Image processing device for wireless communication with a terminal device

An image processing device is communicatively connected to a terminal device. An operation panel accepts an operation from a user. A communication unit has a plurality of antennas and is used to communicate with the terminal device. A controller performs control according to direction information representing a direction of the terminal device in relation to the image processing device, acquired based on a radio wave transmitted between the terminal device and the communication unit. The communication unit is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel, in a left-right direction as viewed from a front face side where the operation panel can be operated, of side faces of the image processing device.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2022-133913, filed Aug. 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an image processing device.

2. Related Art

JP-A-2021-24120 discloses a printing device that receives a signal from another device. The printing device according to JP-A-2021-24120 acquires a direction of arrival and an intensity of reception of a signal received from another device and executes predetermined processing for printing, based on the direction of arrival and the intensity of reception thus acquired.

When a user uses an image processing device such as a printing device, the user in many cases approaches the image processing device, aiming at an operation panel provided in the image processing device. Therefore, in order for the image processing device to perform processing according to the position of the user, the position of the user in relation to the operation panel needs to be detected accurately. However, in the technique according to JP-A-2021-24120, there is a risk that the relative position between the operation panel of the image processing device and a terminal device held by the user may not be detected accurately.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing device communicatively connected to a terminal device is provided. The image processing device includes: an operation panel that accepts an operation from a user; a communication unit that has a plurality of antennas and is used to communicate with the terminal device; and a control unit that performs control according to direction information representing a direction of the terminal device in relation to the image processing device, acquired based on a radio wave transmitted between the terminal device and the communication unit. The communication unit is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel, in a left-right direction as viewed from a front face side where the operation panel can be operated, of side faces of the image processing device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. In order to clarify the explanation, suitable omissions and simplifications are made in the description and drawings given below. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference sign and the repeated description thereof is omitted according to need.

FIGS.1and2show an image processing system1according to Embodiment 1. The image processing system1has a terminal device100and an image processing device200. As shown inFIG.2, the image processing system1may have a PC50(personal computer). The PC50may be, for example, a desktop computer device.

The terminal device100is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The terminal device100may also be a computer device such as a portable laptop PC. The terminal device100has at least a display unit112. The other components of the terminal device100will be described later.

The image processing device200performs image processing designated by a user. The image processing device200is, for example, a printer. The image processing device200may also be, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a copy machine, or a scanner or the like. Also, a multifunction peripheral having a print function is an example of a printer. In Embodiment 1, a case where the image processing device200is, for example, a printer such as a multifunction peripheral, is described. The image processing device200, which is a printer, performs image forming processing of forming an image on a print medium such as a paper, that is, print processing, as image processing. However, the image processing device200may perform image processing other than the image forming processing. For example, the image processing device200may perform image processing such as copying or scanning.

As shown inFIG.1, the image processing device200, which is a printer, has at least an operation panel260, a paper feed tray216, and a paper discharge tray218. The operation panel260has, for example, a touch panel formed of a display device and an input device integrated together. The operation panel260accepts an operation from the user. The paper feed tray216stores a paper, which is a print medium, for example, by paper size. A paper with an image formed thereon is discharged onto the paper discharge tray218. The other components of the image processing device200will be described later.

As shown inFIG.1, an xyz coordinate system is prescribed for the image processing device200. The z-axis corresponds to a direction along an upward-downward direction of the image processing device200as indicted by an arrow Z, that is, a vertical direction. A positive direction along the z-axis corresponds to an upward direction of the image processing device200. A negative direction along the z-axis correspond to a downward direction of the image processing device200.

Of the side faces of the image processing device200, a side face where the operation panel260is provided, that is, a side face where the operation panel260can be operated, is defined as a front face200a. The front face200acan also be said to be a forward face of the image processing device200. Of the side faces of the image processing device200, a face opposite to the front face200ais defined as a back face200b. The back face200bcan also be said to be a rear face of the image processing device200. The y-axis corresponds to a direction along a forward-backward direction of the image processing device200, as indicated by an arrow Y. That is, the y-axis corresponds to a direction along a direction from the front face200atoward the back face200b. A positive direction along the y-axis corresponds to a direction from the front face200atoward the back face200b. A negative direction along the y-axis corresponds to a direction from the back face200btoward the front face200a. The forward-backward direction may also be referred to as the direction of depth of the image processing device200.

The x-axis corresponds to a left-right direction of the image processing device200as viewed from the side of the front face200aas indicated by an arrow F. That is, the x-axis corresponds to the left-right direction of the image processing device200as indicated by an arrow X. A positive direction along the x-axis corresponds to a right direction of the image processing device200as viewed from the side of the front face200a. A negative direction along the x-axis corresponds to a left direction of the image processing device200as viewed from the side of the front face200a. The left-right direction can also be referred to as the direction of width of the image processing device200. The left-right direction of the image processing device200also corresponds to the left-right direction of the operation panel260, that is, the direction of width of the operation panel260.

In the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, a communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. That is, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction as viewed from the side of the front face200a, where the operation panel260can be operated, of the side faces of the image processing device200. As will be described later, the communication unit250has a plurality of antennas. The communication unit250is used to communicate with the terminal device100. The communication unit250is implemented, for example, by a wireless substrate. The communication unit250may implement a second wireless communication system, described later. Details of this will be described later.

The image processing device200performs control for image processing according to direction information acquired based on a radio wave transmitted between the terminal device100and the communication unit250. In other words, the image processing device200performs control for image processing according to the position of the terminal device100detected based on the radio wave transmitted between the terminal device100and the communication unit250. The direction information is information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200. Details of this will be described later.

The terminal device100and the image processing device200communicate with each other via wireless communication by a first wireless communication system and via wireless communication by a second wireless communication system. The first wireless communication system is a standard with a higher communication speed and a longer communication distance than the second wireless communication system. In a narrow sense, the first wireless communication system is a wireless LAN (local area network), and more specifically, Wi-Fi (trademark registered). In the description below, an example where the first wireless communication system is Wi-Fi is described. However, another communication system may be employed as the first wireless communication system.

The second wireless communication system is a standard with a lower communication speed and a shorter communication distance than the first wireless communication system. Therefore, the second wireless communication system is a standard that implements short-range wireless communication. The second wireless communication system is also a standard that enables transmission of a beacon signal. In a narrow sense, the second wireless communication system is Bluetooth (trademark registered), and more specifically, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). In the description below, an example where the second wireless communication system is BLE is described. However, another communication system may be employed as the second wireless communication system. A beacon signal of BLE corresponds to an advertisement packet. Also, the first wireless communication system may enable the transmission of a beacon signal. When the first wireless communication system is Wi-Fi, the image processing device200may transmit a beacon signal that notifies a device in the periphery, of the SSID (service set identifier) of the image processing device200itself.

FIG.2shows an example of the image processing system1having a plurality of terminal devices100. The image processing system1may have a plurality of PCs50. The image processing system1may have a plurality of image processing devices200. The image processing system1may have one terminal device100. That is, the image processing system1has at least one terminal device100.

The image processing device200is communicatively connected to the PC50via wired or wireless communication. The image processing device200is also communicatively connected to at least one terminal device100via wireless communication. The foregoing wireless communication may be, for example, by the first wireless communication system.

When the image processing device200is communicatively connected to the terminal device100via wireless communication, the image processing device200may be connected to the terminal device100via an access point such as a wireless LAN access point. In this case, when the image processing device200operates in an infrastructure mode and is connected to an access point, the terminal device100is wirelessly connected to the access point. Thus, the wireless communication between the terminal device100and the image processing device200is executed. Such connection is referred to as infrastructure connection.

Alternatively, the image processing device200may be directly connected to the terminal device100without using an access point. In this case, the image processing device200activates an internal access point and the terminal device100is connected to the internal access point. Thus, the communication between the terminal device100and the image processing device200is directly executed. Such connection is referred to as direct connection. The direct connection between the terminal device100and the image processing device200may be made by communication conforming to the WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) standard or may be made using a Wi-Fi ad hoc mode.

The image processing device200making direct connection transmits (or broadcasts) a Wi-Fi beacon including the SSID. The Wi-Fi beacon is a beacon signal conforming to the Wi-Fi standard. When the terminal device100has received the Wi-Fi beacon, the SSID included in the Wi-Fi beacon is displayed. Also, at this point, the SSID and a password for connection are displayed on the operation panel260of the image processing device200. The user of the terminal device100sets the SSID and the password displayed on the operation panel260into the user's own terminal device100. Thus, the terminal device100is direct-connected to the image processing device200.

The PC50and the terminal device100transmit a job signal Sj including information about a job such as a print job, to the image processing device200. The job signal Sj includes a job execution instruction to execute the job. The job signal Sj for a print job includes a print instruction to perform printing. The job signal Sj for a print job also includes print data and identification information of the user of the device (PC50or terminal device100) transmitting the job signal Sj. The “print data” is data representing an image to be printed on a paper. The identification information included in the job signal Sj may be identification information of the device (PC50or terminal device100) transmitting the job signal Sj. The job signal Sj may also include information indicating whether to perform authentication processing when executing the job or not.

The image processing device200receives the job signal Sj, executes the job relating to the received job signal Sj, and thus performs image processing. When the job signal Sj is for a print job, the image processing device200performs printing in such a way as to form an image corresponding to the print data included in the print job onto a print medium such as a paper. The print medium with the image corresponding to the print data formed thereon is discharged to the paper discharge tray218.

The terminal device100also transmits (or broadcasts) a BLE beacon Bb corresponding to the second wireless communication system. The BLE beacon Bb is a beacon signal conforming to the BLE standard. By receiving the BLE beacon Bb, the image processing device200can acquire distance information representing the distance from the image processing device200to the terminal device100. By receiving the BLE beacon Bb, the image processing device200can also acquire direction information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200. Details of this will be described later. The direction information can be acquired, for example, when the image processing device200and the terminal device100are in conformity with the Bluetooth standard from version 5.1 onward.

FIG.3shows the configuration of the terminal device100according to Embodiment 1. The PC50, too, may have the configuration shown inFIG.3. The terminal device100has a processing unit102, a storage unit104, a first wireless communication unit106, a second wireless communication unit108, the display unit112, and an operation unit114, as a main hardware configuration. The processing unit102, the storage unit104, the first wireless communication unit106, the second wireless communication unit108, the display unit112, and the operation unit114may be coupled to each other via a data bus or the like.

The processing unit102is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). The processing unit102may have a plurality of processors. The processing unit102has functions as a computing device that performs control processing and computational processing or the like. The processing unit102controls the storage unit104, the first wireless communication unit106, the second wireless communication unit108, the display unit112, and the operation unit114.

The storage unit104is, for example, a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit104is, for example, a ROM (read-only memory) or a RAM (random-access memory) or the like. The storage unit104has a function for storing a control program and a computation program or the like to be executed by the processing unit102. The storage unit104also has a function for temporarily storing processing data or the like. The storage unit104may include a database.

The first wireless communication unit106is a wireless communication device that executes wireless communication conforming to the first wireless communication system. The first wireless communication unit106executes, for example, wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard. The first wireless communication unit106transmits and receives a radio wave conforming to the first wireless communication system such as the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit108is a wireless communication device that executes wireless communication conforming to the second wireless communication system. The second wireless communication unit108executes, for example, wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. The second wireless communication unit108transmits and receives a radio wave conforming to the second wireless communication system such as the BLE standard. The second wireless communication unit108may have a configuration substantially similar to that of the communication unit250, described later.

The display unit112and the operation unit114are user interfaces. The display unit112is formed of a display or the like that displays various information to the user. The operation unit114is formed of a button or the like that accepts an input operation from the user. The display unit112and the operation unit114may be integrated together into a touch panel or the like.

The terminal device100also has an OS120(operating system), which is basic software, and a print application130, as a software configuration. The print application130is application software that operates using functions of the OS120.

The print application130can be implemented, for example, by causing a program to be executed under the control of the processing unit102. More specifically, the print application130can be implemented by the processing unit102executing the program stored in the storage unit104. Also, a necessary program may be recorded in any non-volatile recording medium and installed according to need, thus implementing the print application130.

The print application130is not limited to being implemented by program-based software and may also be implemented by a combination of any ones of hardware, firmware, and software, or the like. The print application130may also be implemented, for example, using an integrated circuit that is programmable by the user, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, a program formed of the print application130may be implemented, using this integrated circuit.

The print application130may perform processing to communicatively connect the terminal device100and the image processing device200to each other. In this case, the print application130may control the first wireless communication unit106to perform the processing to communicatively connect the terminal device100and the image processing device200to each other. The print application130may also perform processing to transmit the BLE beacon. In this case, the print application130may perform processing in such a way as to control the second wireless communication unit108to transmit the BLE beacon.

The print application130performs control to cause the connected image processing device200(printer) to execute printing. When the print application130accepts a print instruction based on an operation by the user, the print application130performs processing in such a way as to transmit a job signal for a print job including print data, to the connected image processing device200. In this case, the print application130may perform processing in such a way as to control the first wireless communication unit106to transmit the job signal.

FIG.4shows the configuration of the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1.FIG.4shows a case where the image processing device200is a printer. The image processing device200has a processing unit202, a storage unit204, a first wireless communication unit206, a second wireless communication unit208, a printing unit210, a display unit212, and an operation unit214. The processing unit202, the storage unit204, the first wireless communication unit206, the second wireless communication unit208, the printing unit210, the display unit212, and the operation unit214may be coupled to each other via a data bus or the like.

The processing unit202is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit202may have a plurality of processors. The processing unit202has functions as a computing device that performs control processing and computational processing or the like. The processing unit202controls the storage unit204, the first wireless communication unit206, the second wireless communication unit208, the printing unit210, the display unit212, and the operation unit214.

The storage unit204is, for example, a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit204is, for example, a ROM or a RAM or the like. The storage unit204has a function for storing a control program and a computation program or the like to be executed by the processing unit202. The storage unit204also has a function for temporarily storing processing data or the like. The storage unit204may include a database.

The first wireless communication unit206is a wireless communication device that executes wireless communication conforming to the first wireless communication system. The first wireless communication unit206executes, for example, wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard. The first wireless communication unit206transmits and receives a radio wave conforming to the first wireless communication system such as the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit208is a wireless communication device that executes wireless communication conforming to the second wireless communication system. The second wireless communication unit208executes, for example, wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. The second wireless communication unit208transmits and receives a radio wave conforming to the second wireless communication system such as the BLE standard. The second wireless communication unit208may be implemented by the communication unit250, described later. That is, the communication unit250can correspond to the second wireless communication unit208.

The first wireless communication unit206of the image processing device200making the foregoing direct connection may activate the internal access point according to a predetermined connection setting. In this case, the first wireless communication unit206accepts a connection request from the terminal device100. The connection setting is, for example, the setting of an SSID and a passphrase or the setting of a communication frequency band. The setting of a communication frequency band corresponds to the channel setting.

The printing unit210has a print function to form an image on a paper, that is, a print medium. The printing unit210includes a print engine. The print engine is a mechanical configuration to execute printing of an image onto a print medium. The print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that performs printing with a toner by an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that performs printing by an inkjet method. The print engine may also have a conveyor mechanism that conveys the print medium.

The display unit212and the operation unit214are user interfaces. The display unit212is formed of a display or the like that displays various information to the user. The display unit212includes an output device such as a display or a speaker. The display unit212outputs information to the user. The operation unit214is formed of a button or the like that accepts an input operation from the user. The operation unit214includes an input device such as a button, a keyboard, a touch panel or a mouse. The operation unit214accepts an input of data from the user. The display unit212and the operation unit214may be integrated together in the form of a touch panel or the like. The display unit212and the operation unit214may be implemented by the foregoing operation panel260.

The image processing device200also has, as component elements, a distance information acquisition unit222, a direction information acquisition unit224, a terminal position determination unit226, a job receiving unit230, a job storage unit232, an identification information storage unit234, and a control unit240. The control unit240has a mode control unit242, an authentication control unit244, and a print control unit246.

The foregoing component elements can be implemented, for example, by causing a program to be executed under the control of the processing unit202. More specifically, the component elements can be implemented by the processing unit202executing the program stored in the storage unit204. Also, a necessary program may be recorded in any non-volatile recording medium and installed according to need, thus implementing the component elements.

The component elements are not limited to being implemented by program-based software and may also be implemented by a combination of any ones of hardware, firmware, and software, or the like. The component elements may also be implemented, for example, using an integrated circuit that is programmable by the user, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program formed of the foregoing component elements may be implemented, using this integrated circuit.

The distance information acquisition unit222acquires distance information representing the distance between the terminal device100and the image processing device200, based on a radio wave arriving from the terminal device100. The distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information by short-range wireless communication with the terminal device100. The distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information, based on a radio wave transmitted between the terminal device100and the communication unit250(second wireless communication unit208). Details of this will be described later.

The direction information acquisition unit224acquires direction information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200, based on the radio wave arriving from the terminal device100. The direction information acquisition unit224acquires the direction information by short-range wireless communication with the terminal device100. The direction information acquisition unit224acquires the direction information, based on the radio wave transmitted between the terminal device100and the communication unit250(second wireless communication unit208). Details of this will be described later.

The terminal position determination unit226detects the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200, using the distance information and the direction information of the terminal device100. At this point, the terminal position determination unit226detects the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260of the image processing device200, using the distance information and the direction information of the terminal device100. Details of this will be described later.

The terminal position determination unit226also determines whether the position of the terminal device100is within a predetermined range that is determined in advance in relation to the image processing device200or not, using the distance information and the direction information of the terminal device100. At this point, the terminal position determination unit226may determine whether the distance between the terminal device100and the image processing device200is equal to or shorter than a threshold that is determined in advance or not. Also, at this point, the terminal position determination unit226may determine whether the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200is within a predetermined range that is determined in advance or not. Details of this will be described later.

The job receiving unit230receives a job signal for a job such as a print job from the terminal device100or the PC50. The job receiving unit230may receive the job signal from the terminal device100via the first wireless communication unit206.

The job storage unit232stores (or accumulates) job information, which is information about the job relating to the received job signal. At this point, the job storage unit232stores the job, establishing the correspondence between the identification information of the job and the identification information of the user giving an instruction to execute the job. That is, the identification information of the user is made to correspond to the job for image processing. The job storage unit232stores the job information to be stored, as job accumulation information.

FIG.5shows an example of job accumulation information TbJ stored in the job storage unit232according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated inFIG.5, in the job accumulation information TbJ, job identification information, user identification information, and whether it is with or without authentication processing, are corresponded. In this case, the “job identification information” is the identification information of the corresponding job. The “user identification information” is the identification information of the user giving an instruction to execute the corresponding job.

“Whether it is with or without authentication processing” is information indicating whether to perform authentication processing when executing the job or not. That is, with respect to the job for image processing, whether it is with or without authentication processing is designated. In this case, the authentication processing is the processing to check whether the user attempting to use the image processing device200coincides with the user giving the instruction to execute the job or not. The authentication processing is executed by determining whether authentication information stored in advance for the user giving the instruction to execute the job coincides with the inputted authentication information of the user or not. For example, a password may be used as the authentication information and the authentication processing may be executed by entering the password. Also, identification information stored on an ID card may be used as the authentication information and the authentication processing may be executed by placing the ID card of the user on a reading device. Also, biometric information such as fingerprint information or facial information may be used as the authentication information and the authentication processing may be executed by biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication or facial authentication. Alternatively, the authentication processing may be executed by a combination of these techniques.

The job accumulation information TbJ may establish the correspondence between the identification information of the terminal (terminal device100or PC50) transmitting the job signal representing the corresponding job, instead of the user identification information, and the job identification information. When a job is executed, the information about the job that has already been executed may be erased from the job storage unit232, or a flag indicating “already executed” may be added to the information of the job that has already been executed.

In the example shown inFIG.5, an instruction to execute a job with job identification information “job A” is given by a user with identification information “user A”. The execution of the job with the job identification information “job A” involves authentication processing. An instruction to execute a job with job identification information “job B” is given by a user with identification information “user B”. The execution of the job with the job identification information “job B” involves no authentication processing.

The identification information storage unit234stores the identification information of a user and the identification information of the device (terminal device100or PC50) owned by the user, establishing the correspondence between these pieces of identification information. The identification information storage unit234stores the identification information to be stored, in the form of an identification information table.

FIG.6shows an example of an identification information table TbI stored in the identification information storage unit234according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated inFIG.6, in the identification information table TbI, user identification information and device identification information are corresponded. In this case, the “device identification information” is the identification information of the device owned by the corresponding user. In the example shown inFIG.6, a user with user identification information “user A” owns a terminal device100with device identification information “terminal #1” and a PC50with device identification information “PC #1”. A user with user identification information “user B” owns a terminal device100with device identification information “terminal #2” and a PC50with device identification information “PC #2”.

The control unit240performs control for image processing. That is, the control unit240performs processing to perform image processing. The “image processing” includes, for example, print processing and scan processing. The “processing to perform image processing” includes, for example, processing to enable execution of image processing as well as performing processing in such a way as to execute image processing. The “processing to perform image processing” includes, for example, cancellation of a power saving mode, and authentication processing.

The control unit240performs the processing to perform image processing, when the position of the terminal device100satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit240performs the processing to perform image processing, when the position of the terminal device100is within a predetermined range in relation to the image processing device200. At this point, the control unit240according to Embodiment 1 performs control corresponding to at least the direction information. Specifically, the control unit240performs the processing to perform image processing, when the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200is within a predetermined range. In this case, in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction as viewed from the front face200aside of the image processing device200. Therefore, the control unit240performs the processing to perform image processing, when the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260of the image processing device200is within a predetermined range. Details of this will be described later.

The control unit240may perform control corresponding to the distance information. The control unit240may perform the processing to perform image processing, when the distance between the terminal device100and the image processing device200is equal to or shorter than a threshold that is determined in advance. In this case, in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction as viewed from the front face200aside of the image processing device200. Therefore, the control unit240performs the processing to perform image processing, when the distance between the terminal device100and the operation panel260is equal to or shorter than a threshold. Also, the control unit240may perform the processing to perform image processing, when the distance from the terminal device100is equal to or shorter than a threshold and the direction of the terminal device100is within a predetermined range. Details of this will be described later.

When the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260is within a predetermined range, the control unit240may perform processing to cancel the power saving mode of the operation panel260. Also, when the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260is within a predetermined range, the control unit240may execute the job corresponding to the terminal device100. In this case, when the job corresponding to the terminal device100is a job with authentication processing, the control unit240may display a screen to perform authentication processing. The control unit240may execute the job when the authentication processing is successful. Details of this will be described later.

The mode control unit242performs processing in such a way as to shift to the power saving mode, when no operation of the image processing device200is performed for a predetermined time. The mode control unit242cancels the power saving mode of the image processing device200in a predetermined case. For example, the mode control unit242may cancel the power saving mode of the image processing device200when the user touches the operation panel260. Details of this will be described later. The authentication control unit244performs processing in such a way as to execute authentication processing when a job with authentication processing is to be executed. Details of this will be described later. The print control unit246performs processing in such a way as to execute print processing. That is, the print control unit246performs processing in such a way as to execute a print job. Details of this will be described later.

FIGS.7and8explain the positional relationship between the communication unit250and the operation panel260in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1.FIGS.7and8show the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side of the front face200a. As shown inFIGS.7and8, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200.

The operation panel260has a casing260a, a touch panel262, and a power button264. The touch panel262and the power button264are accommodated in the casing260a. The touch panel262is formed of the display unit212and the operation unit214integrated together. The touch panel262accepts an operation from the user and displays information to the user.

The power button264is a switch to supply power to the image processing device200. The power button264is a physical button. As the user presses the power button264in the state where the power of the image processing device200is off, the power of the image processing device200turns on.

FIG.7shows a first example of the positional relationship between the communication unit250and the operation panel260in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1. In the first example, the communication unit250is provided at the operation panel260. That is, in the first example, the communication unit250is built in the operation panel260. In other words, in the first example, the communication unit250is physically integrated with the operation panel260. Therefore, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200as indicated by an arrow X. For example, the communication unit250may be provided at a lower part of the touch panel262in the operation panel260. Also, for example, the communication unit250may be provided at a position on the back side of the touch panel262in the operation panel260.

In this example, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided near the center in the left-right direction of the operation panel260. That is, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided near the center in the left-right direction of the touch panel262. In other words, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided at a position including the center position of the touch panel262in the left-right direction as indicated by the arrow X. Also, the communication unit250may be provided in such a way that the center of the communication unit250and the center of the operation panel260coincide with each other in the left-right direction indicated by the arrow X.

FIG.8shows a second example of the positional relationship between the communication unit250and the operation panel260in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1. In the second example, the communication unit250is provided below the operation panel260in the up-down direction of the image processing device200. In other words, the communication unit250is provided at a position within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction indicated by an arrow X and below the operation panel260in the up-down direction indicated by an arrow Z. That is, in the second example, the communication unit250is provided physically separately from the operation panel260.

The communication unit250is provided at least within a range W1in the left-right direction of the operation panel260, in the left-right direction indicated by the arrow X. More preferably, the communication unit250is provided within a range W2in the left-right direction of the touch panel262, in the left-right direction indicated by the arrow X. Therefore, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200as indicated by the arrow X. In terms of the front-back direction of the image processing device200(direction indicated by the arrow Y inFIG.1), the communication unit250may be not provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260.

In this example, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided near the center in the left-right direction of the operation panel260, at a position below the operation panel260. That is, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided near the center in the left-right direction of the touch panel262, at a position below the operation panel260. In other words, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided at a position including the center position in the left-right direction of the touch panel262, at a position below the operation panel260. To paraphrase this further, preferably, the communication unit250may be provided at a position including the center position of the range W2in terms of the left-right direction, at a position below the operation panel260. Also, the communication unit250may be provided in such a way that the center in the left-right direction of the communication unit250and the center in the left-right direction of the operation panel260coincide with each other at a position below the operation panel260.

FIG.9shows the configuration of the communication unit250according to Embodiment 1. The communication unit250has a plurality of antennas252A to252D and an IC (integrated circuit) chip254. The plurality of antennas252and the IC chip254are formed at a substrate250a. The antennas252may be BLE antennas used for wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. The antennas252transmit and receive a radio wave conforming to the BLE standard. WhileFIG.9shows the communication unit250having four antennas252, the communication unit250may have any number equal to or greater than 2 of antennas252.

The IC chip254performs control in such a way as to perform communication conforming to the BLE standard (wireless communication conforming to the second wireless communication system), using the antennas252. For example, the IC chip254may perform modulation and demodulation processing and baseband signal processing of a radio wave. The IC chip254has contact points a, b, c, d with the antennas252A,252B,252C,252D, respectively. The IC chip254switches the coupling of the contact points and thus switches the antenna252to be used.

The antennas252A,252B,252C,252D are formed, arrayed in a direction along an arrow D1at the substrate250a. That is, the direction indicated by the arrow D1is the direction in which the plurality of antennas252A,252B,252C,252D are arrayed. In this case, the communication unit250may be provided in such a way that the direction in which the antennas252are arrayed as indicated by the arrow D1is laid along the left-right direction of the image processing device200. That is, the communication unit250may be provided in such a way that the direction in which the antennas252are arrayed as indicated by the arrow D1is laid along the left-right direction of the operation panel260.

FIGS.10and11are flowcharts showing processing executed by the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1. The flowcharts shown inFIGS.10and11correspond to a control method executed by the image processing device200. When the job receiving unit230receives a job signal from the terminal device100or the PC50during steps S102to S112, described later, the information of the job relating to the received job signal is stored and accumulated in the job storage unit232.

The image processing device200receives a beacon from the terminal device100(step S102). Specifically, the second wireless communication unit208receives a radio wave of the BLE beacon Bb transmitted from the terminal device100. That is, the antenna252of the communication unit250receives the radio wave of the BLE beacon Bb transmitted from the terminal device100. The BLE beacon Bb transmitted from the terminal device100includes the identification information of the terminal device100. Therefore, the image processing device200receives the identification information of the terminal device100in the processing of S102. The terminal device100can transmit the beacon at a predetermined time interval. Therefore, the subsequent processing can be executed every time the image processing device200receives the beacon from the terminal device100.

The distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information of the terminal device100(step S104). As described above, the distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information representing the distance between the terminal device100and the image processing device200, based on the radio wave arriving from the terminal device100. Specifically, the distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information of the terminal device100by short-range wireless communication such as BLE or Bluetooth.

More specifically, the distance information acquisition unit222acquires radio wave intensity information representing the radio wave intensity of the received BLE beacon Bb. The radio wave intensity information can correspond to the received radio wave intensity or the received signal intensity. The distance information acquisition unit222estimates the distance between the image processing device200and the terminal device100, using the radio wave intensity information.

That is, as the radio wave intensity of the BLE beacon Bb becomes higher, the distance between the terminal device100transmitting this BLE beacon Bb and the image processing device200becomes shorter. On the other hand, as the radio wave intensity of the BLE beacon Bb becomes lower, the distance between the terminal device100transmitting this BLE beacon Bb and the image processing device200becomes longer. For example, in the case of iBeacon (trademark registered), which is a BLE standard, the range to which a beacon signal is transmitted can be set from among three types, that is, “immediate” (proximate), “near” (close), and “far” (distant). For example, “immediate” corresponds to a distance of approximately several centimeters, “near” corresponds to a distance of approximately several meters, and “far” corresponds to a distance of approximately 10 meters. In this way, the distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information representing the distance between the image processing device200and the terminal device100.

Alternatively, the distance information acquisition unit222may compute the distance between the terminal device100transmitting the BLE beacon Bb and the image processing device200, based on the radio wave intensity of the BLE beacon Bb. Generally, the radio wave intensity is known to be in inverse proportion to the square of the distance. Therefore, if the radio wave intensity at a reference distance is known, the distance between the image processing device200and the terminal device100can be computed, based on the radio wave intensity of the BLE beacon Bb that is actually received. In this case, the BLE beacon Bb is configured to include reference radio wave intensity information. The distance information acquisition unit222computes the distance between the image processing device200and the terminal device100, based on the reference radio wave intensity information and the radio wave intensity information. Thus, the distance information acquisition unit222acquires the distance information representing the distance between the image processing device200and the terminal device100.

The distance information represents the distance between the terminal device100and the communication unit250. As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction. Therefore, the distance information can represent the distance between the operation panel260and the terminal device100.

The direction information acquisition unit224acquires the direction information of the terminal device100(step S106). As described above, the direction information acquisition unit224acquires the direction information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200, based on the radio wave arriving from the terminal device100. Specifically, the direction information acquisition unit224acquires the direction information of the terminal device100by short-range wireless communication such as BLE or Bluetooth. The direction information represents the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the communication unit250. As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction. Therefore, the direction information can represent the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260.

More specifically, the direction information acquisition unit224acquires the direction information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200, using a direction detection function defined by the Bluetooth standard from version 5.1 onward. The direction information acquisition unit224calculates the angle of reception, that is, the angle of arrival (AoA), of the radio wave in the image processing device200with respect to the BLE beacon Bb transmitted from the terminal device100, by an AoA system in the direction detection function. As described above, the communication unit250has a plurality of antennas252for the second wireless communication unit208. The communication unit250receives the radio wave, that is, the BLE beacon Bb, via the plurality of antennas252. The direction information acquisition unit224of the image processing device200calculates the angle of arrival AoA, which is an angle in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed (direction indicated by the arrow D1inFIG.9), based on the distance between the plurality of antennas252and the phase difference in the radio wave received by the plurality of antennas252. The angle of arrival AoA corresponds to the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the communication unit250of the image processing device200. As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction. Therefore, the angle of arrival AoA can represent the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260.

Alternatively, the direction information acquisition unit224may acquire the direction information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200, using a BLE beacon transmitted from the image processing device200. Specifically, the terminal device100detects the angle of transmission, that is, the angle of departure AoD, of the radio wave in the image processing device200with respect to the BLE beacon transmitted from the image processing device200, by an AoD system in the direction detection function. As described above, the communication unit250has a plurality of antennas252for the second wireless communication unit208. The communication unit250emits the radio wave, that is, the BLE beacon, from the plurality of antennas252. The terminal device100calculates the angle of departure AoD, which is an angle in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed (direction indicated by the arrow D1inFIG.9), based on the distance between the plurality of antennas252and the phase difference in the radio wave transmitted from the plurality of antennas252. It is assumed that information representing the distance between the plurality of antennas252and information representing the timing of transmitting the radio wave from the plurality of antennas252are given to the terminal device100in advance. These pieces of information may be included in the BLE beacon. The terminal device100then transmits a radio wave (BLE beacon or the like) representing the angle of departure AoD to the image processing device200. The angle of departure AoD corresponds to the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200. The direction information acquisition unit224may thus acquire the direction information representing the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the communication unit250of the image processing device200. As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction. Therefore, the angle of departure AoD can represent the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260.

In this way, the direction information acquisition unit224acquires an angle α corresponding to the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the communication unit250of the image processing device200. The angle α corresponds to the angle of the direction of the terminal device100(angle of arrival AoA or angle of departure AoD) in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed (direction indicated by the arrow D1inFIG.9). As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction. The direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed can correspond to the left-right direction of the operation panel260. Therefore, the angle α can correspond to the angle of the direction of the terminal device100(angle of arrival AoA or angle of departure AoD) in relation to the left-right direction of the operation panel260.

The terminal position determination unit226detects the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the image processing device200(step S108). Specifically, the terminal position determination unit226detects the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260of the image processing device200, using the distance information and the direction information, as illustrated inFIG.12.

FIG.12explains the positional relationship between the image processing device200and the terminal device100according to Embodiment 1. The illustration of the image processing device200shown inFIG.12is a schematic view of the image processing device200as viewed from above.

As described above, the communication unit250is provided with a plurality of antennas252for transmitting and receiving a radio wave such as a BLE beacon. Therefore, the distance information acquired in the processing of S104may represent the distance between a reference position P1prescribed by the communication unit250of the image processing device200, and the terminal device100. The direction information acquired in the processing of S106may represent the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the reference position P1prescribed by the communication unit250of the image processing device200.

It is assumed that the communication unit250and the terminal device100are connected together by a line Ln1, as shown inFIG.12. The line Ln1is assumed to connect the reference position P1on the communication unit250and a reference position on the terminal device100. Also, as described above, the plurality of antennas252of the communication unit250are arrayed in the left-right direction as viewed from the side of the front face200aof the image processing device200(direction indicated by the arrow D1). In this case, the angle α of the line Ln1in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed corresponds to the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the communication unit250of the image processing device200, that is, the direction information. The length L of the line Ln1corresponds to the distance between the image processing device200(communication unit250) and the terminal device100.

As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. Therefore, the length of the line Ln1can correspond to the distance between the operation panel260and the terminal device100. The communication unit250can be arranged in such a way that the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed is laid along the left-right direction of the operation panel260. Therefore, the angle α can correspond to the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the left-right direction of the operation panel260. Thus, the terminal position determination unit226according to Embodiment 1 can accurately detect the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260.

Referring back toFIG.10, the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the position of the terminal device100is within a predetermined range in relation to the image processing device200or not, using the distance information and the direction information of the terminal device100(steps S110, S112). The “predetermined range” corresponds to an area that is regarded to be in the vicinity of the front of the image processing device200. Therefore, in the processing of S110and S112, the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the position of the terminal device100(terminal position) is in the vicinity of the front of the image processing device200or not.

The “predetermined range” corresponds to an area including a position where the user can operate the operation panel260of the image processing device200. That is, the “predetermined range” can correspond to an area in the vicinity of the operation panel260. The “predetermined range” can be prescribed by the direction in relation to the reference position on the image processing device200. The “predetermined range” can also be prescribed by the distance from the reference position on the image processing device200. The “predetermined range” can also be prescribed by the direction in relation to the reference position on the image processing device200and the distance from the reference position. As described above, the reference position can be defined by the position of the communication unit250having the plurality of antennas252. As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. Therefore, the reference position can be defined by the position of the operation panel260.

FIG.13explains the predetermined range in relation to the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1. InFIG.13, a predetermined range Ar1in relation to the image processing device200is shown as an area surrounded by a dashed line. The predetermined range Ar1is prescribed on the side of the front face200aof the image processing device200. The predetermined range Ar1is also prescribed in relation to the reference position P1corresponding to the communication unit250. As described above, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. Therefore, the predetermined range Ar1is prescribed in relation to the reference position P1corresponding to the operation panel260.

In the example shown inFIG.13, the predetermined range Ar1is an area extending to a distance equal to or shorter than a threshold Lth1from the reference position P1. The predetermined range Ar1is also an area extending in a direction ranging from an angle θ1or greater and an angle θ2or smaller from the front face200aat the reference position P1. That is, the predetermined range Ar1is an area such that an angle θr corresponding to the direction in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed (direction indicated by the arrow D1), based on the reference position P1, is equal to or greater than the angle θ1and equal to or smaller than the angle θ2. In other words, the predetermined range Ar1is an area that satisfies θ1≤θr≤θ2. Lth1, θ1, and θ2can be suitably set in such a way that the “predetermined range” is regarded as an area in the vicinity of the operation panel260. Also, Lth1, θ1, and θ2can be suitably set in such a way that the “predetermined range” includes an area where the user can operate the operation panel260.

In the example shown inFIG.13, the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the distance L represented by the distance information of the terminal device100is equal to or shorter than the threshold Lth1and the angle α represented by the direction information of the terminal device100is equal to or greater than the angle θ1and equal to or smaller than the angle θ2, or not. When the result of this determination is positive, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is within the predetermined range Ar1. Meanwhile, when the result of the determination is negative, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is not within the predetermined range Ar1.

When a user90holding the terminal device100is not located within the predetermined range Ar1, as indicated by an arrow A1inFIG.13, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is not within the predetermined range Ar1. Meanwhile, when the user90holding the terminal device100moves as indicated by an arrow B into the predetermined range Ar1, as indicated by an arrow A2inFIG.13, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is within the predetermined range Ar1.

Referring back toFIG.10, the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the direction represented by the direction information is within a predetermined range or not (step S110). When the direction is not within the predetermined range (NO in S110), it can be regarded that the terminal device100is not located in the vicinity of the operation panel260. Therefore, the processing flow returns to S102. Meanwhile, when the direction is within the predetermined range (YES in S110), the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the distance represented by the distance information is equal to or shorter than a threshold that is determined in advance, or not (step S112). When the distance is not equal to or shorter than the threshold (NO in S112), it can be regarded that the terminal device100is not located in the vicinity of the operation panel260. Therefore, the processing flow returns to S102. Meanwhile, when the distance is equal to or shorter than the threshold (YES in S112), the terminal position determination unit226determines that the terminal device100is within the predetermined range. That is, the terminal device100can be regarded to be located in the vicinity of the operation panel260. In this case, the control unit240performs job execution processing (step S120).

The predetermined range Ar1illustrated inFIG.13is prescribed by the direction in relation to the reference position P1and the distance from the reference position P1. However, the predetermined range Ar1is not limited to such a configuration. The predetermined range Ar1may be prescribed by only the distance from the reference position P1. In this case, the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the distance L represented by the distance information of the terminal device100is equal to or shorter than the threshold Lth1or not. When the result of this determination is positive, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is within the predetermined range Ar1. Meanwhile, when the result of the determination is negative, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is not within the predetermined range Ar1. In this case, the processing of S110can be omitted.

Alternatively, the predetermined range Ar1may be prescribed by only the direction in relation to the reference position P1. In this case, the terminal position determination unit226determines whether the angle α represented by the direction information of the terminal device100is equal to or greater than the angle θ1and equal to or smaller than the angle θ2, or not. When the result of this determination is positive, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is within the predetermined range Ar1. Meanwhile, when the result of the determination is negative, the terminal position determination unit226determines that the position of the terminal device100is not within the predetermined range Ar1. In this case, the processing of S112can be omitted.

FIG.11shows the job execution processing (S120) executed by the control unit240according to Embodiment 1. The mode control unit242of the control unit240determines whether the image processing device200is in the power saving mode or not (step S122). The “power saving mode” is a mode for restraining the power consumption of the image processing device200. In the power saving mode, for example, the display on the operation panel260may be deleted. The power saving mode may also be implemented in the form of switching off the backlight of the operation panel260. In the power saving mode, for example, electric power may not be supplied to the printing unit210. In the power saving mode, the control unit240and the printing unit210of the image processing device200may be turned into a standby state and thus turned into a lower power supply state.

When the image processing device200is in the power saving mode (YES in S122), the mode control unit242cancels the power saving mode of the image processing device200and shifts to the normal mode (step S124). In the normal mode, electric power can be supplied to each device in the image processing device200. Meanwhile, when the image processing device200is not in the power saving mode (NO in S122), the mode control unit242skips the processing of S124. Cancelling the power saving mode enables the user to immediately perform an operation when operating the operation panel260. Also, cancelling the power saving mode enables the image processing device200to immediately execute a job of the user holding the terminal device100when this user approaches the operation panel260.

The control unit240determines whether there is a job relating to the terminal device100or not (step S126). Specifically, the control unit240determines whether there is a job relating to the user of the terminal device100that is in the predetermined range or not, referring to the job accumulation information TbJ stored in the job storage unit232and the identification information table TbI stored in the identification information storage unit234. More specifically, the control unit240determines whether a job relating to the identification information of the user corresponding to the identification information of the terminal device100that is in the predetermined range is accumulated or not.

When there is a job corresponding to the terminal device100(YES in S126), the control unit240determines whether the job is a job with authentication processing or not (step S130). Specifically, the control unit240determines whether authentication processing is to be performed or not, referring to the job accumulation information TbJ. When the job is not a job with authentication processing (NO in S130), the print control unit246execute the processing of S140, described later.

Meanwhile, when the job is a job with authentication processing (YES in S130), the authentication control unit244performs control in such a way that an authentication screen is displayed (step S132). Specifically, the authentication control unit244performs control in such a way that the operation panel260displays the authentication screen. The authentication screen is a screen for the user to perform authentication. When the authentication processing is to be performed by entering a password, the authentication screen may display a message prompting the user to enter the password. When the authentication processing is to be performed by reading an ID card, the authentication screen may display a message prompting the user to place the ID card on the reading device. When the authentication processing is to be performed by fingerprint authentication, the authentication screen may display a message prompting the user to move a finger toward a fingerprint reading device.

The authentication control unit244determines whether the authentication is successful or not (step S134). Specifically, the authentication control unit244determines whether authentication information stored in advance for the user giving the instruction to execute the job coincides with the inputted authentication information of the user or not. When the authentication information stored in advance for the user giving the instruction to execute the job coincides with the inputted authentication information of the user, the authentication control unit244determines that the authentication is successful.

When the authentication is successful (YES in step S134), the print control unit246executes the job (step S140). That is, the print control unit246executes print processing for the job. Specifically, the print control unit246controls the printing unit210in such a way that print data relating to the job to be executed is formed on a print medium.

Meanwhile, when there is no job relating to the terminal device100in the processing of S126(NO in S126), the control unit240determines whether an operation for image processing is entered or not (step S142). Specifically, the control unit240determines whether an operation for image processing such as copying or scanning is entered to the operation panel260. When an operation for image processing is entered (YES in S142), the control unit240executes image processing corresponding to the content of the operation (step S144). Meanwhile, when an operation for image processing is not entered (NO in S142), the processing ends.

As described above, in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. Thus, the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260can be accurately detected. Therefore, whether the terminal device100is located within a predetermined range prescribed in relation to the operation panel260or not can be accurately determined. That is, whether the terminal device100is located in the vicinity of the operation panel260or not can be accurately determined. Therefore, control according to the position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260can be accurately performed. Thus, the convenience for the user is improved.

In the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, the communication unit250may be provided at the operation panel260. According to such a configuration, the communication unit250can be easily provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. Thus, the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260can be accurately detected more securely. Therefore, whether the terminal device100is located within a predetermined range prescribed in relation to the operation panel260or not can be determined more accurately. That is, whether the terminal device100is located in the vicinity of the operation panel260or not can be determined more accurately. Therefore, control according to the position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260can be performed more accurately. Thus, the convenience for the user is improved further.

In the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, the communication unit250may be provided below the operation panel260in the up-down direction of the image processing device200. That is, the communication unit250may be provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction and below the operation panel260. According to such a configuration, even when the communication unit250cannot be provided at the operation panel260for a reason such as the lack of a space for providing the communication unit250at the operation panel260, the communication unit250can be provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction of the image processing device200. Thus, the relative position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260can be accurately detected regardless of the structure of the operation panel260. Therefore, whether the terminal device100is located within a predetermined range prescribed in relation to the operation panel260or not can be accurately determined regardless of the structure of the operation panel260. That is, whether the terminal device100is located in the vicinity of the operation panel260or not can be accurately determined regardless of the structure of the operation panel260. Therefore, control according to the position of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260can be accurately performed regardless of the structure of the operation panel260. Thus, the convenience for the user is improved further.

In Embodiment 1, the control unit240may perform processing to cancel the power saving mode of the image processing device200when the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260is within a predetermined range that is determined in advance. According to such a configuration, the power saving mode can be immediately canceled when the position of the terminal device100is within a predetermined range. Therefore, even when the image processing device200is in the power saving mode, the user can immediately operate the operation panel260when approaching the operation panel260. Thus, the convenience for the user is improved.

In Embodiment 1, the direction of the image processing device200may be displayed at the terminal device100. Thus, the user of the terminal device100can grasp the position of the image processing device200. In such a case, too, the effect of the provision of the communication unit250within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction is achieved, as will be described later.

The case where the direction of the image processing device200is displayed at the terminal device100will now be described. In this case, the terminal device100can have a direction detection function, similarly to the image processing device200. In this case, the terminal device100has a configuration substantially similar to the configuration of the communication unit250. That is, the terminal device100has a plurality of antennas. The second wireless communication unit208of the image processing device200transmits a BLE beacon. The terminal device100acquires direction information representing the direction of the image processing device200in relation to the terminal device100, using the direction detection function.

The terminal device100calculates the angle of reception, that is, the angle of arrival (AoA), of the radio wave in the terminal device100with respect to the BLE beacon transmitted from the image processing device200, by an AoA system in the direction detection function. This angle of arrival AoA corresponds to the direction of the image processing device200in relation to the terminal device100. The AoA system may be substantially similar to the foregoing system. That is, the terminal device100receives the radio wave, that is, the BLE beacon, via the plurality of antennas. The terminal device100calculates the angle of arrival AoA, which is an angle in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas are arrayed, based on the distance between the plurality of antennas and the phase difference in the radio wave received by the plurality of antennas. The angle of arrival AoA corresponds to the direction of the image processing device200in relation to the terminal device100.

Alternatively, the terminal device100may acquire the direction information representing the direction of the image processing device200in relation to the terminal device100, using a BLE beacon transmitted from the terminal device100. Specifically, the image processing device200detects the angle of transmission, that is, the angle of departure AoD, of the radio wave in the terminal device100with respect to the BLE beacon transmitted from the terminal device100, by an AoD system in the direction detection function. The AoD system may be substantially similar to the foregoing system. That is, the terminal device100has a plurality of antennas, as described above. The terminal device100emits the radio wave, that is, the BLE beacon, from the plurality of antennas. The image processing device200calculates the angle of departure AoD, which is an angle in relation to the direction in which the plurality of antennas are arrayed, based on the distance between the plurality of antennas and the phase difference in the radio wave transmitted from the plurality of antennas. It is assumed that information representing the distance between the plurality of antennas of the terminal device100and information representing the timing of transmitting the radio wave from the plurality of antennas are given to the image processing device200in advance. These pieces of information may be included in the BLE beacon. The image processing device200then transmits a radio wave (BLE beacon or the like) representing the angle of departure AoD to the terminal device100. The angle of departure AoD corresponds to the direction of the image processing device200in relation to the terminal device100.

FIG.14explains a case where the direction of an image processing device is displayed at a terminal device in a comparative example. In an image processing device800according to the comparative example, a communication unit850is not provided within a range corresponding to an operation panel860in the left-right direction (direction indicated by an arrow X). That is, in the image processing device800according to the comparative example, the communication unit850is provided at a position away from the operation panel860in the left-right direction.

When the terminal device100is sufficiently away from the image processing device800as indicated by an arrow B1, it can be said that a direction indication InD displayed on the display unit112of the terminal device100indicates the approximate direction of the image processing device800. When the terminal device100is sufficiently away from the image processing device800, there is no problem if the direction indication InD indicating the approximate direction of the image processing device800is displayed on the display unit112of the terminal device100.

Meanwhile, it is now assumed that the user holding the terminal device100moves toward the image processing device800as indicated by an arrow ArA and that the terminal device100approaches the image processing device800to a predetermined distance or closer as indicated by an arrow B2. In this case, the direction indication InD displayed on the display unit112indicates the direction of the communication unit850. It is considered desirable to the user that the direction indication InD indicates the direction of a position which the user pays attention to in the image processing device800, such as the operation panel860. However, when the position of the communication unit850is away from the operation panel860in the image processing device800, there is a risk that the direction indicated by the direction indication InD may deviate from a desired direction. Therefore, the comparative example has a risk of compromising the convenience for the user.

On the other hand, in the image processing device200according to Embodiment 1, the communication unit250is provided within a range corresponding to the operation panel260in the left-right direction. Thus, the direction indication InD displayed at the terminal device100indicates the direction of the operation panel260. Therefore, the user can properly grasp the direction of the operation panel260. Thus, the convenience for the user is improved.

Embodiment 2 will now be described. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the operation panel260has a tilt mechanism. The other parts of the configurations of the image processing system1, the terminal device100, and the image processing device200are substantially similar to those in Embodiment 1 and therefore will not be described further.

FIG.15shows the operation panel260according to Embodiment 2. The operation panel260according to Embodiment 2 has a tilt mechanism270. The tilt mechanism270is a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the operation panel260. The tilt mechanism270enables a tilting movement of the operation panel260. The tilt mechanism270is provided at the lower end of the operation panel260.

The operation panel260is supported to a casing200cof the image processing device200by the tilt mechanism270. This enables a tilting movement of the operation panel260. Via the tilt mechanism270, the operation panel260makes a tilting movement as indicated by an arrow T1. The tilt mechanism270may be configured, for example, in such a way that the operation panel260stops in a tilting state in relation to the casing200cat a position indicated by a dashed line, a dot-dashed line, or a double-dot-dashed line. The tilt mechanism270may also be configured in such a way that the operation panel260stops in a tilting state in relation to the casing200cat any position.

The tilt mechanism270has a tilt axis extending in the left-right direction of the image processing device200(direction indicated by an arrow X). Therefore, the tilt axis extends along an arrow T2. The tilt axis is the axis of rotation in the tilt mechanism270. The operation panel260makes a tilting movement in such a way as to rotate about the tilt axis.

The communication unit250according to Embodiment 2 is provided in such a way that the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed is laid along the direction in which the tilt axis extends as indicated by the arrow T2. In this case, in the first example illustrated inFIG.7, a communication unit250A may be provided at the operation panel260as indicated by a dashed line inFIG.15in such a way that the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed is laid along the direction in which the tilt axis extends as indicated by the arrow T2. In the second example illustrated inFIG.8, a communication unit250B may be provided below the operation panel260as indicated by a dotted line inFIG.15in such a way that the direction in which the plurality of antennas252are arrayed is laid along the direction in which the tilt axis extends as indicated by the arrow T2. For the sake of explanation, the communication unit250A and the communication unit250B are shown inFIG.15. However, it should be noted that, in practice, only one of the communication unit250A and the communication unit250B may be provided in the image processing device200.

Modification Examples

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be suitably changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the orders of the processing steps in the foregoing flowcharts can be suitably changed. Also, one or more of the processing steps in the foregoing flowcharts can be omitted. For example, in the flowchart ofFIG.10, the order of the processing of S104and the processing of S106may be reversed or the processing of S104and the processing of S106may be executed in parallel. Also, the processing of S112may be omitted. That is, if the direction of the terminal device100in relation to the operation panel260is within a predetermined range, the processing of S120may be executed regardless of the distance to the terminal device100.

The image processing device200according to the foregoing embodiments may cause the operation panel260to display whose job is currently being executed, during the execution of a job. The processing by the image processing device200according to the foregoing embodiments is also applicable when a plurality of terminal devices100exist within a predetermined range. When a plurality of terminal devices100exist within a predetermined range, the image processing device200may similarly cause the operation panel260to display whose job is currently being executed. The message displayed on the operation panel260may vary according to whether a job relating to the terminal device100nearest to the operation panel260is being executed or not.

FIGS.16and17show an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel260when a plurality of terminal devices100exist in the vicinity of the operation panel260in a modification example.FIG.16shows an example of a screen Im1displayed on the operation panel260when a user A is in front of the operation panel260during the execution of the user A's job. In the example shown inFIG.16, “User A's job is currently being executed” is displayed on the operation panel260. In this case, the user A viewing the operation panel260can grasp that the user A's own job is currently being executed.

FIG.17shows an example of a screen Im2displayed on the operation panel260when a user B is in front of the operation panel260during the execution of the user A's job. In the example shown inFIG.17, “Another user's job is currently being executed” is displayed on the operation panel260. In this case, the user B viewing the operation panel260can grasp that a job that is not the user B's own job is currently being executed.

In the above examples, the program includes a command set (or software code) for causing a computer to execute one or more of the functions described in the embodiments, when read by the computer. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a substantive storage medium. The computer-readable medium or the substantive storage medium includes, for example but not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory measures, a CD-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (trademark registered) disk or other optical disk storages, a magnetic cassette, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted via a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. The transitory computer-readable medium or the communication medium includes, for example but not limited to, a propagation signal in an electrical, optical, acoustic or other formats.