37performs communication processing with the external device on the basis of the wireless LAN standard, and thus performs data input and output carried out between the external device and the controller31. In this embodiment, the wireless LAN communicating portion37performs processing of the wireless LAN communication on the basis of the wireless LAN standard. Specifically, in accordance with a wireless LAN communication procedure, the wireless LAN communicating portion37carries out sending and receiving processes of data packet.

A camera38is a camera for image pick-up. A QR code (registered trademark) analyzing portion39analyzes a read QR code and acquires a QR code data.

Further, although not illustrated inFIG. 5, the portable terminal6is provided with a voltage (power) supply constitution necessary for a portable terminal device, such as a battery or a voltage controller.

FIG. 6is a block diagram specifically showing an example of a hardware constitution of the NFC_R/W portion36. An NFR_R/W controller41carries out data input and output relative to the controller31through an interface.

An RF controller42performs modulation and demodulation of the electromagnetic radiation for RF communication when the NFC with the external device is carried out.

An RF interface portion43performed electromagnetic coupling by electromagnetic radiation (or by being subjected to electromagnetic radiation) when the NFC with the external device is carried out, and thus performs receiving and sending processes of the electromagnetic radiation.

A loop coil44is a coil for establishing the NFC with the external device. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic coupling is performed by subjecting the external device to the electromagnetic radiation, so that a loop is formed through one full circumference or more in order to perform communication by the electromagnetic radiation.

(NFC and Wi-Fi Communication Between Image Forming Apparatus and Portable Terminal)

FIG. 7is a schematic view for illustrating a mechanism in which the image forming apparatus1in this embodiment establishes the wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication), such as the NFC and the Wi-Fi, with the portable terminal6. The NFC_R/W portion36of the portable terminal6performs electromagnetic coupling with the NFC tag portion4of the image forming apparatus1and reads the NFC tag data of the NFC tag portion4by the NFC. The NFC tag data includes an SSID, an encryption key and an IP address which are necessary to perform the Wi-Fi communication. That is, the operator is capable of acquiring the SSID, the encryption key and the IP address for establishing the Wi-Fi communication with the image forming apparatus1by performing an operator of holding the portable terminal6over the image forming apparatus1, and thus is capable of starting the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1.

The image forming apparatus1performs authentication of the portable terminal6(i.e., authentication of the operator operating the portable terminal6) toner the NFC and performs data transfer through the Wi-Fi communication.

First, an operation, indicated by S1000inFIG. 7, performed from the portable terminal6to the image forming apparatus1will be described. The NFC_R/W portion36performs a polling operation for reading the NFC tag data of the NFC tag portion4. The polling is one of control types in which a plurality of devices and a plurality of pieces of software are smoothly associated with each other. By performing the polling operation, it is possible to prevent an occurrence of an inconvenience due to contention of a certain system (the portable terminal6in this embodiment), with another system, which is intended to establish communication with a main system (the image forming apparatus1in this embodiment).

In response to the polling performed from the portable terminal6, the image forming apparatus1actuates the NFC tag portion4. The NFC_R/W controller41of the NFC_R/W portion36of the portable terminal6controls the RF controller42, and thus modifies the electromagnetic radiation on the basis of the NFC standard. This modified wave (radiation) is transmitted to the RF interface portion43. Further, the transmitted modified wave is radiated as the electromagnetic radiation from the RF interface portion43through the loop coil44. By this (radiated) electromagnetic radiation, an RF field is formed in the neighborhood of the NFC_R/W portion36and the NFC tag portion4, so that the NFC_R/W portion36and the NFC tag portion4are electromagnetically coupled to each other. That is, the NFC is started.

Next, an operation, indicated by S1001inFIG. 7, performed from the image forming apparatus1to the portable terminal6after the NFC is started will be described.

The loop coil26receives the electromagnetic radiation radiated from the loop coil44in S1000. The received electromagnetic radiation is transmitted to the RF interface portion24, and the RF interface portion24generates the electromotive force due to the electromagnetic coupling. By this electromotive force, the NFC tag portion4is supplied with electric power and thus operates. Simultaneously, the electromagnetic radiation received by the RF interface portion24is transmitted to the RF controller23.

The NFC tag controller21controls the RF controller23, and acquires demodulation data by demodulating the electromagnetic radiation transmitted to and modulated by the RF controller23. The NFC tag controller21acquires the demodulation data and detects that reading requirement of the NFC tag data is made from the portable terminal6. By this, the NFC tag controller21reads the data (the SSID, the encryption key and the IP address) written as the NFC tag data in the memory22, and then transfers the data as response data to the RF controller23.

The NFC tag controller21modulates the response data by controlling the RF controller23. The NFC tag controller21modulates the response data on the basis of the NFC standard by controlling the RF controller23. The modulated data is radiated as the electromagnetic radiation through the RF interface portion24and the loop coil26. In response to an end of sending of the response data, the NFC tag controller21generates an interrupting signal by the tag reading interruption generating portion21a.

Then, the loop coil44of the portable terminal6receives the electromagnetic radiation with the response data radiated from the loop coil26of the image forming apparatus1. The received electromagnetic radiation is transmitted to the RF controller42through the RF interface portion43. The NFC_R/W controller41controls the RF controller42and thus demodulates the electromagnetic radiation transmitted to the RF controller42, so that the NFC_R/W controller41acquires the demodulation data.

Thereafter, the NFC_R/W controller41notifies the controller31of completion of reading of the NFC tag data of the NFC tag portion4. At the same time, the NFC_R/W controller41transfers the read NFC tag data to the controller31.

When the portable terminal6receives notification, from the NFC_R/W controller41of the NFC_R/W portion36, to the effect that the reading of the NFC tag data is completed, the controller31causes the operation sound generating portion34cof the operation panel34to generate an operation completion sound.

By this, the operator is capable of knowing completion of the reading of the NFC tag data of the NFC tag portion4in the image forming apparatus, by the NFC_R/W portion36of the portable terminal (device)6.

On the other hand, the case where the NFC tag portion4of the image forming apparatus1acquires the data of the NFC tag portion36of the portable terminal6is similar to the above-described case except that a relationship between a data output side and a data reading side is reversed.

Next, by using the NFC tag data (the SSID, the encryption key and the IP address) acquired by the portable terminal6through the NFC, a step S1002in which a connection requirement of the Wi-Fi communication is outputted from the portable terminal6to the image forming apparatus1will be described.

In general, in the wireless communication such as the Wi-Fi, a network is formed by connecting a Wi-Fi ready terminal to the access point performing a function of a relay point. In an example of this embodiment, the access point corresponds to the image forming apparatus1, and the Wi-Fi ready terminal corresponds to the portable terminal6. Here, for example, in the case where a plurality of image forming apparatuses each performing the function of the access point exist, the portable terminal6has to select that the portable terminal6should be connected to which access point. The operator is required to discriminate that the portable terminal6should be connected to which access point, and a means function as a discrimination indicator at that time is the SSID. In the case where the operator performs wireless communication of the portable terminal6to the image forming apparatus1without using the NFC, there is a need to select the SSID corresponding to the image forming apparatus1from a plurality of SSIDs and then to connect the portable terminal6to the image forming apparatus1. By automatically acquiring the SSID through the NFC, it is possible to save time and effort such that the operator manually selects the SSID corresponding to the image forming apparatus1. The SSID is included in the NFC tag data.

In the case where the image forming apparatus can be discriminated (identified) by the SSID, establishment of the Wi-Fi communication is performed, but the encryption key is needed at that time. The encryption key is required to encrypt communication contents. When the operator selected the SSID manually, the operator also inputs the encryption key manually. The NFC tag data includes the SSID, and therefore, in response to a touch of the portable terminal6to the NFC tag portion4by the operator, in addition to the SSID, the encryption key is also sent to the portable terminal6.

Further, the NFC tag data also includes information on the IP address of the image forming apparatus1. For that reason, the portable terminal6acquired the NFC tag data is capable of knowing the address of the image forming apparatus on the network.

Thus, authentication of the portable terminal6by the image forming apparatus1is ended. The portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1prepares for wireless communication connection (connection through Wi-Fi communication) for transferring data, by the authentication of the portable terminal6performed by the image forming apparatus1.

First, the portable terminal6acquired the NFC tag data sends, to the image forming apparatus1, “connection requirement” for establishing the Wi-Fi communication with the image forming apparatus1by using this data. Then, the image forming apparatus received the “connection requirement” sends, to the portable terminal6, a message to the effect that the image forming apparatus1received the requirement, as “connection response”, so that a state of the Wi-Fi communication is established.

As described above, in response to the touch of the portable terminal6to the NFC tag portion4by the operator, the NFC is started. The operation performed by the operator is only the touch of the portable terminal6to the NFC tag portion4, and all the selection of the SSID and the input of the encryption key are automatically performed. For that reason, for the operator, the W-Fi communication is started in response to the touch of the portable terminal6to the NFC tag portion4, and therefore the operator can actually feel good usability.

Parts (a) to (d) ofFIG. 7are schematic views each showing a screen of the portable terminal6in a state in which a dedicated application is launched. Part (a) ofFIG. 8shows the screen displayed on the portable terminal6when the dedicated application is launched. At this time, the portable terminal6radiates the electromagnetic radiation for carrying out polling. In this embodiment, an item of “CANCEL” is provided. When the operator touches this item, the portable terminal6stops the electromagnetic radiation for carrying out the polling, and the application ends. Further, also in the case where a predetermined time has elapsed from display of the screen of “SEEK MULTI-FUNCTION MACHINE” (in progress) shown in part (a) ofFIG. 8, the application ends automatically.

Part (b) ofFIG. 8is the screen displayed temporarily in response to establishment of the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1. By display of this screen, the operator is capable of confirming the establishment of the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1.

After the screen of part (b) ofFIG. 8is temporarily displayed, the screen transfers to the screen of part (c) ofFIG. 8. The screen of part (c) ofFIG. 8is a job selection screen for selecting a job to be executed. In this embodiment, in this job selection screen, three items “CAPTURE”, “PRINT” and “END APPLICATION” are displayed. Incidentally, the number of the items displayed in this screen is not limited to the three items. A specification is such that a job other than jobs of the “CAPTURE” and the “PRINT” can be selected may be used, and a specification such that another job can be selected in addition to these jobs may also be used.

Here, functions of the two jobs of the “CAPTURE” and the “PRINT” capable of being executed by using the application in this embodiment will be briefly described.

The “CAPTURE” is a function of capturing data of an original read (scanned) by the image forming apparatus1, as an image, into the portable terminal6. When the original is read by the image forming apparatus1, for example, the image reading apparatus152can be used. In the case where the screen of part (b) ofFIG. 8is displayed and the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1is established, the operator sets the original, intended to be captured in the portable terminal6, in the image reading apparatus152. Thereafter, when the operator touches the item of the “CAPTURE” on the screen of part (c) ofFIG. 8, the reading of the original into the image reading apparatus152is started.

When the reading of the original is ended, the image forming apparatus1sends, to the portable terminal6, image data of the read original through the Wi-Fi communication. Thus, the capture of the original into the portable terminal6is completed.

Further, the “PRINT” is a function of printing an image and a document file which are stored in the portable terminal6or a WEB page during browsing, by the image forming apparatus1. In the screen of part (c) ofFIG. 8, when the operator touches the item of the “PRINT”, the screen transfers to the screen of part (d) ofFIG. 8. The screen of part (d) ofFIG. 8is an example showing a list screen of files capable of being printed by using the image forming apparatus1. In this screen, the operator selects the file which is intended to be printed by the operator. When the file is selected, image data relating to the file is sent to the image forming apparatus1. The image forming apparatus1forms an image on the basis of the image data sent from the portable terminal6and prints the image on a sheet. Thus, the operator is capable of printing the image and the document filed which are stored in the portable terminal7and the WEB page during blowing. Compared with the near field wireless communication such as the NFC, in the wireless communication such as the Wi-Fi communication, a capacity of data communicatable per unit time is large, and therefore, even data including an image such as a photography or a document file is capable of being transferred smoothly.

Here, the form of the application is not limited to the form in this embodiment. For example, at first, the screen shown in part (c) ofFIG. 8is displayed, and the operation to be executed may also be selected. In this case, for example, when the operator selects the “PRINT”, the operator selects the image file to be printed (part (d) ofFIG. 8) and then holds the portable terminal over the display panel73. Then, authentication is performed in response to the holding of the portable terminal6over the display panel73, and thereafter the Wi-Fi communication is started, so that a desired image is printed. The operator first selects an image desired to be printed and then holds the portable terminal6over the display panel73, so that the associated image is printed from the image forming apparatus1, and therefore, the operator is capable of printing the image by a simple operation.

FIG. 9is an example of a screen displayed on the display panel73when the authentication by the NFC is performed and the Wi-Fi communication is enabled. A condition such as the number of printed sheet, a sheet size or the like may be selected by the application provided on the portable terminal6side described with reference toFIG. 8, but as shown in an example ofFIG. 10, such a condition may also be selected by using the display panel73as in an example shown inFIG. 10. This screen is also an example of a “screen displaying information relating to image formation”. This screen is displayed in response to the authentication of the portable terminal6performed through the NFC.

Specifically, first, the operator selects the image file, the document file or the like which is intended to be printed, in the portable terminal6(part (d) ofFIG. 8). Thereafter, the operator sets various print settings on the display panel73on which as information relating to the image formation, “color information73a”, “printed sheet number information73b”, “print side information73c” and “sheet size information73d” are displayed. After the settings are completed, when the operator presses shown a start button, a desired image is printed.

(Structure of Operating Portion)

FIG. 10is a schematic view for illustrating a structure of the operating portion2of the image forming apparatus1. An operating portion200shown inFIG. 10is of a so-called key-less type. The operating portion2described with reference toFIG. 1is provided with the hardware key portion72, outside the display panel73, for permitting the input of the information by the operator. On the other hand, the operating portion200shown inFIG. 10is not provided with the hardware key portion72, and an entire surface thereof is constituted by the display panel73. That is, in this embodiment, the operating portion200may also be referred to as the display panel73. Even in a constitution provided with the keys as in the operating portion2, a constitution of a portion forming the display panel73and a constitution of the loop coil26are the same as those of the operating portion200of the key-less type shown inFIG. 10.

The operating portion200has a three-layer structure consisting of the display portion2a, the operation input portion2band the loop coil26. All these layers are constituted as an integrated member but may also be members separate from each other. From a surface side of the operating portion200, the loop coil26, the operation input portion2band the display portion2aare disposed in the named order. Here, the display portion2amay also be referred to as the display panel73. The loop coil26is provided on a side closer to the surface of the operating portion200than the display portion2ais. The “display surface” referred to herein means a surface where the operator sees the display portion2a. Of the display portion2a, a surface on a side seen by the operator is referred to as the display surface. Further, as shown inFIG. 10, the loop coil26, the operation input portion2band the display portion2aare disposed so as to overlap with each other with respect to a direction (perpendicular direction) perpendicular to the display panel73. The “perpendicular direction” is a direction indicated by an arrow inFIG. 10.

The display portion2ais a liquid crystal panel, for example. The display portion2aand the operating panel microcomputer2dwhich is not shown inFIG. 10are electrically connected to each other. For connection, an unshown flexible flat cable (FFC) is used.

On the display portion2a, i.e., on a side closer to the surface of the operating portion200than the display portion2ais, the operation input portion2bsuch as a touch panel is disposed. The operation input portion2bas the touch panel in this embodiment is constituted by a touch surface for receiving contact of an object and by a touch sensor for detecting contact between an indicator and the touch surface and an input position by the indicator. The touch sensor may only be required to detect contact/non-contact between the indicator and the touch surface and a kind of the sensor does not matter. For example, the touch sensor is realized by a resistance sensor, a pressure sensor, an electrostatic capacity sensor, a photo-sensor or the like. In this embodiment, the touch sensor will be described as a touch sensor of four-wire resistance type. Further, the operation input portion2bmay also detect, as the contact, a state in which the object does not contact the operation input portion2band a distance therebetween is within a predetermined distance (for example, 5 mm).

The touch panel of the operation input portion2bis provided with electrodes on four sides thereof, and each of the electrodes is connected to the operating panel microcomputer2dthrough a connector such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC). On the operation input portion2b, the loop coil26for the NFC is disposed. The operation input portion2band the loop coil26for the NFC are transparent (light-transmitting) films, so that the image displayed on the display portion2ais visible from above the loop coil26. A layer260is called an electrode layer260and is formed of a transparent base material, and includes the loop coil260. The base material possesses a light-transmission property, and therefore, display of the display portion2ais not blocked. Incidentally, this electrode layer260may also be formed integrally with a layer of the operation input portion2band may also be formed by a single layer. In this embodiment, a single loop coil26is disposed, but a plurality of loop coils26may also be disposed. The loop coil26and the base material are constituted so as to sufficiently transmit light (particularly visible light), and therefore, it is possible to visually recognizing information, displayed by the display portion2a, through these loop coil26and base material. In this embodiment, the loop coil26and the base material are capable of transmitting about 90% of the visible light. However, as the light transmission property, it is not necessarily required to transmit 90% of the visible light, and as an index, about 60% or more is preferable. The loop coil26is also connected to the RF interface portion24. The loop coil26is disposed so as to cover the operation input portion2b, and therefore, sensitivity of communication with the portable terminal6is highest above the operation input portion2b. For that reason, there is a need to induce the operator to hold the portable terminal (device)6over the operation input portion2b.

Further, in this embodiment, the loop coil26is the transparent or semitransparent film, but is not limited thereto. For example, a thin wire-like electrode may also be disposed so as to be extended over the operation input portion2b. This electrode is formed in a thin wire shape, and therefore, the electrode does not disturb viewability when the operator views the display portion2a. By such a constitution, a structure and that the display portion2aand the loop coil26are superposedly disposed with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the display portion2amay also be realized. In an example of this embodiment, from a surface side of the operating portion200, the loop coil26, the operation input portion2band the display portion2awere disposed in the named order, but there is no need to dispose these members (portions) in the named order. For example, the loop coil26may also be disposed on a side back of the operation input portion2band the display portion2a. However, in the case where a constitution in which the loop coil26is disposed on the back side of the operation input portion2band the display portion2ais employed, a distance between the loop coil26and a finger of the operator touching the operation input portion2bincreases, and therefore, sensitivity of a touch operation lowers. For that reason, a constitution in which the loop coil26is disposed on a front side of the operation input portion2band the display portion2amay preferably be employed.

(Display of Image on Display Panel)

Parts (a) and (b) ofFIG. 11are schematic views each for illustrating a screen displayed on the display panel73when the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1establish the NFC and the Wi-Fi communication. Part (a) ofFIG. 11is an example of a guide screen for guiding, for the operator, a position over which the operator holds the portable terminal6, by displaying a mark (target mark75) which is a sign for holding the portable terminal6over the target mark75. This guide screen is displayed on the display panel73, whereby the operator knows that there is a need to hold the portable terminal7over the display panel73in order to cause the image forming apparatus1to perform authentication of the portable terminal6. Thus, in this embodiment, an entire screen displayed on the display panel73is switched, so that a screen on which the target mark75is displayed is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but for example, a constitution in which of the entire screen of the display panel73, only a screen portion in the neighborhood of a center of the display panel73is switched may also be employed. Specifically, a constitution in which the screen is switched only at a portion where the target mark75is displayed and in which a screen corresponding to the background is not switched may also be employed. Also, in such a constitution, in this embodiment, the switching in the constitution is regarded as “switching of the guide screen”.

On the other hand, part (b) ofFIG. 11shows a screen of the display panel73when the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1is established. Here, the operating portion2ofFIG. 11is provided with the display panel73, the hardware key portion72and an LED display portion71. This operating portion2includes, in addition to the display panel73, the hardware key portion72for permitting the operator to input information, and therefore, is not an operating portion of a so-called key-less type. The LED display portion71includes a plurality of lighting portions. Depending on a combination of a lighting position (place) and lighting, for example, whether an operation made of the image forming apparatus1is a power saving mode or a normal mode is discriminated. Further, abnormality of the image forming apparatus1such as the case where a jam occurred is also notified to the operator.

The display panel73is constituted by the display portion2a, the operation input portion2band the loop coil26. The operating portion2includes the hardware key portion72provided with hardware keys such as a start button, a stop button and a power saving button for shifting the operation made to the power saving mode and includes the LED display portion71for notifying the operator of an actuation state and occurrence or non-occurrence of an error. However, the number of the keys and an arrangement of the keys of the hardware key portion72are not limited to those shown inFIG. 11.

Further, as shown inFIG. 11, at a position below the hardware key portion72, a shift button (switching) button721for restoring the operation mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode is provided. When the image forming apparatus1is in the power saving mode, the operator presses down the shift button721, so that the operation state of the image forming apparatus1restores to the normal mode. This shift button721is also a kind of the hardware keys. Further, the shift button721is a button used in not only the case where the operation mode of the image forming apparatus1is switched from the power saving mode to the normal mode but also the case where the operation mode of the image forming apparatus1is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Specifically, in the case where the image forming apparatus1is in the normal mode, when the operator presses down the shift schematic view721, the operation mode of the image forming apparatus1shifts to the power saving mode. Accordingly, in the case of the image forming apparatus1provided with no human sensor, the operator presses down the shift button721, so that the operation mode of the image forming apparatus1is switched between the power saving mode and the normal mode. Even in the case of the image forming apparatus1provided with the human sensor, some operator desires to turn off the human sensor. The image forming apparatus1in this embodiment is capable of switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus1by turning off the human sensor and then by pressing down the shift button721.

As shown in part (a) ofFIG. 11, in this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus1requires the operator to perform authentication through the NFC, the target mark75(an example of the mark) which is a target for causing the operator to hold the portable terminal6over the target mark75is displayed on the display panel73. This screen is the guide screen for guiding the position for causing the operator to hold the portable terminal6over the target mark75. The mark which is the target (sign) is displayed on the display panel73, whereby the operator knows a place over which the operator should hold the portable terminal6at first sight. The controller3sends an image signal for the target mark75to the display portion2asuch as the liquid crystal panel, so that the target mark75is displayed on the display portion2a. In an example of part (a) ofFIG. 11, the target mark75is displayed in the neighborhood of the center of the display panel73, but may also be displayed at a position other than the center. Further, a shape of the target mark75is not limited to the shape of the target mark in this embodiment, but may also be any shape, figure or pattern capable of being recognized as a mark by the operator. Further, in this embodiment, only the target mark75is displayed on the display panel73as the guide screen for causing the operator to hold the portable terminal6over the target mark75, but an icon other than the target mark75may also be displayed. Further, the guide screen may also be a guide screen for notifying the operator of that the operator is capable of holding the portable terminal6over the target mark75by displaying a message such as “HOLD TERMINAL OVER DISPLAY” or “HOLD TERMINAL HERE” or by displaying a message indicating a state of the image forming apparatus. In summary, the guide screen may only be required such that the position over which the operator should hold the portable terminal6is known as the display panel73by the operator.

When the operator holds the distance6over the NFC tag portion4and thus the portable terminal6of the operator is authenticated through the NFC, the Wi-Fi communication is started. When the Wi-Fi communication is started, the screen of the display panel73of the image forming apparatus1is switched to a screen of “DURING COMMUNICATION” as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 11. By producing this display, the operator is capable of knowing that the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1has been established.

(Display Timing and Non-Display Timing of Target Mark)

Next, timing when the display panel73displays the target mark75will be described.

The image forming apparatus1in this embodiment is operable in the normal mode and the power saving mode as an electric power mode (operation mode), and the power (operation) mode is capable of shifting to each of the normal mode and the power saving mode. The CPU7sets the power mode of the image forming apparatus1and carries out electric power control of the image forming apparatus1. The normal mode is a made in which the image forming apparatus1operates in a state in which an image reading operation by the (image) reading portion and an image forming operation by the image forming portion158are enabled. The power saving mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus1operates in a power saving state in which electric power consumption is smaller than the state of the normal mode. In the image forming apparatus1during the operation in the power saving mode, electric power is supplied to only the human sensor160or the CPU7which are devices necessary to restore from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

When a state in which the image forming apparatus1is not used continues for a predetermined time, the CPU7causes the power (operation) mode of the image forming apparatus1to shift from the normal mode to the power saving mode.

As timing when the display panel73displays the target mark75, for example, timing when the power mode is restored from the power saving mode to the normal mode exists. The human sensor160outputs a detection signal on the basis of detection of a human. The controller3generates a restoring signal on the basis of the detection outputted from the human sensor160. Then, on the basis of this restoring signal, the controller3switches the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode. For example, on the basis of the restoring signal, the display portion2adisplays the target mark75. By this, when the operator approaches the image forming apparatus1, the target mark75is displayed on the display panel73, and therefore, the operator can easily know the position over which the operator should hold the portable terminal6. Incidentally, the display panel73may also display the target mark75in response to shift (restoration) of the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode or in response to detection of the human by the human sensor160.

Naturally, the image forming apparatus1is capable of restoring in power (operation) mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode. This is true for the image forming apparatus provided with no human sensor160. The operating portion2is provided with, for example, a “sleep button”. This “sleep button” is a button for shifting the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the normal mode to the power saving mode. After the operator ends the use of the image forming apparatus1, the operator pressed down this “sleep button”, so that the made of the image forming apparatus1immediately shifts to the power saving mode. Further, in the case where the image forming apparatus1is in the power saving mode, when the operator presses down the sleep button, the mode of the image forming apparatus1is restored from the power saving mode to the normal mode. At this timing, the display panel73displays the target mark75. That is, the display panel73displays the target mark75in response to restoration of the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

The timing when the display panel73displays the target mark75is not limited to the above-described timing. For example, the timing may also be timing when sheets are set on the image reading apparatus152, timing when the human touches the display panel73or the like timing. Further, the image forming apparatus1is capable of being set so that the display panel73does not display the guide screen. This is because there is also a case that some operator does not need an authentication function by the portable terminal through the near field wireless communication.

FIG. 12is a flowchart for illustrating a flow such that in this embodiment, the target mark75is displayed in response to restoration of the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode. As a precondition, the image forming apparatus1is in a state of the power saving mode. Incidentally, in the flowchart ofFIG. 12, a time when the CPU7recognizes a start of the detection of the human by the human sensor160is defined as a “START”. Further, a time when the CPU7recognizes release of the Wi-Fi communication between the image forming apparatus1and the portable terminal6is defined as an “END”. That is, this flow chart (FIG. 12) shows a control flow from the recognition by the CPU7of the start of the detection of the human by the human sensor160until the CPU7recognizes the release of the Wi-Fi communication between the image forming apparatus1and the portable terminal6.

Even in the state of the power saving mode, the electric power is supplied to the CPU7and the human sensor160. For that reason, the human sensor160is capable of detecting the human. In S1010, the CPU7discriminates whether or not the human sensor160continuously detects the human for a predetermined time. In other words, the CPU7measures a time in which the human sensor160continuously detects the human. When the time reaches 5 seconds, the step goes to S1011which is a subsequent step of S1010. In this embodiment, the predetermined time is 5 seconds for example. Accordingly, when the human simply across the front side of the image forming apparatus1, the human sensor160does not response. As long as the CPU7does not discriminate that the detection time of the human by the human sensor160has elapsed 5 seconds, the image forming apparatus1is continuously kept in the power saving mode.

In the case where the human sensor160continuously detects the human for the predetermined time, the step goes from S1010to S1011. In S1011, the CPU7carries out control so that the mode of the image forming apparatus1shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. In this embodiment, in the power saving mode, the electric power is supplied to only the CPU7and the human sensor160. On the other hand, in the normal mode, the electric power is also supplied to the operating portion2, the reading portion10, the wireless LAN communicating portion5and the like, so that electric power consumption is larger than the electric power consumption in the power saving mode.

In response to the restoration of the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the step goes from S1011to S1012. In S1012, the CPU7controls the display panel73so as to display the target mark75. That is, in response to the discrimination of the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the display panel73displays the target mark75.

The operator holds the portable terminal6over the display panel75with the target mark75, displayed on the display panel73, as the target. Then, in S1013, whether or not the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1is established is discriminated by the CPU7. In the case where the CPU7does not discriminate that the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1is not established, the step goes to S1014. The CPU7measures a time from display of the target mark75on the display panel73, and in the case where a predetermined time has elapsed from the time, this flow is ended, so that the mode of the image forming apparatus1shifts to the power saving mode again.

On the other hand, in S1014, in the case where the CPU7discriminated that the predetermined time has not elapsed the time from the display of the target mark75on the display panel73, the step returns to S1013again. That is, as long as in S1013, the CPU7discriminated that the Wi-Fi communication is not established between the image forming apparatus1and the portable terminal6and does not discriminate that the predetermined time has elapsed from the display of the target mark75on the display panel73, the CPU7provides an instruction to continue the display of the target mark75on the display panel73. Here, in this embodiment, the predetermined time is 10 seconds. That is, in the case where after the display panel73displays the target mark75, 10 seconds has elapsed from a start of measurement of the time by the CPU7, unless the Wi-Fi communication between the image forming apparatus1and the portable terminal6is established, the CPU7causes the image forming apparatus1to shift in power mode to the power saving mode and turns off the display panel73.

In S1013, in the case where the CPU7discriminated that the Wi-Fi communication between the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1is established, the CPU7switches the screen of the display panel73to the screen of “DURING COMMUNICATION” in S1015. Thereafter, as shown in S1016, the CPU7always monitors whether or not a state of the Wi-Fi communication is released. In the case where the CPU7discriminated that the state of the Wi-Fi communication is released, the flow ofFIG. 12ends. In other words, after the Wi-Fi communication is established, the screen of the display panel73is “DURING COMMUNICATION” until the Wi-Fi communication is released. By this, the operator views the display panel73, and thus can easily know whether or not the portable terminal6and the image forming apparatus1are currently during the Wi-Fi communication.

FIG. 13is a flowchart for illustrating timing when the target mark75displayed on the display panel73becomes non-display (disappears). Steps from S2001to S2003are similar to the steps from S1010to S1012described with reference toFIG. 12, and therefore, will be omitted from description. In the case where the operator holds the portable terminal over the display panel73and authentication of the operator is completed, the controller3causes the display panel73to display a main menu screen (S2004, S2006). The main menu screen will be described later.

Further, although the target mark75is displayed, in the case where the authentication is not performed for a certain time, the controller3turns off the screen of the display panel73(S2004, S2005). The step of S2005is also similar to the step S1014described with reference toFIG. 12, and therefore, will be omitted from description.

Part (a) ofFIG. 14is a schematic view showing an example of the main menu screen displayed on the display panel73. As shown in part (a) ofFIG. 14, on the main menu screen, for example, software keys (icons) such as “COPY”, “SCAN”, “FAX” and “SETTING”. When the operator touches the “COPY” button, the screen is switched to a screen on which the operator selects a copy condition for using a copy function. Here, the screen on which the operator selects the copy condition is, for example, the screen as described above with reference toFIG. 9.

The “SCAN” button is a button for starting reading of an image printed on a sheet by the image reading apparatus152. In a state in which the sheet is placed on the image reading apparatus, when the operator touches the “SCAN” button, the image reading apparatus starts the reading of the image on the sheet.

The “FAX” button is a button touched when a FAX function is used. For example, when this button is touched, the controller3causes the display panel73to display numerical (value) keys on the display panel73. The operator inputs FAX (telephone) number by touching the numerical keys displayed on the display panel73.

The “SETTING” button is a button for providing various settings of the image forming apparatus1. The operator presses down the setting button and the step goes to a setting menu, so that the operator is capable of setting switching between on and off of the human sensor160and display or non-display of the target mark75when the mode of the image forming apparatus1restores from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

Part (b) ofFIG. 14shows a screen, on which the operator sets display or non-display of the target mark75, which is a kind of a setting menu. The image forming apparatus1in this embodiment is also capable of causing the display panel73not to display a guide screen for displaying the target mark75at timing when the mode of the image forming apparatus1restores from the power saving mode to the normal mode. For example, in the case of the operator who does not use an authentication function using the portable terminal, when the guide screen is displayed on the display panel73every switching of the mode of the image forming apparatus1from the power saving mode to the normal mode, some operator thinks it troublesome. For that reason, in the image forming apparatus1, the operator is capable of providing setting so that display of the guide screen is not produced. In the screen of part (b) ofFIG. 14, when the operator touches “ON”, the guide screen is set at display, and when the operator touches “OFF”, the guide screen is set at non-display.

(Positional Relationship Between Display Panel and Loop Coil)

Parts (a) to (c) ofFIG. 15are schematic views each showing a positional relationship between the display panel73and the loop coil26(261,262). Parts (a) and (b) ofFIG. 15are the schematic views when the operating portion2is seen from the front side of the operating portion2in a direction (perpendicular direction) perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73. For simple explanation, a coil portion261C (an example of an antenna coil) of the loop coil261and a coil portion262C (an example of an antenna coil) of the loop coil262are shown by broken lines.

Part8a) ofFIG. 15shows the operating portion2in which a part of the loop coil261overlaps with the display panel73with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73. Here, as shown in part (a) ofFIG. 15, the loop coil261includes the coil portion261C, a terminal261A and a terminal261B. The terminals261A and261B are electrically connected to an unshown substrate. The coil portion261C includes a region overlapping with the display panel73and a portion non-overlapping with the display panel73. The operator holds the portable terminal6over toward the target mark75, and therefore, the coil portion261C may only be required that a part thereof is provided so as to overlap with the display panel73.

Part (b) ofFIG. 15is an example of the operating portion2in which an entire region of the coil portion262cof the loop coil262overlaps with the display panel73with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73. Here, as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 15, the loop coil262includes the coil portion262C, a terminal262A and a terminal262B. The terminals262A and262B are electrically connected to an unshown substrate. Thus, the loop coil262may also be provided so that the entire region of the coil portion262C overlaps with the display panel73.

Part (c) ofFIG. 15is the schematic view for illustrating the positional relationship between the loop coil262and the display panel73. An example of part (c) ofFIG. 15is an example in which the loop coil262is wired in a helical shape. In part (c) ofFIG. 15, of the coil wired in the helical shape, a phantom line L extends along a left most side, a phantom line M extends along a rightmost side, a phantom line P extends along an uppermost side, and a phantom line Q extends along a lowermost side. In other words, along outermost sides of the coil wired in the helical shape, the phantom lines L, M, P and Q extend and are thus defined. Further, an intersection point between the phantom lines L and P is defined as A, an intersection point between the phantom lines M and P is defined as B, an intersection point between the phantom lines L and Q is defined as C, and an intersection point between the phantom lines M and Q is defined as D. Further, an intersection point between a line connecting the intersection points A and D and a line connecting the intersection points B and C is defined as O. When this intersection point O is defined as a center point of the loop coil262, the center point O overlaps with the display panel73. That is, the loop coil262is wired so that the center point operator overlaps with the display panel73with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73. An example of a preferred positional relationship between the loop coil262and the display panel73is as described above. The loop coil262is wired as in this example, so that when the operator holds the portable terminal6over the display panel73, reception of the electromagnetic radiation, radiated from the NFC_R/W portion36, by the NFC tag portion4and reception of the electromagnetic radiation, radiated from the NFC tag portion4, by the NFC_R/W portion36are carried out with good sensitivity.

As described above, the positional relationship between the loop coil262and the display panel73may desirably be such that when corners A, B, C and D each constituted by outermost adjacent sides of the coil wired in the helical shape are defined, the intersection point O between a diagonal line AD and a diagonal line BC overlaps with the display panel73. Further, when preferred winding of the loop coil262is considered, there is a way of thinking such that a region where a region enclosed by the loop coil262and the display panel73overlap with each other is increased to the extent possible. For example, in the example of part (c) ofFIG. 15, the region enclosed by the loop coil262is defined by a region enclosed by the corners A, B, C and D (region ABCD). In this case, the loop coil262may preferably be provided so that the region ABCD overlaps with the display panel73in an area of ½ or more of the area of the region ABCD.

As regards the region enclosed by the loop coil262, in the above, the region is defined as the region ABCD, but a region enclosed by an outermost coil portion of the loop coil262, i.e., by an outer periphery of the coil may also be defined as the “region enclosed by the loop coil262”. An example in which the loop coil262is disposed so that ½ or more of this region overlaps with the display panel73is one of preferred examples.

Parts (a) to (c) ofFIG. 16are schematic views each for illustrating a positional relationship between the target mark75and the loop coil (coil portion)263(264,265).

Part (a) ofFIG. 16shows a positional relationship between the target mark75and the coil portion63. As shown in part (a) ofFIG. 16, the display panel73displays the target mark75so as to be positioned inside loops of the coil portion263disposed in a loop shape. In this case, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73, the target mark75and the coil portion263do not overlap with each other.

Part (b) ofFIG. 16showed the example in which the target mark75is disposed at a position where the target mark75does not overlap with the coil portion263and is displayed inside the loops of the coil portion263wired in the loop shape. On the other hand, part (b) ofFIG. 16is an example in which the target mark75is displayed so as to overlap with the coil portion264. As in this modified example, a part of the target mark75may also overlap with the coil portion264with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73.

Part (c) ofFIG. 16shows an example in which the target mark75is disposed at a position where the target mark75does not overlap with the coil portion265and is displayed outside loops of the coil portion265wired in a loop shape. The display panel73may also display the target mark as in this modified example.

FIG. 17is a schematic view for illustrating an example of a screen displayed by a display panel73in an embodiment 2. As shown inFIG. 17, the embodiment 2 is different from the embodiment 1, the display panel73displays a log-in icon76together with the target mark75. The log-in icon76is an icon for manual log-in used for permitting the operator to manually log in. The target mark75and the log-in icon76are displayed on the same surface. In this embodiment, the target mark75and the log-in icon76are displayed while being arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to both the direction (perpendicular direction) perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73and the vertical direction.

The log-in icon76is an icon used for permitting the operator to log in the image forming apparatus1when authentication to the image forming apparatus1through the NFC, such as the case where the operator who does not carry the portable terminal6using the NFC logs in the image forming apparatus1or the case where the loop coil26is broken or the like and thus the NFC is disabled or the like. When the operator presses down the log-in icon76, the controller3detects pressing-down of the log-in icon76from coordinates of the log-in icon76through the operating panel microcomputer2d. Then, the controller3changes a screen displayed on the display panel73to a “personal information input (entry) screen”.

FIG. 18is a screen displaying the “personal information input screen”. The “personal information input screen” includes an ID input (entry) field77and a password input (entry) field78, and when the operator touches these input fields, an unshown software numeric key screen is displayed on the display panel73. The operator is capable of inputting an ID and a password for the log-in by using this software numeric key screen. The controller3discriminates whether or not the log-in of the operator to the image forming apparatus1is permitted from the inputted ID and password.

Further, an icon79for restoration is displayed so as to permit the operator to return to the authentication screen (the screen on which the target mark75is displayed) in the case where the operator erroneously touches the log-in icon76. Incidentally, each ofFIG. 18andFIG. 19shows an example of this embodiment, and an icon having another function may also be provided on the same surface and the display from may also be not the display form as in this example.

When the operator holds the portable terminal6over the target mark75, there is a possibility such that the portable terminal6contacts the log-in icon76or such that a fingertip or the like of the operator touches the log-in icon76. Then, before the authentication through the NFC is performed, the display screen of the display panel73shifts to the “personal information input screen”. In this case, the operator is required to press down the icon79for restoration in order to perform the authentication through the NFC and thus takes time and effort. Therefore, the image forming apparatus1in this embodiment causes the display panel73to display the target mark75and the log-in icon76with a distance of about 40 mm.

It would be considered that of devices assumed to be utilized as the portable terminal6, a smartphone is most frequently used. A width of the smartphone is about 80 mm in general. The operator intends to hold the portable terminal6over the target mark at a center position of the portable terminal6, and therefore, in order to reduce a possibility of contact of the portable terminal6with the log-in icon76, the distance from the center position of the target mark75to the log-in icon76may only be required to be 40 mm or more. Accordingly, in this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 19, with respect to the direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to both the direction perpendicular to the surface of the display panel73and the vertical direction, a distance L from the center of the target mark75to the log-in icon76is set at 40 mm.

By displaying the target mark75and the log-in icon76in such a manner, when the operator holds the tag data6over the target mark75, a liability that the operator erroneously touches the log-in icon76can be reduced.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-167789 filed on Sep. 13, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.